Kora and Charon part 2: Patience, Patience

We rode in the early hours of dawn upon a bright white steed. The five leagues of the magically made straight that connected Tor Elythis to the mainland was almost empty at that time of day. For a long time it seemed to just be us, racing that great path, the only sounds the horse's hooves, the calls of gulls above and the waves bashing against the stonework that made this bridge. Only rarely did another horse or carriage dart past, and those moments were fleeting.

Eventually we arrived at my quiet corner of the city, where academics were seen at all hours and whores only trespassed under the guise of noble maidens. Down a back alley we gave back the horse to a trading post, then I took her to the tall houses that marked my accomodation. We climbed the stairs together, friends more than anything now. Lovers, yes, but only in the physical sense and it felt good, this understanding between one of the oldest beings on the planet, and a young half succubus. It was beautiful and precious.

Slowly I opened the door to my apartment. It opened onto the hallway, with its bedroom, bathroom and living room that might as well be a library and partly a bedroom now. The door to the living room was closed, signalling that likely Selena was still asleep. So I paused before moving back and allowing my guest in behind me. I nodded to the living room, then pointed to a door to the right that was slightly ajar.

“I think she's resting. My bedroom is through there, I can make tea.”

Koreena smiled nervously as she glanced from Selena’s room back to me. “I’ll be quiet,” she promise with a whispered tone. She walked in a smile on her lips as her eyes drank in my living quarters. “I’ll go freshen up.” She gave me a soft peck on the cheek before disappearing into my bedroom.

My lips curled into a smile as I watched the gorgeous half succubus swirl away in a flurry of movement, colour and elegance. Then, as she twisted to go inside my bedroom I set my hand quietly on the handle of the living room and pushed it open.

The world of shelves upon shelves of books was shown to me, dimly lit through the veil of early sunrise light, filtered via the vlince blinds. Upon the sofa the black-haired being that was my biological daughter curled beneath a blanket, facing into the back of the seat. Eyes closed she looked the image of an innocent, and it made me smile, despite the reason I had left - to get a break from living with her constantly in a house not made for two. Briefly I looked at her, then I closed the door behind me to head into the small kitchen to make tea.

I made it as quickly and silently as I could, though the kettle boiling on the cast iron stove was hard to keep low in terms of noise. The door to the living room I kept shut as I gathered milk from the cupboard, thankfully still fresh, then mugs and finally the tea itself. Then I made cups of steaming hot beverage, the best of its kind (leaves from Otoke in Akashima, grown in peaty soil) and headed back through, closing doors as I went.

I nudged open the door to my bedroom.

She emerged from the bathroom, her face looked as if she had splashed water on it. She smiled as her eyes went from me to the cup. “Thank you,” she said softly as she closed the distance between us. One hand rested on my chest as she gripped the cup of tea with the other.

Slowly I smiled, raising my now free hand and taking hers from my chest. I pulled her fingers up to my lips to kiss them before turning and heading into the bedroom. It was a simple space, with a double bed pushed against the wall with a window, and a large chest opposite. A single chair sat in the corner, and a small table was by the bed.


“I'll show you the rest in the later morning,” I smiled.

Koreena smiled at his little kind gestures of affection. It was nice not to feel the pressure of a relationship weighing on her. If she was truly being honest with herself, commitment scared her breathless. Her eyes glanced around the simple room, she took a small sip of her hot tea. The warmth soothing her nerves and throat.

“I like it, simple and yours. I bounce from inn to inn but that is also for other personal reasons.” She said softly.

“I actually moved here only a couple of weeks ago,” I nodded, shrugging off my robe awkwardly as I switched my tea from one hand to the other, “before that I had a small apartment in Alerar, where I taught for a few months and before that Akashima. My darling brother Morningstar thought it better I live here,” I rolled my eyes a little.

Koreena smiled softly as she walked over to the bed and sat on the edge of it. She let her hand slip over the bedspread feelings the soft material. Her gaze fell on him, “well consider it a blessing in disguise my love.” She set her tea on the night desk next to her as she patted the spot next to her.

“Come here, you look tense.” She purred gently.

He smiled slightly, but only slightly, and came forwards. Pushing his tea onto the table also, he breathed out in a sigh as he took a seat next to her. He kicked off his boots before pulling his legs up onto the bed with him, folding them into a cross.

“I'm tense a lot of the time, but only because I never know what will happen next. When you're me it's hard to relax.”

Her expression soften as she kicked off her sandals. She placed herself behind him, either leg on the side of him. Her fingertips started to massage his shoulders as she peppered soft kisses along his back. “Well I am here to remind to relax, breathe and enjoy the little things.”

He let out a contented moan and leaned into her hands. After a moment of silence he hummed, eyes closing slowly. “You are talented.”

She laughed, shaking her head as she let her digits work on the knots in his shoulders. “Yes I am but I am also practical and you need to enjoy life a little more.” She gave him another kiss on the shoulder. She pushed herself onto her knees so that she could massage him at a better angle.

“I won’t even start to pretend I know what is going on between yourself and your brother but I will say the little things you can control you should enjoy more.” She grinned, kissing him down his neck.

“He has a habit of quite literally kidnapping me,” he said in a low, but pleased voice. Pleased because of the massage. “Though recently I became a little more powerful than he was expecting so we had to rearrange our deal somewhat. He's … interesting. The personification of power, actually.” And he smiled warmly. “You kiss well also. I would say you do have the powers of a succubus.”

She giggled softly as she nipped at his neck now. “Well if he tries to steal you again while I’m around he will have to deal with this succubus.” Her fingers kneaded into the deep tissues of his back working their way down his spine.

I honestly found myself amused, thinking of what it might be of Morningstar against this beauty. Simply for demonstration he would summon whatever creative weaponry and restraints he could imagine, there likely temporarily before my newer powers fought them vicariously. Yet, an occasion of him randomly turning up was not likely, mainly because of the fact that we had something more of an understanding now. I was more dangerous, yet more useful. I was able to bring him glory.

“I don't think he will show up in the next couple of days,” I said quietly, turning my head slightly to look at her. “I'm due to travel soon, that he knows.”

“Ah a secret mission, how sexy.” She giggled claiming my own lips with hers. Her hands still massaging my back.

“Not so much,” I laughed, “I'm going for a personal research trip. It's connected to -”

Then I paused, thinking of the impending apocalypse. Did Kora know? Was her connection to divinity enough to allow her that ability to know what was to come? Did the Cronen man even know? That I could not say, because Morté, the King of Death and Rahl did not. Morningstar was possibly one of the most knowledgeable beings of authority in terms of it, and that was purely because of what he had initially told me and what I had since discovered.

“Do you know?” I asked, suddenly turning partly to her, eyebrows furrowed, “Selena does not, but I am keeping her safe for now.”

Koreena’s face twisted with confusion as her hands dropped from my body. “Do- do I know what?” She looked around nervously. “I’m confused..”

If she had known, something as massive as the possible end of life as we knew it probably would come to her mind. The fact she was confused told me she might not know. Slowly I twisted around to her and focused fully on her.

“Don't … freak out. And do not be telling everyone you meet. The reasons I am keeping this quiet are many, but it includes mass panic, and a lack of false hope, if I am not successful.” I paused, “the … the world is about to go through a dramatic change.”

“Charon, I don’t even talk to my own father..” she paused for a moment. “The world goes through dramatic changes all the time…”

I shook my head slowly. “Screw your father for now. This is not a simple change. It will affect the course of Althanas history, at least half the world.” I paused, wondering what word choice would be exactly best. Mentioning directly the 'apocalypse’ might be some mistake. And speaking of doom and gloom might not go down so well either. I decided for factual. “There is a high likelihood this planet is going to face an intense natural disaster.”

Koreena’s face pulled back slightly as if someone had physically hit her. “Natural disaster…” She repeated slowly. “Why are you telling me this? Is it- is it because I’m in danger?” She shook her head silently, “no you are joking with me how could anyone know such things like natural disasters are going to happen. I know science can monitor it sometimes predict it may happen but you can’t control nature…” She bit her lower lip nervously.

I looked at her seriously. “It's not a joke. It's fact. I know because my brother knows, and he knows prophets. And then he got my power back, at least some of it, and in exchange I'm researching for him and trying to save the world in his name.” I paused, realising how stupid that sounded. My brows furrowed. “This deal really does favour him,” I said, as if only realising it.

KC sat for a moment as she pushed a trembling hand through her locks. The world was ending? Or going to change completely. She chewed on her lower lip, unsure of what exactly to say. “Thank you for telling me, and please be careful.” She let her hand reach out as her thumb caressed his lower lip.

He looked a little surprised as she did but did not move. His breathing began to get faster, eyes focused on her. “I promise I will be careful,” he said quietly. “If you let me know when you move I'll keep in contact, and let you know when I successfully come up with plans to save people.”

A smile came to her lips that didn’t reach her dark gaze. She let her hand fall from his soft skin, “I move often avoiding encounters with certain people.” She paused her gaze falling to her hands then back up to her recent lover. “But I promise to send letters so we can stay in contact and I can have peace of mind knowing you are okay while off playing hero in the name of your brother.”

Charon rolled his eyes, and slumped a little, looking back forwards. “It's not that I do not want to save as many as possible, but he's so egotistical and narcissistic. So obsessed with power he decided that the Old Gods weren't doing a good enough job and he should be in charge. Bleh.”

He glanced back over his shoulder. “So. How long do you have to stay?”

Koreena placed a reassuring hand on his upper thigh. “A while but let’s not worry about that now.” She sighed laying back on the bed. Her hair spilling around her on the pillow as she stared up at the ceiling.

“Come lay down, my love. I assume we have a bit before your daughter wakes up and I wish to spend a little time gazing at you.” She smiled raising her head slightly to look at him.

He paused, looking back at her, head tilted to the side. A small smile came to his face, banishing the grump before he twisted around to her. Down he slumped to lay beside her, looking into her eyes.

She laughed softly as her hand brushed cross his brow that had creased so much lately. “If you weren’t immortal I would say that you should stop frowning so much or you are going to wrinkle that handsome face of yours.”

He smiled more, leaning on an elbow. “I'll try to not frown as much for you.” He used his other hand to loop back his hair from his face. “So you don't have elongated life?”

Koreena let her hand move from his brow to his cheek. “Yes I do, I’m not exactly sure how long but I assume pretty elongated seeming as my mother was one hundred and five when she passed but barely looked like she had seen twenty three winters.”

He turned his head to kiss her palm gently. “I see. That's good at least, if you want to live longer, that is, than the ordinary human.” He paused. “I've died a few times, but always come back to life.”

“Or you were just wondering if I lived longer because you don’t wanna lose me because I’m a pretty spectacular friend.” She smiled leaning in and kissing his forehead before she pulled back realizing what he had just said. “You died a few times?!”

I found myself openly laughing a little, running a hand into her hair. Her expression, her shock made it seem she had never particularly experienced my form of immortality. The fact that I could lose my life, but I would come back. I was still liable to maladies of the flesh, and had as much endurance for suffering as the next man.

“Yes, I die like everyone else, the breath comes out of me, then six hours later, I will return. Like all my siblings. We can die for real, I know, but that requires utterly destroying our form beyond comprehension …” I broke off, lifting my hand to run it through her hair, tangling them into her curls.

“What sort of immortality have you seen?”

Koreena leaned into my touch, smiling at the sound of my laughter. “I haven’t seen much honestly. I have never even left Falleni until Leila passed and my brother, Thayden convinced me we should go tell our father in person. I haven’t even seen half of what this world could offer me yet.” She sighed closing her eyes for a moment enjoying my hand in her hair.

I had never seen much of Fallien myself, and so I found her gently tea-toned skin alluring and rare. Of course I did have some siblings who had darker skin than I, but no-one that had the culture of the Fallieni behind it. Her dancing, her touch, her exotic mannerisms were all part of what made her so attractive.

“You are young, and still have much time to travel,” I said.

“If I can stay out of my father or brother’s grasp I will travel, take in all the riches this planet can offer me.” She sighed softly. “Maybe when you are done being a superhero,” she giggled softly. “You and even your daughter can join me.” Her gaze held such hope as she looked at me.

“You're in their ‘grasp’?” I raised my eyebrow. That did not sound pleasant … though also very familiar. After all, I was in Morningstar's. “Hmm. I mean, I do know one person who you could gain more freedom with, but he's also a dickhead.” I shrugged, say up a little more. “Maybe we can travel one day together.”

