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Colliding Worlds (BurningWillows & Greeneyed23)

"Yes."

Elaya walked out and everyone flinched back.

She walked up to Rey. He wouldn't look at her.

"Face me fanger."

His head snapped up, then he cried out.

Her hand had moved so fast that no one saw it move, the sound of the slap a bullet shot.

She then turned on the old woman. "This is not my home. But say another word and I will have you removed."

Rey gripped his face which bore clear signs of the slap and slashes from her talons.

Elaya pointed at Tatia. "What she does is nobody's business but her's. If anyone has a problem with that they are welcome to discuss it. With me."

Her rage at being bothered by this was so clear, and so near to exploding she was twitching as she stood there. She then turned to Tatia. "And you are right. But you have no right to throw insults back in his ancient face. You only lower your to his level."

She leaned forward, into Tatia's face. "And nothing any being has ever said gives you the right to make such implications about Laria."

She studied them all, then turned to the ranch owners. "We apologize for the disruption in the meal. My people will first apologize for the disruption, then to the children for the scene. Then they will apologize for the disrespect to one another. Only then will they go inside and discuss this like adults, not scabbering brats. Unlike your own children."

Rey started to speak and she snarled. "You have shamed this gathering. And Seraphina as your leader. you will remedy it through words or blood. Choose."

He gulped. Elaya would rip him apart and make it hurt.

He bowed. "i apologize Elaya." He then apologized to the farmers, their children, and then he turned to Tatia. He spoke very softly. "Tatia... i was wrong to address you so, and to make such assumptions. i must beg your forgiveness."

Elaya then flicked her eyes to Tatia. She also held a finger toward Laria, warning her to silence.

Seraphina was leader, but with her down Elaya was in command. And her rule was the brutal law of the pack. Obedience or death.

Drea spoke now. "Elaya...aren't you-"

Elaya whirled and the goddess flinched despite herself. "You will be silent Duldrea. You allowed this. When Tatia has apologized, so will the rest of you. Only Seraphina is blameless. I have offered my apologies to our guests."

Drea blinked. She had forgotten about the harsh but very fair justice of the pack. When one was to blame, all were to blame. All were to be punished. Save the unconscious Phoenix.

Elaya turned back to Tatia. "I forbid any of you from eating of this meal. You are not worthy of it. You shame me. Save the Rythert. You may eat if it is your wish, though i suspect you will fast. You obeyed your Princess. i must commend you for that. And for attempting to defend her."

She looked back to Tatia. "But this behavior is unacceptable. By any of us. Do not do it again."

She did not look at Rey. She didn't need to.

Gerry now stepped forward, moving to his alpha. He knelt by her hip. No one else was required to do so, but he was blood. He was Metuzi. To refuse to accept his punishment properly would be nearly as great a failure as what they just committed. She pushed him away.

He crawled back to his knees. She pushed him away again. She kicked him away this time.

He crawled back to his knees. She snarled. He did not flinch. Nor cower. he kept his head bowed.

She growled and he kissed her hand then stood and bowed to Tatia. "i apologize Princess. i should have prevented this. I have failed you as pack. I have failed all of you."

Elaya said nothing. She still watched Tatia. Her eyes were unreadable, but very dangerous. Tatia was right. Of course she was. But she had embarrassed Seraphina. Elaya's pack. That which meant more to her than anything. Rey's stupidity, Tatia's justified but explosive rage, and the other's failure to prevent this had shamed her Metuzi. To lose face is death. She would not allow her pack to die.
 
Tatia took a step back as Elaya appeared, face paling. This wasn't good. She flinched back more as she was lectured, even being accused of lying about Lairia. She held her tongue though, glaring at the sorceress. It was obvious she had not told Rey of her plans for Ocean City.

Kai apologized first, followed by Lairia. Finally Tatia spoke up.

"I'm sorry Elaya, and I'm sorry to the rest of you for making a scene," she did not look at anyone though. They would see the anger in her eyes, "I do not wish to ruin such a wonderful feast. Thank you for all you've done, and apologies for almost ruining your wonderful nights."

She stepped closer to Reynault, her voice lowering for only his ears, "But I will not apologize to you Rey. A princess does not apologize to those who diminish her or belittle her."

