The summons Nerezza had hinted at flittered across Showl’s desk faster then they managed to get most important documents back to him. It seemed the Order was insistent. They wanted legal documentation and an outlined agreement even sooner then what would be expected in a standard negotiation.

  More insistent then the Order though were the three small forms who somehow were finding out everything going on between him and Nerezza. They stood as a Unit looking at him with a determination that always had him affectionately bemused.

  “We’re going to.” Garion demanded. Showl raised his brows at his son.

  “Are you now?” Showl asked him. Garion nodded and looked to his brothers who on cue nodded too. His sons really were adorable when they were insistent and he couldn’t say he didn’t understand their desire but Showl wasn’t sure how this meeting would go. Nerezza and the Order had a complicated relationship at best and Nerezza and the Order might not put feelings into this meeting which was reasonable because they hadn’t agreed on feelings.

  Yet how would his sons feel to see their relationship laid out in official and monetary values.

  As if reading his mind Zephon shifted a bit catching Showl’s eyes.

  “Madam Nerezza said that she wanted to see how she fit. If we want her to be family this should be done as a family.” Zephon stated his quiet and not often voiced opinion. Showl couldn’t argue with that. Reem who grinned ear to ear skipped over.

  “Also, our New instructor quit again.” Reem added. That sent a different wave of stress through him. Showl let out a sigh wondering what the report would say this time. “Can I message Madam Nerezza?” He asked, looking at the drawer Showl hid the direct line. Reem was the most insistent on messages but even Zephon and Garion would creep over to send something to Nerezza. In total Showl was starting to wonder if they might just overwhelm the woman before she even truly walked through their doors.

  Each time though Nerezza responded swiftly either answering each individually or some times writing a single longer messaged talking to all the children. They hadn’t messaged each other yet, she’d given the connection for his sons and he wasn’t ever sure what to write and she never sent a message addressing him at all so it left him unsure.

  “Alright, we’ll all go but you have to promise me that you’ll handle this like any other meeting I let you sit in on. Even if this is addressing our family it might not be casted in the warmest light. The words spoken might be cold and Thing might be state in tangible values rather then emotional.” He explained to them trying to at least somewhat prepare them.

  But even Showl wasn’t prepared for the Order Guard who bolted into his office eyes wide an hour before they were set to meet.

  “Sir.” She gasped. “Madam Nerezza was requested to come for a time before you arrived but when she entered the facility she refused to talk to anyone without your presence. She currently has a sound barrier up and the Chief Polum is getting frustrated.” She offered looking nervous.

  Showl raised his brows. He’d sent them her stipulations. So either they hadn’t cared or thought they could push the Madam around. They were very wrong either way.

  “Well he’ll have to fester until the boys are ready. I’m not going to rush them simply because he’s frustrated.

  “What’s going on?” Zephon was the first to make it down the stairs followed by the silent distrusting gaze of Reem.

  “It seems Madam Nerezza is waiting for us.” He told them. He watched the distrust crumble away and the two boys vibrated with excitement.

  “When are we going?” Zephon asked.

  “As soon as Garion is ready.” He told the boys who exchanged a look between them and then ran up the stairs. “Walk.” He called after them. Then sighed. After a few steady beats Reem and Zephon were pulling Garion behind them his one shoe on his foot and the other in his hand.

  “I said I was coming.” He snapped before running to Showl and clinging close to him. Before ducking down and swooping on his other shoe. Showl grinned and shook his head.

  “Are we all ready?” He asked them. Reem and Zephon nodded. Garion pouted and held out for a bit.

  “We’re going to see Madam Nerezza.” He asked softly.

  “We are.” Showl agreed. Glaring at his brothers he nodded.

  “I’m ready.” He agreed.

  Flittering through the portal to the Order facility he felt the shadow energy. It hung in the air until Reem pushed into the room it originated from at the sight of him it dropped.

  “Reem.” Showl called without much conviction as he headed to Nerezza’s already opening arms. He climbed and settled in her lap happily.

  There were six out of seven Order chiefs sitting at the table ranging from bemused too mildly irritated the only one who looked darkly at her though was Chief Polum whose face was red and his glare was set on her even as they flittered through greeting Showl.

  Nerezza ignored the entire exchange looking at the boys.

