See first chapter for disclaimers/warnings/summaries. NOTE: This is another monster chapter with a lot of quick scene skips. The main people to worry about: Bahn, Harry, Shayla and Quinn. Happy birthday to Cherri101. Remember to read slowly.

RECAP: . Bahn Deveraine and his Circle spend the day at the beach outside of the guesthouse, befriending Harry, Charlie and Theo. All is well until Bahn's Alpha, Delani teleports into the beach with some troubling news. Harry's empathic gifts show themselves for the first time and he struggles to control them until things die down a bit. The Gheyos, Ilsa, Greta, etc, 'port in at the end of the afternoon. In the meantime, Quinn has survived a scolding from his his Sire, Patrick (Kalzik Beta) for his recent actions at the clinic.

NEVARAH : ILSA'S GUEST HOUSE : DEVERAINE PROPERTY : BEACHSIDE

The young man who had ridden in on Ilsa's shoulder was now familiar as well to both Charlie and Harry. They recognized him as the young man from the Clinic accident who had come running in, bearing the warning for little Meg's approach. Up close, there was a cheerful expression on his face and a warmth in the magic that flickered visibly around him.

Ariki.

He was obviously very happy to be in the company of his mother if there was anything to be said about the fond smiles exchanged as Ilsa send him off with a smack to the shoulder that he half-heartedly dodged. A wide grin was plastered on his face as he trotted towards the towel square on the sand.

"Dera!" Ariki called out. He threaded his arm through the bucket handles and met an approaching Bahn with a one-armed hug and a kiss to the upturned cheek of the Deveraine Submissive. He finished the rest of the greeting in Elvish and ducked his head to nuzzle his Dera's neck.

"Ari!" Bahn greeted. He hugged his son and reached a hand up to ruffle the honey-blond curls. His fingers curled through the clean hair and held the young man's face to his neck a moment longer than needed, knowing that his scent would further relax any lingering tension of returning home after the long week. "You are well?" He released his grip on the soft curls and returned the kiss to the cheek, rubbing gently along the back of Ariki's neck. "Today you will eat, sleep and play." He instructed. "You've had a horrible week and I fully intend to spoil you to make up for it."

There was a contented hum in answer and Ariki released a soft sigh. "I would like that, Dera." He murmured, softly. "It was a very long week." He smiled. "Greta's been spoiling me the entire way. I've missed her. Missed Mum. I'm glad they're back."

Bahn's smile softened. "Good." He patted one muscled shoulder. "I think we'll all be glad they're back, once we readjust to them." He then turned an interested glance to the cold buckets. "I see your mother was successful."

Ariki snickered. "She whined about it the whole way." He stage-whispered. "Your ears will bleed when she finally unleashes her temper. She's been holding back the entire morning."

"Shut your mouth, you ridiculous brat." Ilsa grumbled. Irritation was written all over her, but she flicked her fingers and presented a tower of the small buckets, condensation dripping from them. "Your cravings, your highness." She said, sarcastically. "I sincerely hope you did not summon me here directly because you were tired of waiting, because the realm does not appear to be ending at this precise moment." She sniffed. "Do enjoy, because it will not happen again. The next time I have to stand in line for nearly three and a half-hours for one of your ridiculous-"

Bahn flashed a dazzling smile that shut them all up for a moment as he half-tackled the fuming Gheyo into an awkward hug. It ended with Ilsa sitting on the ground, her arms curved protectively around him, while he wriggled comfortably on her lap. She blinked up at his earnest face in complete surprise. "I still want it. I really like it. Thank you." He kissed her cheek before he smiled up at the tower of little buckets. "I am very happy." He kissed her again, this time on the lips with a little more force behind it, apparently enjoying her look of surprise. His brow furrowed. "Do I have to share?"

"I certainly hope so." Alma stared at him, incredulously. Her earlier distress apparently temporarily forgotten at the prospect of a sugary treat. She did not give Ilsa a chance to answer. "You couldn't possibly eat all of that, someone tell him!"

"Could too." Bahn snorted. "I have a craving. Cravings are meant to be indulged." He informed them, primly. "This is hardly enough for one. You lot are not allowed to have ideas."

"Someone smack him." Takar rolled his eyes as he eased Soula to an empty spot amongst the still spell-sleeping children. "I want some too, there is more than enough for everyone to have seconds and thirds. You have to share, Bahn." The Beta's words were a near plea. "Did you bring toppings, Ilsa? It's been years since I had that and toppings."

"Greedy." Bahn informed them, but he was teasing, the weariness in his eyes framed by the temporary happiness. "And what toppings? You shouldn't ruin something this good by putting things on it."

"There's nothing wrong with fudge sauce." Takar defended. "It enhances the flavor."

"The flavor of what?" Bahn threw back. "It's perfect on its own. Toppings detract from a singularly exquisite culinary experience."

Ilsa perked a brow, easily ignoring the rest of the banter. "Do I want to know why my daughter has been spelled to sleep?" Her sharp golden eyes had tracked Takar's every movement as he eased Soula down onto the soft beach towels. Ilsa subtly brushed her golden threads of magic against Bahn, automatically channeling a touch towards the pregnant swell of his stomach.

"I was not." Dahlia protested. She drew near with one end of the Pavilion balanced on her shoulder and the other end on Greta's. "I'm wide awake! Put it here, Mum?"

"Anywhere you like," Greta's reply floated over. "Bahn, my dearest heart, where do you want it?"

"Most likely not." Alma answered, she looked down at the short Gheyo for a moment. "She was being a brat." The two women stared at each other and then Alma gave a stiff nod as Ilsa lowered her gaze. "Bowls then?"

"And a scoop and spoons. I'll serve it." Bahn reminded. "Ever had it, Harry?" He gestured towards the little bucket tower. "It's fruit sorbet. You'll like it. It's quite tasty. Hits the spot perfectly on a day like today."

"A very rare fruit sorbet." Ilsa griped. "One that requires the kind of humiliation that I will never ever subject myself to again under pain of-"

"Oh hush." Bahn held a hand out, accepting Ariki's hand up, before turning to offer one to Ilsa in turn. "Was it really so horrible to use your name for a good cause?"

"Because I didn't want to stand in line like a normal-?" Ilsa began.

"Because you are kind and generous and wonderful and do not wish to see me suffer unduly from a raging sweet tooth?" Bahn said, innocently. His hand remained in hers, their fingers intertwined.

Golden eyes narrowed to half-points. "I will skin you alive and feed you to-"

"Lies." He sniffed, imperiously. "All lies. I know fully well that you've already fed that monster of yours. It won't be hungry until next week. You can feed me to it then." He turned with a flip of his hair. "As long as the teeth are well sharpened, though on second thought, you can feed Soula to it instead, she's been snapping at heads all day. I spelled her to sleep. She's all yours when she wakes. Now, be nice and say hello to our guests and Lani."

"I'm always nice." Ilsa grumbled. "If I wasn't being nice I wouldn't be here. They all know who I am, why do I have to-"

Bahn threw a warning glance over his shoulder. "Nice, Ilsa." He said, meaningfully. "Callistair will be here in a moment and I will not have you two at each other's throats."

Ilsa opened her mouth.

Bahn squeezed her hand, deliberately.

Her mouth snapped shut with an audible click. She scowled.

Bahn smiled, serenely, even as his Pareya seemed to finally relax, the last of the tension bleeding out into nothing. Whatever Ilsa might have done had been effectively diffused by her Submissive's intervention. If he asked, it was obvious that she would not refuse him after whatever had transpired between them. She turned away with something of a near pout on her face.

Harry stared at them all for a good long moment, having given up on understanding who was saying what and for what purpose. He was relieved to see the strained threads of normality as the formerly shaken dragels pulled themselves together with an ease that spoke of the years between them all. The relief that coursed through him was heady and potent, drawing a half-smile to the surface as he let Theo guide him forward to say hello to the newcomers.

"Bahn, dearest, light of my life and love of my heart." Greta's teasing voice rang out over the beach. She'd changed her swimming costume into a pair of baggy capris and a cropped tank when her eyes had landed on Theo and company. She greeted her Submissive with a very deliberate kiss, involving a significant amount of tongue and magic, before beaming down at him, when he stared up at her too dazed to react at first.

"You-you, Greta!" Bahn sputtered a moment later. His pale cheeks colored a beautiful red as he shoved ineffectually at her tight embrace, holding him close to her well-endowed bosom. "I-"

"You haven't seen me in ten years." Greta easily snuck in another, lighter, chaste kiss, her grip loosening, even as Bahn's tightened. "Surely you've missed me."

"I haven't missed your-" Bahn began, but stopped when his fingers brushed against her short cropped hair. "You cut your hair." His voice was soft and mildly questioning.

"It'd be suicide to have it long in there, you know that." Greta's embrace loosened and her arms fell to her sides in turn. She kissed his forehead and ran a hand over his head. "Might grow it back later if I feel like it. But just charm it to grow, if you need, I've grown used to it."

Bahn simply caught her face between his hands and held it steady so they could look at each other for a long, private moment. He then stood on tip-toe and stretched up. Greta half-smiled and bent down. Their foreheads touched and there was a pale shimmer of magic, before both dragels sighed.

This time, Bahn was the one to initiate the kiss and it was soft and tender, everything that needed to be said.

"Bahn?" Takar cleared his throat. "Not that I'm sure most of us don't mind the view, but-"

"Greta?" Nara appeared, cradling Camalis in her arms. "Oh, loveling." The endearment fell easily from her lips as her pale grey eyes roved over Greta's lean, toned frame. "You have new scars. Ach. Why do you have to collect so many of them?"

The Gheyo laughed, a rich, full sound. "I always have new scars, you idiot." She said, fondly. "And I do like them, it's proof that I am brilliant at what I do. Besides, I'm hoping the new ones look better than the last set. It was a bloody pain in the arse to have them heal up without leaving ridges."

"You look well and I am glad." Nara retorted. The two women half-embraced, careful not to squish Camalis between them. A light kiss to the cheek was exchanged and then Greta studied the white bundle in interest.

"Not yours, I take it?" She inquired. "Smells like Alma."

"It's Alma's." Bahn smiled. "His name is Camalis. He's seven months old. Looks just like her, doesn't he?"

Greta's soft violet eyes shimmered. "I'm happy." Her head snapped up, scanning the length of the beach. "though I worry at the fact that I do not see her here."

"Ten years?" Alma's voice was soft and pitched low. She stood behind Bu who had come to say hello as well. Her dark eyes bored directly into Greta's. Her hands quivered at her sides, fingers twitching.

Greta immediately jerked around at the sound of her voice. For a moment, no one dared to speak. Then Greta held her hands out, palm up. "Ita Etoya, Sister." She greeted.

Alma grasped her hands, a smile trembling at her lips. "Itae Etoyis, Sister." She returned.

They hugged each other fiercely, with no small amount of protective magic spiraling over them in quick, staccato bursts, checking to see how the other had been in the past decade. It was a hug that lasted far longer than a mere minute.

