Star

::::Nova squealed before she took off running for front door. Star was smiling until Ashmire began talking like he wasn’t going. Star gave him a strange look…”Dearest we always go together. Why did you think you weren’t going along? The older kids will be around as well. She felt his forehead for fever. “Are you feeling alright?” Star could hear the kids squabbling over candy buckets. She didn’t have time to handle this but she grabbed his hand and tugged him along with the kiddos as they took the short walk to town and the teleportation hub. She knew it made Ashmire’s teeth ache but he would get over it. She got the kids close to her and they teleported to Brimstone’s place.:::: ( will start at Brimstone’s )

::::Star looked at her handiwork and nodded her head. Nova was dressed like a princess. She was going as Repunzel. She was wearing a long satin pink gown that swayed around her tiny feet. Star had braided her hair which already hung down her back and had pinned a small silver tiara in her hair. She was a beautiful princess as she twirled around for Ashmire to see how pretty she was…..”Daddy look how pretty I am. Mom said you once crawled through a window to see her. Do you think a prince will crawl into a window one day to see me?” She twirled again. Star laughed softly as she was putting the finishing touches on Saint’s costume as he had chosen to go as Robin Hood. “Now my princely thief I believe you are ready to go get some candy to share with your sister.” She shooed the kids off to go put on their shoes so they could be on their way to Brimstone’s place for all the fun stuff he was probably planning as usual. She wondered if the older kiddios were going to be present as well and what they had chosen for All Hollows Eve:::::

:::Star was running around as usual in her cave sweeping floors and as she went she would also lay out streamers or tape ghosts on the walls or stir up the bats she had hung from strings from the ceiling. Star loved this time of year. It was cooler and she always felt her strength returning as winter geared up to cover the land in her favorite thing….SNOW. She was humming a little song as she kept an eye on Saint and Nova. They were busy in the kitchen with their school work and she could hear them bickering back and forth. Rolling her eyes she went back to work and wondered when the older kids would get back home from all across the region and she hoped they were doing ok. She knew Siren was due back to the castle soon and she wondered if or when Junior and her would tye the knot. She knew they loved each other so what was taking so long?! She just shook her head and resumed getting ready for the holidays.:::

:::Siren was inwardly wincing knowing that Junior had no mastery on this spell but as she went to follow Junior she felt a cold draft. She turned around and followed the slight breeze to a back door from the caverns below. It was slightly ajar as she reached out to close it she saw that the two rabbits were hopping around free. She picked them up to return them to the boys rooms but found Blue's empty. She frowned and walked into Dante's room only to find it empty with just a small pile of carrots for the rabbits. She rushed back to the open door and walked out to see boot prints in the dirt. Those two were in so much trouble. How dare they sneak off in the middle of the night. Siren rushed back upstairs. "THEY'RE GONE!.. The boys are gone! no note, nothing! With their talents and superoity complexes there is no telling where they went or what trouble they are going to get into." Siren was very very worried.:::::::

:::That was it. Blue was in his true form and snarling at his brother..."Now look you stupid fool. We are in for it and it's all your fault!":::: ::Dante didn't change form like his brother or fly off the handle he gave his brother a withering look. Before replying calmly. ."I am Dante draconias Windwalker. I am the son of Star windwalker and Ashmire. I am the student of Aurora. I am sorry we trespassed upon your clan's land. I was only curious as to why no one ever seems to come here and wanted to know what it looked like. With the name Wasteland of the Fallen Gods I simply couldn't resist. Please forgive my brother and his snarling he has deplorable manners being in the military and all" the dirt was only slightly swirling around Dante's feet .He was hoping that staying calm and level headed would be enough to show these people they truly meant no harm and he would keep his hide intact.::::::

::::::Siren just nodded and gathered her stuff to travel with the priestess back. She knew that Junior would take his cue from her that it was time to leave so the young ones and the older Aurora could get some rest. They too needed to rest. Siren was mentally and emotionally exhausted and wanted to get back and slip into a soft feather bed with warm blankets.:::::

::Siren sighed upon hearing what the two said about her multi-talented nephew before she replied....."He will also have to learn about his dragon heritage as well. Lord Clawrift has Dante as a student with us, in teaching the boy how to wield his magic and talents. Star won't tolerate him doing anything less than his best. My sister is the hardest taskmaster when it comes to her children. You may want to consult with her on matters that pertain to her offspring. I was thinking that Junior and I might just take off and head for the castle. I need to speak to Clawrift, I need to go check on things in the Crystal desert."......Siren had responsibilties to attend to and she needed to get her vast amounts of school work done. She wasn't behind but she had some special spells she was working on trying to master. She wanted to try them in her homeland.::::::::

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!! The great computer wizard helped me out and I am back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (dancing in happiness) Can't wait to get started. Now I have two screen names to cause damage and destruction on. muahhhahaahaha. Just kidding. so happy! I got my charrie back!!!!! yay!

