Hey guys!
So for those of you who were around back when LOS was going on here's some news, there's a sequel :)
Me and Shaut'ol have been working on the sequel together for a while now over email and thought maybe you guys would be interested in reading it, so we're going to post it on here for you guys to enjoy.
Its basically set sixteen years later, when our two characters Akalina and Aeolus are happily married and have a daughter Kaylee. They're living together all happy and peaceful like when this story starts out. Only, Akalina and Aeolus are majorly overprotective of Kaylee thanks to how much they went to before hand, and they've kept their past a secret from her, so she doesn't understand all the restrictions they put on her and is angsty, thus begins the story.

Also to those of you who may not have been apart of or read LOS, basically LoS was a group story done on her a few years back that was epically awesome/long. If you want general summary of what went down in that story, or to even read chunks of it that I've saved just pm me and let me know :)

And here we go, here's a good sized chunk to start you guys out, more to come later
Also, feedback is always desired and greatly appreciated, so let us know your thoughts and feel free to ask stuff if you're confused or something just doesn't make sense.

"But mother!" Kaylee whined "Its going to be the social event of the year! Everyone is going to be there, everyone except me!"
"I'm sorry honey, but its just not safe," Akalina responded
"That's what you ALWAYS say! How do you expect me to have friends, or find a husband, or do anything if you keep me locked up in here all the time?!"
"I only say that because it true, and besides you have plenty of friends already, missing one little event won't kill you. And aren't you a little young to be thinking about getting married?" she raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sixteen mom! That's only a couple years younger than you and dad!"
"That was different, you know that. And a lot can happen in a few years."
"No mother, I don’t know that!" Kaylee nearly screamed with frustration, "You're always talking about how different you and I are, but you never say why or how."
A shadow crossed Akalinas face, but she quickly pushed it aside, "It doesn't matter, its in the past. Regardless, you are not going to that party, its in the middle of the woods and at night, its not safe, and that is final!"
"But that's not fair!"
"I don't care if its fair or not, I've made my decision and you will respect it."
"No, no I won't! You don't care about me, or what I want! The truth is you just can't stand to admit that I'm growing up, that I'm not your little baby anymore. You're smothering me! I can't take it anymore, I hate you!" with that she stormed from the room slamming the door behind her.
Akalina flinched at the sound and sighed wearily. Whoever said parenting was supposed to be a joy, clearly never had children. Honestly, she'd rather fight a whole army than have to deal with her daughter. She hated to have to see that look on her face, everytime she had to say no to something else. But what choice did she have, the world wasn't a safe place for a sixteen year old girl, especially one as reckless and niave as Kaylee. So for the time being Akalina had no choice, but to endure the hatred and hard stares, so long as it meant keeping her daughter safe it was worth it.

Aeolus was sitting in the office and he heard the shouting. He sighed and stood. They seemed to be having a lot more arguments lately, He walked to where they were the moment that Kaylee slammed the door and left. He tried to smile at Akalina. "You did good," he murmured. "She'll get over it." He didn't like the idea of Kayleee leaving to parties, but she seemed to insist on it now that she was older. And nothing he and Akalina said made much of a difference. Akalina still seemed sad and he walked up and put an arm around her. "Are you alright?"
Akalina offered a small smile, "I'm fine, its just hard is all. She's just so stubborn and headstrong and so, so..." her words failed her.
"So much like you?" Aeolus supplied
She nodded, "Exactly. I have no idea what we are going to do with her. This isn't the first time its happened, and its certainly not going to be the last. But there's no way we can let her go, we both know how dangerous it can be. And there's no way I'll teach her to fight. I'd die before I ever saw her with a sword in her hand."

Aeolus laughed, "You know, maybe you should let her go, and then you go with her. Hmmm? That way you can watch her and still let her have a modicum of freedom." Aeolus waited for her response and he thought briefly of his brother Clenter, whom he hadn't seen in ages. Due to him and Akalina wanting to keep their past lives a secret they rarely had interactions with the Dreamwraith elder.
"I could suggest it," Akalina agreed, "But there's no way she would agree to it. She'd find it embarrassing to say the least. But maybe, if we went as a family?” she asked her voice laced with hopefulness. “ I'd stand out by myself, but together you and I could blend in as just another couple."

Aeolus thought about that. He didn't particulary enjoy a social gathering of humans. He found it tiring and boring. Still, for Akalina's sake he said slowly. "Of course, my love. I'd be more than happy to come."