When they finally pulled apart, Alma was the first to speak. "I am glad you look well." She stroked a hand down one bared shoulder, showing off the collection of mating marks.

"I am glad to be well." Greta smiled. "And I see you've been busy." She gave a jerk of her head towards Nara and Camalis.

Alma snorted. "Not like you would've passed up the chance or the night." She snapped. A hint of pink colored her pale face. "Nara!" The Advisor wore a bemused smile as she handed over the babe to his mother.

Greta accepted the bundle thrust into her arms and allowed Alma to position her just so, in order to hold the youngest Deveraine. She didn't need to say anything. "He's adorable." Greta's violet eyes shimmered with mischief. "Just like you."

Alma sputtered for a moment, then snatched Baby Camalis back and kicked a spray of sand at her Bonded.

Greta laughed.

"Harry." Ilsa's warm voice spilled over him like liquid relief. He found himself hugged tight and kissed on the cheek in short order, the hug tight enough to squeeze the air out from him. He was too surprised and happy to react to that, because he certainly hadn't expected it in a million years. To top it all off, it felt so nice that he couldn't help half-hugging her back, before it was all over and his face warmed as the rest of him caught up to the action. "I am glad you are well. It is good to see you under better circumstances than usual." She released him, with another, gentle squeeze, before reaching for Theo.

"Oof." Theo grunted. "I don't think you're squeezing tight enough, Oretta." He said, mildly. "I can still speak." He winced when the embrace tightened a fraction more, but his lips were curving into something of a smile. He hugged her back with nearly equal force, happy to see her. "You took your time. We've been having quite a lot of fun without you."

"I'm allowed." The grumpy Gheyo muttered. "And it's far too hot to be having fun. A nap is fun. Running around and prancing in the sand is not."

"I don't prance!" Theo protested, more out of habit than actually realizing what he was protesting.

Ilsa perked a brow.

A faint pink flush colored Theo's pale cheeks. He looked away as she released him. "We were just playing a game of sorts. Or at least, I was." He shrugged. "Snack break?"

Ilsa hummed in answer, eyeing Charlie for a moment, before the redhead quirked a smile and stepped forward to be subjected to the same treatment.

Charlie relaxed into the fierce embrace, feeling the last bit of his worry melting away. He'd been a touch on edge since the drama with Bahn and Alma, but knowing that Ilsa was here now and firmly on their side, helped to ease his instinctual worries. Whatever would happen or could, Ilsa was Theo's and she would look after them all—even among her own Circle. He found himself hoping and wondering if he'd ever find himself with a mentor who would do the same for him. He looked over at Theo for a moment, unable to keep the longing from showing in his face. He was surprised to see Theo blush in answer and offer a half-smile, much like the ones he would often give to Harry.

Ilsa released him with a light butt of her head to his chin. "It took you long enough." She tapped the bonded necklace, lightly. Her golden eyes skittered over the scales, noting that Charlie had two—but that they were both Harry's.

Her eyes narrowed faintly and shifted to drill into Theo. He studiously avoided her visual reprimand and fussed over Harry, his cheeks sporting a pale pink flush. She silently made a note to rectify it before the night was over, if only for Harry's sake. The young man didn't need to be starting his Circle on nervous tip-toing around each other and with the amount of magic shared between them, they'd suffer if it wasn't handled soon. She'd hammer it out of all of them, if need be. "If your stomachs can wait for a bit, may I introduce my children?" She switched subjects easily, clicking her fingers together.

The sound had the effect of both of her awake children immediately turning to face her. They made their way over, their hands now empty from whatever they'd been carrying.

"Mum." Ariki moved in to brace against her side.

"Mother." Dahlia came around Ilsa's other side.

Both young dragels looked at her expectantly.

"Theo, this is my son, Ariki. My second oldest. Ariki, this is my apprentice, Theodore." She inclined her head, formally. "His Submissive Harry and their Beta, Charlie. Say hello."

"Charlie?" Ariki tested the name, stepping forward. "And Theo." He bowed formally, hand at the waist, arm at his side. There was a spark of interest in his warm brown eyes. "You were at the clinic that day, weren't you?" He straightened with a smile. "Ariki Deveraine, I am quite pleased to make your acquaintance. Mum has spoken much of you. I am glad to put a name to the face." His gaze settled on Harry. "And Harry," he murmured. "It is a pleasure."

"Indeed." Theo immediately sketched the answering bow, stepping forward before Charlie and Harry. It was both his duty and his right to complete the formal introductions. He knew what his Oretta was doing and was grateful for the connection. "I have heard very little of you, I am afraid, so please excuse my ignorance."

"There is nothing to be excused," Ariki said, cheerfully. "I am glad you are joining us this afternoon." He looked to Charlie again. "I'm told you helped little Meg—thank you for that. She is a charming little girl and did not deserve any of that."

Charlie felt himself warming up at once to the cheerful young Beta. Like with Takar, he found himself relaxed and curious in the same breath, wondering internally if it was a Beta-thing. He'd have to ask someone sometime, maybe Theo, later, if he could. "It wasn't anything." He said, modestly.

"On the contrary. I was one of her flight instructors at the ranges." He rubbed the back of his head. "She's a fun little thing. I work with her on a weekly basis. I didn't know what to do when the possession took place." He smiled. "It was so unexpected and it could have ended quite horribly for her. I'm glad it didn't. Very glad you were there to help. I feel as if I owe you somehow because she is like a little sister." He thought for a moment. "On second thought, I can actually fix that. Do stop by the ranges sometime—all of you. It would be very nice."

"Ranges?" Harry perked up.

"Mmhm." Ariki's eyes sparkled. "Anytime you like after lunch, that's when my shift is in play. Ask for me and we'll have some fun. I have clearance for all heights." He grinned. "And it's a lovely view up there. Consider it my thanks." He waved a hand, dismissively, when it seemed like the redhead might protest. "I am more than happy to, honestly. I'll expect to see you, so please do come."

"Ariki-!" Bahn's voice floated over. "I need you to help with the Pavilion, please. Greta, love, could you wait until he's here? It'd be easier to do it with more than two pairs of hands and a…"

"Coming, Dera." Ariki turned away, he flashed a smile. "It was nice to meet you."

"And this is my oldest, Dahlia." Ilsa nudged her daughter forward. She would have to introduce her missing one, Soula, later. Much later, if the fact that said daughter had been spelled to sleep had anything to do with anything. "Dahlia, say hello."

The pretty young Gheyo stepped forward at the prompt. "Harry?" Dahlia stared at him in disbelief. "My word," She murmured. "It is you, isn't it? I didn't think it was. By Arielle's fangs, how are you? Are you alright? If you don't mind my asking, I didn't realize you were the Harry that Dera was talking about. I am very glad to see you in such good health." She gestured towards his faintly flushed appearance under the warmth of the sun and the present light in his clear, emerald eyes. He looked much better on the beachside than he had in the clinic, so long ago.

"Dahlia, right?" Theo checked, extending a hand. "I had no idea you were Oretta's." He was quick to offer a hand instead of a formal bow. It was her, for sure, the long, angry scar that slashed from face to hip was now in full, plain view.

The Gheyo laughed in answer, shaking the hand warmly. "Yes, you did. I noticed your scent check, there must be something of Mother on me or in me, because you relaxed when I asked you to leave the room. Most Alphas decide they want to behead me at that point. That was a rather impressive moment of self-control. I am glad to meet you under less stressful circumstances." She smiled. "There is something of Mother on you, because I did not really want to fight you."

"Thank Arielle for instincts, then." Theo returned, all smooth pureblood and well-bred wizard. "The feeling was mutual. Are you alright? You were absent yesterday, if I am not ah, prying. Do forgive me." The last phrase was all Alpha-dragel.

Harry felt a rush of warm wash over him as he witnessed the exchange. An inexplicable feeling of pride welled over at the thought that his Alpha was so very well put together.

"Hmm? Oh." Dahlia blushed, faintly. "No, that's quite fine. I am alright. It was an inner circle matter. Nothing to worry over. Wik said he looked after you for the appointment. I trust he was satisfactory?" She threw a glance over one shoulder, noting that her mother had wandered off, apparently satisfied with their interaction.

"He did." Charlie chimed in. "and yes, he was very helpful."

"Very." Harry heard himself adding. He thought of the dark, nearly silent Gheyo and found his thoughts turning in decidedly more interesting channels that brought a blush to his face. His mind caught up to instinct and Harry immediately squelched that train of thought. He was not interested in hunting for more Bonded at the moment. His conscience prickled, remembering Bahn's earlier vehemence on the subject and the reality of last night. He frowned inwardly. He was adjusting to Charlie and Theo already, for Merlin's sake, he didn't want to deal with a whole 'nother slew of drama.

The realistic addition of another Bonded would bring about another adjustment period for all of them and Harry had just begun to settle down from Charlie fitting into the mix. Not that it had been such a hard stretch for Charlie, but he remembered the fight at the Burrow, Ilsa unsealing Charlie and then the mock-fight. Yes, that had certainly shaken the foundations of his new Circle. But even as he argued with himself, Harry felt the new, empty space within, aching softly to be filled. His wizard mind was most likely the culprit, lurking in the background and trying to remind him of the old way of thinking. His inner dragel was curious and interested at the thought of having another Bonded to care for and be cared for by. He bit his lip. He wouldn't be able to ignore it. He'd just have to trust his instincts.

Theo shifted closer, his hand reaching out to catch Harry's, tangling their fingers together. He squeezed softly as if understanding what was coursing through his head. "Wikhn was very kind." He said, calmly. "I believe he helped me considerably, due to my own foolishness." His lips twitched in a smile.

Harry felt a trickle of relief run through him. Theo knew him well. He was grateful for the physical reassurance, something that came through when Charlie leaned over to brace an arm on his shoulder, a nearly teasing glint in his blue eyes. Harry leaned against him in retaliation, but found himself smiling. The thought of adding another Bonded to the little trio ached somewhat less when he thought of it in terms of another talented dragel to love and share amongst them. Perhaps it was the same for Theo and Charlie as well. He'd have to ask, soon. He would never think to bring in another Bonded without their consent. His inner dragel stretched and purred at that, settling down and taking the instinctual itch with it.

"So he said." Dahlia smiled, a genuine expression of warmth and understanding. "And we all have our moments. Arielle, knows I certainly have. On that note, I am glad you are doing better as well." She turned. "Wikhn, Mimei!" She called over her shoulder. "Come and say hello!"

Harry perked up at that, wondering how they would react. Dahlia's reaction had been mild and she'd obviously welcomed them warmly, startled, but pleased to know that her mother was Theo's mentor. He was glad for that. "Just Wikhn and Mimei?" He asked, softly. He thought of Kyle and Quinn, wondering if it was normal for Healer teams to be separated.

Dahlia chuckled. "I don't actually belong at the clinic." She explained, guessing correctly at his puzzlement. "My circle head is upset with me, so I am on punishment detail, which actually entails working at a clinic or inner city dispatch to handle domestic issues between other creatures. I've only been working with Kyle and Quinn for a few weeks. I am hoping the ban will be lifted soon. I miss regular patrols and it really wasn't fair of me to drag them along for the ride." She waved towards the approaching duo. "Wikhn is my King and Mimei is my Queen. We operate as a military triad inside of the military circle of Lady Paielda. They are my right and left hands, respectively. I am Ace."

