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She took a long look in the mirror once more before heading out the door. When her friend had told her where they'd be going she was a bit uncertain on what attire to bring since she'd never been to one of these upscale places.

While her sisters were part of an illustrious industry she was not. Due to the age difference she had not been invited to certain promotion events and hadn't been allowed to attend clubs. She hadn't been invited to attend galas or other events so she really had no experience in dealing with people of the business trade. Her sisters had the chance to encounter executives whilst the only ones she knew consisted of her hostess and the pesky Richard Grayson.

She had no clue how today was going to go and was certain she'd embarrass not only herself but Rachel Roth and by extension the older woman's grandparents.

According to their granddaughter they'd insisted on seeing Terra and the girl was astounded. She hadn't thought she'd left such a memorable impression on the retired businessman and his wife. Then again the couple did mention how relaxed their relative was when they were together. They remarked on how they'd never seen their granddaughter appear so amiable.

Terra sighed. She knew her friend was waiting for her so she bid Luna goodbye and headed out the door. Each step grew heavier as anxiety and uncertainty weighed her path.

When she reached the bottom of the stairs she turned around and faced her hostess who had just come from her office. She blushed as their eyes met, knowing she was under the observant half demon's scrutiny. It wasn't that she was passing down judgment she was only making certain the attire would be fit for the event.

Terra had bought her clothes on her own without any knowledge of their activity. She didn't even know where they were going. The only thing the older woman said was to find something that was in between casual and formal before handing her credit card over to her guest. But judging by the older woman's attire and the pleased look in her eyes, the blonde knew what she had on was more than acceptable.

"Well," the older woman gestured to her attire. "How do I look?" she turned slowly, modeling her clothes.

She sported a red dress that stopped below the middle of her thighs. The dress hugged her form perfectly and was accessorized with a large black belt that enveloped the taller woman's waist. Her hair was tied with a red clip into a half pony tail and her usually black frames had been replaced to match her dress, purse, and wide heeled shoes.

"You look beautiful." Terra's eyes brightened with honesty.

"Thank you." slowly she approached the blonde, stopping when she was less than an arms-length away from the shorter woman's touch. "And you look absolutely…" she was at a loss for words.

The half elemental was sporting a white dress with the hem ceasing just before it reached her kneecaps. The dress wasn't as formfitting as her older counterpart. It hugged her upper torso but from below the light blue sash around her waist it flowed freely. The same couldn't be said for her hair which had been twisted and secured to her head.

"I haven't worn something like this since the first time I went shopping with Kori after I woke up." she disclosed nervously.

Her sister had dressed her in a get-up similar to this and remarked how adorable she looked. The red head had pretty much dressed her in things she considered only a child would be fit to wear.

"Perfectly stunning." Rachel Roth informed after fixing the girl's hat which matched her dress and wedge type heels.

Terra relaxed. This description was suitable for a young woman and not a kid. The last thing the blonde wanted was for her to be seen as a child not only by the Roth's but by the others.

"I wouldn't be so nervous if you'd told me where we're going." all she'd been told was that they were invited to an event.

She'd assumed there would be other people involved because of the description. The word event made one think of a gathering. If it had been something simple, like a lunch date, the older woman would have described it as such instead of being so cryptic.

The taller woman said nothing. She walked pass her guest with an amused grin before heading out the door. Terra shook her head as she followed her hostess and was surprised when the older woman hit the lobby button instead of the garage. The doors slid open and the blonde continued to follow the guised half demon.

She was a bit taken back when Rachel Roth entered the limousine which had been parked in front of the building. After she slid in the door was shut by the driver.

Knowing she'd never get the mysterious woman to answer her questions the whole ride was spent in silence as she thought about the importance of the people involved in said event. They had to be influential individuals if it warranted being dropped off by a stretch limousine.

The ride led them to the outskirts of the city. Once the car was in full stop and the door was opened by the valet and Rachel Roth took the first step out as she slid off the seat with a manner of elegance only the half demon could exude. She turned around and extended her hand out to Terra who took it rather apprehensively. Still, she trusted the older woman and knew she wouldn't steer her wrong. When she was pulled out of the limo she surveyed her surroundings.