Akalina grinned, she knew he wasn't thrilled with the idea, but he had still agreed for their sake. "Thanks sweetie," she gave him a quick peck on the cheek, "And besides, it won't be that bad, at least you'll get to see me in a dress again " she informed him. Even though she had given up her old life a long time ago, she still wasn't much for wearing dresses, she found them stifling and encumbersome for the most part, and never did quite get the hang of wearing them. As a result, it was a rare occasion when she did wear a dress. Aeolus grinned happily at the thought of seeing her in a dress. She rarely ever wore them. Only on a special occasion did she put one on, only because she knew how much he loved to see her in one. He gave her a kiss in return and wispered, "I think you are absolutely gorgeous, love, even if you don't wear a dress, still to see you in one again would be a treat. The last time you wore one was on our anniversary."
She nodded remembering the occasion well."Why don't you go find Kaylee and tell her, I have a feeling she's more likely to stop and listen to you. I'll go get ready," with that she left the living room and entered their bedroom eager to make things right with her daughter once more.
She opened the closet door and went towards the back, searching for one of the few dresses she actually owned. Her eyes caught something green and she smiled while pulling it out. It was an elegant green v-neck dress, simple but at the same time stunning. She had bought it a few shopping trips ago. The green brought out the color in her eyes, and the way the dress fell about her body showed off her feminine curves. She bought the dress, not because she was interested in pointless and silly feminine airs that so many women were, but because of Aeolus. After trying it on, at her daughter's insistence, Akalina simply couldn't deny that she was beautiful in it, and she knew Ae would think the same. Her grin increased as she slid the dress on, she had kept the dress a secret from Aelous and couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he finally got to see her in it.
Akalina continued to get ready, fixing her hair, pulling it up so that half of it was down and the other half was up. She found a emerald necklace and placed it around her neck and turned towards the mirror, checking her appearance.

Meanwhile Kaylee was in her own room, passing back and forth, fussing over how unfair her mother was being. Her mother never understood her at all, it was like they were from two completely different planets. She sat down on the bed still pouting, "its just not fair..." she muttered

Aeolus, who had gone back to his office, called to Akalina. "Do you want me to were a more formal suit, or is what I am wearing fine?

Akalina popped her head around the corner looking him up and down "That should be fine," she answered

"Good," Aeolus said, dusting off his cloak a little bit. "Shall I go tell our daughter we're going together?"
She nodded, "Yes, its almost time and she'll need a few minutes to get ready."

Aeolus walked up the stairs and gently knocked on Kaylee's door. "Sweetie?" he said softly, hoping she would hear.
Kaylee looked up as she heard the tap followed by the voice. She ignored it though, no doubt he was going to try and convince her to forgive her mother, but right now Kaylee didn't feel like forgiving anyone.
Aeolus sighed, getting angry. Still he held it inside. "Are you appropriate? If so i'm coming in."
She rolled her eyes, "Fine, you can come in, but don't try to talk me into forgiving mother."
Aeolus walked into her room and said quietly, "No, do not worry. I think you should but regardless she has agreed to let you go to the banquet."
Her eyes lit up immediately, and she jumped up from the bed, "Really?!"
Aeolus smiled. "Really, though...she and I are coming a long as well."
Kaylee raised an eyebrow, she couldn't even remember her parents ever going to a social outing before. She shrugged, at least she was able to go, "Well...if that's the only way I'm allowed to go, then I guess that's alright...just don't embarrass me...okay now go on, I have to get ready!"
"Since when do I embarress you?" Aeolus teased, heading on out. As an afterthough he said over his shoulder. "Dress modestly!"
"Sure, sure, I will," she muttered waving him off as she promptly proceeded to tear through her closet in search of something to wear. She eventually settled on a light blue dress, however by the time she did half the contents of her closet were strewn across the floor. "Oh well..." she mumbled, "I can clean it when I get back." She set of in search of some jewelry and found a stunning diamond necklace with matching earrings. She topped it off with a spray of perfume.
She immerged from her bedroom a few minutes later "Mom, Dad?" she called, "I'm ready!"
Aeolus had just finished adjusting his cloak so he could find a small sword under it when he heard her shout. He chuckled and said to Akalina, "I supppose she's been waiting to go for a long time. You don't mind if I bring a weapon, do you Akalina?"
She shook her head "Of course not!"
Even after 16 years of complete peace she still couldn't shake the warrior instinct. She knew it would be even harder for Aeolus who had lived quite a bit longer. "I doubt we'll need it, but even so, its always good to be prepared."
"Prepared for what?" Kaylee asked as she approached.
"The party!" Akalina said, "You're father and I were talking about how good it was that you were able to prepare so fast!"
Kaylee grinned, "Well, I have had a lot of time to think about how I want to look when I finally get to go to a party."