The two younger Gheyos came towards them within seconds, taking up flanking positions beside their Ace, Dahlia. Wikhn's pale pink eyes flickered over them interestedly and Mimei affected her usual look of perpetual boredom. They both braced on Dahlia with one arm propped up on her shoulders, as they were all roughly the same height. Wikhn on the right, Mimei on the left.

"What's it?" The blonde tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She seemed more relaxed now and surprisingly was not chewing her usual gob of gum or jerky. There was a look of boredom in her face, but she didn't seem to be really irritated.

"What is it?" Wikhn corrected quietly, beneath his breath.

Harry's emerald eyes flickered towards him at the whispered words.

"Theo, Charlie and Harry, from the clinic. You remember them, yes?" Dahlia shrugged out from the bracing arms. "I am not a doorpost." She groused. "Keep your elbows to yourself. Be polite and say hello."

"Hello to Theo, Charlie and Harry." Mimei rattled off in her trademark bored voice. She affected something that could have been a curtsy. "Fine. I'll keep my elbows, thank you very much. Now that I've been properly shown off, can I go now?"

"May I?" Wikhn corrected with a roll of his eyes. "There's hardly anything to be shown off of you." He dodged the slap that Mimei aimed at him for correcting her grammar.

"Wanker." The blonde made a face, snapping one hand out in a punch with significant force. "You're hardly one to talk."

Wikhn merely grunted, absorbing the impact as if it were an everyday occurrence. From the expression on his face, it seemed quite likely. "And my eyes change color." The dark fae sniped. "Yours stay the same, just like a certain-!"

"Don't you dare!" Mimei shrieked. Her lethargy melted away as her entire being became animated, a faint flicker of magic swirled around her at the draw of heightened emotions. "That was once. Once. I had no control over-!"

"What are you, five?" Dahlia snapped back. Her tone shifted at once, belying her authority as Gheyo Ace among the two. "Behave!" Her brow furrowed. "Both of you!" She added, quickly, when they appeared as if they were about to point fingers.

Mimei rolled her eyes and looked away, deliberately turning her back to the dark fae.

In turn, Wikhn ignored her right back, his Ace included, as he focused on the trio of Harry and company. He bowed his head, lightly in greeting. He knew just how far he could push Dahlia and most of the time, he didn't really need to, unless of course, he was bored. The beach party seemed as if it would be fun, as long as he could find something interesting to do. "Good afternoon to you and yours. Theo, Charlie and Harry." He recited obediently.

Mimei rolled her eyes and Dahlia smacked a hand at her forehead.

Wikhn ignored the theatrics, instead turning to Dahlia, expectant. "Can we play? Are we playing? I want to. It looks like fun."

Dahlia perked up. She had been looking forward to an evening of relaxation and stimulation, but her mother had seemed worried when Bahn had sent summons. So far, she'd yet to see anything amiss, but perhaps she'd missed it somewhere. Games would be welcome in helping to burn off excess energy and provide a suitable distraction for her fellow subordinates. "Fun?" She repeated.

"Please and thank you with promises to behave for the rest of the week?" Wikhn asked, hopefully. He did want this, if only for the fact that Dahlia was reluctant to grant it.

His Ace snorted. "Are you insane?" But her lips twitched as if to smile. The promise could be accepted and she would hold him to it, if need be. An Ace's duty was to look out for those under their command, including, but not limited to, their dietary needs, physical exercise and magical training. She'd had Wikhn and Mimei for a good three years. They were nearly her shadows now.

"No. Maybe. Perhaps just a little." Wikhn amended. "Your Mums are going to play. They're playing over there," he jerked a thumb. "I think there's two teams. Could we? I want to be on your team. Yours and your Mums'. It really does look like fun."

"You're horrible, both of you." Dahlia chided, but there was amusement behind her words. She shook her head, turning to Theo and company. "Please ignore their atrocious manners, I assure you I have imparted them with far superior skills for first impressions. They've simply been indoors for far too long."

"You're just showing us off now because you can. We already did a first impression." Mimei wrinkled her pert nose. "At the Clinic, that counts, didn't it?"

"Doesn't it." Wikhn muttered again, as if he couldn't help correcting the last word.

"If I want to show you off, that's my prerogative." Dahlia scolded, lightly. "Present." She snapped, faintly annoyed at the challenge to her authority, no matter how inconsequential.

Mimei straightened at once, heels clicking together, arms at her side, chin and chest lifted. Wikhn perked a brow, but straightened obligingly. His posture shifted from lightly on guard to formal and at attention. His pink eyes darkened faintly, but his lips pressed together tightly as he locked his hands behind his back and stood with his feet apart. The positions were different for them in respect.

Dahlia's sharp violet eyes sparked faintly. She ignored Theo and the others for a moment, turning to focus her full attention on the pair. After a long, silent moment. She inclined her head, feeling she'd made her point. "At ease."

Mimei huffed, relaxing at once. She rolled one shoulder back and elbowed Wikhn.

He dodged away from the jab and wrinkled his nose, the earlier thread of mischief coming up again. "Play, Dahlia?" He wheedled, the moment of seriousness already passed. "I really want to. Don't we, Mei?"

"We?" Mimei perked up, she looked to Dahlia, apparently realizing that the 'we' included all three of them. Their triad had been a bit out of sorts lately, since shifting to the clinic and consequently being set to work individually. She'd missed her Ace as much, if not more, than Wikhn had. Desk duty was a lonely and troublesome job. She nodded, quickly at Wikhn's prompting. She'd been hoping there would be something fun and interesting apart from babysitting or eating a picnic lunch, as they often ended up doing.

Wikhn grinned, the smile transforming his grim face. "They're choosing teams and I don't want to be on the one that doesn't have your-"

"Oh fine." The brunette rolled her eyes. "We'll play. We'll all play. Go choose a team." Dahlia waved them off with a look of fond exasperation. "Really, you two!"

Wikhn gave a little bounce and hugged her from behind, bending his head to nuzzle playfully along her bared shoulders. Dahlia thunked her head backwards to thump him, their dark hair mingling easily. His faintly red-tinted eyes lightened to a very pale pink as he threw a quick-fingered wave at Harry and the others, before bolting off across the sandy beach with Mimei at his heels. The blonde gave a short nod, before charging after her friend and fellow Gheyo.

"I swear by Arielle's soul, that I have trained them better than that." Dahlia said, affectionately. She watched them run off with a shake of her head. "Don't mind them, they're really quite nice—especially when we're off duty. Rest assured that what happens at the Clinic, stays there. Will you join us for the game? It's loads of fun and with Mum here, it's bound to be wonderful!"

Theo looked at Harry, then Charlie. His Beta was alight with curiosity and his Submissive was cautiously interested. He grinned. "Why not? Your team?"

Harry found himself smiling and almost laughing as he let Theo pull him along the beach with Charlie jogging after them. Both his Alpha and Beta were sharing looks of mischief and fondness between them. It was hard to be anything other than charmed when they turned those eyes and lips on him. Harry sniggered. It was time to have some fun!

"Soula?" Ilsa woke her daughter with the touch of a spell. She was prepared inside and out for anything other than the way her youngest daughter all but flew into her arms.

"Mum!" Came the nearly muffled, clearly plaintive wail. Hands opened and closed, trying but failing to grasp something to hold onto. Dark eyes had filled with tears almost at once, the earlier attitude having melted away.

"Hey, hey, shhh." Ilsa soothed, automatically. She hugged her baby girl close and settled down on her knees, knowing, instinctively that she would be needed for a little while. "What happened, loveling?"

Soula sniffled in answer and simply clung to her. She didn't want to talk about it right now. Maybe later, but not now. Now, she wanted a hug and a cuddle and feel loved, not necessarily in that order.

Ilsa didn't complain. She simply tightened her embrace and buried her face in the straight, sweet-smelling head of hair. Whatever it was, Soula would tell her, if given the chance. She could wait until then, no matter what it was. The only time her youngest was ever this distraught was when it had something to do with her father, Bhindi, Ithycar or her best friend, Shayla Imaldis. Ilsa would just have to wait it out and see which it was.

She was sure to be treated to a spectacular temper tantrum at one point too, if the current half-hysterics were anything to judge by. Soula only ever worked herself up to this particular state when she was too frustrated to process her feelings and emotions in relation to something specific. Ilsa could make an educated guess that the Hunting Season was a prime factor, but why, was a different story.

No matter. She would wait. She certainly had nowhere else to be.

Callistair turned out to be a distinguished older man with salt-and-pepper hair, and a fine, thin nose. He had two braids that were shoulder length and the rest of his hair was neatly cropped short. He was not dressed for the beach, but rather in dressy, silver robes that were charmed to keep the sand and other dirt off. He walked with ceremony and his eyes were a familiar shade of blue-grey. In his hand were several unshrunken bags bearing meats, dishes and cooking utensils. He handed them over to a handy Alma, who immediately found him a spot to sit and a fresh bowl of the sorbet.

In light of his arrival, the game was promptly postponed in the second half, to be continued until after the meal.

Harry had found the game to be quite fun and definitely something of a bonding experience. Theo knew the rules and the game. Charlie was learning just like him. But together, on Ilsa and Greta's team, with her children and Dahlia's friends, they managed to play a decent half. It was the most fun he'd had in ages. It vaguely reminded him of the adrenaline high that would come from playing Quidditch.

This game required them to jump, leap and twist, aided by their magic. As half of them were air or earth elementals, it meant temporary pillars of sand boosting them up into the sky or gusts of wind carrying them high enough to keep five different colored discs swirling through the air.

Very fun.

Harry had played and enjoyed himself. He'd only been distracted when his stomach had growled and Ilsa had heard. She'd immediately called the game to a halt and cited Harry for the reason. He'd been embarrassed to find himself the object of everyone's eyes, until he realized the reason behind it. He was a perfectly acceptable reason for the game to be put on hold. A Submissive's needs came before anything else in a Circle, even among strangers. The rest of Bahn's bonded hadn't even protested, in fact, they'd all stifled knowing smiles, a few ruffling his hair as they passed, or nudging his shoulder as they herded everyone back towards the blanketed square.

Theo had sniggered into his hand, but walked Harry up, along with the others, happy for the meal break himself. He'd also gifted the adorable green-eyed wizard a kiss to make up for the temporary embarrassment. They met Callistair in time for a sorbet break and the game was immediately postponed at the prospect of a full meal.

Dessert came first, as it had been the original reason for taking a break in the first place. The cold, sweet treat was definitely more appreciated now and having pleasantly gorged himself, Bahn was more inclined to share. There were toppings included as well, having been found in one of Callistair's shopping bags.

The Pareyas chattered amongst themselves as to what to make for the afternoon meal and how to be about it. Everyone settled down in happy, exhausted sprawls on the blanketed square of beach.

