Snipping the Puppet's Strings [-Haru|vampire-]

Okoru merely nodded politely as Bryan is introduced and he could feel that something was off, though he could not put his finger on just what. The goggles were a unique sort of thing for Okoru and he tried them on, and could see their use for fast travel, and would allow Aiko to purchase them for him if she desired to. It was after they left the clothiers that they explored the Gunsmith for a short time. The shop mainly had cannon for use on the airships, though the man informed them that there were constant improvements and that many were working on making the technology smaller for more personal use. Okoru wasn't sure how he felt about that idea.

Back at the Douwood house Okoru and Aiko soon found themselves alone and the Lion listened as Aiko spoke of Katie's man. "I felt something as well, though I do not know how to describe it. What do you think is wrong? Is he not who, or what, he appears?" Okoru asked, sure that Aiko would have better insight than himself. The scent of the man had been off, certainly human, but as if it were tainted or false somehow. Okoru sat and looked at Aiko intently as he wondered what her thoughts about the man were. "Something may be wrong, but you need to approach the situation carefully. I am sure that your friend Katie would not take such accusations very well without solid proof." Okoru reminded her.

Aiko paced back and forth before Okoru listening that he had the same feeling about the young man. "Seemed odd he wanted to leave so quickly after meeting us don't you think? Why would a male who is about to get married not stick around to get to know her friends?"

"Maybe because I wanted to make sure that the wedding band was sized right." The young man stood there leaning against the door frame in a relaxed fashion as he smiled at Aiko. "Also I already know about you so no reason to ask any further questions and besides your kitty cat's behavior told everyone to stay away from you." Bryan stepped closer as if defying Okoru's silent cues of all males to keep clear of her. "Though..." He reached down taking Aiko's hand but he bowed so low with his eyes locked on her own as he kissed directly back of her hand. Aiko yanked her hand hard and stepped back with the flames of the fire whipped up and around her lashing out at Bryan which sent him backwards on his ass.

"Don't you dare touch me or come near Katie, Criminal." That's was what was wrong with him. He was fake and his intentions that dealt with Katie wasn't for her love but something else. Bryan growled at her but he couldn't do anything other than state Katie was already his woman even if the wedding was called off. At those words Aiko went ghost white as Katie told her she was saving her virginity to her wedding night. What Bryan was saying was true then Katie was pregnant with this low life's child. With a sickening smile that was accompanying with a spine chilling laughter the fire died down when Bryan disappeared. Though Aiko stood there glaring at the back of Bryan's head with embers jumping from finger tip to finger tip.

Okoru was pondering the problem and the sudden appearance of the man brought a low and threatening growl. The fact that he had not heard Bryan's approach was troubling, and Okoru knew that for it to be possible that magic was involved. No human could pass undetected by the senses of the Asura, whether by hearing or smell at the very least. Though there was a bit of satisfaction as Aiko's temper flared and Bryan fell back onto his ass, and Okoru slowly and silently unsheathed his claws, ready to rip out the man's throat if he made any untoward movements.

No such threats came, though Okoru did not miss the man's meaning and if Katie was with child that put a whole new angle on the development. Aiko was obviously angry and embers sparked along her hands. Okoru felt the man's laughter still lingering in the air. "If what he says is true then there might be little we can do. We are not here to help your friend, but I am yours to command. Do you think that Katie will listen to you?" Okoru asked, unsure of just how close the girls were, though surely if Aiko pointed out the various things about the man then Katie might listen. On the other hand, Okoru was now quite sure the man had some magic at his command and Katie might be completely charmed and nothing more than a thrall. It was certainly vexing to think about.

Not looking at Okoru for abit until he commented they weren't there to help her friend. "She's my friend. I got to help her if she's in danger. So don't you dare tell me I shouldn't do anything!" Her emerald eyes flickered as she looked right into his golden amber eyes. Thanks to his teachings she may have taken some of his own aggressive behavior when it came to loyalty. "Find Lord Douwood, tell him that his soon to be son in law is a Thief or something darker. No one whose educated would ever kiss directly on the back of a ladies' hand if they intend to keep eye contact." Aiko pushed by Okoru to find Katie in the dinning room with Bryan, drinking wine.