Nice save... Aeolus thought, smiling. He offered Akalina his arm and asked, "Shall we go?" He felt wary though, uncomfortable around so many humans. He never truly got used to them, they slightly scared him, expecially since he didn't have much power anymore since becoming a mortal human. His largest fear was being unable to protect his family.
"We shall," Akalina declared accepting his outstretched arm. Together the three of them exited the house and entered their carriage. Kaylee stared out the window eagerly waiting for their arrival

Aeolus was getting more and more agitated the closer they were getting. His palms were actually sweating. He drew in a deep breath trying to calm down. Humans weren't so bad when he was a dreamwraith with immeasurable power but now...well now his mind kept going over the time he fought off a group of thugs. He had deafeated them, but he was badly wounded by them, so much Akalina had to take care of him for a long time, nursing him back to full health.
Akalina sensed Aeolus' agitation for it was growing just as quickly as Kaylee's excitement was. She reached over and took his hand in her hers for reassurance as they pulled to a stop in front the house. She gave him a squeeze, "Look like we're here."

Aeolus grimaced, then inhaled deeply. "So we are," he murmured, rising up to his feet.
"It'll be alright," Akalina whispered softly.
Kaylee jumped out of the carriage and rushed towards the house, She hurried inside and was soon chatting with friends.

"Our daughter is enjoying herself," Aeolus grumbled a little. He was unprepared for the moment he and Akalina entered the house and a lady came over to them and said, "WHY HELLO! I haven't seen either of you in ages! You both are like hermits in that big old house of yours." Aeolus blinked. Great, the town busybody...Elin...
Akalina fought back a groan, she needed to be happy and sociable. If Aeolus was going sacrifice for their daughter then she certainly could too.
"Elin!" she cried and reached forward giving the woman a hug, "So good to see you again!"
"And you too! So tell me, what have you two been doing, the last we saw of you was over five months ago, you rarely go to town to even buy food! Is that how you stay so thin?"
Aeolus's dislike for the women sharpened.
Akalina let out a forced laugh, "Why thank you, but really I'm not that thin! Not compared to you," she couldn't believe she was talking like this."We've just been so busy raising Kaylee and taking care of business and such, it’s hard to make the trip to town."
"What sort of business do you and your husband do?" Elin asked quietly. She, like most of the town was very curious about the two people who lived a little ways on the outskirts. They were queer, by everyone's standards, and only their daughter seemed normal. They hardly were around people, were not social in the least, and they seemed....strange.
"Oh well, why don't I let Aeolus explain that, he's much better at it." she passed the conversation off to him, she gave him a look of apology as she did so

Aeolus gave her a sour look, hidden from Eiln, then he turned back and smiled at the woman caustically. "We're...diplomats..."
"Diplomats?" she looked confused.
"Er, yes, that's why we're gone all the time, we travel a lot, but Kaylee needs to stay here and take care of the homestead..."
"Kaylee never said you were dipomats..."
Diplomats? Akalina thought to herself, Well, I guess that works, She hurriedly picked up the conversation once more, eager to douse the woman’s obvious suspicions "Yes, well, she doesn't like to talk about it much, she's a bit bitter you see, what with us always having to leave her by herself and all, it greatly restricts her freedom. Now, it truly is wonderful to see you again Elin, but I'm afraid my husband and I are a bit tired from the carriage ride and all, and are in need of some refreshments, if you don't mind?" she looked expectantly at the woman, waiting for permission to leave the conversation without appearing too rude

"Of...course..." Elin stared at them as they walked away.
Aeolus drew in a deep breath. "I hate this," he muttered, ladling out some fruit juice. He pointedly avoided the wine for Aklaina's sake.

"I know you do dear, but just look at your daughters face, she's so happy," she pointed out Kaylee whose face was alive with happiness and glowed with joy as she quickly became the center of attention. Honestly, how she ended up such a social butterfly with us as her parents I'll never know...

"Heh, I supposed she is, though she better be careful." He noticed some young men near the walls watching Kayless astutely.
'Indeed," she followed his gaze to the men, "do you know, she's started to think about marriage?" she asked, waiting for his reaction

"WHAT!?" Aeolus roared before going red as several people turned to look at him. "What?!" he hissed in a quieter voice, "she's not even of age!"

"But she's only a few years younger than us," she declared mimicking her daughter.
Music started up and Akalina watched from the corner of her eye as Kaylee started to dance with one of the young men.

"Not me," Aeolus growled. "I'm over 5000." He noticed Kaylee dancing and his eyes narrowed.

"And yet your daughter has no knowledge of that, remember?" she raised an eyebrow

Aeolus sighed, "Yes...I know to her i'm only 40...." He frowned when he noticed the young man leading her out onto a veranda.
"Exactly. She doesn't understand it, any of it, we put all of these restrictions on her and all of them are based on our past lives, which are a huge mystery to her. Its no wonder she gets so frustrated with us all the time..."

Aeolus said firmly, "Then we need to tell her the truth, Akalina."
"How?" she asked, "Do you have any idea how she will feel? She'll feel completely betrayed, she'll hate us. We were horrible people, the kind of people we've done everything we could to shelter her from."

