Post originally by Character_Antonio

Everything about him screamed slacker. The way he dressed, his usual aloof attitude, everything right down to how he often chose to stay in than leave his house. Those that really knew him were aware that whatever image he presented was almost a blatant lie in regard to his character. He dressed the way he did because he was too busy thinking about relevant things to really worry about some pressed shirts and stylish pants. As long as it covered his ass than it would do. As for the aloof attitude..well..he was usually preoccupied with a dozen different pursuits, and that really stole away from his focus on the present tense. It wasn’t uncommon for him to completely lose focus and drift off down a completely alternate thought path to what was actually going on around him. Aloof? No. Too motivated to pause and live in the moment? Definitely.

And as for his preferred lifestyle of staying at home, it was the one place that met all his needs. If he needed to practice and rework a new or pre-existing spell, he could. If he needed a place to sit and think without any outside distractions, than his home was ideal. With ambition being such a fire at his heels, whatever means most expediently helped him achieve his goals than that was the course of action he took. More often than not he was able to work best when he was somewhere familiar, somewhere with countless resources. There were times though that in order to take that next step in staying ahead of his own personal “curve” he had to venture out and make his judgments from his findings. Case and point..leaving the villa in Italy to find and acquire a new estate for the family.

Aleris was a large place to explore most definitely, but fortunately both the land as well as his own magical abilities made the massive continent easy to traverse. Those who had come with him had been given lodgings at one of the inns found inside Grand City. It just made the whole thing easier for him to search out potential estates without several family members in tow. In fact the only member of his family that he brought with him on his long treks was Sarine. He took all of his family into account while searching for a new home, but it was Sarine’s constant influence and “advice” about just what city to settle upon that helped along his final decision. Chaliceton.

A beautiful city built within a large forest clearing. At one point the flat land had been relatively small, but then one home became 2 and 2 became 10 and so on until the expansion of people forced a larger area to be clear cut. Now a massive expansive of forest housed a rather expensive looking city like an earth born fortress and that made the city very practical. Should problems ever arise as they did with the last estate than this time it would be seen coming. The particular estate that caught both his and Sarine’s eyes was set nearly 2 miles from the city itself. The closest neighbors to it were nearly a mile away in another highly priced manor. Apparently a volcano eruption in the north had destroyed the mining operation that the home owner used as his livelihood. With the mine gone the owner was forced to sell their estate, and so Antonio decided to act on opportunity before another buyer had the chance.

Because of the critical need for immediate funds, Antonio was able to haggle the price of the manor and get a far better deal than the original offer. Once the deal was done and the deed was in hand, Antonio had set about to tie up all lose ends. The family had to be contacted and informed. The funds that he had saved would be used to make any alterations the family desired for their personal spaces. As the estate stood at that moment though, it was quite satisfactory in his opinion.

Done in the style of a French colonial chateaux the estate stood 2 floors high with many large, elegant windows surrounding its solid stone exterior. It was very large, the main building itself covering nearly a full acre. Several smaller guest houses stood on the outskirts of the hedge maze as well as the front courtyard. All 4 guest houses held 3 bedrooms and 3 baths as well as a kitchen and a den. The main estate housed 6 bedrooms on the second floor, 5 on the first. Each bedroom had a bath, and there was also the main bath on the second floor. Yes. It was satisfactory to him..hopefully it would be the same for the others.

It was his final night sleeping at the inn before sending word to the family that not only had he found an estate, but they could also move right in. It was also Samhain, the day of Sarine’s return..at least that is what they agreed to. He would have been more prudent in realizing she was late had a letter not arrived telling him that Medora was in search of the family. Seeing to the matter of his family was an immediate necessity, and doing so meant he lost track of time. Messengers would take too long to reach their destination, and Medora was already so close that he decided to forego conventional communication and sent out a group summons to his family. A minor etching spell (writing out a message on his skin and having it appear on the skin of the intended recipients) is all it took, making sure that the words would clearly appear on the forearms of his family. And the message read as brief as possible.

”I’ve found the new estate. Come to Aleris. Come to Chaliceton in the east. 1 5/8 miles to the east of town. Get packing.”