Then she turned and bowed to Elaya, "My apologies to you, Elaya. And to Seraphina. I hope the evening bodes better for the rest of you. If it is alright, I do not want to exhaust this conversation more. I think it may be best if Rythert and I take a walk. Alone."

She turned and beckoned Rythert, stepping away.
 
Elaya gently caught her sleeve and lead her inside the ranch.

Rey followed, sensing he was required.

Elaya led the siren to her room. "You three can go walk alone in a bit. But I have to know. Now. Can you work with Rey and Laria still? I will not have division in this group."

Her eyes had softened now. After Tatia's apology had come the angel's and demons, and now, as they did not eat, were telling stories to the hosts, whose laughter told of the success of it. Elaya finally looked down at Tatia's dress. "And i must say you look wonderful. It's a shame Sera missed it. but back to my question."
 
Tatia was led inside, murmuring to the Rythert to not move, that she be back. She followed the wolf inside, being led by her arm. When they reached the room she noticed Rey had followed, unable to look him in the eye.

"I don't know Elaya," she replied, staring at the wall, "I've..."

What could she say. Working with Rey for the past week had been hell for her? He'd rejected her the same day her secret had been exposed, hitting her at her worst. That now when she found someone who wanted her, he beat that down too, making her feel like nothing more than a escort.

"May I go please," she asked, holding herself with her arms crossed over her chest.
 
They were alone in the room. Rey was in his own room, awaiting the wolf.

Elaya sighed. "tatia I have to know. If you can't work with them then when you go it might be forever. And that would break my heart. I consider you a friend. I know Sera and the others do as well. I don't want to lose you either as a friend or as a member of this group."

She smiled and gently cupped the siren's cheek. "And if you are going to go, you might want to pack some other clothes. That dress is gorgeous as i said, but not really made for walks in the woods. That could lead to unpleasant marks."

She grinned. "And just what marks did you ever see on Sera or I?" She couldn't help teasing a bit. Despite everything she was thrilled that Tatia was so attached to the Rythert.
 
"I...I don't know," she couldn't make an answer, not now, not this upset. She bit back the tears as the anger left her body and now all that was left was his words.

She tried to smile as Elaya tried a lighthearted joke, but it didn't uplift her, "The morning we left the city, in the inn. She had a bite mark on her neck I saw when she flipped her hair back. No one batted an eye then," she paused, pursing her lips to stop from getting emotion, but it didn't help, "He called it mindless. Them...mindless. Is that how everyone sees me here? Just a childish princess who sleeps around. Doesn't have feelings...doesn't...care..."

She wiped away a tear quickly, shaking her head, "I can't do this tonight Elaya. I have...I have to go. I need to walk. To clear...my thoughts."

Tatia turned and fled, walking quickly through the house in her beautiful dress, out into the lawn and through the party. She grabbed a bottle of wine as she passed the banquet table, then a second and continued to Rythert. It was an awful shame she'd miss the party, but she couldn't be cheerful for them. Not after that scene. Not till she calmed down.
 
Elaya tried to speak. "No Tatia. none of us..." She sighed and let the siren go

She took a deep breath, then walked into Rey's bedroom.

Her eyes were snapping as she snarled at the vampire. "If your stupidity costs us that girl, or causes her any trouble, you will answer for it Reynault."

He leapt to his feet. "Elaya I-"

Her teeth bared and her snarl ripped open a silence. He gulped and sat back down.

She nodded. "Be silent vampire. You have broken her heart twice now. I am ashamed of you. You are to go into town. Alone. You will not see the sorceress first. If you take her with you don't come back. And run fast."

He gulped nodding.

"You will recon the area and find out what all this trouble is all about."

He nodded again, not daring to speak.

"Now go."

He stood and bowed, vanishing into the night through the forest, not daring to disobey the wolf.

Elaya went to Laria. "your vampire is making up for his failure. Don't go looking for him."

~

The Rythert took off in step with their Princess. "We go with you Your Grace. Always."
 
Lairia was taken aback when Elaya approached her, ready for a lecture, but all she got was short word and then the werewolf was gone. Sitting down beside Drea she looked upset, sipping a glass of wine she had gotten.

"I'm sorry Reynault caused a scene, and I prolonged it," she turned to Duldrea, "I'm sure his heart was in the right place."

