The Fall of the Magi

January 19, 2000-

By: Caro Wood

The city loomed over the horizon, the buildings shown bright with their white washed walls, the spiraling castle the crowning glory, set in the middle of the city. Often they thought it was a temple, for the looming figures stood at each of the four directions. The city streets were crowded with the early morning shop keepers opening their stores.

Cobblestones glittered under the brightly clad men and women as they strolled along the streets. In a city their size, ponies and horses were kept to a bare minimum, only the most noble of the city would even think about using one.

A small figure slipped with deft ease through the crowd. Long locks of greased black stuck out of the loose head covering. Slightly olive colored flesh poked out from the veil. Deep blue black eyes glanced from either side wearily as the figure darted into the small shop.

"I'm here." The feminine voice was low and soft as the figure took in the shop. It was disorganized, books flowed over every remotely solid thing. Which of course, included the store owner himself. The figure pulled the veil lightly from her face and the glare was suddenly apparent on her face. "I don't know why you needed me..."

The girl glanced around again midnight blue hues shifting in the dim light. For a bookstore this place was a mess. The man who had summoned the little urchin, was crouched over a desk, carefully scribing things from a different book. His hair was matted worse then her own, and a light brown, or could of been, had it been washed in the last three weeks.

"DreamWeaver." She said flatly, hands flying to her hips. She couldn't off been more then sixteen, with bones sticking out every which place. "Dream Weaver!" She raised her voice, fully pronouncing his name in a slow careful tone. "Damn the goddess! Pay attention to me!"

"Calm down Riasen..." The voice was soft with a razors edge. "I've just got to ... Damnit woman..." The sound of sand brushing carefully against the page and a murmured word of recall. Riasen crossed her arms, glaring holes into the man. His fingers were stained with ink as he finally looked up at her.

"You call me, declaring hells about to break loose, and all you have to say is Calm down!?" Riasen tugged her veil into odd shapes. She wore it, not because she was unmarried and cared, but because her little sister would have a fit if she didn't. "Look, I asked you to train Lisette. Not Me."

"You both need teaching." He carefully set aside his work, turning his full bright blue eyes on her. His fingers twisting absently in the brown stringy beard. "Lisette just has enough sense to understand that she needs it."

"Magic is a weakness. I want to be in the guard!" Riasen snorted and shoved a handful of books off a seat. Sending DreamWeaver into a fit of curses. Picking each one up, like it was a snake about to bite her, Riasen drove holes into the middle aged man. "Besides... you said this was important?"

"Yes. I want you and Lisette to join me here. She could learn from me much easier if she wasn't starve..." Dream Weaver set down his pen, before getting interrupted by a flaring Riasen.

"She's not starving! I make sure she eats everyday! Good stuff too!" Riasen puffed out her chest slightly, scowling at the old man like he just said she was a dragon with two heads, and just as crazy. "She always" Riasen stomped her foot on always. "Eats. She also studies just fine at home."

"No, she's to busy worrying about you getting caught flinching." Dream Weaver set his bony fingers into his lap, wincing slightly with the movement. Lord knows, everyone knew him from being a child, even the old ones! "Besides, Malea and the others will want to see my prodigy soon, I don't want her looking like a foreigner..."

"We are." Riasen shoved her fingers though her veil, two more holes were added to the thin cloth. "Fine. She can move in... If." Riasen got that glint in her eye, the small twinkle showing she was planning something.

"If?" Dream Weaver replied wearily.

"If you marry her." Riasen smiled brightly. It wasn't that she didn't love and trust her sister. Hades, Lisette was all Riasen had. But she needed to be taken care of. And if Lisette got married, then Riasen could go to the guard... The smile haunted her lips as Dream Weaver paled.

"Now.. Riasen... It's not that easy.." He held up his hands, then looked up as the bell twinkled. Another man entered the store. A white lining cloth covered his eyes as he moved with grace. Long white hair, and an equally white beard moved with him. "Welcome Old friend." Dream Weaver hailed him as the man moved. If one paid attention, they would notice the old man used little strings of magic to Ôfeel' his way around furniture safely.

Riasen immediately abandoned her chair. "Grandfather.." She whispered with respect, stepping to the side, and almost tripping over a set of books.

