As she went to change and then left the room he sat there a little confused with what was going on here. Had he been keeping her company for too long and it was starting to have the same affect it had on most that stayed around him.. not that wasn't it he hadn't used any of his powers near her for it to be that. Let alone he hadn't used any of his demonic abilities in a few years so that was really out of the question.

He finally shook his head and to shrug off the thought of it. Maybe she was just still tired or something. That had to be it maybe she thought she was still dreaming. Whatever the reason he wasn't going to bring it up that was for damn sure.

Thats if he ever found her again she seemed to run off right away. Not that he could blame her, she was probably blushing something fierce that she was caught in the act. He laughed a little at the thought before moving to go down stairs.

He probably stayed there a good half a hour before she seemed to walk back in, though she seemed a little more prepared for the trip this time around. But there was the awkward silence again as she sat down. What was he suppose to say, he could easily make fun of her for getting caught let alone ask what she was thinking but he didn't

So instead he tried to start a causal conversation maybe to at least kill the silence that was starting to get to him. "So ready for a few day hike to scale a mountain?" He laughed weakly, this was hardly the safest journey he had been on that was certain, and now he was at a bit of a awkward standing with the person he was even traveling with.

Elvara sighed but nodded her head "Yes I am. This is going to be the last real meal for me until we make it back down the mountain" She said slightly "I have already replenished my herbs and other things so after this meal the hike begins" She said slightly. Elvara didnt want the little...brushing of the hair thing to put her off the path of her traveling so she will ignore it...or try to.

Elvara smiled a thanks as a young women brought her bowl over. Gladly Elvara dug into the steaming hot stew with a smile. Where she was from stew was not that common of a dish. So when she was out traveling she made sure to get it when ever she could.

Elvara sat there and at to her self almost ignoring the male beside her until she pushed her bowl away from her with a smile. She was contently full. Looking over to Zek she smiled and tilted her head "Well then...shall we?" She asked before standing and making her way to the door.

Not that it was hard to tell that she was lost on some thought or another, or still trying to forget the little run in this morning. Not that he could blame her, that was a bit odd if he had any say in it. Not that it was minded but still he had been freaked out a little waking up to that. Though at the same time he had a sickening fear that had lurched to his chest when he woke up to her rather content look and bothering to pay attention to him.

He needed to keep his head together, there wasn't a reason to fear her yet he had it. It was a default fear that seemed imprinted into his mind. Sure he knew the pecking order for the drow kind but he had never been affected by it before. Then again he avoided drow females normally when he had a say in the matter. He finally shoved it off saying in his mind he was over thinking this crap.

He didn't mind that she was busy eating and seemed to ignore him, it left him to his thoughts and to listen to whatever surrounding conversation were going on about them.Even though glancing at him he seemed to be spacing hard. Though probably half of his actions were a cover up as to what he was really doing or what his true intentions where.

Though when she spoke finally he seemed to snap put of whatever thoughts he was stuck on. "might as well" He shrugged before moving and following her. He had another thought in mind as to the location of this item they were after.. but he wasn't sure. The odds it was the same place would be out there a bit. But at the same time what if it was.

"Alright then...lets go" She said slightly before leaving the tavern with a smile and good bye to the bearded male behind the counter. Entering the cold crisp air she took a deep breath before heading off in the direction that was needed. The hike up the mountain would be fine until about half way up where instead of a steady incline it was a cliff...one that you needed to travel up.

The walk started nice and slow. Going through the trees of the mountains her thoughts getting distracted once in awhile do to some unknowen animal that decided to make some noise. Elvara shrugged most of it off as she continued to walk.

The day was long and silent but soon the sun began to set leaving way for the stars to dot the sky with tiny balls of light as the dark tendrils of night tore at the sky shooing the light away until morning. "We should make camp soon" Elvara said looking behind her. Elvara's cheeks were wind burnt and even trhough dark skin redness was seen on them.

Least once they got to the mountain there'd be caves or something they could rest in to get out of the damned wind. Though he wasn't affected to the point Elvara was he would still tell you that it was cold. This would only get worse a they traveled and he knew it. He had a few methods of keeping warm in mind but most of them required using energy and out here there was no way in hell to regain it. That and potions only went so far on regaining energy.

After a while when she spoke of making camp he nodded a little, though shelter was a little far between aside form the trees. "Though your guess is as good as mine as to where we're setting up camp at" He shrugged a little, there was no real escape from the wind aside from turning your back to it. He could already figure his duty for the night even if they found somewhere out of the wind.

Though luck was with them a little as he smirked a little moving to grab her shoulder with one hand. "on second thought how about that?" He made a slight motion towards what looked to be a overlarge tree with the base hallowed out, it was probably used by travelers to get through the area, so that had to be considered lucky for finding it at the least. Also it'd provide a little shelter from the wind at the least even if it'd be cramped with two of them and very little space for a fire.

Elvara looked to Zek as she felt the hand on her shoulder before she turned and looked at the indicated place. It was a hallow at the base of a large tree. Just by looking at it she could tell that there would be little if any room for a fire and s tight sleep for the night but she nodded her head. "Anything to get out of this wind' She said with a slight shiver in her voice.