There was some shouting as Aiko yanked Katie behind her, wine glass shattering, while the women went to the small backyard. Aiko spilled out that Bryan hinted she was pregnant in which Katie looked away in shame. "Oh no Katie!" Aiko groaned softly. "He's no good for-"

Katie slapped Aiko so hard it knocked Aiko to the ground. "Who in the hell are you for telling me who is good for me or not! I love that man and that's it!"

"Katie..." Aiko sat there as the hand print was turning red as blood vessels had broken from the slap. This wasn't right something about Katie was off as well. Aiko blinked as the vision in her left eye was getting blurry but is anyone were to see, the vessels in her left eye were broken from that full forced slap. "Katie, this isn't you. That man forced you to do something you believed should be done on a wonderful night. A personal loving gift as husband and wife..." Aiko sat in the grass trying to restore her vision just as Katie stood over her with a death glare. "I'm not just an elf but part Fey. My powers came about a few days ago and since then I've been able to pick up things. I don't know how I can pick them up or what they are but... You're my best friend, no you're like a sister I never had, you don't deserve a man who'd push you into giving something up before that special day. The man you told me in confidence was a gentlemen who wouldn't care about cutting loose. The man who'd understand why you wanted the things the way they are and never question it. He'd be there for when you're scared, to share in your joyous moments, fight for you and stand beside you even if he was punished for it."

Katie stood there nearly in tears but she smiled softly. "I remember that night when we curled up on your bed and just talked all night. But you never told me what you looked for but I can see why. Humans age faster than you Aiko. But in a way we share the same tastes in what we're looking for. What you described sounds like Okoru."

At Okoru's name Aiko froze in shock that she did just describe Okoru in a way. Katie did admit she slept with Bryan once but afterwards she felt so dirty that she cried for a few days and it was her who rushed the wedding date. Katie admitted she was sure she wasn't pregnant as she went to the doctor's under a fake name to do a cleanse as she hadn't had sex with him in 3 months and she was sure she wasn't pregnant. With the sun down the girls went inside as Bryan was glaring at Aiko and Katie asked him to leave. Which he protested to it all but Katie shouted at him to leave and it was her choice. Bryan pleaded about the wedding and Katie ordered one of the guardsmen to escort him out in which they did, basically threw Bryan out of the house.

Okoru held his silence but smiled at Aiko's fiery answer and he understood perfectly well where she was coming from. He had taught her that trust was something that ran deep and to cherish the friends that you made in your life, so it was good to see her taking that to heart. At her bidding Okoru went to find Barthol, and soon discerned he was nowhere in the house. Remembering his words about going to get something to drink the Asuran warrior strode out of the house and soon tracked down the nearest pub.

Within the establishment he could see Barthol sitting at a table with a couple other men and Okoru moved inside, immediately drawing gazes.

"Okoru! Come and have a drink my friend!" Barthol called to him.

Crossing to the table Okoru nodded at those present and said to Barthol, "I hate to interrupt your respite Lord Douwood, but your presence is needed at your house. There's a problem with Katie." Okoru hoped that the man would catch the tone in his voice and how he was addressed and it seemed that Barthol did indeed.

"Oh? Well then, it seems that the Master is needed back at his castle!" Barthol cheerily told the others, playing it off rather well, and downing the rest of the amber colored liquid in his mug. Standing from his chair he gestured at the door. "Lead the way." he said, still putting on a bit of a show, though once they were outside he looked much more serious.

"I cannot tell you what has transpired, Barthol, but it does not seem good." Okoru said, and soon they would enter the home, just as Bryan was being escorted out by one of the guardsmen.

Katie was standing still and strong but as she turned away from her own father and Okoru. When she moved away Aiko was standing in the background in silence knowing she couldn't hide the damage that has been done by Katie. Barthol's eyes went wide as he raised his voice suspecting Bryan raised his hand to Aiko.