~

They got into the forest and Tatia pulled both of them into a hug, shaking badly as she held back her tears, "I'm sorry."
 
Elaya returned to her lover, snuggling around her, kissing her neck and cheek.

~

Drea touched the sorceress' hand. "it's alright. And maybe not. Rey seems to always find a way to say or do the wrong thing when it comes to Tatia."

~

The Rythert hugged her closer. "There is no need to be sorry Your Grace."
 
Lairia nodded, "I've seen. I think his heart in the right place even if he can't say it properly."

~

"Please don't call me grace," she whispered, "I just want to be Tatia. Your Tatia."

She sniffled, "I'm so sorry for that scene. I just wanted to protect you."
 
"Perhaps."

Drea filled her wine glass again. "Let's just enjoy the party. Even if we can't eat."

Amitiel and Narxis had moved all the food away from the group, then touched it with their powers. No one in the group could touch so much as a crumb due to Elaya's order.

~

"Tatia. our world. Ours."

They kissed her cheeks. "You did. And very well. why do you cry?"
 
Lairi stared at the food, disappointed. No food, no Rey...she didn't quite want to be here anymore. She'd rather curl up in bed and sleep, if she could.

"Yeah," she sighed, playing with her glass.

~

"Their words hurt," she explained, "they cut deep."
 
Drea laughed at the children, who were impressed by the discipline of their new friends. They were playing sweet little games with the water orbs, and she was rather enjoying the image.

Gerry was sitting by Kai now, ruminating on what had happened. He nudged the shifter. "How are you feeling man?"

Amitiel and Narxis were dragged into the game happily, tossing the ball back and forth, making it dance and shift beautifully.

~

The Rythert kissed her cheeks and the tears away. "We know the vampire hurt you. But what of the werewolf? Did she hurt you as well?"

~

Elaya sighed into Sera' ear. "i love you. So very much. But i'm not you. And never will be. They need their leader. Not an alpha. They were not made to follow me." She kissed her lover's jaw sighing again. "get better darling."
 
As the children played Kai turned to Gerry shaking his head, "just disappointed. Rey should have known better than to cause a scene. And Tatia, she shouldn't have made it worse. We are suppose to be the adults. Not bickering after You and Drea put this together. And now all the food you made will go to waste."

~

Tatia shook her head, "she...she wouldn't. She didn't. Why do you ask?"
 
"No it won't.'

He gestured at the kids who were eating hungrily, clearing whole dishes alone. "And we have Drea. She can use her powers to preserve what needs it. But back to you. i went to see the bodies you and Elaya...handled. Not a thing left. How are you handling all of that?"

~

The Rythert blinked. "She's so...brusque. And physical." Neither could help a shudder. They did not fear Elaya, but they worried about her rather open violence."She is like a shark...strong, powerful, and dangerous beyond belief."
 
Kai's eyes darkened and he looked away, "I'd rather not talk about it."

He gulped back his drink, going dead silent.

~

Tatia hugged them harder, "I know she's rough but she's also generous. When I first met her she terrified me. But she does grow on you."

He pulled them to walk with her, wanting to get further away.
 
Gerry nodded. "I figured. Hence the question. I am grateful though. It's saved the lives of these children more than dozen times already."

~

The Rythert fell into step with her. "As you say our world."

They wrapped arms about her waist and kissed her neck as one. "Where are we going?"
 
Malakai nodded but did not feel like he helped. He didn't want to think about it, having never degraded anyone like that before.

~

"No idea," she shrugged, "I just need to be away from all that. Cool my head."

They walked onward in comfortable silence, stepping through the path. With the two on either side of her it kept her dress safe from harm, which she was thankful for. Niether of them had realized it until the trees broke off at how far they had travelled. Just below them, at the end of the small hill they stood on, was a quaint little town. Looking over it she could already see an inn and wondered if staying the night here might calm her so she could return tomorrow. As much as she was upset, Tatia didn't want to lose this group. They had done much for her. She just needed a night to be alone, to reevaluate all that was said.

"Cmon," she pulled them with her, "there's an inn this way. I have enough for a nights stay and a warm meal. We can return in the morning."
 
"You realize also that you did a great service to the Metuzi. You helped them reclaim a great loss for the actions of those exiles. I doubt you can grasp how much the actions harm the Metuzi. Shall I tell you?"

