Starry Sapphire, Sea of Solitude (Quick, Invite only)

[Peach]

Wagon wheels, noisy beyond any horse-powered vehicle that usually traversed the streets, rattled against finely shaped cobblestones. The carriage, quite surprisingly, was not anything special. Those who had the luxury of allowing for well-bred creatures to do their work for them usually had enough crowns to spare on decoration... This certain one, painfully unpainted, was quite the exception. Wood panels were polished, although time had worn a gray hue into their grain, and windows were covered with thinning blue curtains. Two horses of a normal bay-colored variety lazily plodded through the dappled throngs of white-haired people, their metallic shoes leaving unsightly scuff marks. The occupants of the carriage weren't lost upon the city... Perhaps this was the reason why it was given such a wide berth. As it rolled lethargically along, Esh'laheir on the sidewalks averted their gazes, almost ashamed at having such a plain thing upon their perfect streets.

These reactions did nothing but amuse the occupants. Laughing as if they had not a care in the world, the two members of the Oriv'ain household obliviously rode along. Their family was ninth, and last, in the governmental system of the holy city... They did not have much to lose. Although power was constantly sought by the higher members of Ethgan'torian society, the final house knew that they had nothing to gain. Their standing was too low, voices rarely heard for much more than a symbolic reason. Oriv'ain was the odd family out... The last third wheel that didn't exactly belong. They had been bothered by this, in the past, but leaders changed and so did time. Grown accustomed to their lack of responsibility, Oriv'ain began to see its blatant benefits. Without need to devote much of their funds to the militia, or the schools, one of their household was able to spend crowns upon themselves. It was a fruitful, and easy existence... One that the citizens didn't approve of. If such a lackadaisical and undeserving group could earn a position beneficial to themselves, why could a more talented and anonymous family not have the position of the Ninth House?

Rebellion was something that they should have been worried about, and yet, were not. It was simpler to ride the flow that they had meticulously created, basking in the light of their forefathers existence. But, that was the last thing that Aulell and Gallian had to be worried about. Only half-Esh’laheir, they never would have had a chance for success in the city. Ones of their kind were allowed to advance in the military, to some extent, but the majority of political positions were designated to those pure of blood. The non-identical twins were quite pleased with being the brats of the House… It was the one place in society that didn’t require an aim or purpose. At their age, all but teenagers, being nubile and attractive was enough to satisfy. Both had the same hue of platinum blonde hair, with glowing eyes of dark gray and slightly tanned skin. The light ancestry was present in their features, slightly rounding the normally sharp angles and adding a bit more musculature to their bodies… They weren’t perfect, like some citizens and visitors of the city, but the pair were far from uncomely. And why should such beings be bored upon an average winters brightening? Eagerly, the twins scanned the streets, looking for something to strike their fancies.

[Quick Ki'Tera]

~Winter Era XI, when hands are cold and so are bums... sniff~

The grand city of Esh'Lahier dreams, holier than thou, sweeter than wine, the Mecca* of his people. The place his grandparents wished most to travel to and visit before their deaths-- wait a moment-- the hardly aging elfin couple were not dying. With their youthful looks and blessed blood, Quick would age and die before Granny and Grampy both got their first real stand of white hair! Curses.

From the gates, Quick began a short jaunt around the city. The Lauryl Province was dreary and cold and empty. Cities were not as grand as the man of the mountains had dreamed of them to be. So many disappointments since his arrival in High Peak. Even his title, his growing fortune, and lovely elfin men did not quell his lust for everything more. More wine! More luxuries! More love? No, a man with a black heart needed no love. Games and fun, more! I pray to you Meephos, bless me with more so that I can be a true follower, a true hedonist. Torture me no further with such mundane gifts!

Quick sighed to himself as his walk around Eth' continued, his boot covered feet grew sore and his spirits weary. How amusing was it for a human with only traces of Esh'lahier blood to be alone in a foreign city-- the claimed holy city of his unknown ancestors? He prayed to Meephos, the rest of the city prayed to Ioannes. For a moment of transience, the self-proclaimed miscreant yearned for a home. He was a Rhagrhnd in exile, a youth trapped in a position he cared naught for, a lost fellow with nary a purpose in life.