"I know, Akalina, I know," Aeolus whispered, "But we are losing her even still."
"We will lose her completely if we tell her truth. Right now, we are only losing a small piece of her, and until that changes, I don't want to risk losing her entirely...." she sighed "None of our years of experience and training ever taught us anything about this..."

"Because neither of us ever had children before.." Aeolus said, "And I never had a good example of a father, and neither did you. We never had any model parents to follow. I wonder how Clenter does it, you know he has a couple of kids himself." He sighed sorrowfully. "It's been so long since I've heard from him."

Akalina listened quietly, she knew he missed his brother dearly. Who would've ever thought that the dreamwraith who had shunned his brother for a hundred years, and stoically ignored him for a good part of the rest of his life would ever be so saddened by the lack of communication? Akalina frowned, she knew that it was partly her fault, if Aeolus hadn't decided to become human for her, and then hide the truth about it from their daughter, he wouldn't have lost that bond with his brother. She thought over all the things he had sacrificed for their marriage and guilt swept over her, just like it always did. Aeolus had given up so much, immortality, power, relationships, and what had she given up? Nothing... and here she was again, forcing him to sacrifice his happiness for their daughter. It wasn't right. Suddenly an idea formed in her head, "Couldn't you use the star to talk to him?" she asked

Meanwhile Kaylee's heart beat fast as the boy lead her to the veranda. He was two years older than her, and both attractive and charming. She couldn't believe her luck in being able to find someone so amazing, especially with all the suspicion and disapproval her parents lifestyle had cast over her own.

Aeolus thought for a moment. "It is possible," he admitted, "But it would be harder now since I'm a human. Still," he brightened a little, "I think it would work. Maybe," he looked at Akalina, "I could meet with him somewhere? Away from the house so Kayleee doesn't know."
"Of course." Akalina smiled warmly, "speaking of Kaylee, where is she? I haven't seen her for a while..." she trailed off while surverying the room.

"Kaylee," the boy called.

Kaylee turned, surprised to find him much closer to her than she remember.

"You look beautiful," he told her taking her hand in his, "Out here, with the moonlight shining down on you. I know this may sound sudden, but, I think, I think I just might be in love with you," with that he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.

Aeolus frowned again, and for an instant wished he could sense peoples; minds again. Still, it couldn't be helped, and trailing after Akalina he started searching for his daughter, moving to the last place they
saw her...heading towards the veranda.

Kaylee's eyes widened with shock as she felt his lips on hers. It quickly wore off however as she began kissing him back. Just then Akalina and Aeolus walked onto the veranda and instantly spotted their daughter,
"Kaylee Anne Kellinor!!!" Akalina cried in shock.

Aeolus's eyes widened with anger, and for an instant they could be seen gleaming a bright and vivid blood red colour, the colour of his eyes when he was a Dreamwraith. His fists tightened, and reaching out, he grabbed the impudant boy by the shoulder and jerked him away from
his daughter, tightening his hand on the lad's shoulder so he could not
hope to get away.
"Kaylee," he said in a deadly quiet voice.

Kaylee gulped and didn't dare look her father in the eye, I am so dead...she thought to herself. She stared at her feet and bit her lip, waiting for whatever came next.

"Hey, let me go," the boy cried trying to break free from Aeolus' grasp
Aeolus tightened his grip even further, then turned his anger to the boy. Eyes still a glowing red he snarled, "What are you doing with my daughter?"
"I..um..." the boy dared to look in his eyes and saw the red glow and
it frightened him, "Um...N,nothing, s, sir..."
"Dad come on! Let him go! You're making a scene!" Kaylee cried.
"You lie," Aeolus said softly to the boy, before turning and saying to his daughter, "No more of a scene then you were making."
She rolled her eyes, "It was just a kiss, it didn't mean anything."

Aeolus slowly unclentched his hand, releasing the boy. Ignoring Kaylee he looked the boy in the eyes and said, "And what did the kiss mean to you, I know you must have initiated it. Tell me the truth, because I will know if you lie."
"U, um..." the boy struggled to think, there was a million different ways to answer the question, and he was sure a great many of them would get him in some serious trouble, "Um well, it, it was a very nice
kiss," he answered truthfully

Aeiolus rolled his eyes. "I'm sure..." he growled, studying the youth.
"Kaylee, you can't just kiss whoever you want," Akalina declared, "Do you even know anything about this boy aside from his name?"
"Of course I do! Ummm..."Kaylee bit her lip. "He's really good at dancing?" she answered hopefully

Aeolus looked the youth up and down and snorted, "Not likely. He has no sense of balance or rythym." Aeolus, who studied swordplay all his life knew what good balance was and this boy did not have that.
Akalina nodded in agreement, thinking the same thing.
Kaylee rolled her eyes, "What does it matter anyway?! I can kiss or not kiss whoever I want!"
by now a few people had noticed the commotion. They drifted towards the veranda, doing their best to try and eavesdrop without being obvious about it.

