The Hour Before

Fern, Fenton, Calla, and Zeke

“Thanks again for joining us,” Fern stated, licking the last bit of strawberry tart from her dainty, light brown fingers with a smile that touched her vivid blue eyes and softened her oval face. Her butterfly shaped wings were folded behind her, so they were not in the way of the servers, nor did they touch the ground. Her long, violet hair was still loose but stayed in between them perfectly.

“Your wings look like a beautiful cape,” Calla laughed, which was a bit musical causing several heads to turn their direction. With a light green hand she waved, a smile on her diamond face that made her light violet eyes sparkle. Her long, golden hair was loose but tucked behind her palm sized, triangle shaped Goblin ears. Most returned to their snacks after they noticed the Twilight Star crests on their shirts. “A lovely pink cape with white accents and blue, orange, and yellow flourishes. I am glad you are leaving them out more often.”

“I am glad that we feel safe enough to do that,” Fenton added with a smile on his accented, oval, caramel face. His light blue eyes danced as he smoothed down his short, indigo hair around his pointed ears since a server was fascinated by the color. Several stared at Fern’s wings but just walked past his. Yet he was glad to be himself in his human size. His long, oval, cicada shaped wings were transparent blue while the outside edges were a bold green. The inside veins were indigo, white, and blue thickening at certain points to create vibrant ovals in an exact, symmetrical pattern for all to see.

“That sounds like something Catalina would like to create,” Zeke commented, thinking of the head Elven seamstress of Three Cs. “Yes, the ladies have such colorful shirts. She is still trying to get me to wear short sleeves.” This caused the other three to chuckle. He was so proud of his green muscles that he wanted them on display, and his turquoise sleeveless shirt added more focus there. No matter how they made the pants, even the brown ones he was wearing now, they always looked tight because of his ample muscles. His golden eyes glanced over at Calla for a moment while his long face tried to remain neutral. She had braided his long, dark mahogany hair earlier and it had been sweet torture, even if it was perfect.

“I think it is because the plants are growing again so they have dye,” Fern pointed out. The server came to see if there was anything else and she just shook her hand with a twenty bronze piece, since they had to pay before being served, like all the others did.

“Take your time finishing then,” the server said with a smile.

“I think they see any of us coming in and fight to see who waits on us,” Zeke chuckled softly. “We are such the big tippers. Then again, it is nice to have money to share. Thanks for inviting us, Fern.”

“I just get so hungry before something big, and this is big,” Fern stated. “I know others didn’t want any food because of what we are going into but…”

“Yea, Fairies aren’t always dainty,” Fenton chuckled. “It has been a hectic two weeks, but we are as ready as we can be. This actually filled the hour nicely.”

“Well, should we start back then?” Zeke wondered. “Are the two of you going to braid each other’s hair?” Calla and Fern both laughed at that while Fenten hid his chuckle. Zeke just looked around trying to see what was funny. He was just trying to make conversation.

“Probably,” Calla said with a bit of laughter still in her voice. “It is tighter when someone else does it. I can’t believe I never met the two of you or Zerina,” she commented while they stood. “It has been on my mind. I traveled a lot before things spiraled out of control. I was taken around the time Zerina was, yet I never seen her.”

“That is true,” Fenton mumbled, motioning for the ladies to go first. “We had traded with your village, so it is interesting that we never ran into each other until now.”

“Right,” Fern agreed as they left the little café. “I have met your brother a few times. I am glad he, your sister, and parents weren’t caught up in the… raids.”

“I am glad I can talk to them,” Calla admitted. “It helps so much. But I don’t think I will be going back any time soon. After all, fate brought me to all of you,” she smiled, taking Zeke’s hand while the others watched the seasoned warrior struggle to walk straight.

“I am glad to hear that,” Zeke mumbled softly. “Let’s get back before Londra starts worrying too much. She is good at that; has no idea just how great of a leader she is.”

“I am a bit glad I didn’t have another life or remember one,” Fern started. “Then to have everything wiped clean with fragments of emotions being all there was…”

“Her ideas always gave us a bit of hope,” Fenton remembered. “Me especially, yet she was always waiting for someone to call them stupid. Kind of like Anna. They are both remarkable, yet their past lives left them… without any confidence.”

