Stunned men stared at cool woman who simply stood with her stance relaxed sword casually dangling along her one side, partially hidden behind her right leg.

At their baffled expressions she smirked "No I didn't joke, yes I'm serious, no I won't hold back, yes I will make you fight me no matter what, any other questions before we begin?"

Shine worked his mouth and finally asked "WHY? Can't we just calmly talk about it? Do we have to fight each other?"

Lena tilted her head to the right as if she was considering his plea seriously "You don't have to understand for now, besides…" she narrowed her eyes "aren't you even little curious who will win?"

Hearing that Leone flashed her crooked smile "I'm a man, no matter how much skills you have I'm still stronger and heavier than you, I can easily overpower you with my weight only… It's little different from the battlefield when in all this chaos you don't have the time to face your opponent properly…" he pointed out, his face wearing slightly sardonic expression.

"Ahh…? And you still sprout such biased statement even though women from your tribe train alongside their men?" something flickered behind those obsidian eyes.

Shine shrugged apologetically "What can I say? Our women indeed train archery or swordsmanship since they have to learn self-discipline and have to find their balance, but that doesn't change the fact that they ARE weaker than us. That's the way the nature created us" he lowered his sheathed blade "That's why they usually don't take part in the wars, they're too precious and so few children are being born among Leone these days…"

Lena looked at him with expression of pure disbelief written all over her face "I don't believe I'm hearing this, and especially from you of all people…" she grimaced and knitted her brows "Let me get it straight, you think that because you're a man you have some kind of great advantage over me, and more importantly you are 'delicately' trying to insinuate that I don't stand a chance since all you saw is me fighting only on the battlefield and combat with single opponent is on completely different level than facing enemies in the heat of the battle, correct?"

At her piercing stare Leone only shrugged his shoulder mutely.

'What a fool!' Michael thought feverishly 'Sure he didn't see her in real action one-on-one since he wasn't present during the tournament, but admitting his doubts aloud will only make her even more stubborn with this nonsense…'

Surprised expression on woman's face was swiftly replaced by cold mask heralding real fury "It's good then that I duelled since I was seven year old" she imperiously arched her brow at him "with men…"

Seeing his surprised look she smirked "Partially you were right, it's really hard for a woman to reach the men's level not to mention it's pretty rare, but once she does…" Ley rolled her shoulders slightly relaxing her muscles "You see, once a woman reaches his level she quickly learns that strength and size isn't so important…" she slightly moved back her left leg so now she stood half turned toward him, the blade completely hidden.

"In truth" she conversantly continued in deceivingly calm tone "It was my first war, so I had little trouble with changing my fighting style, it was as you just said – the duel is a world different from the battle" she raised her head proudly "and for a side notice, you have to catch me first before you will have the opportunity to use this formidable strength of yours on me…"

As she stood sideways to Shine she switched behind her back the hand which held the sword, now it rested in her left palm as surely as before in right.

She crocked her forefinger in summoning gesture at him "Care to dance with me now?" she challenged with one raised brow.

Shine despite his conviction that it was stupid and more importantly dangerous couldn't help being slightly intrigued by this idea. He learnt more about this woman only listening to her in this short moment than he was able to discover while she spent entire week in his homeland not so long time ago.

As he made final decision he bowed gallantly and tossed the sheath on the ground "Ladies first…"

The true 'gentleman', duh!

Lena arched her brow once again "Don't forget later on that it was you who gave the initiative to me." she warned "I'm not good with consoling afterwards."

The words were still resonating in the meadow when suddenly she was in front of her opponent forcing him with several quick slashes to retreat several steps.

When Shine overcame his initial shock caused by her surprising speed, he stopped retreating and returned the favour by countering her attacks with his own, counting on ending this ridiculous situation with one blow. After all he only had to get rid of her sword and then...

Except Ley was no longer standing before him.

Before he knew it, someone kicked him in the back of his one knee causing him to stumble and lose balance and only thanks of years of training he blocked the blade which appeared out of nowhere mere inches from his neck.

Calm not even slightly winded voice warned him "Don't even think about going easy on me or God forbids! UNDERESTIMATING me only because I'm a woman. I have no intention to hold back, so either you start fighting me seriously or I will make your blood sing for me. You choose…"

Swiftly the blade disappeared once again, and as Leone glanced over his shoulder he saw the owner of the voice standing several good steps away from him, once again in the fighting stance with blade hidden.