Aeolus motioned for the stupid boy to leave then turned fully to Kaylee and said, "Not while I'm still your father. Come on,we're going home."
"No, we aren't. You gave me permission to attend this party, and that’s exactly what I'll do."

You attended it and now you are done." Aeolus growled.
"no I'm not."
"Kaylee," Akalina warned
"What?!"
"You are going home, we are your parents, do not fight us on this."

"Come, Kaylee," Aeolus said.
"No. You can't just make me do whatever you want. I'm tired of it, I'm
tired of you, and all the rules you place on me. I'd be better off without any parents!"
"KAYLEE!" Aeolus said sternly. "Come!"

"No! I'm not, not ever again!" with that she dashed past them and into the crowd of people, weaving her way through the bodies until she made it to the door. She knew what she was doing was stupid, and that she would no doubt regret it, but she didn't care she was just too angry.

wow....it was just a kiss. O.o!

ha ha yeah, well part of it is they're ridiculously over-protective like that but mostly we needed a blow up, and that was the quickest/easiest way to do it, even if it was a bit over-dramatic

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~True Heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others, whatever the cost. But rather the urge to serve others whatever the cost~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

ha ha yeah, well part of it is they're ridiculously over-protective like that but mostly we needed a blow up, and that was the quickest/easiest way to do it, even if it was a bit over-dramatic

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~True Heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others, whatever the cost. But rather the urge to serve others whatever the cost~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

LOL! I <3 AE. :D He's so dreadfully controlling. XD

I like it. LoS was on it's last legs when I joined the forum, so while I never actually read it, I do recall the title.

Aw, Ae's not that bad, lol, though he's not like the one in Renegade or Resurgence. He's more of a gentleman here. :P

"Kaylee!" Aeolus sighed and tried to catch her but she kept running. He
looked at Akalina, "What now?"

Akalina's over protective mother side kicked in, "We keep trying!
She's our daughter Ae! Regardless of how mad she is she's completely
helpless on her own!"

"Right," Aeolus said firmly, grabbing Akalina's hand and running after
their daughter.

But Aeolus was right before, their daughter was already too far ahead
of them. She made it to the woods and quickly disappeared through the
trees. Akalina tried to follow her tracks but it was getting
progressively darker as the night wore on and it soon became impossible
all together.

Aeolus very nearly cursed. He couldn't tell where their daughter went,
not even able to feel the faint tendril f thought, like he could
occasionally do with close family. "Wait," he pulled Akalina to a stop.
"Let's contact my brother, I'm sure he could help us."
"Right," she nodded and reached for the star which she always wore.
"Hello?"

Clenter as sitting and going through some very messy affairs over the Dreamwraith state. He always hated this part of the job. Try and try as he might he never could completely curtail their lust for power and domination. Still, even as he worked he could feel his powers coming into complete maturity, and if he didn't misread it, he could tell he was getting more powerful the Aeolus ever was. He felt a sudden pulling at his being and pausing he blinked then a familiar sense entered in.
Hello?

Clenter! Akalina cried as a wave of warmth flowed through her. It was the first drop of real hope she had felt ever since she saw her daughter running away from them. Surely Clenter would be able to help them locate her. Though what would happen when they did she wasn't exactly sure. She looked towards Aeolus, "It worked," she told him, "He's responded!"

Aeolus grinned. "Good. Ask him if he can meet us at our house."

Clenter tried to register this sudden change of events. Aeolus had told him when they had a daughter that they wanted to try and keep the whole Dreamwraith, and assassin thing a mute as possible. Translated it meant, "Our daughter won't know about you, don't make sudden visits." And so he didn't. He only got to see them once since then, when they let Kaylee go to a friend’s house. But why were they contacting him now? Still a call was a call and he grinned, Yes, it's me

Thank goodness, Akalina declared the relief evident in her voice, We need your help, do you think you can meet us at our house?

Of course, Clenter replied, wondering whatever was wrong for them to want him at their house. He made a portal, I'll be right there.
Thank you , "He's on his way," Akalina told Aeolus.