“Okay, too deep of a conversation,” Calla decided, squeezing Zeke's hand. “Race ya? I will be standing a lot, so I want to move, how about it?”

“Sounds like fun,” Fern admitted, shrinking to her smaller size with Fenton and the group was off. It wasn’t a long race, but they enjoyed it.

Belle, Peter, Anna, Sasha

“That doesn’t sound good,” Belle stated in her brisk way. She had to admit this group did have her feeling more, but she was still mostly an Elf. She slowed her walk waiting for someone to say something. They had walked out to the southern herb beds, since they were the closest and they had wanted something to do. She was sure the quiet wasn’t because they were now entering the southern gate. Her deep blue eyes looked around but her sharp, oval, light beige face never moved. Her long Elven ears were holding back her long platinum hair that she has regrown a few days ago. It felt nice to have her hair swinging on her back.

“What is that,” Sasha wondered, changing her snake tail into legs while using magic to put on her brown pants and shoes. It wasn’t that her snake tail wouldn’t be welcomed it was just easier to move around in the town with legs. With strong, buttercream hands she smoothed down her light pink, short-sleeved shirt with a smile on her long face. She tilted her face slightly to look at Belle with her evergreen eyes causing her loose, long hair that was a mix of yellow, green, and red to sway to the side as well.

“Anna stopped talking,” Peter pointed out. His long, white, rabbit ears twitched a bit, moving his short, white hair around. His ivory, diamond face and dark pink eyes showed that he was pondering the last thing that Anna said before she abruptly stopped talking. Since he was before her, he decided to wiggle his fluffy white rabbit tail at the base of his spine. Anna still said nothing, but Sasha chuckled softly. “Without your snake tail, Sasha is the same height as Anna, five-seven, making me the shortest one here at five-five. Yet if you add my ears, I am taller.”

“That is true, and I am much taller than you all at seven feet, but what does that have to do with anything?” Belle wondered. Her ears twitched slightly as she realized what Peter was doing. “Oh, you were giving Anna a bit of time to figure out what to say.”

“I just thought of something. Have I ever asked if you are otherworlders?” Anna said softly, pushing her long, deep red hair back from her from her light tan, heart-shaped face. Her green eyes slowly filling with tears of frustration. How could she have not asked and what kind of friend didn’t remember asking. “We have been paired with each other several times over the last two weeks, but I can’t remember if I did, or if anybody else did…”

Belle placed a gentle hand on Anna’s shoulder because she could feel the emotion this curvy human was emitting. Anna sighed.

“Yes,” Peter smiled, taking Anna’s hand for a squeeze. “It is fine. A lot has happened during the last two weeks. Sometimes it is hard to remember who you asked what to. I was from Greciana, a unique planet full of animals… a bit different from animals here. We were more thoughtful and could communicate with all. I wasn’t a rabbit but a squirrel. I died before I turned fifteen. I am twenty now so that is great.”

“Yes, much has happened. I have notes in my Lacrama that I try to update every night,” Belle added. “I was from Cerena, the water planet. I don’t think I ever ran into you, but did hear about the silly female that wanted to invent. I thought it was inspirational, what you did. I only made it to my twentieth birthday before an accident killed me. It is strange, where I was… females didn’t get to have an opinion so being an Elf came easy.”

“I was from Earth. I also take notes about everyone before bed. We really have had some interesting conversations,” Sasha smiled. “I don’t say much after we found out that was where Londra was from. I was in a party with her, Alden and Zerina. Alden said he wanted to talk about anything but food. He was so done talking about food. So, I just casually said I was a zoologist on Earth who delt with reptiles. She fell to her knees… the headache was so bad and the sadness in her eyes. I don’t want to be the cause of one of her headaches. I lived a long, uneventful, lonely life… I think I was close to eighty when I died. Being a Snake Beastwoman was so eye opening. I thought I knew about snakes, but this was fun and challenging. When did you die, Anna? I have heard that you loved to invent things.”

“I did,” Anna answered, pushing her emotions down. “I was around twenty-five when one of my machines backfired. I am pretty sure it was tampered with, but nobody would have cared. I was so annoyed with others taking my credit, but it was the only way to get anyone to use them. It was such a male dominate planet… it sucked.”

“This one is pretty equal, but it depends on the town or village,” Belle stated simply. “Would you like me to braid your hair?”