She'd been taken to a country club of sorts. Bright blue eyes peered curiously at the older woman as her brow rose questioningly. From all the secrecy she suspected the worst. The half demon smirked.

"I love watching you squirm." the blonde sighed in mock exasperation.

"You certainly gather such amusement from my provocation." Terra replied with slight annoyance, remembering all those other instances the older woman attempted to sneak up on her as well as her teasing. "I was really worried." she wanted to make a good impression not because she cared what others thought but because she would hate it if Rachel Roth was judged through association.

"I apologize but I've missed seeing you in your apprehensive state." it had been a while since she'd seen her look so frazzled. "Your beauty never ceases to amaze me." Rachel continued to make the teen blush.

"You know usually I'd hug you to even out the score." Terra recalled.

"Hug away." the older woman smirked invitingly.

"It would hardly count as punishment." she bit back. "I miss those days when hugging you made you uneasy." the older woman had grown accustomed to her hold. "It was quick and easy." nowadays there was nothing she could do to even the score. "Perhaps I should simply withdraw bodily contact?" it wasn't a serious consideration.

"I'll make up for my conduct later." the half demon promised as they entered the club. "There's no need to punish us both for my delinquent behavior."

"Such conviction in your words." Terra realized it had been a while since they'd been able to quip so freely what with her secret love's jealousy weighing down her usually playful disposition. Her eyes scanned the area for a familiar face. She figured she'd play the one card she had left. "What makes you so sure I would mind?" she challenged before heading over to the married Roth couple.

Their conversation concerning the half demon's jealousy and their suitable partners had certainly allowed for a change in the pair's relationship though unlike Alice the older woman disliked games.

There were just certain things she had to do before she made her move but of course she was uncertain of the how. It wasn't that she was concocting some diabolical plan. It was just she knew certain precautions and evaluations had to be taken before she could exact to the next step.

"I'm glad you could make it." Ellara Roth remarked after enveloping the teen in a hug.

"I hope I'm dressed accordingly." the blonde remarked. "Rachel here had been incredibly secretive as to what we were all going to do today." she commented.

"You look perfect." Ellara Roth assured as she hooked her arm onto the blonde's elbow. The mature woman led the teen out into the estate. She continued to guide the petite toward the tented area to where the event was being held as her husband and granddaughter followed quietly. "Isn't it so lovely?" she pointed toward the fountain pen. "They just had this installed."

The two women continued on with their banter as they seated in front of the grasslands where the horses and their jockeys with clubs in their hands rested.

"Such secrecy over a polo match?" Terra's eyes looked questioningly.

She looked over at the youngest Roth who sat on her right. The eyes behind the glass frames shone with mischief. Terra looked around her surroundings, surveying not only the game with fascination.

They sat in the front row whilst behind them sat a few faces the blonde recognized mostly because they were in the covers of business magazines and the news. She was among the best in their trade. It occurred to her what huge responsibility the half demon inherited. Terra also realized that the older woman had to be truly influential to head a multibillion dollar company.

"I was worried you'd refuse once you found out you'd be watching rich business men prove their superiority outside of boardroom." she remarked. "To be fair the horses do most of the work." Rachel Roth added with her disdain for the sport evident in her tone.

"You know I can't say no to you Rae." she reminded.

"We're going to have to test that theory." the half demon whispered lowly so that only her blonde companion could hear the promise. Bright blue depths glimmered with fondness which caused Rachel to smile appreciatively. "Don't worry." she assured. "I can't say no to you either."

It was obvious, even to the human Roth's, that the game wasn't the event that held the spectator's interest but the two young women.

But the women paid no attention to the intruding gazes. Argus Roth stood still in his seat, looking calm and collected, but inside laid turmoil. His worries about having the teen attend their country club gathering were manifesting themselves to reality as the people around him continued to whisper.

"Terra you must be incredibly parched." Mrs. Roth advised. "Wait here while Argus and I get some punch."

"No that's fine." she scooted forward. "I'll get it myself." the blonde stood before Ellara could insist further. "Would anyone else care for some refreshments?" she asked politely and received a nod from three of her older counterparts.

"I'll help." Rachel volunteered.

"No." she rejected the half demon's offer as she looked at the woman's grandparents. This was an opportune moment for them to talk. "You stay," she gestured toward the older individuals. "I'm sure you have a lot to talk about."