The message was sent and as he washed the ink from his own forearm, staring out the window of his suite, he finally realized the hour. Sarine was late. As the black ink fell from his skin into the sink below he remembered what the agreement was. Should she not return by the night of Samhain that meant something was wrong and he was to come get her. He didn’t have to think about his next actions, as soon as the ink was clean he walked to the desk in the room and immediately began to unroll the numerous charts and maps he had. Quickly his eyes moved over it as he brought his hand above them and gashed his index finger with his thumb. Blood dripped from his flesh and fell to the paper, and he immediately commanded the vitae as it began to pool.

”Find Sarine. Is she in danger?”

Ambition had been pursued and his goal had been met. With the matter of the estate and summoning his family behind him..now it was time for the concern of his sister to sink in. Damnit, why did he ever agree to let her go with their mother?

Post originally by Character_Morlis Desiderio

In spite of the unusual circumstances surrounding her arrival Ariadne managed to settle into the Desiderio household and way of life with ease. She and Salome had taken to one another as well and had a burgeoning friendship it seemed. He expected word from Antonio any day and it was soon in coming, arriving only a few days after Ariadne, the inked script scrawling across his arm from thin air. Antonio and his spells, what was so wrong with a letter, anyway? Taking this as his cue he made the rounds of the villa and spoke with all of his children and his nephew with the purpose of assessing their interest in traveling to this new realm.

Salome, Ariadne, and Ilario were all ready and willing to head out and Ballade revealed he had already been considering traveling with Antonio to this new world. Or, at least he did once Morlis was able to pry him from the pile of chambermaids he found him in when he entered his bedchamber. He counted at least three but given the rather creative positions they were in it was hard to tell. It was no wonder the housekeeping had slacked lately. Carese was the only hold out, preferring instead to remain behind for a time more before leaving the Italian villa for a new world.

Already preparations were underway, bags were being packed, and arrangements were being made. It wasn't a lengthy trip given their ability to step through time and space, but there were still several steps to it and as always he sought to smooth the way. While his family saw to their own preparations two servants were sent ahead and after they traveled to Chaliceton to notify Antonio of his families imminent arrival they were instructed to return to the Eternal Embassy and wait at the Gateway for the rest of the family to arrive. He wanted someone there to assist them with their things who knew exactly how to get back to the Estate. All this contingent upon Antonio, of course. If he he had other plans or a better method the servants were to obey him implicitly as they would not be returning to the Italian Villa. This new estate would need servants and given all they had been through recently he wished his children surrounded by servants who could be trusted. Any others they took would most likely be their own personal servants and attendants.

With the time he had while the others were packing he retired to his private study to pen a letter to Antonio. It was a lengthy letter concerning several things such as an explanation about Ariadne and just who she was, asking that Antonio take her in as a member of the family as he had and look after her as he would the others. He also informed his son that word had reached him that his creation, Alidia Desiderio, was in Aleris and may be stopping by the Chaliceton estate to seek refuge. He left it to his son, the family Padrone, as to whether or not he would extend his hospitality. As far as the Aleris was concerned, Antonio ruled the Desiderio family as Padrone, Master. Yes, Morlis was their Patriarch and would always watch over them, but every monarch eventually passes along his crown and he was ready to do so.

Towards the end of the letter he encourages his son to seek a new Padrona to help him in caring for the family. Given the tempestuous nature of their family caring for the unruly lot could be a full time job. It made it far easier if there were two sets of eyes watching over them. He had a hunch that it would be his sister but he would leave it for Antonio to decide. He was his eldest, his heir, and he was leaving the decisions to him now.

The letter complete it was sealed and handed off to the third servant he intended to send to Aleris with his family. This one would travel with the family from the italian villa through the portal in the backyard that would open at the guarded nexus portal in Eternelle Lune. From there the portal keeper would send them through to the Gateway leading into Aleris at the Eternal Embassy where the other servants would be waiting. Everyone was packed and ready to go and as he saw his children off he again considered joining them, the excitement of a new world enough to draw him still, but his decision to remain in Italy held firm. It was the best course of action for him and his women. He knew he would have his own room large enough for him, Tessa, an Xantara should he wish to visit and he was certain he would, but their home would remain in Italy.

Let the next generation have this particular adventure.

The marking on her skin had been the beginning and the end really for the younger girl. Her hair pulled back along her spine as she went to work getting things together. Father had seen her about making sure she didn't forget things. Ari would probably be going with, and she looked forward to one more amusement along the way.  Her imp toy was already doing as she dictated with just a look. Running around packing her bags as she gathered things as well.