His perfection and confidence could easily shatter into shards of oblivion in a moment of stillness and thought. But the Rhagrhnd/Esh'lahier moved on. He was a mortal lord of sexiness. No depression here, Ioannes be damned!

Something caught his eye. It was his reflection. By the gods, he truly was gorgeous! If only his parents had given him a twin instead of Kasara, the youngest of his old sisters. Kasara was a pattern older than Quick and yet the two shared so many similar physical features-- virgin-snow white hair, deep and dark cerulean eyes-- envy birthing beauty, tall and long bodies-- genetic deliciousness. To not digress, the main point was that had his mother allowed a twin to pop out of her womb moments after Quick entered the world of light, Quick would not be oh'so'lonely now. He'd have a twin to play with. Scandelous, naughty, devious, egregious! There would be two Rhagrhnds in exile then.

Quick found shadows on the streets to hide beneath. The cold bit his kissable nose and yet the fur-trimmed hat on his head caused him to perspirate a bit. The lovely one removed the hat from his head, allow his hair sweet escape. (Imagine Herbal Essences Commercial) Quick with his eyes closed, white lashes fanning his cheek bones, shook his head from side to side, wisps of white locks dancing in the cold air.

Lithe fingers then ran their course through his hair, roughly combing the natural style of ooh-lalaness. (no more adjectives for lovely, gorgeous, beautiful, blessed Meephos, a new dictionary should be made for narcissists!) Eyes did open when the noise pollution infiltrated his ears. Such a headache did exist from such noise, his moment of of rest and sweet solitude shattered-- and yet when cerulean eyes met two pairs of glowing dark gray orbs of vision, all negative thoughts and mood dissipated.

Interesting pair, Quick thought to himself, his lovely lips curled into a wicked smile, his white brows arched slightly. Very interesting indeed. And yet in the next moment, sweet Quick feigned indifference.

[Peach]

It wasn't poor Quick's fault that he entranced the ladies so. Sadly, no matter the Rhagrhnd's preference, his followers would have been copious... The city seemed to engage in a collective double-take as the mostly-human man removed his hat in a flourish, revealing hair with enough sheen to reflect the sunlight. Unbeknownst to Quick, this also revealed his rather rounded ears, a topic that soon came of interest to those around him. What was one such as himself doing in the holy city? Suspiciously, the crowds looked away, trying to trust in the obviously lackadaisical guards that watched over their gates... The man had to have a little pale elven in him. The pure white hair, the perfection, such things did not come easily to the most mortal of creatures. Even if he was not a full Esh'laheir, the young man was a most winning presence, a beauty deserving to frequent an equally lovely place. 'Handsome', it seemed, did not describe Quick... Such an adjective was too masculine, too material. As transient as pure sunlight on pristine clouds, perhaps.

Aullel certainly was one of those who noticed... Her brother, although flexible, was not yet enough so that he would admit infatuation with one of his own gender. A foolish fancy, one that would soon enough be changed. A mixture of a smile of delight and a grin of mischievousness became apparent on the adolescent's face. With a show of flying corn silk hair, almost rivaling Quick's previous display, she turned enthusiastically towards the driver of the carriage. "Stop! There is business that I must attend to." With a small, high-pitched screech, the wheels ceased to roll. Could not they be silent for a single moment? Every sensitive elven ear in the vicinity began to ache at the obnoxious sound, accompanied by equally painful glares of annoyance. Gallian smiled a sheepish apology through his window, but Aulell was too busy for such affairs... In a single, fluid motion, she opened the door and extracted herself from the cab. Her brother followed a heartbeat behind, as usual, and followed his sibling towards her destination.

Naive Quick was the avatar of what they were searching for. Something slightly different from the rest, yet still encompassing a comfortable sense of home... On the edge, but within the boundaries of sanity. Due to his human heritage, they had no problem treating the Rhagrhnd like an attractive woman in a light-born tavern. If only the action of 'picking up' was fated to be successful... Both similar faces smiling winningly, they approached Quick with careful and suggestive grace. Surprisingly, as if guided by intuition, Gallian was the first to speak. "Vendui, stranger. You seemed to be cold in the out of doors..." He raised platinum brows in a pointed gesture of questioning, passing the baton along to his more experienced sister. "We'd be pleased to give you a lift to whichever location you wish. I'm Aullel, and he is Gallian." Not bothering to explain why they had chosen him out of the crowd of likely-frigid occupants, or waiting for an answer to their inquiry, both took one of the Human's arms and began to usher him towards the carriage.