As for Callistair, the glowering mage didn't say much at all. Instead, he fixed his glower on Ilsa, only to be interrupted by Bahn depositing himself in the older man's lap and smiling sweetly. "Callis, behave." He said, warningly. His hands reached out to play with two slender braids that were draped over each shoulder. He tugged on them, meaningfully, ignoring the man's barely there wince. "There will be none of that here. We have guests and we will behave like civilized people." He gently bumped his head against the man's chin. "I'd like you to meet our guests, Harry and his Circle. Theo, the Alpha, Charlie the Beta. Charlie is the fire type, obviously. Harry is Harry."

The Mage turned, following the pointed spoon and cast a cursory glance over Harry his respective Bonded. His eyes narrowed faintly, but he inclined his head, politely, sticking a spoonful of sorbet in his mouth so he wouldn't have to speak. Bahn elbowed him in the stomach for it, but then proceeded to keep up some of the chatter as conversation picked right up again.

Harry found himself somewhat relieved that he didn't have to react to that. He turned instead and snuck an extra bite out of Theo's bowl, pleased when his Alpha merely shifted to a better angle to share the bowl. He noticed Charlie was sitting on Theo's side rather than his, but dismissed the detail without a second thought when Theo finally handed over his bowl without complaint. Harry beamed.

The game started up again.

When Callis and Alma went to join in the game this time, Ilsa stayed back. Harry waved off his Bonded as well, staying back himself. He'd let his food digest a bit more before jumping around. Besides, Bahn was in a pleasant mood once more and happy to have his arms full of a sleeping Camalis.

Harry was glad to see that his friend was at least close to his original exuberant self after the wave of worrisome news. It didn't feel right to have Bahn as anything other than cheerful and mischievous.

Delani had been roped into the fun once more and a sulking Soula now sat at one end of the newly erected pavilion. Dahlia, Ariki and the others had all gone to join in the game and Soula was left behind, due to her mother's sharp tongue and the following punishment in relation to her earlier attitude. The sulking teen had then opted to sit in the shade of the pavilion, even though she clearly would rather have been anywhere else.

Harry found it easier to ignore her, after a little while and soon he was chatting with Bahn once more. The expressive Submissive had a gift for drawing him out and keeping them engaged in light-hearted conversation. Now, he found himself the elfin-dragel's ultimate source of amusement as his innocent comment gave way to hilarity. He hadn't realized until Bahn was laughing, what had happened.

"I didn't notice!" Harry waved his hands in protest, unable to help himself. "Really!"

"You're absolutely blind." Bahn informed him, laughter still spilling out. "They were all putting food on your plate. I suppose you look as if you could use it. Be glad this was a simple picnic, you probably wouldn't be able to move now, if it was a regular meal. Do expect to be under constant smothering as they grow used to you. We're rather protective of our own."

Harry blushed. He knew that was quite true, based on how things had went as the afternoon had progressed.

Callistair turned out to be quite a good storyteller and when the children had wakened for the afternoon meal, they were content to eat peacefully as long as the Mage told them a story. Harry had become entranced by the tale as well, mechanically eating with the occasional prompt from Theo and Charlie. He hadn't realized that he was eating more than he normally would—or that Bahn's Pareya had been sneaking extra food onto his plate in turns. Callistair had softened, apparently, after seeing that and had deliberately made sure to give Harry an extra piece of dessert.

Harry was aware of the fact that he had received more hugs in a single afternoon than perhaps he had in his entire lifetime. Bu had gifted him a kiss to the cheek and forehead at least twice and Greta had wrapped him in a memorable hug when she'd greeted Theo properly. Takar had given him a few hearty shoulder slaps and Sueh had linked arms with him to walk him over to where the food had been cooked. He found himself believing Bahn's words that they were definitely not strangers.

It was also a new experience on family love.

Goosebumps prickled up and down his arms. So this was what it felt like to be accepted and loved. He could live like this forever.

He hoped it never changed.

Camalis now slept in a makeshift hammock, being gently swung by an occasional twitch of the fingers by Bahn, directing the air currents to keep his baby drowsy and happy. Harry'd had the chance to see the entire Circle shift from the worry, the careful mask and then directly into parental mode when Dahlia and her friends were introduced and Soula wore off the sleep spell. He could sense Soula's magic as a fellow Submissive and it was quite strong.

She was also quite a brat—until she'd realized that Ilsa was actually there. In the following minutes, he'd understood the unspoken current of respect that the circle held for both Ilsa and Alma. Both women could quell a complaint with a single look that encompassed more than an entire lecture and when they were upset—their voices did not rise at all. In fact, they simply became quieter and very serious. Ilsa had taken Soula aside, resulting in the pouting teenager that now sat morosely at the far end of the pavilion, tracing shapes in the sand, her knees drawn up to her chest.

Harry didn't want to know who had said what to finally settle the argument that Bahn had been careful to avoid involvement with. On that side, he was privy to a handful more of secrets as he watched the circle's interactions with each other.

There was yet another surprise before the evening had ended. He'd seen something unusual. Camalis turned out to be an adorable little baby boy with tiny, black feathered wings that Alma was careful to stimulate and massage, before swaddling him once more with careful hands after a magicked nappy change. She balanced her son on one hand, fed two toddlers with the other and called out instructions to her fellow Pareya without missing a beat. She was very good at it.

Harry admired her from a distance, wondering if he'd find a Pareya of his own that could handle his future children with the same ease. It made him blush when he realized that his dragel self had happily included the idea of children without a single hitch. Harry shook his head to clear it and directed his thoughts elsewhere. He wondered about the feathered wings, sure that he'd seen something wrong there, because Dragels were supposed to have scaled wings and certainly not showing until they were of age. But he'd also noticed Bahn's careful eye on him and realized there was more to the story that simply wasn't being told. He resolved to leave it, knowing that if his friend wanted him to know, that the blond was far too blunt to keep it silent otherwise.

In spite of Bahn's apologies and the earlier hiccup, he was enjoying himself. It was easier to relax a bit, knowing there were more dragels around him that did not wish him harm in anyway. It was easier to accept the gestures of affection and caring, when he realized that there were no ulterior motives behind them. Bahn's Circle simply included him and his as some of their own.

The thought of his own future giving way to something like this, made him smile.

Ilsa snorted from her position stretched out at the side of the pavilion facing the marked off game arena. "…anything you want to share, Bahn?" She'd waited, biding her time until she could ask him without any potential repercussion.

Harry swallowed, amazed to see the flicker of surprise, warmth and respect that passed over Bahn's face, so quickly that if he'd been staring anywhere else, he would have missed it. He watched as the blond affected a bored expression and settled into his own hammock. "Such as?" He prompted, folding his arms over his chest. "Sure you don't want a hammock, Harry?"

"You're changing the subject and Harry is fine. If he wants a hammock, he'd say so. You called me as if there was something desperately wrong and you've all been on pins and needles since I've arrived. I am nowhere near vain enough to think that it is on my account. I am not helping by being here, but I wasn't the cause of it."

Bahn hummed in answer.

Ilsa sighed. She turned and pursed her lips in a whistle that carried out across the beach.

Harry was surprised to see Theo's head turn and no one else's, before his Alpha came trotting across the sandy expanse, an expression of concern on his sunscreen slathered face. Charlie's redhead turned when Theo broke away from the group, but he returned to the game, after seeing the direction of Theo's footsteps.

"Oretta?"

"Theo." Golden eyes flickered lazily up to the shadowed form that stood respectfully to the side. "Take our Harry and amuse him however you like." Her eyes gave a quick flick, the movement punctuating the lazy statement for the request that it was.

"Is it safe to leave you with Bahn?" Theo teased in turn, beckoning to Harry. He hardly needed an excuse to spend more time with Harry. Especially if it involved anything with kisses, cuddles and generally feeling up his lovely Submissive. He was already quite looking forward to the night or the morning, whichever had a higher probability of ended in sweaty, tangled sheets and blissfully sated bodies.

"I'd think it would be the other way around." His mentor muttered. "Just take yours and be gone."

"He already has you fetching him expensive and difficult-to-acquire treats, I worry that he shall exhaust you." Theo retorted. He extended a hand towards Harry.

"…wash your mouth out with sand." Ilsa grumbled. "Shoo!" The golden eyes became heavy-lidded, but her lips twitched, accepting the humor for what it was.

Theo smirked, turning to curl an arm around Harry, guiding the smaller brunet into his arms. He kissed him, softly, unhurriedly, then rested on hand possessively on his waist. "Wikhn will be excited to have another player. He says we need you, because you move so fast. Apparently this half of the game is quite serious for the…"

"…I see." Ilsa's voice was deceptively light and calm. Soula had left the pavilion long before this serious conversation had taken place. Ilsa had sent her out for a run, knowing the exercise would do her some good as well as calm her explosive temper. The alone time between her and Bahn had thus been uninterrupted. She was not happy to hear of the Marketplace incident.

Bahn's slender fingers stroked along her collarbone, his face nestled in her chest. "I somehow expected something more." He murmured, still speaking in Elvish. He was comfortably snuggled up, half on and half off of the short Gheyo who lay on the beach towel, shaded by the edge of the pavilion.

"Next time, do mention something else in addition to your summons." She stroked up and down his side, fingers skimming the edge of his baby bump as their magic twined peacefully about each other.

"They weren't clear enough?" He inquired, innocently.

"They were too clear, you idiot." Ilsa retorted, a hint of affection in her voice as she thumped him lightly on the head, but kissed the tip of his nose to soften the intent. "I almost 'ported in here with my killing aura. That would have caused quite a disturbance, I would think. They are too distracted today to be truly angry with me. Don't think I didn't notice that you did it on purpose."

"…We've all missed you, Ilsa. It was a long time and I wouldn't have minded how you arrived, so as long as you were here."

"Perhaps not, but everyone else would have, I should think." She sniggered. "And you know fully well that Greta would have followed me and if she did, then Dahlia definitely would have done the same and it would've been nothing short of pure chaos in here. You're horrible!"

"Mm. I know." Bahn licked the available patch of skin and skimmed his fangs over it.

Ilsa twitched, faintly. "Don't you dare leave another mark. Based on your ridiculous riddles, I know that I'm wearing my dress armor tomorrow, so behave." Her Submissive gave a faint whine, but he nearly purred when her hand fisted in his hair to ensure that her wishes were respected. He smirked into her chest and kissed the mating mark on that full, barely-covered breast.

They played for a long time. Harry joined in until he felt his legs protest for the last time as they buckled beneath him. He was caught by two strong arms, one from Callistair and one from Wikhn, as both fighters dodged to the center to catch him. "Exhausted?" Callistair's warm voice washed over him. "Call a truce." He snapped at the younger Gheyo and immediately swung Harry up into his arms.

Wikhn's pink eyes darkened faintly, but he shrugged and straightened up to bounce on his feet. He waved his arms quickly and called out a truce, in which the game immediately came to a halt.

Harry felt a wave of dizziness wash over him and he struggled, briefly. "Down." The word was harder to say when his tongue suddenly felt thicker and drier in his mouth than it ought to have been. "No."