“That was random,” Sasha and Anna chuckled.

“It was a bit, but if it is braided then the tie is at the end, less chance of the blood getting too close to the scalp,” Belle explained. “Mine is loose because I actually miss the length but my brother is going to braid it. That is one way we show our love since nobody is supposed to touch your hair unless you trust them.”

“I can see that,” Sasha mumbled. “If someone is behind you brushing your hair you are vulnerable to attacks or unwanted touches. I would love it, but could you teach me? Yours is always so tight and when we practiced the blood never got in.”

Belle’s ears wiggled happily, causing her platinum hair to wave. “I would be honored.”

“A way to take the edge off before going to battle, I love that idea,” Anna added, hugging the three of them who hugged her back. Her life was already better than before.

Mara and Trenton

Mara and Trenton sat in the little park, on a tall bench, not far from Davie’s Den. Being tall they could both see many things. Mara had decided to leave her wings inside so they would be ready for the battle. Her oval, ivory face with undertones of violet showed many emotions while her navy-blue Demon eyes searched the area. She shook her head a bit causing her some of her blue-black hair to twist around her two thin, violet-navy horns. “I don’t want to do this… not the battling but the searching for females.”

Trenton sighed in agreement. His long, golden pecan colored face and furrowed black eyebrows showed his apprehension. His deep green, Demon eyes searched the small park for anything to talk about as a breeze moved his short, layered, black hair around his slightly pointed ears. “I like your hair long.”

Mara laughed, “way to change the subject. It makes a nice weapon after Belle and Anna figured out how to weave a spell into it. It used to be long. I plan on putting it up before we leave. Londra offered to braid it…”

“Yea, it was a nice changed,” he admitted with his low voice. “It wasn’t fun the first time. We might know more but it still will be hard to process.” He sighed. “Thanks for sitting with me. I like it here… it is a bit lighter than the rest of Manor Town.”

“I can understand that,” she agreed. “I think we met a few times before this… at a few of the trading posts. I remember your voice. I remember your older sister… and I think I met your younger brother once. Strange how our paths crossed.”

“Probably, my voice is my defining feature,” he nodded. “I went usually since my sister’s beauty got her more attention than she wanted, my brother was too young to go alone, mom couldn’t and dad didn’t like leaving her alone knowing that I was capable of defending myself… yea, so much for that. A child zapped me with some item then I woke up on this horrible continent.”

“I don’t know how long I have been here… I could look it up now that my mind is… fixed but I don’t want to know. I do know that my middle sister, I am the oldest by the way, is here. Master Yevhen is keeping an eye on her. She is safe right now, so that is all that matters. He thinks that he found my father, but we haven’t been able to confirm. Guess he is on the other side of the continent.”

“My brother is here,” Trenton sighed. “It was horrible finding that out. He was taken two months after I was. He was snatched from my sister who blames herself... My mother, father, and sister were so happy to hear from me… He is safe too, at this moment. I know that if something happens and he isn’t Master Yevhen will let Londra know.”

“I don’t mind being her slave,” Mara smiled. “I like that we are friends, and I would stay with her even if I wasn’t her slave. I also like Julius… strange how I finally meet nice humans.”

“Yea, I love my family, but this feels more…” he shrugged with his whole body noticing a familiar face coming their way. “Incoming Master Oscar,” he mumbled.

“Hello, Mara and Trenton,” Master Oscar started. His tense muscular frame and square, copper face showed he wasn’t here by choice while his vivid green eyes begged for forgiveness. A large, nervous hand shoved his thick, short, silver hair back. “Can I ask you something? You don’t have to answer… I know that your time is short...”

“Sure,” Trenton responded simply watching the man rock on his feet.

“I know you haven’t gone yet… it is today,” he started mumbling. “If a party wanted to try, what would you suggest?”

“You are asking for the Templar Captain,” Mara guessed. He nodded sadly. “Okay, first you must have a large team that trust each other… like really trusts. Ours could be larger for this but we are going to try.”

“Why do you say that?” Master Oscar wondered.

“Think about it,” Trenton began softly. “The Demons must hunt the females first, otherwise they can reproduce as fast as you purify. We seen it happen… I am not saying the others battling have it easy but what and how the females move make it challenging. Thus, the party has to split up, and the teams are small. I wish we had another Demon so we could get the females out of the way quicker, but I wouldn’t wish this on any of the others.”