Kaylee finally stopped running and took a moment to catch her breathe and figure her surroundings. She leaned against a tree steadying her shaking legs. Regret washed over her as she allowed herself to think about what she had actually done. She couldn't believe how horrible she had been to her parents. But then again, they had deserved, they were smothering her and she needed more freedom than they were giving her. She frowned, however running away on a whim wasn't exactly the smartest idea, she may need to stop by the house to get some things

Clenter arrived at their house and curiously began looking at the living room he was standing in. The place was more modest then what he would expect from Aeolus and he frowned a little at that...until he pulled on a small lantern holder in the wall and it slid back to reveal a rather spacious underground room lined with swords, and all other kinds of weapons, books, lab materials and dismal paintings. He grinned. "Now that's Ae."
"Clenter?"
Clenter blinked when he heard the front door open, and Aeolus called out to him. He pulled away from the door and started to close it when the handle broke in his hand. Opps...
"Clenter!" Aeolus just poked his head in the living room and saw him and his face first registered pleasure at seeing his younger brother, then confusion at the hidden door being open, then and a the broken handle.
"Hi," Clenter weakly smiled.

Akalina couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, "Same old Clenter,"

"So how are you?" Clenter asked, setting the broken handle down and walking toward them.
"Fine," Aeolus growled, swooping down to pick up his broken handle and cradle it in his hands, trying to find a way to fix it.
"Fine?" Akalina raised an eyebrow, "I'd hardly call it that, our daughters missing, remember?"
Meanwhile Kaylee was making her way back to the house, hoping that her parents would still be out searching for her.

"Missing?" Clenter blinked. "Why?" He personally had never meant the girl so he had no idea of her personality, likes or dislikes. "Oh here," He said to Aeolus, snapping his fingers and causing the hand to instantly be repaired.
Aeolus stared at Clenter in shock, "You're more powerful now."
"Well," Clenter replied sheepishly, "Only a little...but about your daughter...?"
Aeolus nodded and explained the situation, still trying to get a feel for is more powerful younger brother.

Kaylee approached the house carefully, she saw the lights on and cursed silently. It looked like her parents were home after all. She frowned, and contemplated her chances of being able to sneak in and get some stuff without them noticing. She figured it was worth a shot, if she got caught she would feign an apology and beg them to forgive her. The convince them that she would never run away again, wait till they went to sleep and then leave, this time with possessions in tow. She circled around to the back slipping through the door silently. She paused when she heard her parents talking with an unfamiliar voice and her curiosity tugged at her, she wondered who it could possibly, as far as she knew her parents didn't have any friends, they hated socializing and always stayed at home.

Clenter said, "So she ran away?"
Aeolus nodded, "I'm afraid so, brother. She got angry at us and left, we don't know where she is now. Since I'm no longer a Dreamwraith I'm a helpless as normal humans."

Kaylee wasn't close enough to hear everything, she could only catch a few words here and there, something about a Dreamwraith, and helpless humans. Now she was really curious. What on earth was a Dreamwraith? She wasn't sure but she knew she wanted to find out. She went to her room first, gathered a few things, and then ventured closer to the main room where her parents and the guest were. She chose a spot in the shadows were it was impossible to see her and then carefully looked into the room. What she saw startled her and she had to fight to keep from reacting. She stared wide-eyed at the mist-like form her parents were talking to. What on earth was that thing, and what were her parents doing with it?

Clenter asked. "Do you want me to try and sense her?"
"If that is at all possible" Aeolus said softly.
Clenter nodded and said, "Alright, but as you well know first I need something of hers, something that allows me to sense her essence."

"Right, I'll go get something from her room," Akalina offered.
Kaylee stiffened and panic spread like a disease, her mother was heading for her room, she'd pass right by Kaylee on the way. She had to get out of there and fast, curiosity or not, she wasn't about to let herself get caught, not when she was so close. She scurried backwards and headed towards the backdoor once again.
Akalina paused for a moment, thinking she heard something, and looked around, but didn't see anything. She shrugged and moved on. Entering Kaylee's room she reached for the nearest available thing, a hairbrush, and then promptly returned to the main room. "Here you go," she offered it to Clenter.

Clenter took it instantly and holding it he closed his eyes and started to reach out his senses.

"He's improved greatly in power," Aeolus murmured to Akalina.
She nodded in agreement, "Do you think he's more powerful than you were?"

Kaylee broke from the house at a dead sprint, whoever, whatever, that thing her parents were talking to, apparently it could sense her present, which meant her only chance was speed. She had to get away as fast as possible.

Aeolus hesitated then nodded reluctantly. "Yes."

Clenter, using his senses, reached out his powerful mind and brushed against Kaylee. It was almost hard for him to picture her as his niece, being that he never met her before, but now it was his duty to get her back. He latched onto her mind, but did not hurt her, instead he got the sense she was running very fast away from the place she once called home. Your parents are very worried about you, he said softly. Didn't want to scare her really. Aeolus obviously kept her very ignorant about things like him.

There was a stutter in Kaylee's step as she was running and suddenly heard a voice inside her head. What the? she wondered, What’s going on? Who are you?! Why are you in my head???

I'm...your...uncle, Clenter said slowly, hesitating to say it.

