COTV Part 2 (FF,CC.Adult)

[KatnotKath]

OOC: I know this doesn't have her saying anything at the end, but I'm thinking she might well be quiet right now... Tell me if it needs changing though?

~Liz~

Xan assures me he can handle Justin and Sarah for a while, and I have to smile as I hear him add a reminder to eat. *Who's the parent here...?* I tease silently with a smile, before assuring him I will indeed eat. *Thanks Xan*

Having assured myself that Sarah and the two boys will be fine for now, I feel a little better as Max and I head over to get some food ourselves. Max selects a few things, saying that some of them seem familiar, and I nod with a smile as I put something onto my own plate. "Well there are some interesting flavours, that much is for certain..." *And never have I been so grateful for my altered tasebuds as right now...poor Justin...* I add silently as we walk over to join Larek.

Max seems to agree with me about Sarah being okay for the moment, and I sigh. *For now...*

I feel a little awkward as the others sitting with Larek get up to leave, but I understand why... Max greets Larek, thanking him for the guards last night and I nod. Echoing his sentiments. The discovery of the people Sarah saw in her visions came as something of a relief, and certainly I don't think I would have been able to relax sufficiently to enjoy last night under the circumstances had I not known there were people outside standing guard...

Before the conversation has a chance to get past anything much more than normal pleasantries, suddenly the guards with Larek are on alert, pointing their guns at a young man who appears to be with Xada. I shiver as I see his eyes, thinking them cold and unfeeling, and having the strangest sense that I know this man...

Lord Nicolas?"

As Larek adresses him, I look over at Max, praying that I'm mistaken and yet sure now that I'm not... This is Nicolas... I swallow and look at him, feeling my chest tighen as I have to look over to Xan, Sarah and Justin just to reassure myself the three of them are safe.

Suddenly the relatively welcoming atmosphere has become icy, and I can't help thinking that Larek's way of referring to Max isn't going to help matters. I know of course that strictly speaking he's correct, but I don't exactly see Xada liking that either, and right now I don't fancy having her as an enemy...

Indeed, right at this moment, Xada steps forward, placing herself between Nicolas and the weapons, ordering the guards to lower their weapons.

Larek looks to Max, but in the meantime reminds Xada of the fact that Nicolas has threatened us on more than one occassion. He's done a lot more than threaten though, having tried to kill us on more than one occasion. I look up at my husband, a certain fear squeezing my stomach.

It's not helped when Xada refuses to arrest him either, and a number of other guards now raise their own weapons, aiming them at Larek's guards. I really don't like the way this is going...

[Dreamer_Dreaming]

*Sarah*

I sat there eating this one piece of bread when Xan and Justin join me. I smile at them as they sit next to me. When hearing Xan's and Justin comment, I smile at that. “I guess I should try trusting your taste in food more often." I admit. I look up from my parents notice they keep an eye on us. And I just look back at Justin and Xan.

Justin who took a pastry, nearly fell off his hair. Poor thing, the pastry must be too hot and spicy for him, I can tell from the way he is eating the breads that I am eating as well. "Are you okay Justin?" I ask him. I feel sorry for him; I look around the table that had some kind of drinks that wasn't too sweet or spicy. Hmmm I found a drink that looks red, that I think its water. I grab a glass and pour some for Justin, and put the pitcher down and the glass in front of him. "Here is some more water in case you get another spicy food." I said with a smile.

I notice Xan keep eyeing for the door and I smile at him, "Maybe she will come" I said, referring to Kyria. I know about Kyria from the way they were dancing. They look so much of a couple, and they did look good together.

I see Xada walk in with some strange guy I never seen before. But what got me really worried is Xada's guards raise the weapons, this doesn't look good. But Xada told them to let their weapons, and then they did. But what seems scarier is when Larek guards put up their weapons and point directly at Xada's guy’s friend. Uh Oh I don't really like the situation that is appearing in front of me and the people of Antar.

"What's going on....?” I said in a whisper out loud, I was more asking Xan then to Justin.

[isabelle]

*Justin*

"Thanks, Sarah," I tell her as I catch my breath. This is good food but it's a bit hazardous.

