Chapter 3:

Her mother had prepared a meal for them all, and they all sat round the luxurious dining table. Plates of food decorated the covered table and silence filled the room. A short speech was said by her and Sorin, then the meal had begun; servants wandered in with wine and eagerly filled up the glasses. Small groups of people began to talk as they filled their plates and started to gossip. Carrea found herself near the head of the table, surrounded by Dorrien and Annia across the table, and Lirren and her sister to her sides. Wanting to forget the events so far, Carrea downed her glass of wine hastily.

"Thirsty?" Dorrien said surprised at her.

"Just a bit." She replied serving herself some food. Carefully skewering some meat she ate the tiny prepared pieces.

"Mmm, you need to try this." Lirren said placing a spoon full of little green parcels on her plate.

"Thank you." She replied glaring at him, then went back to eating the meat. After she had finished with it, she moved on to the small parcels and tested one. "What is this?" She frowned. "I know I've had it before..."

"Those are harrel parcels. But done in a way only known by my family cook, I made him make them especially to help cheer you up."

"Oh, that's nice of you." She smiled at him surprised. "I always loved these." Grinning, she urged Dorrien to try some too. Begrudgingly he scooped some onto his plate and slowly drank his wine.

"I am glad you have the same tastes and that the Guild hasn't spoiled you."

"The Guild can't spoil me." She laughed and looked towards Dorrien, "my husband on the other hand..."

-Spoils you because you deserve it. Dorrien whispered to her.

Lirren chuckled and nodded, "you are a lucky man Dorrien."

"Thank you."

"Very lucky indeed." He continued quietly. Sighing gently he carried on with his meal. As everyone finished their meals, the servants took away the used plates and brought out the desserts. Bowls of pachis and piorres were placed in front of everyone, covered in a sweet sauce. Carrea eagerly cut off chunks with her spoon and ate, savouring the sweet taste.

"Here have mine." Lirren smiled and pushed his bowl over to her. "I much prefer the piorres."

"Will you stop trying to feed me." She laughed at Lirren.

"Sorry," he smiled, "I thought you might like mine too seeing as you are enjoying yours so much." As Carrea took another sip of her renewed glass of wine, she saw Dorrien sat swirling his pachi pieces round the bowl. Despite being full, she nodded at Dorrien's food.

"You are supposed to eat it, not play with it."

"Is that a subtle hint that you would like it?"

"Nothing escapes you." Looking back at her, he smiled and passed her his bowl. Slowly Carrea ate through the remaining pieces and sat back feeling full.

-Cravings for pachis?

-Not quite.

-That's a shame... Feeling a trickle of amusement coming from him, she smiled.

-Maybe for you. You can run off and hide whenever you like.

-You did it too. And then dragged me into it from what I remember.

-Mothers need breaks too.

-Breaks which include disappearing out of the city for a few days with no idea where you are going?

-Precisely.

-Just, don't go disappearing without me. He finished sullenly. Carrea looked at him questionably, but he avoided her gaze.

-And why would I do that? After a few minutes, she tired of waiting for him to respond, and grabbed her glass of wine. Lirren intercepted it however, and put it out of her reach.

"I think you've had enough of that today. Don't want you regretting anything when you've sobered."

"Stop treating me like a child." She hissed quietly at him. "I know how much wine I can take." Angrily she grabbed his glass instead and drank a mouthful.

"You could never hold much wine." He shrugged and drank from her glass instead.

"And you could never keep your nose out of other peoples business." As the room quietened, table now empty of all food, her mother addressed everyone once more.

"As of my husband's death, this family has had no head. As the only son in this family, Sorin now holds this title until his death."

"Thank you mother," Sorin said standing. "I hope to make my father proud and see that his wishes are fulfilled, as my own." He finished looking directly at Carrea. At his gaze, Carrea looked away quickly down at the table. "I thank you all for visiting here in memory of him, and despite the circumstances, it has been great seeing you all." He ended with a smile. One by one the family members congratulated him and went their separate ways once more. Carrea stood tipsy and slightly disorientated, holding on carefully to the chair.

"I think I am going to go lie down." She muttered trying to stop the room spinning.

"Did someone drink a little too much?" Dorrien whispered in her ear as he reached her.

"Not at all. But I think there was something odd in the dessert sauce."

"Do you need a hand or do you think you'll be able to get to your room without falling over?"

"You sound too smug about that." Carrea glared playfully at him. "I can do it myself."

"Very well." He grinned at her and watched as she made her way to the staircase.