"No, Bryan didn't do this. If he had then he wouldn't be leaving unmarked..." Her voice was low as she looked to Katie who did look ashamed for striking her friend. "Katie I think you need to talk to your father." Aiko didn't rush to Okoru's side since at this moment she couldn't exactly see him out of her left eye. All she could see was the blurry outlines of Barthol and a big white blob bit beside him. After a short moment it was time for Katie to talk to her father in which she lead him to his study where they had a private talk but in moments a rather attractive young man rushed to the door but Okoru's size stopped him.

The man looked to be Katie's age, well dressed, well mannered and well versed in conversations. "Excuse me, Sir." He pushed by Okoru but stopped seeing Aiko's face. "Ma'am are you?"

"I'm fine." Aiko gave a weak smile waving him off. "Who are you here to see?"

"Katie Douwood, her...Fiancé is off drinking and handling other women." He blushed as he had removed his hat from seeing Aiko. "I...I want to make sure she's alright." He didn't seem to care about Aiko's presence as his mind was strictly on Katie's well being. Though Aiko approached and lead him to the chair so he can see when the door opened.

"She's talking to her father. I hope you have time since it may take awhile." Aiko was moving gently as she was bumping into things. "Okoru, are you there?" She could heard the wooden floors creaking from his weight shifting. "Could you help me to the room in the back? I can barely see right now."

Okoru growled, low and threatening from deep in his chest as he saw Aiko, and he had to rein himself in from going after Bryan and ripping him to shreds, though was surprised to find out it was Katie that had struck her. The exchange between this new arrival and Aiko was listened to with interest and it was obvious that the man had more interest in Katie, true interest, than Bryan ever did. As Aiko called for him Okoru moved to her and bent to pick her up, cradling her in his arms like a husband would a new bride. "I am here." he told her simply, and with a nod toward the man they were leaving sitting outside of the office of Barthol, Okoru would carry Aiko to her room.

Up the stairs he went and soon crossed the threshhold into her room and would sit on her bed, the mattress creaking under his weight though he did not yet Aiko go. Not yet. "What happened between you and Katie?" he asked her softly, one finger pushing hair back from her face and gingerly touching the discoloration on her cheek. "I am sure that a healer could help you, though your fey blood might help with that." he told her, and before he could stop himself he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

Once more he surprised her as he picked her up with ease. Not protesting as she grabbed hold of his armor strap while he took her up the stairs to her bedroom. There he cradled her in his arms while she sat bit in his lap. "It wasn't Bryan who hit me. Katie did." Once he asked about why she sighed after he commented about healing and her fey blood. "I yanked her from Bryan then told her what he said. Once she looked away I told her he was no good for her, she slapped me so hard I fell to the ground." Aiko wasn't ashamed about what happened between her and her friend but she fell silent when he kissed her forehead which made her cheeks burn.

"We talked about the nights we spent together when they visited Kyonin. Our talks were of the future and who she considered as a perfect husband. She realized after what I told her of me being part Fey then she understood why I never said what my perfect mate would be." Sighing as she curled up to him in some fashion like she had decades ago but this was different, she was hanging on to his armor. "There was light to the whole conversation and Katie mentioned the male she imagined was you...Well some form of you." Aiko looked up at him with soft eyes and already the bruising close to her eye was fading, just alittle bit. "In a way you're every female's perfect mate." Slowly she sat up bit more as she ran her hand across his cheek as she nuzzled him gently on the other side of his face. The hand that was on his cheek moved to encircle his neck as she hugged him. After a few moments of silence she released him and realized he left the house without a Douwood member. "Wait...Am I the only one out of the two of us who can't go about without an Douwood escort?"

Okoru found that he was more than happy to have Aiko cling to him like she was, and his arms cocooned her in warmth and most of all in safety. That was how he wanted her to feel with him, and as her arm wound about the side of his neck, her fingers in his mane, the big Lion closed his eyes and felt a certain contentment that he had never felt before - like the piece of a great puzzle finally clicked into place, and he realized with a start, but without surprise, that this was what he had been looking for for so long.