Treading over through the snow she made it to the tree and bent down to climb in. There she was greatfull that the wind was blocked from all sides as she perched herself leaning up on the side wall with a sigh holding her arms to her chest and bringing her legs up to keep the warmth she had. Elvara looked around the little hallow then to Zek as he joined her "Should we dare spark a fire?" She asked looking at the close confines of the area.

Weighing the odds at the tree catching aflame he sighed a little. "We'll still have a fire" He spoke finally before Moving one hand towards the little remaining open space they had left. The ground had nothing there to support a lame but one erupted from it either way. He frowned a little thinking this plan through. "Before you say anything no it's not going to burn the tree down." He shrugged a little. "hell if you wanted you could touch it and it wouldn't hurt." Thats the one useful thing he knew how to do at the least, it still produced warmth but without the risk of burning anything it touched.

He moved sitting with his back against the inside wall before letting out a sigh, he was trying to give her as much room as he could. Really he thought she needed the space anyway with the little encounter this morning. Though it was her choice really if she was still cold or not.

Elvara looked to the flame then to Zek with a smile "Alright" She said before moving a little to get more seated in for the night. Elvara was not as cold as before but she still shivered a litte to her self as she sat there leaned up on the wall. It took her about half way through the night and one large shiver for her to say fuck it to her pride.

Moving over Elvara looked to Zek before moving in and leaning on the males side. Pressed up to him she gave a little sigh as the warmth the male had "Sorry...' She said as she heard a groan from the male "I...need warmth" She said slightly moving closer a little to get as much contact as she could aside from sitting right in his lap.

Her sudden intrusion on his sleep caused him to wake up enough to even know what was going on. He was still little groggy though from keeping the fire going and having control over it to ensure it didn't burn anything. Really that was the reason he had even passed out so quickly was that it took less energy to control in his sleep.

He looked at her a moment seeing as she was pretty much clinging to him to try and be warm. He half couldn't wait to get out of the northern area, but at the same time he would kind of miss this. Though he quickly forced that thought from his mind saying that was stupid to think. He couldn't afford to get tangled up in royal affairs.. commoners were one thing but to let his thoughts drift on the idea of a royal was out of the question.

There were a few factors to this. One being the fact he was a half blood, most of the current rulers if not all did not like the idea of half bloods. Thus to ensure that some war was not started between kingdoms he had made his mind up to avoid any of the noble females. Drows were known for violence, so getting tangled up in something like that with another drow kingdom was asking for trouble, more then he cared to have.

Though after she had settled down again he frowned a bit seeing she still shivered. 'tsk your a fucking idiot' he growled at himself as he got the female to move and pulled her onto his lap. Once this was done he rested his head against hers. She didn't seem to protest oddly enough though she was probably more then tired, in truth he was too he had been keeping his mind busy trying to figure out what he was suppose to be thinking and his demonic half was winning the war in the long run. Her little minor show of affection this morning scared him yet drew him in and he couldn't get it out of his head.

Just a few more days then they could leave the north and this wouldn't happen anymore, he'd be good then where ever they stayed he could sleep far enough away from her to avoid anything else happening.

Elvara didnt protest as Zek moved her. She had grown a little used to that fact. Though she shut that thought out as the warmth over came her and she fell asleep. The next morning she awoke as the light from the rising sun filled the hallow. Opening her eyes she blinked against the harsh light. Stretching she moved before she remembered where she was.

Elvara hesitated for a moment not wanting to move. Elvara sighed a little as she moved from her perch. Moving to stand out of the hallow she cracked her back and shivered. It was a cold morning. Bending down and reaching in she grabbed her pack before looking to Zek. "Zek...wake up" She said in a little bit of a raised voice. When the male opened his eyes she gave a warm smile "We have hiking then we have to scale the mountain wall so lets get going" She said "I want to find a cave by night fall"

He flinches a little when he managed to come to, his eyes blood red for a split seconds as he looked to the voice that had awoken him. Though blinking a second time seemed to erase the color back to the normal blue. Though unlike the other mornings he did seem a little out of it compared. The fire died out a few hours before the sun had come up, not that he had used all of his energy, but more of a fact he needed to save the reserve he had in the case they ran into trouble.

He sighed a little before moving and managing to get outside before he stretched, everything felt stiff, he couldn't call this half of the trip to be over soon enough. Let alone he needed to get to a populated town as soon as he could once they got free of the north.

"well lets move then.. it's still a hell of a walk, let alone the climb." He frowned a little at the climb thought, though there was getting back down as well being part of this trip. Though maybe luck would find them another way of getting down. For now he didn't need to worry about it as he moved to follow her as she seemed ready and was already walking off.

At the least there seemed to be no creatures they had encountered that struck out at them, that was a good thing,the trip could have been a lot worse over all.

Elvara sighed to her self as she began walking. Her mind was on one thing and one thing only...the male walking behind her and Elvara wanted to know why. Though she knew that she was not going to get an answer to her thoughts anytime soon so she kept walking.

They walked for most of the day until a steep cliff came into veiw and she sighed. This was part of the trip that she was not looking forward to. Taking her pack Elvara dug through it taking out and changing her gloves to ones with finger holes. This would be easyer to climb with "Well....shall we?" She asked slightly before starting the climb.