A miscellaneous rook sack pulled out from under her bed as she got her herbs and medical salves that Tara had taught her when she was little. She smiled sweetly in thought and would regret the blonde more then her mother. Tara was always nice, cooking and making treats even when she didn't really want or need them. The woman was domestic and well, Salome was definitely not.

Preferring to be a tad on the tomboyish at times side. She still despised if not all out loathed clothing which was why she refused to wear it as much as humanly possible. Her brother was around as well which gave her a small pause to smile and try to be more considerate. She wasn't sure what it was about the brother that was almost a twin to her and Carrie.. But he was that and as such she looked to him respectfully. Well sometimes anyways.

Antonio had gone off to get things ready and from the sounds of it things were set into motion. The question was, where was Sari..  She knew the woman had to be about somewhere which was why she'd find the older sister sooner or later, which turned her attention back to her packing.  Or rather her pet's packing for her which made her giggle as he made not a complaint although he deliberately was antagonizing her by walking around nude again. "Loincloth." She commanded with a point of her tapered fingernail towards the black fabric.  Her black dress was simplicity on itself because she refused to dress up. More a long flowing robe then anything else her little feet cuddled into shoes as her black hair streaked with purple shifted over towards the floating blue void minion.

It's growls were low as she knew damn well he hated the enslavement to one he thought was below him. A mere mixed blood creature neither imp nor succubus but both. She talked to it still and for the moment, for once dismissed it until she chose to summon it again, the bounds of slavery would remain there but his anger would probably double. Not wishing to really deal with the void walker, she walked about her room. It wasn't empty but her special things were packed,  or duplicated at least for the room that she'd have in Tony's house.

The only real sad thing for her, was her parents weren't going. For all her bravado, she adored her parents, truly she did. Which was why when most just went off to start the adventure, she went to her father's office and crawled onto his lap once more. Hugging Morlis tightly she'd nuzzle her cheek to his chest almost child like for at least a moment or two. "I wish you and your ladies would come with Daddy. It will be lonely without you." She spoke quietly her eyes speaking volumes though.

She genuinely worried and cared about the elder demon despite her occasional bash on pop syndrome. It ran in the family after all, who was she to resist. It was only when he hugged then set her aside did she listen to his words of it being best that they learn, explore and grow. Besides, that's what visits were for. Naturally her brother and sister would probably find their way to do as she which was hug their father. She just liked to be first was all. Nodding though, she accepted the words and walked for the door.

"Daddy, I'd say don't have too much fun without us. But I know better then that. Don't stay here too long without a visit, because I don't wanna have to miss you." She mumbled and scampered for the door.

Was she in danger? Mmmmmpossibly. Define danger. It was Samhain night, she was late, and she knew it. Timed moved differently in the various realms their family frequented but Antonio was an experienced enough dimensional traveler to be capable of keeping track of the passage of time in other realms so she knew he would know she was late. Desiree lay dead at her feet, her mother's blood staining nearly every visible part of her skin as the last vestiges Desiree's power were absorbed by the woman who had just taken her life, her daughter. This had been the plan all along, you see. To join her mother and convince her that she tired of her father and wished to join her mother's campaign to destroy him and in return she would learn the demonic sorcery that had made her mother so powerful and difficult for her father to kill.

The two demonic women had a turbulent relationship at best. Desiree didn't trust her and hated having another woman around but wanted the edge she presented, assuming Sarine truly wished to help her destroy her father which we now know, was not the case. Her family knew nothing of her actions at first, for months really, until Antonio discovered it. She never could keep anything from him. He didn't approve of what she was doing, her feared for her safety but understood the sense of ambition enough to leave her to her task on the agreement that she would return to him and the family by Samhain or he would come for her. Lothanos had been an unexpected element and though she'd ventured into the dreamscape a time or two she could sense she was being watched and didn't dare reach out as far as Antonio's particular dreamscape, they'd follow her there for sure. Her final week with her mother had been an exercise in espionage but she had managed to get to the night of the ritual without serious incident.

It had not gone exactly as Desiree had planned.