Aiko.

It was a strange feeling, and he had admitted as much to her in a way just the other night, but never had he felt exactly like this. It just felt right, and there was no denying one's emotions. Then her question brought him back to reality and Okoru shook his head. "I did not think of that, and neither did Barthol I do not think. I simply acted, and I think it was for the best to get him here as quickly as possible." Okoru said.

The Great White Lion continued to hold her, unwilling to let her go just yet, and letting her warmth and the smell of her suffuse his senses. "we have many more days to be here if the wedding proceeds, though after today I am unsure if it will. It sounds as if this Bryan fellow does not respect Katie in the least and if she is truly with child, and it is his, then something needs to be done. It will be a horrible marriage for her." Okoru was confident in his assessment.

Aiko couldn't stop herself as she laid her head on his shoulder. "She admitted she was scared and felt so dirty after the act that she went to the Doctor's under a false name to make sure she had cleansed herself of any child. She is sure that she is not with child but let Bryan to continue to think whatever he wanted. But this whole things with her made me realize that since I am at that age or close to it then its about time I think of what kind of standard I should hold my beloved to." True she's seen or gotten close to other males but none felt right, she never felt comfortable with them but when Katie mentioned that they both were perhaps after the same type of male who Okoru portrayed.

Down stairs there was a cry of happiness that made her grip him even tighter. Her vision was clearing up now but she returned to look up at Okoru to see a softness to them. Her cheeks blushed as she slowly let go of his armor with her hand moving across his chest to lay across his heart. "I'm not ready to go back down there just yet, are you?"

"That's actually a relief then, that she does not carry his bastard child in her belly." Okoru said, and he meant every word. "His character was shown in his actions and words toward you, and his glee at having Katie under his thumb. I think he will be in for a rude awakening." Okoru continued, and he tucked some hair behind Aiko's ear as her had strayed over to rest on his chest over his heart.

The cry from downstairs was not one that had him worried and he agreed with Aiko. "I would happily stay here with you into the wee hours of the morning. Holding you and making you feel safe is my only concern at the moment." he told her, his voice low and soft. "Let us stay here as long as we dare." Okoru told her and held her close.

His last sentence made her laugh softly though she shifted to stand up. "Mind sleeping next to me tonight? I'm still bit shaken up from being slapped that hard." Thankfully Mary-Ann purchased a night gown for her as it seemed to be clear Okoru will be sleeping in her room as there was extra pillows and blankets in a large chair close to the bed. Aiko grabbed hold of the night gown then slipped off to the washroom. Inside she turned the lights on and inspected the bruised cheek as she was taken back by Katie's strength from that swing.

With the water running in the sink she stripped down to her panties then got a new pair on while she soaked the cloth in cold water. Cleaning her face up as much as she could to get the swelling down before she turned the water off. She allowed time for him to change as she pulled on her night gown. The neck was a shallow scoop with flowing sleeves, the night gown was a simple one but thankfully it wasn't sheer. Once her hair was braided over her shoulder she walked back out into the bedroom and shut the bedroom door so the two wasn't disturbed. He may stay laying next to her until she fell to sleep then lie back down on the floor but for now she felt the need to curl up with him.

The question from Aiko was a little unexpected and all manner of thoughts ran through Okoru's mind. "Of course." he agreed and would watch as she moved off to the washroom. While she was gone he stripped out of his armor and down to his loincloth, and used one of the sheets to cover himself, knowing she likely didn't want to be right up against his flesh. He knew that for himself the temptation might be too great and he would never harm Aiko in any way.

Okoru was lying on the bed and waiting for her as she returned and though the nightgown was not sheer, it was still a lovely flowing fabric and Okoru smiled at the Princess and opened his arms to welcome her into them. Once she joined him in bed he wrapped those arms around her and let her curl up into him, his large frame easy to snuggle into and get lost in. Once more he kissed her, the top of her head this time, and he rubbed her back to comfort her as he held her close.