He stayed within walking distance of her though she was oddly silent today, not that he thought much about it. Figuring it was due to the cold weather. He never really had any idea of whats he was really thinking about, he figured it was about whatever relic they were seeking this time around.

He frowned looking at the wall they had to climb. Though he sighed heavily as she asked shall they. "Might as well... ugh about this time i'd kill to.... " He cut himself off a moment and she looked at him oddly. "er never mind.. forget it." Like hell he was going to admit he wished he had control over his demonic powers just to get a fucking climb out of the way.. he's rather do the climb to be stubborn.

His ears went back before he waited long enough before following her. Why was he doing this again? the odds of falling from here were damn high. Though to admit it he wasn't bored to say the least. Was it that odd to believe that he was following her out of pure entertainment. Though for the most part of the climb it could be heard that the female was cursing every other holding spot, not that he could blame her really.

Elvara swore yet again as the rock she held onto shifted a little beneath her hand. Oh yes like that was fucking reasuring! She cursed the whole way until a ledge was right above her head. She knew it was a ledge or at least hoped for that much because it there was a ledge there was a cave.

Reaching her hand up she grabbed a rock before her hand slipped along with her footing and she cursed loudly as she hung with one arm. That is when Elvara looked down and he eyes widened a little. Had they really gotten that far!? She cringed as she heard Zek say something along the lines of holding on. Really?

Elvara growled at that and focred her self to regain her footing. Reaching up with her free hand she grabbed a better rock and pulled herself closer to the ledge and the cliff side. Heaving herself up she sighed as she laid on her back on the cliff side leaving just enough room for Zek to climb over and join her.

He breathed out a little with the idea of a somewhat solid ground that found. "ok... just think.. we still have to get back down.." he laughed weakly at the thought. That damned relic better be here, let alone why the hell was there a traveler that had climbed all the way up here?! He didn't normally question too many things but something didn't feel right now.

"So think we'll cross paths with another dragon... maybe instead of killing it we can use it to get the fuck down.. " He glared a little, the trip down would be worse.. the climb was always the easier part of the two.

Elvara was breathing a little heavy with the trip up but she soon nodded her head "I...agree with you there" She said slightly before opening her eyes and sitting up. She was cold ad her body hurt the last thing she wanted to do was lay in snow. Standing up Elvara sighed a little looking around her. That is when she smiled "A cave!" She said happily looking behind Zek.

There right behind him was a large mouth to a cave. Though elvara found it a little weird that two torches sat there one on either side of the cave wall. You would simply have to pick on, light it and walk in. This seemed a little to out of place to her. But the fact of the cave and shelter pleased her so she walked over and grabbed one of the torches.

Reaching into her pack Elvara took out a match box and proceeded to light the torch. She figured what energy Zek had he needed to keep so asking for help with this was out of the question. As the flame grew she held the torch infront of her looking into the cave. "Well its now or never" She said to him as she began to walk inside.

His ears went back a little as he walked towards the cave. "... yeah i guess.." he said coldly he seemed to hesitate a little as he moved to follow her. He knew this place, but it looked different when you had to climb the full way here. This moment alone was going to make him regret this trip as he followed her inside of the cave.

Oddly as they walked it was silent, but the light from the torch allowed them both to easily see the markings on the walls and the fact that the further they went inside of the cave the rocks seemed to glow in certain spots. This confirmed what he had feared this whole trip to the north.

She was still walking when he stopped dead in his tracks. He never wanted to be here, he remembered being here once before as a very small child.. but to think he had been lead to coming back here sent a shiver up his spine. Elvara seemed to stop and look at him when she noticed he had stopped moving.

He noticed her looking at him as he frowned a little and started moving again. "let hurry up and get the fuck out of here.. " he growled out walking past her as she stood still from his sudden mood change. It was out of the blue but she's find out soon enough why it was.

Elvara stopped and looked to zek with his sudden out burst. What was that all about? She thought before fallowing him "Um....care to tell me why we are in such a rush?" She asked as she picked up her footing a little fallowing his foot setps as the male seemed to know where he was going.

"Zek...." Elvara said but the male didnt stop "Zek..." She said again and still got nothing. She then growled walked forward and grabbed him by the shoulder forcing him to stop before she walked out infront of him "What the hell is wrong!?" She asked him angeryly

his ears went back as he looked at her, she had gotten his attention as she grabbed his shoulder though his eyes were a blood red. "You want to know.. thats why!" he growled before pointing towards the direction of another room. "your relic is in there by the way, and now I know why the name sounds damn familiar... " He pulled away from her before he took a few steps back. "the demonic gate from those years ago do you remember where it was sealed ? Did you read about where it was sealed or the method it was sealed with?"

She seemed to look at him confused for a moment sure she had read up on it but what did he know what was he so damn pissed about so suddenly. He seemed to shrugged a little closing his eyes for a moment. "in that room is a statue or what most would think is a statue, in fact it's a eternal binding.. there's no break for the spell that's the way it was designed. The man in the binding or that makes up the sculpture would be the current king of the moltensteel clan. You can figure things out past that."