::Dante had awoken to the sound of voices upstairs and looking about his room saw the door ajar and his bunny missing. He got up and left his room calling for the little fellow. He didn't want him to get lost in the vast caverns underneath this place.."Freckles!" He came up the stairs from below still calling for his pet."FRECKLES!"... When he saw Junior holding him and Serenity petting him, He visually relaxed...."Here you are you sneaking little devil. Did he cause any distress? I suppose he snuck out of my room. I found him in the tunnels earlier when I got home I named him and decided to keep him as a pet. When did Lady Megan get here?" He looked at Megan and a blonde eyebrow arched in silent question as to why she was here and not at home getting ready to have her baby.::::::: ::Blue had awoken upon hearing his brother yelling for that damn rabbit and he stumbled upstairs and upon seeing new company he sidled up next to his brother and looked around..."What is all the noise about? I was having a nice dream about girls and oil based paints" He was rubbing the sleep from his eyes but when he saw the look his brother turned on him, he grew quiet and gave him a sheepish smile..."Sorry".. he looked around not meeting Dante's all knowing gaze.::::: ::::Siren heard the boys but couldn't stop herself from replying when Blue made his comment.."Really Blue! You need some more manner lessons at home with your mother. You have been at the military installation too long. There is no need for such crass talk! Both of you need to sit down and let the adults finish their conversation." She motioned the two teens to seat themselves.:::::

::Siren had been sipping at drink as she watched the interaction between the Old Woman and Junior and when the woman gave her warning shocking Junior, the look on his face was so comical Siren choked on her drink due to the laughter she couldn't keep contained. She coughed slightly and grabbed some napkins to wipe her face with as she covered her lapse in manners behind it..."Excuse me"... She looked down but couldn't keep the smile off her face. She slid Junior a sidelong glance, She was thinking it might be wise to return to the crystal desert for a little while they could learn and practice their craft there just as easily as at Berulan or the Castle. She would think about it.::::: ::Dante had finally passed out from exhaustion, his blonde hair hanging down in a braid like his father's, his golden lashes resting against his cheek in innocent slumber made the child look like a slumbering angel. Yet even though Dante slumbered his mind was still going and his defenses were still up as he kept himself mentally shielded at all times.::::: ::Blue had curled up next to her brother and seeing the two brother's together it was astounding the two were even related. Blue's hair was coal black which made his blue eyes almost seem to glow hence his name. But his build was stockier than his brother's and his height seem to indicate he wouldn't be as tall as his brother. Dante was tall and slim, more agile and able to wield his talent while in movement. Blue on the other hand couldn't use his talents while in movement. He had to stand still and concentrate hard on what he was doing. He was good as drawing though and found contentment and worth in that instead of becoming as powerful as his powerhouse brother.:::::::

I have been locked inside my home with my preteen son who is driving me crazy! I am currently hiding in the bathroom while I type this reply and to let everyone know I am alright and all is well with me and my family. I will be moving back to Texas in about 5 weeks so I am busy packing up and getting ready to flirt with the moving men again. LOL, I love being single. Stay safe out there and remember to wear your masks and wash your hands!!

::Blue heard his master's reply and his talent and power level dropped significantly...."He nodded and turning around set to making the room warm for his master. She grew chilled in the evenings and he soon had a fire roaring in the huge fireplace. The boy was very efficient and quick in his movements to get everyone settled in. He soon had the lights going and chairs set down from the table tops and drinks with ice set on the bar top. He knew that this group would serve themselves. He motioned Blue downstairs when everyone was serving themselves and relaxing to show him the newest family pet.."I have named him freckles." He gave the guy another carrot while waiting for his brother's reply.:::: Blue canted his head and said in his usual dry humor.."I wouldn't call that a pet brother. I would call him lunch." He regarded the furry critter with his reptilian eyes but shrugged.."Freckles seems as good a name as any." He sat down and began to pet the rabbit while filling his brother in on what had gone down and what a Krampus was and laughed when he heard Dante joke about if he had stayed he would have probabily ended up in that damn sack or with whip marks all over his ass. Blue enjoyed moments like this with his brother. The two traded information back and forth and laughed and cut up for quite a while. Watching the bunny hippity hop around the room.:::::

