--/Chapter 9/And So It Begins/--

Naiya was in a semi conscious state she could feel warmth next to her. She could feel cool air brushing against her back except her eyes wouldn't open. Elated by the fact that it wasn't time to wake up she snuggled closer to the warmth.

Coven woke when he realized there was something moving in his bed. He sat up, remembering the old dog on Boss' ship. That dog had always been wet, smelly and dirty. A slow smile crossed his face as he recognized Naiya's sleeping form. Slowly he laid back down, careful not to wake her up. She moved closer to him. Falling back into sleep he unconciously snuck his arm around her waist.

--/--

When they awoke it was dark. Reluctantly they walked down the halls to the kitchen. As they drew closer the yelling which had been backround noise. Sir Nealan and the Lady Yukimi were yelling at each other, something about Yukimi's improper relationship with someone called Dom. Naiya looked at Coven who shrugged. The crossed the kitchen and began raiding the pantry. Numair walked in, deep in conversation with Alanna and the king. They gave the feuding couple a bemeaused glance before tapping the mirror and asking for food. Naiya and Coven smiled and sat down at the end of the table and began eating. They looked up briefly as Yukimi threw a gold ring at Neal and stomped out. Sighing he also sat and ate.

Naiya looked up briefly as her and Covens names were mentioned at the head of the table. Yawning she grabbed a sandwich and walked back to bed.

--/--

Something was screeching. Naiya sat up and glared at the mirror. "What?" She demanded.

"The king wishes to see you." It said, smiling sweetly.

Naiya glared at it. "You have angered us." She muttered, still glaring. "We are trying to light you on fire with out mind." She said before getting up. Pulling a clean pair of clothes out of the wardrobe she walked out of her room. She could hear others moving about in their rooms but no one was in the hallway.

A council was taking place in the kitchen; everyone in the kitchen was frowning. Numair looked up at her. "Go get Coven, Naiya. We need you both." Naiya nodded and left.

Coven's door was locked. Shaking her head Naiya pulled a hairpin out of her hair and into the lock. Opening the door she opened it to find he wasn't there. Frowning she stepped into the room. Clothing, papers and other things were strewn about the room, like always. All of the books on one shelf were pulled out or lopsided. Sighing she began to straighten them. Pushing a book up straight the bookcase slid across the wall. Jumping back Naiya grinned, of course. Almost skipping up the stairs she grinned and snuck up behind him. Poking his sides she grinned as he turned around in surprise.

"Naiya! What of the gods-" He began.

"They need us in the kitchen." She said before turning and hoping back down the stairs before seeing his bewildered face. A few moments they arrived in the kitchen, their playful air dissipating in the sad air of the kitchen. Numair looked up in sadness.

"It's time. You must act now. They are heading to Corus. Do whatever you must." The king said bitterly. Coven and Naiya exchanged a knowing look and left.

"You know what we have to do right?" She asked as they walked towards his rooms.

"Hurricane." He whispered.

"Up and down the coast." She said as he nodded. Decidedly they climbed up behind his bookcase. Coven looked a little pale, Naiya laid a reassuring hand on his arm. "We can do this." She whispered encouragingly. Looking down at her, for she was quite short, he pulled her close.

"I know, I know, it's just-" He stumbled on his words. Trying to communicate his emotions.

"Nerve wracking." She supplied.

"Yeah."

--/--

It was decided, a small storm was coming at the Islanders from behind. Naiya and Coven were going to feed it energy while moving it to the southern most point of the Islanders attack, near the Tortal/Carthaki border. Then they would continue to drain energy from the ocean and send the murderous storm north along the border. Annihilating everything in its path.

Mean while Daine would be bargaining with the sea animals to overturn any remaining ships at the end of the storm.