WHAT?! she cried, I don't have an uncle, she declared, at least I don’t think I do....she said to herself, and that doesn't explain how you got into my head!!!
Well, it's rather complicated to explain, but what I wish to convey right now is for you to come home. If you come home now then I won't shock your mind and drag you back here myself. Clenter was getting ready to prepare a portal.
There's no way you can make me go back! I hate it there!

"She refused to come," Clenter said out loud.
"Then shock her mind and bring her back," Aeolus said softly.

Another Dreamwraith who had watched this whole scene carefully through a window smiled and made a portal.

Akalina frowned remembering the days when Aeolus used to do it to her. "She's really going to hate us now..."

Kaylee blinked as some sort of portal opened up in front of her. She had no idea where it came from, or where it went. She looked around and didn't see anything or anyone. She tested it out sticking first her finger than her hand through she pulled it back out and examined it. Nothing happened, it seemed relatively safe. She wasn't sure if she should trust it though. It could lead her anywhere, but at the same time the voice in her head had threatened to force her to go home, and she didn't really like the idea, maybe this could be an escape. And regardless of where it was maybe it would be somewhere far away, somewhere her parents could never find her. With that thought in mind she stepped through.

Clenter gasped. "She vanished! I can't sense her anymore!"
"What?" Aeolus yelled.

The other Dreamwraith grinned as the human girl spilled onto his floor, just missing a preserved body, and a pile of congealed blood.
"What do you mean you can't sense her!" Akalina cried her voice a mixture of anger and worry

Kaylee screamed when she saw the body and the blood. She looked around, instantly regretting her decision to go through the portal. "Where am I?"

"I...I don't know!" Clenter said frantically, throwing his mind along the trail. "One moment I had her and now...she could have learned to block people..."
"No," Aeolus said firmly, "She doesn't know how to do that."

"You're in my home, dear girl," said a thick gravely voice and the Dreamwraith who owned it detached himself from the shadows and walked to her, silver eyes glowing.
She backed away trembling with fear, "what do you want with me?"

Akalina agreed, "Its impossible to think she could do that. What else could've happened?" she demanded

"Oh, not you, you're just a means to bigger plans." He grabbed her arm tightly and jerked her up on her feet.

"Um," Clenter didn't like the idea that formed in his head and most certainly did not want to tell frantic parents. Aeolus however guessed it, "Another Dreamwraith..." he murmured, heart becoming sick at the thought.
"Maybe not," Clenter consoled.
"Yes, what else knows how to block another Dreamwraith?

"L-let go of me!" she cried struggling to break free.

Akalina's heart stopped. No, this couldn't be happening, not after so long. They were living in peace, they were happy and not bothering anyone, so why would someone do this to them, why would they want to take their daughter away? Anger and frustration rose up in her, anger at whoever had done this to their daughter but it immediately disintegrated into guilt, if she and Aeolus hadn’t been so hard on Kaylee, then she wouldn't have run away, which means she wouldn't have been out there by herself in the first place.
"Its all our fault..." she murmured quietly, fighting back the tears.

"No," the Dreamwraith growled, yanking her down the hall and to a dank looking prison cell.

"Don't think like that," Aeolus said firmly, grabbing her by the shoulders and squeezing comfortingly. "We'll get her back, I promise."

"Ow, you're hurting me!" Kaylee whined

Akalina gave a small smile in response, "I hope so, I just with I knew who did it, or why. And how are we supposed to find her if Clenter can't track her?"

"I don't care," the Dreamwraith hissed. He yanked her into a cell full of preserved corpses and chained her to the far wall before going to the door and saying. "Now you just sit tight and don't cause problems..."

Clenter said, "Hey now, I think I could do it given more time."
"We don't have time," Aeolus snapped.
"Then come back to my house, I have invented something to make this sort of stuff go faster."

Kaylee looked at the dead bodies surrounding her and was terrified. What kind of monster would do such things? And what sort of things would it do to her? She shuddered to think. She regretted running away more than ever. She wished she were at home, even if her parents were obnoxious and never let her do anything at least she was safe. She started to cry.

"Alright then, lets go," Akalina declared jumping on the idea.

The Dreamwraith sulked into his office and mentally made a connection, Alright...I have her...no what do you want me to do?
Bring her to me... came the reply.
To you? But I cannot make a portal to your realm. It's a realm that I doubt even our elder could go to...
I am well aware of your pitiable limitations... As if on cue a portal opened up by the Dreamwraith and the voice said, There...now bring her through.
The Dreamwraith stood, and headed back toward his jail, What do you intend to do with her?
Nothing that concerns you...your job was to retrieve her and now your job is done...
And if the head elder comes to me? What then? You know Clenter is the brother of Aeolus...
Will you have proof that she was in your home, or ever had any contact with you?
The Dreamwraith paused then answered, No.
Well then, there you go...
The Dreamwraith smile and unlocked the jail door, walking to the girl.