He seemed to want to avoid the room ahead at all costs as he moved to lean against the cave wall avoiding looking at her. It was also a known fact that the same bound demon was the cause of the gate even being opened in the first place, Zek detested his father for tat very reason, that and giving him this curse he had to live with. At the least being a full blooded demon you fit in somewhere, half bloods were hardly welcome no matter the race n most areas, they were tolerated but that was about it.

Elvara stopped dead in her tracks. Was that really this cave? No...it couldnt be but the look Zek gave her as he leaned on the wall told her other wise. She gulped a little before she walked forward and left the torch behind. Entering the room she gasped a little at the statue that lay before her. It was not only that but a book made of stone with no pages sat before the statue.

Elvara walked over and was expecting the book to be heavy but indeed it was very light. Taking a step back she looked the statue over infront of her before shivering and leaving the cavern. Standing before zek she smiled as she held the book out "I got it" She said slightly.

He stayed in his spot refusing to take another step further, the room would probably hurt like hell if he had tried to step foot in there anyway. But aside from that he didn't want to see the statue again, he had seen it once before and he didn't want to see the worthless excuse he had for a father figure.

Though a few mere moments later Elvara seemed to walk back out as she tried to lighten the mood and say she had the relic. "good means we can leave now." He said before moving and starting to walk out already without bothering to see if she was keeping up or not. Though he didn't seem to have a smart comment this time around as he walked. What could he say really, welcome to where the world nearly ended before?

Just about the time they would have been out of the cave he stopped again and laughed weakly. "well... that lasted longer then I thought... " He said more to himself then anything. Though he seemed to stop in his walk as a red dragon could be seen from the outside of the cave, though for the moment it was just hovering in the air. It seemed to be the one from before that Zek had the encounter with.

Though the good news was maybe they had a fucking way to get down that did not involve climbing.. at the same time that probably meant there was another drow female in the area and it was one he did not want to see .. jumping off the top of this mountain was a option.

Elvara stopped as Zek said his comment and turned to walk without a second thought. What was she to think of everything? She knew that the statue was the males father but she didnt know that Zekrak had pain run so deep...the thought kind of hurt Elvara before she ran to catch up to the male in question.

Reaching him she didnt say anything as they just walked out and away before seeing the dragon just outside the cave "What the hell is with all the dragons lately!" She said looking to Zek before looking outside "Wait isent that..." She said before she continued walking out. Stoping she gave a light smile "Well it is" She said "Hello Ruth" Elvara said with a smile.

He frowned a little "and you just complained now your bloody saying hi to it? tsk women i swear..." he sighed a little. "i can guess why you are here...." Ruth snorted a little looked at the two. 'She's rather surprised to see you here boy.. let alone still traveling with a female' The dragon maintained it's hovering status as it beat its wings in a graceful manner.

Zek shrugged a little. "yeah whatever.. that confirms my thoughts on the matter... " he spoke before turning around suddenly as his weapon seemed to meet another. The sound of the two weapons slamming into one another cried out for a split second. Though Zek wasn't amused by this strike towards him as his ears were back and he seemed to voice a complain. "Haven't I had to put up with enough today? for fucks sake!"

There was a female standing there with fiery red hair that was braided as it laid down her back. She seemed to have a similar weapon to the one Zek always had with him, probably the cause of his favoring such a abnormal weapon so much really. The new woman seemed to grin a little keeping her weapon against his before speaking. "Vaden said you were out on a little quest.. though I hardly believed that it was with the princess of the isles clan." She seemed to laugh a little before taking a few steps and forcing him against a wall, not that he was really trying to fight back. "Though I think you've avoided your duties this year for long enough, I let it slide up until now."

Zek rolled his eyes a little listening. "yep figured that's the only reason you decided to personally show up, never do otherwise." He shrugged a little before speaking again. "Elvara meet the queen of the moltensteel clan, Ryza Kenarn" He said it so causally that you'd never have known he was speaking of a Queen, then again it was his mother.. he wasn't too fond of her in truth either. Though who could blame him when he spent most of his life running away from her to get out of court duties.

Ryza finally pulled her weapon back looking Elvara over before she bowed slightly towards the girl. "It's been a long time when we last had word from the isles.. Vaden has already filled me in on the minor details." She seemed to glare at Zek a little "though he say a certain someone ran off without a word as always" Zek shrugged "like you can't find me? pff" he hissed a few other comments out but they weren't in elven that was certain.

"Either way.. you both look tired, Ruth can help you get back down. Would hate to have to send word back to your father saying I allowed his only daughter to fall from a cliff." Ruth snorted again from no where. 'the boy should learn to fly!' he hissed out, Zek merely glared at him before flipping the dragon off. "lizards shouldn't speak either but we don't all get what we want now do we?" was his smart ass reply.

"Both of you shut up before I change my mind" Ryza spoke up before giving a sorry look towards Elvara. Ruth landed on what facing he could find to fit on though it was a little of a awkward position for the dragon to be in. It would only take a few moments to get down, though Ryza was going to take both of them to the castle. She started to walk and stopped again for a moment. "oh Vaden did say he found a little information on the final relic, though not enough to determine if it's existence is real or not."