That was unexpected, he had over two decades of experience over this woman and yet he was forced into defensive position.

Despite her foul mood which he caused to even worsen by his thoughtless words he couldn't help being… excited?

He could hear his pulse speeding up, his muscles vibrated with repressed strength, his hand itched to feel once again her blade crossing with his own.

As strange as it may seem, right now he stopped seeing Ley only as a woman – now she became a challenge.

When he glanced in direction where both other men who retreated under near tree stood, he saw the same fire burning in their eyes – the fire of rivalry.

Ley simply stood, patiently allowing him to make up his mind.

Sure she could force him to comply, but it would be much faster if his slightly dented by now ego got into his head a little. What she needed was to awaken his ambition, and judging by his calculative stare so typical for duelling opponent while he sizes you up before coming up with the best strategy – she succeeded.

Once again she turned sideways to him, this time with right leg retreated – the mirror stance to this from the beginning. Slowly almost mockingly she extended her left arm horizontally to the ground her palm up to the sky, then she slowly crooked her all fingers together toward herself in mute challenge accompanied with arched brow.

A pity they never saw 'Matrix', though she supposed that even without this knowledge the gesture should be clear enough even for them.

Shine narrowed his eyes, rising curiosity and eagerness humming through his entire body and mind.

As if he finally decided on something he rolled his shoulders and brandished symmetrical eight figure with his blade, causing the reflection of the sun to shine right in the eyes of his opponent. Using this surprise he quickly advanced at temporary blinded woman.

Nobody was more surprised than him when Lena still blinking from sudden flash of light managed to parry every single blow of his. It was obvious he managed to obscure her sight and yet purely instinctively she deflected all of his attacks.

Now it's getting even more interesting… he mused while eager smile tugged at his lips.

For the next few moments they tested each other trying to find some kind of opening in the defence of the other one, but it seemed that they were equally skilled in this matter.

Whenever Leone tried to use his greater physical strength and pin the woman in one place she expertly manoeuvred herself and her sword so the main impact was defused by the edge of the blade as his weapon slid along it harmlessly.

The fact she never stayed in one place too long made it even harder for Shine to use the advantage of his weight, size or simple brute force to overpower her. It was just as she warned him, unless he finds a way to 'catch' her, it was complete stalemate.

As Michael and Lucien observed entire fight with rapt attention, they noticed that both parties after testing the waters gradually increased their speed and even then it was painfully obvious that the woman exceeded Leone in this field.

Right before their eyes the duel lost the first impression of random attacks without much tactic in it, with each second as Ley and Shine get to know each other abilities, this small 'battle' became more smooth.

Strangely it resembled some kind of exotic dance, except both dancers held dangerous weapons…

Both men stared in awed silence interrupted with constant clash of blades and watched as both opponents gyrated fluidly around each other exchanging one surprising attack after another, it was obvious that if they weren't so skilled someone could've been seriously injured by now considering how they risked sometimes.

At some point Michael noticed that Ley's expression gradually relaxed, it was as if with each clash of sword she became calmer, her features softened and only now he could truly see how this entire situation must have left an imprint on her mind.

Because she hid behind this mask of hers only now both of them understood how greatly last events burdened this stoic woman. When silver-haired man absorbed her every move and grimace he suddenly remembered how she relaxed after working on the field in the Forest of the Evil, that time too she was consumed by frustration and anger, and mere physical labour helped her collect her thoughts.

Perhaps that's what she is doing right now?

Lucien couldn't believe his eyes. He KNEW she was skilled, knew she was extraordinary, but never did he expect himself to be consumed with desire to fight with her.

Many times he was irritated with his own guards or soldiers who during their sparring either went easy on him because of his status or simply didn't have enough skill to become real challenge for him.

And now he witnessed this…

Not only Ley relaxed and calmed visibly, in brief moment he noticed that the corner of her mouth curved slightly – she was actually ENJOYING herself…?!

The fact she felt peaceful enough, to the point of smiling almost serenely alone was surprising. Other women smiled like that while receiving some kind of expensive presents – she showed this rare expression while trying to create another set of lips in other man's neck.

