Post originally by Character_Morlis Desiderio

When the humans burned his home on Brumgrad to the ground and he was forced to move his family back to Italy he had not looked beyond that. As far as he was concerned Italy had proven to be the place where he had always been happiest so it was no surprise to anyone when he settled down there and did not seek out yet another realm to explore, to build a villa in and leave his mark upon. Antonio chose to return to Eternelle Lune with his concubine Rain, Sarine had disappeared weeks before the Brumgard Villa burned, and the other children were young enough that they went where he went. Medora had been gone traveling as well so that left only himself, his concubines Xantara and Tessa, and his youngest children returning to the Italian villa to make their home.

They were scattered but still connected, in spite of the different realms and timelines they existed in. Earth moved at a much faster pace than the realm of Eternelle Lune, Mystra Amor, or even Aleris. The younger children grew quickly, as far as their elder siblings were concerned, and they had just celebrated their 20th birthday when Antonio arrived alone from Eternelle Lune spouting stories of a new realm now accessible from Eternelle Lune. Not satisfied to remain at the Villa in the Eternal Empire his son and the Padrone of their Family wished financing to go to this realm and establish a home base for their family in this new realm of Aleris.

He gave it, naturally. He had the money to spare though no one ever really asked how he had amassed his fortune over the centuries, probably best that way. Rather than spend the time building a villa as he had done in all the other realms where they had established a home Antonio preferred to purchase an existing estate, promising Morlis his own wing. It took only a fraction of a second to deny his son's statement. A single bedchamber for when he visited would suffice having already decided that he and Tessa and Xantara would be remaining in Italy.

His eldest son had a vision and he knew it was time for Antonio to step into his role as Padrone of their family. He ruled in concert with the Patriarch (himself) and the Padrona whom Antonio had yet to name after the fiasco with Najia. In spite of this he knew Antonio often deferred to him, his presence hindering his son's ability to grow into his position. Not to mention he really just didn't want to move again. He was content in Terrafirma with Tessa and Tara and his children though he suspected the majority of his children would follow Antonio to Aleris.

Already Nio had spoken to his siblings of this new place, Sarine included. She was avoiding him and he didn't understand why, but he knew she had been around, knew Antonio had been in contact with her, and as the two had always been very close as children he knew where Antonio settled Sarine was soon to follow. About the same time as Antonio Ballade, the son of his estranged sister Cahira, had arrived seeking a haven, no doubt from his mother's nagging. Having grown up with both Antonio and Sarine it wasn't outside the realm of possibility that he would also seek out adventure in this new realm.

As for the younger children, Salome would no doubt follow right away having much of her mother's energy and innate curiosity. She was becoming bored at the Villa, something he had seen for some time, and would no doubt jump on the chance for a little excitement out from beneath her father's watchful eye. As for the others...it was hard to tell. All his children had the ability to travel, both in time and space, so it was entirely possible they would seek out their own adventures before settling anywhere. They were old enough to decide for themselves and he would always provide the means to make their every wish come true. His children were the sole reason that the nature of the demon had not completely taken over, why he had any sense of love and gentleness at all. Cahira had once provided that as well but since their falling out her influence was becoming less and less noticible.

That left only the matter of his sister, Medora. She had been traveling abroad when the villa burned and had indulged her desire to travel since then, always returning to the Italian villa to ensure he knew she was well. This new world could provide a new opportunity for her as well and as with the others, it was up to her to make it.

He would visit this Aleris upon occasion, he had no doubt, and his room would remain empty should Xantara wish to visit without him. It had been she who had played Mother to his younger children as neither Tessa nor Willow were overly maternal and would no doubt wish to check up on them but he fully intended to keep both Tessa and Xantara far too occupied to travel too often.

His children would have what they needed to build whatever life they wished in Aleris. It was simply up to them to see it through this time.

Post originally by Character_Morlis Desiderio

It was something of a running joke among his children and family, his lifestyle, the multitude of women who came and went in his life, most often at his impetuous whims. He was well aware how ridiculous his hedonistic nature seemed to the outside, the outrageous speculation and how he had amassed his fortune over the centuries as well as the sarcastic speculations about the potential unknown children he had scattered about the Italian countryside. He took it all in stride, rarely granting any notice to the jokes issued by his children. He wasn't above the occasional joke at the expense of one of his children in return though it was never meant maliciously, he simply gave as good as he got. In every aspect of his life. No matter their differences he loved his children above all else and when faced with a need or even just a simple desire of theirs he would strive to give it to them, whatever it was.

This time it was Salome who had made a deeply held wish known to him. Upon being presented with the possibility of traveling to this new world, Aleris, with Antonio she had sought him out to ask his advice on the matter and in the course of their conversation had revealed that she envied him and Antonio their concubines, their “toys”, as it were. Now there was nothing that said that concubines could only be kept by male Desiderios, none of the women had chosen to acquire one yet was all. Though one was about to get one.

After considering the options for acquiring his daughter a male concubine he settled upon a male imp of the same hellish caste as his own concubine and Salome's mother, Tessa. Few truly knew where and how he had acquired Tessa as few knew the depth of the demonic circles he moved in but there was one hellborn demon who could provide what he needed. For a price of course. Stativare de Ingis, the Daemogel grandson of the Morning Star himself had brokered his procurement of Tessa from the depths. She'd once belonged to Stativare as he ruled over the ring of hell she occupied and when she had transgressed and needed punishment it had been Morlis Static had given Tessa too for said punishment. It was only Morlis' actions in having children on Tessa that bound her to him so she could not be recalled.

As luck would have it there were usually a large number of Imps on level 7 who annoyed Stativare to the point that he would seek to banish them from the depths. This time there was one in particular who had drawn down the Daemogel's fury, one who had dared to attempt to touch the angelic human hybrid concubine under the rule of Hell's General. What was truly surprising was that this imp was not dead for his presumption and as he was not it led Morlis to believe his attempt to touch the one known as Eden had not been made in lust but something far more innocent.