Sarah, however, I look at her concerned eyes and all I can think is that she's the cutest girl I've ever seen. Why hadn't I paid attention before? Why didn't I get my chance to dance with her last night?

"This place is quite an adventure," I smile at her. Suddenly, she turns away and I realize there's some sort of commotion going on with Mr. Evans.

"What's going on?" Sarah asks, looking at Xan. I just shrug, although she's not really asking me. I hardly have any idea what's going on here any way. I haven't any clue about this...






*Max*

Before I can even begin our conversation in truth, indeed, before Larak even responds, chaos erupts. Xadalyn arrives with a friend and I frown, even 'though it's not Daimeon. Her guest storms in our direction and Larak's guards leap into action. I don't really understand why until he addresses this tall blonde stranger as 'Lord Nicholas.'

Yes, this is what he looks like out of his skin. In fact, it explains the uneasy feeling I had when I saw him with Xada as they came in right now. Some part of me recognized him. I get to my feet as anger fills me. This man worked with Khivar to invade and kill my family.

Immediately, Nicholas Larak and Xadalyn start shouting, mostly about whether I am King or Xadalyn is Queen, and who has the authority to arrest who. In fact, while Xadalyn has been acting-Queen all this time, she's not the Queen by law and the council knew it. Her seal has not been activated.

“You’re not king of Antar, either. In spite of your collaboration with Khivar,” I say, through clenched teeth. Almost against my will, I find myself straightening even more, firmly stating, “I am king of Antar.” I haven’t been looking forward to this. I really haven’t. But part of me has always known it was coming. Someday I would have to claim this role. It feels like some force has welled up into my soul, filling me with purpose. “As far as I can tell, Xadalyn has done an admirable job of ruling this world but she has not been crowned just yet.” I look to my daughter as I say the word ‘yet,’ for I’m sure that one day it will be hers. Maybe not as soon as she thinks, but she should have no doubt that she will have the rank she’s worked to earn. “At this moment, I still bear the royal seal.”

With a thought, that seal becomes visible, glowing over my head for all to see that I’m no pretender to the throne.

Turning to Nicholas, I stare him down. “You are a murderer and an attempted murderer. You plotted with Khivar and you turned on this house. You killed Rath and you helped to kill me and my family, including your own aunt. For that, you should be arrested and punished.” I notice that Nicholas flinched as I mentioned Ava/Tess. I'm guessing he didn't know that I knew that.

"Ava pardoned him for that," Larak says, beside me.

"She WHAT?” I ask in amazement, turning to face Larak. I can't imagine why Tess would pardon him, but maybe it's because he's her nephew. Since I wasn't even dead, I don't think she legally even had the authority to do that, but perhaps now isn't the time start that battle. It could overturn everything she did and I get the impression that a lot of of it was good for Antar... although it also served her own entitlement.

“Did that pardon include the times he tried to kill me and my children on Earth, after Tess returned here?” I ask, remembering well the day he’d come after little Sarah and Xan. He was only six and she was even smaller. Maybe Nicholas was trying to secure the throne for Xadalyn, assuming he even knew she existed. Or perhaps, as we thought at the time, they were just bait to get me into a position of vulnerability so he could kill me. Or both. I remember how he mind-raped me, how his people tried to kill me and Liz in Copper Springs. Tess was there, too. Would they have let her go, I wonder…

"He was pardoned for his part in the massacre and he helped by spying on Khivar after Ava’s return. We weren't aware of his crimes on Earth,” Larak says.

I press my teeth together, holding back the things I’d like to say. If that’s true, I don’t suppose I can demand his arrest without knowing more details, even if what I really want is to kill him. Just the same, I don’t want him here. “Get him out of this house. I don’t want him to come anywhere near me or my family,” I say.

.

[nickimlow]

Alexander

Thanks Xan, I heard my father say. I met his eyes and recognised the look he wore. It was the same expression he'd had on his face when I first managed to ride my bicycle without assistance, when I'd hit homerun in junior high, when I came back one term with straight A's. I remembered how, as a kid, I'd always do my best to earn that approving gaze of his. And here it was in the oddest of situations.