"Harry? What's the matter, loveling?" Bu appeared at his left and immediately felt his forehead, then his neck for a pulse. "You're a bit warm, no, quite a bit warm. Hmm." She frowned. "Put him down, Callis. I don't want him to strain himself trying to be—thank you. Harry, love? It's Bu, are you alright? Sueh?" She called over her shoulder.

The blue-eyed Pareya came over at once, concern showing on her pretty face. "The heat?" She suggested. "We're all air types and earth or even fire like that one, but you're a Nameless, aren't you?" She cooed over Harry for a moment, casting diagnostic spells and checking the readouts. She frowned at them. "How are you feeling?" She shook her hands out and then ran them lightly over Harry's exposed upper torso. The cooling charm applied to it made him twitch and whine, trying to pull away from them.

"Sick." Harry answered, before he could help himself. The cool was a shock, but a welcome one, even as he felt his energy beginning to drain. He wondered what being a Nameless had to do with anything. He'd spent lots of time out in the sun before and it had never affected him at all. "M'fine though."

Nearly every dragel standing around him shot him a look of disbelief. "Fine, he says." Takar bit out, looking quite annoyed at the answer. "You do not look very fine. Was he like this for long, Callis?"

"I wasn't paying attention," the older man said, apologetically. "I was keeping an eye on Soula and Mimei at the water's edge. I only dodged back to the center, because I was tracking the discs."

"He's been slowing down for the past half hour." Wikhn said, quietly. His dark pink eyes had lightened a few shades. "I told him to take a water break. He did. Said he was fine." There was a slightly defensive air to his tone and a flicker of worry on his pale face.

"He doesn't look fine." Bu snorted. "And I won't have him passing out on us either." She patted Harry's head, her own hands charmed cool as Sueh's had been. She carded the soothing fingers through his sweat-dampened hair. "Why don't you take a nap for a bit, hmm? Under the pavilion is probably best. There's shade and a bit of wind, I'm sure. I can't see anything really wrong with you, then again, you can't always trust a spell reading. Instinct is far more reliable." She sighed. "Where's Theo? Callis, Tak, one of you carry him if Theo isn't-"

Harry balked. Ilsa had specifically sent for Theo to take him out from there. She'd wanted time with Bahn. There was no way he was about to traipse on over there and stick himself where he was not wanted. "I'm fine." He ducked away from her patting hands, even though the movement was sluggish and he really didn't want to avoid the nice, cool touches. "Really. Just…dizzy…and hot. Nothing a dip in the water won't fix." He tried to smile, even as his body began to grow heavier.

"I don't think that's a very good idea, love." Sueh nibbled on her lip. "and my spells are usually fairly accurate, Bu and you know it. It's a mild heatstroke, probably. I haven't taken a reading on a Nameless in a while, I can't be sure, but I do know what happens when you've been out in the heat for too long. I'd have to be blind not to." She looked down at Harry. "You'll be fine with a rest, some water and the shade. You've played a good couple of games and I'm sure you had fun. You can sit out the rest, there's nothing wrong with doing that."

"I don't need to sit anything out." Harry swallowed, trying to keep the edge from his voice. He really hated it when people started making decisions for him without giving him any chance to explain or provide another alternative. Maybe he was a teensy bit tired and maybe he really did feel like he'd been trampled by hippogriffs and maybe it had just happened all of a sudden, but that didn't mean-!

"Call Theo." Takar said, abruptly. His dark brown eyes narrowed faintly as if seeing the stubborn thread Harry had adopted. "Charlie?" He called over his shoulder. "Need you for a moment."

"What? No!" Harry protested. He understood that tactic much quicker than the rest. If Charlie came, he'd call Theo and that would be the end of it. They'd have Theo come, because Theo could make him do what they said. He shuddered, sluggishly. No way was he going to let that happen. "No. I'm fine. I don't need Theo, I just need to stand up." He tried to will his feet to move, but instead, his body seemed intent on proving what a useless lump it could be at the worst possible time.

"He's with Alma. They're coming." Nara trotted over to them, the interest in her face easily replaced by concern when she saw the reason for their little team huddle. "Harry? Are you alright, you're…red." She frowned. "Didn't anyone cast charms on him?"

"Bahn's sunburn charm was on him." Sueh offered. She cracked her knuckles and spun a soft blue bauble of light on her fingertips. "I could add a few of my own, but I'd need permissions." She frowned. "Bu and I've kept our hands cool, but I don't think it's working fast enough. Where's Ilsa?"

"With Bahn, under the pavilion." Edor stretched his arms out. "Harry?" He whistled lowly. "Now that was not what I was expecting when Wik yelled truce." He shook his head. "I'll take a dip while you lot sort it out." He turned away, unconcerned. "Dahlia! Fancy a swim?" He effectively headed off the younger players towards the cool waters, keeping them occupied while the others remained gathered around Theo.

Harry shrank back from the pale blue ball of magic, feeling himself growing defensive whether from habit or instinct, he wasn't sure. He was now aware of the fact that he felt quite dizzy indeed. The shadows of the dragels standing over him didn't afford that much protection from the sun that was now much hotter than it seemed to have been a moment ago.

"Harry?" Theo appeared from the far end of their team, having broken into a light run as he'd skirted around the scoring net. Worry was etched on his handsome face and his magic tingled as he drew near "Are you alright? I didn't feel anything-"

"Tired?" Charlie's knowing voice came from behind. He bent and easily scooped up Harry into his arms before he could be further smothered by the others, no matter how well-meaning. "He's fine, Theo. Just tired, I think."

"Might want to pull your wings out." Takar suggested. His hands were on his hips and there was an irked expression his face. "I think the heat's reached him. Didn't think anything of it before. Has he ever…?"

"Not that I know of." Theo answered. "Charlie? Wings?"

"One moment. Ah. That's nice." Charlie's shoulders quivered and within a moment, his wings were out yet again and stretched luxuriously in the warm afternoon sun. He relaxed almost at once, as his natural element took hold of him. The natural warmth felt like the equivalent of a lovely, soothing stroke up and down his spine.

Harry tried to speak and a yawn came out instead. He grimaced, fighting the urge to scowl or pout. He wasn't some baby to need a nap in the middle of the afternoon and—ow! Theo had thwacked him lightly on the head. Emerald eyes blinked suspiciously at his golden-eyed Alpha. "What?"

"Whatever you're thinking in that head of yours did not need to be thought." Theo scolded. "I can see it on your face. If you're tired, then you can rest. We've been playing for a while and the sun has been rather hot, even with the water, cooling charms and whatnot." Theo's eyes narrowed as the shade provided by Charlie's lovely wings stretched forward to include him as well. "Not to mention all that you've been through at the clinic this past week and," his voice dropped. "Last night."

Harry felt himself beginning to blush and he was suddenly glad that the others had moved away to allow them some privacy. "But Charlie was at the clinic too and-"

"And Charlie didn't have seals being stripped off of him one after the other." The redhead chided, softly. He squeezed Harry just a bit, transferring a touch of calm and a hint of authority. "Theo's right, Harry. Besides, you've had some fun and I know no one would mind if you were going to take a little nap. The sun is hot."

"It's not bothering you."

"That's because he's a fire type." Theo rolled his eyes. "All fire types like the sun. They bask in it, really. Would sunbathe every waking moment if they could manage it. Sunrise and sunset are some of their favorite lounging times."

"Really?" Charlie perked up, interested.

"Yes, really." Theo said, dryly. "You may try it tomorrow on the roof, if you wish to catch the rising sun." His lips twitched. "I'm told it's the best time for it anyway, if you want to enjoy it. The midday sun might darken your wings unless you want the color to change. The setting sun is even better than the rising one, because it happens in reverse. I should have mentioned it earlier, my apologies. I hadn't thought of it really."

Harry shook his head even before Charlie could answer. He liked the redhead's rich navy wings. He didn't want them any darker at all. He liked them just the shade they were. If they were too dark, then they'd start to look black and he didn't like that.

"Apparently not." Charlie stifled a chuckle. He hadn't expected Harry to say anything, but it hadn't been an unwelcome surprise. While he'd grown more accustomed to the fact of actually having wings, than attached to what color they actually were, he didn't see any reason to darken them if Harry liked them the way they were. It certainly didn't bother him or Theo, it appeared, at least.

Harry woke to find himself surrounded by Bahn, Soula and another, pretty female Submissive he couldn't place. She was cuddled up by Soula, who had curled towards him, while Bahn's warm presence was at his back. Feelings of warmth, security and calm rippled over him in steady, powerful waves. Pure magic, Harry recognized. It was the same kind of feeling he'd had when Fawkes would sometimes sing. It brought a slew of memories to the surface that he instantly tamped down. He could not handle those now. Not now.

Harry swallowed as instinct and habit caught up to him. It was rare that he'd wake without knowing his surroundings or how he'd ended up there in the first place. He reached out through his bonds at once, searching for Theo and then Charlie. Reassurance channeled strongly back through both, along with Theo's expected projection of calmness. Harry relaxed by a fractional margin.

"Harry?" Bahn's voice was rough from sleep and he draped a sleep-warmed arm over Harry's shoulder. "You're fine." He yawned. "We're all fine. You're among friends. We're on the beach. The sun was bothering you or something." The rest of the sentence trailed off into a slur of Elvish mutterings.

There was a pause before Harry gently reached out to the new bonds stretched between him, feeling for Theo and then for Charlie. He could sense their answers almost at once. They were fine. They were happy he was awake. Everything was alright. That was good. He relaxed inwardly, at that.

Harry was still for a few seconds, then he squirmed and roused himself enough to sit up. It was late evening and he could see that several of the younger children were all cuddled up around each other, sleeping on the extra soft blankets spread in their corner under the pavilion. He could hear murmuring voices and he looked out across the beach to see the dragels sitting in a wide circle, apparently playing a game amidst their muted conversations.

For a moment, a pang of longing washed over him, immediately replaced by a touch confusion and interest. Instinctively, he'd known the second young woman was a fellow Submissive, but he could swear that he'd never seen her before. Compared to Soula's dark-haired, medium-build beauty, this new Submissive was platinum blonde like Bahn and as slender and waif-like as possible. She was not attired in beachwear, but rather in a flowy, flowery skirt and a long pink camisole. Her hair was free and wavy and there wasn't a hint of jewelry upon her person.

Luna.

The thought rattled through his head and Harry immediately squelched the thought when one large, grey eye popped open and the other immediately followed. Luna always wore her radish earrings or her butterbeer cap necklace and her eyes had a silvery-grey tint that could shift in an instance from projecting dottiness to aged wisdom.

They stared at each other for a long moment, then the girl slowly, carefully stretched and shifted to sit up. She poked Soula with one long, manicured finger, the nails painted a bright, vivid coral pink. "Soula." Her voice was strong, but whisper-soft. "If you don't wake up, I will pinch you."

Soula mumbled something sleepily in reply and rolled over to rest on her stomach.

Harry looked from her to the blonde and waited.