When presented with the male imp known as Andras he knew he was perfect for his Salome. His skin was tinged a slight red much as the reddish bronze skin of the native american people were, his hair and eyes dark much like the men of their family and had the imp not been purely imp he might have suspected he was the offspring of his own incubus father. His daughter Salome was of the same caste of Imp as Andras thanks to her mother, Tessa, but she was also his daughter and thus half succubus which put her higher on the demonic food chain than Andras. Perfect for his daughters first toy.

Eying the male imp he nodded his acceptance of him.”He is acceptable, as is your price.” Stativare had no need for Morlis' money. He was a Prince of Hell and could acquire far more wealth than Morlis was capable of, no doubt. Rather Stativare dealt in information and loyalties. In Hell it is all about politics and hellish court intrigues, acquiring power and advantages without allowing his Father or Grandfather to become aware of it until he was ready to let them know. It was why he had acquired the angelic human hybrid now known as Eden, once called Chrysalis to those who knew her. The angelic half breeds were often hunted by On High and her willing allegiance to him gave him an advantage. It wasn't just Heaven who was concerned with the half breed races, however. He had heard a rumor that another race of half breed wasn't looked on too fondly by Lillith whom was well known to harbor a personal feud with Stativare.

Lillith was given the credit for being the Dark Mother of both the Incubus/Succubus caste of demon as well as the Vampiric race. Each was extremely powerful but each also had their downfalls, their weaknesses. When the two races bred they lost many of their weaknesses and were not as bound to the will of the Dark Mother. Usually this was not a concern as the majority of the vampirics could not breed without help but there was the occasional vampire who sought out magical aide in either birthing or fathering a child. Such a thing on its own was frowned upon and the resultant children often exterminated on Lillith's command. Possessing such a hybrid would only add to the Daemogel's status and chap Lillith's ass all at the same time. It also allowed him to gain a certain measure of revenge upon a hybrid princess who had recently wounded his son with her actions. Yes he had considered her his own but Antonio was his first born son. Period.

”Her name is Najia Ambrose. She is of the family of Syre, the one who are kin to the family you were once a part of, the Stryfe, and is living with her Aunt, Divasyre in the realm of Mystra Amor. Her mother is a succubus created by me, her father the vampiric Prince of Syre who used magics no doubt forbidden to him to impregnate the succubus.”

Whatever he did with Najia he did not care as he knew the daemogel well enough to know he wouldn't harm her so long as she obeyed. He would do whatever he wished with her, however. The fact she was a Princess would mean nothing to Hell's General. Knowing Najia she would no doubt rebel but that wasn't his problem any longer. She chose to spurn her home among his family along with the affections and loyalty of his son whom had made her the Padrona of their family only to have her abandon him. No one would ever know he had given Stativare the information about Najia he needed to seek the girl out. No one knew of his association with Stativare either.

”I would enjoy hearing what transpires with the girl once you've acquired her should you decide she is worthy, and you will.”

Their business concluded he and the daemogel parted ways, the male imp Andras following him through the portal, his hands still bound in the restraints placed there by Stativare. It was to the villa in Italy that they returned as Salome had yet to make the move to Aleris and leading her to her bedroom he was gratified to see the room was empty. Facing the shorter man he eyed the imp and as he watched a mark burned itself into the skin of the imp over his heart, that of the Desiderio crest with Salome's name entwined with the serpent that coiled up the stem of the black rose. Once the mark was in place the restraints fell away, the mark itself lowjacking the concubine, as it were.

”You are to belong to my daughter, Salome Desiderio. As her concubine you will obey her in all things, keeping yourself for her and her alone unless she chooses to share her with another. You will now be known as Andras Desiderio. Our surname will ensure no one will presume to molest you as it marks you as belonging to this family. Now, get in that bed and wait for your mistress and remember, it is in your best interest to see that you please her.”

Recognizing how fortunate he was to be given to this man as a gift for his daughter rather than remain in the depths waiting for Stativare to devise a more brutal punishment for him the male imp bowed his head in acquiescence and went to the bed draped in black satin sheets piled high with deep purple pillows and climbed atop it to drape himself sensually over the surface. Nodding his approval he departed the room, leaving Andras there to greet his daughter alone.

Surprise.

It seemed like forever since the night she’d talked with her father about things. And well to hit him up for presents, who could blame her after all. She was well a girl and his daughter which was why she knew he was exceedingly generous when he wanted to be. She also knew that he’d let her off easily for trashing the gardens so haphazardly. Having stated he’d have Tony oversee and look after her training, she’d endavoured to stay out of Tony’s eyesight so he couldn’t do that. Prefering her wild ways for the time being it suited her fine.



Blame her parents after all for making her the way that she was. Now that she’d spent a little bit of time cooling off and getting her head back on. Parts of her were changing and with that came new thoughts, new actions. Laying by the pond bare as a jaybird she looked at her reflection. The soft purple tone of her flesh, the streaks of purple in her hair the small tail resting on her thighs. She sighed and sprawled out, the light silvery dress she’d worn out of the house lay beside her along with her slippers. Again she’d abstained the undergarments as they bothered the unholy hell out of her. Curious eyes were reflected in the water in those multi toned hues.



Curious and yet playful like a kitten she rolled off her little pirch feeling the shift in the air about the villa which meant that Daddy or Tony was home. Gathering one side of her bangs together she braided it then did the same tieing the two braided bangs back with a ribbon. Short wisps caressed along her temples and cheeks where as the rest of her hair hung in waves of swaying dark hair with the gentle soft purple streaks.



Smiling the dress was slid on falling to just past her ass and little slippers toed into as with a scurry she headed into the house. “Daddy? Tony? Who’s home!” She called out looking around smiling all the while. Her steps light be it with a more defined sway to her hips and ass. Lately she’d become a lot more proud of her little body and flaunted it a lot more shamelessly. Mind you she wasn’t quite as bad as her mother as she wore something, just well not much. Tessa preferred her nudity or robes that were revealing at all times. And currently she was missing several as her daughter had snatched them while she was away with daddy.



That father had already found her a toy was oblivious to the girl as she wandered around the house to find which of the elder males had returned. Tessa was found sprawled out rubbing lotion into her body and little fingers poked at her tits. “Hi mom, who’s home do you know? “She asked rather thinking it was funny watching Tessa give dirty looks at being called mom. Tara on the other hand entered the room. “I made cookies, Salome. And saw that all your father’s favorites were made. Do be a darling and go eat something, I’m sure that Master will be along.” Of a lot of people the older woman seemed to always know what was going on. Friends with all the servants she always seemed happy working as well as serving her father.