"Morning Dream Weaver.. Having another fight with Riasen?" The old man's voice was a husky purr from under the bristles of his beard. "You should just give in.. She'll win in the end, she always does." He chuckled softly, the smile tugging absently on his lips.

"See? Even Grandfather agrees." Riasen grinned and hugged the old man gratefully. Even though it was really just a nickname/title, she couldn't help but feel close to the old man. "I mean, if the old one says it's going to happen..."

"He's rarely wrong..." Dream Weaver sighed and waved a hand. "Fine Fine.. I'll wed the girl... If only to keep my favorite apprentice close at hand to help me with my spells..." Riasen grinned brightly and kissed both men's cheeks, before scampering out the door, to eager to listen to his terms.

"That girl..." Dream Weaver watched as she ran down the street, bumping into at least four people with in eye sight. He chuckled, picking up his pen, and going back to work.

"Well... She has quite a future ahead of her..." Grandfather tilted his chin slightly. Riasen glanced over her shoulder, feeling the conversation turn, she slipped her Ôbug' out of the room. She dodged the next three and slammed into a guard.

Dressed in the royal colors of burgundy and dark green, he looked really impressive. He was tall, taller then her five foot by at least a foot. His hair was long, tied back into a ponytail, just barely seen under his helmet. Riasen rubbed her rump as she stood back up without his help. "Sorry" She mumbled, then moved to get past him.

He grasped her arm, pulling out his stolen dagger with a deft finger. Riasen blanched, after so long, she finally got caught. Mom always said it would happen, but who knew one of these days was today? Riasen gulped, shoving her arm out from his grasp. "Sorry, I doubt, will cut it." The man's voice was a tenor, soft and calm.

Riasen glanced up and paled the last few shades, making her look like a ghost. "Your..." She gulped, looking around, people were staring. She shook her head and drew her veil tighter across her face. "Royal Guard Captain Draconis... Aren't you supposed to be robbing the cradles of our women?" Her voice was cold, she needed something, anything to get away from one of the most dangerous men alive in the city.

"What's this? A bag of bones calling me a child stealer? When she herself stole a dagger?" The crowd laughed at his words, and not hers. Riasen's mind churned, she should of studied with Lisette.. She should of learned the invisibility spells... Anything! He grasped her arm tighter. "Come on Girl. Let's see how you clean up..." Riasen gasped as he dragged her down the street. Her eyes lighted on the chuckling Grandfather.

"Grandfather! help!" she screeched, struggling in the captains firm grip. The crowd that had gathered chuckled and slowly started drifting closer. Grandfather slowly made his way over. Draconis tossed Riasen into one of his privates and smiled at Grandfather.

Riasen watched in horror as they started talking like old buddies. Hell, Dream Weaver, who normally preferred his shop to the outside world, came out to talk with them. Riasen twisted out of the privates grasp looking around. Sure enough, her crew had found Lisette.

Lisette, for her own part, stood out easily in the crowd. At fourteen, she was easily one of the prettiest women in the city. With long silken black hair and lighter blue eyes then Riasen. Were Riasen was bony and awkward, her sister was healthy and well filled. Lisette stalked, yes that's right, stalked in her threadbare work dress, to Dream Weaver, Draconis and Grandfather.

Her screams reached everyone's ears, and sent people scattering like ants in a rainstorm. "How Dare you! You must of scared Ria to hell and back!" With hands planted on her hips, she was the force that drove through hell and back, winning everyone as she went. "Dream Weaver, go back into your shop and finish that spell book. Grandfather, you take the good Capt'n to the kitchen and we'll fix him some tea. Now GO!" She shooed them, then turned those blue sapphire on Riasen.

Riasen almost curled up on herself. She hated when her sister got mad.. Because she was always so damned right about things! "No, stop. I know. No reason to steal, we have plenty. Stealing from the Capt'n was insane and stupid." Riasen tucked her hands behind her back and gave Lisette the biggest, saddest puppy dog eyes possible.

"That's a start. Come on, You can serve him tea." Lisette leaned over and grabbed her sister by the hair. Then dragged her into Dream Weavers small shop and into the back, were Grandfather had already started the pot boiling. Lisette tossed Riasen toward it and went back out to Dream Weaver.

Riasen swore she had been tossed to the lions. Draconis, with a cocky grin, had taken off his helmet and gloves, now resting his frame into one of the few cleared chairs. Grandfather was in the other, smoking some strange pipe. Riasen smoothed out her hair absently, then moved to the stove, trying not to look over at the handsome Captain.