Bryan was beside himself, livid as he paced in his room, the woman he'd taken to his bed that night still sprawled over the sheets, the bruising on her body testament to his treatment of her, though she'd not complained. Much. Bryan's family was not in as high standing as the Douwoods, but they had their means and he'd sent out a missive with instruction to answer as quickly as possible. Bryan knew that the Asuran warrior with the Princess was the larger of the hurdles he had to cross and he had no means to get rid of him. Instead he'd sent for a Hunter.

Soon word came that his Hunter had arrived, though he needed Bryan to meet him at the gates, not allowed to enter on his own. Bryan threw on some clothing and hurried to the gates, where the Hunter waited. Bryan had to admit - he was impressed. Quickly filling in the man on what was going on, the Hunter's eyes lit up at the news of the Asuran, and there was an agreement reached quickly. The Hunter would not be able to conduct business in Sevenarches, but it would be easy enough to wait until they left, and let them move away from the town to remove suspicion from Bryan himself.

Aiko laid within Okoru's arms feeling safe though to feel the kiss on the top of her head didn't bother or alarm her. Even with him under a separate cover she could feel every curve and movement of the muscles in his chest, around his arms, even down to his abdomen. Normally she'd blush and adjust for some space but tonight, she draped her arm across his chest. It seemed with Okoru there she was unaware of his own outcomes of his life. Slowly she fell to sleep within his arms just as she nuzzled into his chest taking in his own scent.

When morning came she was still wrapped up within his arms. It was hard for her to wake up since their traveling had screwed up her sleeping schedule. With a soft groan she shifted but felt something rather odd pressing against her. Silently she looked down to see his "Morning Glory" which made her blush then slowly and gently moved out from beside him. "Okoru, its time to wake up and get some breakfast." The sun had barely rose when she had woken up but it seemed Mr. Douwood had arranged a female fey to be there to help Aiko to connect with her Fey blood.

The night passed without incident, and unknown to both Okoru and Aiko, Katie's disgraced fiance Bryan had decided to consort with some rather unsavory sorts and even as they started to rouse from their sleep eyes were upon them. Okoru's member had slipped from its sheath in the night, the warmth and softness of Aiko pressed to him, and her scent filling his nostrils. Luckily the sheet had stayed in place for the most part but she caught a glimpse of the bright red appendage, long and thick between his legs, the tip peeking from the cover of the loincloth, and as Okoru was awakened by her he groaned and rolled a bit, the sheet slipping off his form and his muscles moved and flexed as he stretched on the bed and finally opened his golden eyes.

"Good morning Aiko. I hope you slept well." he announced, his voice low and guttural in the morning. Soon standing from the bed he seemed to act as if nothing was unusual, took care of his morning biologicals and soon dressed for the day. Though he did strap on his weapons he decided to forego his armo and instead dressed in a plain toga-like robe over his body, secured at the waist with a simple belt. It allowed a certain freedom of movement for him and he hoped that he would not need his armor in a place like this - though going about without a weapon to defend himself, or Aiko, was foolhardy.

Soon he descended the stairs with Aiko, and breakfast was served and Aiko was introduced to the Fey that Barthol had arranged for her to meet. A dryad it seemed, and she called herself Plum. Her tree was not far, for it was well known that a dryad could not be away from her tree for long, and her wooden-like skin shone softly in the morning light, her green hair pulled back from her flawless face as she smiled at Aiko.

"You're very pretty." she told the Princess and skipped around Aiko and looked at Okoru curiously. "Is that your male?" she asked.

After he took care of himself she followed behind him with her own set of clothes. She took care of herself but she was curious about his own appendage but she wasn't going to throw away such things with him. To her it was what if things went wrong then things would be awkward afterwards. Dressed in the adjustable skirt and button down blouse that had the corset, she followed him downstairs. There she came face to face with Plum, a rather odd being. When she was asked if Okoru was her male her mouth dropped opened as she didn't know what to say about him. Though Barthol cleared his throat.

"That is her male, yes. Aiko...Okoru, This is Plum. I brought her here to help you to become more in tune with your Fey blood. She can't stay away from her tree for to long so a few hours may do it to give you a good basic grasps." Barthol said introducing the trio. "I suggest you three use my backyard as I placed buckets of water in case unintentional fires broke out."