Then would have been a good time to remember his mother's warnings about strangers... If the elder K'tera was they type to give them. Then again, was this the sort of trouble that Quick wished to get into? The twins hardly seemed to be the slimy old men that were often portrayed in frightening midwives tales... But could not the vivacious youth cause equally as much harm as their woe-begotten counterparts?

[Quick Ki'Tera]

Though some of Quick's past actions were quite asinine, he had absconded, hiding beneath the shadows and away from jealous and lusty eyes. The shadows were not strong in this city. Also, Quick finally remembered that he had no prior training in stealth. Of course the blasted elves could see his ears! They were so deliciously rounded and adorable. A treat for all nibblers. And a temptation for all fictional Mike Tysons.

So his eyes had deceived him. He had initially thought that the pair of twins were both males. He felt disappointment shoot tiny invisible and intangible daggers into his chest. Ah, well, but at least one of them suited his palate well. Young and yet not young enough to not know and love corporeal joys. By Meephos, Quick was merely thirteen patterns young when he had his first taste of bodily lust fullfillment. It was Kasara's fault. She literally threw poor Quick into a mountain cave with nothing but furs on his back. A few other boys who loved to play ambush were in the cave and you know how boys liked to experiment... erm anyway... Disturbing flashbacks for some, grand memories for others, namely Quick.

The female's voice had a lachrymose quality-- in her very presence, Quick felt uncomfortable. The pair had abducted him for Meephos' sake! Next time, he swore, he'd feign indifference and walk far and away. Or get a pair of spectacles. Elfin blood my arse. He couldn't even tell that one of pair was a mischievous girl! Vomit, he could vomit. What was in that little wicked mind of hers?

Whatever it was, Quick could bear. In the presence of Gallian, he could bear all.

"Vedui, gorgeous," the young lad said to Gallian and only Gallian.

In the carriage, the human with traces of Esh'lahier blood allowed his spirited cerulean eyes to dart from left to right, devouring all sights and surroundings. To the female he said, with the same pair of orbs of visions narrowed, "Take me to the local holy brothel ... whore ... Sss warm me up good in the midst of wintertime. By Meephos-- I mean Ioannes of course, this city is a wonderland."

Subtly, the human shot a glance at Gallian. Lips curled into a sweet little wicked smile, a sly little tongue moistened the bottom lip with tender care.

[Peach]

Gallian blushed almost boyishly as the white-haired Human gave him a rather strange greeting. Soon afterwards, he reprimanded himself for allowing his exterior image to slip... The twins were oftentimes aloof, possessing nonchalance, trying their most to seem as if they did not have a care in the world. Self-consciousness did not help to bolster this unobtainable image. The pinkish color that had tinted his pale cheeks soon drained, slate eyes showing interest instead of clear skin. Carefully, trying his best not to be obvious about it, the dark elf observed Quick. Even though he was of the same gender, a phenomenon that Gallian had almost no experience with, the way that the Raghrhnd moved made him oddly attractive. His smooth muscles, the artistically angular features of his perfectly proportioned face... In a way, they were more interesting than the more rounded physique that females seemed to commonly sport.

The young pale elf's embarrassment did not go unnoticed to the ever-present curiosity of his sister. A knowing smile spread across her all-too feminine features as she surveyed the uncomfortably blatant display of emotions. Gallian had always been slightly hesitant around women, only taking escorts with much persuasion. She had accounted for such actions in many ways, but had never quite considered his preference. Now that it was made clear, the notion did not seem incorrect... Being so close to his sibling for patterns on end could have made him much too close to the opposite gender for comfort. If any were to fully push him into the realms of the unknown, Quick was a rather good choice... He was slender and graceful enough to be associated somewhat with the womanly side of the world, while being obviously male. It was too bad that Aulell would not give her new toy up without a fight. She was certainly capable of sharing with her experimental brother, but giving was beyond her selfish comprehension.