At the crucial moment when Sarine would have been forever bound to the demonic order from which Desiree drew her power she had turned the knowledge she'd gained from Desiree back on the woman, binding her within the hellish circle and using her own ritual blade to slit her throat. She'd fought wildly, naturally, and blood was everywhere, her own skin marked from the dying demoness' nails as she'd struggled to survive against her enraged daughter and the magic she'd taught her only weeks before. To be fair she'd had help, in a manner of speaking. Desiree was not the first person to see to her magical education. Her Aunt Cahira had taught her alongside Antonio at first and though their magical interests had diverted onto different paths in time she had still learned quite a bit from her Aunt and later, Antonio himself. And she had all her pent up anger to fuel her along, something that easily eclipsed the older demoness' will.

Her right hand clutching the ritual dagger that had dealt the death blow her head had fallen back as the intricate demon spell she'd warped with Antonio's help siphoned her mother's power and strength from her, the core of her magic, until she had drained her of every single bit of it, leaving the once beautiful succubus a drained out husk. The power of Desiree's magic had hit her like a blast as the siphoning spell took hold, the force of it so strong she had been stunned for several long moments, moments that would have left her vulnerable if she had not thought to close the demonic circle as the blast went off, preventing Lothanos from entering. Because he was out there, just on the fringes of the circle of blood, waiting to get at her. She had been right, of course. It'd been his intention to find her brother and the creation, Rain, through Desiree. He hadn't planned on Sarine being present but had planned to use her as well. Poor man, he hadn't even seen her coming until now.

A battle mage she was not but she was a demon whereas Lothanos was simply a human mage, a very powerful mage true, but still just human. It seemed appropriate to drop him with the defensive spell Antonio had taught her as a little girl. Because of her love of star gazing it'd been designed around the teachings of the stellar cult in Italy, the Tanarric witches who drew their power from the stars themselves, the simple starfire spell intended to stun an disable her target should she be threatened. Though it was tempting to kill him she knew Rain wished to be the one to take his life and with all Antonio had told her of the man and how he had treated the sweet little construct, she would not deny her brother's concubine her due.

Moving to stand over the immobile man she stared down at him until the movement of his eyes revealed he was still conscious, mostly. Slowly she crouched down next to him, her laughter loud enough to easily ring in his ears as she pried his fingers from the grimoire he never let out of his sight.”You won't be needing this any longer. Once a certain rainbow haired girl finds out where you are, you're a dead man anyway.”

His eyes grew wide as she spoke of Rain, her description of the uniquely colored concubine enough to guarantee he believed her words. The alarm in their depths confirmed that he was aware how fierce Rain could be but there was more to it than that. If she knew who Rain was, that meant Antonio had her, and her brother made him distinctly nervous. She grinned at his anxiety and rose with the grimoire nestled securely in the crook of her arm.”That's right, we've got her. And soon they will kill you.”

His eyes shifted and following his gaze to the sudden tickle she felt along her left forearm she saw the ink appear across her light olive toned skin, Antonio's handwriting evident even through the magic as he announced the villa was finished. Apparently Lothanos recognized the handwriting too because he tried to move only to fall back in pain as the spell whip-lashed against him. It would wear off eventually but for a while he would be in quite a bit of pain. Moments later the amulet around her neck that allowed Antonio to keep track of her location blazed a brilliant red. He was looking for her. Better get a move on.

She had gathered the few things she wished to take with her and in moments she was out in the night, running hellbent through the woods towards her father's villa, knowing she would have to reach the portal before the spell wore off. The starfire spell might not work again now that he'd be ready for it and she was new enough to her own abilities that in an all out mage battle she might not win. Would anyone seek retribution for Desiree's death? It was entirely possible but it had been worth it to see the bitch crumple to the ground, her life's blood spraying her daughter's body as she stole her very power from her being.

She reached her father's villa in very little time and she could tell from the gardens that the house was abuzz with activity, her siblings and cousin preparing to depart for Aleris if the snippets of conversation floating through the windows were understood. Damn. She needed to get to Antonio first. Eventually her family would no doubt discover what she had been up too and what she had done, but she didn't feel like facing the firing squad until she had told Nio everything.

Keeping to the shadows of the garden and out of the patches of light blazing through the windows she reached the bower that housed the protected portal and without a backwards glance she slipped through and into Eternelle Lune.