"So, this is where you've been... Keeping watch for Razael?" Grandfather sounded ages younger, almost looked it too, more animate then usual as he talked to the Captain. Hell they sounded like old friends, but Riasen had never seen them together. Of course, Riasen was also ignoring her mage gift and dealing with day to day life... She snorted and pulled out two glasses.

"Yes well... It's a job... I get to kill things.. Train people.. it's not so bad.." Draconis brushed his fingers along his clean shaven chin. "And yes, though I haven't found her yet."

Grandfather chuckled, tucking his fingers gently through his neat beard. "keep looking.. I'm sure you'll find the little imp." Riasen glanced over her shoulder, if Grandfather could see, she was sure he'd be looking at her. Draconis seemed to think the same as he met Riasen's glance.

Riasen flushed, spilling the tea sloppily into glasses and setting them down beside each man, then backing out to be with Lisette and Dream Weaver. She only glanced over her shoulder once, then sighed moving deeper into the bookstore to listen to Lisette and Dream Weaver talk about things way out of her league.

"Riasen!" The voice called from the shadows off a small side street. Riasen paused, she was on her way home, alone. Lisette decided to remain that night with DreamWeaver. Riasen turned on her heel, fingers slipping to her belt loop. The Capt'n had let her keep the dagger, probably on a whim, though Lisette insisted that it was a promise gift.

"Oh, it's you Neikel..." Riasen's lips parted in a small grin. He was the foster son of one of the few mage couples on their counsel. His mother insisted that he was going to be one of the most powerful mages, if only he'd sit still long enough to learn.

"Where's Lisette? She get stuck with ole Dreamer again?" He was younger then Riasen, and only eight winters old, but his pace kept up with her strides. They were in the peasants section of the city, the one closest to the forest and the outskirts.

"She's with Dreamer all right, they will be married by weeks end." Riasen couldn't keep the grin off her face as she spoke to her young counterpart. Sure she was old, but the guards would let her try. And if she practiced hard, she might even get to be the Capt'ns equal. That will show that cocky bastard.

"Married? Wow.." Neikel brushed his copper locks out of his stunning green eyes. He was like most the people in the city, a mix of peoples and cultures. Most people knew bits and pieces of other languages, just to trade. The rich peoples servants even had mage talismans for translations. "Mom taught me how to light a fire today! A big one too..." He beamed with pride as he scampered along her side.

"That's nice Neikel.." Riasen stopped and pointed to his mothers house. "You best get going Neikel, or Marie shall have my head imprinted upon a stone for letting you lag this long before dinner."

"Mom wouldn't want you to go home alone..." Neikel's fingers however, reached for the gate. "You better find a better place to stay in, with Lisette gone."

"I will.. I will.. Tell Marie n your Pa that I'll be stopping by with their stones come mid day." Riasen shoved him gently. "And stay out of trouble Neikel... Those bullies won't stop bugging you even with that fire spell."

"I know..." Neikel grinned impishly, then darted up the walk. Riasen watched with silent envy before treading home. She barely noticed the shadow following her until it was to late.

The huge monster of a dog jumped up on her shoulders, slamming her into the ground. "Ack! Chain! Off! You big lug!!!" The black furred wolf panted in her face. He was easily as big as she was, and weighed a lot more. His breath stunk of rabbit and blood. "Chain!"

<Sorry...> He huffed and blew in Riasen's face again. Then with a lick and a gentle swish of a paw on her cheek, he hopped off. He was a mage construct. Bred and fulled with magic. <You shouldn't be out here so late. This isn't a very good neighborhood...> His words were a soft growl in her mind.

"I know... But I had to help Lisette feed the men..." Riasen stood up carefully, shaking off the bruises, Chain was getting to big to do that. "You have a good meeting?"

<Good enough... The Gryphons agreed to go up to the mountains... And the unicorns agreed to go with them. I fear the forests will start lacking the major spirits, leaving only the minor ones.> Chain panted as he fell into a lope at her side.

Riasen turned across the main east street and moved north a bit before turning south. She lived on the very outskirts of town. A lot of people, who couldn't stand the thought of mages or witches, came to her for her medicines and herbs. Not to mention it was certainly easier to heal the forest creatures. "I'm glad you agreed to help the Lady healer with the other magical creatures..."