"Is she alright?" Lirren asked him frowning.

"Yes, she is just being her usual stubborn self." Lirren laughed and turned to watch Carrea's attempt at crossing the room. Finally reaching the bottom of the stairs, she turned and smiled smugly at Dorrien, then began to climb the stairs. Eventually she managed the climb, and entered the room carefully. Removing her outer robe she draped it across a chair and flopped down on the bed next to Adryan. He lay sprawled slightly, breathing deep and long. As Carrea cuddled up to him, he stirred and stretched out.

"Adryan." She said sitting up, "are you feeling better now?"

"My head hurts." He mumbled sleepily. Resting her hand on him, she Healed away his pain. Smiling, Adryan cuddled into her tightly.

"You are a silly boy." She said holding him close. "Always up to mischief."

"I just wanted to get the flower." Adryan explained.

"It's alright, don't worry about it now."

"Ah, you're awake." Dorrien smiled, coming through the door and perching on the side of the bed. "I hope you are feeling better now."

"Yes I am, Mummy Healed me."

"That's good." He nodded. "I just came to check up on you two. Come down when you are ready Adryan and I'll get you something to eat." Leaning forwards he picked up Carrea's outer robe which had fallen on the floor. From the pocket slipped out a necklace and it dropped to the floor. Dorrien reached out and picked it up confused.

-Why was there a necklace in your pocket.

-What?

-I just found a necklace in your outer robe.

-Oh, Lirren-

-He gave it to you? I can't believe this...

-Dorrien th-

Standing abruptly, Dorrien strode out of the door in a flurry.

"You go back to sleep Adryan, you had a nasty fall." Laying Adryan back down on the pillow, she kissed his forehead and went to leave. Adryan took her hand and held on to her.

"Are you and Daddy fighting again?"

"No no, Adryan." She stopped and sat down beside him. "There is just a lot going on right now, you shouldn't worry."

"Ok Mummy."

"I'll be back in a bit, you just go back to sleep." Reaching up she stroked his hair and left the room quietly. Hearing raised voices, she slowly crept upstairs.

"... You need to stop all this."

"I haven't done anything."

"I warned you.. I just found this given to her from you."

"That was given to her before I knew, and-"

"I don't care."

"You are being too overprotective. There is nothing going on between us."

"I know full well that my wife would never do anything. But you, you are worming your way in here. You may have feelings for her, but you need to control yourself."

"Me? I have done nothing!" Lirren growled at Dorrien.

Hiding behind a corner, Carrea listened intently. Why did Lirren have to be here...

"You are going too far, and I have had enough."

"Surely if there was a problem Carrea would have said something herself."

"She is being herself, being too nice."

"And what does she think about all this?" Lirren responded controlled.

-Stop this!

-Carrea... You need to tell him too.

-I...

"Well?" Lirren hissed at Dorrien.

"You need to talk to her." Turning his back on Lirren, Dorrien exited the room, and found Carrea standing in the hallway. "I am going back to the Guild and taking the children with me. I'll see you later." Carrying on down the stairs, she heard the bedroom door open. Behind her Lirren sighed and walked out.

"Lirren."

"Carrea? What are you... You heard didn't you."

"Yes." She whispered and looked away.

"So what do you think?"

"I... I don't know what to think... But I don't want my husband to be upset. You need to be more careful."

"I can't help how I feel." Lirren said stepping closer to her. "Surely it is not selfish to want you?"

"It is. There is nothing. There won't ever be anything."

"I don't believe that." Stepping closer once more, he leant towards her. "Not one bit."

"And what makes you think that." Carrea said trying to back away.

"Because I can see it in your eyes." He grinned. "You've let me get this close without trying to get rid of me."

"Leave me alone."

"Now there, don't sound so scared." His voice whispered silkily into her ear. "No-one needs to know."

"What do we have here..." Carrea glanced over Lirren's shoulder, and found Sorin watching them both carefully, eyes gleaming with interest. "Your husband hasn't even left and you are up here playing with someone else." Lirren turned to face Sorin, dark eyes boring deep into blue.

"What do you want?"

"I came to see what all the noise was about. But now I am wishing I hadn't," he said disgusted.

"There is nothing going on." Carrea growled, and tried to escape.

"That's not what I saw." Sorin smirked at her, blocking her exit. "In fact, I am sure your husband would love to find out about it."

"Go ahead and tell him then." She challenged. Sorin's expression faltered slightly, eyes lingering on Carrea.