The half demon nodded in understanding as she turned her head toward her maternal grandparents. Ellara Roth's eyes shone with such gratitude as she stared after the teenager. She then turned her focus on her granddaughter whose eyes twinkled with amusement and fondness. While she knew it wasn't directed toward her and her husband but toward her blonde counterpart, the wife of the retired business man smiled nonetheless.

It brought her happiness, knowing that her granddaughter wasn't opposed to familiarity like they had all thought. Now Ellara Roth felt like she was getting more of her daughter back.

They were so much alike yet different in so many aspects. The physical similarities were undeniable. Rachel was a splitting image of her mother. There wasn't a trace of her unknown father in her granddaughter's features. The only difference was their eyes. The color was similar but the youngest Roth's had always been cold whilst her daughter was reserved yes, but warm and inviting.

Unlike her mother she hadn't wanted to be understood. She didn't reject the affections of others in hopes they would try harder to connect. Rachel simply didn't want anything to do with others.

At least that's what they all thought until they saw her interact with the college student. And now Ellara Roth hoped their relationship could only progress, become stronger. Stronger than the one she shared with her daughter in their later years. She remembered the strain on their relations before her daughter disappeared.

"I think I'd better give Ms. Anders a hand." Argus took advantage of his wife's thoughtful state and excused himself.

"What is it?" Rachel Roth inquired as the older woman continued to gaze pensively her way as though she was chasing a memory. "Is there something troubling you?"

"I apologize but I can't help but remember your mother whenever you're around." she answered with a fond smile on her lips. "It doesn't mean that I'm unable to distinguish that you're an entirely different person." she assured letting the younger woman know she wasn't her mother's replacement.

"It can't be helped." the half demon remarked receptively. "Apart from the memories, I'm the only thing you have left of her." she understood.

"Look at me." she had unshed tears threatening to spill. "This isn't suitable outdoor conversation." Ellara Roth remembered her proper etiquette. "Why don't you tell me something about yourself." she suggested eagerly. "From what I understand you love to read." it was a recent discovery they made with Terra's assistance.

"It was the only thing I could do for amusement." she replied as the cautiously thought about the coming elaboration. "I wasn't allowed to play with others so I mostly entertained myself."

"You weren't allowed?" Ellara wanted further embellishment.

"Mother thought it best if I didn't interact too much with other children. The," she smiled softly. "Neighborhood, wasn't really friendly." well really it was the population of Azerath that weren't so cordial to the half demon. Rachel also failed to mention that it was for the others interest and not her own. "And I'd never been particularly fond of dolls so I was given books instead." there was an amused smirk on her face that appeased the older woman.

"You must have such a lonely childhood." the older woman observed.

"I did." she wasn't deceitful. "But my teenage years were quite eventful." she assured her grandmother. "Especially after I met Terra." and that wasn't a lie since everything which contributed excitement to her life occurred after the teen entered her life.

It was after she first met Terra that she met father whom she had to defeat. After him came feelings for a certain red headed Tamaranean princess. Then came the rejection and after that her human half began feeling for a certain ebony haired alien. Then there was the break-up but what really made the half demon's life agreeable was the awakening of the blonde.

"Your fondness for books brought you close together." Ellara Roth supplied.

"It wasn't only that." most of their conversations didn't consist of novels they'd read or movies they'd seen. "Not many can keep up with my wit." she smiled. "But Terra's always been able to converse with equal intelligence, even at such a young age."

"You think highly of her." the observation was made.

"She has always been by my side." that was true. "When I had no one she was there." she passed a look toward the blonde who could hear their conversation. Rachel knew she wasn't eavesdropping. With their superhuman hearing it couldn't be helped. "She's always accepted me despite my resistant nature."

"She cares a great deal for you then." Ellara Roth smiled fondly at the discovery.

She felt her granddaughter was in capable hands and that Terra would continue to contribute a positive influence on her usually unresponsive granddaughter. It was evident that this moment, Rachel sharing herself with her, would never have occurred if it weren't for the youngest Anders.

"I trust this is your first polo match?" Argus Roth inquired as he stopped beside the blonde who'd been filling cups with punch.