"You look for brothels in the wrong city. Go to one of your human towns if you wish to meander about with the filthy. How about the Inn, for starters?" A little too roughly, she guided the pair of ignorant men into the carriage. Somehow, the whole situation seemed to be more of an abduction than a salvation... It was true, however, that it was warmer inside the carriage. By some means arcane or natural, they had secured an amount of rather comfortable air inside the confines of the moving structure. With the crack of a whip, they jolted sharply into motion, occupants receiving a startling awakening. One of Gallian's long arms rested itself across the top of the seat, showing his interest towards the comparatively short-lived being. "I must apologize for my sister's words... My I ask for your name?" To others, it would have been quite a stretch to pull a complete stranger into one's carriage. The two, however, were not effected by such insignificant morals. They were not looking for an in-depth relationship with Quick... Neither were responsible enough for such things.

[Quick Ki'Tera]

Quick would never quail in the face of danger, nor would he turn down challenges. This little pickle that he had not gotten himself into intrigued him. The quietude and peace that had brought beauty to his earlier brightening was no more. He now had two new friends to play with, though one of them couldn't seem comprehend the venom behind his words. He had intentionally called her a whore, he had allowed a look of disgust to mar the beauty of his face, he had even spoken like a foul common man, as if he really wanted to visit a brothel. Quick could see himself with a harem of the finest males in the Empire, but in a whorehouse with female bosoms heaving, the heavy scent of perfume drowning senses, and ack, merrymaking he found no so merry at all, Quick could very well die.

T'was a quagmire Quick faced, unbeknownst to him. He did not see the need to extricate himself from this very situation. Gallian's heart was what Quick wished to purloin, if for but a transient moment-- even a brightening sufficed for one who cared only for carnal pleasures. Quick licked his lips subtly, adding natural luster to lips capable of kissing away mortal pains and lament. The usually loqacious being remained silent for a moment, allowing mystery to swallow all their beings. The very moment was indescribable-- it was as if Quick swam in the midst of a starry sapphire, sea of solitude* (kudos). He looked wise and yet he looked lost. Then he answered the youth with a voice honeyed and masculinely mellifluous.

"Quick Ki'Tera, Diplomat of High Peak, pleased to meet and serve you. Us politicians, we are obsequious to the people of the Lauryl Province, and I am especially so when in the presence of a Lauryl denizen as munificent in character and beautiful in being as you." Quick was no mountebank, he was the Diplomat of High Peak. He did work for a living, against his beliefs and wishes. To the female, he merely forced himself to smile, in order to be polite to her brother. Quick had noticed the blush across Gallian's face and that gave him the signal. He knew and he would strike.

Unfortunately, he paid no heed to the girl. He did answer her question. "Oh yes, the inn's just fine."

The self-proclaimed miscreant began to relax and enjoy the ride. It was not exactly impossible. There were times when he felt no nausea on the carriage. And Gallian, Gallian was his smelling salts across this sea of unknown.

[Peach]

Diplomat. Of High Peak. Neither of the twin's attraction to Quick mattered at that moment... They could entertain themselves with the topic of light born cities for a moment. Both exchanged sidelong looks, identical smiles fighting to escape from their mixed features. The short-lived being bragged about his position as if it would have meant anything to an Ethgan'torian. Perhaps, to a rare few visiting from the empire, and gullible enough to believe his 'title' significant, the Rhagrhnd could have gained a mite of respect. From Gallian and Aulell, however, all that was to be earned was muffled laughter. "A diplomat of High Peak, eh? What do you do, oversee the shoveling of snow?" Gallian reached over and gave his sister a light blow upon the back, but not without a small laugh towards her insult. No matter the situation, it seemed, one could always count on twins to be obnoxious with their inside jokes.

Neither attempted an apology that time around. With a joke and interest as good as Quick, one could not afford to seem too needy. Gallian took the compliment a bit more easily this time, no rosy tint rising in his face. To him, the Human was not the kind to give compliments as simply that... They obviously had a different motive, gravitating towards the benefit of their initiator. Two could play at that game, they could indeed. There was no licking of the lips on the Esh'laheir's side... Such a thing would be reserved for the dinner table of a more mortal race. Surely, Quick was a succulent morsel, but Gallian did not wish to make such a thing blatantly clear. "You would call a Dark Elf beautiful? You must have good taste, indeed..." Of course, none of the ones frequenting the carriage were actually full pale elves, but the siblings liked to think of themselves as such. Why would a noble of the Holy City not be able to mold their race name as they wished?