“Yea, you need to have a strong will,” Mara added, nodding while closing her eyes for a moment. “The things that they do… disgusting is an understatement. Plus, the screaming interrupts our telepathy so we can’t all communicate without adding magic to it.”

“We need to get back…” Trenton started. “Here is the streamline version. The party must have at least sixteen people more would be great. All need to be able to purify on some level. Six need to be able to cast the Impenetrable Skin spell. Also, eight should be able to cast Purifying Fire in succession. A barrier maker too. Then two or more Demons would be recommended.”

“That sounds about right,” Mara agreed standing with Trenton. Master Oscar nodded in thanks before walking away. They too started walking. She waited until they were far enough away, “We really could use help. Especially if we start looking to purify a Nest.”

“I agree with that, so how many females did we discover in the camp?” Trenton wondered. He remembered but he just needed to hear it out loud for some reason.

“Twelve, six for me and six for you,” Mara sighed. “Only one more than before. Then again, we started out with less before they began to make more…”

“Yea, let’s do this,” Trenton whispered before the two teleported back.

Rus, Zerina, Julius, Robbie

Robbie smiled at a random female on her way by. She paused to stare, almost tripping over her own feet. He stood just over six feet tall with a toned body that wasn’t hidden too well under his simple clothing. His soft, oval, buttercream face was full of kindness while his green eyes were pure. His short, auburn hair brought more attention to his pure white feathered wings, which were a perfect upside down u shape that reached almost two feet above his head and stopped just above his ankles.

“Careful,” Julius chuckled, with a smile on his light tan, square face. This brought her attention to him. He was just under six feet tall with muscular arms that had her taking a second look. His short, thick red hair and green eyes were enough to cause her to blink, while mumbling and walking faster to her destination.

Zerina did her best not to laugh out loud. Her long, cinnamon colored face and deep blue eyes that were outlined thinly with white, red, and silver showed her battle. She faked a cough causing her short, turquois hair to dance around her slightly pointed ears. “You should really pull your wings in, Robbie. Not that I mind the entertainment but one of these females might fall down staring at the two of you. Lovely white wings and thick red hair do that to females.”

“Do we make you swoon?” Julius joked while Robbie frowned. “By the way, he has no idea that they were staring at him. Just like he is clueless when Anna is flirting. He was just enjoying the quiet like I was. Sorry you didn’t find a sword that you liked.”

“They were all well-made and crafted, but none jumped out to say buy me…” she sighed. “I really don’t know what I am looking for. Hey Rus, you back there?”

Rus grumbled, following the three was more annoying than he thought. His leathery, brown arms were free for all to look at too, with more muscle than Julius but everyone just looked at those two. Not that he cared, but who wanted stupid humans fawning over them anyways. He adjusted the simple hat on his bald head while his long face and oval, dark silver eyes showed his aggravation. “Yea, what.”

“You alright?” Julius wondered as Davie’s Den came into view. “You have been a little off for the last two days…”

“No, I don’t want to talk about it! I am not a damn female that has to talk about feelings all the time. Just drop it.” Rus grumbled.

“Well, that was a loud no,” Robbie said pulling in his white feathered wings.

“Mind your own business!” Rus growled, pushing him forward. He bumped into Zerina causing Julius to right them both before they fell to the ground.

“That was uncalled for,” Zerina snarled back, straightening her violet shirt while her deep blue outlined eyes glared back. “You want to tell us what bug crawled up your butt or just keep being an ass! Seriously, it is like you are a different person, what happened?”

“It is none of your concern, female,” Rus hissed. The way he pronounced female had Zerina growling while Julius and Robbie came beside her to stop the altercation that was almost right before their balcony stair way. “Don’t you both get tired of being little puppies, begging for a female’s attention. It is disgusting. Just like having a female leading us…”

“We don’t need this right now,” Robbie said, his voice holding an edge that few had ever heard. “Go take a cold shower or something. But if you continue throwing yourself like a child you will not be going with us. I refuse to jeopardize our team because of your mood swings.”

Rus stared at the three before heading up the stairs.