"Not really." she replied amiably. "But I was so young since the last time I saw a match," the teen remarked. "I'm afraid I'm at a loss on what the rules are but I do find the horses rather enjoyable to watch." the older gentleman nodded in understanding.

"It's similar to any other game." he informed. "There are two opposing teams trying to score by passing the ball through the opposing teams post." Argus continued as he eyed the young woman who had captured his granddaughter's attention. "But it's much more challenging than most sports." he added. "The player isn't only in charge of his actions but the horse's as well." the look in his eyes allowed the teen to know there was a reason, beyond wanting to offer his aid in bringing the refreshments, as to why he'd come. "It's a game of finesse, power, and control." Argus Roth paused. "Much like business."

"Is there a particular team you're interested in seeing win?" the older gentleman was rather wordy but as she remembered, this was the way of the aristocracy.

"Not particularly." he replied. "Ms. Anders," the blonde gave the retired businessman her full attention. "You're an intelligent woman." he began. "Kind, considerate, and it's no wonder why you've managed to befriend my granddaughter." Argus remarked. "My wife and I know about our granddaughter's preference toward the fairer sex." they had asked Piper to keep an eye on their granddaughter in hopes to discover what held her interest.

To say they were surprised was an understatement. He wanted to have a talk with his granddaughter after making this discovery but Ellara managed to convince him otherwise.

"And you hold no protests?" she hadn't really pegged them to be conservatives considering they hired a lesbian as vice president but neither did she expect them to give her friend their blessings. She glanced at the older man. A knowing smile graced her lips. "Your wife doesn't really mind but I take it you do?" she challenged the retired businessman.

"She just wants Rachel to be happy." was his soft reply.

It didn't matter to his wife. All she cared about was Rachel's happiness and she supposed she would still see great grandchildren in one form or another. Argus believed he didn't have to intervene since his granddaughter was incredibly discreet. As long as it didn't make the cover of the newspapers and their stocks didn't take a dive he would hold his tongue.

"And I suppose it doesn't matter to you as long as it doesn't interfere with your business?" Terra questioned.

"Certainty and bluntness are traits hardly ever seen in today's youth." remarked the oldest Roth. "I can see why Rachel is drawn to you." their world was filled with vapid individuals that seemed only capable of discussing the stock market or the latest fashions. "It's very difficult to find someone who can offer any sort of essence nowadays." he looked at her pointedly. "But I have to wonder if it's merely friendship you've been offering to Rachel." Terra kept a composed look on her face.

"Mr. Roth, I imagine it's a bit strange to find someone my age hanging around with an undoubtedly successful career woman like Rachel." she understood his point of view. "The press and your other associates would not take kindly on the prospect of your granddaughter dating a minor."

"I knew you'd see the predicament." Terra certainly was smart.

"Then as you also know," she continued. "There hasn't been a single leak to the press about her inclination towards the fairer sex as you've put it." the blonde paused. "Rachel has always been discreet about her life even from you." she reminded. "I'm certain she'll be able to continue to do as she pleases while putting the company's best interest in mind."

"Even so," Argus Roth looked around. "Your mere presence at the office aroused such commotion and it is no different here."

"What exactly do you want?" she asked. "For me to stay away from your granddaughter in order for your stocks not to drop?" there was no malice in her voice for she only wanted clarification and not an altercation. "I'm afraid it's up to Rachel to decide what she wants and frankly sir," her eyes shone not with defiance but consideration. "I'd like to remind you that you're in no position to ask anything from me." with that she turned around and headed back to the Roth women.

She flashed the half demon with a kind smile, allowing her to know that no harm had been done. Though the furious glint on those usually unfeeling depths told her there would be a coming dispute between the Roth's.

After the match they took Terra for a tour around the country club. They were on their way down toward the stables where the horses from the game were resting. Bright blue depths shone with excitement as she looked at the animals inside. She turned curiously at the youngest Roth, her eyes seeking permission to enter.

"Grandmother," the half demon stated. "Why don't you take Terra inside to meet our horses." she suggested.

The wife of the retired businessman eagerly pulled the blonde toward the stables, leaving her husband and granddaughter. Terra looked over her shoulder as she was guided further inside. She knew why her housemate did not volunteer herself and only hoped the half demon would take it easy on her grandpa.

"Shall we follow them?" Argus took one step forward only to find a hand on his shoulder impeding him from moving further.