Perhaps it had something to do with the Laws of Nature... Insignificant little things, when one looked closely at them. The very Order that Aulell wanted to defy with Quick, forcing him against his Aetheria-given preference. The teenage elf crossed her arms and scowled, trying not to look with envy at her brother's newfound ability for flirtation. I am a daughter of the Ninth house... I should have what I want! Turning her gaze out towards the streets, Aulell sighed with the injustice of it all. Why did the pretty ones have to be so odd? Perhaps their looks had attracted so much attention that they needed something new. Quick would not get away with such insults to her pride, nor his self-centered attitude. She was the only one allowed to have that. "Well, Quick... How would you like to stay at the Oriv'ain mansion tonight? Our facilities are much better than that of the Inn." Obviously, the jaded Rhagrhnd had no say in the matter. Without further ado, Aulell instructed the driver to change directions once more.

Quick's lust-interest could not hide the concerned expression upon his features. His sister could be quite frightening when she was angry... Hopefully, the quarter-blood would not provoke her any further. "And why did you leave this High Peak, where you were so well recognized, to visit a city such as this?" The female twin practically chuckled at her brother's idle conversation. They would soon see that none wronged her, no matter how content they were.

[Quick Ki'Tera]

Quick did not mind the joking at his expense. He knew very well that his title and even position were hardly significant to the Empire or even to the denizens of High Peak. The pay for the job was decent and if Quick wished to retire soon to a warmer and more exotic city, Demios for instance or even Jaedaxia, he'd have to suffer more cycles, months, and mayhaps even eras as a useless politician trapped in a Gaol for the slaves of crown and so-called power. He had as little respect for his position as his two companions and he even laughed along. T'was a rare moment for Quick could hardly ever laugh at perfection-- himself.

"Shoveling snow is not an easy task mind you. The citizens of High Peak are rather pathetic I'd say, and yes, one of my responsibilities might as well be supervising the shoveling of snow. I'll find out when I return." If he could return, that was.

Quick blinked his cerulean eyes innocently and then beamed a smile at his lovely Gallian, ignoring the female once again. She should learn by now, the man was not interested and he would probably never be. The only time he'd claim to love a woman, besides ma and the sisters, would be if he were forced at dagger point. That or if in the end, such a thing would bring the hedonist ultimate pleasure. Bedding or loving a woman could never truly be pleasurable, now could it? They were so... so... foul and soft. His beauty surpassed the lot of them, they complained and whined too much, and they were just not, how'd one put it, his type of dish?

"Yes, I do have great taste. All elves are beautiful. But at the moment, I would battle the grip of Jalat to say that your brother, my friend, is the most beautiful of all elves." He couldn't say the same for Aulell, even though the pair were obviously identical twins! Dear Aulell, he'd battle you to prove it true.

Quick needed not a moment of consideration in order to find a reply to Gallian's question, but he feigned thought as he rubbed his stub-less chin. "Well, if your magnanimous nature allows it to be so, I will not decline such an offer. A mansion's facilities will suit my tastes better. Besides, I'm not sure an inn can offer me anything near what I truly want. I do love beauty. I want what I claim to love. To be a guest of a magnificently beautiful creature would be my honor." T'was a mouth rinsed in oil the human possessed. Perhaps that was why even the Thane of High Peak fell victim to his words. This one here was a local politician with no prior training neither law or politics.

Quick could really care less about Aulell's feelings and anger. She wanted what she could never have. In the face of danger, Quick would give her what she wanted. By the time he'd finish, Aulell would perhaps never want another man again, at least not one who, erm um, you know.

"It is my duty to visit all the cities of the Province and make sure that High Peaks' relations with each city is excellent. The city is dreadfully boring, I'd say, but a job is a job."