Clenter nodded and hurriedly made a portal. Aeolus motioned for him to stop, "Akalina, what about weapons? Food?"

She paused, "You're right, we'll need both, you grab the weapons and I'll pack some food."

Kaylee looked up as the Dreamwraith entered and fear was evident in her eyes as it clutched her heart
The Dreamwraith ignored her as he unlocked her chain and started to drag her behind him to the portal in his office. When he reached the portal he pushed her through it first, then stepped in after her.

Aeolus nodded and went into the house where he grabbed his twin sabers and Akalina's weapons.
Clenter just stood outside, watching and waiting, but he was far from idle. He was still trying to find her with his senses but that grew to be rather difficult.

Kaylee was irritated by her question being ignored, however that quickly fled as she went through the portal and saw what was on the other side, her eyes widened.

Akalina grabbed a couple of knapsacks and started filling them food. She tried her best not to think about it, how the path they were on would lead them into a life she had tried so desperately to escape. It had been a long fifteen years and in those years Akalina had enjoyed the peace they lived in, and any honor or pride she had ever had in her old ways faded as she fond herself longing for the innocence of her daughter. Kaylee had no idea what was out there, what horrible things had and could still happen, she could close her eyes at night, and fall asleep feeling safe and warm, never having to worry about what tomorrow would bring. And over the years Akalina had slowly been able to share in that dream as her life of peace slowly washed away the sins and cares of the old. After all, it was easy to forget about something that you never talked about. She shook her head, realizing how selfish her intentions had been, keeping it all a secret, was just as much for her sake as her daughter's. But now her daughter was in danger, and regardless of how much she wanted the dream to last, it was time to wake up, because once a dark ranger, always a dark ranger, and if those skills could help her save her daughter, then so be it.
By the time Akalina had thought it all through in her head and come to peace with it she had finished packing the bags with a good assortment of foods such as bread, cheese, and apples. She picked one up, testing its weight. and nodded in approval before setting it back down. Then she went to the bedroom and changed out of her dress, going to an old chest hidden in the corner of the closet she pulled out her old garments and quickly put them on. She paused in the mirror and looked herself over, the change she felt was strong, for just looking at the clothes brought back memories, and now with them on, the way they felt, and smelled, it was just like the old days She told herself that she wasn't that person anymore, she wasn't a murderer and a drunkard, and all the other things she had been back then, that this was for Kaylee's sake, and that things would work out, they would get their daughter back and when they did, life would go back to the way it had been for the past fifteen years. But inside Akalina knew the truth, there was no going back after this, everything had changed.
Shaking herself out of her mental reverie she moved on, knowing that all the time she wasted in thought was time that could be used towards finding their daughter, she perused the closet once more, knowing Aeolus wouldn't want to go about fighting in his dress suite, after selecting a suitable set of clothes she laid them on the bed for him, and exited the room. She went to the underground room where she knew Aeolus would be gathering their weapons. She found him and accepted her sword and various daggers before saying, "I put some clothes out on the bed for you, go ahead and get changed and then we should be ready to go." he thanked her and left. Akalina was now alone, she gripped the sword in her hand, and moved it around experimentally. Getting a use to the weight and feel of it once more. She went through a few exercises, slicing at the air. After a few times she felt it start to become more natural and less forced, she was surprised at how quickly she was picking it up again. Satisfied she sheathed the blade and left, stopping in the kitchen she grabbed the bags and waited for Aeolus to be ready.

Aeolus came down wearing a heavy leather cloak and light, if but durable, clothes. He tightened up his belt and slipped his swords on. He gave Akalina a small smile. “Well, I’m ready.” As they walked to Clenter he murmured, “I never thought we would need to save our daughter from a Dreamwraith.”
Once they got there Clenter said, “Well, let’s go.” He made a portal and stepped through. Aeolus walked through instantly, feeling slightly sick at having his first human portal ride in about 19 years. Clenter chuckled slightly at Aeolus’s green expression and said, “Never thought I would need to be making you a portal, brother.”
“Huh,” Aeolus grunted, “And hopefully it won’t happen often.”
Clenter’s eyes twinkled.

The Dreamwraith followed her through, mentally preparing for what he was about ready to see…he knew it well…the immensely large castle, positioned under an eternal night sky with no stars or moon to be see. A broken and scarred land with no trees or animals, and the horrible gnarled castle that thrust itself into the air like a deformed finger. This realm was created after Aeolus and Clenter and that miserable human managed to destroy the Realm Eater. Being such a new realm no one knew it was here…nor would many Dreamwraiths want to live here anyway. Still it was given a name; the Meil’Wak Realm, or the Night Realm in human tongue.