"I don't appreciate your actions." this wasn't the time for subtlety. "I certainly don't appreciate your implications regarding how Terra's managed to capture my interest." it was a great insult to the teen for she was practically being called a whore.

"How…" he didn't know how his granddaughter could have possibly found out for they'd been together the entire time. The teen had no means of communicating with the youngest Roth. Ever the collected businessman Argus Roth composed himself as he stood straight in front of his kin. "I was only acting with the best interests in mind."

"The company's." he certainly wasn't acting to ensure her happiness. "I will only tell you this once." she warned. "You are never to degrade Terra and neither shall you question our affiliation." Rachel Roth finished before following inside.

Argus Roth froze in place. Cold blue eyes promised something which made death seem like a sweet release. Never in his years had he encountered someone, save his wife, who made him feel powerless. He hadn't been given an ultimatum but it had been implied. If he were to mess with whatever relations his granddaughter had with the college student he would lose Rachel.

"We have four horses in this stable." Ellara remarked. "Magnus, Caesar, Orion," she pointed at the horses respectively. "And this is Shadow." Ellara Roth introduced her to the black mare. "Arella's horse." she watched as the teen walked toward the animal, which Terra knew the half demon's late mother owned, with an outstretched hand but bright blue depths looked to the older woman for confirmation before making contact. "Beautiful isn't she?"

"Exquisite." though she couldn't say she expected any less from such wealthy individuals. "I saw no one like her out in the game." there were the typical brown horses, those with reddish mane, and a few grayish ones but not an all black steed.

"Arella fell in love with her right from the start." she noted, remembering her daughter's reaction upon seeing the mare.

"I can see why." it was a bit strange but there was something about this horse which exuded a sense of mystifying exuberance. Perhaps it was the way those onyx colored eyes shone with inflexibility. "She seems incredibly tenacious."

"She's a very tame horse but no one but my daughter has ridden her." she disclosed. "It isn't out of sentimentality." the older woman assured. "You can attempt to ride her but many jockeys have tried but she always manages to throw them off." Ellara smirked. "It's like she knows who her owner is." the sort of loyalty the horse had was certainly astounding. "I had hoped Rachel would take a liking to her as well but she doesn't seem to be fond of animals." she remarked sadly.

"I'm sure she'll come around." Terra assured.

"Speaking of coming around," the older woman remarked. "I must apologize for whatever my husband said." she stated with great disappointment.

She knew he'd taken advantage of the fact that she'd been too preoccupied with her thoughts. Ellara failed to stop her husband from voicing his unease. While she didn't know what exactly he had told the blonde, she knew her husband. While she was certain whatever was said was delivered with delicacy, she had heard the not so diplomatic version of her husband's disapproval.

Argus had basically called the teenager a gold digger. He'd accused the teen of being after the Roth influence at the very least. He believed strongly that Terra was using his granddaughter so that their company would hire her sisters for endorsement deals and some other nonsense. When she countered by reminding him that the girl had known their relative for years before they made the discovery of her existence he remarked that it was a convenient coincidence.

Their past only handed the teen and her family an advantage. He believed that his granddaughter's relations with the youngest Anders would undoubtedly end the empire that's been handed down their family through countless generations. Of course after meeting the kindhearted teen and seeing how they interacted, Ellara knew differently.

"There's really no need." Terra assured for she had heard the altercation between the retired businessman and his granddaughter. She was glad the half demon took it easy on him. "I understand why he did what he did." Terra assured.

"I also apologize for myself since I knew about his reservations." she admitted. "Yet I still insisted you be here." she'd put the teen in this position. "I asked him not to voice his opposition aloud but the man can be quite stubborn." her tone was indignant but it was accompanied with fondness and acceptance. "Unlike him I encourage whatever relationship you have with my granddaughter." she assured.

"However?" Terra knew this was too good to be true.

"There's no knowing how things will turn out." she remarked. "And you can only be patient with my granddaughter for so long." it was though she was insinuating that if things did not work out between the two it would be because of her granddaughter. "I hope you'll keep in touch regardless." the older woman was certainly fond of the teen. "I only wish that she'll take as good a care of you as you do with her." she didn't want such a loveable woman to be marred.

