A/N: Best enjoyed when read from first chapter to this new update. ;) Suggestions for my loyal and wonderful readers.

Characters, Meanings, Inspirations:

Liam (LEE-UM)- "Unwavering protector": Endymion's Middle name.

Serenity (SER-IN-IT-EE)- "Peaceful, radiance" "Calmness, purity"

Marcus (MAR-CUS)- "God of War" (Inspiration: Darker Endymion)

Byron (BI-RON)- "Noble Warrior" (Inspiration: Kunzite)

Gaeth (GAY-TH)- "Intelligent, skillful" (Inspiration: Nephrite)

Alan (AL-ON)- "Peaceful" "handsome" (Inspiration: Jadeite)

Moira (MOY-RA)- "Benevolent one"

Helena (HEL-AY-NA)- "Highness, nobility" (Inspiration: Emerald)

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Chapter 5: Silver Scissors

Footsteps echoed through the opulent hall as five figures sprinted towards the unknown screams, paintings of past dynasties of the Irish people; lords and ladies shifting in position as the powerful rumbles of their steps flow past them.

Endymion concentrated on the screams as he neared his private wing, a lump forming in his dry throat. Assassins and looters roamed his thoughts, as images of Serenity's pale dead face came flashing threw his eyes.

Although he has yet to fully understand the woman-child that fate has placed in his path her knew one thing: the thought of her death mortified him absolutely.

"For the love of God man! When does this hall end?" Came Alan's gruff voice.

For a moment Endymion had forgotten he was followed by his brother and his entourage, all thundering down the hall.

Suddenly stopping, the men behind him caught themselves before flying into his back. Withstanding the force, Endymion stared at the hardwood door that separated him from his quarters.

It was Byron's inquisitive question that broke the awkward silence, "This is the place? Aren't ye goin' to open it?"

"He had better open it," Alan said just now catching up with the group, "I did not just run to the blasted moon for naught!"

Moving his hand, Endymion grasped the door's handle, created to resemble a vine of thorns, and turned it slowly; not knowing what to expect.

Making his way into the room with the others, they began to survey the scene looking for any occupants or peculiar matter.

What they found was unexpected and devastatingly surprising.

Serenity was grasping a silken throw that used to be situated on his bed, now around her upper body; covering everything from the top of her breasts to her knees, only showing her bare shoulders.

All the while holding Moira hostage with a pair of stainless steel scissors, now used as a weapon.

Moira turned to the group of intruders with wide, frightened eyes and ran behind Endymion; clasping the back of his shirt in her hands, "She's wild, that one!" Moira cried, "She was going to stab me!"

Endymion locked eyes with the blond combatant, eyes furrowed in deep confusion, "What in the blazes is going on here?" He muttered mostly to himself.

Serenity hesitantly stared at one man to the other, ending in a silent battle between her and Endymion, "I…" She started.

…'how could this have happened, he has caught me…will he send me back? But he was so much kinder than those other men…I have been so fortunate until this moment…'

Tears distorted her vision as images and scenarios of things he might do to her for her insolence flew past her mind, unconscious of the group's presence she wordlessly whimpered.

Byron and Gaeth looked at each other, not used to seeing women cry and uncomfortably made their way out the door; patting Marcus on the way out.

Marcus shook his head in his own efforts to conceal his scrutiny of the girl in front of him. She was definitely Irish by the fire that he'd first seen blaze in her eyes when they entered the room; such passionate features of a strong individual.

What also got his attention was the fact that she was nearly, if not naked, underneath that scrap of cloth she so desperately held onto. Creamy shoulders, pale with diminutive freckles that were so delicately spread across…

Yes, she was beautiful. But the reality of her being found in his brother's chambers obviously marked her as his. A slow smile graced his striking face, 'No challenge goes untested,' he thought.

Marcus started to make his way towards Endymion, who was holding Moira by the hands cajoling her to calm herself.