“I tend to cause trouble and my father has caught wind of all the mess I’ve left in their wake.” She leaned forward slowly. Her lips captured mine for a moment before she pulled away. “Who is this dickhead that you speak of?” She raised her eyebrow, slightly tilting her head. “And I hope that day comes.”

“Oh my brother,” I waved a hand. “He got me this apartment, the job … but made me give up my last in Alerar. We have a complicated relationship. He is immensely influential, both in terms of divine society and the material plane - this one.” I smiled slightly as I lowered my hand back down to curling through her hair. “Do you want to be free of them completely?” If she did, I knew Morningstar would be able to assist - though at a price, of course.

Her smile softened as she took my hand in hers. She brought it to her lips and kissed each of my knuckles. “You have enough to worry about, your daughter, your brother and saving this world. Please don’t worry about me. I’m excellent at disappearing.” She gave my hand a squeeze.

“I'm an excellent multitasker, though,” I grinned at her, eyebrows flexing a little. And suddenly my sarcasm had returned. I didn't react, but simply let it be. I looked at her for a moment before her plush lips called me. I began to lean in.

Koreena grinned wickedly as she met her lips with my own. Her hands tangled in my hair, a small whimper leaving the temptress. My hand slid down to her waist, where I touched and lightly embraced her. Eagerly I leant in and-

“Char …”

I froze, my lips perfectly aligned with Kora’s. The voice was wary, full of caution, and concern. It was also light, a little melodic and not like Kora’s at all - I should know as I had been listening to it for nearly twelve hours. Someone else, someone different, and coming from over my shoulder, so away from the woman I was currently kissing.

Sharply I pulled away from Kora, twisting my head around. Thanks the angels of Rahl I was dressed, for, to my utter horror, I saw a beauty with long black hair, startlingly red eyes, pale horns - Selena - standing in the doorway, her thin nightgown matched with a blanket pulled around her. Her lips were trembling and her eyes wide.

“Ah …” I murmured, sitting up further and hurried turning around. “Hello …”

“Hi …” she whispered back.

Koreena groaned inwardly, of course it would be her luck that in the midst of a hot steamy makeout his daughter, who she was meeting for the first time would walk in. She took a deep breath and laid there, should she even sit up making it more awkward then it already was. Was she the type to cry, having seen her father in the embrace of another female? KC never understood that, why was that an initial reaction is to cry?

Kora chewed on the inside of her cheek before she slowly sat up. She pushed a hand through her multi colored locks. “Hello,” she said softly and as kind as possible.

Charon was on his feet, awkwardly smiling, “Selena … this is Koreena, my … friend. Kora, this is my … this is Selena.”

“His biological daughter,” the young woman mumbled, pulling the blanket tighter around her. Her eyes stared at him. “How - what about Regina?”

A wince fell across his face. “I'll talk about her later, Selena. You have to understand that our people -”

“Most people are cheats?” she muttered, “yeah I grew up with mum. And Morté.” And she looked at Kora. “Hi, I guess.”

Koreena’s slender brows pulled together as she got out of the bed in one fluid motion. “That’s one way to look at the world.” She shrugged her shoulders, no one can be sheltered from the world forever. There are worse things than being a cheat.

“That's not quite what I was going to say,” Charon scowled, “but Kora and I are friends.”

“Ah so not ‘girl-friend. Whale of a difference,” but she waved at Kora with a half-hearted flutter of her hand. “Guess hi, Char's friend. You here for a while?”

KC laughed softly before shaking her head. “I am not girlfriend material but all in the same, lovely to meet you.” She paused for a moment, “as long as I’m welcomed.” She glanced from Selena to her father.

Charon shrugged. “Well it's my home so … yes. Selena is here until she finds somewhere better.” He glanced back at Kora. “Fresh tea, or coffee?”

“The choices are move back down to Rahl, stay with Morningstar, or here. You said it was okay that I moved in,” she scowled.

“That you moved in until you found something better,” he corrected and smiled at Kora. “Tea or coffee?”

Koreena watched the two bicker back and forth at one another before she smiled pleasantly at Charon. “Tea please.” She turned towards Selena, “have you seen the world?” Such a simple question she asked but there was hope in it.

He nodded a little, a warm glow in his eyes as he did, then he turned around to begin heading back through the door. Selena had to move to the side to let him past, but beyond that she remained where she was.

Firmly, she shook her head. “Not much, no. My father Morté, that is, the man who brought me up, is the tyrannical demon lord ruler of an underworld. We call it Rahl. Mum is his queen, Charon was his slave for a few thousand years,” she waved a hand. “He likes the whole 'anyone who is not him should be seen, not heard’ and that applied especially if you're his child and a girl. Closeted childhood.” She shrugged. “Why do you ask?”

She flopped back down onto the bed as she gazed up at the ceiling. Her mind wandered to all the places that she could possibly see. “I intend to travel the world one day, maybe you should come with. I’ve never seen much but I intend to. Freedom is a thing most people take for granted.”

Selena narrowed her eyes a little, curious. “Travel with my biological father's sex partner when we have only just met?” Her eyes blinked. “You're as bonkers as him,” yet her lips twisted up in a wicked smile. “Whyever not?”

Koreena laughed shaking her head. “I’m Charon’s friend. Didn’t you hear him say so?” She sighed laying there for a moment. “Why shouldn’t to sheltered girls not go see the world together? I mean I can be a bad influence at times but good times are to be had by all.”

“People say I'm a bad influence,” Selena leant against the doorway. She looked at Kora up and down. “So who's your parents? Born out of wedding vows like me, or a better sort of family? And how old are you?”

KC snorted, unlady like. She rolled to her side so she could see Selena, the fair, raven haired beauty. “My father fucked my Mother to please the moon Goddess so she would bed him under the order of his water Goddess he serves..” She ran a hand up and down her form, gesturing to herself. “That is how myself and my twin came to be. No love involved. The only love I’ve ever had is my mother’s and she has passed.”

A frown pulled at her plush lips as she cleared her throat awkwardly. “Sorry, that was pretty doom and gloom. I’m old enough.” She rolled onto her back again.

I came through to the bright sudden sound of Selena's laughing. She was smiling, and it reached her eyes. My brows rose at her as I turned the corner with two coffees and a tea very carefully balances in my hands. As she saw me she leant away from the doorway and quickly moved to try to help me and take one of the mugs.

“Sorry I'm not laughing at your story. At all. Or about your mum,” her face fell and she blinked. “Sorry. It's just … well I think it seems we're both lost cases. I'd love it if my father was dead too. Yours sounds as much of a douche as mine is.” Then she glanced back to me. “Morté, not you.”

I just shook my head wearily, confused but it seemed that this was the way with Selena. Coming further into the room I held out the other coffee to Kora. Then I remembered it was a tea and held that out instead

“Glad I've not annoyed you enough yet,” I muttered, and gave Kora an apologetic look.

She graciously accepted it with a smile and even gifted me with a playful wink. Her dark gaze went back to Selena, she took a timid sip of her tea before speaking. “Nah I don’t wish him to die, just suffer a little. Maybe have his dick fall off or have him trampled by a herd of wildebeest.” She giggled at the last part before taking another sip of her tea.

“Ohhh,” Selena suddenly looked excited, “can we do that to Morté?”

I shrugged, finally having my hands free to wrap them fully around my coffee. I wasn't going to say that I was part of a plan to possibly destroy Morté altogether, if it were manageable and Morningstar's plans worked, but I wasn't going to admit that I didn't want his death.

“Sure. I don't mind at all. I'd say do the same to Morningstar too for being a prick in general but …”

“Move to the lounge,” Selena suggested.

Koreena pushed herself to her feet careful not to spill any hot tea. She nodded, “sure lead the way.”

Selena had made an attempt to tidy, shoving her blankets over the back of the sofa and placing her pillows as cushions. Her clothes that I had spent an afternoon with her buying, so that she'd have something other than the dark, sexy garb of Morté's court that she came in, lay in a pile. My books were all respectively where they should be, however, so I nodded as I made for my armchair.

“I read,” I explained to Kora as she stepped into the living room where every available space was stuffed with shelves.

Her expression light up like a child getting a grand present. “Wow,” she breathed walking to the one of the shelves. Her free hand stroked the spine of a book, her lower lip caught in between teeth. “I’ve never seen so many books in one place before. Oddly enough I love reading, something so therapeutic about turning the pages. The way your the paper feels in your fingers.” She realized she was babbling as she turned slowly, her tea colored cheeks painted with a soft pink hue. “Sorry..”

I was already sitting in the armchair and smiling at her. “Don't worry,” I said as I watched Selena slowly sit on the sofa herself, eyes flickering between us. “I have the same feelings. This collection is most of what I have selectively ended up with since books were printed. Before that … they were more fiddly.” I nodded at a couple of scrolls by my head.

She simply nodded before her eyes went to the scrolls, “that is amazing.” Koreena sat down on the sofa, giving enough space between her and Selena.

I nodded a few times, appreciating her more now. It made me wish more that our friendship would last longer than just the briefest of weekends.

“He's got more back at Morningstar's,” Selena said, “and you left a fair few in your house at Rahl - the underworld I'm from,” she explained to Kora, “though mum's looking after those.”

“She's welcome to them,” I shrugged, then looked to Kora. “So what do you read?”

Koreena smiled at Selena, “my mother’s people are from the same realm.” Her gaze went from daughter to father. She thought for a moment, unsure if he would know exactly who she was about to meet him. “Have you ever heard of the philosopher Aristotle? He had an amazing mind and wrote stunning scrolls about mathematics and biology.” She breathed for a moment, “my mother, Leila she met a realm traveler and he had gifted them to her after seeing her dance.” She smiled sadly, taking a sip of her tea once more.

“I guess to answer your question, I read all types of things, science, mythology and even some fiction.” She shrugged.

Charon paused before he nodded a couple of times. “Yes, I have heard of Aristotle. They are inspiration for the Coronian philosopher Platon. I've done a couple of lectures on his work in democracy.” He leant forwards and looked about his books a moment before pointing at a shelf. “There.”

“So your mother was a dancer?” Selena asked, looking intrigued.

KC smiled, she was glad that Charon knew now that she was not just a pretty body with an empty mind. Her gaze fell on the raven haired girl before she nodded. “She was just as I am. Falleni dancers go hand and hand with being a succubus.” She smiled proudly.

“Oh so you're part succubus,” Selena rolled her eyes. “That's why Char …” she paused. “You really go for strong women don't you? My mother, Regina, this one …”

Charon winced, burying himself deeper into the armchair, “I'm not due to teach tomorrow,” he said quickly as an attempt to change subject, and he looked at Kora. “If you are staying, I can show you the city.”

Koreena could feel the anger starting to simmer, her heart began to race. She closed her eyes for a moment. In, out, in- she had squeezed the tea cup so hard that it shattered in her grip. A gasp left her lips, “shit, I am sorry…” She quickly got up from the sofa, collecting the small shards in her hands that still trembled with frustration. She didn’t enjoy the way Selena’s tone implied such crass things about her character.

“It's fine,” Charon was leaning forwards, looking as though he was going to get to his feet when Kora had stood. He spoke in a calm, concerned voice. “Don't worry about it. Do you want a fresh cup of tea?”

Slowly she shook her head, she didn’t meet his gaze as he stared at his floor. Another deep breath her eyes flashed bright blue. With a still trembling hand she summoned the infinity water. She pictured the tea lifting from the floor and hovering in a sphere over her hand. “Can you please just show me where to dispose of this?” She nodded to the ball of water and the broken cup. Her hand clenched the sharp shards, her chest rose and fell in a steady pace.

He smiled pleasantly as he held out his hand, his remaining one taking the coffee. “I'll destroy it,” he said, pooling a small amount of black energy into his palm. It cracked quietly.

Koreena smiled it didn’t reach her eyes though, she blinked a few times as she let the water sphere swirl in her palm. She concentrated on the calming effect that had on her. It cleanses us, washes away things that have been tainted. I release you water, thank you. She thought, a calm washing over her as the water evaporated from her grasp.

“Thank you,” she said quietly to Charon.

He nodded as he set the coffee to the side, on the ground. Selena watched with quiet wonder as he held his hand out for the pieces, then once they were with the black energy pulsating in his palm, he set his other hand on top. There was a small crack of noise, and when he opened his palms there was nothing to be seen.

He smiled and leant back.