“Should we follow?” Zerina wondered, her body still vibrating in anger. “I really want to punch him, just when I thought we understood each other…”

“Not going to make excuses for him,” Julius started with a sigh. “His first life wasn’t… well Terra is not a nice planet. I died at sixteen and I think he made it to eighteen, but I know we both died from starvation… horrible way to go. Anyway, his life here started great… I am sure you know but then…”

“Yea, I have heard what parts he wants to tell but it doesn’t make me any less… angry,” Zerina grumbled. “He is going to attack Londra now. She of all of us doesn’t deserve it. I have never met someone that puts others first so often.”

“She won’t take it,” Robbie smiled. “Let’s just wait a bit, maybe go get a light snack from the pub before going up?”

“Sounds good,” Julius agreed, gently steering a fuming Zerina into the pub.

Alden and Londra

Alden nodded to another he passed on his way to Davie’s Den. He was enjoying his unique freedom, thinking about the last two weeks. The ladies of Three C and their four helpers all decided to learn about Demon Spider Silk among other things. They came out like everyone, sleepy but full of ideas. Now all the male and female clothing had embroidered crests on their left shoulder showing they were members of Twilight Star. Nobody had bothered them within Manor Town and strangely when they traveled for protection quests many knew what it meant. They were already making a name for themselves through their quest completions. Which made it a bit easier when they were searching for Alexander’s wife in the North. The guild was still… annoying but a bit more reserved about it while the merchants all remembered the party that was generous with their tips and purchases. Those at the southern gate were so happy to see Alexander they drew a map, and the group found her that day. She had lost her right ear but that was her only physical injury. She had joined the party as a support member after the two stopped crying. Londra had only taken half the party, but the other half was waiting just in case they needed help.

He was on his way to the room to check on Londra since she didn’t go out with the rest. She wanted to reread one of the diaries. They could speak through telepathy, but they also respected each other’s boundaries. They would be leaving for their first M-M battle within the hour so everyone would be heading back but… he just wanted to check on his human… a funny thought.

He hadn’t told anybody that he had lived another life on Earth since it seemed so long ago. His realization had happened at eight and he wanted to change things for the better but privileged Elves weren’t any different than rich politicians, change was practically impossible without a large catalyst. So, he had worked on little things until his father went crazy and was constantly trying to poison him. Yet, it was humans that gave his father this curse and humans that had abused him for the last two years after being placed in the slavery system. He though he would hate humans until his last breath but this group and her… they had him remembering his past life. It wasn’t elaborate, he had a family and worked practically every day. Nothing too interesting, yet he knew love from them. His Elven mother tried to love him but being a Lady of Golden came with so many restrictions. He and his siblings had love until their father intervened… he shook the thoughts from his head, climbing the balcony stairs.

Perhaps it was because they would be attacking a camp within the hour, and he was nervous. The camp was three platoons large and not far from the edge of Mannor Town to the northeast. It has completely shut off trade with the small village called Rosewood in Lord Greco’s domain. They had scouted it three days ago and took turns going back to see if anything had changed. It was consistent and Alexander with his wife, Helianthus, were going with them to aid in their instruction. He didn’t know if they needed more instruction but fighters… that was definitely needed. Robbie had collected far more M-M blood and poison than any would have guess and after the clothing was done, they had spent two days testing… everything. At first, he thought it would be annoying but after an hour everyone was so invested the time flew by.

“You haven’t changed yet,” Delta purred, his golden eyes focusing on Alden who just realized he was before the two. Londra was sitting in one of the large, plush chairs reading one of the diaries while stroking him. The fact that the Elf was lost in his thoughts made Delta a bit happy to say, “Does that mean you are not staying or just came to look at Londra in her underwear?”

Londra did her best to hide her snicker, stroking Delta while closing the book. “They are not exactly underwear, and the bra is the best I have ever worn. Holds everything perfectly without too much tug on my shoulders. I can even bend over without fear of them falling out.” She smiled at Alden hoping to see a bit of pink on the edges of his long, Elven ears but there wasn’t. “I am glad there is a little skirt, even if it is off-white,” she sighed.

“I don’t like that the color is whiteish,” Delta complained, scratching the collar gently. “But they do work. I want to help this time.”