“Tara how old are you anyways? I mean you’re like a lot older then a lot of Daddy’s women. “ A rueful smile etched it’s way onto the blonde’s lips. “Old enough to excect I’ll soon be replaced. I’ll be 40 in a few weeks.” She murmured and dropped into that formal bow of a slave to a lady before requesting to leave the room with her head down and back bowed. Her arms extended over her head with palms up. Watching on there was little that Sal could do besides let the woman go about things with a gentle permission granted.



Heading for the kitchen she went to go find those spoken of cookies. Sweets and candy weren’t her thing normally, but she’d hate to upset the other woman that had always been well motherly to her. Smiling she grabbed a cookie and caught father’s scent. A slow whimpered moan parted her lips and she scampered for the bathroom. Figuring a long bath would be nice. Sending a servant to her room to find her maid and make her bring the oils and lotions she favored.



Several moments passed before she heard the door open, submerged by now she shifted her a few wayward strands of hair out of the way and commanded in a regal tone. “Bathe me. “ Not aware that it wasn’t the maid daddy had given her to see to little things but something or rather some one else. Strong hands gripped her small shoulders massaging the soft scent of cherry blossoms that was her oil and perfumes into her skin. Her low soft moans parted and thighs did as well as she simply let what she assumed to be her maid to tend to her. The hands drifting over her body little by little rubbing in the oils , scrubbing her skin with the sweet perfumed soaps then using fresh water to clean her long hair.



All the while her body responded, reacted as if invisible hands were touching her in places that left her panting low. Her imagination was working overtime especially since her usually chatty made was so silent in her work that night. Who was she to complain as she squirmed and almost withered in the tub.It seemed a suprise, shock or something more was in store for the little halfling.

Unbeknownst to the rest of the family she had accompanied Antonio on one of his scouting trips to Aleris, the newly erected Eternelle Lune Gateway granting them entrance to the burgeoning realm. It had been her intention to return to the family and claim her position as Padrona from the moment she left and sought out her mother, Desiree. If the family was going to make yet another home in this new realm she wished to have a hand in the choosing of said home. Antonio wished to buy rather than build and she couldn't fault the wisdom in that considering how the last villa built by their family had ended up.

They acquired rooms at one of the more upscale Inns within Grand City and spent the next week exploring Grand City itself as well as the cities nearby. Antonio preferred North Jade City but her preference was clearly Chaliceton and the estate they inspected there. It was huge, large enough for their family and then some with sprawling grounds and gardens and even a small hedge maze behind the grand manse. It was her pick for sure but the final choice was up to Antonio though they were in agreement that whatever city or estate was chosen it would be within the lands of the Spring Goddess, Aurora. Hardly surprising as it seemed the popular choice for all the denizens of the vast realm of Aleris.

A single week of freedom had been all she was able to barter from her Mother and she enjoyed that week to the fullest. Life with Desiree meant constantly being watched, followed, judged. There were eyes everywhere and her loyalties were constantly in question, every action inspected to ensure there were no ulterior motives that might ultimately harm Desiree. Unfortunately for them all that was exactly her intentions. Everything she did served the ultimate purpose of destroying Desiree and the threat she posed to her family and claiming her power for her own. It was a continuous dance across a tight rope and until recently she had walked it with effortless precision. Distractions could prove fatal and her family, certain members of it specifically, were proving to be the biggest of all distractions. Logic dictated that she should not have re-established contact with them until this was all over with but knowing Antonio was in Italy had spurned her to seek them out and now he refused to allow her to vanish again and he was now the only one who knew what she was up too.

The week was over far too soon for her liking and they were traveling back through the Outer Gate of Eternelle Lune into the Eternal Empire and from there back to Italy where their Father and siblings waited to hear about Antonio's findings. They parted ways in the garden behind the villa where the portal from Eternelle Lune was housed, he to report what he found to the others and to begin the process of purchasing whatever estate he chose and see to the moving of those who wished to go with him, she back to her life with Desiree. It was for the best that she not go in. Morlis was under close scrutiny by his ex-wife and should she spot him with Sarine she would know that the girl had lied to her about her feelings for her family and it would all blow up in her face. As it was she had been forced to become even mor evasive, even more vague, her every move executed carefully and with a level of paranoia she soon became to resent.

Shouting could be heard coming from the cottage Desiree rented, becoming louder the closer she got to the structure. Someone had obviously upset the temperamental demoness and a soft smirk touched to her lips as her mind slowly shifted back into the mindset necessary to navigate the shark infested waters that was life within her mother's household. Slipping undetected into the cottage she quickly retired to her room where she bathed and dressed, the clothing she'd been wearing sent immediately to be washed. Antonio's scent might still have lingered on her clothing from their parting embrace and should Desiree scent it and make the connection all would be lost. She had just finished dressing with a cursory knock was delivered to her door before it was flung open with an imperious shove of Desiree's hand.

”It's about time you returned, Sarine.”

Desiree's caustic words were delivered to Sarine's back as the younger woman had yet to turn from her vanity mirror to greet her mother, her right hand rising to negligently tuck a negligent strand of dark hair back behind her ear as she inspected her reflection. Her indifference was carefully calculated to convey to Desiree that her words meant very little to her daughter, their interaction a continuous struggle to establish who was the dominant female. It wasn't easy maintaining her independence from Desiree's will without raising the older woman's suspicions but no matter what she stood to gain from all of this, she would be no one's doormat.

”Careful Mother, you almost sound as if you missed me.”

The sound of her voice was pleasant, bordering on being overly sweet, as she covertly taunted her mother, the very act of calling her “Mother” enough to cause Desiree's teeth to gnash. Given their demonic race Desiree appeared no older than the daughter she had birthed 23 years prior ad was quite vain all on her own. It was enough to cause Sarine to contemplate having her own children just so she could teach them to call Desiree “Grandma”. Almost.