“If you could just give me a moment I need to freshen up..” Kora stood up dusting her hands off on her thighs. She nodded at Charon, a half attempt of a smile on her lips.

Immediately I frowned, wondering, or rather knowing, something was amiss. Her whole body language told of it - her strained smile, the tension in her form. My lips formed a thin line as I watched her leave the room. I tried to thing of what had upset her, and could only think of Selena's comments on who I slept with. Slightly I frowned as I looked to my biological daughter.

“Go after her and apologise.”

Selena gawped. “Apologise? For what, telling the truth? She's-”

“Selena, please,” I sighed. “I'm not telling you what to do, but this is my home and she is my friend.”

“Friend?” she asked me, seriously sarcastically.

I nodded once, glaring. “Friend, yes. Not go apologise.”

For a moment more she groaned before getting to her feet. She slumped out of the room and stood outside the bathroom.

“Sorry,” she grumbled.

Koreena has splashed some cool water on her face after rinsing the small shards of ceramic glass off her hands. She sighed softly when she heard the girl’s voice. Slowly she turned to face her. “I know what most think of succubi, whores, gutter rats. I don’t mind when it come from naive people, but don’t place me in a category with the rest of your father’s lovers. Don’t pretend to know me because I won’t with you.” Her tone was soft and her face emotionless.

Selena shrugged. “I don't think that,” she said. “All I said was-” she broke off. “Look sorry.” And she oddly curtseyed before heading into the living room. There she slumped on the sofa before me. I had my eyebrows raised, having heard the entire thing. I remained silent until Kora could join us again.

It took her a moment to come from the bathroom, she had her arms crossed as she walked and leaned against the door frame. She offered me a strained smile before averting her gaze. “I would love to take you up on your offer of showing me the city if you aren’t busy tomorrow.”

For a moment I observed her before I nodded. “I would be honoured to, Kora,” I told her. And I offered her a smile. “For now you are welcome to rest here. I need to sleep, and then meet one of my students later.”

Koreena nodded, “thank you, I would like to rest as well. The trip was lovely but long.”

I nodded, looking at Selena. “Do you have plans today?”

My daughter pursed her lips before looking into her coffee. “I'll be out. I'm going to go back to the court.”

I blinked slightly, but nodded. If she wanted to head to my brother's court, that was her decision. After all she was supposed to be engaged to him. Or married already.

“Okay,” I said quietly, then I drained the rest of my coffee. “Right. Are we better then?” I looked from one woman to the other.

Koreena finally looked at me, her melodic laughter filling the room as she shook her head. After her laughter died out, “I have said my peace, Professor.”

I looked to my daughter and she stared at me before grunting. “Yes. Sorry.”

Koreena’s body still felt tense with anger but she was letting it die down. Should she offer to stay at an inn? The small confrontation had left both female’s ridged, she sighed softly. The travel had been long so she wasn’t lying when she said she felt like she could sleep. She stifled a yawn on the back of her hand. Her once again dark gaze fell on Charon, “If you don’t mind I would really like to lay down.”

“The bed is there for you,” he nodded to the doorway, “I'll be there soon.” He rolled back his shoulders and gave her a quick smile before he looked at Selena. He had plenty to speak of with her.

KC nodded slowly, she turned but paused for a moment. Looking over her shoulder at the young girl, “it was nice to meet you.” With that she went into the room closing the door behind her.

Finally she let the remaining tension roll off her body as she stripped off her pants, leaving herself in a simple shirt and her undergarments. She walked over to the bed and crawled into the bed. She laid on her stomach over the soft bedspread, she sighed laying her head on one of the pillows. “Deep breath…” She said softly to herself.

A quiet knock came a few minutes later. Charon stood in the doorway, concern in his eyes. “You okay?” he asked softly.

KC rolled to her side as she took in his handsome features, a soft smile coming to her lips before she nodded. “I know what I am, many people- mostly women don’t care for succubi. I get that. I am sorry I let my temper get the best of me..” She looked down at her hands before she patted the empty spot in the bed next to her.

He shook his head as he came over, closing the door behind him. “I'm sorry for what she said, and so is she. She still has yet to get used to the ability to say what she wants without fear of being punished.” He began to peel off his shirt. “She's hard to live with but right now I'm possibly the best hope for her to live a normal life. The one she should have.”

Koreena shook her head, “hey you don’t have to apologize to me. It’s your home and she is your daughter.” She smiled watching him undress his breathtaking form. “Come to bed,” she grinned.

“Very gladly,” he said, a smile starting to grow. He pulled off his shirt, then began on his trousers. Leaning toward her he moved in for a kiss.

KC’s hands cradled his face as she kissed him deeply. The hateful words spoken between daughter and lover washed from her mind quickly. She sighed against his lips. “I could get used to your lips against mine.” She purred.

“You're allowed them more than once,” he murmured back, then he grinned as he got rid of his final clothing, to just stand there in his underwear. He slid into the bed beside her.

She laughed softly as she scooted closer to him. His nearness made a fire in her belly stir. “I think I am getting pretty good at getting you out of your clothes.” She grinned letting her lips slip down his neck.

He slid his hands along the skin at her waist, sighing contentedly as she kissed him. “It is a useful skill,” he said.

“Indeed it is.” She shivered under his touch. Her heart rate started to pick up. Her lips curled around his neck as she suckled softly. Pulling back slowly she grinned wickedly. “I think we are suppose to be resting.” A small sound of laughter parted her plush lips.

His brow rose, and he chuckled with her. “We are.”

“So, are you saying that the civilisation that I am studying might be related to this … Svek-kal,” Quentalë Tur, one of my students whom I was helping with his fifty thousand word treatise, said, leaning forwards in his seat. His eyes were vivid and green and wide. “You think they could even be of the same area?”

“Descendents of, cousins of, traders of, yes,” I nodded, “although there is no evidence for the feminism you speak.” Quentalë paused before frowning.

“So nothing remotely connected to a matriarch in the study of them?” he asked.

Slightly, I shrugged. “Nothing as yet, although I am due to take a research trip to an old ruin suspected to be theirs. I will find what I can.”

Quentalë leant forwards, eager and blinking at me. He said nothing, but I knew that he had a question.

“What is it?” I sighed.

“Can I come with you professor? Please?” he asked, desperately. “It would be the perfect experience, and I could write from first hand. It would-”

Firmly I shook my head. There was no way I would allow him, when my research was far more concerned with finding references to the apocalypse, rather than anything to do with early feminism, or a possible world ruled by iron-steady women. “No, Quentalë,” I said, “that is not possible. It's far too dangerous.”

“But I have magic …”

“Yes and so do I,” I replied, dryly. “But it does not take responsibility away from the fact that I have a responsibility for your safety as your teacher. I will bring back what samples I can and make drawings, but I cannot allow you-”

“Fine,” he slumped back, bottom lip out. “Do you have any books on them that I can read meanwhile?”

A small sad smile came to my face as I nodded. I got to my feet, pushing the large chair that was behind the small desk of my office away from me and began to head to the shelves. Quentalë kept his grumpy eyes on me as my finger-tips danced across the spines, looking for one of the rare texts that mentioned the Svek-kal. They had not had an extraordinarily exciting civilisation - no human sacrifices or major wars - so were much overlooked for favour of other ancient societies. This was the reason I held so few, though I hoped to expand my field into the little known Svet-Kal.

I brought out a book, entitled, “study of Northeast Raiaera,” by a human called David Longshadow. Holding it out to Quentalë I began to smile - but then the door burst open.

Turning, I began to scowl at the person who had ruined my meeting with my student and began to open my mouth to complain, when I saw who it was. Tall, lithe, black hair neatly pinned to her head in a bun. She wore a long dark grey silk gown, had gloves up to her elbows and was smiling with me with the grace of a thousand peacocks, her fine lips curved and perfect.

“Char,” she crowed.

I stared at her. It was Nyx, one of my sisters in service to our brother Morningstar and rarely did I see her out of his court. My lips frowned, I let Quentalë take the book before I spoke.

“Nyx, please leave,” I replied. “If you can wait, I currently have -”

“Student, yes,” she nodded. “But I'm here for far more important business. Brother sent for you.”

I blinked, and my blood ran cold. Brother could only be Morningstar. But so soon after our agreement, when I had done so little? What was wrong, what could he want? I narrowed my eyes to try to look for any sign of manacles upon Nyx’s person, ready to be snapped around my wrists and take me to his court as a grumpy prisoner.

“Brother?”

“Ugh, Quentalë,” I turned to my student, “we will need to continue this later.”

The elf paused, but nodded a little as he rose. “Yes - yes professor,” he mumbled as he slipped out of the seat, his hands clasped around my book. “Next - next week.”

“Same time,” I grunted.

And I smiled as he awkwardly shuffled out, squeezing past Nyx. He lowered his eyes, daring not to look at her. As he moved into the corridor my sister turned back to me and I was scowling again.

“What does the bastard want now?” I muttered.

“Well …” she began.

Koreena had devoured book after book, a few piles sat around her in Charon’s bed. She grinned as she closed the most recent book she had just read. This one was about a theory of civilization, when Thaynes walked among the humans. She sighed contently and though she didn’t want to allow herself she was getting comfortable here.

She glanced down at herself and groaned, she needed to get dressed in something more than a T-shirt and underwear. She slipped off the bed and searched for her bag she had packed. It laid still at the foot of the bed, she rummaged through it, mumbling to herself.

Smiling like a lune KC pulled out the silk dress her mother had given her. It’s deep rich, royal purple hue complimented her beautiful tea colored complexion. Stripping away her shirt she let it fall over top of her bag. With ease the soft fabric fell over her form. It rolled over her curvature breathtakingly. The bodice was decorated with shells that had been plucked from the hearth of Falleni.

She let her hands run over her dress, the skirt stopping just mid thigh. “I miss you,” she said softly hoping the spirit of her mother could hear her.

Exiting Charon’s room she was met with the sight of his daughter Selena. “Hello,” she gave a gentle wave. The raven haired girl looked up from what she was doing. “If you don’t mind…. I would love to accompany you to the court.”

Selena paused, her hands halfway through plaiting her hair into a long braid. Brow furrowed she stared at KC for some time before snorting. “You can't be serious. Char wouldn't let you go. He's explained what Morningstar is like, right?”

Koreena grinned shrugging her shoulders. “Ah but I am not Charon’s to command. I wanna get to know you and him better. What better way to do that then meet the asshole that drives you both crazy?”

“Well he's a lot better than Morté at least,” Selena shrugged. Then she narrowed her eyes again. “What has he told you about him?”

She named the things off, counting them on her fingers. “One, you are engaged, two he likes to be in control, three he likes to keep a tight leash with people in his court oh and he likes to kidnap your father.”

Selena paused, as she tied off the end of her plait, and then shrugged. “Pretty accurate. The engagement is a farce, though few people know that. It's part of an alliance between my father Morté, and Morningstar, and was a way to get me out of there safely. Or something.” She rolled back her shoulders and began to gather long hair pins from the sofa. “He likes to control as he's the embodiment of power … like Char is of destruction, and yeah he likes to kidnap Char. Keep him around for a few days in his dungeon, all that crap.”

She threw KC a charming smile as she began to wind the long plait into a bun, carefully arranging it around her long horns.

“So are you gonna let me tag along or am I gonna have to stow away in your carriage or however you get there?” Koreena grinned wiggling her eyebrows at Selena.

Selena looked honestly surprised. “You - you know he'll try to use you right? Get you on his side, to probably work for him or some shit. I don't know how he works but you are not smart if you go there willingly.”

“And I am coward if I try an avoid someone that is a big part of yours and Charon’s life.” She offered the girl a kind smile. “I will be able to take care of myself. If you and I are to travel together let’s make this a practice trip.”

Selena blinked, and then shrugged as she finished off pinning her horns. “Don't say I didn't warn you,” she answered. “And we get there by gemstone. Teleportation. Nobody is quite sure how to physically access the court - Char reckons it's in its own plane of reality.”

“Well let’s get this tele-party started.” KC giggled at her own lame joke, holding her hand out to Selena.

The half-primordial half-demon-death-deity smiled. Rolling her eyes she placed in the last hairpin before picking up a small beaded bag from the sofa. Swinging the long strap over her shoulder she reached for KC’s hand. “Don't mention the marriage is a farce, by the way, only a few know that. Also just don't be an idiot. You're really stupid for wanting to come already but …” she shrugged and reached into the bag. “Ready?”