Who's the parent here...? Mom replied, and I turned to her. I grinned and sent her a mischievous wink. It hit me how lucky I was, that I had a mother to jest with, to comfort me when I was down, that I had a mother at all. I'd always cherished the fact that we had a good mother-son relationship where others had awkward communication.

My twin sister, Xadalyn- she didn't have anyone. What if the roles had been reversed? What would I have become, had I been the one Ava kept here?

I was snapped back to the present when Justin said "Woah. I'll have to take that one in smaller bites."

Oops. Shouldn't have told him it was good- he didn't have my warped taste buds.

"Whoops, guess I shoulda warned you, kid," I said with a sheepish grin, polishing off the brownie-not-brownie. "My bad."

Sarah offered him some water and turned to me. "Maybe she will come," she said.

I moved my attention from the door and looked at my sister, feeling a hot flush rise to colour my face. Did she think-?

Sisters. Sheesh.

Just then, a little bit of commotion seemed to stir. I looked up to see that Xadalyn had at last arrived, and with her was a guy who looked no older than myself, only he had guns pointed at him. I stopped eating and watched them out of the corner of my eye. There was a show of weapons from two different sides, causing me to worry a little, because both my parents were near.

"What's going on....?” Sarah asked in a small whisper. I just shook my head silently, but moved in front of my sister and Justin just in case the scene turned ugly. You could never tell.

My father's voice began to ring clearer, and he stated, “At this moment, I still bear the royal seal.” And as if he'd summoned it - which I'm sure he had - that very seal formed above his head, the five dots glowing in the perfect V formation.

Holy cow.

My attention was perked now. I heard my father calling Nicholas a murderer, and an attempted murderer. So this was the Lord Nicholas whose back I'd caught only a glimpse of last night? His profile seemed different, but I'd been sleepy last night and Dad had mentioned something about him being a Skin, so he might have altered his appearance.

Discreetly, I scanned his face and his cold eyes. He did look dangerous, menacing. I wanted to approach them, but I knew that my presence was not at all needed, especially now. Moreover, I'd given Mom my word that I'd watch out for Sarah and Justin, and I was keeping to it.

"Ava pardoned him for that," Larak told my father. My mother - no, my birth mother, she pardoned him? Those crimes were beyond evil, nowhere near forgivable. If it was true that he'd committed them, which I hardly doubted, how could she have let him off just like that? It baffled me, and I wanted so much to see a reason to this, but I couldn't find one.

I almost felt betrayed, even though it wasn't me she'd turned her back on.

Or was it indeed me?

A part of me was aching to see a clearer picture, to understand what her motives had been. I didn't want to know her as a villain.

Dad was furious to hear of Ava's action, and the next thing he said came as a shock to me. "Did that pardon include the times he tried to kill me and my children on Earth, after Tess returned here?"

I blinked. Tried to kill him and his children on Earth. The times, plural. When? For how long? Sarah and I had gone about living our carefree lives, completely oblivious to any form of danger lurking around us, when in reality, we could have been killed by this monster? And Mom and Dad- they'd kept it a secret all along? But why- to protect us? How could not knowing have possibly protected us?

But in a clearer state of mind, I think I could understand why we'd been kept in a dark. How could we ever have lived normal lives if we'd known our lives were being targeted? How could we have joked and laughed and lived at all if we'd constantly wallowed in fear?

The whole room seemed to have become shadowed by some dark cloud. I caught my father saying the last bit, ". . . I don’t want him to come anywhere near me or my family."

Instinctively, I pulled my sister closer to my side. "Let's just- keep a low profile, okay?" I told the two quietly, hoping Sarah wouldn't burst into tears or have another flash or make a scene.

My concentration continued to focus entirely on Dad, and Mom, and Larak and Nicholas and Xadalyn. I wanted to say something even though I didn't know what to say and I wasn't even supposed to. I was feeling a whole lot of things at once, trying to contemplate every crazy detail, and wanting to know more. For seventeen years I'd been a stranger to all of this, an outsider to their world. And now I felt myself being drawn deeper into it than I could ever have imagined.