Turning to face her obviously annoyed mother it wasn't the anger in her eyes that caught her attention but rather the older man standing behind her. Rising gracefully to her feet upon realizing they were not alone she let an imperious brow raise as her questioning gaze shifted back to her mother. The weight of the man's gaze was fixed upon her, the aura of magic around him palpable. Instinct warned her this man was dangerous, his eyes were too knowing when they fixed her.

”I don't recall welcoming anyone else into my bedchamber, nor you for that matter. Care to explain why you have brought him here?”

To any other she would have sounded hostile, blatantly rude, but between the two of them this was as civil as it got. Neither held any true affection for the other, their relationship beginning and ending with what they hoped to gain from the other. The strange man found her rude, there was no doubt about that in the mild distaste he wore on his face, his disapproval of her actions obvious and the knowledge drew a light smirk to her lips.

Arms crossed loosely in front of her as she waited for Desiree to explain herself all the while silently reminding herself she had only to put up with all of this for another week. A promise had been given that she would return on Samhain. If not Antonio had vowed to seek her out and extricate her from this situation himself. One more week and this would be over, Desiree would be dead, and she would be able to return to her family the sorceress she should have been all along. Soothing images of Desiree's lifeless and drained body at her feet were interrupted by the demoness in question and her obvious annoyance with her daughter.

”You only have a week to prepare yourself for the ritual on All Hallow's Eve. Thanks to the little vacation you insisted you take I have my concerns that you won't be prepared so I have asked a long time friend of mine to come here and ensure you are fully prepared. He will be tutoring you daily for the rest of the week. His name is Lothanos. Lothanos, my daughter, Sarine.”

The name set off warning bells in the back of her mind as she struggled to remember why this man was someone to be concerned with, to remember where she had heard of him. None of this showed on her face however, her features remaining cool and slightly indifferent as he moved to stand next to Desiree, the disapproving stare he had fixed on Sarine's face slipping to eye the beaded pendant that hung about her neck down between her breasts. It wasn't her cleavage he was inspecting though, it was the stone amulet, the one Antonio had crafted to allow him to always keep tabs on her, to find her if need be and to alert him if she were in danger. It was his interest in the necklace that brought the realization of just who this man was. The mage that had once been Antonio's mentor, the one who had used her brother's magic and skill to craft Rain. He was a criminal in parts of the magical community and an over all dick in general, not to mention he and Antonio had a long standing issue with one another over the mans deceitful behavior and treatment of Rain.

There was no hiding who she was so didn't even bother to try, this man knew who Antonio was, knew who his family was, and had no doubt sought out Desiree for that very reason, a fact Desiree was probably unaware of. Should she seek out Antonio in the dreamscape and warn him? He might try to force her to leave if he knew Lothanos was now in the picture. He may even dispatch the man before the night of the ritual. Whatever she decided to do she had to make damn good and sure this man knew nothing about it and though her mind moved swiftly to determine her next course of action she responded only with a cool smile and ever so slight inclination of her head in acknowledgment of their little arrangement.

”I fear your time will be wasted, Lothanos. I am quite prepared.”

His only response to her words was a disbelieving smirk before turning to follow Desiree from the room after the older woman instructed Sarine to be ready at dusk the next day whether she liked it or not. Things just became far more complicated. This was going to be more fun than she thought.

Post originally by Character_Medora

Rumors hounded her throughout her travels through Mystra Amor when she returned to it from time to time after visiting other realms. She lacked in so much where others of the family shone. They had been so many places, locations she knew little of. Just reading about places didn't do it anymore for the young Amazon woman. She longed to go see them for herself. What era these places were in didn't matter, be they currently existing now or mere ruins. She longed to see the world, so that's what she had done. Naturally she'd had Morlis' blessing and she most likely wouldn't have gone without it.

She'd made it all the way to the tundra when word reached her of so many dieing. To escape the plague, she had remained in the tundra for a little while until she found a way back to Brumgard. Sailing was still brand new to her, for she had done it only a few times. Still, the journey had been long and arduous. Her poor horse barely made it through the ocean voyage. Once ashore, she had to find a place to nurse her horse back to health, so a kind man by the name of Eldan had allowed her to stay as a guest in his home for a couple weeks.

It was Eldan who told her of the destruction going on. Without hesitation, she hurried to Brumgard to find out just what had become of the villa there. Dismay and disbelief hit her first as she stared down at the burned out husk of her former home. Worry, guilt, concern, anger, and finally rage consumed her. A scream would've torn from her throat had she not feared being discovered by the humans crawling around in the area. There were many of them and she had only her warrior skills. It might have been possible for her to kill some of them, but she would've risked being captured or killed herself.

There was nothing left.

Unsure of who might have died or who might have survived, she turned her horse and headed immediately for the portal that would take her to Eternelle Lune. Once through it, she went straight to Italy to see if anyone was there. Word was people were going to Aleris, so that's where she headed after only a brief pause at the villa to clean herself up, pack a few things, and then leave again. Following behind one group, she arrived at the Embassy, but she didn't stay there long.

After a brief look around, and managing to get a map of Aleris, she headed onward, desperately wanting to find anyone from the family at all. She -had- to know they were alright. Deep within, she feared the worst, that someone might be dead, but she also knew that Morlis would care for everyone and see as many as possible to safety.

In light of her fears, she continued heading towards Grand City, hoping to find her family.

(TBC)

Post originally by Character_Ariadne Desiderio

"We'd be so less fragile if we were made from metal, and our hearts from iron -- and our minds from steel.
If we built an army full of tender bodies, could we love each other? Would we stop to feel?"

Ariadne didn't have a normal childhood. Come to think of it, she didn't have a normal anything. She spent most of her childhood alone, raised by those that her mother chose. Most of them were peasant women and other children just as special as she was. It never occured to Ari why this was happening. She saw them as companions and playmates. They took good care of her when her mother could not.

However, no one would tell her why or what was going on. So as time went on, she thought less and less about asking or figuring anything out. It wasn't until the cusp of her thirteenth birthday that things began changing, and rapidly.

While bathing one morning, Ariadne noticed small bumps along her back and down her hips, and the same kind of bumps appearing around the upper parts of her arms. Panicked, she called for one of the women and began scratching at the bumps until they bled. She was covered in blood and in tears when the door flew open and one of the maids came in with a startled sound.[/color]

"Get them off! Get them off!" Ariadne cried, her voice cracked and she moved to stand in the bloodstained water. "What's happening, Ilde?" Wide, crystalline eyes pleaded with the woman as she tried to calm the girl.