The girl merely pantomimed two fingers pinching, before she reached towards Soula's bared midriff. Soula was attired far more modestly now in a long, zippered, swimsuit cover-up draped over her controversial suit and several beaded anklets adorning her left leg. She snapped upright into a sitting position before those sharp fingernails could actually follow through on the promise.

"Don't you dare, Shay." Dark eyes glowered at her, balefully. "Ugh. You're supposed to be here to calm me down not aggravate me like some-"

"Harry's awake." Shay smiled, patiently. "You promised you'd introduce me."

Soula glared at her a moment longer, for good measure, then she looked down at the soft, terry cover-up she hugged to her chest. She yawned, then clicked her fingers. The coverup was instantly fitted around her with the wisp of magic. "Harry." She nodded toward him. "Have a nice nap?"

Shay rolled her eyes. "Hi. I came while you were…resting. Shayla Imaldis. Submissive, unbonded." She stuck out a hand, expectant.

"Say hi." Soula's dark eyes snapped to Harry and narrowed, meaningfully. "This is Shayla. She's a good friend of mine." The girl paused as if she wanted to say more, but wasn't sure how it would be received. She bit her lip instead and waited.

"Hi." Harry shook the proffered hand, quickly.

Soula huffed. "His name is Harry and he belongs to Mum's Theo." She gave a slight jerk of her head. "Those two I showed you from before, remember?"

"I do. Go back to sleep." Shayla gave her a light shove. "Your brain is clearly on vacation."

"Shut up already. Did you say hi to Dahlia?" Soula shifted to sit on her knees and began to stretch her arms.

Shayla snorted. "That was a lost cause before it even began." She nodded towards Harry. "What's your name? I'd rather hear it from you than Soula."

"…Harry."

"Harry what? If you haven't taken a name, what's the Circle?"

"Harry Potter of the Nott Circle." The name rolled off of his tongue and Harry found himself smiling at that introduction. He liked it. And in an instant, his good humors were replaced. The underlying thread of curiosity had begun to tingle and Harry could now identify it as his empathy coming into play. There was an equal air of friendliness and curiosity radiating from the newcomer, as opposed to Soula's tentative hopefulness and mild uncertainty. Harry found himself inwardly "It's nice to meet you."

"Shayla Imaldis of the Air Clans. My father is the Head Chieftain. I am the primary heiress of our legacy." She smiled, a wide smile that spread over her pretty, face. "Soula said you're new to the circuit, no mentor and all that."

Harry opened and shut his mouth.

Shayla waved a hand. "Please don't hold it against her, she can't help herself sometimes." She dodged to the side as Soula made to pinch her in retaliation. "And you probably should go bite something." She wrinkled her nose. "You're sparking all over the place."

"Am not!"

"Should I call your mother?"

Soula snorted. "Which one? Da's not here."

"He still didn't show?" Shayla frowned. "And I meant your Mum, not the witch."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that." Bahn's sleepy voice cut through the chatter. "Soula?" He accepted her hand to sit up and sat to her right, leaning forward to rest his head on her shoulder.

Her scowl softened almost at once and she leaned her head to the side. "M'sorry I was a brat earlier."

He smiled into her shoulder and slipped a hand between them to pat her knee. "You were already forgiven. Just behave now."

Dark eyes gave a spectacular roll. "I am! I even called Shay out here to-"

"To annoy your sister. I know." He sighed. "Go take a run."

"What? No. I didn't-"

"Down the length, at least twice." Bahn straightened.

"But Dera-!"

"Shh. I know." He cut her off. "And when you're through, go find your mother and ask for a bite, alright?" Soula made a sound of protest, but started forward, when he bared his fanged, eyes slightly narrowed.

Shayla immediately averted her eyes and stared down at her hands neatly folded in her lap. Harry found himself subconsciously mimicking her, before he raised his head in confusion.

Bahn didn't answer until Soula had exited the pavilion and broken out into a light run. "Submissive hierarchy." He said, softly. "Don't fight it next time. It isn't anything wrong. It helps to establish a semblance of order." He inclined his head. "Shayla."

The other girl straightened with a smile. "You know, she-"

"I know. But I don't want her to be influenced by things that were out of her control. She's never seen anything different, the same as you." He patted her head. "Besides, Bhindi is no more of a witch than other unnamed individuals." He sighed. "She simply has a single-minded focus and Ilsa happened to be that focus." He sighed. "Time changes many things." He looked to Harry. "How are you feeling? Any better? Your Theo and Charlie came to check on you twice."

Harry relaxed as threads of concern filtered down to him. He smiled. "Much better actually."

"Good. They'll likely smother you, you know."

The brunet grimaced. "I'd rather they didn't."

"You should keep a firm hand on them." Shayla pursed her lips. "If you're not strong in the early stages, they'll walk all over you."

"You speak with experience you don't have." Bahn commented, fondly. "But she is right." He smiled. "Are you Hunting this season?"

"I don't have a choice." The blonde flipped her hair. "But thanks for having me over tonight. It was a very welcome break. I thought I was about to lose my mind."

"Thank Soula. Don't mention it."

"Good. I won't then." She flashed a smile at the elfin-dragel and Harry in turn. "Evening, Lady Ilsa."

"Evening, Lady Shayla." Came the expected reply. Ilsa approached them, her jaw set in the usual half-annoyed expression that seemed to occupy her face for most of the time. "Harry. You're awake. Lovely." She made a shooing motion with her hand, waiting as Shayla scooted back to give her a space on the soft blankets. "How are you feeling?" She held up a hand. "Please think for a moment before you answer."

Harry did. He tested his bonds once more and then poked at his magic, relieved to find it intact and not the least bit diminished, but rather sluggish and restless instead. "I feel…fine." He waited for another moment and then his eyes widened at the sudden, underlying surge of magic twining through him, his magic was regenerating on a rather large scale. He swallowed hard. "I feel…better than fine."

"Congratulations." Ilsa drawled. "My guess was accurate."

"W-what happened to me?"

"I signed off on the acceleration of your Resting Period, remember? The sleep cycles?" She inclined her head. "Magic sped it up so that you wouldn't have to deal with it at an inopportune time, but your body still had to process it." She shrugged. "That, combined with the heat and the raw magic that's been expended on this beach all afternoon, each of those were likely triggers that led to your little episode when you couldn't handle it anymore. Your Theo and Charlie dancing around each other probably didn't help things much either."

"Theo and Charlie?" Harry frowned. "What do you mean?" He twisted, slowly and winced. His body felt stiff and uncoordinated.

Ilsa sighed, with a half-roll of her eyes. "Come here."

Harry eyed her warily.

She extended her hands, wiggling the fingers.

After a moment, Harry inched closer.

The Gheyo huffed and simply reached over, dragging him into her lap.

"Wha-hey!" Harry protested, but he stopped squirming when her arm arms wrapped around him and a soothing pulse of magic stretched over him. "Oh. That's nice." He relaxed, his body becoming boneless. "Why?"

Ilsa's chuckle rumbled softly from her chest. "Gheyos know different magic than the rest of you. This is a spell to relax muscles and tired bodies." She patted his knee. "I'll let you up in a minute, just relax."

"What did you mean about Theo and Charlie?" Harry rolled his neck back. Feelings of contentment and security twined around him and he felt akin to a cat, being cuddled and stroked by a wise owner who knew all the right places to scratch.

Shayla's teasing smile was tempered by the look of understanding her grey eyes as she reached for one of Harry's hands and began to channel wisps of her own magic into him. Harry felt himself grow speechless at the pure, sincere intent contained within. He stared at her, uncomprehendingly, even as the understanding in her eyes faded to a depth of sorrow that he couldn't even begin to understand.

"Not too much, Shayla." Ilsa warned. "Slowly, very slowly."

Shayla bobbed her head, quickly. The wisps of magic slowed down to a tiny trickle.

Harry bit his lip for a moment. He was confused and conflicted all at once.

"Sotp thinking so hard, you'll give me a headache and Arielle knows I don't need one." Ilsa grumbled. "When you're passing through a resting period, you need all of your Bonded with you. Since your Theo and Charlie aren't properly bonded yet, you rejected them on the basis that you couldn't trust their magic to sustain you." She paused, as her words sank in.

A feeling of dread crept over him.

Shayla tugged his hand, turning it over to run her fingers over the open palm. "Harry? It's alright. We don't mean any harm." She gently pushed her magic at him again, molding it around the sudden wall of resistance that had sprung to life.

"Harry? Shayla is right, there's nothing to worry about. Please don't start blocking us now. Your magic is rewriting and reinvigorating itself, you're also consciously feeding off of any acceptable sources of magic and comfort." Ilsa's gentle hands held him close, her cheek resting atop his messy head of hair. "Trust your instincts. You know we mean you no harm."

"Theo…" The name came out as a plea. Harry shifted, but did not try to push away. The tiny flicker of resistance faded and he felt Shayla's calming magic wash over him again. "What happened? Charlie?" He tried. The words were coming out in the wrong order and he didn't know what to do about it.

"Because they've been skirting around the issue of the Alpha-Beta bonds, they've been closed off to you for most of this afternoon." Ilsa explained. "There's nothing wrong with you or them, it's simply instinct and necessity. You'll all return to your natural order of exchange and authority after my blockheaded apprentice finds it in himself to gift your Charlie one of his scales."

Harry felt his stomach clench in undisguised horror as he recalled Ilsa's words from the day they'd been in the Snape's quarters and the first stirrings of a dominance fight had begun. "Is it," he licked his lips, nervously. "Is it my fault?"

"I would ask, where in Arielle's name, that came from, but quite frankly, I don't want to know." Ilsa's voice took on a faintly scolding tone. "It isn't anyone's fault, you ridiculous brat. If anything, you can blame this on Theo, though it's not necessarily his fault either, as he's instincts and inclinations have been just as conflicted as he has been. Your Charlie, being sealed for nearly too long is half to blame as well. With all of that aside, they'll both be fine as soon as they have a moment with each other."

"You—her?" Harry tried to articulate and inwardly berated himself when he couldn't make the words come out any clearer.

"You're halfway in and out of it." Ilsa answered, as if it was no trouble at all to decipher what he meant to say from what he actually had. "Since you forcefully repelled Theo and Charlie, then Takar and Bahn, Soula suggested Shayla and for some reason, you thought I was safe. I would wager you allowed us because we happen to be the most powerful stores of energy in the immediate area." She might have shrugged, had her arms been empty, as it was, she simply squeezed him for a moment.

Surprisingly, the action made him relax more than anything else and after a moment, he felt things inside being set to rights and a new sense of awareness settling over him. "Oh." He heard himself say. "That's, oh." He blinked. Ilsa's magic had replaced Theo's and Shayla's calming presence had filled the spot that Charlie's usually did. He found himself able to differentiate between the two and was content with the results.

Ilsa eased him out of her lap and helped him kneel in front of her. She began to rub his shoulders and neck, working out the last lingering bits of stiffness. "You should probably take it easy for the rest of the day." She feathered a hand along the base of his neck, tugging lightly on the ends of his hair. "How does your head feel? Any pain? Nausea? Unexpected clarity?"