"That I will." Eyeing them both once more, Sorin left silently. Carrea's heartbeat thumped wildly in her chest. That bastard... A soft hand slid across hers, and up her arm slightly, pulling her round to face Lirren once more. Steeling herself, Carrea used the motion to propel herself round, and punched Lirren in the face. He cried out in surprise, hands flailing and rushing to stop the pain. Before he could react, Carrea ran downstairs into her bedroom and locked the door firmly with magic.

"I always liked this room."

"Sorin!" Carrea gasped in surprise. "What are you doing in here?"

"Reclaiming this room. You either belong to this family, or you belong to the Guild."

"What?"

"If you are going to play your magic games then you can bugger off back there, because this is my house now and I don't want you here. You think you can come here, kill my father and lay claim to whatever and whoever you like."

"He was my father too."

"You lost every right to call him your father the day you abandoned us all. You don't belong here, and never have." The sting of the blow bit back Carrea's retort harshly. Grabbing her belongings, she shoved them in her pocket and opened the window fiercely. She levitated calmly down to the floor and strode off away from them all.


After hours of wandering around aimlessly, Carrea found herself in a familiar place. Red leaves littered the floor and crunched delicately as she padded through the forest. How did I get here? Everything had left her numb and lost. Her legs gave way with exhaustion and she collapsed down against a sheet of rock. Rock? That must mean... Closing her eyes, she heard the faint trickle of the spring and she smiled softly. Resting her head down she started to laugh. What am I doing? I can't just run away and hide from everything. This place is so quiet...

"Carrea."

"Yes?" She turned around. The familiar scent of her mother's perfume hung lavishly in the air. The walls of her bedroom glowed brightly, as if lit by magic. Instinctively she tried to lower the brightness with magic, but nothing happened.

"What are you doing?"

"It's too bright..."

"Carrea. Pay attention. However are you going to find yourself a husband if you are always off daydreaming." Snapping her attention to her mother, she frowned.

"But I have a husband."

"If only." Her mother sighed. "Now take a look at yourself in the mirror. I think the dress could be too revealing.. But if that what it takes to get someone interested in you then I will risk it."

Looking at the full length mirror, she saw herself young and dressed in an elaborate red dress. The sleeves were non existent and the front draped down further than she had ever seen on an evening dress.

"I cannot wear this!"

"Yes you can and you will." Her mother told her firmly. "You need to catch the eye of one of the wealthy men. Now it is time to leave." Looking back at her reflection she frowned. Her hair dangled loosely upon her shoulders, draping down the length of her back and the ends curled round, resting softly on her hips. Following her mother, they stopped in the hallway. Looking upwards, a shadow dominated the stairwell. The carpet was stained with blood and a clear voice echoed towards them.

"You had better behave this time Carrea, or you will find yourself without a home." As her father continued down the stairs, Carrea froze.

"You... You aren't my father..." She breathed. Sorin is not my father!

"Of course I am your father." He hissed back.

"Mother, can you not see, he is not you husband!" Carrea cried confused. Sorin stopped in front of her and grabbed hold of her arms. His uncut nails dug into her porcelain skin now splashed with crimson. Taking a step backwards away from him, she found herself on the edge of the staircase. With a fluid movement, Sorin pushed her backwards and she fell, weightless and non-existent. A bright light above her burned into her, and she screwed her eyes closed. Floating in nothingness she opened her eyes once again. Around her men and women danced graciously round in a poetic gesture. Many faces hid behind grotesque masks, shadowed by the drearily lit room. A burst of cold air filtered through the room, sending shivers down her spine and awakening her senses. From the doorway came a familiar figure, body draped in black cloth and face masked in white. As he approached the mask became clear and she gasped as it transformed into a reber head. Taking her hands, he swept her off her feet and led her into a complex dance, spinning her round and round. The room span quicker and quicker, merging all into a blur.

"Let.. Go.." She squeaked out dizzily.

"I will never let go." A confident voice whispered at her. Pulling her closer, she found herself close up against the silken clothes. These feel like Guild robes... Splashes of green clouded her vision and she could hear water splashing and trickling. Let me go. Let me go... Struggling to break free, she cast her arms out and pushed away from the dance. Her vision blurred and her steps careless, she slipped into the arms of Sorin.

"Go away. Back out there and do as you are told." Pushing her back into the fray, she slipped on the wet floor. Lifting her head, she reached up to her face where blood dripped freely. A pair of boots came into her vision, surrounded by a gentle green light. Looking up she found Dorrien standing before her.

"Help me please." She called out to him.