At this point neither man knew anymore if she was serious or not.

Abruptly the scene before them changed, both Shine and Ley moved so fast they were almost blurs, suddenly both of them jerked their heads and leapt backwards to safe distance.

Lena scowled at the end of her braid and watched little irritated as slashed cord slowly fell to the ground, her silky hair immediately loosening and falling in black cascade reaching down her hips.

She glared at grinning Shine, the man dared to beam at her mischievously, he shrugged his shoulder not even slightly apologetic "I really like your hair down…" he cheekily answered at her mute accusation.

"I forgot they are longer now…" woman muttered angrily more at herself than him and suddenly she smirked "If I were you I would leave the hair of others in peace and focus on my own more, by the way – nice fringe, it suits you…"

Confused man reached with his free hand to his forehead and brushed it uncertainly fearing the worst. Slowly several strands of his long golden hair fell down to the ground each of them in the same length as others as if she cut them off using scissors instead of a heavy sword.

"I really hope you didn't cut it off completely, I can't go out and became some laughingstock…" he glanced worriedly at sad remnants of his several locks.

"Nah…" she waved her hand dismissively "it's still there, I cut off it so it wouldn't be visible unless someone will come really close to you…" at his disbelieving stare she looked with wide innocent eyes "What? You didn't even see my blade coming…?"

Shine gritted his teeth in exasperation, he would be damned before he ever admits he didn't notice her move.

Seeing his stubborn face Lena snorted "Really, there is no point in sulking now… we can always pick it up and try to glue right back" she mocked him.

For the first time in ages she felt strangely better "…Or if your appearance is so important to you, we could go to Head Dressmaker, I'm sure she will be able to find some remedy to your worry…" she feigned serious expression as if she truly worried about it.

The scowl of Leone deepened "No, but thanks no!" he grumbled petulantly still glancing at the hair at his feet or more like at their amount.

Woman with her free arm akimbo dared to actually mockingly raise a brow at him "Since we have the introduction behind us, are you ready to finally begin? You still haven't shown me all you've got…"

Surprised Leone narrowed his eyes at her "How did you know?"

Lena examined her nails as if they were the most important thing in the world completely ignoring his watchful stare "You keep slowing your blow at the end of each attack. I appreciate you don't want to hurt me, but as you can see I can take care of myself perfectly" she abruptly raised her black eyes glancing over her theatrically extended palm in obvious challenge "besides if you won't start seriously retaliating you'll end up with your butt kicked six ways to Sunday…"

Shine glared at her slightly offended. It was true he still rather played with her than fought with 'all he got' as she said, but he really didn't want to accidentally injure her. She was formidable opponent but he was seasoned warrior of Leone Tribe and something always could go wrong. Even though he tried to reason with his rising feel of wounded pride, her open sarcasm hit right where it hurt the most.

Finally he decided to trust in her skills. This time he didn't give her any opportunity to change her mind, he leapt and in mere blink of an eye he advanced at her not caring anymore about the consequences.

As they sparred, exchanging blows, one feign movement for one attack, one retaliation for one retreat they forgot about surrounding them world.

Surprisingly even though their duel became more serious not even single drop blood fell on the ground – and this was the true extent of their abilities. In every right on heavens and earth someone should be bleeding by now and yet both of them were unscratched…

Leone noticed that with each clash of sword previously clouded obsidian eyes started to shine with excitement, not only she was able to keep up with him but she actually enjoyed their little fight.

Suddenly from the corner of his eye something caught his attention. Unexpected movement which was clearly out of place since both their observers stood on the opposite end of the meadow caused him to almost curse aloud. Things couldn't go worse, the two panting men run into their private battlefield only to freeze their jaws sagging with shock.

Seeing their thunderous expressions Shine felt as if he was being skinned alive by their furious intense stare focused right at him.

Trust his father and King Eric to charge here right now.

Ley seemed to completely ignore their presence, she still attacked as if they didn't have bigger audience at all.

Another man entered the meadow and Leone recognized Cid who froze just as older men, but instead of becoming furious he only frowned slightly intrigued.