(heh side story.. don't let me get too out there for you xD yell at me if i am)

Elvara watched everything that happened before her holding the book to her chest slightly as everything took place. Though when she caught glimpse of the female she all but gasped. Then Zek spoke and she growled a little "And again you state the obvious" She said with a smile before walking forward and bowing low to the female "I thank you for your kindness M'lady" She said softly before standing.

Then Elvara heard her speak and she smiled "I thank you for the trip down' She said slightly "And as for the relics...I have two of three already' She said hugging the book to her chest a little tighter "I have one left..." She said ignoring comments from Zek as she walked forward fallowing the queen to ruth.

He shrugged a little at her comment of the obvious "I do what I can." sure one of his normal smart ass comments but it was worth it. He walked past the two and towards the dragon having a few more trade off of words with the beast. The dragon swearing that a fall from this height wouldn't hurt as much as he'd think and that even if it killed him he'd come back. This wasn't that much of a encouragement for the conversation.

"He said that you'd probably have two by the time I got here" She noticed the odd look the girl gave her as she smiled a little. "You don't really think that the master warlock of our kingdom would let the prince out of his sight that long did you?" It was a little bit of a question yet not, she was pointing out the fact that Vaden did kep at least his location noted, that was really half of the reason he even mentioned that he had not returned was because the two of them were here. Rather he guessed the princess was still traveling with him, it wouldn't be too hard to think that she had gotten fed up with his company.

Once Ryza got closer to the dragon she told Elvara that she was taking them back to the castle, for starters the girl looked like she could use gettin gout of the cold and they were done with the task they needed to fulfil here. Not only that but she said that way she could have a few days of proper rest before she went off in search for the final item, plus she reminded her Vaden did manage to dig up a possible location for the thrid relic.

Not that three peopel riding the dragon bothered him at all as he seemed to rest there for a moment making sure none of them were going to fall off. Though Ryza had put Zek in charge of that with Elrava, not that he was too thrilled about the idea of going home from the start of all of this. "just don't scream... " he said though it sounded more like a complaint then anything,

Ruth didn't give Elvara much time to answer Zek with whatever remark before he turned and took off to the air, though he flew a bit slower then normal knowing the one girl wasn't probably use to flying let alone dragon back. Ryza and Zek were having a bit of a fight woth words due to a conversation she had brought up saying that a few of the nobles from last year would be hapyp to know he was returning.. Though he quickly stated he wasn't entertaining the lot of snoody rich bitches if he had any say in it.

Elvara got on and sat there with a smile and to the voice of Zek she answered "Why in gods name would I scream?" She asked before the dragon took off with a powerfull flap of wings and she eeped a little. Though it was just from the shock of the sudden movement. Soon though she was smiling with her hands stuck out in the air and her hood soon fell down causing her hair to fly about her in white strands.

"This is fantastic!" Elvara said happily "Do you know how long it has been since I ridden something that flys?" She asked slightly "Not since I was told I couldnt ride the family griffen anymore" She said almost sadly though she smiled again as the wind began to change from cool to warm.

It was a little odd to see her enjoying this. He had grown use to her yelling up until a few days ago when she was too busy freezing her ass off, and even then he managed to get her to swear up a storm at him. The conversation that Zek wanted no part of slowly did die between the Queen and her son, though that was to be expected seeing as he'd get to the point where he stopped replying to her or say the same phrase over and over.

Once he had the moment to even listen to what Elvara had to say he laughed slightly before speaking. "it's not fun when you have to do it everyday... let alone if you have to deal with this one" Ruth snorted a little glaring at the young male who he knew was speaking about him. "I'm stating facts you damned lizard don't give me that look! A greens far easier to control then you are.. tsk." He shrugged a little, though Ruth seemed to disagree saying that greens were hardly something to compare to himself.

The whole trip took a few mere hours before the dragon finally did touch down in front of a overly large cavern that seemed to lead into the mountain side. Ryza quickly jumped from the dragon before speaking telling Elvara welcome to her clans capital and all the other formal nine yards.

Ruth was still moving to lower himself further to the ground to allow Elvara a shorter distance to get down, though Zek had quickly followed Ryza in leaving the dragon, really he never bothered to stop walking as he seemed to leave Ryza behind as well. What point was there to hang around anyway, he already knew what words were going to be crossed and what he was going to be told to do, plus hanging around the queen meant it was easier for the damn noble females to track him down. He wanted a few more hours of freedom left before he had to deal with them.

Elvara smiled as she slid down the dragons back before walking to the front and smiling softly 'Thank you kindly for the nice ride" She said bowing a little before fallowing off after the queen and Zek. Slowly they walked in to the cavern. Elvara hardly paid any attention to what was around her she only heard the queens voice speaking to her aobut different things about the clan and where she could go.

"Thank you for your hospitality" Elvara said with a smile before she heard the queen speak once more. Though this time not to her but Zek saying that he had to show Elvara to the guest room and to be nice to the noble females that were probably about.

Ryza finally did part ways saying she had duties to get back to, and that Zek could manage in showing her to her room. Once she was gone Zek sighed heavily. "so think you could con the old man into giving you one of those daggers he had?" He noticed the odd look she gave him for such a comment. "what i'd rather take my chance at death then have to deal with this another damn year." His ears went back a little thinking about it. "as soon as they know im here.. i won't have a damn moments peace." he hissed out.