"I cannot. You must do it yourself."

"But I don't know what to do..." She continued, crawling towards him.

"You don't need me any more..." Face flooded with tears, Carrea climbed to her feet and grabbed hold of him. Sliding out of her reach he strode off towards the balcony door, gait unhurried. As he exited a new scene was seen as the door opened slowly. Beautiful gardens stretched out as far as she could see, birds sang and flowers blossomed. Following him outside she felt her body warm as the sun shone vigorously on her and from somewhere she could hear children's voices. Two small figures played happily, and greeted Dorrien warmly as he neared. Adryan... Annia... She reached out to hold them, to walk the path closer to them, but her feet took her in another direction. Above her pink petals fell, landing softly all around her.

"There you are." A soft voice whispered behind her. "I was worried.." Sitting down on the bench under the tree, he beckoned to her. Lirren? No no, I want my children. "Please, sit. Your pregnancy must be tiring you out." Looking down she saw a small baby bump adorning her abdomen. Freezing up, she stared at Lirren. "Don't look so scared my dear."

"I am not your... Anything."

"Don't be so silly, sit down before you collapse again." Lirren stood and took her hand. Effortlessly he pulled her into an embrace and sat down so she rested on his lap.

"I don't want you! Get away from me!"

"If that were true," he chuckled. "You shouldn't have married me."

"I did not marry you!"

"Yes you did. How else would you have bore my children?"

"...Children?" Pushing her way out of his lap, she ran for the door she had entered through. The door held fast, and she tugged at it harder.

"Carrea, where are you going? You can't leave the garden."

"This is not real! This can't be true! I joined the Guild... I fell in love with Dorrien. I married him!" Exhausted, she slid to the floor, a seeping cold washing over her, chilling her body to the bone. A gentle light filtered to her eyes and above her she could see the trees rustling softly. Was I dreaming? A faint buzzing rang in her ears, but all she could do was look upwards and watch the trees sway back and forth. Back and forth. The cold had tinged her lips blue, her eyes glazed unfocussed and unblinking. A face hovered over her, blue eyes staring back at her. She blinked and they turned brown. Blue. Brown. Blue. Lifting her arm she reached for him, but the instant she touched his skin he vanished. I'm cold. Where am I?

"Carrea." A whisper called to her. Looking across the forest she saw the shimmering figure return, standing smiling at her. "Carrea."

"What do you want?" She said within her mind hesitantly.

"Where are you?"

"What?"

"Where are you?"

"... I don't know."

"Look around. Show me." Carrea stared at the hazy figure as he started to drift away.

"But... You can see." She frowned confused. Striding away he moved behind a tree, vanishing from her view. "Come back..." She called out forlornly.

"I haven't gone anywhere. Please show me..."

"Alright, alright, just don't leave me." Carrea cried. Looking around, she projected her view out in hopes he would return again. Silence. "Come back..." She sighed and scrunched her eyes shut. Maybe this is just another dream, yeah just another dream. I'll wake up soon. Please wake up. Time slipped by slowly, and Carrea opened her eyes again. Staring upwards she saw a floating light, and mesmerised she watched it come closer. A warmth slid over her and the light was obscured as she was pulled into an embrace. A tingling sensation ran throughout her body, clearing her mind. Somewhere she could hear a voice talking, but the words were undecipherable. After a few moments, the haze covering her mind dissipated and she could finally think again.

"I was so worried." She felt breathed on to her.

"Dorrien?" Carrea whispered hoarsely.

"Yes?" He replied and pulled her away from him slightly. Bright blue eyes looked back at her full of emotion. Something twisted inside her as the memories of the day before flooded to her, coupled with her dream and she flinched, looking away from him. When she turned back, he frowned slightly and cupped her cheek with his hand gently. "What's wrong?"

"... I have no idea why I am here."

Dorrien smiled warmly at her, "you were delirious. I think all the shock and exhaustion of yesterday finally caught up to you. But I am hoping you are feeling better now."

"Yes... Well mostly..." She sighed, then looked around frowning. "Is it morning?"

"Dawn. You were gone all evening and night."

"That long." Carrea said sadly. "I didn't realise..."

"Don't worry about it. Come and have something to eat. I know of two little children who want cuddles." Carrea flinched unexpectedly at the mention of her children. "What.."

"I had a nightmare. A really bad one, and that's why I flinched." She explained hurriedly. Smiling sympathetically, he pulled her to her feet and held her close.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" He said softly in her ear. Resting against his chest, she nodded and held him tightly.