“According to Catalina, the other set will be colored. They just wanted to get a set done so we could test everything out. Demon Spider thread is an off-white, hence the color of the silk,” Alden projected. “Does this mean that you are not coming out for a while? We still have thirty minutes before we leave.”

“Everyone is coming back…” Londra trailed off, closing her hazel eyes while leaning back in the chair. “I guess I am a bit…nervous? Should I really be the one leading us through this…”

“I didn’t think you would need a pep talk since you seem to be so good at giving them for the past two weeks,” he stated through their mind link. “I would like to point out that you were the one that got us to the end of the first battle. I don’t want to jinx it, but I don’t think this one will be as… intense. The necklaces have been strengthened, and we now have the spells. Which you, Anna, and Robbie have played with to make them even stronger. Even if we still have to battle next to naked. We have everything we need, right?”

“I suppose so, we have spent a lot of time together over the past two weeks while fighting side by side,” she said with a fake smile. “I guess doubt plagues me… but I won’t let it hold us back. We will do this. We have used every variation that Robbie could think of for teams, so we have gotten to know each other quite well.” She took a deep breath. “You are right…”

“Of course I am,” he confirmed with a slight nod and ear wiggle. “I like that your hair is long. It looks good framing your round, light beige face. Also brings more attention to your compassionate hazel eyes. I think it is interesting that Belle found a way to put lightning in everyone’s long hair, so it is now a weapon instead of a handle. She really wanted it long again. She was braiding mine every morning like when we were children and she was just learning how. Are you going to braid it like Belle?” he wondered sitting on the taller couch next to her chair, his marbled blue-green eyes focused on her while his long, accented, beige face showed no hint of what he was thinking.

“Did you like the shower afterwards to get rid of the hiding blood?” she wondered hoping it would rattle his calm composure, while she wondered about his words. Were they just meant to compliment her, or did he mean them? Sighing, “I like it long, it is the way I always wore it in both worlds, but I think just tied back around the middle of my head. It only comes down to my mid back unlike Belle’s that comes down to her waist. Is that where she wore it before?”

“I did not mind the shower or combing my hair out but there was little trapped in my tight braid. It is interesting that the only one that decided to keep it short was Zerina. Mara’s long, blue-black hair is gorgeous, then again, she is a rare beauty. Oh, yes, that is how long Belle’s hair was before. Is this conversation helping?”

“Maybe,” Londra sighed. “I thought you went to the southern herb beds with your sister.”

“I did, but wasn’t needed,” he answered simply. “Since we do the purification song magic every other day there is nothing until you get past the five mile mark. I think shortening the spell so it doesn’t reach to eight miles was a smart choice. That way the tainted animals aren’t all waiting to attack at once. The truth was I couldn’t listen to Anna anymore. I understand she is nervous, but her chatter wasn’t helping.”

“If you are staying, change,” Londra grumbled, standing to wander the room. How could he be so calm right now! She felt so exposed and more than nervous… The top she was fine with since it fit so perfectly but the bottom… it wasn’t that it didn’t fit but it was nothing that she would ever wear especially since all her fluff was on display. Then again, Anna was the same size as her. The only female that had abs was Zerina, but Mara and Calla were almost a perfect balance when it came to their middles. Was that what she was worried most about? Her lack of clothing? It was almost laughable, figuring what they were going up against. “Well might as well change, the others are heading this way.”

“I will, but I don’t like the strap around my chest. I don’t like the little shoes either. I like boots that support my ankles, yet we read that it wasn’t a choice. The little socks are strange but never seem to shift,” he rambled. “Guess I am equally nervous,” he added with a rare smile that made his marbled blue-green eyes dance.

Londra chuckled, now he started to show his nerves since everyone was coming and their conversation would be over. “That is why I stayed. I didn’t think I couldn’t keep up with Anna’s random thoughts either.”

“I have decided,” Alden projected, “I will braid your hair. Come, sit.” He pulled out a dining room chair pointing.

“I don’t have a choice, do I?” she sighed moving to the chair letting him place her sideways. Then she was surprised as he pulled out a brush and comb from his vault.

“You will enjoy this. I will be done before they start up the stairs,” he explained with a slight smile. “All females enjoy their hair brushed by someone else. Besides, I am great at this. At one point this was the only interaction I could have with my sister or brothers. It was how we were able to be together and show our love.”