After they walked a while he stopped as the cavern seemed to open into what looked like a entire flourishing city that was under the planets surface. He noticed Elvara seemed to stop and stare at this odd sight. "what?" He questioned her noticing her sudden halt in movement. "right.. you live on a island, keep forgetting that." he shrugged a little before speaking again. "you can explore later we're almost to where your staying anyway."

Walking a few of the paths he finally came to a set of doors and pushed them open waiting for her to catch up again. "its just down the hall, this is also where the Queen's quarters are and anyone else who has a name that's suppose to be important." He seemed to shrug off the fact he just insulted any nobles or royals that may be in the area. He started to walk again before stopping at one of the room and opening the door. "Welcome to your home away from home for the next few days, or till your tired of staying." he shrugged again.

Though he didn't seem to stay long as after she walked in sort of peeking at the room he started to walk off muttering a few things under his breath. Though a moment late he paused and spoke up again. "if you need something there's the guards that are around.. or my rooms down this hall and up the stairs.. somewhere. " he waved a hand lazily in the air in a sort of direction idea of it. "like i said there's guards about if you get lost."

Elvara sighed slightly as Zek walked away. She looked about the room and the items held within it. There was a four poster bed off to one side of the room. The other side had a fire place, dresser, and a door way. Walking over Elvara smiled as the door seemed to be a bath. Quickly she stripped everything off taking nothing but herself and her daggers with her as she went for a hot soak.

After awhile Elvara drained the tub and dried off with a smile humming to her self. It was nice to have a hot bath and not get interupted for once. Getting dressed in clothes from her pack she looked at the fur clothing and stuck her tongue out at it "Heavy piece's of shit....dont need you anymore!' She said happily before running over and all but jumping on the bed.

Elvara layed there for awhile before she heard a knock at the door. Sitting up she stood then headed over to the door. Opening it she saw a guard on the other side who had a smile "M'lady" He said with a bow. "I am here to take you to the mess hall for royal dinner" He said and she smiled. "Alright one moment" She said before disapearing within the room.

Elvara soon returned with her hair brushed and did, daggers attached to her leg, Axe at her hip and her swords on her back. She just didnt feel right with out them. "Okay...lead the way please" Elvara said and got a look from the guard. Before he said anything Elvara continued "Or would you wrather have the queens new guest lost?" She asked with a tilt of her head and the man stood straight. "This way M'lady" He said and turned. Elvara nodded and smiled fallowing until she entered large double doors.

Looking about she noticed a very long table in the middle of the room. The queen sat down at the head of the table with Zek to her right side and the chair to her left empty. Every chair down the table was filled with different men and women of different kinds chatting with each other. Alot of the women trying to get Zeks attention and she growled at that before the queens voice cut through her thoughts "Elvara dear...come have a seat" She said motioning to the free chair beside her.

As Elvara nodded and walked forward she couldnt help but hear the whispers in the room 'Who is she?' 'Why does she get to sit with the queen and prince?' 'Why is she so special?'. Elvara just listened silently not wanting to use her sword or daggers when supper has not even started.

Zek hardly seemed amused by any of this. Really he seemed ready to bolt if the chance presented it's self. Though he did at least have the one thing to be thankful that it wasn't one of the damn noble females near him during this little event. Though he still wasn't thrilled no matter the company. Really considering the bland clothing he had been in all this time he seemed to finally fit the part of being prince being in the proper colors of this kingdom, let alone looking like he at least bothered to fix his hair, yet still not over dressed like some of the other nobles here.

After Elvara sat done he stared out with a rather blank expression before speaking to her. "don't say a word..." he nearly hissed it yet keeping it under his breath as he spoke. He could see some damn smart comment coming from her about any of this. Though it was very easy to see why Zek hated being here, the noble families pretty much had set any female daughters they had to try and get his attention at all costs.. that would in turn if they ever married upgrade the noble family into royalty. Though it was rather funny seeing as Zek had no intention of settling, not that they knew that.

After things were settled down a little Ryza went about her normal speech during these dinner events calling out the top more important houses that were present here, Elvara included. After that was all over with she dismissed everyone to go about enjoying the event. Zek was three seconds from bolting at that but Ryza grabbed his arm before he had time to think a second thought on it as she shot him a glare. "twenty minutes, then you can leave. He all but rolled his eyes at her before going back to trying to ignore all of the talking in the room.

"Elvara dear I hope theres something here you like, If I had known I would have prepared a little better." Ryza spoke softly to her, it was another tone altogether then when she spoke to Zek, then again to be fair Zek was a bit hardheaded and stubborn most of the time.

The twenty minutes crept past as slowly as they could, but right on the money once his time was up he stood and started to walk away. He wanted a retreat but that was not happening just yet as one of the other more powerful noble females seemed to nearly tackle him as she clung to him in a hug. "Were you going to leave without saying anything to me! Your such a bad boy you know that Zekky.. " she grinned evilly as she spoke, though Zek hardly seemed as pleased to see her as she was to him.