Aiko nodded as she knew she couldn't go about blindly with her blood as she needed a teacher. Following Plum outside as she had noticed she seemed graceful when she moved. After being given the rough instructions of how to begin, Aiko failed to call upon the elements. Plum had asked when her gifts did show themselves; Aiko explained it was during stressful times.

"So your powers are emotion root based. Well time you learned to call upon your gifts without your emotions." She touched Aiko's nose making her move away. "Nothing special about your male?" She looked him up and down as if inspecting him like she'd jump him for herself if he didn't belong to Aiko.

"I wouldn't have any other Asuran with me if there was nothing special about him." At her comment she had looked directly at Okoru. "Though you are right I don't need to rely on my emotions to use my gifts." She had looked down at her hands not in frustration but realization she had a lot to learn. Though Plum giggled at Aiko and said her powers will rely on her emotion for good while until her right of age comes. "What?" Curious as she sat with Plum as she went along stating Feys looked a lot like humans until a right moment that is when they look more like they were meant to. "So I'm on the right path just have to becareful not to let my emotions go crazy." Plum then nodded to her only to blow a kiss to Okoru before departing the pair to leave them in the lush backyard.

The question from the dryad made Okoru hide a smile. The Fey were not known for their modesty. The looks that Plum gave him throughout the talk she had with Aiko were seductive in nature and he knew that if Aiko had not claimed him in the eyes of the Fey that her seductive charms would have been put to good use. Okoru would not have struggled overmuch either, except that he knew his heart belonged to Aiko.

It was not surprising to learn that Aiko's powers came about with emotional distress, and she would need to learn to focus that emotion and learn to call upon her powers without it. Okoru knew she could do it, and knew that the willful young half-fey would become very powerful. It was his job to protect her though, and he had given his vow to do so.

"I will be back tomorrow to see how you are coming along. I can leave my tree for a few hours each day, and it's worth it to come and see your male. You're very lucky." Plum said and had blown her kiss before being on her way.

Okoru turned to Aiko. "That was a little embarrassing, but I hope she was able to help you a little. Can you draw upon other elements besides fire?" he asked, unsure of how this all worked.

In a way she wanted to push Plum faster out of the fenced in backyard but Okoru got her attention with him asking about her using other than fire. "Yes, don't you remember by the river?" Turning back to him with a curious but confused look. Though she came back and sat in the grass only to look at the ground. "Back at the river when the stag was hit, the grass blades moved to form a Bow and a set of quiver filled with arrows. After charging past you those same grass blades turned into a sword that sang everytime I swung at the elf." Aiko sat there in thought only to relive that night. "I was mad that a friend was attacked for protecting me and it seemed everything moved naturally."

But she looked up at him with a smirk. "If it wasn't clear if you were my male would you have gone with her and allowed her to...Have sex with you?" She was taught to use clean language and avoid the talk of sex but now wasn't the time to avoid such things since she wasn't back home amongst the council or with the Douwoods. Her and Okoru were alone in the fenced in backyard. "I know you said you'd remain loyal to me even if I took a King but you know I would want you to be happy as well. Even if it meant having a family of your own to raise to protect any children of mine."

Okoru thought back and did remember. "I see. That would be some type of earth magic then?" he asked, unsure if he was correct, but that the grass itself had become like steel in her hands was impressive. It meant that Aiko would probably never be weaponless.

Aiko's question brought an immediate shake of his head. "But I do belong to you. I have belonged to you since the day you were born. Were things otherwise who is to say what my life might have been like, but I would not have things any other way. I... I know I am not the male for you that I wish I could be, for how could one such as you ever grow to love me like that? Yet I will remain steadfast and yours until the day I breathe my last." Okoru vowed.

"Should you have children then they will draw their own guardians, their own protectors. They will have no need of me. But I am bound to you by blood and by oath, by the power of the Old Magic." he told her, though she might not know exactly what that meant.