  “Oh isn’t this a pleasant surprised.” He heard the rest though of the conversation between her and the boys and the man next to her with a lavish looping hairstyle dress in delicate intricate robes that classified him as an Elite Scholar. His gaze set on the boys curious but not too focused.

  “Now.” Chief Polum boomed glaring at Nerezza who sent him a bored glance. It seemed the two were rather acquainted and it didn’t seem that they much liked one another. “Who is this you brought with you one of you hooligan acquaintances?” He accused Nerezza with a level of disrespect that was uncalled for in a meeting they called them here for. The man who was being accused of being a hooligan straightened into the perfect picture of a polite diplomate.

  “I am” The man’s voice came out in a proud bored creak. “Sir Adrurous Divicil, Chief Polum.” He offered letting his name settle around the table. Showl was even surprised by the name. The Divicil family was known to excel in academia you could find a Divicil in nearly every prestigious academies professor roster. And even more were sought after as personal tutors. Sir Adrurous Divicil being the most sought after in his generation.

  “Sir Divicil.” Chief Linox breathed. “What do we owe the pleasure.” He asked. Sir Divicil looked around the table with little to no interest then looked at him and his children with curiosity and Nerezza with affection.

  “Well of course I’d attend the union meeting of my daughter.” He assured sounding affronted by the ‘implied accusation’.

  “Daughter.” Chief Polum stated slowly as if he knew that wasn’t true. Nerezza nodded smiling brightly.

  “Yes, Sir Divicil was my instructor and when I decided to leave my parent’s household as you know I did. He accepted me into his household.” Nerezza explained. The Chief’s all looked to Polum who glared pointedly at her. Showl paused and caught Garion staring at Nerezza before glancing to Sir Divicil. Then glanced to Showl. Probably connecting that Showl had done the same for Garion. For all of his boys.

  Showl frowned an looked at the man with caution.

  “You aren’t the one who awoke her magic?” He asked the man. Nerezza snorted. Her eyes flicking to Sir Divicil with a look of fondness built over time.

  “No, I already told you I did that myself.” She reminded him before snickering. “Trust me he was as horrified when a five year old walked up to him demanded he become their instructor while being fully awoken in Shadow magic.” She shook her head and Sir Divicil huffed.

  “More like you demanded I hand over my name so you could use it to get books. If I hadn’t specifically clarified that I would teach you anything you would have gone off on your own and your magic would have exploded.” He pointed out his tone keeping that feathery polite tone though it had an edge of teasing and solid weight of truth.

  He tried to imagine her that young with so much knowledge that she thought she was capable enough. But she still would have been a child.

  Nerezza shrugged it off.

  “Now that you are entering a consideration with the Guardian Showl, we are wondering what you intensions are with the order.” Chief Polum snapped. Chief Linox frowned.

  “We were wondering how much responsibility you’d be taking within Guardian Showl’s work and the relations with the Order.” Chief Linox corrected and Chief Polum glared at the man and then at Nerezza. He looked uncomfortable with her being there. He looked like personally he had something against her.

  And yet Nerezza barely looked at him.

  “I will not be joining the Order.” Nerezza stated plainly to the room. A younger Chief Bestrile frowned.

  “Why not?” He asked. Nerezza looked at the younger Chief with kinder eyes then the others.

  “I have made it very clear each and every time the Order has tried to recruit me that I find the Order to often be disorganized, rash and often thoughtless. Though there are those who try more then others but those who don’t have soured my taste for all of you. If I was to join the order I would by direct orders have to sit by and watch, you all screw everything up. On the outside though I can see what your doing and when things go south I can and have fixed things.” Nerezza offered to the group.

  “You mean you interfere with the integrity of the Order.” Chief Polum accused. She sucked in a breath and turned her gaze on him.

  “Chief Polum I would watch your tongue. I have only not revealed the things I know about you because you are so small compared to what I’m hunting and I know how to manage you.” Nerezza breathed and a menacing aura started to build but she let it drop when both Reem and Zephon started to stiffen.

  Chief Polum’s face heated a crimson color.

  “I think I would like to know what you are speaking of.” Chief Linox insisted. She looked at him and seemed to weigh things.