Koreena frowned, “your words can be rude and cruel but no matter, off to this magic court to get yet another awkward meeting under my belt!”

“They're cruel, but true,” Selena said honestly.

And she gripped KC’s hand tighter before the muscles of her other hand flexed. There was a small burst of white light that emitted from the bag, then it was before their eyes, filling every part of their vision. Breath was sucked in, bodies went rigid as a feeling not unlike being in a bath as the water rises around you came and rose around them. Suddenly they were lifted away, wind rushed by their heads, fluttering in their hair. Their feet landed on something solid, grassy and bold, and the white light began to dim. As Selena managed her footing, she looked up to where they and gotten to - a large, marble white building, akin to a temple, set in an endless field of bright green grass.

Koreena’s legs wobbled trying to catch her foots. Strappy heeled sandals were not made for teleporting. Her dark locks streaked with white blew in the breeze, she quickly pulled her mane into a messy bun, a few tendrils falling down framing her face. “Stunning,” she breathed. Her dark gaze fell on the horned girl. “Lead the way.”

Selena looked at her once before nodding and taking her hand from the back. She straightened somewhat, rolling back her shoulders and lifting her chin. Her breathing began to accelerate, indicating stress, but still she kept her decorum. Cupping her hands before her she started into the court, going straight for the huge double doors set under the peaked roof. A bright light from the clear sky and sun shone down, and it obscured the vision of the interior for a moment, but as they walked the room before them became clear.

Huge and long, it seemed to take up the entire interior of the building. Several pairs of huge pillars made a wide avenue from where they stood to the end of the hall. Small brackets held lanterns for light, illuminating a few faces in the shadows beyond the pillars, but what they were clearly circumnavigating around was at the end of the room.

A semi-circular dais, perfectly round. On the wall behind it was a large heraldry banner with a golden snake curled upon an emerald field. Beneath this was a massive oak throne, decorated with real ivy, and within this throne sat a man. Tall, elegant, with chocolate brown hair spilling about his shoulders. His lips were a smirk, his eyes blazing with light, they lifted from the courtier who was currently before him - to stare right at Kora.

Koreena blinked a few times, her intense gaze never leaving the handsome man. She wasn’t naive enough to know he was powerful with just one glance. Morningstar, he sat proud in his throne, power just dripping off of him. Her breathing was slow, it wasn’t fear that gripped her heart like it did Selena’s. She dipped her head low, before rising it again, her gaze finding his own that bore into the newcomer of his court. “Hello,” her voice soft but bounced off the granite pillars.

Morningstar’s eyes narrowed slowly as they perceived the being coming towards him with his fake bride. Lip rising in a snarl he sharply drew a hand across the air, indicating that his current courtier be gone. The man before him bowed quickly before twisting and hurrying away, throwing a furtive glance at Kora. The primordial of power stared at the continuing to walk pair of women, his gaze switching between Selena and the new comer, rage beginning to build in his chest.

“Selena …” he said slowly, in a voice that would make a thousand knees tremble. “What have you brought with you?”

Selena smiled awkwardly before descending into a small curtsey. “My lord, this is Kora.” The bright eyes seemed to get brighter and switched to stare again at the demi-succubus.

Again the woman in the purple silk dress bowed her head once more, “hello - my lord?” She didn’t seem to know how to formally introduce herself to someone with such power.

Morningstar paused, looking at her confused. “'My lord,’” he didn't look impressed. “You come into my court without my permission and deem yourself able to address me with familiarity. What, are you here then to express fealty with that 'my’? Already? When I have not even suggested I want it, whoever you are?”

Selena stepped forwards, “My lord-”

“I'm pretty sure she can speak for herself,” Morningstar interrupted, glaring at Kora. “Now who are you. And why are you with my bride?”

Koreena caught her plush lower lip in between her teeth for a moment. “You are correct I can speak for myself.” She took a step forward, and paused where she was. “My name is Koreena Cronen, formally KC or Kora and I have come to your court as a guest of your beloved bride. I asked her if I may accompany on her journey here.” She glanced back at Selena offering her an apologetic smile before turning back to the man on the throne. “I do not mean any disrespect for I don’t know how to address you. I can not call you by your name for that is too intimate and I may not call you my lord for that is too familiar for you.”

Morningstar paused before shifting in his throne. He took in a long breath before grunting. “Lord Morningstar is the proper term. You were not brought up in courts then. Tell me, how does a …” he paused, eyes flickering up and down over her. “What, a half succubus and something else divine, come to be travelling companions with my bride?”

“Well Lord Morningstar,” his name rolling off her tongue with ease. “I am but a sheltered girl that has of recently found my freedom and started to see the world. Your stunning court is just my first stop of many.” A smile dancing across her plush lips.

The man on the throne paused, blinking, before his lips turned into an impressed smile. “Very well said, girl. But you should have said something similar to wanting to see the crowning glory first.” He waved a hand at the massive room they were in.

She simply nodded her head slowly, “yes my Lord Morningstar your court and its breathtaking beauty will forever be imbedded into my memory. Thank you for sharing it's gloriousness with such a humble maiden like myself.” She bowed into a low curtsey.

He watched the innocence of her curtsey and rolled his eyes slightly, “Not 'my’. Leave it out. How did you come to meet Selena?” He gestured to Charon's daughter, who looked incredibly uncomfortable. “I know where she had been, so … you must have been on Tor Elythis at least.”

KC stood from her curtsey, she took a moment to think. “I was at Tor Elythis, you are correct.” She paused, “I met a professor on my travels, Professor Charles, I met Selena through the intelligent Professor.”

Morningstar sighed, and grunted. “Oh of course he is involved. Idiot, reckless brother.” He huffed and began to rise from his throne, calling out, “someone!”

Koreena chewed on the inside of her cheek as her dark blue orbs darted from Morningstar to Selena and back again.

Selena started, her lips more finely cut by chewing on them too much. As she took a step forward, Morningstar shook his head, and waited until a young man scurried from the shadows. He was human, dressed in a simple tunic.

The Lord Morningstar stared at him. “Have Charon fetched.” Eyes widened on the young man, long over to gaze at Kora.

KC’s gaze fell onto the errand boy, she could tell he could sense what she was. She tilted her head slightly, letting her hand reach up to undo her hair. She seemed to be trying to stall the boy as her dark brown locks streaked with white cascaded, falling down around her shoulders.

There was a great sigh and a thud of a palm on wood. Quickly the boy glanced back to his lord, who was looking at him with his brows raised.

“Well? Nyx will be in her apartment. She can go get him.”

The youth sucked in his breath and bowed before scurrying away. Morningstar curled his lip as he looked back to Koreena. “Perhaps you are more trouble here than you are worth.”

Koreena ran a hand through her locks, she knew what she did next would set the tone for the rest of this encounter with the power drunk brute. Her ample breasts rose and fell before she looked at Selena then back at the man that had almost better hair then she did.

“I have heard such things be said to me before Lord Morningstar.”

In one moment her features melted into the appearance of his false bride, Selena. She was the soft spoken raven haired beauty. She blinked, the only feature that was her own were the dark blue orbs. Her hands ran down her silk dress before her gaze locked with his.

“I do hold a fair amount of tricks up my sleeve, Lord Morningstar.” She stated not as a threat but a comment.

Selena looked entirely put out by the emergence of a second of her. Hands tightening on the strap of her bag she stared at Kora, until Morningstar let out light laugh.

“Advertising yourself to me, are we now?” he asked in a warm tone. “I can see your use.” His eyes travelled up and down her, taking her in thoughtfully. There was an odd look in his eye, an interest, that hinted on the lustful.

“I have many uses Lord Morningstar, that was only a parlor trick.” As quickly as the false features were painted over her they quickly melted away. She was her curvaceous self again. A smile danced across her lips as she felt proud she had taken the heat off of Charon for the time being.

Morningstar slowly nodded, looking thoughtful and tempted. “So this is why you wanted to come? To show me yourself and your skills?”

Koreena took another bold step towards the intrigued man, her dark gaze holding his. “I wish to make a name for myself and though I have done that as a Falleni dancer; I want more, even those with the most power always wish to have more.”

Morningstar's head tilted to the side, lips curling into a smile as she came closer. Smoothly he became more relaxed in his throne, leaning on one arm. “A dancer, you say? I have seen some of the finest dancers, from the geisha at Akashima to the babudan in the early days of Raiaera glory. How do you rate yourself amongst them?”

Her soft melodic laughter filled the large hall as she shook her head, a elegant hand landing on her chest. “Oh Lord Morningstar Falleni dancers don’t just dance-” her voice turned soft and velvety. “No we make love to the music, we bare the most purest part of us when we are dancing.”

“Oh are you?” he warmly said, eyes quite literally glowing. One of his hands played on the edge of his throne. “How marvellous it must be to be one of you. Who taught you?”

“My mother, Leila. She has since passed but it was not just her teaching, being a demi- succubus it is in my essence, my DNA.” Koreena wetted her plush lips with a flick of her tongue. Dancing was something she was very passionate about, it was something that was also very intimate as well.

“I see,” he nodded, “you look young, tell me how old are you?” His fingers began to drum out a minor tune.

Koreena pursed her lips, “I have almost known sixteen winters. In succubi years I matured over three years ago.” She took in a deep breath before she released it. “My mother used to say there is nothing more dangerous than an old soul in a youth’s body.” She smiled kindly at the memory.

“Age will bring about wisdom,” he told her, with a charming smile, “you are young still, however you see yourself, but you seem to be promising. One can only hope you will grow stronger from this moment on.” He looked over to Selena and wafted a hand to gesture at her. “Tell me, with your ken in mind, what you think of my bride?”

KC’s gaze drifted from the man to the horned girl with the dark hair. Slowly she turned, her heels clicking softly against the stone flooring. Her his naturally swaying as she closed the distance between herself and the other girl. At this very moment she looked at Selena, she really took in her. Slowly she circled her, her gaze ran up and down her form, drinking in her appearance. Slightly, Selena glared at her.

“She is a stunning creature, I believe she has potential to do great things. She could in fact be dangerous as she looks so innocent.” She turned and looked at Morningstar. “I believe that most underestimate her which will cripple them in the long run.” She stepped back giving the raven haired beauty space once more.

Morningstar looked pleased at her assessment, raising his chin as she spoke and seeming to ooze pride. His lips parted and wickedly, he grinned. “Your assessment is interesting, Miss Kora, and your words most fluent. How about my court? Though you have not seen it in full splendour, what do you think of the setting, the scenery and it's land?”

KC started to walk around the room. Her hands delicately grazing the cool pillars. Her dark orbs dancing from one corner of the room to the other. A smile pulling at the edges of her mouth. “Everything is glorious. Your throne for example,” she walked up the closest she had ever been to the powerful man. Her fingertips stroking the solid wood. “Your throne is made of oak, strong and a solid structure just as the way you lead your court.” Her hands sweeping gesturing to the stone pillars. “Everything about your court is not only breathtaking but also shows strength. Most people would notice that even without a powerful being like yourself in the room.”

Slowly Morningstar nodded, his eyes like stars, hair seeming to flow about him as a dark halo. “Good … and finally, my dear Koreena, what do you think of me?”

The young succubus stepped back so that she was standing in front of him. Her head tilted to the side, causing her locks to fall in waves. “My thoughts of you, Lord Morningstar are simple yet complex like yourself. You hold the reins tightly on not only your court but your life. Since being here I have noticed your beloved bride like you address her as does not call you by intimate names. Things most lovers do such as my love, handsome or any other pet names. You like things in order and you like them precise just like everything in this room has a specific place which is why you became angered by my presences because I do not belong here and you had no control of me showing up as I did.” She let out a breath.

Just feet from her Morningstar slowly breathed. Bright eyes were focused on her and his lips were a sensibly moderate smile. For a long time he just held her gaze steady, the masses of power contained in that single look. Frozen, he simply looked, before a quiet breeze blew into the room. It was soft, and it was meaningful, and also it was wild. As it came Morningstar's gaze snapped up and a mild grin came to his face.

“The man of the hour,” he whispered.

The breath in Koreena’s breast caught. Shit. “Charon..” She breathed before turning her back to Morningstar to face the doors.

There stood two figures, both tall. One was gorgeous, with incredibly dark eyes and hair, flowing freely around her to her waist like a river of water. The other was smaller, had salty-tinted hair, and was steadily built. He had a great dull scowl on his eyes, and twisted to stare at Kora with disbelief.