<She pays us well enough... Soon you will be able to move closer to the city...> Chain panted, nosing the door to their small cottage open. Riasen sighed in relief, the only creatures waiting for her were a pair of bunny rabbits and a small fox.

"I'm not getting married Chain. I have no will to be chained to bred children like a horse." Riasen plopped down in a chair, gathering the first of the bunnies. One ear flopped loosely off it's head. The other perked toward her. She soothed it with a hand.

<Careful> Chain warned looking up, his haunches rising. <Men coming.>

"Damnit.." Riasen sent a quick dose of healing into the small rabbit, then to the other two creatures. All three ducked behind her bed with a silent command. "Down Chain." Riasen brushed her fingers down her skirt and stood.

The door slammed open, revealing three heavily armed men. Riasen licked her lips. Fingers sliding through the black fur of Chain. Chains eyes shimmered gold in the dying fire. Riasen made a silent note to stoke it up as soon as the men left. "Can I help you?" It sounded hallow even to her ears. She had a very stressful day, and these men were making it look like her night was going to be just as bad.

"Riasen of the North woods?" The one in the back spoke up. Riasen bowed her head slightly. "You've been called a witch. How do you plead?"

Riasen blinked. Witch hunters? here? What the hell? "I..." She kneaded her fingers in Chain's hackles. "Yes." She may as well admit to her magic, lord knows all it's ever done is get her in trouble.

"Then we have need of your skills..." The one to the right stepped into the dim light. He was the private who had held her captive earlier. "The Capt'n said you could help us." Riasen's brows arched up into her hairline as the three men stepped outside, then brought in a Unicorn.

The magnificent creature had been almost completely skinned, it's horn sliced off almost completely. "We found it outside the city limits. A warning I think.." Chain growled and the men stepped back, almost dropping the unicorn on the sling. Riasen was on her feet and at the Unicorns side in a moment.

"Oh you poor baby..." It was only a colt, it couldn't of been more then a few weeks old. Her flesh tingled where she gingerly touched it's pulsing muscles. She winced as the pain flooded her senses. "You." She pointed absently to the two men who she didn't know. "Go get DreamWeaver and Lisette. They are on the Iron road, in the bookstore."

The men took off with wings on their feet. Chain growled pacing the small huts fireplace. It was one room, with a loft upstairs for her sleeping. Riasen dropped to her knees, cradling the unicorns head gently. "There.. there.. You will be fine..." She slipped her fingers through his mane, letting herself fall into his pain. The colt shuddered with her entry, then lay still. The private shivered and slipped out of the hut to stand guard.

Riasen slowly started with the insides. The poor colt would never have all his magic back unless she worked quick. Which means she couldn't just wait for the mage counsel to appear out of no where and help. She grasped the knot of power in her middle, then drew, summoning the earth to help her. The unicorn shivered under her senses.

The flesh that slid over his muscles was black as night. His horn slowly twisted and lengthened. Riasen was doing something that usually took a whole crap load of mages. She shoved the fear down as she closed her eyes and shoved herself deeper.

The world twisted out from under her. Lisette dove in after her as Riasen almost lost to the unicorn's terror. With Lisette's help, Riasen finished the healing and slipped into darkness. The colt, however, got to his feet. He was black as night, even the horn, was now black as ebony. DreamWeaver cursed under his breath, watching Lisette join her sister in darkness. "Kids..." He muttered, moving around the unicorn. "Always have to do things you wish they would think about first..."

<They knew what they were doing> Chain licked DreamWeaver's hand and nuzzled his nose into his thigh. <Riasen is just impatient.. She didn't want the colt to die.>

<Will you two stop talking like I'm not here?> The unicorn turned a golden eye to the two of them. Both man and wolf stood still a moment, then started laughing. <What?> The colt asked, confusion clouding over his mind voice. <What?>

"Riasen is going to have a lot to explain when she wakes up..." DreamWeaver chuckled as his hand brushed along the colts hide. "I'm sure the counsel will want our newest life force mage to be trained.."

<Definitely...> Chain panted and licked the colts nose. <Now young one.. let us see about finding you some food.. Riasen always makes me hungry after those things..> He turned and padded out.