  “Investigation two thirty-seven fifty-three. The conspiring parties to release beasts into the capitals of three Kingdoms.” She started briskly and without wavering like the information was permanently engraved in her mind. “If you look very closely in that oh so glorious file that you all keep of me I informed the Order on six separate occasions when it would happen, who would be involved and the proper precautions to take.” Nerezza explained.

  “You were trying to interfere with my investigation.” The Chief yells. Showl caught sight of Nerezza’s fingers running through Zephon’s hair pulling him closer. His stare was dead pan. Reem gripped to her and Garion looked ready to pounce. Magic appeared over each of his son’s ears. They looked baffled by it.

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  “Yes so you noted. I believe the phrasing in the report is Speculation to deter the greater good.” She informed. “And when you cut down those in the meeting you’d been only looking into the group for two nights. You killed everyone in the room despite not knowing whether or not they were involved.” She stated coldly.

  “None were found to be innocent.” He insisted though he wavered.

  “That’s a lie and we both know it. But it was no thanks to you that the innocents killed were so low. It was thanks to an eccentric woman’s tea party. And you can’t claim you didn’t realize that because you put the letters in the file but excluded the name they were sent under.” Nerezza breathed.

  “What name were they sent under?” Chief Linox asked her. Nerezza sucked in a breath.

  “At one point I went by the name Aloka. Aloka Navan.” She voiced. “My father was guilty of providing funds for the mutiny, he was guilty of shielding those who were wicked and he was guilty of letting his greed get the better of him. I warned him many times not to get involved and when it was clear he still would. I tried to help as much as I could to stop as much as I could. The possible innocents that would have died in that day dropped from twelve to one.” She whispered. Sir Divicil took her hand and her teeth gritted.

  Guardian Showl wanted to know why her eyes flashed with hatred. Why she looked pained and he wanted to be able to do what she needed.

  “That one innocent was Davia Navan. If this meeting is going to continue it will be without. Chief Polum. She informed pressed her face into Reem’s shoulder. The boys who couldn’t here what was being said venture to try and give and receive comfort. She had Zephon pressing his face into her side and Garion sitting very close to her glaring around the room and Reem hand turned fully in his seat to lay against her like a baby.

  Chief Polum attempted to argue shouting things that finally had Guardian Showl rising.

  “No need Guardian.” Two Chief’s insisted and the sharply knocked the man out.

  “This will be investigated fully.” Chief Linox told her. Then he paused.

  “Can I ask what your hunting?” The magic dropped from the boys. She grinned.

  “Roses.” She offered to him. Chief Linox frowned.

  “Roses?” He asked. She nodded.

  “If I tell you more if will make it difficult to weed them out.” She told him a terrifying grin pulling across her face. “You aren’t untrust worthy just a bit too proper for my tastes.” She admitted. Instead of looking offended he chuckled.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever been called proper.” He admitted. She nodded. Then turned to Chief Bestrile.

  “Heli Bestrile.” She stated with a grin.

  “Yes.” The young chief breathed looking surprised.

  “I like you. You’ll be the order chief I’ll deal with. I won’t work for the order but I have never been against assisting.” She offered looking to Chief Linox for any arguments. He looked between her and Chief Bestrile then nodded.

  “Well… Under the statute of consideration it is normal to have a written agreement of what benefits you would hold during the consideration and what more you’d gain if you decided to be united.” He started falling right into business. The talked in assets and exchange of powers.

  “And if during the consideration or after the Union you were to have a biological child how would that affect succession?” Chief Bestrile asked. Showl almost coughed in his surprise. He’d himself thought about the fact that a biological child was possible but he’d not truly thought about how it could affect his succession. Before he could fret over it Nerezza smiled.

  “Unless his mind changes Garion will be the next Guardian. Right?” She asked Showl then looked affectionately at Garion who puffed with pride.

  “Yes.” Showl agreed reassured. Then she looked at Zephon.

  “And Zephon you like studying and learning correct?” She asked. Zephon’s face showed nothing but he slowly nodded. Sir Divicil snorted.

  “That’s the real reason you brought me with not so I could have the satisfaction of being involved with the negotiation of my daughter’s union.” He scolded. Nerezza rolled her eyes.

  “You know my interests better then anyone, why else would I give in so easily.” She pushed back.