The royal seal of Antar continued to hang above my father's head. A sign, wasn't it, that he was yet rightful to the throne of Antar?

[Athenea]

~Xadayln~

As usual I don’t show any emotion at the conversation that takes place before me. I know Max has the seal so of course that is no surprise but the fact that Nicolas tried to kill Max, Sarah, and Xan back on Earth…big surprise. But I keep my thoughts and my anger to myself, I know very well that if I was to blow up at him it would only in turn cause Nicolas’s anger to rise and with the both of us that mad at each other it usually ends up with people around us getting caught in the cross fire.

I just have to keep my cool, because I know Nicolas is already on edge of losing his self control. “Get him out of this house. I don’t want him to come anywhere near me or my family,” Max says and part of me wants to scream and yell and say this is my house and I decide who stays here, but the sensible part kicks in just as Nicolas says crossing his arms, “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Just go.” I tell him and I feel his anger directed at me now. “You cannot seriously be choosing his side over mine?!?!”

“I don’t choose sides. I remain neutral until I can make a decision that is good for everyone involved.” I say to him even if part of me want to fight both Max and Larek on this subject, Nicolas is the only blood relative I have left, at least until a couple of days ago.

“Fine.” he says. “You know were I’ll be.” He leaves the room eyeing Max evilly the whole time before finally exiting the room. When I’m sure he’s gone I blow up. “ARE YOU MAD!!!” I ask Larek “Do you realize what could have happened the second those guns were aimed at him? You know what he’s capable of and you have your guards aim guns at him, very smart move Larek! He could have lost control and killed everyone in this room! But you didn’t think about that did you? If I hadn’t been here you would have been dead along with everyone else.” I state

“And if you ever interfere with my affairs again I can assure you, you and your people will be escorted off Antar and not be asked back, King Larek. Now excuse me I need to speak to Max and his family, alone.” I say as everyone else in the room starts to file out, Larek stands their for a moment as in shock before finally turning to leave.

I take a seat across from were Max was seated. “I felt it was time for me and you to talk. What are your intentions for Antar.” I say folding my hands in front of me. It was time to stop dancing around the subject of who was currently ruling our planet.

[isabelle]

*Max*

I'm glad that Xada sends Nicholas packing, although I'm sure she didn't do it to agree with me. Even 'though Larak and Adayla agreed that Xadalyn and Nicholas did nothing but fight, it was clear that they were somehow close -- a firey friendship that was almost like Michael and Maria had been early on, but taken to dangerous extremes.

I re-absorb the royal seal as there's no need for it now, and I look at Xadalyn wishing so much that I could have known her. That I could have had some way to understand her and love her. Instead, we're almost rivals -- but I hold no ill-will towards her.

What she said to him, “I don’t choose sides. I remain neutral until I can make a decision that is good for everyone involved.” actually sounded remarkably like my own thought process a moment before when I chose not to demand Nicholas' arrest. I wanted it, but I had to remain as neutral as possible until I have the facts I need to fully understand why he'd been given so much leeway already. And two days ago, she explained why she hadn't had Khivar executed either. For all the mutual uneasiness verging on distrust, in many ways, we're similiar. And I am pleased with much of what I've seen and heard of her performance as acting-monarch.

Of course, that doesn't mean I like the way she spoke to Larak. Not only is he a good friend, but he's been a foster father to her and for that he deserves respect. He's also King of Taltos, an important member of the federation she's ruled. She should know better than to speak that way to him. We have enough trouble with Khivar's world. We don't need to sow more disent among the worlds.

*My apologies, Larak,* I send to him. *We'll continue our conversation later.*

“I felt it was time for me and you to talk. What are your intentions for Antar?” Xadalyn demands of me, after taking a seat.

"That is something I don't yet know," I tell her gently. "As you said, I need to make a decision that is good for everyone involved. To do that, I need more information and more time."

.

[Athenea]

Xadalyn


"That is something I don't yet know," Max says "As you said, I need to make a decision that is good for everyone involved. To do that, I need more information and more time."

