Once again, sorry about the long delay...Real life isn't all it's cracked up to be. Rest assured, I have NOT forgotten this. The muses are talking again so things will hopefully progress more quickly. Thanks for your support! On with the show!
It was a little after dawn when Allura slipped out of bed and pulled on her robe. She paused at the door, looking back at Keith. He was still asleep, lying on his stomach with one arm hanging off the bed. She pulled the sheet up over him, then quietly went downstairs.
She made herself a cup of tea and wandered out to the deck. Like the house itself, the deck perched on the edge of a small cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. She stood, sipping her tea, and watched the waves crashing against the shore.
A sudden movement caught her eye and she turned to see someone jogging up the beach. As the figure got closer, she realized it was her eldest daughter.
Aria moved easily across the sand, just at the edge of the waterline. As she neared the house, she slowed and began doing a few easy stretches. After a few minutes, she sat down and stared out at the sea. Finally she got up and glanced up at the house. Spying her mother on the deck, she waved.
Allura waved back then stepped back inside. She was refreshing her tea when Aria walked in. "Hi, Mom. You're up early," she said as she pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge.
"I haven't really slept yet. Your father had a rough night," she replied softly, sitting down and staring into her cup.
Aria froze. "Is he worse?"
Allura shook her head. "No, but that didn't stop me from worrying all night."
"He works too hard, you both do," Aria stated matter-of-factly as she sat down at the table.
"Aria—"
"Don't, Mother, it's true. Daddy is always off doing something with the Druhles or Galaxy Garrison. If he's not there, he's at the Academy or training recruits somewhere." She shook her head. "You're the same way. I know that running a planet is a full time job but, when is the last time the two of you did anything together that didn't have to do with Galaxy Garrison or the Druhle Empire? The palace staff told me you weren't even sharing a room before you left!"
Allura's blue eyes flashed fire. "That is none of your business, young lady."
"Isn't it? My parents seem to be more interested in the universe than their own family!" Aria said heatedly.
"Enough." Her voice was like steel. "Your father and I have had our differences like every other couple. Differences that I don't have to explain to you or anyone else, is that understood?"
Aria played with her water bottle, not meeting her mother's eyes. "I…I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"
Allura sighed. "Sweetheart, your father and I are fine. Yes, we argued a bit before we left Arus, but that's mended now."
"It was over me."
"Aria." She reached out and took her daughter's hand. "It wasn't about you. You piloting Green was only part of it." She sighed. "Honey, your father and I love each other, but yes, we do too much. Both of us have responsibilities. Mine to my planet and my people; his to both his home-worlds and his job." She smiled. "We get on each other's nerves once in a while, but always work things out in the end. Stop worrying."
"I can't help it, look who I have for parents." Aria grinned a moment, then sobered. "I wish there was some way I could help you with the Royal stuff."
"Well, maybe there is now that you've done your studies."
Aria looked down, playing with her water bottle again. "Are you…are you still angry that I'm piloting Green Lion?" she asked softly.
"Angry, no. Concerned, worried, yes." Allura walked up and placed her cup in the sink. "Kitten, as your Queen, I'm proud that you were chosen to be her pilot. As your mother, I'm terrified."
"But what about Troi? And Dreana?"
"I'm just as worried about them." Allura put her hand under her daughter's chin and make her look up. "I wish Voltron wasn't needed at all, but…" She sighed. "I am terrified to lose you, you're my daughter, I love you. But I know how it feels to want to protect those you love. I won't stop you, but I won't stop worrying either."
Aria smiled. "Thank-you, Mother. I won't let you down."
"You never could." She smiled down at her daughter.
Aria smiled back. "Why don't you sit down and I'll make us some breakfast. How does French Toast sound?"
"That would be lovely."
Lance stood on the bridge of the yacht, arms folded across his chest, his expression stony as he stared out the windows. Outside, visibility was zero, with a wall of snow and wind surrounding the ship. One of the crew called out to the captain and handed him a computer print-out. The man shook his head as he read it. "It looks like we'll be stuck here for at least another day. This storm extends over 200 kilometers in every direction."
"No way to get a transport out here then?"
"I'm afraid not. We are making headway, just not much as I'd like. We may have to anchor her and ride this out."
"Thank-you, Captain." Lance marched out the door of the bridge and down the hall to his rooms.
Dorma looked up as he entered the room. "Svavaliadeelin?"
"I just had to find the most remote place on the planet to run off to. I can't send a message and the storm has made it impossible to leave. We're stuck here." He threw himself down on the couch, his green eyes bright with anger.
She moved over to stand next to him. "Why is it so imperative that we get home? Have you seen something?"
"No, not really." Dorma arched an eyebrow at him. Lance sighed. "It's just a feeling."
"What sort of feeling?" she persisted.
"I don't know…Impending doom?"
"Lance."
He got up and paced the cabin. "Ever since my nightmare, I've had this uneasy feeling. Nothing I can pinpoint." He stood in front of the window and stared out at the impenetrable blizzard.
She frowned. "I have sensed the same." He looked up in surprise. "Troi and Zarana are concerned, about what I do not know."
"And Keith?" he asked sharply.
"I sense…nothing. I told you, he has learned how to mask his thoughts." Her eyes unfocused for a moment and she shook her head. "No, there is nothing."
"That's something I guess." He slumped forward. "Dorma…"
She moved to his side and rested her hand on his. "Lance, Svavaliadeelin, if something were truly wrong, we would know."
"Yeah," he sighed. "You're probably right."
Dorma smiled, her indigo eyes twinkling. "I am always right."
"Hey, that's my line!"
She slid her hand from his hand to his chest. "You said we would not be able to leave tonight?"
"Yep," Lance replied with a grin. "That's exactly what I said."
Dorma looked up, a coquettish smile on her face. "Then perhaps we should think of something to do in order to pass the time."
Bjorn watched as the battered looking fighter approached the castle. He shielded his eyes as the pilot deftly set the craft down a few meters away. A few moments later, the engine shut down and the hatch opened, the pilot exiting down a ladder.
Pulling off his helmet, Hans shook his hair out of his face. Spying his younger brother, he hurried over. "Did you get my messages?"
His brother nodded and the two walked quickly into the castle. "We did. Druhles. Hans, are you sure?"
"I wish I wasn't." He stopped. "Hyleigh is destroyed. There can't be anyone left."
"No…" Bjorn closed his eyes in prayer.
Hans suddenly snarled in anger and threw his helmet, sending it crashing against the wall. "Dammit, Bjorn! Why? Why now! We've had peace for nearly twenty years!"
"Easy, min broder." He placed his hand on his brother's shoulder.
Hans whirled in anger, shrugging off his brother. "Förbannar dig! You weren't there! You didn't see houses burning! People…children, lying dead in the streets!" His ice blue eyes glittered with unshed tears.
"Hans…" Bjorn pulled his brother close.
He pulled free, rubbing his hand over his face. "What else have you heard? Did Bandor get in touch with Galaxy Garrison?" Bjorn quickly looked away. "What? What happened?" Hans demanded.
His brother shook his head. "We tried. All our outside communications are being jammed."
Hans stared in disbelief. "Everything? What about Arus?"
"We can't get through to them either."
The grief in Hans's eyes was quickly replaced by anger. "Where is everyone?"
They started back down the hallway. "Freya and the twins are down in the bunker. Dad and Bandor are up in Control."
"And Mom?"
Bjorn smiled shrewdly. "Where do you think? They're all waiting for you to debrief."
"Let's not keep them waiting."