Emerging at the public portal in the woods behind the Three Sisters Inn she was faced with one of the Portal guards, a member of the Protectorate, who was used to seeing people come through the portal from all manner of places but usually they weren't covered in blood as she was. He looked vaguely alarmed when she demanded he set the portal for Aleris and open the Gateway into the Eternal Embassy. When he balked at her command she lost her patience, her voice cracking through the lamp-lit night like a whip.”I am Sarine Desiderio, Padrona of the Desiderio Family and niece of Cahira Alvoris, sister of the Empress. Let me through or I will eat your still beating heart as you crumble to the ground.”

Okay. A bit more graphic than she needed to be, but she was in a hurry and he was wasting her time! Only a woman who claimed she was who she said she was would dare speak to a member of the Protectorate in that manner (so Antonio hadn't made her Padrona yet, he was going too any day now, she was sure of it) and convinced of her identity the guard set the portal to connect to the Aleris Gateway and in moments she was through to the other side, the haze of inter-dimensional travel fading to reveal the Gateway House behind the Eternal Embassy. Greeted by the two servants her father had sent ahead to wait for the family members she quickly inquired if any of her family had come through. Assured they had not she said nothing further and bolted from the Embassy.

The continent of Aleris was massive, to put it mildly, and the Eternal Embassy was in the center of the North and Southlands, the estate Antonio had purchased in the Eastland. She'd helped him look for potential homes and she knew exactly the one he had chosen and she set out for the estate with all possible haste, her desire to beat her family there spurring her faster and faster. In what seemed like forever, though probably was not as long as it actually took, she was arriving at the estate, the magical wards letting her through as they recognized her identity. Running to the door she threw it open, heedless of the loud bang that echoed through the foyer as a result. She didn't stop to think about her appearance, about the fact that she was still covered in blood, her clothing torn and body marked. Instead she honed in on his energy signature and began to follow it through the massive estate, her voice ringing through the halls as she called his name.

Damn this place was big. Where the hell was he?

Post originally by Character_Morlis Desiderio


(OOC Note: Much of the process of the family moving to Aleris has been RP'd out in chat by certain family members so for the sake of time line and character continuity I am moving this S/L forward just a bit and summing up the move as a whole.)

Getting his family, his children especially, mobilized to move was never an easy task, unless you are setting their home on fire of course, and now was no exception. And he couldn't even blame it all on the women of his family. Ilario and Ballade took as much time gathering their things and respective entourages as did Salome and Ariadne. Finally they managed to get their things together. Naturally Salome would be taking Andras as he had no desire to babysit the male imp in his daughters absence. Ballade had found favor in one of the serving girls and had been granted permission to take her along as his bedwarmer until he tired of the girl which, if her clingy nature and constant comments that were obviously seeking some form of a commitment from Ballade were any indication, would be just as soon as he found a suitable replacement.

Ilario took only his things, no servants or concubines, and he wasn't overly surprised. Ilario always managed to find exactly what he needed where ever he went. He'd always been closest to his brother Antonio, Nio and Rio he'd often teasingly called them, and would no doubt flourish in a household headed up by his brother in a new realm away from parental influences. It was his hope for all his children, actually, and though Ballade was his nephew he had always cared for Cahira's children as if they were his own, Ballade especially as he was so close to Sarine's age and had always spent more time with Morlis' side of the family than his much younger sister, Syeira.

Ariadne took only her things as well but had managed to amass quite the wardrobe in her short time at the Italian Villa. What was it with birds, even half birds, and their need for plumage? Not that he minded. He was always willing to help a lovely woman enhance her beauty.

Finally everyone was ready to depart and he stood in the night shrouded garden in front of the bower that housed the portal that would take them to Eternelle Lune with Carese at his side and Xantara and Tessa standing just behind him. Tessa was wholly unconcerned with the proceedings, not really seeming to notice that one of her children was going off to start a new life as she had never really regarded the twins as her children, Carese especially for some reason, and was only annoyed that she didn't get to go explore as well. As Xantara bid the children she had helped him raise farewell with much love and affection Tessa offered only a small wave of her hand from behind Morlis. Carese also offered her farewell to her siblings before stepping back to her father's side where his arm draped gently around her shoulders.

”Remember, this portal will take you to the public portal in Eternelle Lune in the woods behind the Three Sisters Inn. One of the Prince's Protectorate should be guarding the portal and will redirect it to take you to the Gateway in Aleris. The Gateway opens in the Eternal Embassy so you will still be on the Empress' land until you leave the Embassy. That is where you go if you run into any trouble in Aleris. The servants I sent ahead should be waiting for you at the Gateway and will assist you in traveling to the estate Antonio has purchased. If you need anything simply write and I will see it is arranged.”