Man thought feverishly how to get out of this damn situation. Here he was fighting with precious adoptive daughter of the monarch from a great country and judging by that man's expression he was ready to hang Shine by his balls on the nearest tower for all to see. As he glanced discreetly at his own father he noticed not so surprised that the Patriarch was ready to pick out just mentioned tower for him.

Just brilliant…!

Gradually Leone slightly slowed his movements counting that no one will be able to notice it, he held back his blows still little distracted by new visitors. He would be damned if he would give them more ammunition to condemn him.

What he didn't count on when he was still disturbed by invisible daggers thrown at his back was the fact that Lena WOULD sense he's holding back now.

Black eyes narrowed threateningly, the previous elated sparkles disappearing without a trace, her mouth became one straight line showing the full extent of her displeasure.

With few quick attacks she forced her opponent to retreat several steps and once he stumbled over old root as she planned she slashed with all her force at his blade causing his entire arm which was holding it to bounce sideways revealing his now unprotected chest.

Before he knew what was going on she gyrated on her heel and using the technique Hyun-Min thought her ages ago she flung her other leg high kicking him with all her might at his solar plexus.

All the men observed in stunned silence as Leone flew several meters losing his sword in the process and hit with painful thud the trunk of tree over whose root he tripped just moment ago.

It was hard to breath, his vision was blurry and the back hurt like hell after the impact. Who knew she could kick like a mule?! He still tried to wheeze some air into his lungs frustrated that it was the second bloody time he had to go though it in three days, when something cold and sharp touched his throat accompanied with heavy weight on his abused chest.

As his vision cleared enough he saw set of two blazing with anger eyes.

"Didn't I tell you not to hold back?" she emphasized it by leaning with her full weight on his chest. As he glanced down she was standing with one foot at his breastbone casually conversing in calm tone while pinning him immobile to the place where he was currently lying under this blasted tree.

Still unable to speak he mutely gestured with his gaze over her shoulder in direction where two old warrior stood with stunned expressions and arched his brow at her meaningfully.

She narrowed her eyes "I know they're here but I don't care, we didn't finish."

Finally Shine managed to croak petulantly "Easy to say for YOU, it's not your balls that are on the line here…" he rasped not caring anymore about his language.

Surprised Ley blinked several times the thoughtful frown marring her face, in the end she nodded reluctantly "True enough. Point taken, sorry… that's why I decided to fight you in here without them present in first place…" she bit her lower lip wondering how to safely get out of this.

Leone with his two forefingers pushed delicately the blade away from his neck "Since we are on the same page, care to get off me now? Not that I don't enjoy you practically sitting on me, I mind you! But trust me once I regain my breathing I'll be even better."

To his utter surprise this woman who mocked him, challenged his skills and managed to – he still didn't know how she did THAT – throw him to the ground actually BLUSHED.

Oho… now THIS is even more interesting…

In mere seconds she pushed away hastily, outreaching her hand to him. As he grabbed it and slowly like some battered old man stood up she started to his great shock to lecture him about his mistakes, openings in his stance and possible ways to improve this little faults.

And the worst was SHE was RIGHT…

When he listened to her calm observations that because he got too used to one way of fighting if something unusual happened – vide: this strange kick - he didn't know how to respond. While he still massaged his sore chest he saw other men advancing toward them.

Michael casually handed him his own blade already sheathed and didn't comment otherwise, silently gazing at the woman his lips twitching slightly at her accurate tirade.

Surprisingly Lucien too didn't say a word only listened to her expert tips frowning from time to time as if he tried to remember them.

As usual to old warriors came quarrelling.

"I never knew my Lena was so skilled, no one told me…" Eric muttered to himself slightly dazed expression on his face mixed with some considerable pride in his tone.

Suddenly as if some thought hit him he smirked at Patriarch "Ha! My daughter kicked your son's butt!"

Leone snorted in return "No, my GRANDDAUGHTER kicked my SON's butt."

Hearing that Aran scowled "You still on that? If you keep that illusion someone may question your reason in future. Aren't you too stubborn?"

The Leader of Leone chuckled as if he couldn't help himself "Look who is talking!"

Instead of getting angry Eric sighed with theatrical exasperation "Truly your old age had to make you senile at some point…"

Patriarch waved his pale hand dismissively "Whatever you say Sire, I don't care about your opinion anyway."