She didn’t know how to take his explanation, so she just sat there. After a good brushing his agile fingers began, and she did her best not to sigh in pleasure. He had made it to the base of her neck when Rus came storming in causing her to roll her hazel eyes.

His deep silver, oval eyes were practically bulging from his long, brown face. He was livid about something and like so many times before she got to be his target. How many times during the Challenge was she the one that got to endure his anger? “You are a horrible leader! Step aside and let me lead. I am a proud Warrior after all. I know how to fight instead of baby them all. I will make warriors out of even the females! So, finish up with your toy and answer me.”

“I can turn him into a nice leather bag,” Alden offered continuing the braid as if nothing was said. He was surprised that she didn’t seem fazed by it after being worried about leading a few moments ago. Yes, his human was fascinating.

“No,” Londra said with more force than either of them expected. “Especial not right now, you will get us all killed. We have worked too hard to have your female like emotions twist everyone up. You get more emotional than Anna, and that is saying something. Oh, turn us into warriors? Ha! You can’t even keep up with me… no matter the form.”

“Stupid female,” Rus started with a mean hiss.

“Oh, and he isn’t my toy, I am pretty sure it is the other way around. He loves pushing my buttons to see what I do,” Londra said, standing since Alden had finished. She slowly walked towards Rus, her hazel eyes cold. “You want to lead? How many did you purify? How many times did you let nightmares overwhelm you? And if it is power you want to test, I am more than happy to knock you on the floor right now without any magic. Here are your choices,” she paused reaching up to grab his sleeveless shirt and pull him down, so they were eye to eye. He tried to stand but couldn’t. “One, go take a cold shower and swallow whatever is bothering you until after. Two tell me now and we move on. Three, you stay here because we don’t need you in this state. Now choose! The others are coming, and I don’t want your negativity bringing them down… because that is what a good leader does, thinks of the whole team not just themselves!” She leaned in so only he could hear her next words. His whole body tensed at her whisper.

She let go of his shirt watching him struggle to stand for a moment. His eyes didn’t change but he did head into the bathroom. She could hear the water running. “Should he go with us? Do you have any idea what his problem is?”

“He hasn’t been himself for the last two days,” Delta stated hovering above her. She held out her arms, and he snuggled in. “The others are done surveying. Nothing has changed and they will be here…now.” With that Alpha, Beta, and Theda appeared next to her feet. She placed Delta on the floor to reward them with plenty of strokes.

“If you get down, she could pet you too,” Alpha said in his haughty way to Alden. “Everything is the same and nothing has noticed your teleportation markers. I am brilliant.” With that he headed over to the cat tree to curl up for a few minutes, pretending he was sleepy.

“I am going to change and make sure Rus hasn’t damaged the bathroom,” Alden grumbled. “I won’t say anything, just do what I need to. Calling me a toy…”

Then like a wave everyone came through both doors talking about anything other than what they were about to do. “It is braiding time!” Anna announced. “It is settled, anyone with long hair should have it braided,” she finished hugging Belle and Sasha while the others tried their best not to laugh.

Zerina came up to Londra, “where is Rus?” she asked softly.

“Cooling off, hopefully,” Londra responded with a forced smile. “Does this mean we are leaving early? Everyone is here…”

This is when the party realized that Alexander and Helianthus had followed Robbie up the stairs from the pub. A unique looking pair since she was over seven feet tall while he was under six. Alexander smiled while Helianthus started, “that is fine with us. By the way, please call me Helen. You all did try so hard to pronounce it right but failed. I am fine with Helen, and with a braid. I haven’t felt proud enough to do so in a while,” she finished with her long, left, light beige, Elven ear giving a slight wiggle with a smile on her sharp, oval face. She moved her long, platinum hair back with light in her green eyes and she nodded to Alexander.

He returned her smile, reluctantly letting go of her hand so she could join the females. He nodded to Londra, the smile still on his square, cognac face while his steel grey eyes showed his resolve. His left hand missed hers, so it moved through his short, auburn hair, messing it up before battle. “We are ready when you are. Oh, and please call me Alex.”

“Fine, braiding party then we leave after everyone is changed and ready,” Londra smiled. Alden came out of the bathroom in time for Belle to snatch him with a happy ear wiggle.