Harry tipped his head back, accepting the magicked jumper that materialized on him. It was soft and well-worn, but smelled fresh from the outdoors as if it had just come off the clothing line. "Thank you."

"You're quite welcome. Feel up to moving yet?"

"Sorry for the trouble."

"No trouble at all." She patted his head. "You're surprisingly calm about this. That's good."

Harry almost shrugged in answer. It didn't seem to be worth the effort of working himself up into a fit. He'd had an odd episode, but it had occurred among friends, for the most part. He'd been cared for, comforted and currently being fussed over. There wasn't much to complain about. He'd long since given up on trying to understand some of the finer points of dragel family systems when experiencing them first-hand. He looked between Ilsa and Shayla, questioningly.

"Lady Shayla," Ilsa inclined her head. "As mentioned, is heiress to the Air Clan. She has the entirety of their elemental gifts at her disposal. She's quite dangerous, you should not be fooled by anything she does." The Gheyo sighed. "I am also the heiress to the Earth clan. I have elemental gifts and Ergen, himself, at my call, should I request it of him. Out of the small group here, we were the two best suited for the situation."

Harry felt his cheeks warm, but he found himself smiling anyway. "Thanks." He nodded towards them both. He sat up straight, wondering if he could test the strength of his feet now. He was starting to feel unbearably restless.

"You should probably walk that off." Ilsa eyed him critically. "Shayla?"

"I can walk with him." The pretty blonde rolled up to her feet, smoothing out her flowing floral skirt. "You should tell them he's awake now."

"Mmm." Ilsa murmured, noncommittally.

"Did you send them back to the house?" Harry asked, interested. He could not see Theo or Charlie in the circle of dragels currently still engaged in whatever complicated game they had.

"Yes. If you pull at them, you should know whether they're ready for you or not." Ilsa rolled her eyes. "Forgive me for saying so, but they're so bloody stubborn it might take a while." She snorted. "Longer than it should, at any rate."

Shayla smiled, serenely. "They're playing Decmar over there," She gave a jerk of her head. "But I'd rather go for a walk in the water. Want to come?"

Harry couldn't think of a single reason not to.

Shayla, Harry learned, was a fun and talented Submissive dragel. She reminded him of Luna in so many ways, that he didn't know what to make of it. He was tempted to ask of they were twins, except for the very obvious differences and the fact that he was sure his Hogwarts friend was definitely not a dragel. He did, however, very much like the calming waves that occasionally exploded out of her. It made his empathic gift coo and purr, before settling down instead of causing him another headache of sorts.

As for Shayla, she most definitely was and she was pure Air as far as her element was concerned. It showed in everything that she did. She moved with a light, inherent grace that seemed to Bahn and his to shame. Her wavy locks were loose and waist length, floating about her as she moved. Every single movement seemed to be curled with or around a wisp of air. Her pale grey eyes were alight with the same kind of passionate fire that burned in Soula's darkened eyes.

"It's because we're unclaimed." Shayla smiled. She fell into step beside him and waved at Soula who was running backwards away from them. Apparently she liked running and didn't really see a reason to stop, at the moment. "You have it, but it's altered now, because you've formed your triad." She smiled, the expression now sad. "You're quite lucky, you know. That's the most difficult part of starting a Circle, you know." She paused. "Soula asked me to come for your sake, so I did. She means well, you know."

"I don't, actually." Harry looked at her, still trying to piece together some of the gaps. He was somewhat better with the whole fainting for a few hours and waking up to find the world around him to be horribly shifted, but it did not mean that he had to like it. He rather liked knowing what had happened and why it had. He was also somewhat frustrated by an irritated nagging feeling that niggled in the back of his head, refusing to be pushed away until later. He tried to make himself focus on Shayla and the words she was saying. "What do you mean?"

"That would be telling, wouldn't it?" She chuckled. "We're both Hunting, but there's no guarantee for either of us. You're Hunting too, but you already have the necessary Alpha and Beta. Any particulars that you're looking for will be more receptive to you, because they like the stability. For the rest of us, well, we have to impress them before they'll consider us." She sighed. "The first Hunt is the hardest, especially if you're like me." She stopped walking and looked down at the sandy beach.

Harry stopped as well, but remained silent. He didn't know what to say. Her calmness had suddenly cracked and the emotions rolling off of her were a mess, so he waited instead.

Shayla sighed. She spun something on her fingers and then turned to him. "Want to sit on the docks?"

"Docks?" Harry turned to look out at the water. He couldn't see anything there.

"I have to show it to you." She reached for his arm and looped hers around it. "It's a ward thing. They've allowed you into the beach, but some of the things like the dock and such, if someone who hasn't been personally inducted into it, magic and all that, you can't see it. Come. We can wait for Soula there."

Harry found himself standing at the edge of a rather impressive, wooden dock. The water was a perfect, blue crystal clear, reflecting the fading twilight sky as it darkened into the edge of night. A shimmer of white showed the moon's appearance.

Shayla smoothed her skirt and calmly perched on the edge of the smooth, worn wood, her feet dangling over the edge. "Sit. It's just a bit of water and I can keep it away from you." She wiggled her fingers and showed how a tiny swirl of wind kept the waves from actually reaching her bare feet. "They said you almost had a heatstroke today." She patted the space beside her. "Sit. I don't bite."

"Er," Harry said, intelligently. After a moment, he sat. He felt the jumble of emotions freeze and then sort themselves out, before retreating to a neat muteness that no longer stretched out to him. The strong, blissful calm he'd come to appreciate began to hum steadily as it radiated from her once more. He found himself staring at her for a second and nearly started when she reached out to touch his arm.

"Harry?" Her pale grey eyes seemed to darken in the night. "Sorry, if I'm unsettling you. I have that effect on people sometimes." She tucked a strand of wavy moonlight behind one ear. "I forget, sometimes, that not everyone is used to me. If you're wondering why I came, Soula said there was an empathic Submissive that was having a rough day. I thought she was joking." The blonde shrugged. "I'm glad she wasn't."

The understanding dawned a half-second later. "The magic—that was you?"

"Guilty as charged." Shayla graced him with another small, sad smile. "There are perks to being the heiress daughter of the Air Clan. It's almost like being a royal, with only half of the duties." She sighed. "How are you feeling now? I've been channeling for a few hours, so I'm afraid I'm a bit shaky on it now."

"It's—you're fine." Harry felt the last of the tension leave him. He actually did feel fine. He could now actively feel her magic reaching and twining out towards him as it had done before. It was filled with good intent and fragments of bittersweet emotion, the kind that came with old memories and new experiences. It reminded him of Charlie and his steady calmness, it reminded him of Theo and his silent strength.

It was just the sort of thing he needed without having his Bonded there, because he didn't feel particularly happy towards them at the moment. He was recalling several innocent moments throughout the day, smiles from Theo that had been for Charlie and looks from Charlie that had clearly been meant for Theo. Now that he could understand what had happened, he was annoyed enough to be pleased at the fact that Ilsa had sent them off so they couldn't smother him, but rather, would be forced to confront and solve their own issues before trying to pick apart his.

Water splashed up before them and Shayla slowly leaned back, easing herself down onto the worn dock. She stared up at the sky and laced her fingers behind her head. There was nothing to be said.

After a moment, Harry did the same.

"Harry?" Bahn shuffled to the end of the dock, sleepy if his yawns were any indicator. He cradled Camalis in the crook of his arm and Alma padded softly behind him, her dark eyes sweeping the waters continuously as if expecting something to leap from their wavy depths.

"Bahn?" Harry roused himself, he turned to the side and blinked. Shayla wasn't there. She'd left. He hadn't even noticed.

"Shayla went with Soula." Bahn filled in. He waved towards the beach where only a few of the adults remained. The children had already been carted off with the other Pareya. "She said you were looking so peaceful, she didn't want to interrupt." He smiled, softly. "How are you feeling?"

Harry rolled to sit up and shrugged. He shifted to stand a moment later. "Are you leaving?"

"It's late and I'm tired." Bahn answered. "Will you be joining them?" His eyes flicked to the side, towards the guesthouse with all of the lights off, save for the soft glow of the torches along the perimeter of the bottomhouse.

Harry thought about it for a second, then slowly shook his head. He could feel the bond between Charlie and Theo being tentatively fused together, but he could also feel that his inner dragel was still quite miffed. "Not yet."

"Ah. I see." Bahn looked away for a moment, clearly torn between two unspoken options.

"Don't even think of it," Alma frowned. "You're dead tired and you're pregnant. Do not make me sic Ilsa on you." She offered a stiff nod to Harry. "Say your goodbyes. I won't have you exhausted over something that can be prevented." She looked to Harry. "Please stay out of the water. The beach is safe, the dock is mostly safe, though I'd prefer that you weren't on it. But stay close to the house or at least within a decent running distance of it, if you don't want to chance your wings." She sighed. "You know how to call, should you require any additional assistance?"

"Expecto patronus?" Harry quipped.

Bahn blinked at him for a moment, then the corners of his mouth twitched into a smile. "That's a wizard spell." He said, pleased to catch the reference. "And no, you can simply call on the alliance we have between us. The House of Deveraine from the House of Nott and address it to me or Ilsa, if you prefer. Say you're sending a message and then speak it. Cast it with whatever magic you can spare. There is no right or wrong way to send one."

"That's good to know." Harry allowed. "Thank you for today," he gestured towards the beach. The pavilion was being dismantled and he could see the others like Dahlia and Wikhn dancing in a little group off to the corner. They were all packing away for the night. "It was very…nice."

"We can do it again tomorrow, then." Alma gave a stiff nod. "Bahn?" Her shoulders twitched and two large, black feathered wings burst from her shoulder blades. She rolled her neck back, settling them behind her with the ease of one who is used to doing so. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Harry stared as she simply bent and swooped Bahn up in her arms without a second thought. Her wings stretched, fluttered and then beat powerfully before she was airborne, angling further up the beach from where they'd originally come. He watched them until he couldn't make out the flecks of white and black in the night sky.

"A dramatic exit as always," Delani's dry voice drew his attention next. She approached, with Takar shadowing her, hands in the pockets of his swim trunks, head bent, mind clearly elsewhere. "It was lovely to meet you, Harry. I look forward to sharing a Hunting day with you tomorrow. Bahn tells me that he's invited you to join us for our introduction."

"Yes, he did." Harry offered a small smile. He hoped that was fine.

"It will be quite fun, I'm sure." The lady Alpha assured him. "In case no one has mentioned it though, dress in your absolute finest. The more showy and impractical it may seem, the better it probably is. There are spells for mobility and such. Let Theo dress you, I suppose, is what I mean. You and your Charlie. He's had some experience with the higher echelons of dragel society." Her smile was warm. "See you tomorrow. Take care of yourself."

Takar had called out his wings while Delani was busy talking. He now extended a hand to her, hovering a few feet above the dock. He gave a quick salute to Harry. "T'was a pleasure."

Harry found himself smiling and nodding. He watched them fly into the distance.