"…Stubborn mule…"

"…Obnoxious ox…"

"…Bird brain…"

"…Cunning fox…"

This time even though they STILL exchanged insults the atmosphere didn't become as strained as before. When they reached the group accompanied by Cid who picked up Ley's sheath, only to hear she lectured Shine about his fighting skills, both of them despite themselves grinned at each other.

"You don't plan to decapitate my son anymore?" old Leone inquired in slightly amused tone.

Lena broke her lecture and frowned in puzzlement "Huh? When did I ever said I want to kill him?"

The Patriarch shrugged "You called him out of the Palace in secretive manner away from the quarters of his people not informing his father and leader about it, in fact making sure he was preoccupied otherwise" he glanced at Cid who only arched a brow at him not even slightly ashamed of this little diversion and his input in it "and all that to fight with him in some secluded place. Anyone would conclude that you decided to vent your anger out on him for what my tribe caused to you."

Woman looked at him in disbelief "What would be the purpose in killing him? It's not like he did all this to me…"

"So why all of this?" the man gestured around them "What did you intend to do to him before we interrupted you?"

Lena cocked her head slightly "I don't know what are you asking me right now, Sire."

Leone folded his arms on his chest "I'm asking for what reason did you need him here."

Woman tilted her head to the other side "...To be my punching bag...?"

Seeing their baffled expressions she smirked "I'm well aware HE didn't do anything to me, it would be unfair of me to lash out my fear and frustration on him and to kill him in process. BUT. At the same time my constant growling at everybody who were worried about me and were just as scared as I was, too wasn't fair and for that alone I apologize."

Then she continued casually "Since the real culprit is out of my reach right now I didn't have anywhere to funnel my fears and frustration" she pointed her thumb at frowning Shine "He is the brother of HER, as you are the FATHER of hers, since I don't enjoy fighting - with all respect - the weaker, older men he was obvious target."

The Patriarch didn't know if he should be more amused or insulted by her evaluation.

"Besides" she ignored their stunned faces "I started to FEAR you as PEOPLE and that was just unacceptable. If I ever decide to stay in Kabul I can't possibly bear some aversion to one of my closest neighbours." She shrugged her shoulder "Since I'm person who rather faces her fears, that was the fastest way to clear the atmosphere for me and to get rid of this silly fear of mine. Anyway this blasted sword just wouldn't leave me alone." She glared at once again sheathed blade.

Men pondered in silence her words. In a way it had some twisted logic in it.

"Now what?" Shine voiced their thoughts.

Woman strode briskly with her pose relaxed not even single drop of sweat on her toward the Palace, as she glanced over her shoulder she snorted at their wary faces "Now we TALK."

As Lena entered the alcove still drying her hair with towel she immediately noticed Sean or more like his back turned to all present people.

"What's with him?" she asked little puzzled by his behaviour.

"He's sulking that he wasn't present during this duel of yours" Sharris commented while throwing the grape into her open mouth.

Hearing that woman frowned "But why? We only sparred a little?"

At that Laoud Prince couldn't help and with his back still to the room he grumbled "After hearing the impression of others who WERE present let me disagree!" finally he glanced over his shoulder with petulant scowl "It was ME who first saw you while fighting with those thugs in the tavern, and now I'm hearing that you did it once again! If you cut the fringe of Sir Shine it HAD to be good fight AND I wasn't there!" boy pouted.

The accusation clear in his voice almost made Lena snort but fortunately she stopped herself. While she walked by the place where Sean sat suddenly she threw her wet towel at his head. When he shrieked in protest and glared at her, she ruffled his hair and promised "Since it seems you will behave like resentful five-year-old-kid unless you will have the opportunity to see me fight, once we talk everything over I will take you sometime to the gardens for your 'training-of-knighthood', ok?"

As if someone cast the magical spell, frown left boy's face replaced by eager hope "Really-really? You give me your word?"

Ley scowled "I said so, didn't I?"

"Yahoo!" prince jumped and pumped his clenched fist in the air several times. When the silence finally got to him he glanced at other smirking men. Instead of becoming little ashamed he put his hands on his hips and snorted in their faces "Duh! Don't even try to tell me YOU wouldn't want to spar with Ley, because I will not believe a single word of that!"