  Showl watched them feeling on the outside of something interesting and the way she glanced at him he had a feeling she was using the situation to highlight that he too could know her vague words if he’d let her tell him about her previous life. He wondered if he thought the show was another thing that could prove that he didn’t want her.

  It was a useless play if so. He was surer every minute in his want for her. Sir Divicil turned to Zephon.

  “So, would you be interested in learning magic from me?” He asked Zephon. Zephon paused and stared at him then looked to Reem.

  “And Reem.” Zephon insisted. Sir Divicil looked over the youngest in Nerezza’s arms.

  “I would agree if Nerezza wasn’t the better teacher for him. I was only just able to guide Nerezza. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her own extensive knowledge. She knows what Reem needs.” Sir Divicil explained. Zephon was silent.

  “We can do lessons together and I promise to teach you how to help.” Nerezza spoke and Zephon looked at her then down.

  “I would like to learn magic…” He trailed.

  “Good.” Sir Divicil clapped his hands.

  “Is there anything else to discuss?” He asked.

  As if to answer a line appeared in the air. Chief Linox opened it and Chief Roddel appeared on the screen. She was a woman only a bit older then he was who’d worked her way into the grace’s of the other Guardians.

  “Is the negotiation still going on?” She asked.

  “They are being wrapped up now.” Chief Linox answered her. She nodded.

  “The Guardian’s have a demand.” She voiced. Nerezza sighed.

  “They want us to meet with them to be approved but will only do it on the fortuitous seven-star placement.” Nerezza guessed. Chief Roddel was silent.

  “Exactly how did you know?” She asked sounding baffled. Showl was too. Seven-star placement. Nerezza met his eyes.

  “Would you mind if I came to stay at your estate before we are united?” She asked him. He blinked and then felt breathless. In what world would he ever have a problem with that.

  “You may stay when ever you like.” He promised.

  “You should come home with us right now.” Reem offered excitedly.

  “I’ll show you all around.” Garion boomed.

  “You should have a pretty room.” Zephon whispered.

  “It will take me maybe a week to close things out. If you’d be fine with helping me Dru?” She asked.

  “When will you learn you don’t have to ask me.” He breathed back.

  “Tell the Guardian’s by next week I will be living with Guardian Showl. Make it sound like we’re head over heels and restless. So restless we might not be able to wait.” She breathed batting her eyes lashes. Guardian Showl could tell she was acting but apart of him thought that at least he and his sons were really that restless.

  He waited until they were outside the training facility to duck close and whisper.

  “So, what is the fortuitous seven-star placement?” He asked. Nerezza smirked and glanced at him through her lashes.

  “It’s something the older Guardian’s do to remind the newer Guardians that they are still important. It seems that if the Guardian’s think that a couple is hanging on a thread and might have the audacity to act before their approval the magical date is somehow so much closer.” She offered widening her eyes to emphasis the point.

  He felt his mouth dry wanting to ask her what if he was just that restless but he waved it away not wanting to push her. He also wanted to ask how she knew this tidbit but what if he asked and she mistook it for doubt.

  “Now.” Sir Divicil sighed when they were away from the Facility. He unpinned his hair and it fell down in waves taking on magical alterations and he shed the over layer of a proper diplomatic image tuning it inside out and placing back on hanging off his form in a different color scheme and not nearly as properly.

  “Dru.” Nerezza scolded stepping forward and catching a bag that almost fell from his person. “You almost lost your artifacts.” She opened it and handed him things and pin others and soon the Sir Divicil looked the part of the hooligan he’d been accused of being. Everything he equated with an unsanctioned Warlock. Sir Divicil sighed. So much better he breathed looking to the kids who looked at him mouth agape. He smirked.

  “Sometimes your greatest weapon is to make yourself blend in but never give up who you are.” Sir Divicil offered like it was the greatest lesson he could leave for the next generation. Nerezza crossed her arms and she looked to him.

  “Dru goes full switch I tend to like to hold the shape of proper but wear my colors like a warning.” She breathed.

  “What kind of warning?” Reem asked leaning against her.

  “The most brightly colorful bold things in the world should not be messed with because often they’re poisonous. I can leave someone be until they step over a line. Poke the frog.” She explained to Reem.

  Dangerous.

  Sir Divicil and Nerezza did look to fit the description. Yet his sons looked more comfortable with them then most anyone else.