The rest of the jaunt needed to die in Quick's opinion. He wished to see what the two had to offer. A mansion? Servants? Glittering gold? A plethora of wealth and merry-making? Nothing really mattered. By the end of the brightening, his true prize could only be Gallian.

[Peach]

There was no doubt in the twin's mind that such a physical task was, indeed, rather taxing. Such things would be needed, however, for the Human to keep his well-toned and tanned body... Unlike pure elves, he was not gifted with the ability to keep the same body type for their whole lives, whether they worked or not. One could also say that they could never truly develop any significant strength... But such a thing bothered a dark elf no more than it would a lazy human. They had other strengths, other abilities, that went far beyond the scope of short-lived understanding. For, in the long run, which was more useful? A powerful body, or an omnipotent mind? With Arcana, or even the charisma to make others do one's on work, they had no need to be so in shape. The children of Phedos, meddled with by Haya, were truly an intelligent and demanding race. In their opinion, Quick was lucky to have even a speck of their blood running in his veins. It would have been blasphemy to begrudge such a thing.

Aulell did nothing but show more exclamations of amusement at his next statement, a sardonic smirk forming at the corners of her lips. Her brother was far from the most lovely elf in existence... His facial features, only partially dark in nature, were far from angular enough to give him that title. The corners of his ears were not sharp, nor did he possess long enough limbs... Was the Rhagrhnd blind? Perhaps the veil of his small town's society had been pulled over his wondrous, midnight-blue eyes. For a moment, the girl was drawn into their depths, before shaking off the tugging sensation that they caused. She could not become too emotionally involved with such a creature. Humans were for use to further oneself, and that thing alone. Love or interest, whether it was returned or not, required for one to give just as much as they took. Besides, Quick did not seem to be interested in anything aside from insulting her and forever complimenting her brother...

The Esh'laheirian boy, himself, seemed to be having no problems with this. Gallian was too used to having his sister bask in the light, while he sulked in the shadow. It was time for him to emerge, to claim the attention that was rightfully his. No longer, did the pale elf want to be deemed the 'shy one', and brushed aside as an anomaly made inexorably by culture. He was more than that... A being with as many desires as another, as much potential as any of them had. How he wished to enact these skills, however, were up to him alone... While others used them to become political figures, like Quick, he only wished for material gain that he had not earned. Gallian was greedy, he was unfair. At least he was not as bad as Aulell, who would dispose of anything and everything that did not strike her fancies. The male twin had a few scraps of compassion remaining in his lean form. Slate-colored eyes narrowing ever so slightly in pleasure, he inclined his head to the quarter-elf. "If only you had a bit more Esh'laheir in you, Quick... Then your comments would have merit." He laughed, portraying the rather harsh statement as yet another joke.

As the sign of merriment rang out, the wheels grated once again, drowning out the sounds produced by his weak lungs. Tired from sitting in the jolting carriage, Aulell practically kicked the door open, leaping in a rather un-ladylike way to the ground. Their mansion was relatively small, compared to the others of Ethgan'tor. It was two stories alone, but the white marble was fine enough to accurately show its worth. The horse-shoe shaped courtyard, quite the contrary to most other Noble households, sat openly within its walls. Without a second glance at the flowering plants inside of it, or the fountain that spurted crystal ribbons of water, the two retreated into the warmth that was offered within the doors. Once inside of the simple, yet lush hallway, Gallian turned about. "Well, would you like to see your room first, or get something to eat? As a guest, you have the authority to decide..." Eyes twinkling with the double meaning, he wanted for an answer.

[Quick Ki'Tera]

Who needed immortality when one year or rather pattern was one thousand five hundred brightenings in total? Even in times of no medical miracles and hardly any advances-- heck some superstitious peasants still beat the living daylights out of the sick-- one would be satisfied to live to the age of fifty patterns. Immortality would bore Quick-- with so much time on his hands, he'd be able to sample all the tasty morsels of men in the realms and have no more to quell his appetite. Like the undead who drink blood for pleasure and survival, he'd soon have melancholy sweep his very existence to eternal oblivion. Never would he reach an end or a paradise, never would there be an end, every brightening would be the same, and once again, there would be no end for Aulell and Gallian and the rest of their kind. Soon, it would grow tiring and incredibly lonesome. They were still young and still, the pain they would suffer was inevitable.