Little did any of his children know, but he had arranged to have Antonio and Sarine listed as the official, legal, head of the family within the Government of Aleris. When the Gateway opened and he put his family on the list of those who would be traveling there from the Empire he had put his family there, only not as the one leading them. Yes he was still the Patriarch but the Patriarch was ready to pass the main reins along to his eldest children. The desire to explore new worlds and have endless adventures was waning, best to leave such things to the younger generation.

Another round of hugs and they were off, the magic of the portal filling the gardens as each of his children, his nephew, and their entourage entered the portal and disappeared from sight. With a sigh Carese eased from his side and returned to the Villa, his dark eyes following his daughter as she went. There were things about Carese even she didn't know, things he had never told anyone, and he was beginning to wonder if that time wasn't coming very soon.

Time moves much more quickly in Earth than in either Eternelle Lune or Aleris and over the next day or two he settled into a comfortable routine with those remaining in his household. It was so empty without the chaos of his children but he quickly settled in with Xantara and Tessa. As for Carese it as almost as if she had departed as well. Rising early every day she would depart the Villa for her own activities and often would not return until late at night, if at all. It was on the tip of his tongue to question where she went and what she did but she was a grown woman now and he would respect her right to live her own life.

On the second day since the departure of the group who left for Aleris a letter appeared from a burst of flame over his desk. A missive from Antonio. Never one for conventional communication, his eldest son, and quickly he opened the letter and read the contents that informed him everyone had arrived safely at the Estate in Chaliceton and were settling in quite nicely, including Sarine. Ah yes, Sarine. He had felt her presence in the garden and knew she had recently used the portal without stopping in to see her family and one day he was going to question his eldest daughter about just what she had been up too but for now he left it as it was. She had always been much like Carese in that regard, keeping her own counsel, revealing very little to him. He knew she would confide in Antonio, though, as they had always been very close and he strongly suspected his son would be making her his next Padrona since things with little Najia didn't work out.

Would the dashing Incubus now suffer empty nest syndrome now that all of his children (mostly) were out of the house and settled in Aleris? Glancing to his bed where Tessa and Xantara awaited him he considered the question with a lascivious grin. Not bloody likely.

Another day in paradise right? She thought to herself as she sat on her bed. Having gone to town and visited a store to tend a resume, she was well bored. The want an need for something to do had driven the female to head to the specific job. It wasn't something she wasn't of doing, hell it might even be fun.

Andras stood nearby and smiled as she had settled before he walked to her. Fingers caressed through her dark hair streaked with purple. Her little tail had formed from her spine wiggled against the soft lemon yellow sundress. "Did your day go well, Mistress?" He inquired to which she gave a nodding of her head then rolled to where she was laying on her belly. "I want a backrub please." She stated figuring well the boy needed something to do, other then her. But that was neither here nor there as she lay there. Her eyes were closed as she thought about things.

The door would open and a maid brought in a veriety of boxes and bags from her trip to town. All prettily wrapped up and packaged. Ribbons and bows with little silver tags. Christmas for the mortal races was coming. Mind you she was well aware that it was Yule for more though. Either way she'd gone out of her way to make or obtain a solitary present for those she considered important. For andras she'd gotten him a pretty silver bracelet, that was well remonistic of a slave bracelet. And a few outfits since she stole his shirts when she didn't want to pick out an outfit here or there.

Her sister, Sarine she bought a beautiful dress and had a special perfume made that was laced with a strong pheremone that would lure incubus's specifically. Maybe it was almost cruel how the sweet gentle floral scent was a walking come touch me sign for an Incubus. Of course, she wasn't about to tell her sibling that, better she find out on her own. Besides, it will make her laugh when the girl gets mauled she was willing to bet. She did so deserve a bit of well, come upance for picking on her at least in the younger demoness's mind.

For her beloved older brother Tonio, she settled on sending away for a book that he didn't have in his library. Hopefully it would please him considering she'd short sheeted his bed when Rain was out on assignment and he was otherwise distracted. Small in measure still it was at least something nice, well and a case of fine alcohol that was also not within the house.