"Old magic..." She whispered softly as if it rang something within her. Though she shook her head to return to the subject at hand. "How do you know you're not the male meant for me? Our futures are not set in stone. I thought I'd always be in Kyonin and be married off to some Prince in an Alliance with another Kingdom. But here I am, in Sevenarches, I learned I'm part fey and learning how to actually use magic. If I had stayed in Kyonin then I imagine I would have never learned much of anything other than I'm an elf and I am expected to do what any Princess should do for her people." In a way he was the male for her though he seen her since she was a newborn and watched her take her first steps to watching over her as she trained in various areas.

While she looked at him she ran her fingers through the grass under her but one broke loose and it wrapped around her finger tips. "Old magic...It runs through us all. I remember when we were in the forest back home when you were teaching me to track. I remembered looking at the trees and darted off away from you. You chased after me only to find me up high in a tree, hiding just as that large stag quietly walked by. The same stag who'd watch us from a distance and that was the closest we ever got to him...The King of the forest." A smile crept over her lips as the grass blade slowly turned into a red rose in full bloom. "That's what I named at majestic stag that day." The petals of the red rose fell but she gently blew the petals and they seemed to dance upwards then swirl around Okoru. "My point is what we thought for certain is just an illusion and nothing more. We make our paths, pick our connections and who we want to walk beside us." Finally she fell silent as she looked at Okoru as she seemed bit more like her mother with this sudden insight. The silent wasn't tense but just peaceful for Aiko. She had let him know in her mind and heart that he could be the male she was meant to be with either by marriage or as her lover while she had a King as a companion only while her heart and soul went to Okoru.

Just then Katie burst through the doors beaming. "Okoru! Aiko!" She was smiling as the youngman from the other night who was more concerned about Katie followed behind her. Katie was sporting nice engagement right. "Thomas, proposed last night." Katie was smiling at the two but get the sense she interrupted them. "Did I...Interrupt something?"

"No, we were just talking. I remember him from last night." Aiko smiled as her bruised had healed fully over the course of the night. "But, aren't you rushing things?"

"I've known Thomas for years but when we got talking last night I realized I was truly in love with him. He's been there for me through the heart breaks, when my grandparents died and it took this one event to make me realize I would have made a mistake of not seeing it." Katie looked to Thomas as she slipped her hand into his own. Aiko looked to Okoru knowing how true that was as Okoru had been there for her through thick and thin.

Okoru smiled as she echoed his sentiments about the Old Magic. The thing was, she probably didn't realize the extent of it, and maybe it was best that he tell her. "About that Old Magic... my life is inextricably tied to your own Aiko. So long as you're alive, so too will I be, unless forcibly killed in some manner. The Asurans are long lived, like the elves, but when the Old Magic is invoked, we are often known as the Deathless. We, your mother and I, thought it might be best when you were born, to have a lifelong protector and guardian. For as long as the elves live, the Fey live even longer." he explained to her.

The words Aiko then spoke, about him possibly being the male for her, brought a flutter to his chest as his heart skipped a beat. Of course he had often thought the very same thing, but it was not his place to voice it, no matter how much he might hope. She was a Princess and he was but a lowly soldier. Decorated perhaps, but not of any royal line.

Then Katie exited the house, her excitement obvious. The boy at her side, Thomas, had shown more character in the few scant minutes Okoru had seen him that Bryan had in the several occasions that he'd opened his mouth. Who was he to question anything that Katie did? One followed their heart.

"Congratulations." Okoru said and bowed to them both. The look from Aiko as she seemed to consider their conversation warmed him, and Okoru decided then and there to let hope bloom in his breast. Perhaps he could show that he was worthy of her.

Aiko smiled as she turned to ask of the wedding date but Katie beat her to it. "We decided it was best we get married soon as possible. So he will be my groom next week."

"Wait...Is he and that idiot the same size?" Aiko asked as she got to her feet to dust her skirt off.

"Yes, Thomas stepped in to be fitted when Bryan was away on Business." Katie seemed she believed the lies but Bryan was getting his fill of women when Katie cut him off after just one sexual encounter. "But Aiko I can't see my life without Thomas." Thomas the strapping young man blushed as he stepped back to stand beside Okoru.