"War is triumphed over by swords brother, women are entirely different. See you at the hall in an hour," Marcus whispered in Endymion's ear before also departing the room, casting one last glance at the blond woman.

"So now, who will begin? Moira?" Endymion stated, finally addressing his servant.

Moira unattached herself from Endymion and stood a yard away, cautiously keeping her distance from Serenity, "I did as you asked," she began, "I came here to clean up the lass. That's when she attacked me and---"

"That is a lie! You tried to kill me!" Serenity interrupted, then looking straight into Endymion's eyes, "I was sleeping and when I opened my eyes she stood over me trying to cut me open!"

Moira's faced fumed a dark red, "Nay! I was trying to cut those rags off your body and let you sleep!- is this the thanks I get," the old woman huffed.

Endymion raised an eyebrow in Serenity's direction, "Well it seems their was a lack of communication between the both of you…" staring into Serenity's eyes, "you tried to kill my most trusted servant,"

Backing away in utter misery, Serenity stated, "I…what will you do?" dreading the answer almost as much as imagining the punishment.

"I should whip the both of you for keeping me while there are other matters more important at hand," letting out an exasperated sigh, he walked to the door before turning to address both women, "Moira you disobeyed my orders, I said to wake and bath her,"

"Yes, my lord"

Pointing at Serenity he continued, "And you keep away from sharp things,"

"Yes sir" Serenity said casting her head down.

"Well then, I see no point in punishing anyone. As far as I'm concerned leaving you together is punishment enough. Now excuse me, I have more…dire matters,"

Closing the door after him both correspondingly women relax; still eyeing each other in apprehension.

Upon reaching the door Endymion turned around with one final warning, laced with humor and admonition, "Behave,"
"Ay me! Did you see the legs on that one…Aphrodite take my mortal heart!" Alan declared as he dramatically fell into the mahogany sofa.

Byron shook his head, "Youth, 'can't believe I acted like the likes of you," Making their way back to the study had been quite difficult since none of them paid any attention on the way to the room.

Somehow the smell of liquor allowed Byron to lead them back, "Besides, didya see the way Endymion was starin' at the lass," he chuckled, "Someone's infatuated,"

Marcus twirling his own liquor glass stared at the ceiling before going over the counter to refill its content, "Well, with that beauty anyone male could get hot and bothered,"

Gaeth shook his head, "Not me thank you very much. Women who look like that always get you into trouble,"

"Amen to that brother," was the undivided reply.

"Amen to what?" Endymion inquired as he entered the library.

"Women and their madness, brother," Marcus stated, not bothering to look in his brother's direction.

Coming next to Endymion, Alan patted him on the back before grasping the bereft drink on the table and shoving it to him, "So, who's the beaut' in the room, Endy?"

Grumbling, Endymion downed the drink and tore away from the exultant lad, "The slave I bought in the auction tonight before you so gallantly interrupted,"

"Ah," Marcus remarked, "and did you…inspect her yet?"

"I think we all got to inspect her tonight!" Alan grinned.

Endymion glared.

Gaeth shook his head and looked towards the brooding Byron, "What's the matter? I haven't seen you this aloof since the transsexual in London,"

Moaning, Byron pointed out the only window in the study, "You have company, Endymion. White and red armored company,"

Furrowing his brow, Endymion turned to the window to see a British force of one legion; marching straight into his territory.

Taking the wine out of the glass container and pouring himself another drink, Alan gulped down its contents before mumbling, "The party has just begun, and I'm still not drunk. Brilliant,"
A/N: So very sorry for the wait, what can I say? Summer in Egypt makes a person lose all sight of technology, but is wonderful inspiration. Can anyone say…Arabian sunset?

Anyways, if anyone's still interested, you know where to clicky (and it means so much if you do!), if your not…--; (oiy). Might I suggest you look in my "Favorites" in my profile as a consolation?

NEXT CHAPTER(S) PREVIEW:

Endymion has to make an imperative decision, one that will later haunt him.
Marcus and Helena face off.
A new visitor will threaten the very life of Serenity…