"Shh. Shh, darling. Hold still." Ilde didn't seem nearly as spooked as Ariadne was, and the woman knelt at her side and reached up carefully to one of the bumps. With nimble fingers, she pulled what seemed to be a thin, opalescent feater from Ariadne's skin. It was caked with blood, but the sheen of the feather was like that of the inside of an oyster shell. Before Ilde could hide it, Ariadne saw it and her brows furrowed and a look of horror passed across her features.

"What is THAT?!" Her voice rose slightly and she reached out and snatched the feather. The fact that she was nude and covered in blood moved to the back of her mind.

"Ari, I believe it's time we have a talk. I was hoping it would be your mother who told you this, but she's very ill and cannot. She had told me when it was time, I would know and then I could tell you."

The words went in one ear and kind of got lost as the tears brimmed in her eyes. Soon, she winced and reached up to her face and when she brought her hand away she came away with more blood. A sigh from Ilde, and the woman stepped closer to the shaking girl and again with a careful touch, she pulled the small, glimmering stone from Ariadne's cheek. It was a perfectly clear diamond. A small gasp came from the girl as she looked from the stone to Ilde and back to the stone. "What.. what's going on?" She asked in a soft, almost childlike voice.

"You are very special, my child. In fact, you shouldn't have even been able to exist." Blunt, Ilde noticed the look on Ariadne's face when she said that and the woman cradled the girl's face in her hands. "But you do, and we are very happy about it. Know that." She smiled softly, "Your mother.. Your mother is an Angel. A very special kind of angel, the last of her kind."

Furrowing her brows once again, Ariadne looked at Ilde in disbelief. "I would know if she was like that.. You're lying to me. What am I?" She tried pulling away, but Ilde held fast.

"You must believe me, child. Your mother is not around because she is very ill. She was punished for what she had done, but know that she says everything was worth it. You are a miracle, Ariadne. And your mother wants the best life for you, know that as well." Reaching up, she combed her fingers through Ariadne's onyx tresses.

"An-an..angel? I don't understand. How? I didn't think they existed." The question brought a slight laugh from Ilde.

"Yes, they exist. However, I have never heard of one having a child before. The angelic males can with human women... but to have an angelic female have a child.. I have never heard of it." Ilde dropped her hands and explained. Ariadne always knew she was different, and now she knew why. However, she still couldn't wrap her head around this information. Stepping out of the bath, she grabbed a towel and quickly left the room, not caring about the blood.

When she was gone, Ilde sighed and shook her head before looking at the diamond in her hand. Slight pressure between her fingers and the diamond shattered into near dust. This was more complicated than she knew.

** Five years later **

Standing in front of the full length mirror in her mother's chambers, Ariadne turned this way and that, looking at the feathers that all but covered her back in intricate designs. They weren't 'wings' persay, but they were something. There was a scattering of darker feathers that looked as if they ran through an oil slick. Still opalescent, but black. The same black feathers were interwoven into her hair as it laid in twists and braids before falling down her back and over her shoulders. Upon further inspection, much of her hair was feathers.

"Ariadne, I need to tell you something." Came her mother's bell-like voice, Though it sounded as tired as the woman looked. Even though physically, she looked no older than her eighteen-year-old daughter.

A slight crease of her brows, she turned those startling clear-blue eyes up at her mother's reflection in the mirror. "What is it, mother?" Finally she turned, and the backless dress she wore billowed around her like something alive. Something that had a mind of its own. She moved toward the side of the bed her mother had been in for what seemed to be years. Her skin was darker than her mothers, yet flawless. Sitting on the edge of the chair she often spent days at a time in, she reached and grasped her mother's hand and gently twined her fingers with her mother's.

"I know you can sense it, and I know you expect it.. but I don't think I'll be here much longer. I can feel it." She was dying, slowly. She had been since the moment Ariadne was born. It was her punishment, the excrusiating pain of aging and turning human all at once. Scattered on the bed was the remains of Grace's wings. Some of them were caked with dried blood from being ripped out, some were dull and lifeless. Over the last eighteen years, she had fallen more and more out of grace, hence her name.

Those same tears began welling in Ariadne's eyes, and she had learned to ignore the pain as the diamonds fell from her eyes and before they hit the ground, they shattered into powder. Nodding her head, "I know. I know.. but I don't want you to."

A slight laugh came from Grace before she coughed. Her mother never had a real name, she just adopted that one. "I know you do not wish this, my child. But it must happen. You're grown and you're so beautiful." The smile that crossed Grace's features was brilliant despite the situation. "But you are not safe here once I go. As you were told, you should never have been able to be born and there are people who would do anything to make sure you do not repeat the mistake they think I made." Releasing her daughters hand, she rolls away from the girl and reaches across the bed to the nightstand and into the drawer.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that once I am gone, I can no longer protect you." Grace had been using what energy she could to sheild Ariadne's existence from everyone outside the home. To them, she was just a normal child. But once she died, those protection spells would no longer work. A letter was pulled out. Two letters, actually. "I need to go seek out your f.." Grace stopped and sighed. "A friend of mine, a close friend of mine. He should be able to set in place protections for you, or a place to stay where you will be safe. One of these is a map to the portal that will lead you to him, and the other is a letter you are not to open. Give it to him and if he chooses to explain, he will. But tell him who you are and hopefully he will help you. It's the only thing I can do, my love." Grace would be surprised if she survived the night. Once Ariadne took the letters, Grace grasped her daughter's hands in her own. "Know that I love you, Ariadne. I always have, and no matter where I go when I leave here.. I will always be with you. And I'm so sorry I kept so much from you. But it is for your own good, trust me in that." A deep sigh and she smiled tiredly up at her daughter. "You should go quickly, I do not wish you harm."