The colt followed slowly, glancing over his shoulder at DreamWeaver. <Who's' Riasen?> He questioned as he trotted after the wolf like a pup. DreamWeaver laughed and moved to take both girls up to the loft and bed.

"You'd at least should of known better.." his fingers brushed along Lisette's cheek as he sat at their bedside. She murmured in her sleep, as if in agreement, before cuddling up to her sisters bony side.

Chapter 2

The morning sun rose over the city. It sparkled under her loving fingertips. Riasen, however, awoke with a headache. It pounded in her temples, causing every thought to fade, but how to get rid of it. "Ow..." She whispered, to her the soft murmurs were like a scream, but to the rest, just a soft murmur of stirring.

Riasen carefully threaded herself out from under her sisters limbs. As usual Lisette was sprawled over the small nest of straw bedding and blankets. Riasen rolled her eyes, and with careful steps went down the ladder into the main room. Chain laid on the hearth, panting softly, causing small whirlwinds of soot to whirl about in his already dark fur.

<Morning> His mind voice crept into her thoughts. He spared nothing with his Ôshout'. She winced and whacked at his thumping tail. He panted, getting to his paws slowly, stretching every muscle carefully. <Your newest Ôchild' is outside...>

"Child?" Riasen set the kettle to boil over the fire and glanced at the wolf's swinging tail as Chain made his grand exit out the front door for his morning hunt. Riasen sighed softly and pulled out the herbs for the tea. Every movement caused her head to ache more.

"Mommy?" A soft cry broke Riasen out of her quiet reverie. It sounded like a child. Riasen's head was up instantly. Sometimes children got lost in the forest, but most never got this far. Maybe with the major spirits leaving the forest... Riasen snagged her herb bag and darted out the door, letting it slam shut behind her. That would wake up Lazy bones.

The cries became more desperate as Riasen drew farther in the forest. <Chain!?> She sent out desperately. Either the wolf was out of range, or he was just ignoring her pleas. Riasen scowled and ducked around a tree.

"Mommy!" The cries were almost shrill now, not adding to Riasen's good humor. She scowled deeper and approached the wailing child. He had dark wild curls and dark skin. Darker then she had ever seen before. His eyes were pale golden orbs as he looked up fearfully at her. Riasen plastered a smile on her face and sent soothing emotions to his shattered emotional frame.

"Hello little one... Are you lost?" Riasen knelt, looking the boy over for scratches. Nothing, not a scratch or thorn. Riasen's brows knotted together as she looked into his eyes. She brushed his thoughts with a careful mental probe. Her "fingers" were grabbed tightly and clung to. The boy was a wreak. He was feeling strange, he was used to four legs.. Four legs?!

Riasen double blinked then looked closer. Crap... Lisette was going to have her head on a platter. "Umm... Your..." Riasen brushed her fingertips along his forehead. Sure enough, there was a round pinkish scar were his Ôthird' eye should be. "A unicorn! Oh no!" Riasen rocked back on her heels, staring in horror. The nights events shoving through her thoughts.

"Mommy.." He whimpered, clammy round arms clasping around her neck tightly as he buried his face in her shoulder. "Mommy..." He broke down into sobs. Riasen's arms rose around him without a conscious thought, embracing him warmly.

"Its all right..." Riasen shoved her own despair down and slowly nudged his emotions around a bit. The boy couldn't of been more then two years old as a mortal. Riasen looked up, then slowly gathered the boy in her arms. DreamWeaver and the counsel were going to kill her... "Lets get you home..."

"Mommy..." The boy whispered softly, nuzzling his face into her shoulder. Riasen found herself holding the boy carefully as she could. Just her luck... She had a child. The gods really didn't want her to make that guard spot did they? She nursed her headache as she walked back home slowly. No wonder Chain had been so cocky as he left.

Lisette was pouring the hot water into mugs as Riasen entered the small hut. Her blue sapphires didn't even blink twice. This was her doing then. Riasen didn't know whether to be happy, or really really angry. "I see you found him."

"No kidding..." Riasen slid into a chair, cradling the sleeping boy in her arms. Thank god sleep spells were one of her first things learned. "Mind explaining?" She snagged her mug and downed half the foul tasting brew. Then she tossed in enough honey to raise it back to full. "Thanks.." She muttered sarcastically... Her sister was doing this just to punish her...