"Do they often talk as if we don't exist?" Thomas asked Okoru though noticed rose petals on his large frame. "Umm did you know you have roses on you?" He asked as he picked one petal off while the girls talked but Thomas noticed Aiko glancing to Okoru every so often. "I'm guessing by the way you two look at one another you both been through a lot together."

The news was good, and as Katie and Aiko spoke and Thomas came closer to ask about the girls, Okoru chuckled. "Oh yes my friend. Expect to be the topic of many a conversation while you're in earshot but invisible. Sometimes you learn so much about yourself. Truly." Okoru said, and laid a massive hand on the man's shoulder. "I am sure you will do Katie well and take care of her. That is all that Aiko wants for her friend." Okoru stated.

Letting the two females continue to talk, Okoru caught the glances from Aiko and smiled warmly at her, though as always the expression was lost on most unless one knew Okoru well, which Aiko did. The next few hours the girls spent gossiping and also talking about the upcoming wedding, and Thomas left to take care of some business. He had a wedding to get ready for after all. Okoru, for his part, was called into the office of Barthol.

"I've managed to find out the next arriving airship for you and Aiko to depart on. It's a cargo freighter, so the accommodations won't be as nice as some, but it might not be looked at right away if you have people after you. It arrives here in three days." Barthol told him.

"I will have to speak with her about it." Okoru said, being noncommital. He knew that might be their best bet and yet he also knew Aiko would like to stay in town for the wedding. "It is Aiko's call to make." he said, and the thought had occured to him that perhaps he and Aiko should leave without informing Barthol at all - that way his family could not honestly know and could not give up any information.

After hours of talking Aiko asked her friend a most embarrassing thing she could think of. She asked how did it feel like to have sex. Katie looked down then explained it was painful but from what she's heard the first time was always painful if you weren't with an understanding partner. Other women she spoke with said their first time took some time as their lovers took their time for their sake. Katie asked if Aiko was planning to lose her virginity.

"I don't think you can actually plan for that." Aiko sat with Katie on her bed with a glass of white wine. "I am curious since I've been having these urges to be touched, held and often wondered what a kiss felt like."

Katie reached over and took her friend's hand. "Whoever it is with...He'll be worthy of it all. Or Okoru would have killed him on sight."

Aiko laughed with Katie poking bit of fun at Okoru's fierce loyalty to her. Though Aiko did think Okoru was worthy but he seemed to keep bit of a distance from her. Perhaps allowing her the freedom to allow her own love for him to grow then to be nurtured. After their talk Aiko walked down stairs and knocked on Barthol's office door to see Okoru was there. "Oh! Okoru, I thought you were getting something to eat." Her cheeks were bit rosy from the wine but her smile was sweet and soft while she looked to the men. "Lord Douwood, I thought about the paperwork you've offered. Perhaps it'd be best if..." She looked at Okoru. "Best if I went by a different name and it'd remain a secret so no one could get hurt. If Okoru wants to go by a different name but it'd be hard to miss a large white lion."

As Okoru spoke with Barthol, Aiko came to see the Lord as well, and her suggestion of taking another name echoed what Barthol had said earlier anyway. "I could also take another name, but I am unsure how much I might be able to hide my identity. I have not left Kyonin in decades, and I would not be well known. However, if you would like to give me a new name Aiko, then I would take it gladly." Okoru conceded and then he quickly explained the arrangement that Barthol had made for them.

"There is a cargo freighter coming here in three days time. We can arrange to get out of Sevenarches on that if you wish." Okoru informed her. He would leave that entirely up to her, as he would follow her and be with her no matter how or when she decided to go. Had the lion known what her and Katie had been talking about he might very well have blushed, or tried, but he was more than happy to let Aiko have her privacy.

"Thank you for your help Lord Douwood. I think that Aiko and myself have a lot to talk about." Okoru said, and would excuse himself, though leave Aiko to talk to Barthol if she needed to.