I take a deep, calming breath before I speak again. “Max, time is something we don’t have. Antar is without a leader, it’s just the kind of thing that Khivar’s forces would love to take advantage of. Soon word will spread that you are alive and back and then there will be panic because there are two possible leaders, our people will divide themselves either choosing you or me. I think this because this is similar to how Khivar took over, people who didn’t agree with you easily went over to his side and he became even more popular and eventually took your throne, and unfortunately history tends to repeat itself.”

“I realize your reluctance at not wanting to hand over the seal to someone you don’t know, but I have been ruling this planet for seven years now and I have always done what’s best for its people. And the truth is you wouldn’t even be here if I hadn’t sent Kyria to get you. Each minute we waist is just more leverage for Khivar’s people.”

[Dreamer_Dreaming]

*Sarah*

"Let's just- keep a low profile, okay?" Xan said pulling me into his side. For a moment I wasn’t even scary but when Xan pulled me to his side tells me this isn’t a good scene to be involve in. I nod at his comment and look back at the scene in front of me.

My father yells at some guy Xada was with and kick him out of the house or castle I should say. Something tells me my father more comfortable in the role of his King duties.

"You know whatever dad decides I'm sure It will be the best if we go back to earth or stay here on Antar." I whisper to Xan. We might be here for a long time. I smile at my father. I don't mind that, whatever makes him happy will make me happy. And I am more then willing to give up my life on earth for him. I'll do that because I love him and that's what family do for each other. They stand by their side whenever they need it. Kind of what my mother have been doing. And I have not. But I will start to.

The guy leaves after Xada told him to. She has asked everyone to leave and when everyone else did, beside Xan, mom, dad, me, and even Justin of course to stay. Xada and my dad took a seat and start talking about the future of Antar.

[isabelle]

OOC --Okay, I feel like my brain is still fried and I hope this post won't suck too much....


*Max*

“Max, time is something we don’t have. Antar is without a leader, it’s just the kind of thing that Khivar’s forces would love to take advantage of. Soon word will spread that you are alive and back and then there will be panic because there are two possible leaders, our people will divide themselves either choosing you or me. I think this because this is similar to how Khivar took over, people who didn’t agree with you easily went over to his side and he became even more popular and eventually took your throne, and unfortunately history tends to repeat itself.” Xadalyn says.

I listen without showing any reaction as Xadalyn describes the problem as she sees it. The passive but caring look is something I've had a lot of practice with as a member of the law firm, but I think I used it a lot more when I was here. I do sympathize with her, but I think there are more possibilities than what she's seeing right now.

“I realize your reluctance at not wanting to hand over the seal to someone you don’t know, but I have been ruling this planet for seven years now and I have always done what’s best for its people. And the truth is you wouldn’t even be here if I hadn’t sent Kyria to get you. Each minute we waste is just more leverage for Khivar’s people.” she adds.

It's true that I wouldn't be here if she hadn't sent for me, but that doesn't mean she wouldn't have any problems. In that case, Antar really would have been without a leader since it would be obvious that she had no seal. More than just my mother would be thinking she wasn't a true heir. She could have found herself in greater danger from those who thought she was an imposter. At least now the worlds know why her seal isn't active...

"I don't see any reason that you and I have to be rivals. We should be partners. When I was growing up, I was a partner to my dad," I explain. It's true on both worlds, I know. I'm partnering with my father on Earth in the law firm and before that, while I don't remember a lot of details, I know how it felt to help shoulder my father's burden here. Xan's a partner in this, too, although we haven't talked about it. I don't want to complicate the conversation with Xadalyn, but I hope he doesn't feel that I'm slighting him.

*You're part of this, too, Xan, although I don't know if you want to be.* I tell him. I want to protect him from this. To tell him to stay out of it all, if he can, but I can already tell that he isn't likely to do that. He hasn't been trained for this the way Xadalyn has, but I think he's ready to try to do his part, whatever that might be.