His lips opened to speak - but he was cut off as Morningstar rose from his throne. His black robes fell about him as he smiled graciously and began to stride towards the couple.

“Sister, brother,” he said warmly, “glad you could join us.”

Koreena bit down on her lower lip she took a step towards her recent lover and though they had not discussed boundaries or titles she felt as if she had crossed one with the look that marred his handsome face. “I-.” She closed her mouth unsure what to say.

Morningstar barely looked at her as he began to stride towards them. His breathing was slow, his smile filled with pleasure. Gently he extended a hand as he came closer to them, as Charon shot Kora a warning look. He seemed well, if not irritated. Slowly Morningstar approached them, tall and proud - he reached towards Charon and touched him gently on the shoulder.

“Brother,” he greeted him with pleasure. “How lovely to see you.”

And he pulled him into an embrace. At the same time he twisted Charon around, smiling over his shoulder to Kora. Then his eyes glimmered and his smile suddenly became malicious. Koreena started to close the distance walking towards Morningstar, her heart seized with anger. Her dark gaze narrowed as she stared into the deep pools of dark power.

But she was too slow, and too late. Morningstar whispered something quick into Charon's ear - then plunged his fist into his gut.

Pain exploded through my body as I doubled over, letting out a groan. There was so much power in that punch, made from many times more strength than the average man. The words that Morningstar whispered before he punched echoed around my head, “this needs to be, brother, for your well-being and hers.” It was not an apology, but an excuse. As he let me go I tumbled to the floor, hissing out a mutter.

“Fucking bastard.”

Koreena screamed as she ran towards me, her eyes flashed bright blue the colors of the sea. She called the magic from her blood lines as she looked to the grass, plants, anything that contained water. The water came to her as she thrusted with all her might aiming at Morningstar. “No!” Tears spilled down her tea colored cheeks.

The wave came fast and fluid, rushing at him with a roar of impatience. Morningstar barely looked at it, however, and raised his hand. Frozen, the water halted, inches from him, and his eyes looked over the stream hovering in the air between them, eyes focused on Koreena. Slowly, he breathed.

“You don't attack me in my own court, dear,” he said in a voice full of spite. “You don't use your power without my permission, unless you want repercussions and you do not come here, unless invited.” He raised his hand and the water fell to the earth, where it sloshed at our feet and my body. My body curled around my gut, still shaking with the pain.

“Got it?” he hissed at her, eyes full of darkness.

The young demi- succubus stood her ground, her chest rose and fell as she straightened out her shoulders. She stood in front of me like she was shielding me. “My assessment was right about you. You are a perfectionist and that will be your downfall.” She grinned wickedly at him. “I do not fear you, Lord Morningstar. I pity you for instead of having the love and loyalty of your family you use power and fear to try and control them.”

His eyes glittered with the light of a thousand suns. “There you are wrong, Koreena, daughter of the Thayneslayer and Leila, there you are wrong.” He pushed his face into hers. “Because I will never have a downfall. Instead, that fate belongs to people like you who think themselves too wonderful and clever to see their own faults. You thought you were playing me, when I was playing you.” Gently he nudged me with the heel of his foot, as I watched them with dull eyes. “Get up Charon,” he said, “this lesson is over.”

KC stood her ground, she let his words wash over her body. She shook her head, a small smile on her lips. “I am no more wonderful and clever then you are a narcissist and a sociopath. I have many faults, many in fact but I was not naive enough to think I was playing you. I knew it was an orchestra of deceit on both parts.” She turned her back to him and knelt down, her hands timidly touching my cheek.

He let out a light laugh. “Why did you even come here then?” he asked, his voice with an edge of disbelief. He flourished a hand at me. “I mean, he must have told you what I was like. Or what he deems me to be.”

I saw him roughly wave a hand at me as I looked into Kora’s eyes. Gently I smiled, letting her know I was fine.

“Charon, I said get up.”

“I'd prefer to lie here, thanks,” I grunted in a voice thick with agony still.

Koreena frowned at the pain that was laced in my tone. I’m sorry, she mouthed to me before straightening her spine and turning to Morningstar. “I came because even against my better judgement, against the protest of your beloved wife I needed to see. To see if you were the monster, dickhead that you are proclaimed to be. Even the ugliest of monsters have a good side. I came to see if I could see it, oh but yours must be buried deep within.” She glared at the proud court master.

My eyes rolled closed as I sighed, knowing that these speeches from her were only making him angrier. I could literally feel the tension in the room and the fury rolling off his body as he glared at her for a long time. Darkly, he hissed before he gestured. “Nyx, help our dear brother up. We need to talk privately. You,” he pointed to Kora. “Stay here,” he pointed at the still wet floor. “Until I am done.”

My sister grimaced slightly as she bent down. I opened my eyes then to see her give me a graceful smile, then she looked at Kora. “I'll take him,” she said gently, her hands smoothly running over my arms.

The look on KC’s face showed that she knew she had created not more trouble for herself but me. Her hand rested on my cheek for a moment, her dark gaze was no longer hard but soft and filled with regret. She knew she had let her temper get the best of her again. “Don’t punish him for the statements I made against you.” She let her hand slip from my cheek. Her gaze turned back to Morningstar as she stood up then letting Nyx step in.

“As I said, wisdom comes with age,” Morningstar said matter of factly, “and that is something you seem to lack.” He watched as Nyx slid her arms around my waist and levered my arm over her shoulders so I could use her as a support as I stood. My feet were unsteady, and he noticed this with his piercing gaze before he looked back to Kora. “Punishment comes to those who deserve it, by the authorities bidden governing the land to the subjects. You are not my subject, he, however reluctant he is against the idea, is. Therefore … your punishment is dealt to he associated closest with your crime.” He shrugged as he sauntered over and grabbed me by the throat. I gasped lightly, wincing as he smiled pleasantly at Kora.

“See you later,” he winked at her, before his hold around my neck tightened and he began to walk away. With me supported by Nyx I was forced to follow, rolling my eyes slightly as this drama became elaborate and we headed towards the small council chamber.

KC moved after them calling to Morningstar, “wh-what if I pledge my fealty to you? Wouldn’t you like to punish the tongue that tried to mar your name. If I pledge my obedience to you would you then not harm him- punish him for my quick tongue?” Her voice was soft as she took another step after us.

Both him and I looked at her with surprised expressions. Mine was more horrified, and his more intrigued. How could she offer such, I thought, as a small smile flickered on Morningstar's face, seeing what she had, or was this all part of his plan anyway? A low laugh came from the megalomaniacs throat.

“Too late for that this time,” he hissed, his grip tightening around my throat. I gulped in a breath before he cut off the rest of access to my lungs. “But maybe next,” and he grabbed me viciously by the upper arm and finished dragging me into the chamber.

The door slammed behind us. I was shaking as he pulled me over to a chair, then threw me into it. As he let go of my throat I gasped in air, noticing Nyx had let go long before and it was only us in the room.

“What the fuck-” I spluttered, rubbing at my throat, “was that all for?!”

My brother's lips went thin before he stood over me, eyes flickering over my neck and torso. Slowly he bent, fingers glowing golden as he began to heal where he had harmed me.

“She had to learn from the start,” he muttered, “that I am in charge here. No one else.”

Koreena let her shoulders fall with defeat. Disgust washed over her as she had been trying to get better at reining in her temper. She had a quick thought to charge into the council room but she knew that would only make matters worse for Charon. She wasn’t even sure if he would speak to her now after the mess she had just caused.

“Damn it!” She growled. “I would have danced his enemies into seduction, drowned them with my infinity for water if he had taken my offer to punish me instead.”

Across the room, still paused by the dais, Selena anxiously watched her. She opened her mouth as if to reply, but it was the other female who spoke first. Dark and glorious the primordial Nyx strode from where the two men had gone, her tone disapproving.

“You could have stopped a long time ago, speaking as you did. But you kept going. That's not anybody's fault but yours.”

Kora’s gaze narrowed as she grunted at her. “Did I place blame on anyone else but myself? No I didn’t thank you. I know I could have stopped, my temper is one of my bigger faults as your brother pointed out!” She hissed, her fist clenched, knuckles white with tension.

She walked over towards the door, her hand resting on the cold wood. She sighed as she paced around the grand room. Her heart felt as if it was hammering against her breast plate. She chewed on the inside of her cheek. What is he doing to him in there? Is he okay? Would he ever forgive me…

The stinging of tears threatened her as she blinked rapidly. She tried to breathe in and out slowly. She looked at the wet floor before walking over to it. She lowered herself to the ground, sitting on her calves. She closed her eyes as she concentrated on the water, how it called out to her. She let the cooling sensation of the water wash over her, cleanse the darkness that had claimed her.

“You bathe us daily, cleansing us from the dirt and filth of this world. Come to me water, wash me- this anger away.” She mumbled softly to herself.

A small sphere of water started to cocoon around her. She could feel the peacefulness washing over her. She wanted to get this anger, this filth that was weighing on her to be washed away. In this place of serenity she would not think of the outside world. In this sphere of water she would concentrate on the good she knew she could be.

Her long rich, multi colored locks flared out around her like a halo. Her once dark orbs were now a lucious, crystal blue. Her tea colored complexion shined like the rays bouncing off of the water. The divine blood that coursed through her veins was starting to show. The sphere expanded giving herself room to stand. She listened to the way the water lapped against itself.

Slowly - slowly she started to dance.

There was an impressed noise from behind her as Nyx emerged out from before her. The black haired beauty, personification of the night stepped around Koreena, lips pursed and eyes focused. Circling her she slowly began to ascend the dais until she was at the throne, then she leant against one of the arms. Kora continued to dance, a swirl of motion and rhythm, her body moving perfectly in time with whatever beat lay in her head. All the while, as she got comfortable, Nyx watched, eyes intently on the demi-succubus, lost in a trance.

Selena was still in the same corner, but leaning against the wall and silent. Her arms folded against her she seemed less enchanted by the whirl and beauty that Kora was creating. Less entranced was she than Nyx, yet she could not deny that she was impressed. Kora spun and extended her limbs, the water swirling alongside her movements, small beads of it dancing like secondary artists alongside. Her hips swayed, her hair swam, her arms were as elegantly poised as a queen as she brought the room to silence. Even courtiers as they stopped what they were doing, as they wandered through the halls, stared to see the new attraction at the new centre of their world.

Kora went on, enthralling the crowd. Her water was as much part of the dance as she was, shaping the performance and repeating the rhythm again and again. She showed them the outside world, brought the mortal realm to their small existence out of time here.

Gradually the tempo lowered. The silence still existed, however, as breath was held, tension of pleasure was kept in the hearts of those who watched. Ten people stood around her as she pulled a final movement - an extension of her left arm - all utterly charmed. As she ceased to move and the water surrounding her returned to its natural state they remained where they were, except one. Slowly Morningstar stepped from the shadows beside the pillars.

His eyes were on Nyx. “If you could join us, please, sister,” he said.

Koreena was breathing slightly heavily as she looked from the long haired beauty to Morningstar. “Charon?”

Morningstar looked at her with a raised eyebrow. He said nothing to her then gestured, stepping back. “Nyx?”

Nyx paused, lips pursed before stepping away from the throne. Picking up her long dark grey skirts gently she began to head towards him, focus on where she was headed - a slightly open door from which Morningstar had first taken Charon.

KC bit down on her lower lip as she took a step towards the door. “Nyx,” she called after the dark beauty. “Will you please tend to him if-“ she couldn’t finish what she wanted to say. Her eyes pleading desperately to her.

Nyx looked back at her slightly, pausing before she smiled. Neither did she nod or shake her head, but the smile was genuine enough. Morningstar let out a light laugh as he placed a hand around his sister's shoulders and guided her into the room.

“Brother,” came a warm voice.

Looking behind me I saw Nyx enter the room, her long hair flowing out in a curtain. I stood, hands leaning on a table as a map of the world was spread out before me, various markers upon it that Morningstar had only given some descriptions of. Other smaller maps were affixed to the side of the larger one, representing those of the underworlds and partner, smaller realms, in which Morningstar had some form of interest or just knew about. A small black cross now stood over what was Lornius, where my research had revealed the volcano to erupt from. I was still focusing on how precisely an old island of mountains, that had lain dormant for years could cause havoc, but that was all part of my usefulness. I watched as Nyx gave me a cautious look on her face, before she nodded over her head at Morningstar. He was loitering in the doorway, his back to us, and I could only guess at his expression.