Eric glanced at other warriors and smirked, indeed the kid was right, every single one of them was tormented with their curiosity.

Lena shook her head in disbelief "Seriously! Don't exaggerate, it was simple duel…"

"Keep telling yourself that and maybe you will believe it someday…" Lucien mumbled his voice loud and clear.

Ignoring his comment woman sat on the sofa beside Sharris "Let's begin" she crossed her legs and clasped her hands over her knee causing the men to blink slowly. Never before had they seen such pose, and even though she once again donned stubbornly male clothes the gesture alone was… feminine.

Unaware of the train of their thoughts woman continued "I don't believe in this idiotic version of Ariana – it's physically impossible to have two mothers, BUT! I do agree SHE did something to me, something which may be connected with Leone and their powers. Let's assume she somehow 'infected' me with the abilities of your tribe. The question is…" she leaned on the back of the sofa "what do I expect from now on?"

The Patriarch frowned "In normal situation our powers awaken during puberty. When it starts the individual has to go through initiation, but it's more cultural rite than true necessity" he waved his hand dismissively "after that the child is appointed to older guardian who teaches him the basic rules and laws."

"Once the young Leone passes the tests of knowledge, the true training begins."

"Could you elaborate more about that part, Sire?" Lena inquired "What do you mean by 'training'?"

This time it was Shine who answered her "Usually it's physical training combined with special tests which are supposed to strengthen your concentration and self-discipline." He shrugged "As for HOW it exactly looks like, well it depends purely on the guardian and his teaching techniques."

Woman frowned "As for physical tests I don't see much trouble, I'm well past puberty so it's not the issue here" she glanced curiously at old Leone "My mentors always said I lack patience, so here may be some problems in the future, and the initiation? Well, whatever you believe I AM NOT member of your tribe, so I don't see any point in it."

Patriarch leaned forward looking straight in her eyes "That isn't important. What IS important is for you to be honest with me right now... How did you feel once you entered this world? Were there any differences with acclimatization? Try to remember…"

Surprised by his strange question Lena frowned "I… noticed that my fighting style changed slightly…" she admitted hesitantly.

"How so?" man pursued.

Woman rubbed her temple looking for the best words "It was like… hm… When you go down the mountain to the meadow in lowlands you can feel as the pressure changes… you can breathe more freely since the air isn't so thin" she raised her eyes at him "It was as if I could finally breathe deeply, freely…"

"And how did it affect your fighting?"

"I became faster, as if some limitations from before were lifted" she arched her brow at him "Where does it leave us?"

Man blinked at her as if he woke up from intriguing dream "Leave us?" he asked in puzzlement "Nowhere, I suppose? It's all speculation so it would be too fast to judge yet. Anyway, tell me… Did anything out of ordinary happened around you?"

Ley cocked her head "You mean beside being thrown into another realm?" at his mute nod she glanced briefly at Sharris her sight stopping at Lucien who stared at her drinking her every word in strange focus.

Feeling slightly uncomfortable under his watchful stare she turned her eyes away staring though the window. How strange… the night is coming, I never noticed the time passed so fast.

Finally she turned her gaze at Leone and admitted reluctantly "Something did happen."

When he raised his brow in encouragement she sighed with exasperation and elaborated "Sometimes I was shown visions of the past, present or not so distant future, usually it was somehow connected with my person."

Shine straightened in his chair "Was it like Gideon's?"

Ley shuddered mockingly "No! God forbids! I said it WAS SHOWN to me, I suppose by Ariana. I never had them on my own, besides it were ONLY glimpses…"

"About what?" Lucien interrupted while crossing his arms on his chest defiantly "You accused me of entering your dream – ONCE AGAIN – unless you started fantasising about me – not that I mind that part – you had some vision in which I took part, am I correct?"

Trust him to remember THAT part…Lena cursed inwardly.

She soo wanted to leave this room right now.

Finally she forced herself to look at him "Indeed I had vision about you and it was long before we actually met in real life. I didn't know who you are or what is your name, I simply saw your face."

"That's all?" he narrowed his eyes "Nothing more happened?"