::Dante heard the knock then the door open. He sighed before he got up and padded barefoot into the hallway and up the stairs to the main room of the bar to see Lady Serenity standing there with his Aunt Siren and Junior and The Old Woman and his brother Blue. He took a deep breath and canted his head..."Well I wasn't expecting all of you but I guess I can stoke up the fireplace and get the dishes down. I can warm up the stew from dinner and butter up some rolls if you all need to eat." It was obvious the boy was confused as to why everyone had shown up on his doorstep. "Is everything okay? No one is hurt are they?" Dante was feeling out with his talent as well as to why everyone was there.::::::::

::Dante reached down and scooped the bunny up "hey there fella, I am suppose to eat things like you but you are kinda cute. I think you will make a wonderful pet. I shall name you Freckles. He hefted the bunny up in his arms and hurried into the kitchen where he made the bunny a salad of lettuce and carrots and celery with cucumbers on the side. Dante felt a little more secure at seeing it was just a harmless bunny. He had heard about his Aunt's little bunny farm and hoping this wasn't one from her place he did look outside to see which phase the moon was in. He wasn't exactly in the mood for a werebunny throw down tonight. "I was just about to call it a night freckles and you can bunk with me tonight since it is rather late to be making you a hutch. But perhaps after my exercises in the morning I can settle down and make you a hutch. Now that you have eaten and gotten some water lets go get you a blanket...Dante set out making a small area in his room for the bunny and made sure his door was closed in case the thing got feisty and settled down to read while he allowed the small animal to hop about and explore his new surroundings.::::

::Seeing that the krampus had vanished and knowing she needed to check on her nephew before heading back to the castle, Siren had changed forms and was busy smoothing creases out of her dress. She looked up when she heard Serenity and nodding she led the way to the door out and turning to Brimstone she said quite clearly.."Brimstone please my remove my name from your guest list. I don't wish to ever go through something like that again any time in the near future.:::: ::Blue was released from his paralyzing fear when the Krampus vanished but he hustled forward wanting to go with his Aunt to check on his brother. He was worried about Dante being almost alone in that old bar."May I come as well Lady Serenity? I too am worried about my brother and I am sure his teacher will need a way back as well. He motioned to the Old Woman still standing in the doorway.::::

::Dante heard the thumps and he stopped and turned. He used his talents lightly as he didn't want to be cremated as Junior had been but perhaps he could figure out if it was friend or foe and weather to be welcoming or see if he needed to evict someone from the premises. Dante wasn't a coward but he knew when he was outmatched and he knew their was no glory in being a dead hero.::::

::Siren simply stayed in protection mode around Junior. She gave him a position where he was guarded and safe if he wished to reach out to the creature again. Her eyes were zeroed in on this goat as he vanished and reappeared in front of B.S.....She didn't know what was going to happen next but she was convinced it wouldn't be good.:::: ::Blue looked up from where he was hidden in the Old Woman's shadow and watched as this "Krampus" directly confronted his Grandpa Brimstone. The creature's visage caused a shudder to run through him. He was so scared he was frozen in place as his usually logical mind began to fill with horrible visions and confusion. He was silently and valiantly trying to get his brain to work but it refused and so he sat there almost trembling in pure fear.::::::

::Siren was beside Junior as the flames burst forth from somewhere off to her side she jumped and in her utter confusion she let loose a volley of ice shards to extinguish the flames as she went on instant high alert. Her eyes narrowed having gone fully red, she shimmered and changing forms she coiled herself around Junior and lowering herself into a defensive stance she growled in a menancing warning. She was not playing and she would let loose hell to protect her mate. Siren had never been overly emotional like her sister but the girl's senses had become overwrought with all the drama and fear. She was now as dangerous as the demonic goat she was staring down.::::::: ::Blue also was not expecting this fire blast and yelped in shock actually jumping up into the Old Woman's arms.."Teeth and Talons!! Where did that come from?!" he was visually shaken but his attention had been caught by his Aunt and her transformation as her breath weapon had sent several shards of ice to stick into the side of the bar. He looked over the Old Woman's shoulder and spoke to his Grandpa Brimstone...."Santa sir you may want to come outside and try to make peace before this whole damn dimension goes up in a full blown christmas war. I personally would hate to see all the wreaths charred grilled." He was still clinging to the Old Woman and had no plans to vacate his position. He felt safer right where he was.::::::