“Rahl above,” I said out loud, and leaning back from the table. I shook my head and began to stride over to him. “You're not still letting her think that you're still-”

“Oh get the fuck back,” my brother threw a glare over his shoulder at me, his voice a whisper. “If what it takes her to respect me and my laws is to believe that you are being beaten because of her, then so be it.”

“You've already beaten me for her, Morn,” I scowled, coming closer, my arms folding, “what else can-”

He allowed me to get close enough so I could see her face in the gap. Then he grabbed my face and shoved it, along with me, away. I growled and yelled.

“Morn!”

But he only was grinning back out, before he slammed the door shut. I stood there, nursing my jaw slightly as he leaned against it, lips twisted up in a wicked grin and his ear flat against the wood.

“Charon!” I heard her call, concern laced in her soft tone.

“You're ridiculous,” I muttered, and he shook his head, eyes beaming with excitement and greed for power, gesturing for me to stay silent.

I opened my mouth as he hissed. “I'll take her offer if you don't go with this.”

Rolling my eyes, and finding that my jaw only hurt for a couple more seconds - he had only pushed with the lightest of touches this time - I watched him. Naturally I knew I would tell Kora what had actually happened later, and Morningstar knew it also, but for now he was desperate to play his hand. I also knew that were I to interrupt this idea of a game for him out could lead to consequences for both Kora and I - such as him taking her hurried offer of fealty, as he threatened - and I did not want to see that happen.

I heard the soft clicking of her heels as she approached the door that my brother was blocking. “Charon?” Her voice came again almost pleading for an answer from me.

“Call out again,” he whispered imploringly, his eyes on me. “Go on.”

“Morningstar,” I stared at him straight, but answered in a voice as quiet, “I'm not playing this game. You-”

He rolled his eyes impatiently and clicked his fingers. The ugly, familiar golden manacles that were used to both secure me because of the potential danger I could cause in his court, as one uncontrolled still by him, as well as limit my power when I was here, burst out of the air before me. They spun towards my wrists, but instantly I reacted, yelling out angrily to him as my new found, more effective and instinctual power rose, then burst forth from my palms. It clashed without my direction at the manacles and sent them bursting into a thousand fragments, causing a high amount of metallic noise as well as my own cries of annoyance. The smirk from Morningstar told me that was what he had entirely what had been expecting to happen, and that my reactions were exactly what he had wanted. He might not be able to tether me anymore but he could certainly manipulate the situation. Nyx, who was pouring over the map, completely disregarded us. My expression became dark scowl as I glared at him, but again he held out a hand to keep me silent.

“Please, please stop! I’ll do whatever you ask!” She cried out trying to get past him to me. “I- I’ll seduce your enemies for intel, I will dance for your courts entertainment! Please just stop hurting him.” Her voice sounded thick with tears.

That was my last straw. I headed towards him, my arms loosening, brow becoming low. My jaw tightened as I growled at my brother. “Okay that is it, you've played with her enough, she's not yours she came here by mistake, Morn, and you've punished her enough. Stop being such a dickhead!”

I shouted the last as I came to him, so much so that she would be able to hear it behind the wood. I did not go for the door, that would be much on stupid when he still stood in front of it, but I said it so that Kora would gain at least some form of understanding what was actually going on inside the room.

“Well?” I asked him, staring at him, my eyes dark and his still dancing with the delight of his deceit.

My brother stood there for a moment, before his smirk died and he pushed away from the wall. Grabbing the door handle he pulled open the door and we both saw Kora there, a miserable heap on the floor. Beyond her was Selena, anxious at the edge of a pillar, her eyes wide, watching, clearly having come over during the scene.

“Maybe you should not be so quick to judge,” he snarled at her.

She wiped at the silent tears that streaked her cheeks. She looked at me as if I had almost betrayed her not speaking out sooner to let her know I was okay. She then shifted her gaze to Morningstar as she pushed herself to stand up. “Your court may be stunning but you are filled with deceit and hate. It won’t get you far in this world Lord Morningstar. There will come a day when your siblings grow tired of your tyrant ways and turn their back on you. I pray to the great mother Goddess you change before that happens.”

His brows rose as he looked at me, a sigh on his lips. “I honestly don't know what you see in her, brother. Why potentially ruin what you have with Reg-”

“Come on,” I said to Kora, leaning down to her and offering her hand. I ignored my daughter, and would talk with her later. “Let's find somewhere private to talk.”

“Charon, we haven't finished-”

“I'll be back, when I'm done, Morningstar,” I glared back at him. “Then we talk however long you want.”

His lips pursed, and he narrowed his eyes at me. “Be back soon.” And he twisted sharply to march back over to the table, and the map of all his plans.

Koreena took my hand as I helped her up but as soon as she was steady on her feet she moved away from me some. Her arms wrapped around her curvy waist. I let out a breath, glancing back briefly behind me, then closing the door. Looking back to get I saw the way she hugged herself beyond all, and realised she did not even want me to help.

“Do you want to go back to the town?” I asked in a low voice. “I can arrange that, you don't have to see me again.”

Her tone held no emotion but that did not stop the tears that slipped down her face. “It would be easier for you if I went.” Her gaze never leaving the floor.

Her chest was heavy, she knew that Morningstar was indeed a control freak but she didn’t know that he had that much control over Charon. In her mind she felt he could have easily hollered earlier that he was fine, instead he went on with the charade. She almost pledge fealty to his egotistical brother and he would have said nothing.

“It depends on you, Kora. If you want to go, I will take you, but I will need to return here,” he spoke low, watching her. He let out a sigh. “You shouldn't have come on your own whim. If you had wanted to meet him then you should have waited for … something. Him to come to me, not appear in his land suddenly.” He reached out to touch her shoulder. “Do you want me to take you home?”

Koreena stepped from his touch. “Do not reprimand me like some child.” She wiped at her cheeks angrily. She cleared her throat before she took a deep breath. “Maybe someone else should everyone seems to think that you and Regina are a couple. I’d hate to be another unwanted mistress.” She took a shaky hand and collected her hair, suspending it up in a bun.

He looked confused at that, both her moving away and her words. Awkwardly he looked at Selena, who was pouting a little, then back at the demi-succubus. “Kora …” he said carefully, “we had this conversation. Look, I told you what Morningstar was like, I'm just surprised you would want to seek him out after what I said.”

She laughed a laugh that was not her own joyous melodic laugh. “I am not upset about Morningstar. I have met men like him - I have served men like him. I just can’t believe the coward you turned into. You let him let me think you were being severely hurt. I said things I would have never said had I know you were fine! I was willing to give my freedom away for him to let you go because that’s what friends do for one another. I told you I don’t do commitment and this is one of the reasons why. I care too much to commit to someone to hand that power but almost gave it to a crazy man like him to help you.” Her voice broke as a more tears fell. “I know it was my quick tongue and temper that got me to this place but you could have easily stopped it with some reassurance.”

Charon was standing there, arms folded, listening to her. His eyes were narrowed at hers, his breathing fast and unsteady. He opened his mouth to speak, then shut it again, huffing out before he shook his head and looked away to Selena. Her eyes dropped down. “You call me a coward - you spend the last five thousand years of your life playing to some other man's tune, and every time you resist other people are punished. It's not-” he shook his head and looked back to Kora. “Fine. Be mad at me. I didn't ask you to commit. We were in it for the sex, that's what we discussed, and friendship. I didn't ask you to come here, you didn't have to come if your idea was just to save me or some other idea. Morningstar and I … We have an arrangement, that I cannot go into. But I'm not a coward. I just know where power lies, I see it and work with it.”

She flinched as if he physically hit her. Her gaze was on the ground. “Who needs enemies with a friend like you? At least the sex was good. Go do your duties to your brother and thanks for the fun. I hope your plans with saving the world turn out but I think we should part ways. You and I are on two different realms, thank you for sharing your time with me.”

Charon looked at her with eyes full of disappointment. Slowly he blinked, then moved back, confused and uncertain as he listened to her words again and again in his head. “You … wanted this to be more? I thought that we agreed …” he looked honestly lost, “Kora, dating me is not smart. There's a hell of a lot more going on here than simply saving the world that you don't know about. My 'duties’ as you call them here, aren't that, they're agreements made with my brother that took days to negotiate. You're …” he shook his head, and then shrugged. “You know what. We do belong to different worlds. If you don't want to stay, then fine, I'll arrange for you to leave. But you - you could have been something. But clearly you don't even want to be friends.”

And he moved then, a severe look of discontent on his face. He shoved open the door again, calling out in a low, miserable tone. “Morn, she is going back home.”

Koreena sat for a moment before she glanced calling after him. “If I continue to be around you I will want more then what we were. I won’t allow myself to fall for someone that isn’t emotionally available.” She glanced at Selena wiping her cheeks. The young woman was awkwardly still by the pillar, watching with silence. “I may just be a demi succubi but if you ever need me they say if you wish to summon us whisper our name into the wind and we will come. Don’t let anyone eclipse your light. You are destined for great things.” She meant that honestly, the beauty had potential to be so much more. “And - take care of your father remind him there is good in this world. To allow his hair to be let down.” She whispered softly before kissing the girl’s cheek.

Selena gazed at her a while, her own lips a tight line. Her chest heaved up and down as she gathered her wits to finally speak. “Char is a good man,” she mumbled, “he just misunderstood what you wanted from the … sleeping. I think. You don't need to go.”

“It’s time for me to travel, to see the world I have been denied.” She smiled sadly. “He is an amazing man, he didn’t misunderstand I just didn’t think I was going to like him and you as much as I did. I never thought I would want to be apart of someone else’s life - it’s time for me to go.”

Selena’s eyes were filled with disappointment, and sorrow. Her hands came to her chest and fumbled a little as she spoke quietly. “You - you like him? Then why did you not tell him that instead of shouting at him and making him feel guilty? You could make him happy.”

Koreena’s lips fell into a deep frown. “I am not what he needs right now. Maybe sometime in the future if the Mother Goddess permits it.” She sniffled as she took the girl’s hands in her own. Her thumbs stroking her soft flesh reassuringly. “Will you promise me that you will take care of him? Remind him there is more to life then agreements and pleasing others. Will you?”

“From what I gather all he wants to do is save the world,” Selena mumbled, looking down at their clasped hands. “But he'll be fine. He doesn't need me to look after him, he can do that himself.” She breathed out and then focused on Kora. “Be careful yourself, okay? Remember, the people here aren't the worst. Morningstar is a saint compared to others.”

Koreena smiled softly as she nodded. “I will.” She started to turn letting the raven haired beauty’s hands slip from her grasp. She took a few steps before turning back. “He will need you, Selena.”

“He needs himself,” she cupped her hands together, lifting her head a little and gazing back at Kora. “See you later, I'm sure.”

The door before Kora was still closed mostly, and there were low voices coming from within. One was thick with sarcasm, and the other was taunting, then unamused.

KC waited a moment, taking a deep breath she rolled her shoulders, straightened her delicate spine and knocked three times. “I am ready to leave this place.” She called behind the door.

When we heard it, silence fell between us. Our arguing seemed to cease, before a single, low comment was made, something rude by Morningstar that Kora did not hear, then there was a light female laugh. The door was yanked open, revealing Nyx who smiled fondly back at Kora. “Hello, dear. They're discussing who should take you back. Who would you like?”

Kora looked shocked for a moment. “I - I just assumed I would be sent on my own to collect my bag at Charon’s home and start my traveling..”

“You did?” Nyx’s brows rose. “Oh, well that's … interesting. One moment,” she shut the door halfway and her shadow moved as she elegantly strode across the room. The broad round table with its many chairs was visible, alongside the edge of the map and Morningstar and myself shouting at each other. “Hey, my lord, Char, please. We need to …” she fell quiet as she pulled us into a close discussion, myself looking sour, Morningstar more intrigued now. She spoke of how Kora was ready to go, but that our conversation we were currently having was still too important.

KC watched the two men closely, she could never understand the relationship they had but then again she herself was fleeing from her own brother and father. “Is something wrong with my assumption?” She asked gently.

“Oh no, dear,” Nyx looked over at her, smiling, as Morningstar and I continued to quietly debate. I made several gestures to the map, and Morningstar was looking at me as if I were mad. To Kora it would have seemed confusing, despite the fact I was explaining that we could not be sure where the apocalypse comet would strike. Nyx curled her long hair behind her ear before pausing, and taking in a breath before I gave up. I grabbed the quartz lying on the table that had been sitting there since our argument began.