  “Now.” Sir Divicil repeated grinning pulling open a satchel digging through it. “As Nerezza’s predecessor, parental figure and such else, I’ve prepared some things.” He offered pulling out precariously held boxes. Nerezza clicked her tongue again and took them from him. He barely nodded a thanks still digging in the bag. She looked them over and rolled her eyes handing them each a box.

  The boys had boxes all equal in size. Zephon’s box was wrapped in paper with a book pattern that glimmered on the page, Garion’s was wrapped in paper with swords and maces intricately drawn and Reem’s was adorned in different types of novelty creatures. Eventually, Showl had two boxes a large on and one the same size as his sons. His was decorated in those symbols that Nerezza signed her name in.

  He wondered then if Sir Divicil knew how to read it.

  “They’re just a little something.” He insisted. “Also please call me Dru.” He pushed crossing his arms and waiting. His gaze was set on them. Nerezza lowered and helped the Kids open the gifts. They looked baffled by the cubes in their hands.

  “Hold them like this and give it a second.” She explained. Zephon stood stiffly staring forward, Garion fidgeted glancing at it and Reem’s eyes sparkled holding it close. The cubes flickered. Zephon flinched in an almost imperceptible movement and looked at the large bird with long stretched wings formed in translucent light in the cube wings outstretched. Garion lifted his cube looking it over and it formed into a large bulky feline with a dark drawn out main and an intense gaze seeming to be pacing. And finally, Reem kept breathing in and out watching the cube flicker between forms as if it took a moment to settle and a small canine slowly settled tilting it’s head to the wind.

  “Spirit guides?” Zephon breathed. Showl raised his brow.

  “Yes, these one’s were cultivate specifically by Dru and Joi.” She explained. “It’s Dru’s favorite gift to give.”

  She admitted softly. Nerezza lifted a hand and shadow flittered around her arm creeping up before appearing on her shoulder. It was a small long limbed creature with pure black sparkling fur with tuffs of highlighting grey and intensely bright blue eyes that felt like it could see right through you and never looked away. It was unnerving.

  “This is Sweetie.” She offered. Then spoke in words that fell strangely from her tongue in placating loving sounds. It kept staring but slowly leaned into her.

  “Well. You still haven’t opened yours.” Dru insisted.

  “Yeah father what’s yours?” Garion insisted pulling at him. Showl lowered so his sons could watch him open it. He held the cube like instructed and a feline stepped out of the shadows. It was sleeker and a bit slenderer then Garion’s it paced then laid down patiently. He felt the ties through his the connection to his soul and had the understanding that this creature understood him on a level that was mystifying.

  The larger box held a long slender sword that he recognized as an intricately made magical artifact. A note was attached to it.

  I have only made three of these in my lifetime. I hope for your becoming one of Nerezza’s trusted and I hope never to witness the day that you lose that trust.

  -The Father of the United

  Promise. Acceptance. Warning. All wrapped in a package that he couldn’t read. He glanced to Dru who stood with no evidence of the note’s intent.

  “Thank you.” Showl breathed. “Next time I’ll have something prepared for you as well.” He promised. He truly didn’t think to have anything prepared there was no notes about Nerezza’s family. He thought about the revelation of the handling of the mutiny.

  “Oh, trust me you’re giving me more then you realize.” Dru assured him his hands on his hips. Showl furrowed his brows.

  “I hate social engagements, the expectation to teach anyone with a spoon in their mouth. I will be far too busy teaching my Grandchildren to be able to agree to anything I find annoying.” He offered smirking. The full acceptance surprised Showl. He felt his lips turn down.

  “She hasn’t accepted the union yet.” He pointed out. Dru nodded looking him over.

  “I do have to admit I don’t know whether you four are the best for her or a problem waiting to happen.” Dru admitted. “But I see why she was so drawn to you.” He breathed shaking his head then he looked over his boys. “She looked like them. A five year old who knew exactly what could happen to her. A childish brightness contrasted with an adult worry and consideration. I never knew the desire to destroy something so viscerally until I met her and learned what she’d simply believed was normal.” Dru whispered. “I have you to thank for the path we took.” Dru offer smacking his shoulder but not explaining leaving Showl trying to string pieces together.