Suddenly the idea hit her – what if he too had the SAME vision she dreamed about? That would explain why he so stubbornly pursued this topic…

Despite her internal turmoil she managed to keep her voice calm and uninterested "That's true there was more… You weren't the only one who showed up in this vision" she glanced at Shine "Eleanor too appeared there" she returned with her gaze to Tamirian "She smiled at me and while giggling burbled something about possessing you and slit your throat all the while laughing maniacally."

Stunned people stared at her.

"You actually predicted that Eleanor will try to possess his Majesty and will probably end up killing him in the process?" Sean asked amazed.

Hearing that Lena grimaced "How many times do I have to say it was Ariana who sent those visions to me for you to remember?"

"You saw my death?" baffled Lucien asked and just as woman hoped he didn't ask about OTHER details.

"I didn't know who you were or her back then, it was my first vision, so at first I thought it was only a dream."

"First? So there were other… about what?" the Patriarch probed.

"The second one was during tournament – I didn't freeze because of fear in the beginning, that blasted ghost simply forced another vision on me, and seriously where is logic in that? During the slaughter? I was completely unaware of things that were happening around me until the glimpse ended. It was as if I was dreaming with my eyes wide open…" irritated woman grumbled.

"What did you see?" Shine tilted his head curiously.

Lena looked at him "I briefly met Marren."

"And the other times?" Eric asked worrying more and more by each second.

"The third was during the inspection of Queen's Guards. I did not drown back then, I do know how to swim otherwise I would think about other solution. Back then I didn't lose my consciousness, and it was more than vision."

Lena hesitated "That time strong current carried me away straight to some underground cave where I DID meet Marren in person. Later the same current brought me back near the ship but this time I was unconscious" she glanced at king of Tamir "It's thanks to King Lucien that I started breathing once again. After all this I thought it was one of this silly dreams except, when I opened my palm I still held something Marren gave to me."

The silence was deafening, only Sharris and Leone didn't seem too surprised.

"Was it the last vision?" Lucien rasped slightly panicked seeing this pattern – whenever those ghost interfered they left Ley completely vulnerable, the tournament, diving what else on earth?!

Lena turned toward Eric "I said that before, during the time Eleanor drugged me I had another vision, vision of the past events – of what truly happened back then – that's how I knew your name Sire and how I learnt about Ariana's real death."

"Child is that all? During your coma didn't you have any vision as you called them?" The Leader of Leone asked.

Woman frowned "The last thing I remember is as Ariana kissed my forehead, the next thing I'm standing on the surface of the Yucca River surrounded by transparent ghosts" she raised her eyes at older man "I don't remember anything from that period of time, even if there was some vision, I lost it."

"Don't be so sure of it, maybe later you will remember more, take it easy." Leone appeased her.

"What can I expect from now on?" Lena braced her elbows over her knees her finders entwined.

"The best solution would be for you to come back with us to Leone Territory…"

"Out of question." Lena and Eric said in unison.

Aran King looked at his daughter "I know MY reasons, but what are yours Lena?"

It was soo strange he was the only one who still called her that, the man from different world and yet he stubbornly refused to use her nickname.

"I haven't decided yet to take offer of Sir Wulf or not, but certainly I cannot leave Sevia right now. Uninvited guests started arriving, political situation is still chaotic, not to mention that I still have some things to do here, I can't leave all that and go back to Leone."

"Besides, with all due respect, I don't belong there, with my hair, complexion and colouring I simply don't fit there. Your people may be curious for now who am I, but I don't want to be constantly stared at like I'm some kind of rare creature – so I appreciate your invitation, but there has to be other way to solve this situation."

"My intelligent girl!" Eric muttered while observing with satisfaction slightly bitter expression of the Patriarch.

"What do I need to know about this abilities? What exactly Ariana gave to me?"

"I'm sorry but I do not know child. Unless your powers will manifest somehow when other factors won't interfere like the last time we will not know what we are dealing with…" Leone admitted reluctantly.

Lena slowly stood up and massaged her neck tiredly "It was a long day, we will talk about it more tomorrow, now let's go rest" she grimaced slightly "Besides I promised Sir Wulf to meet some guests in the afternoon so I will need all my strength to not to yawn in their faces once I hear their nonsense."

With that everyone slowly departed toward their rooms, and just as Lena expected – Maria was patiently waiting for her – I seemed that the woman didn't hit Shine hard enough if he so shamelessly kept sending her private 'babysitter'.