"I promise to do my best." Rachel Roth supplied as she entered the scene.

"I'll hold you to that Rachel." Ellara Roth looked incredibly serious. "And I apologize on your grandfather's behalf." she had noticed the murderous look in her granddaughter's eyes and guilty look on her husband's face and put two and two together. "Now, I suppose it's time I have a word with that stubborn oaf." she looked at the young darlings. "You can meet us at the veranda for dinner though I won't blame you of you don't come." Ellara remarked sadly before taking her leave.

She approached her husband who had been in a stupor since his encounter with his granddaughter. The woman had never been one for violence but she was beyond livid. She pushed her husband, causing him to stumble but not fall.

"What the hel…" he paused after seeing his wife's enraged state.

"How dare you?" she exclaimed. "I warned you to keep your musings to yourself." she pressed her finger against his chest accusingly. "And what did you do? You not only upset our only grandchild but her friend as well!" never in their 40 something years of marriage had he heard his wife yell or seen her so irate. "I already lost my daughter." she reminded. "I refuse to lose Rachel as well."

"Ellara…" he whispered as he held the distraught woman in his arms. "I'm sorry."

"She was just beginning to open up to us because of Terra!" she reminded. "And this is how you repay the girl's kindness? By showing her the door and making baseless accusations." the disappointment and distress flowed freely from the socialite. "I'm too tired and too old to care about what others think." she admitted, reading her husband's thoughts. No doubt he was about to tell her to calm down because they were out in public. "I thought you would be too." she pushed away from his touch. "I thought you'd be able to learn from your mistakes." a sob escaped. "I did."

"I'm sorry." he sounded much like a child instead of a renowned businessman. "I have made a mess of things." they'd made such progress with their granddaughter yet because of his worry over their business he'd destroyed their development.

"It's not me you should be apologizing to." Ellara said as she passed him, leaving a cold look before continuing on back to the club.

When Rachel volunteered to take over their company she was elated but concerned. It wasn't that she didn't trust her granddaughter. It was that she knew the toll it would take on Rachel. There was immeasurable pressure placed on those in charge of their family legacy.

She had told Argus before that she refused to drown Rachel with their expectations. That was how they lost Arella. They placed too much weight on her shoulders that she rejected their affections and rebelled.

Unknown to the old couple, their granddaughter had heard their entire conversation. Rachel Roth looked toward the open space, staring at nothing, trapped in her thoughts. Terra gazed with concern before her hand moved. She interlocked their fingers together as she brought the older woman into Shadow's stable.

The black mare gave a start when she saw her owner approach and the half demon smirked knowingly. Luna was the only animal that ever took a liking to her.

"I guess this means you've never ridden her before." Terra remarked in amusement. "Would you mind terribly if I did?" she had already gained the permission of the older Roth woman and wasn't surprised when she received a shake of the head. She gathered the harness and the saddle after calming the mare. The half demon watched with fascination as she secured them onto the animal with care. "All done." she patted the horse gently before proceeding to mount her.

"You certainly know your way around horses." Rachel Roth remarked curiously.

"I spent a lot of time with them as a child." Terra explained while the older woman opened the stable door. The blonde paused and extended her hand to Rachel Roth who looked at the horse.

"I'm not too sure that's advisable." the taller woman stated.

While she wasn't afraid of being thrown off she was a bit wary. There were far too many eyes observing her movement on these grounds and whilst they weren't around now, the cries of an alarmed horse may put them back on their track. She wanted nothing more than to have a quiet moment with the blonde whom she'd become attached with.

"She won't mind will you Shadow?" the half demon reached out and the horse stepped back. "It's okay." the blonde assured the horse by giving her neck a pat. "Come on." she took the older woman's hand and pulled her easily onto the horse.

Terra led the way out of the stables out into the open field. They rode in no particular direction while the blonde continued to hold the reins, completely aware of the warmth pressed against her back and the arms around her petite waist. They made their tracks in a slow unhurried pace both knowing explanations and apologies couldn't be rushed.

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I only have one thing to say... SORRY! I know I took forever to update. I think that if I didn't take so long to update people wouldn't be so upset that after 50+ chapters Terra and Raven haven't gotten together. I could be wrong...

Anyway, I apologize once more for the infrequency of my updates.