Daddy, she'd sent well some of his cognac to , and silken robes for Tara and Momma. But she had a feeling they were never coming out of their boxes at least when Daddy was in residence. Who knew when it came to that end of the family. Although she was almost homesick the more she thought about it. The villa in italy was her home, the scents of the scorched gardens. Hoenstly it had been a mistake but who was counting which was why she was thinking of summoning a blizzard on the villa just to irk daddy slightly.


Her cousin Ballade she grinned a little bit as she'd found a pretty little country girl that was looking for a job. Naturally, she'd promised to give the girl one as a vallet for a n impressive , strapping and highly attractive young male. Shame on her for instigating things but hell, the girl was unique. There were attributes, that she figured her cousin would find highly amusing as she had previous to entering her room had entered her cousin Ballade's room and set the girl up in there. Curled up in a chair with little silver edged purple ribbons. It was after all her colors, if he didn't figure out the girl was her present for the holidays then he could suck her left baby toe.

Her brother, Ilario was hard. A mystery at times despite growing up with him. She'd settled for his favorite type of alcohol delivered to his room with a crate, and well something she'd stumbled upon by accident. When she'd gotten home, a maid had handed her a large golden tin with a soft emerald shaded ribbon and a note. To my son, from Sister Willow.

Gee her aunt well sorta aunt Willow was odd. She was one of Daddy's creations but her brother's mother. A nun, at that that lived in a convent. She'd sent her son a golden picture frame and well hand made cookies. "Oh so motherly." She grumbled now that she thought about it, Willow reminded her of her own mother, Tessa. Ugh.. Nope she didn't want to think about it now that she actually was thinking about it.

Caresse, well that was something she still hadn't figured out what to get and do. What does one get their own twin. Sighing as she felt Andras's hands upon her body, massaging the tension from her neck and back her mind slipped and floundered off as per usual. She was thinking again as to her sister.

You'd think they'd have a connection, be able to know what the other was thinking, feeling. At times she was sure she could feel that, right now she was still left with that void. Maybe she should go visit her sister and the parentals. Missing her was something that was bothering and adding to that home sick feeling she was having. Pushing up she dislodged Andras as he was starting to press close. "Not right now, I'm off to see Sarine, be sure to get my bath ready by the time I get back." She ordered and as simple as you please she was off yet again.

One week prior.

The creation of Morlis had been a world away for a few months now. Actually, a realm away. Perhaps she no longer roamed the streets of The Eternelle Empire in quite the same style as her position here once allowed of her, but many of the denizens remembered her face. There was a comfort in being in a place where, she winced at the cliché, everyone knows your name. But there was an aching gap that some of the faces she had begun to long to see where no longer here. Some had moved on, some were away on political reasons or on special missions, etc. She didn’t know exactly. She just knew that they were gone. It was perhaps for that reason she had avoided the capital and instead headed for the country.

One would perhaps think that it would be awkward for a woman to stroll up into the house of her ex and his new wife, but Alidia had found that she enjoyed the atmosphere of the Ardal house hold. Mostly because her twins were here of course. Even now she settled down onto one of the deeply cushioned couches in the den of Byron’s house and snuggled up to her daughter’s side. Camilla tipped her green eyes in Ali’s direction and beamed a familiar looking smile her mother’s way. Her teenage daughter was a quiet one.

Camilla’s gaze fell once more to the book in her lap and her mahogany hair fell like a curtain in between them. Ali reached out and tucked Camilla’s hair back behind her ear. It had taken a few years for both of her children to become adjusted to the fact that their mother smelled good to them. As in tasty good.

Her son Roman had suck in more than a couple bites where he would fiercely draw blood before Ali would be forced to stop him with not a small amount of strength. Byron had been appalled the first time he saw their son latch onto their mother, when Roman was several years younger. He had convinced Ali it would be best if she left for a while so that he could condition their children in self control. Ali had reluctantly agreed and kept her distance from her babies.

And it wasn’t that they feared that Ali would be harmed or she would harm the children. Vampires and succubi alike are a rather tough lot. No, it was the guilt that her children suffered when they could not control their blood lust that finally made her decide to go. Roman had suffered greatly over his accidents. Camilla had shown better control than her brother, but had been terribly troubled the couple of times she had lost it when with her mother. It was a vicious cycle. Every time they slipped up it set them back in their progress. So she had gone.

The very day that Byron sent word that he believed the children disciplined enough to be with their mother she packed her bags and went to them. Camilla and Roman had indeed mastered their self control as they had grown.