“I'll take her,” I growled, as I left the two of them and started towards Kora. After all, I was not going to let Morningstar take her - that I was determined, despite his decent argument of me being too close to her. Nyx had not been fully engaged in the conversation to offer an opinion as yet. My eyes were dark and my hands were tight fist as I strode.

She flinched at the sight of my tension, her brows furrowed as her plush lips frowned. She sighed waiting until I was closer to speak to me. “You should breathe before you give yourself a heart attack…” Koreena tried to lighten the sour mood she had helped to put me in, in the first place. Confusion swirled in her mind, he wanted friendship but acted like if her leaving was a betrayal.

“I'm fine,” I said stiffly, “but you can't go alone because your things are in my apartment and you don't have the keys.” I growled the last, huffing. I strode quickly out of the room, into the main hall, longing nothing more than to get this over and done with now. “Do you have everything you came here with?”

Koreena smiled brightly, one that didn’t reach her eyes. “Everything but my dignity.”

I let out a hollow laugh. “I lost mine a long time ago, so you're not alone there.” I pulled the door closed behind us, then looked around, seeing Selena. She paused for a moment before peeling herself away from the pillar and quietly beginning to walk away. I would talk to her later. I grunted, then held out a fist. “You need to … touch me. Just a finger is fine.”

Koreena glanced from his closed fist that he held out to his dark gaze. “I have touched more than just your finger a few times now.” She frowned gently laying the palm of her hand over his white knuckles. Her thumb itched to stroke the tension from his fist that she put there.

He breathed in sharply, and turned his eyes away. He opened his other hand to reveal a small quartz stone that was gently pulsating. It began to glow bright and dull faster as he narrowed his eyes at it. “I don't have long, we were in the middle of something important.”

KC then boldly stroked his hand before giving a squeeze. “I won’t take up any more of your time. I just need to grab my bag and I’ll be on my way.” She paused wanting to tell him she was sorry for all the pain she caused him. She wished to tell him she was starting to care for him more then she should but she didn’t. It needs to be a clean cut.. She thought to herself and closed her mouth before she could create anymore problems.

He nodded once, and watched until the quartz gleamed, then all around them was suddenly white light. He breathed in deeply, as he waited to see where they had been sent. They landed in the corridor outside the apartment. Grabbing the door handle he pulled out some keys from his pocket and began to shuffle with them. “I don't have long, the stone will bring me back in half an hour right so.”

Koreena nodded, she waited as he opened the door ushering her in. She head straight for the bedroom, her heels softly clicking against the floor. She smiled sadly at the sight of the books on the bed, the shirt she had stolen from him last night to wear. She started to tidy things up, placing books back in their rightful homes.

“Oh don't worry about that,” came his voice, speaking quickly as he balanced two books him his own hands. “I can do that later. The important part is making sure you are comfortable riding back.”

He let eyes wander over the end collection and nodded slightly as he calculated roughly that each book was still there. Everything was there, after a quick estimate, and so that it was done in a matter of seconds and confidence. Then Charon grunted and stood taller. “Anything else you want?”

Koreena froze still bent over, she looked back. “There are many things I want.” She sighed before walking to the end of the bed where her satchel was. She slung the leather strap over her shoulder.

He looked dully at her briefly, before he then looked away. “I apologise for acting as I did. But things would have been worse right now if I had.” He ran a hand through his hair, staring at the piles of books as he stood still in the hallway.

“You did what you thought was right, I accept that. I also should apologize for the harsh words I said to you. My temper gets the best of me a lot - all the time.” KC smiled sadly as she walked towards him, thinking things could have been completely different.

“Hmm,” he grunted a little, taking in a long breath. “We all have our faults.” He pushed his hands into his pockets as he switched his gaze over to her. “Mine are habits that I cannot get rid of. Which is an excuse but …” he shrugged.

Koreena reached up and boldly let her thumb run across his furrowed brow. Small lines of tension ran across his forehead as she tried to smooth them out. “You have a bad habit of creasing your forehead when you are upset. You hold all of your tension here.”

“Well good thing I'm immortal and ageless,” he answered with a quick quip, “as they will never show as wrinkles.” Still though his brow furrowed, heavily and low.

“Good thing,” she grinned letting her hand run from his brow to down his cheek. Her hand cupped it for a moment before she let her hand drop to her side. She still liked the way his skin felt against her.

He had his eyes on her then, breathing now more regular. For a moment he just stared at her, lost in the warmness of her irises and the endlessness of her pupils. He let out a small sigh.

“I probably will be gone for a couple of days,” he said in a low voice.

She laughed softly, stepping close to him. Koreena stood on the tips of her toes and kissed his cheek. “Off saving the world… my superhero.” She whispered softly.

He froze, his body not going rigid, but into some form of shock. “Kora …” he murmured, uncertainty in all his tone.

“Yes, Charon?” She said softly, tucking a strand of white hair hat had fallen in her face. He began to shake his head. “We - this isn't right. We - you and I, like you said, belong in different worlds.”

Koreena’s plush lips fell into a deep frown as she looked away taking a step back. “I thought you were about to open up. Silly me, I understand and I did say that so I will stand by it if that is what you want.” She cleared her throat blinking a few times.

He looked appalled when she did, eyes wide; “That's not what I meant. Not really. I thought you didn't … and now you want … we never discussed …” his finger roughly gestured between them.

“I said it because I am scared shitless of commitment and you made it abundantly clear that a relationship isn’t what you want..” She paused taking a deep breath. “Being around you feels natural, Hell I even like being around your daughter and I don’t get along with females..” KC’s gaze dropped to the floor as she chewed on her lower lip. Selena had been right instead of pushing him away she should have told him that she liked him.

Charon’s face was streaked with pain, as he looked away. “It's complicated with me,” he murmured, “I'm free as much as I can be, but they'll always be things that I'm not in. Such is …” he cut off, uncertain. “Sorry. Right now I cannot commit to anything without first speaking to … other people.”

Kora nodded slowly, her eyes shined with unshed tears. She cleared her throat once more swallowing around the large lump that formed. And rejection… I am scared of being rejected.. She thought to herself. “Then if it is meant to happen we will meet again. I hope all goes well with your mission.”

I stared at her with a mixture of disbelief and growing irritation. The fact was, we had discussed precisely this not being the point of our intercourse, that we would not have these feelings. Of course, we had not actively said they were not welcome, nor that they had to be avoided at all costs, but the situation was still the same. I was entirely stuck in this situation, not free because of the multitude of constraints on me, not least the ticking clock of time that was the quartz, that desired me to go back in half an hour.

Stupid thing. I looked down at it in my hand and curled my lip with distaste before twisting around the doorway of the lounge and throwing the thing inside, onto the sofa. Screw Morningstar's anger, I could deal with it when it came. But for now I needed time to talk to her. When I didn't come after the first half an hour he would maybe wait a maximum of an hour more, depending on his mood, but that gave me an hour more of time.

“Look,” I said firmly, “I am not saying no, just that … there's things to sort before. There are clearly other things bothering you. What do you want to know?”

Kora glanced from my now empty hand to where I had thrown the quartz. The plush pillows that were her fell open and slowly closed again. She undid her hair as they fell in waves of colors. “I -” Frustration creased her brow as she seemed to have trouble putting thought to words. “I am not good at this… actually I am terrible with expressing feelings and saying how I feel…” She through her hands up with defeat.

“Apparently that is so,” I said, trying to push the anxiety concerning the quartz from my mind. I paused and then thought, “if we get out of here. We could go for tea, or a beer?”

Kora nodded slowly, “okay, but what about -.” She glanced at the couch but stopped talking about it. “Nevermind, let’s go..”

“That's my problem to deal with. We have maybe an hour and so. When whatever happens, happens … you should probably just go when it does,” I smiled slightly as I grabbed the door and yanked it back. “Shall we?”

She sucked in her bottom lip for a moment, giving the sofa one last longing look. “We shall,” she stepped out into the hallway.

Smiling, I reached and grabbed her hand without permission. Then I firmly locked the door behind me, leaving the quartz there for future me to deal with. “There's a pub just at the corner,” I explained. “Also we may need to postpone our exploration of the city for a couple of days.”

Kora glanced to our fingers that were interlaced. She looked up, a shocked expression masked her angelic features. “That’s okay, I plan to go back to the inn for my things and then back to Falleni. Can’t stay in one place for too long.” She smiled softly, for the first time since being at the court it reached her dark eyes.

“Falleni?” I asked, frowning. “But aren't you wanting to stay away from your father and brother? Are they not there?”

She shook her head, “Thayden will be off either with my father or still searching for me. I believe they won’t look for me there. Not after it being so soon from my mother’s murder. Plus I have to get back to dancing, making money to be able to pay for as much traveling as I plan to do.”

“Well we can fix that partly,” as I headed down the stairs I dug into my pocket and brought out a few bright Raeairan coins. I held them out to her. “It's not much, but it should cover a night or two here.”

She smiled at me as she took my hand instead of the coins and kissed the inside of my wrist. “No Charon, keep it. I make good money dancing, I will only have to do it for a few weeks before I have enough to travel.” She pushed my hand back towards my pocket.

I frowned slightly, but nodded, letting them fall back into my pocket as we got to the last step. Pushing open the door at the bottom I held it out for her and nodded at the corner of the alleyway, where indeed a quiet pub was setting up for the evening. “There.”

Koreena took in the brick building, her eyes glanced from me to the pub smiling. A fond memory of their first encounter pop in her mind. “Let’s take advantage of the time we have left together.” She pulled me along into the small pub. Willingly I went, my fingers becoming intertwined with hers.

I ordered two beers at the bar, cold and refreshing for the heat we had been through so far. Then we settled in a small corner, away from others and private, at least for now. Sitting opposite her I gazed at her beauty for a moment, simply taking it in - her perfectly formed jaw, her bright eyes and the mane of dark hair. My chest heaved up and down as my fingers curled around my drink.

“So,” I said quietly. “What else do you want to know about me?”

Her fingers curled around her cool mug as she took a drink. She moaned softly as the bitter taste danced on her taste buds. She had some foam on her top lip from the beer. Her tongue rolled over it, collecting it in one swift movement. “Your favorite book! You have so many but never disclosed which one you loved most.”

That honestly took me back. I had been expecting her to ask on how Selena mother and I had meant or something similar. “I …” I paused. “My favourite one. I don't think … I don't … is it cheating if I say all of them?” Slyly, I smiled.

Her melodic laughter filled my ears as she nodded. “Yes!” Her laughter turned into small giggles. “Fine! What was the one thing you read that made you want to become a Professor?”

Ah that one I knew. “I used to listen to all the stories of the souls I transported,” I said, smiling. “They all had different lives, backgrounds and cultures. When they began to teach me things, such as philosophy, mathematics and science, it came to a point where I could fully engage in a conversation, and finally I realised I was actually teaching others what I had learnt from similar people a century or so before.” The explanation was brief, but complete. I smiled more and sat back in my seat. “With all the knowledge I have incorporated and all the books I now have it seemed only right to begin teaching others what I had learnt.”

“Wow that is amazing!” She smiled taking another drink from her mug. “Your turn to ask me something.”

I raised my brow, trying to think. “What - what was it like growing up with parents?” I was genuinely curious, having never had the experience, unless one counted Erebus, the great darkness, who told me my name at the beginning of time, then hardly spoke to me since.

Kora looked surprised at the question I had asked. Her brow knitted together as she tried to think of a good way to explain it. She set her mug on the table. “Well I grew up mostly with just my mother. Joshua wasn’t around a lot. He would stop by every few years but around the time I came into my succubi powers he stopped coming. My mother though, she was amazing. So caring and taught me many things. The thing that sucks about loving someone that much is when you lose them you feel like you lose a piece of yourself.”

Slowly I nodded, listening and taking in her words. The story filled me with a partial understanding of what it was like to have a mother, and possibly even to grow up, yet still left me empty somewhat, devoid of recognition for what a family was. Love for family - that I could comprehend, for there were definitely moments in time when I had particularly felt strong regard for a sibling. But it felt I was still missing the notion of how a mother-father-sibling core unit worked. Maybe I never would.

“Your turn,” I said warmly.

She tapped her chin for a moment thinking. “Alright, when you spoke about your first love and it being a mistake, where you talking about Selena’s mother?”

My smile vanished from my face. I stared at her. “What? When did I say … that?”

A frown came to her own lips as she pushed and hand through her thick mane. “The other day you said you had only been in love once and it was a mistake.”