Ariadne couldn't help but cry. She knew her mother had not always been there for her, but in her heart she felt that everything she did, she did for a reason and Ari was thankful for the life she was given. "I will send word when I arrive, I promise. Please hold on, mother. Please." She brought her mother's hand up and cradled her cheek in it. Ariadne had never been too good with strong emotions and this was rough on her. Standing, she clutched the letters to her chest and bent to place a kiss to Grace's forehead. "I love you, mother. Know that. And know that I do not blame you for anything. You did what you had to do and I am thankful for what you have been able to give me. I will go, as you wish, but know I will come back for you." She promised before she reluctantly left her mother's side to go and pack her belongings.

"I know you will.. but I will not be here." Grace said in a whisper as she let her head lilt to the side. Her own tears spilled like diamonds onto the pillow. The diamonds did not shatter like her daughters.

Ariadne was not pure, Grace knew that but she could not bring herself to tell her daughter who or what her father was.

* * *

Packing came easy for the girl. Mostly light, flowing gowns. Anything that left her back bare, though through glamour, the feathers and designs were hidden. When everything was together, she stared at it for a moment before sighing. Ilde came in and hugged Ariadne and the girl smiled and hugged back. "Thank you, Ilde. For everything."

"You are welcome, child." She kissed her cheek. Ilde knew that this time would come, and it meant Grace would be gone soon. "Have a save travels and please keep in touch." Ilde removed the locket from around her neck and placed it around Ariadne's. It had pictures of her and Ariadne, and one of Ariadne and her mother when she was a baby. Reaching up, Ariadne gripped the locket and smiled, hugging Ilde one more time before she gathered what she had and left.

It would be a days walk to the portal listed on the map. The other letter was securely placed in the corset she wore. Reaching up, she brushed the onyx locks from her eyes as she looked around. Upon arriving to the portal, Ariadne looked at it with confusion before she looked down at the paper she held.

She was scared to step through, but finally she did once she opened the portal itself and soon, she was gone and everything would change.

* * *

Grace felt when her daughter passed through the portal to Italy. To Morlis' villa. She knew she should have warned him first, but she could not. The powers that cursed her to die did not know about him. At least not who he was, and she was protecting him as well.

The moment she felt her daughter cross dimentions, her body shook gently and she gripped Ilde's hand as the woman sat at her side. "Goodbye, my friend. Thank you." A sad smile and Grace took her last breath and went still with her friend and confidante crying at her side.

* * *

Once Ariadne stepped foot on the other side, she stumbled and her hand went to her head as it felt like she would be ill and fall down. Resting against a tree, she waited for it to pass. But she noticed something. The glamour that conceiled her was gone. Her dark skin glowed faintly and the feathers were back in those beautiful designs on her back and over her right shoulder and down her arm. Her hair was in its usual arrangement of twists and braids and trailed well over her shoulders and just past her busy in those feathered waves. She always thought it was strange to have feathers perminately in her hair.

Stepping forward, she let her heeled boots sink into the ground as she walked. She was just on the outskirts of a grand villa and she double checked the map to see if it was where she needed to be. The skirt she wore billowed around her before she continued on and headed for what seemed to be the entrance, not knowing who or what to expect. But if they were a friend of her mother's...

Chewing on her lower lip, she turned those crystalline eyes around. Something felt familiar here, and she wasn't sure what it was exactly. A slight furrow to her brows and she finally made it to the door -- once she found it. Raising her hand, she knocked and hoped.. no, prayed that someone was there and could help her. Feeling lost was something she hated. Being vulnerable at all was unfavorable to the girl.

Little did she know what kind of surprise she was in for.

Post originally by Character_Morlis Desiderio

A knock sounded upon the door of his private workroom and raising his head from Tessa's neck he trained his dark eyes on the entrance and called out for whomever was on the other side to enter and present themselves. The servant that entered seemed a bit more nervous than usual as she eased the door closed behind her and approached the desk he sat behind, his imp concubine and mother of his twins sitting on his lap. A single brow rose as he eyed the uneasy girl, waiting silently for her to speak and explain why she was there. When she seemed incapable of finding her courage he sighed in exasperation.

”Find your tongue girl or leave me be. Did you have something you needed to tell me?”

Flushing crimson at his chastisement the girl nodded and did her best to appear composed as she finally explained the multiple reasons she had sought him out. ”I apologize Lord Morlis. You wished to know when your daughter discovered the concubine you left in her chambers. Miss Salome is with Andras now.”

A smile replaced the look of annoyance that had darkened his features, images of Salome's reaction when she figured out what he'd done floating through his mind. He almost wished he would be able to see the expression on her face when she first saw him. Realizing the serving girl had something more to say he indicated she should continue with a quick gesture of his hand.

”Oh. Well there are two things actually. There is a girl here, downstairs, who wishes to see you. She says her name is Ariadne and her mother, Grace, sent her to you. She has a letter she insists only you can see.”

Genuine surprise showed in his dark eyes as she explained the girl waiting to see him downstairs. The names struck an almost forgotten cord in his memory as images of the child Ariadne had been came rushing to the forefront of his thoughts, the little girl of his one time, albeit brief, lover Grace. An angel hiding from punishment from On High he had been drawn to her instantly, the fallen angels always attracted him and demons often viewed any type of conquest of them as something of a trophy. He'd liked Grace though and had offered her the protection of his household so long ago. She had declined for her own reasons and soon after they had parted ways. Now here was her daughter, no doubt all grown up.

”You said there were two things. What is the second matter?”

Again the girl seemed to become uneasy as if knowing what she was about to say would anger him but to her credit she did not cower but rather faced his potential anger head on. ”While you were out acquiring Andras today your sister, Miss Medora, returned to the Villa. She spoke to no one, simply went to her chambers, dressed, and departed again. One of the other servants heard her asking about the realm Aleris and it is believed she traveled there upon departing here. It seemed she was under the impression the entire family had gone there and left before anyone could tell her you were still here.”

His fondness for his sister was well known and the girl seemed to brace for his outburst. Medora had been gone for months and months without word of where she was or if she was alright and the day she returned to his home the servants let her just walk away again. Damn. Moving swiftly he rose up with Tessa in his arms and set her on her feet, his left hand delivering a slap to her ass as he sent her off. ”Go find Xantara, my love. I will join you both later.”