Roman strolled into the room and Ali could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. He was already a man. The children’s aging had of course been increased. But though they should be around the stage of a mid teen, Roman had quickly filled out into a man’s form. Perhaps it was because he was a vampire that sped up his maturing rate, or the fact that he was a voracious hunter, she was unsure. The truth was that his development had jumped a stage ahead of Camilla’s. Her daughter was in the midst of turning from child to woman.

Roman boasted the same emerald gaze that both of his parents had, although he had taken more after Byron’s lighter tint. His hair as dark and rich and fell in a sleek wave to his shoulders. He was both taller and broader than his father, which again, Ali wondered if was contributed to the fact that he as born and bred a vampire child whereas Byron had been embraced later in life.

Her son returned her smile and strides across the room, falling into the seat on her other side and jostling both Cami and Ali. His sister shoots him a glare but spares him no more attention before turning her gaze back to her book. Ali leans over and kisses her son’s cheek.

”Mother,” he paused as Ali began to scratch at her arm. Then he reaches across and grabs her wrist, lifting it to where she can see. Antonio’s words are mumbled across Roman’s lips. She watches as her son’s face shows a moment of regret, though his green gaze is clear when he looks back at her face.

”I suppose you could not stay forever.”

Camilla had turned to look at her mother now as well, book forgotten. The children shared a mental bond and she had shared Roman’s thoughts as he had them. Camilla’s face showed remorse, but both of her children had a look of maturity in their features that seemed way too old for them.

”You are so sure I will go?” The question is given with a layer of amusement under her words. Roman promptly rolls his eyes.

”If there is the slightest chance that Morlis will be there to greet you, then yes you will go.”

Roman’s mention of Morlis brings a rush of pleasure, anticipation, adrenaline, lust… many things, through her body. Camilla, more sensitive to emotions than Roman, sucks in a breath.

”By the goddess mother, why do you stay away from him so long if he makes you feel that way?”

Alidia did not want to give her daughter an honest answer. Admit fear to her children? That she did not want Morlis to turn away from her as once Byron had? No. Her face reveals none of these thoughts. It is an impish smile that her child sees.

”Because my darling, it makes it all the sweeter on the times I do see him.” It was a believable answer, so Roman and Camilla took it as truth. They both wished her a good journey and seemed excited when Byron suggested that next time they be the ones to visit their mother.



Present


The passage through the gate was almost nauseating. She had never liked traveling thus. Even the few times that Ameerah had hurled her through space with her own special brand of travel, Alidia had stumbled out queasy. Although convinced it was all in her head, she still could not deny that said head whirled as she stepped out of the Eternelle Lune Gate. It took her only a few moments to recover and be on her way to Chaliceton.

Alidia was a woman who liked to vary her appearance. Her hair was naturally brunette, but she often changed it around from darker to lighter. For now though, her hair was its natural brown. It was cut in a tumble of layers that fell thickly down her shoulders. Shorter layers framed her face. She even had a soft bang that just kissed her eyebrows. And while her succubus blood left her without the need for makeup, she still had expertly applied it.

She wore a white wrap top and fitted jeans. Both top and bottoms clung to her petite but curvy body. The jeans were set off by the tall pair of white heels that she wore to combat her lack of height.

Her arrival at the Desiderio residence was… quiet. The moment she had stepped out of the carriage she had realized that Morlis was not here. She had the feeling since she had arrived in Aleris but… She had still hoped.

She suddenly realized that she didn’t know her place here. Morlis was no longer the Padrone of the family. And although Antonio had sent her the message to come to the new home in Aleris, she was still unsure of what kind of reception would wait for her. There was a brief thought of returning to her twins, but she firmly set that thought aside. She had intruded on Byron and Fire’s life too much. It was time for her to be home. She had wandered too much. She needed home, need to be among those that shared the Desiderio blood of which she was so closely entwined.

Alidia knocked on the door and was ushered in by a servant. They asked her identity, which just reassured her that she had been away from her Desiderio family far far too long.

”I am Alidia. And, I guess I need to meet with Antonio. Maybe.” She shrugged, unsure.

The servant considered and told her to make herself comfortable. She figured the little female would go and ask Antonio’s opinion of what to do with her. Comfortable with that, Ali simply wanders around the entry way, eventually poking her head into a couple of rooms to see if she can spot anyone.