If he had known her thoughts, Quick would offer a retort that would contradict both her reasoning and his own. If Gallian weren't the most beautiful of all elves, then she could never possess the title as well. Which came Quick's own defeat of his reasoning-- how could he find one twin beautiful and the other not? It was purely psychological. In the end, Gallian was a male and Aulell was a female. Given that fates had changed things around slightly, granting Aulell a male's body and soul, Quick would face a far greater dilemma. Who would he choose? How about both? He would agree. Both.

As for Aulell's kick, Quick would have to give her some credit. At that moment, he had thought that she had grown a bit more masculine. Quick laughed at nothing and no one in particular, out of the blue and narrowed his cerulean eyes ever the more at the testy and spoiled brat. He could imagine now holding a dagger's blade over her throat and watch her beg for mercy with every slice. Such dark thoughts were cast aside. He must not bring harm to his magnanimous hosts.

The estates or rather mansion disappointed Quick slightly but he did not voice his feelings or even showed it on his face. Ever the clever actor, the lovely human smiled and bowed gracefully to show his hosts his appreciation. Most geniune appreciation too. Quick could laugh, but another spontaneous laugh would deem him worthy for an asylum.

"I do not mind at all. I do appreciate a full belly. That way, I'll have more energy to explore... things... rooms... people." His last word faded into the air, but keen elfin ears could surely catch them.

[Peach]

But there was an end, as there always had been, and always would be. Even the gods, some day, would die and be forgotten... Nothing was immortal, not the elves, or the ancient Allerians. They could simply prolong the thing that all must face, swimming in the dark river that claimed souls without a second glance. If that actually was one's fate when they returned to the earth that had given them life. Aulell and Gallian, so young and inexperienced, did not believe that Jalat held power over them. When they died, their consciousness would simply diffuse, and that would be the end. Strange, to be an Atheist in a world with such prominent religion, but their naivety made it possible. No, dying was not on their minds, life seemed to be a never-ceasing thing that would always lay whatever they wished out to them. The twins felt that they controlled it, and the events that commonly took place, not the other way around.

Only in acts of pleasure, would either of them go along for the ride. Not that this would be so harsh of a reality... Both were looking back towards Quick, minds racing with the possibility that lay ahead of them. If only they knew that the Human's own fantasies could involve both of them... An unavoidable thing, perhaps, but one that they desired to ignore. So self-centered from all the pampering that they had received, the Esh'laheirian youths rarely brought others into their stream of cognition. The Rhagrhnd belonged to both of them individually, no splitting of the whole was involved. To be so doubled could likely be taxing upon the nerves of any individual, indeed. Quick's wiles would be tested by the pair, whether they were knowledgeable of the fact or not. Almost reluctantly, the siblings brought their vision towards one another to decide mentally upon the location of their festivities. "We may not have what you used to eat in High Peak..." Gallian said in an almost demure way, as if he had suddenly gained the inspiration to switch his role.

"But we will fill you up none the less." Even though they were so different, the twins still had that natural advantage of a link. They had shared their mother's womb for a time, learning of each other as they grew, and no amount of hatred or individuality could sever that. The two each had a part of each other, no matter how much they tried to deny it, even if this was most obvious in appearance alone. A short period of walking brought the trio to the kitchens, a clean place with many metal pots and pans. One lonely human servant was cooking stew over a pot, which gave off a succulent smell. Aulell stepped towards it, peering suspiciously into the contents. None of them ever knew which day the slave would snap and decide to poison their food... Hopefully it would not be the brightening that they had such an entertaining guest over. "So, Quick, what would you like?"

Gallian pulled out a chair, and sat in it with a yawn. The tediousness of the kitchens always bored him... Its busy air reminded him of the work that had to be done behind the scenes, tasks that must be completed to bring luxury to his waiting body. Too easy-going to ask for a place to be set in the dining hall, however, the twins were often sent off to the direct source of their nourishment. Aulell, deciding that she was not hungry, stopped bothering the cook and joined the two males. Perhaps, if she had known Quick's deepest thoughts of her, the pale elf would have been moving in the other direction... The girl could not, however, plead her own innocence to such odd and underappreciated fantasies.