“I …” I looked awkward and I shifted, feeling uncomfortable. “Well yes, I have been, at least in terms of the strength of the feelings and it was Sephora, Selena's mother but … it would never have worked.”

Kora nodded accepting my answer, “your turn.”

That last one felt as if she had taken all my emotions. But then, the question I had asked before had been cruel and cutting also to hers. I paused, thinking of what might be easier.

“Your name. What does it mean?”

“My full name is Koreena Lynn Cronen. Koreena means pure, Lynn for my aunt that was murdered.” She picked up her mug taking a drink. “When I was born my mother said my hair was almost white as snow, my dark complexion. I looked so pure so they named me Koreena.” She smiled as her eyes drank him in. He looked completely different when he wasn’t at his brother’s court. Here he was relaxed, smiled more.

Slowly he nodded, a smile coming to his lips. “I see. Pure, that suits you.” He drank back a swig of beer. “So. Another one for me?”

Koreena smiled, she thought for a moment. “I know this is a simple one but some of the simplest questions can help you know a person better.” She paused grinning, “favorite color and why!”

He almost laughed, face splitting with a wide smile. “Boring. I like grey. Mostly because it's somewhere between black and white, and I have never been entirely good nor wholly evil.” He nodded, “that was a good one. What's yours?”

“Sunset. I love watching the sunset, the colors blending beautifully. Pinks, purples, orange, reds and blues all melting together. I used to watch the sun set on a cliff in Falleni.” Her eyes almost daze as she was back there staring at it right now.

Leaning back he approved greatly, joy appearing in his eyes. “A lot more hope than I could ever have. You have a bright future, Kora. Now, one for me?” The mood, at least, seemed lighter now.

“Do you want to see me again?” She asked almost so innocently.

That made him go silent. Stunned, he stared at her, the happiness that had been in his eyes fading, to be replaced by utter shock. “In - in what manner are you speaking of? As friends or as lovers or … something else?” His words were tentative, full of tension.

Koreena smiled softly shaking her head, “always taking such a simple question and turning it complex. Whichever you please, will we leave here leaving it too the fates to bring us back together or will we seek one another out?”

He was still for some moments longer, staring at her with surprise. Eyes wide and knuckles white on the glass. “Kora … I. Well I'm the one staying in the same place so … it would be if you came back. I don't know where you might be. Aside from the letter idea, but they could take weeks to come and I may have to head off every so often, at times when I cannot control it. Thus, it may have to be up to the fates. Though I will be sending you a note when I know where might be safe to survive the …” he glanced around them, seeing the people around them. “The … you know what.”

“A complex answer for a complex man.” She sighed but still a soft smile graced her lips. “Your question for me?”

“Do you want to see me again?” he asked immediately.

“What do you mean, as lovers, friends or more?” She gasped placing a hand over her mouth, mocking as if she was shocked. A small giggle left her lips. “Of course I wish to see you, Charon. For some reason I feel drawn to you, I wish to explore whatever this - “ She motioned the area between the two. “Could be, friendship, lovers or more.”

What emitted from his mouth was not a laugh, not a cry either though. Instead it was an amused grunt, as he looked down, right into his beer. A small smile was on his face, yet note of sorrow was in his eye. “Then we see how it comes with time?” he murmured.

“Yes all in do time.” She took a drink of her beer, more like a gulp. “So your daughter, you should spend more time with her.” She said quickly changing the subject. “A daughter learns how a man should love a woman.” She smiled sadly into her beer.

“I've only known she was mine for a week,” he said, brows raised, “and she's been living with me, in my home.”

“But she is yours no matter the time length.” Koreena countered. Her index finger spun around the rim of her glass. Her eyes catching his as she raised a slender brow.

“Yes,” he nodded, looking anxious. “I know. But there are far other pressing matters …”

“Ah, don’t make an excuse, Charon.” She sounded like a mother reprimanding a child. “Make time for her and for yourself. Enjoy the small things, please.” She said the last bit softly as she stopped circling the rim of her cup.

He looked at her awkwardly, rubbing at his chin, “Kora …”

“Why do you sigh my name like that?” She tilted her head slightly.


“Because you say things that I cannot find arguments against, and that's rare for me. I'm good at excuses … In case you didn't realise.”

She laughed softly. Just then thunder cracked and the heavens opened up drowning the hearth in it’s tears. A grin came to her lips as she set down her beer. “Gift me with your first careless moment.” She took his hand tugging him to follow. She let it fall from her grasp as she ran from the pub into the pouring rain. The laughter mixed with the sound of the drops beating against the ground. She spun around in the street, beckoning for him to come out to her. “Char!” The silk dress now clinging to her like a second skin.

He shook his head and quickly drained his beer before she let go of his hand. Letting out a laugh he followed her, feeling the rain dance on their skin, flowing down their bodies and to the ground. Taking and then gripping her hand tightly he came to her side again as they let themselves be drenched.

Koreena turned so that she was facing him, she held his hand close to her chest. “Remember these times, you can be serious most of the times but when things get to crazy and stressful close your eyes. Remember this moment here right now. The way the cool rain feels against your skin, the way it feels to be near me, our skin touching.” Her breathing picked up as her chest rose and fell a little more quickly.

He breathed slow and long, though his heart danced. Smiling, he closed his eyes and let himself be free, sliding his arms around her shoulders, gently holding her to him. He hummed softly in her ear as the rain continued to fall from the sky; refreshing and joyful. Together they began to twist in circles, like a waltz unbidden.

Kora wrapped her arms tightly around him as they spun. The rain around them creating the music that they danced too. To onlookers they would simply look like two people crazy in love, they would never know that so much weighed heavily on both of them. In this moment they were just two people enjoying the rain, embraced with one another.

I danced with her, like there was no end to the world. Like we could spin forever and there would be no consequences. In that moment the apocalypse did not matter, my duties and needs did not matter. It was just the young demi-succubus and I, a pair of misfits in an ugly world, who had been brought together by violence, separated by violence and now were once more on good terms beneath the open sky.

Delighted, and filled with wonder I laughed, as she both seduced me and amused me with her body, perfect for dancing and swaying to the rhythm of the droplets of water. We were but a pair of fools, but fools can make a world of difference. My eyes opened to gaze at her as we twirled, swirled and curled our bodies. In the heat of the moment, beneath that darkening, dusky sky I bent down towards her and matched my lips with hers - willingly, knowing what she felt, knowing what might never be.

As if it were something familiar to her, my lips against hers, she responded quickly. Her lips melted into my own. The rain had stopped bathing us as she had held the droplets suspended around us. The small beads of water shined like an expensive chandelier. Her hands tangled themselves into my hair. My eyes only briefly glanced at the frozen water as I became lost in the romance of the piece. We were a pair, two though that almost required to be as one in that time. My hand pressed her to me, clutching at the small of her back as I slipped my tongue between her lips.

Her body responded to me with ease, she pressed herself against me. A moan slipped from her mouth and into mine. She let me explore her mouth until her tongue tangled itself with my own. Both massaging one another as we clung to each other as if our lives depended on it.

And it was joyful. It was pleasing. Regina was but a dim memory in that moment, for this young woman was my attention, my life, my lover. Feelings … I did not know if I had them for her, but certainly my body longed for her to be close - close to me. With me. Around me. I had her in my arms and I didn't want to let her go. I broke off the kiss and simply held her to me.

But good things can never last forever. My eyes, as they wandered from hers out into the land of frozen raindrops and a fistful of stunned onlookers, caught sight of the movement. A young-looking woman, eyes bright and beady, with golden hair and curling horns, staring at us from across the street. Hemera, my sister and Nyx’s twin. I blinked as I looked for her, knowing very much who she was out looking for, and I paused, hating that this world was coming crashing in.

I hugged Kora to me. “Don't freak now,” I whispered, “but my sister is here. One of them, anyway.” I kept our twirl going, as my lips curled into a grin. “I've got an idea, but you need to be up for it.”

She clung to me now, the droplets wavered in their suspended state. She allowed me to continue to twirl her around. “I am up for anything, Charon.” Her lips grazed against my earlobe as she spoke.

My grin grew, watching my sister as she remained there, head tilted, and gently gazing. She was a kind soul, only wanting the best for us all, but for now, all I wanted to do was be with Kora. So I kept us twirling for some more moments, as my hands slid down her body to grasp her hand. “Just try to keep up,” I whispered, “and …” I pressed my heels into the earth, halting us.

“Run!” Suddenly I moved, my boots splashing in the rain. In a woosh of motion I was then racing, tugging her with me as from my voice rose a bright laugh.

Kora’s own laughter spilled from her still swollen lips from the passionate kiss we had just shared. She pumped her legs, her heels digging into the soft ground. Just the she released the rain from her magic. The droplets spilling down against the hearth in a downpour. Delight shining bright in both of our eyes.

“Char!” I heard Hemera’s bright voice behind us. I pounded my muscles, pulling us away from her. Grinning like a fool, like the fool I currently was, I guided Kora around a corner, where I went into a full out sprint. I didn't mention that this could only last so long, because we both knew it already. But endorphins and excitement - that was enough for now.

Koreena’s long legs pumped, she kept up with my speed fairly well, falling behind only a bit. The look on her face was of pure joy, she looked carefree and wet. We rounded another corner into an alleyway where I stopped suddenly looping my arm around her curvy waste. Both of our breathing was labored, like two youths we laughed softly. The sound of the rain beating against the world drowning out anything else. Her hand snaked its way to my cheek.

“Come back to me when you can,” she whispered, the happiness that was on her face fading away.

My lips curled into a smile, as I pressed her back against the wall, gently sliding a hand along her jaw to cup it back. My eyes were filled with pure joy. “If you want me to, I will,” I whispered.

“I want nothing more then to be back here in your arms. Time may pass between us but come back when you are able so we may share more moments like this.” She breathed, her warm breath fanning my face.

I took in a long breath, taking in her sight, her smell and her sound. Then, I cut off her words as I pressed my lips once more to hers and our kiss became true once more. Her plush lips wrapped around mine, melting into each other as one. Her fingers ran down my check to the nape of my neck. Her hand curled around as she pulled me closer. “Charon,” she moaned into my mouth.

“Hello,” I murmured back, curling my fingers into her hair, closing my eyes and forgetting all else. The rain, the town, the footsteps quietly approaching.

All but her.

“When you are done …” a quiet, familiar voice said.

Koreena stiffened under my touch. “Don’t forget me.” She whispered softly, almost desperately.

“I don't forget easily,” I murmured back, staring into her eyes, smiling gently.

I could see tears mixed with raindrops started to streak down her face. “Go, go save the world..” Her voice crack, and though she said to leave she didn’t release me.

Save the world? That was something I hoped for. Lightly, I laughed as I kissed her once in the head, then drew away. My eyes looked right, and I saw Morningstar himself there, three metres away and leaning against the wall, watching us. His eyes were dull, his skin crawling with crimson, and his hands cupped behind him. As our eyes met he raised an eyebrow, then he glanced at Kora.

“Can I have him back yet?”

Koreena twisted her head, her gaze falling on my brother. She glared at him, “if you must..” She turned back to me, her lips quickly claiming mine, an innocent kiss before she pulled back. “I’ll see you in due time.” She whispered.

“Unfortunately, I must,” he nodded as he pushed away from the wall, shoulders rolling back. He smiled at her in his eerily genuine pleasant way, but that which spoke of other conditions. Lifting a hand he gestured to me, pointing down the end of the alleyway. “Come, Charon.”

“I'll see you soon,” I muttered, as I kissed her back quick. Then, for a final time, I pulled away, knowing where my destiny lay. I gave her a final nod, before I twisted on my heel and began to head towards the man I had once hated with every fibre of my being. As I came close my brother's smile grew more genuine, and he stepped towards me, a hand settling on my shoulder.

“Take care of him, Morningstar!” I heard Koreena holler after me. A somber look that didn’t belong on her stunning face.

I gave her a fond wave over my shoulder as Morningstar let out a light laugh of amusement at her words. Then his grip at my shoulder tightened, there was a flash of light and we were away from the rain.

Quote:

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Second Part of Koreena and Charon ~fin~

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Kora and Charon Part 2: Patience, patience rewards

Professor Charles gains 1360 EXP and 160 GP.
sorrow-summit gains 1060 EXP and 150 GP.

sorrow-summit advances to level 2!

Congratulations, and enjoy your adventures on Althanas!

Rewards added.