"Yes I was going to leave, now if you don't mind.." he half hissed his words to her, not that it deterred her any, she was damn lucky he wasn't allowed to do anything to harm any of the people here. He wanted nothing better then to put her in her place..

Elvara smiled to the queen "Oh my not at all!" She said slightly "Everything is wounderfull and I am greatful for your kindness" She said slightly with a little bow of her head. Elvara then sat there and talked to some different people before excusing her self and standing. That is when an annoying voice hit her ears causing them to drop a little.

Looking over Elvara saw a female nearly hanging off Zek and she growled to herself before she took the liberty of walking over to them "You know...if you are a noble then you should act as such" Elvara said looking to the female who pouted and stood "And who are you to say what I should act like?" The female said in anger and Elvara smiled.

"I am your superior" She said simply "Not only for the fact of maturity and no doubt age..." She began "But also for being the princess of the southern islands..." Elvara said with a smile as the female before her took a step back her eyes widening a little "So...before you think you either have the right to talk and use such a derogitory tone to your voice you should make sure you know who your talking to"

With that Elvara reached out took Zekraks hand within hers and left the courtroom leaving a stuned noble female behind her. One that was still scratching her head trying to think of something to say.

After they were clear of the room and Elvara finally stopped her bit of a speed walk she had going on he spoke. "you know.. I have to thank you for that.. like hell that speech works when I say it." He rather hated it she had to bail him out of that.. but he wasn't going to complain that she did so. "Though.. you can let go any time" He said with a slight laugh at the fact she still seemed to have his hand captive.. sure he could have pulled away but.. why bother? Though he needed to kick himself for saying he didn't mind knowing damn well that he wasn't letting anything happen between two royal families.. that was asking for a world of trouble.

"Well.. if you don't mind im going to go retreat to my room, or a room period and stay there in hopes that no one bothers to track my whereabouts.." He frowned a little knowing it was hardly a plan but it's the best he had at the moment. Running off would mean that they'd just send someone out to get him and drag him back so why bother going too far. "Also im sure you could use the rest" He shrugged a little, he didn't say his other thought that she was probably tired of his company by now, or he'd guess she'd be by now hell he'd be tired of his own company by now.

Elvara watched as he walked away a little sad that he did but she soon took step behind him and fallowed him "You know..." She began once she reached his side 'A place to hide or to stay...why dont we go see Vaden?" She asked slightly looking to him "I have no Idea where to even start looking for him in this...place" She said looking around her.

Before Zek could protest she lightly slapped his arm "Oh come on..." She said looking to him "I need your help to find him...plus he supposidly found the last relic that I need!" Elvara said almsot bouncing up and down "Please come and help me?" She asked with a little tilt of her head.

He glared at her a little "are you kidding, we'd be there ten minutes tops and he'd be ready to try another one of his experiments... " he groaned a little before crossing his arms. "trust me that are hardly fun... " He seemed to cringe a little at a thought on a past experience before she seemed to go on speaking again.

There was the other fact that Vaden wasn't one to hide his location so that was hardly a help, though it might keep some of the less bold nobles at bay.. most of them seemed to not get along with Vaden, though Vaden had a way with words that probably confused most of them.

He watched her for a second about to say no before her last sentence, he sighed heavily. "Fiinne... " He looked at her as she seemed to smile at the fact he agreed to it. "though you do know I can't leave, that'd take some serious bribe to convince the Queen that you need my help." He knew damn well she didn't, he was nearly useless in a fight and he had his reasons for being so. Though probably only Vaden really knew them.

"Either way.. we have to go all the way back to the first town we met in." I can already tell you he's not here, he avoids these events when he has excuses to do so." He shrugged a little after that before going on again "so really you don't need my help finding him, heh"

Elvara smiled then that smile vanished to a sigh as she looked at him "Well then...if I have to convice the queen I will" She said before turning on her heel and walking the way she came. If she had to do it she would. Elvara had grown used to traveling with the male that she left behind her.

Walking into the mess hall she noticed that everyone was still within the room. Walking back over to her chair Elvara took her seat once more "Sorry for that" She said with a slight nod of her head. That is when she turned her gaze to the queen and spoke as formal as she could muster "My queen..." She said slightly "After these engagements I was woundering if I may hold an audience with you" She said.

Getting a curious look Elvara smiled to her "Its about the last relic" At that she got a smile and a nod as well as the queen saying she would send some one to get her later that evening. "Thank you kindly" Elvara said slightly before the servents entered the room setting the table with different kinds of food. Elvara smiled she was hungry.

He blinked a few times watching her walk off, what in the world was she up to now? He shook his head a little before going about his own direction, he had something he wanted to do before any of the nobles managed to find him again. Mainly being going to the training yard to kill the slight frustration he had from all of this before he really snapped on someone.

He figured he had a few hours before the dinning was done with. So hopefully things would go well and he could have another few hours of peace to himself. Though he didn't have the grounds to himself as there were a few of the guards about.

"well well if it isn't the prince himself." One seemed to laugh and taunt at the same time. Zek frowned a little before grabbing a sword from the rack on the side wall and swinging it once. "Yeah yeah laugh all you want.." he sighed out. The guard shook his head a little "Not really laughing at you young lord, more of laughing at the fact they try to force you into a role your obviously not willing to serve in."

