Title: On The Run; Spoils of War Series
Disclaimer: The characters and concepts of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, and 20th Century Fox.

Pairings: Polar

Rating: Mature
Summary: Companion to Shattered. Post Grad; Liz gave Max up, but war still came to Earth. A series of drabbles/vignettes that fit within and help shape the Spoils universe. They are based on word prompts either at PA or given to me by my betas. :) Since Shattered starts mid-story and I don't really delve into the past until its sequel, I wrote a few small teaser scenes.

Futile

"It's against custom, Rath," Jarid tried to reason with his brother, growing increasingly frustrated as the sandy-haired man blatantly ignored his suggestion. "War is no place for a woman, it is a man's job."

"She stays, period." Michael stated implacably, flicking cool brandy eyes up at his advisor briefly, his lips compressing in displeasure before turning his gaze back to the blueprints in front of him. Like he cared about his world's outdated views. She was staying right where he could watch over her whether the Council liked it or not. Having her shut away in a safe house would be more of a distraction than put him at ease.

"Women have delicate natures," the blond man sighed, running a hand through his short waves, his brown eyes twinkling with amusement as he watched his sibling snort at the idea of his Liz having delicate sensibilities. Some things never changed. Even on Antar, his youngest brother had been a bit of a hothead and prone to doing things his own way. "They need our protection."

"And the best way to protect Liz, is to keep her here with me," Michael rumbled, his brow pinching thoughtfully as he marked the coordinates of a potential enemy camp on his map. Rubbing his face wearily, he glanced at the clock and groaned, realizing he was going to be late for dinner once again. Liz was going to kill him. She hated when he left her with Davin all day. "I trust no one else with her life."

"The guards at the safe house are among the best warriors on our planet," Jarid argued, gathering the ends of his robe and rearranging them over his tunic and knit pants, irritated that he was the one that had to reason with Rath once again. Didn't the Council realize that it was futile to argue with him once his mind was made up? "They are perfectly capable…"

"There will be no further discussion on this, Jarid," Michael stated evenly, cutting off his sibling's argument impatiently. It didn't matter what the other man said, he wasn't going to send Liz miles away on some misguided notion that it was safer. He couldn't fight Isabel's and Tess's parents when they sent the girls away and look what happened. No way was he going to lose Liz as well. "She stays."

"She's a liability, " Jarid pointed out in a last ditch effort, knowing of his brother's love and desire for the pretty brunette even if he wouldn't admit it to himself or the Council at large. He approved of the match himself, but he was only one voice in the Council and knew that the elders would prefer the king to mate with a pure Antarian.

"She is more of an asset to me than the useless men who sit on their asses all day planning my life," Michael bit out contemptuously, fixing his brother with an unyielding glare as he gathered his map up and strode out the door without a backward glance. "You would do well to remind them of that fact."