The succubus concubine would keep the imp concubine out of trouble for the time being and as she left the room to do as he instructed he returned his gaze to the serving girl. He knew she was not the one responsible and appreciated that she had been brave enough to come to him with the news rather than just leave him clueless about Medora's arrival and subsequent departure. Returning to his seated position he took out a piece of parchment and pen and began to quickly compose a letter to his son, Antonio. Antonio was already back in Aleris to finalize the purchase of the new estate if he could ever decide on one. It was quick and to the point, explaining that Medora was now in Aleris without any knowledge of the families whereabouts. Folding the letter he sealed it and handed it to the servant.

”You were right to come and inform me of this, Patrice. Go now and find one of the stable hands who tend to Medora's horses, one who knows her well. Make sure he has sufficient gold and send him through the portal in the garden to Eternelle Lune and from there to Aleris. The name of the Inn Padrone Antonio is staying in is written on the front of the letter along with his name. Someone at the Embassy can point him towards Grand City. Make sure he puts this letter directly into Antonio's hands and tell him he is to remain behind to help Antonio locate Medora until he is dismissed.”

Relief shone in her gaze as she realized that he wasn't going to punish her for the oversight and was even trusting her with something as important as sending a messenger to his son. Clasping the letter to her breast she nodded her head quickly. ”Yes my Lord, and the girl? Shall I send her to you or do you wish me to place her in a room until you are ready?”

The servant's words drew him to a halt as his thoughts returned to the girl he had almost forgotten in his concern over his sister. ”Send her to me on your way to the stables.”

A quick curtsy and the servant was gone, rushing to do his bidding in her relief over not suffering the punishment for those who had been negligent in informing his sister that Morlis was in residence at the Italian Villa before she departed. A few minutes later a soft knock came at the door of his chambers and again his voice called out to bid them enter, his eyes fixed on the door as he awaited his first glimpse of Ariadne in years. He wasn't disappointed and smiled at the sight of the woman who looked much like her mother, the feathered hair of particular interest to him as he recalled Grace explaining just who, and what, Ariadne's father had been. Pushing up from the desk he had leaned against to await her arrival he approached the girl with a smile.

”Ariadne...I haven't seen you since you were 2 years old. You probably don't remember me but I remember you quite well. You are as stunning as I knew you would become.”

His words came to a halt just as he paused in front of her, the warm greeting hopefully putting the girl at ease in his home as she seemed somewhat...tense. Extending his hand for the letter she held clutched in her own he waited patiently until she handed it over to him. Turning to walk back towards his desk he sat in one of the two chairs arranged in front of it rather than taking the single seat behind it and gestured for her to join him.

”Please have a seat, Ari. I can only hope all is well with your mother though I am afraid if you are here that is not the case.”

Ariadne sat as he broke the seal on the letter and began to read, his assumption that something was wrong proven correct as he read the words written in the fallen angel's elegant script. She was dying, was probably already dead if her words were any indication, and needed protection for her daughter. Angel hybrids were often hunted when left to their own devices without someone strong enough to protect them and she feared Ariadne would suffer the same fate should she be discovered. He had offered the protection of his family to Grace once before and she now called in the offer on behalf of her daughter. Saddened by the news but accepting that death would no doubt come for them all regardless of the promises of immortality he nodded gently and folded the letter away.

”You probably know your mother asks for your protection among my family. I was very fond of Grace and would not turn her daughter away. You are welcome here, in my home and among my family as one of us, for as long as you wish to remain. You may remain here in Italy if you wish or if you prefer you may travel to the home my son is establishing in a realm called Aleris. We also have holdings in Eternelle Lune should you decide to travel.”

It was a lot of information to digest at once and the girl had obviously had a tough time of it losing her mother so before he inundated her with all the details of his family he rose to his feet and clasping her hand drew her to her own. ”Come now, I will show you to your room here and let you get settled while you tell me about the events that led up to your appearance here.”

Post originally by Character_Ariadne Desiderio

Something in Ariadne fell away as soon as her mother took her last breath. As it turns out, Grace had supressed what her father was -- what he passed onto her daughter while she was alive, because she knew that not only would the ones On High seek to destroy her, she was the last of her kind and that meant there could potentially be a price on her by those who killed her father as well. Any sort of hybrid when it came to the Angelics were doomed to be hunted, they were abominations.

Luckily enough, Grace had moved them far away from the poachers and none were the wiser, she was crafty in her abilities, and she sacrificed her own life for that of her daughter, which in the end would grant her grace among them once more.

Self Sacrifice.

But as Ariadne followed the servant to where her mother's friend was, something was happening. She didn't exactly feel different, not completely anyway. But her appearance was changing. While before, only some of her hair was feathers, now all of it was. And they were a brilliant emerald green, as were her eyes. The complete change would be slow coming, her body wasn't used to it as of yet.

When she was let into the room, she saw Morlis, and the sense of familiarity hit her. She didn't remember his name, but she remembered what he looked like. And she remembered him by smell.

Comforting, like home.

He said her name, and she dipped into a curtsy, in polite fashion. Her mother taught her well. "Hello, Mr. Desiderio. It's really nice to see you again." When he took the letter from her, she followed behind him. He mentioned her mother, and she smiled. She often heard her mother speak to Ilde about him, always when she was hiding in the closet so no one could see her.

"I'm afraid she's already left us.." She spoke softly as her head tipped forward so she looked at her hands when she sat down. They wrung in her lap. "I could feel it when she went. And she sent me to you, that's when the realization hit me. Though, I will admit, it wasn't until just now that I knew where she sent me. She wouldn't tell me." She smiled as she looked up. Ariadne was sad that her mother was gone, and she would mourn in her own way. There was no doubt of that, but there was something about Morlis that set her at ease. His warm welcome of her helped even more.

"I thank you for your hospitality, sir. And I know how fond of you my mother was." She was being overwhelmed by information, but she was taking it all rather well. In the back of her mind, she knew something like this would happen. Ilde slipped a couple of times in leaking information to her. But, that didn't mean that it was any less of a shock to her. "I believe that she will be happy that you have given me a place in your family. I promise not to let you down or make you regret your decisions." She was very polite, and most of the time she was quiet. But she had a streak that hit her every so often, she could be like any other normal eighteen-year-old.