Zek cracked his neck to the side listening before shrugging slightly and holding a stance of sorts towards one of the targets. "I don't have a say in the matter... though it is good to hear someone knows what hell I'm going through." He said before striking at the target, forcing the blade to cut it all the way through. Though he seemed to look at the sword afterwards with a slight glare.

"I should do that before I get abducted again as well.." he spoke to himself before replacing the blade as he started to walk away from the grounds. The guards seemed a little confused with what just happened, though they weren't going to question him either.

He hadn't seen Elvara in a while now but he shrugged it off figuring she was resting or doing something else. He had managed to make it back to his room and then all the way to the forge area without being noticed. This alone was making his day. There was one other race that the drows of this area got along with the best, the dwarfs. It was common the two trades materials or knowledge on certain aspects.

There was a older looking dwarf in the forge that Zek greeted almost happily. "Aye, so they already have ye back here?" The dwarf seemed to laugh before going back to his business he was doing of forging whatever weapon or armor he was working on at one of the few forges in this area.

Zek sighed a little before holding a hand out towards the hearth as the flame seemed to follow his movement slightly. "If i could get away I would.. tsk. Hell I'd trade places with a damned commoner if it freed me of this damn curse" he hissed out before setting his weapon up so he could work on it a little.

The dwarf shrugged a little listening to him. "Ay.. one day laddy, you'll find your place in the world and stop fighting the very pull of the goddess' will." Zek frowned a little, he hated the fact that the best metal smith in the lands talked in such riddles. "And don't ye give me that face, you'll know when yer meant to know. Be satisfied till then, besides you even have a gift most couldn't dream of."

He nodded a little, he was probably right he had been about most things, just like the old man. "I guess.. I wouldn't call it a gift more of a curse.. heh" The dwarf sighed a little before turning to face Zek. "I'm not talking about yer blood boy, I mean your ability with the arts." Zek shrugged a little at the idea of it "i guess, if its so damn great why does our beloved Queen seem to keep me from this very area?"

Elvara after dinner went to her room and sat there on her bed. In her lap rested the stone book. Openeing it she looked and there was nothing within the book at all. It was a stone binding with no pages at all "Really is a book with no pages huh..." She said slightly to herself before a knock at the door was heard. Walking over she opened it and saw the gaurd from before standing there with a smile on his face "Good evening M'lady" He said smiling and she nodded 'I am here to take you to the queen" 'Oh really thank you!" Elvara said before fallowing behind him.

Soon she was led to a room with double wooden doors as tall as a giant. The guard gave a knock before a muffeled voice was heard from the other side. Soon he opened the door and bowed low "My queen" He said "Princess Elvara blane is waiting for you" He said slightly and the queen nodded "Well send her in" With that Elvara walked in and bowed low before the doors behind her closed.

Elvara soon left the double doors with a smile on her face. Within the room she talked to the queen telling her of everything that has taken place over the short time. Everything from the first deamon on the island to Zek being as helpfull as he was. Elvara then asked the queen for a favor "My queen, I would never ask such a thing unless I really needed it" She said in earnest and the queen smiled to her "All will work out better then you know" Was all she got before her dismissel.

Elvara was now walking down the paths around her not really heading in any direction. Though a distressed voice caught her attention and it sounded like Zekrak to her. Walking around a corner she stopped at the sight before her. There Zek was standing trying to get a female off of him. Though thats not what stopped her steps.

It was the fact that the female then proceeded to try then succeed in kissing the male. Elvara growled low in her throat her ears going back. Why did the image before her make her so angry. Then she realized that she was jealious. "Men are all the same" She said before turning and storming off to her room.

He barely noticed Elvara till she spoke. He looked at her as she walked away, confused to all hell at what that was suppose to mean. Either way she seemed more then pissed for some unknown reason. The girl was still trying to kiss him when his ears went back and he forced her off holding both of her wrists. "look I've told you no more times then I care to count and damn it i'm fed up with it all!"

After he released her and she seemed to step back a little at the shock he had raised his voice to her, she almost seemed to be in tears. Though he hardly cared seeing as she was always a pest whenever she was near him, not once did he try to fight her off before normally he dealt with it.

By the time he had managed to catch up to Elvara she was already closed up in her room. "Whats wrong? You come out of no where and blurt out something fucking random as then and storm off? What the hell did I do now?" He never bothered to open the door he was pretty sure she could hear him through it, so why bother. Plus if she was in that foul of a mood she probably had it locked anyway.

He had no idea that she had gotten jealous the few times another female was hanging onto him, hell he wasn't encouraging it at all. Rather he'd love for it to stop.But he had never seen her just flip a switch so suddenly like that, not over nothing or what he thought was nothing.

Elvara opened the door and glared at the male before her "You just dont care do you" She said slightly in anger "All those fucking noble females rubbing and cressing you" She spat out "It makes me sick!" She said in angery. When Elvara heard Zek speak she growled low "Why do I care...why!" She said in a huff "Because Zek...over time I have grown to care for you!" She akk but screamed. Then her eyes widened and she shut the door behind her. What the hell was that!? She was confused what was she to do now?