::blue overheard the women inside and he said over his shoulder keeping his reptilian eyes on the beast.."The militants said if you are good then he will pass you by and Santa will leave you a gift. But if you have been bad then he will abduct you from your bed and he will spank you with his whip made of switches and then stuff you in his bag that leads to hell. So I guess the thing to do would be to behave ourselves and let him go on his way but as usual we have flushed this creature out of hiding and now we must deal with him. I should have returned home with Mom." He sighed and shifted closer to the old woman. If Krampus came after his hide he was gone. He had been right to be wary and slightly frightened. "Can't we have one holiday that doesn't have critters coming out to beat and end children?"::::

::Seeing that this beast had turned it's gaze back to Junior she heard what Lady Oynx said and had made a grimace, but than smiled lightly when Lord Dracon smacked Lady Oynx on the head and told her to behave. As soon as they made the barrier dome she scooted by them and made a beeline for Junior. She needed to touch him again to make sure he was whole and alright and to give him any support magical or otherwise he might need. She kept an eye on that beast they were calling Krampus as she went to Junior's side. Every time Junior reached out this thing fixed it's red gaze on him and she wasn't letting anything especially an ugly goat demon take her mate from her.::::: :::Blue was in shock as Brimstone told everyone what the beast was and he blurted out before he thought about it.."The militant's said it was just a folk tale. HE IS REAL!!!!!!!!! So is Santa real too??? Do I need to go to bed?? Blue was watching all of this off to one side and wondered for a second if a creature can come for you if you didn't believe in it. He edged back a little more towards the old woman standing in the door. He knew she was training Dante but her presence gave him a measure of comfort too. He eased back into her shadow and continued to watch the scene outside.::::::

::Siren saw the creature and her eyes widened, she proved to be smart because she sidled up next to Lady Oynx awaiting orders on what to do. Her hands were shaking slightly revealing that she was scared but she wasn't going to back down..."What in the seven hells is that thing?" Siren was terrified.::::::: ::::Blue saw the creature and inhaled sharply the beast was gruesome to look upon and as he noticed it was heading for the bar he suddenly had a vision of the comedic chaos that would ensue if that beast attacked the bar. He nearly laughed aloud before he covered his mouth and quenched his chuckle. He didn't want anyone to get hurt but it just seemed his Grandpa Brimstone always got the short end of the stick.::::::

::Dante got into the bar pretty quickly and after taking a hot shower and changing into some clean clothes, Dante made himself a bowl of stew with a piece of buttered bread and some mead and settled down with his meal for one and a book he was reading that he had snagged from Lord Clawrift's study. He had seen Junior reading it and wanted to read it to see if his cousin had left any notes written in the margins around the pages. He had many of the same talents as his older cousin and wanted to learn as much a she could about his future opponet for the job of head honcho of the mutant clan. Dante didn't really want the job but it was clear he was being trained for it regardless. He would do as he was told and he would take on the responsibilities he was given. Dante stretched himself out and took a walk to clear his thoughts. He worried slightly about his brother and The Old Woman and whatever his Grandpa Brimstone had conjured up but he wasn't getting involved with anything that could turn his brain into pudding.:::::

::Star had helped Ashmire get the children home safe and sound but now that the kids had been fed,bathed, and put to bed. Star paced back and forth across her and Ashmire's large bedroom. "I shouldn't have left them alone there, should I?" She was distressed thinking about her sister and Junior as well as Blue and Dante. She spun around and walked back to her vanity before taking a seat. She took her hair down and was brushing through her long white hair when she stopped just staring at her reflection in the mirror..."My love I have a feeling something bad it about to happen and all this waiting is torture." She finished her hair and getting up she went and curled up beside Ashmire on the bed....."Hold me. I just need to hear someone say that everything is going to be ok." Star didn't usually beg for comfort and usually went for actions instead of feelings and words. She was changing and now she needed comfort that all would be well and she was safe.:::::

:::Blue gave Lord Dracon a quizzical look as he was basically petted like he was a giant great dane dog. He just shook his head and watched the rest of the drama unfold. He wanted to see what it was. His curiosity had gotten the best of him and he wondered what that growling, snarling boogey man was.::::::

::Siren felt and heard Junior's comment to simmer down and relax and as Lady Serenity and the others added their support she felt mildly reassured and dropped back.."Alright Junior, since you are sure. I will support you in whatever you decide to do my dearest. I apologize for being a brat. Let's find this thing." Siren knew that she would support Junior to the end. She knew that he knew this now and though she was scared she didn't hang on him but allowed him to move forth and do his job.:::::