"As for the last seven years, I meant what I told Larak. From what I see, you've been doing an amazing job although I know it hasn't been easy for you. You've lost out on a lot and so have I. You were forced to take up this duty sooner than you should have and you never got to enjoy the secure childhood you could have known. And I never got to know you."

.

[KatnotKath]

OOC: okay, I really don't feel too well at the moment, I can only hope this is half decent because I know this is long overdue, sorry...

BIC

~LIz~

Suddenly it seems like everythng is happening at once. and as Max speaks, I hear him say something which he has never said outright other than to make Kal tell him the truth. Proclaiming his right to the throne loud and clear...although the seal projecting from his head does that pretty well on it's own... I know this isn't what he would have wanted - not really... I expect it could case problems between Xadalyn and hmself - the last thing he wants, and yet I understand too...

Max goes on to state that she's done a fine job so far, but even without listening to the rest of his words, I can sense a but, and as he states that she might not get the role as soon as she might like, I feel as though he's confirming my suspicions.

I'm shocked of course to hear of Tess pardoning Nicolas for what he did, although I suppose really nothing that she did should surprise me now... As Max mentions the attempts which have been made on earth though, reminding me - not that I could ever forget - of the last time I saw him in the park. I thought he was dead, I thought I had killed him...and why? - Because he was trying to kill my family... My children, my husband... I cared little for myself, but they are my world, and I'll do anything I have to to protect them...

Automatically, I look back to where Xan, Sarah and Justin are stood, but I don't want to bring them into this right now, I don't want to draw attention, and confirming for myself that they're safe - although understandably worried I imagine, I focus most of my attention back on what is happening between my husband, his daughter and Nicolas.

Max demands that Nicolas leave, and be kept away from our family, but I'm not really surprised as he refuses. I wouldn't have expected him to agree, that would have been too easy wouldn't it...

I can't help remembering how Adayla looked when we heard Nicolas outside though, and I know what he's capable of so I'm on my guard all the while.

It's Xada who surprises me - or rather perhaps horrifies me... I want to think the best as she refuses to take sides, but as she continues, I begin to wonder just exactly what she means... She tells Nicolas to go, but in a manner which suggests she's really not bothered about what he's done... Does she really care so little for her brother - I know she didn't know about him until two days ago, but I thought I had seen a bonding between them, and I would have expected more emotion - instead of a cold facade which reminds me more of Tess than anyone... There's a hint of Max there too of course, her decision making reminds me of him more and more from what I've seen, but I have to wonder which side of her parentage she resembles more...Tesss, or Max...

I shiver inwardly as I think about her mother, finding myself thinking the resembalance more and more pointed as she proceeds to yell at Larek. As she threatens to have him 'escorted' off Antar, I have to look at Max, wondering how he would take to that - or for that matter Larek's guards who stand right here...

My wonders remain unanswered for the moment at least, as Xadalyn then basically orders everyone to leave - except for Max and his family...

When we're alone, she takes a seat opposite, sparing all suggestion of small-talk as she asks what he wants for Antar.

It's a loaded question of course, and not one I can answer...this is for my husband... *I'll be with you whatever you decide, I promise...* I send to him silently as he voices his own feeling that in truth, he hasn't made a decision yet...

Despite the fact that his words are virtually identical to those she used moments before, Xadalyn is far from happy, insisting that we dn't have time, and pointing out the possible problems. She's making it clear with every breath what she wants - to have the seal as she had wanted originally...

It's not that simple though - to give her the seal means she and Xan will be linked again, and from what I saw the other evening, neither she nor Alex is ready for that...

As Max suggests that maybe they don't have to be rivals, renewing his praise of how well she has done, I know he's trying to give another option here. He's her father, she's his daughter...he wants to get to know her I know...I do too... I might be a little nervous, considering what Tess might have told her about me, but I do... She's a part of Max's family, and that makes her a part of mine... I take a breath and look over to Sarah and Xan for a moment before looking back to Xadalyn and finally speaking. "Xadalyn, Max doesn't want to fight you... He wants to help, not hinder...he wants to get to know you, if you'll let him...we all do..." I offer her a weak smile, hoping that she'll really consider what is being said...