"No I'm not. He needs a mother, and with all the unicorns gone, this was the best solution." Lisette set the kettle back down. "Besides.. He's only this way until he learns how to change himself back."

"Great... That means at least fifteen years..." Riasen glanced down at the boy. He was sleeping, nuzzled against her chest. Her flat chest.. God... She didn't even get some of the perks of having kids. Riasen rolled her eyes and looked over at her sister. "I think I may kill you yet."

"Doubtful." She grinned and snagged her mug. "I'll be at DreamWeaver's. He asked me to help him move things around for my space. And with the wedding plans..." Riasen's jaw had slowly unhinged to swing across the floor.

"You mean I got to take care of it!?" Riasen outstretched the child to her sister. "You got to be kidding! I don't know anything about raising kids!" Riasen's dark blues pleaded with her sister. But her sister was already gathering the small package of belongings she had packed.

"Whelp.. You have done it in the past.. You practically raised me." She smiled brightly, leaning over and planting a kiss on Riasen's outraged forehead. "Besides... Chain will help.. and You could always ask the counsel for help."

Riasen just fumed in her chair, glaring holes into her sisters retreating back. Then she stood, scrapping her chair back. "My life... In a nut shell." She scowled, then softened slightly as she looked down at the little boy. "Well.. you need a name.. I just can't call you Colt..."

"Midnight..." The soft tenor echoed from the doorway. Already protective of her charge, Riasen clutched the sleeping boy closer as she turned to glare at the door. Sure enough, her own personal torturer had come to visit. "I think you should call him Midnight. That is when you found him isn't it?"

"Why Capt'n.. Shouldn't you be off scaring small children?" Riasen turned back around and carefully moved up the ladder to set the boy on the bed nest. "After all... I'm quite far away from the castle..."

"I'm here on business wench, not pleasure." He smirked, folding his arms on his chest. He wasn't in armor, if you saw him in a crowd, he wouldn't stick out very much. "You are to report with the boy at the castle today at noon. The Royals and the Counsel want to have a word with you..."

"Great... And what better way to show their undying support then to send a creep like you." Riasen leaned back against the ladder, glaring at him. He always knew just what buttons to push to piss her off.

"Well... at least I change my clothes daily." He ducked as a pillow went flying for his head. "My my.. Temper temper Ria... you could break a nail.." Riasen fumed, sending her mug at his head. He moved easily and ducked out the door. "I'll see you at the counsel chambers. Make sure you wear something.. Decent."

"Jerk!" She screamed after him, waking the child to hysterics. Riasen sighed, smacking her forehead. "Midnight..." She smiled softly and scampered up the ladder to hug and comfort her charge. So many things to do.. She'd go shopping.. She had some money saved up in a corner, besides, Midnight had enough trouble with things lately...

"Come on love.. Stop crying.. I'm here.." Riasen brushed her fingertips along his cheeks, brushing away tears. "I'm not leaving you.. No one will hurt you ever again..." She hugged him close. "And there is so much you have to see... to do... you even got an invitation to the royal palace..."

"Mommy?" He questioned looking up at her with soft golden orbs. Riasen smiled, sure.. why not... If the counsel didn't kill her today, she already lost every chance of getting into the guard.

"Yes Midnight, I'm your mommy now." She smiled and kissed his forehead. "Now.. lets find you some clothes hmm?" She slid her fingers along his body, getting measurements. Then whistled softly, to help her concentrate, in a few minutes, and a lot of sweat later. She was rewarded with a tunic his size and underclothes. As well as another splitting headache.

As she dressed him, Riasen found herself thinking about DreamWeaver, surely if he had known... "Dam..." She stopped herself mid curse, she couldn't do that with Midnight... She rolled her eyes heaven ward. Why did the gods decide to hate her so? What did she do?

"Mommy?" He questioned, tugging on her wayward black curls. "Mommy!" Riasen wondered if he only knew how to say mommy... She carefully pried her hair out of his fingers and moved away from him to change quickly into a pair of breeches and baggy shirt.

It was dangerous for a girl who lived alone to go about the streets in skirts. So she dressed up as a boy, god knows she was lanky enough for it. Most of the town knew her as Rain anyway. Midnight whined the whole time he couldn't touch and hug her. She sighed and plucked him from the loft, skidding down the ladder with swift ease.

"What I want to know is who taught you to shift into human..." She chuckled and kissed his cheek. "I'm Rain. Not Mommy. When I look like this.. You cant call me Mommy..."