When he took her hand and brought her to her feet, it actually finally hit her. She'd never see her mother nor Ilde again. The two constants in her life were gone, and she was moving on to the next chapter. It took her a moment and she swooned on her feet before she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Morlis in silent tears. She fought hard for it not to happen, but even she couldn't hold it back anymore. The only sound that could be heard that showed that she was crying was the soft sounds of sniffles as she tried to catch her breath.

After a moment, she calmed enough so she could nod to him when he offered to show her to her room. "I apologize for that, sir. I don't know what came over me." She blushed lightly and it made the fine green downy feathers that lined her face stick out. "I know my mother has been sick for some time now. And she had been getting worse, and worse. Me and Ilde would be forever cleaning up feathers and bringing her tinicures and tonics. But I began noticing strangers coming around the house, and asking about her in town. Ilde told me to ignore them and not speak to them. Tell them nothing. I don't know who they were, but they spooked Ilde, which takes a lot. I know, I used to try and freak her out growing up." She smiled and chuckled softly. Reaching up, she brushed her hair over her shoulders. She tried to remember what went on that would have her mother ask for Morlis to protect her.

"I never knew my father.. Mom never spoke about him much. No pictures or letters, nothing. She never even really explained to me what would happen to me when I began to sprout these feathers when I was thirteen. I believe she was hiding something, but even as sick as she was, she wouldn't tell me." There was the slightest hint of resentment in her voice. It wasn't fair to her to have to go through this alone, let alone do it in such a fashon as this. "She spoke of you often, and to Ilde about what should be done should she die before she could do it herself." Pausing, Ariadne looked up at him. "I don't want bad things coming down on your family because of me.. I don't even understand why I need protection, no one can see the feathers aside from mother and Ilde.." She didn't realize that she had been changing since she arrived.

"I just.. I don't understand what it is about me that spooked my mother enough to let me now become a burdeon to you." She frowned just a bit, confused. She really had no idea what was going on.

Post originally by Character_Ballade Desiderio



"...god damn, this has to be the worst hangover ever."

He stared up at the ceiling of the lavish bedroom he was situated in; ever since showing up at the mansion's primary entrance a few weeks earlier, Ballade had been content to relax and enjoy the hospitality of his family. He couldn't understand why his mother had such a vehement dislike for the Desiderios, though it hardly mattered; despite the fact that she had condemned him for making the choice to visit him, he was still the son of Cahira -- and even if she disagreed with his decisions, he knew his mother still loved him.

Blinking twice, he finally leaned over the edge of the bed to stare at the pair of empty bottles that laid upon the carpet, before realizing one glass container was lined with the mauve smudge of lipstick; he tilted his head, and then glanced towards the bathroom, where steam was building up as the shower water became hotter and hotter. "Oh, right. That," he muttered with a sheepish grin, collapsing back onto the soft sheets of ivory silk. He laid there for a moment longer, those dark eyes of soft sea-green gleaming in the relative darkness of the room. Tattoos lined both well-built arms, and the center of a muscular back; all three were done in a tribal fashion, in ink so dark it appeared to practically absorb the light that illuminated it. Plumes of flame adorned his left arm, whilst jagged arcs of lightning wrapped around his right; what appeared to be ice or water was emblazoned down his spine, stopping just above his waist.

The red-haired beauty in the shower finally stepped out, wrapped in a soft, plush towel of expensive cotton, her soft tresses still damp as she moved over towards the bed and slid under the heavy comforter next to him. "It's cold! I took a shower, Ballade; hope you don't mind. I've never seen in-room hot water before -- you're really going to have to show me around this place," Allison exclaimed, still obviously marveling over technology that wasn't really understood, in the small village where she came from. Despite being beautiful, she really wasn't too bright. "Oh, and you've got a lot of family here, too. There were some of them gathered downstairs; I heard a girl named Ariadne, and a man named Morlis talking. Who are they, Ballade?" she asked, ever curious.

It puzzled him, how somebody so inquisitive could also be so naive; Allison still had no idea that he was anything but human, as was the case with most of his family.

"Well, darlin', you've got to understand that I'm fucking hungover. So, I'm a bit fuzzy on who Ariadne is -- probably a cousin, I've got about a million of 'em. As far as I'm concerned, she's not important right now. But Morlis, well -- that's my uncle. He's the head honcho of the family, pretty much, but it was Antonio who invited me to stay here. I was... well, you remember the assholes with the knives back in your village? I might've caught them cheating at cards and caused them to lose about half a million, which the casino owner gave me. If those jerks show up here, well... they'll be sorry they did," the rogue Desiderio explained, with a faint grin.

"Oh, Ballade! You never told me your family was so interesting, only that your mommy didn't want you staying with them," she cooed in reply, cuddling her lithe frame tightly against the muscles of his own. "Yeah, well. Mom disapproves of their lifestyle. Booze, babes, and lots of laziness on this side of the family, but to me, it's more like... appreciation of the finer things in life. Mom travels, and lives the life of a gypsy... that's just not for me. I need adventure... I want to see the world, to find places and treasures that nobody's ever seen before, and-" "And you want to fuck me while doing all that, right, Ballade?"

He hesitated, and almost froze. Allison wanted commitment. She wanted to be... a girlfriend.

"Of course, of course. All of it with you, Ally," he lied convincingly. She was too naive to even think he wasn't being truthful, and had she not been so young, he might've felt guilty. Whenever he decided he was bored with her, she'd rebound in no time. That, and her body -- from those plump, full breasts to the curve of her shapely hips -- was incredible enough that he wouldn't mind bringing her along on at least a few adventures, now that he was back home. "In fact, that reminds me; Antonio went to a place called Aleris, last I checked, to see about establishing an embassy for this realm there. Got to be a lot of fascinating places to visit, treasures to find, y'know?" Ballade suggested, as the voluptuous red-haired beauty ran slim fingers through his blonde spikes of hair.

"That'd be so much fun, Ballade! But first, don't you think we should visit your uncle? And... well, I think we should take a shower together, but I need to get dirty again first," Allison whispered, before lowering her head and ducking under the sheets. Ballade simply grinned, and looked back up at the ceiling.

"Best god damned hangover I've ever had..."