~

The Rythert stayed close, excited at the prospect.

The town, a little growing but still laboring dusty streets burg named Mythville, looked both barren and prosperous. There were no walls, no guards, no towers, and no signs of trouble, but there were powerful wards, including disguise breakers, everywhere. Beings of every sort walked the board sidewalks, the dusty streets, and in and out of saloons, a massive general store, a pair of churches, three diners, the Inn she was heading for, the sheriff's office and jail, the courthouse, a large stone bank, and what had to be a schoolhouse. These all lay along a main thoroughfare where everyone was gathered, while houses, stables, and other buildings lay behind these. There was even a large carriage house near the entrance to town, but no sign of any carriages.

The people moved rapidly and quietly, and even the music in the saloons was subdued. Only the smaller of the two churches held any noise, but the doors were closed and the windows shuttered, preventing any from getting out.

As they entered the Rythert nudged Tatia aside when four more Metuzi exiles, these all male, massive, and rough looking, marched by. Everyone got out of their way as they entered the largest and liveliest saloon, The Golden Hill.

~

Rey noted Tatia and her lovers but did not bother them. he was in the alley beside the closed up but busy church listening to the meeting within and carefully making sure he was not noticed. He gulped recalling how he had hurt the siren, regretting his foolishness. But now was not the time.
 
"I know you mean well Gerry but I'd rather not dwell on it," he stated again, "I did what she asked and now I want to forget it happened. Nothing against the Metuzi or Elaya."

He looked over to where the children were eating, "looks like you made some excellent food."

~

Tatia remained blissfully unaware as they stepped down the street, bypassing the exiles and moving along. The inn appeared before them not long after and she opened the door, beckoning Rythert in.

"Why don't you two find us a table and I'll ask for three meals and a room?"
 
Gerry grunted. "Just don't want you dwelling on it yourself my boy."

he smiled. "i did my best. Thanks."

~

The innkeeper moved forward. "Hello dear lady. We have our best room waiting for you. And a private table. May I recommend the house wine and the sea platters? We received a reservation for you and your companions."
 
Kai was definitely not dwelling on it. He'd rather forget.

"So I barely got to taste any of it. What did you make?"

~

Lairia was surprised when she reached the counter, confused at his words, "how...how did you flirt a reservation? I had no plans of coming here till ten minutes ago."

She was wary, her hand on the knife at her hip. No one in the group knew her whereabouts, or even could get ahead of her to talk to the inn keeper. And besides that, how would his best suite not be booked. All of it felt fishy.

"Answer me now," she ordered, her voice dripping with her power as she willed him to speak the truth, "who set this up?"
 
"Pasta of all sorts. Chicken parmesan. About a dozen veggie dishes. Don't worry. i'll make more."


~

He gulped. "Lady Elaya of the Metuzi. i am a weretiger. When i knew she was here I made sure the room would be ready for her, or anyone in her group. Especially you. your Grace."

The Rythert touched her elbows. "Majesty he speaks the truth. We can smell his nature."

he smiled. "The wards alerted me you were coming so i had the room readied for three...." he fell silent, unsure of what else to say.
 
"Sounds delicious."

~

Tatia paled, "what did you call me?"

She knew she heard him right. He'd said Grace. Fuck, if word spread they'd track her down here."

"You forget you ever saw me here," she snapped, ordering him in his powerful voice, "forget everything you know about me."

The guy beside her was giving her strange looks and she erased his memory of her too, then raced to the table Rythert had found, dragging them up.

"We need to leave," she begged, "please. Before they find me."
 
"it will be."

~

The weretiger blinked and followed her gripping her wrist.

The Rythert moved instantly and slammed his face down onto the table, her dagger suddenly at his throat. he gasped. "Forgive me your Grace but these wards identify everyone. If you know how to access them. i do. And should. i helped place them. They told me who and what you and your friends are. And i must tell you that there is a ban on all violent magics here, and this is enforced by a powerful spell that prevents their success. You cannot memory wipe us, and your voice will be weakened here. Please understand. No merfolken can enter this town. We don't have any connection to the water basins within the town limits, and all cursed items or beings are prevented from entering. By common bond we all give our life force to protect those here."

The Rythert blinked and looked at their Princess. "he is telling the truth. Shall we kill him?"
 
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