"Mommy!" Midnight insisted as he tugged her hair out from under the wide brimmed hat. "Mommy!" He beamed with happiness as her hair cascaded down her back.

"Hades.." She replied, closing her eyes and praying for patience. "I'm Ra-in. Rain. Not Mommy." She tapped his nose, causing him to crinkle it and toss his head like he was a colt. Then she pulled the hat back over her head. "And we are going shopping."

"Mommy." He agreed, clasping his hands around her neck. She sighed, it was going to be a very long day. Riasen whistled sharply out the door. Before long Chain came loping out of the forest outskirts.

"Chain, you get to come too. There is no way Rain is going to pull this off with Midnight calling me Mommy." Riasen grabbed Chain by the hackles and set Midnight on his back. "And you dump the kid, I'll zap you."

<Like I would loose the pup...> Chain snorted taking a ginger step forward. Midnight clung on like second nature. Riasen smiled a bit. <There see? He was doing this last night in play. I know more about this then you Ria.>

"Bite fungus.." she replied closing the door to the hut. "And remind me to water the garden." She tugged the hat down more and slumped a bit forward to walk at the wolf's side. "West gate. Lets look like travelers eh? I rather not have the whole city know I'm going to show up before summons..."

<You are like a mad deer in the morning...> Chain snorted, trotting forward. Riasen gasped and ran to catch up after the wolf and bouncing toddler. <Run. Let the anger out. It will do you no good later.>

Riasen was to busy trying to breathe evenly to respond with words. Instead she switched to her strongly disused mind voice. <Ôye, and you will have me begging at their feet for mercy.> Her voice was soft, a velvet purr, and as ageless as the sun.

He dropped into a walk as they neared the East gate. <It will be slower here. And not as crowded to see the dark skinned one.>

<Midnight. His name is midnight.> Riasen fell into step at the wolf's side. Golden hazels lighting over the various people. <Busy...> She let her hand slide behind Midnight on Chain's back.

<Fall Harvest. The celebrations tonight..> Chain panted, large ears perked for sounds. <You would of remembered, had you thought to consult the moon last night, before your escapades...>

<It wasn't as if I planned it...> Riasen stopped behind a cart and shifted uneasily. Midnight burped softly, drool dribbling down his chin. She absently wiped it away with the edge of her sleeve.

<Oh? When those thieves attacked two fortnights ago, you weren't complaining...> Chain snorted absently, making the horses and cart ponies shed away. <Bother.. I hate the stupid ones...>

"Sir. Welcome to Alanchia." The guard fingered his sword, the other playing along the light armor clasped lightly along his waist. He was also one of the new ones. Riasen sighed, that was one thing she'd never get to do. "Can I have your name and business?"

"Rain of the Northern Forest. This is my little brother Midnight. We're here for supplies and the festival." Riasen tried deepening her voice, but ever since she had her voice snap and higher, it was getting harder and harder to do. The guard looked at her with knowing eyes. She gulped.

"Mommy!" Chimed up Midnight. Riasen wanted to die... right there.. This kid was adorable. But pawning him off was looking better and better. Chain wolf-grinned, his fur crinkling in his suppressed amusement.

"Rain eh?" The guard looked her up and down. "Dressed as a boy? You'll have to see the Captain. I doubt he'll have as much humor as I."

"Umm.. but you see.." Riasen clasped her fingers around Midnight's mouth. "He's just learned his first word... He doesn't know any better..."

"Sorry Miss.. You'll have to come with me.." The guard signaled to his partner to take over and grabbed her arm. Chain kept grinning, padding along side Riasen as she got dragged from her spot to the barrack offices.

Riasen sighed as the door closed to the dank room. What a outfit, after almost 8 years of pretending she finally got caught. Why was life suddenly taking a bad turn? She never ever got caught until yesterday. "It's your fault." She glared at midnight. Who sat near Chain, and played with his tail.

"Mommy!" He said brightly, then grabbed a handful of Chain's black fur, causing him to yelp. Chain was almost invisble but for his now wide golden eyes. Midnight cooed as he shifted attention to Chains ears. Chain narrowed his eyes.

<Isn't there something you can do about his sudden fascination about putting everything in his mouth?> Chain's ears were now subject to slobber.

"Stop complaining..." Riasen plopped down on the floor near them and picked up Midnight. He started cooing and yanking on her hair. The guard had took her hat and dagger before he shut the door. "At least your life isn't going to Hell..."

"Amusing.. do you always talk to yourself?" That annoying voice.. Riasen looked up to her most least favorite person. "And before the summons too.." Draconis opened the door, sending light bouncing off the walls. "What am I going to do with you.. Rain now?"

"Shut up." Riasen stood, brushing off her breeches with her free hand as Midnight sucked on her neck. She brushed off Midnights cream colored tunic, then looked up at him. "Well? Can I go?"

"I have to take you to the Palace." He smirked, offering his arm with a mock bow. "You have been restricted to those grounds until the meeting." Riasen wanted to cry, this was horrible, now she'd see the Royals and the counsel in rags. But damned if she'd give Draconis the pleasure of seeing her in tears.

"All right." She whistled, Chain jumping up and shaking the dust out of his black fur before padding to her side. She delicately took his arm, trying to pretend she was one of the court ladies in full ball gown and jewels. Bedecked for all the guards to see.

Of course, they thought it was hilarious, and made a point to laugh as she walked by on Draconis's arm. He did nothing to calm their laughter. At least, until Midnight started to feel Riasen's distress and wail. She whispered soothing words to him, giving her an excuse to drop his arm.

Draconis grabbed her elbow and lead her out of the building and down the street. People made it a point not to look. Riasen found herself thanking the gods that her parents weren't alive to see this. They must be rolling in their graves with shame.

When she was alone again, she was in a small room, with Midnight on her lap and Chain at her side. The only thing in the room was a bathtub, soap, towels and brushes of all sorts. Riasen looked around then tested the water with a pinky. It was hot... She slid Midnight out of his clothes and gave him a proper bath. Soon he was giving her one, as he splashed as much water out of the tub as possible.

She was soaked by the time he was done. She snagged him in a warm towel and brushed his curls slowly and gently so not to hurt him to bad. The curls were like dark silk as they slid through her fingers. Midnight certainly enjoyed the attention fully. He was practically purring in her lap as she finished. She found a small tunic for him, in the gray of a Mage adopted.

Having nothing but the cream shirt she made, she slipped it over his head and rolled up the sleeves so it fit him. Then the underclothing that went under it. "There. Now your as handsome as the prince himself!" Riasen kissed midnights forehead. Then she glanced over at Chain. "Bath time.."

<Oh no...> Chain yelped as he was tossed viscously into the bathtub. He squirmed and did everything he could except bite or claw, his way out of the bathtub. Especially as she rubbed the lilac smelling soap into his fur.

"Your taking this..." Riasen blinked the latest splash of water out of her eyes. "Worse then Midnight!" She slapped Chains rump as she finished, he bounded out of the tub. Smelling strongly of a mix between wet dog and Lilacs he shook himself violently, spraying Riasen with more water.

<You look like a water drowned pup!> Chain panted, grinning and laughing at her.

Riasen blew her wet locks out of her eyes and scowled, then dove into the water with all her clothes on. Now.. the water wasn't clean anymore, after a small boy with a talent for finding dirt, and a wolf with the same habit. But with a few pulls on her magic, she found it clean enough to get a good scrub. Soon she too was smelling like lilacs. She slipped out, sopping wet, and grabbed a brush, stalking after Chain.

After a good run around the room, she finally combed out the worse of his burrs and mats, leaving a long black furred wolf basking in a suns rays. Riasen watched Midnight curl up at his side, falling asleep with Chain's even breathing.

She stretched slowly, pulling the very air around her like a safe cloak. It blew gently around her, where no wind should be. Warm, it soon helped dry her hair, leaving it in ringlets down her back. Riasen stretched, still in her breeches and shirt, then turned to look around. Nothing. Not a stitch of clothing for her.

"What's this? A test?" Riasen looked around once more. Nothing, just the mostly empty tub of very dirty water, discarded, equally dirty towels and brushes full of black hair. She arched a brow at the last part. Just then realizing they all had black hair. She tugged absently on one of her locks.

Her lips curled into a smile, snagging the brushes to her. "I can beat anything Draconis can think of.." She glanced out the arrow slit window, then smiled again, slowly pulling out the hairs from the brushes. Leave her without any clothes... She'd make her own!