In the end, it was only Ilsa that lingered the longest, remaining last.

She'd sent off Greta and the others, before approaching him at his position on the dock. "If you're going to stay out here all night, then I would suggest not standing on the dock." She advised.

Harry was forcibly pulled into a tight, memorable hug, before the short Gheyo released him, with a warning look in her rich golden eyes. "Your two are still at it, I can feel the wards on the house." She sighed. "Feel free to knock some sense into them when you have the chance. I can even hold them down for you, if you like." Her lips twitched.

There was a beat, then Harry sniggered. "Thanks." He managed, after a moment.

Her smile softened. "Did Bahn tell you how to send a message?"

"Yes."

"Good. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything at all." She reached out and ruffled his hair.

He leaned into the touch, before he could stop himself.

"If you're curious," She looked him from head to toe for a long moment. "Then the reason you're fine with them being so far away and currently out of reach, is because you've already sensed something about a potential Bonded. An Intended, if you would." She half-shrugged. "I couldn't begin to tell you what it could be, but I can say that you're open and receptive to whatever it is, so if something happens tomorrow, be prepared for it."

Harry felt his jaw drop. His mouth worked for a moment. "How do you-?"

"Experience. Years of experience." She looked at him, steadily. "You also strike me as the type that would be completely blindsided at finding out that you're the object of another's affections. I'm only attempting to prepare you for the inevitable." Something whistled in the distance and her head snapped around to scan the sky. "Ha. Greta's growing rather impatient. Do excuse me." She flexed her shoulders back and her wings emerged soundlessly and without ceremony. "Goodnight."

"…night." Harry watched her lift off from the dock and hover in the air for a moment. He stared, waiting, until he realized what she wanted. He bit the inside of his cheek and trotted away from the edge of the dock and back onto the beach. She hovered a few seconds longer, then streaked upwards into the sky.

There was a loud crack and then a visible shockwave of golden energy lit up the night sky.

Harry felt his lips twitch into a smile and he stared up into the darkness long after the light had faded.

The night brought some measure of coolness with it, but Harry hardly noticed. The conjured jumper was warm and comfortable and he needed little else. He'd charmed the swimming trunks into trousers, having freed his wand from the hidden waist holster. His magic responded eagerly and happily.

Harry had then amused himself by drawing pictures in the sand and generally being silly for the greater part of an hour. At one point, the restlessness had come over him again and he'd run until his lungs were burning and he couldn't bear to stagger another step. It felt deliriously wonderful.

He wondered, briefly where the energy had come from and why he'd done it, before a touch of impatience had registered and he'd shoved all irritating thought away. He was glad to alive, awake and feeling better than he had in weeks. It reminded him of the first time he'd had a resting period, at the Dursley's house on Privet 4 drive. Then of after that weekend with Theo and then in the clinic when he'd really wanted to jump both of his Bonded for nothing more than prolonged romp among the sheets.

Logically, he was sure he was acting horribly out of character, but there was really no one to call him out on it but himself. Theo didn't know him all that well and neither did Charlie. They were both trying their best to coax him back to a version of normal that he was fairly sure didn't exist anymore.

He'd have to make a new version of normal.

That thought was inherently satisfying and Harry slowly roused himself from where he'd flopped back on the chilled sand and cast a warming charm over himself again. He shook himself out all over as he angled towards the water and moved until he could run along the edge of the surf with his feet being teased by the cold water.

For a moment, he felt painfully alive and decidedly frisky.

Hmph.

Pity Theo and Charlie weren't there to reap the benefits, Harry mused. He continued on his shuffling half-trot across the beach, taking his time on the return trip. He could still feel the incomplete bond between Alpha and Beta and he itched with the urge to bang their heads together.

It might not accomplish the necessary course of action, but it would make him feel better. He had time to himself and time to think and so he thought as much as he could. Sure, the initial train of thought could be rather morbid at times, but Harry had already grown accustomed to it after Sirius' death and the whole mess with Cedric.

For a moment, his thoughts stuttered together as he remembered a snippet of conversation with Quinn. The talented Healer had mentioned that if his missing mentor was dead, he'd split the necromancy fee to revive said mentor to acquire the proper answer. Harry turned that over in his mind for a few minutes, slowing down his jog to a sloppy walk.

Would a Necromancer be able to bring back Sirius? What about Cedric? What would it be like? Would they be dead and decayed, like inferi? Would they be a shade? Harry shook his head, he didn't want to think of that right now. He had more important things to muse over, such as why Dumbledore would cast an apparently illegal spell to call out the creature natures in students attending Hogwarts.

The public was sure to be outraged and he certainly didn't see the Ministry reacting favorably to it. Not if a certain pink-favored toad-witch had anything to do with it anyway. Harry frowned. He put that thought aside for later and wondered how things would be when they returned. When, not if, because as interesting as Nevarah was for the time being, he could not, in good conscience, simply leave the Wizarding world as it was without issue. Not to mention that while Hermione was here, along with Snape and Draco, there were others like Luna, the Weasley twins, George and Fred—and the mention of those two made his heart hurt, it seemed—not to mention Neville, Ron and a few others.

Harry's thoughts were abruptly jerked to a halt when his mind finally caught up to what he was seeing.

The dock was now in clear view and standing at the end of it was a beautiful, glowing creature of vivid blue and white. Strong, powerful magic that pulsed as if alive, surrounding the figure who stared upward, head craned back as a massive creature broke the surface of the mostly calm waters.

Harry felt the air in his lungs abruptly leave him as he processed the fact that a giant, translucent serpent had emerged from the water and was currently throwing its head side to side, mouth open in what had to be a roar. The fact that he couldn't hear said roar, didn't exactly calm Harry in any way. Instead of thinking towards hallucinations, his first inclination was that the figure must be quite powerful to manage such a strong silencing charm.

The second thought was that he'd never seen anything like it. The serpent was almost more of a water-dragon. There was a long, glowing body, a flared head, whisker-like strands that shook as it tossed its head back and forth, followed by wicked looking fangs.

Harry stared as the creature thrashed and roared, before diving dangerously close to the dock, throwing up a terrific spray in its wake. Awe and alarm warred inside of Harry as he witnessed the display of power and unnatural primal instinct. He was abruptly forced out of his amazed trance when the creature suddenly rose up and bore down on the tiny, glowing figure on the dock.

The figure began to struggle, fighting as the creature tilted its head back, swallowing with exaggerated motions.

Blue and white magic flared in angry bursts as the figure was swallowed.

Harry stared for a split-second longer, before his body blurred into motion. He broke into a dead run, mentally flipping through his spell library, hoping he could think of a suitable one to use. The was mildly glad that the serpent was mostly translucent, save for the glowing lines of pale blue that outlined it, before he realized that the figure had stopped fighting and now lay limply in suspension somewhere in the middle of that great throat.

This is a bad idea… a tiny voice warned him in the back of his head. All of the warnings from earlier had conveniently fled his mind in the heat of the moment as adrenaline coursed through his veins. He could no more stand here and watch, than he could to delay by even a fraction of a second.

He could die. Harry shot back, grimly. He tore off the jumper as he reached the docks and realized that the creature was much larger up close than it had been at a distance. He was probably the equivalent of its eye.

That realization was of little consequence as Harry pointed his wand and mouthed the first words that came to mind. A bolt of golden light flashed out from his wand and slammed into the massive underbelly of the towering water creature. He'd faced a basilisk at scarcely twelve years of age, this was absolutely nothing.

Close up, he could see that the creature seemed to be made of the water itself, even though the look in those glowing blue eyes was definitely quite sentient. Harry fired off another spell, before a deluge of water poured over him as the great mouth expelled an enormous quantity of seawater upon him. The sheer force of it left him half-sprawled on the unforgiving wooden dock.

The creature dove beneath the water, the glowing figure still suspended in its throat, the giant waves knocking Harry back to the dock as he tried to stand up. His grip on his wand loosened and he frantically scrabbled after it, realizing too late, that he was closer to the edge than he should have been.

Without any preparation, he toppled into the chilly, choppy waves.

Harry bobbed to the surface in time to cast a Bubblehead charm—albeit sloppily—before something snagged his leg and began to drag him downwards. He gripped his wand tightly, remembering that spells cast underwater did not have quite the same effect as they did on dry land. He couldn't see what was pulling him down, even as his vision rapidly tried to adjust.

The glowing of the creature and the floating figure inside of its' throat had dimmed in the depths of the water. A sharp brush against his leg brought Harry eye to eye with the creature. He was now aware of the fact that in spite of the watery appearance, this creature was intelligent and dangerous.

Whatever had brushed against him had been cold and scaly.

Sharp, cold and scaly.

His leg throbbed and burned for a moment, but Harry pushed the discomfort away from the front of his mind. His sole focus was the floating form of the sprawled figure that had now begun to dim. Panic surged through him and when words filled his head, Harry blurted out the spell without a second thought.

In the same instance that the spell impacted the creature, the blue figure jerked and twisted upright. For a brief second, relief coursed through Harry, before the creature reared back and swallowed him whole.

The Bubblehead charm distorted and vanished, icy water filling his ears and nostrils before a heavy weight slammed into him. Harry coughed out the mouthful of air in a stream of bubbles before spots swam at the corners of his eyes and he felt his wand slipping from his hand as blackness claimed him.

CHARACTER SNIPPET : KALZIK FAMILY HOME

"Quinn?" Surajini's soft voice carried through the night air. She stepped into the room and followed the scent of her Beta out onto the wide, wraparound porch, before she found the pair of father and son, curled up at the side, beneath the moonlight. She bit back a fond smile and settled for folding her arms over her chest. She'd give Patrick a moment. Her Beta always knew when she was near.

Sure enough, a handful of seconds later, the blond, ponytailed head turned towards her, a sad smile etched over his near angelic features. "Jini," he greeted, extending a hand. "Did something happen?"

"Bharin is fine, but he might appreciate you a little more than me, at the moment." She pushed back the sleeves of her dressing gown from bangle-less arms and settled comfortably, cross-legged on the floor beside him. She smiled when he twitched his fingers so that the soft blanket they rested on, magically expanded to include her as well.

"Ah, I thought he might, but I had hoped that Hiram wouldn't have a problem with that."

"He doesn't. Not really. But I had him first…for longer than I probably should have." Her lips twitched faintly. "Besides, we've all missed you. I think it's more of an experimental excuse to see if you've missed us as well."

"Mmm. I think I have." Patrick reached out with one hand to cup her cheek and smooth his thumb beneath her eye.

She leaned into the caress with trust, so pure and simple. "Was it horrible?" Her eyes closed. Her shoulders quivered.

Patrick's touch gentled even more. He shifted, so the hand moved from her cheek to slip into her hair, so that he cradled the back of her head. The new leverage allowed him to pull her forward enough so he could kiss her, softly and meaningfully.

Surajini sighed into the kiss, turning her face to kiss the inside of his arm. She scooted forward to cuddle into his side, when invited by the rise of his arm. They sat, together, quietly. Patrick staring up at the moon, while Quinn's quiet, even breathing filled her ears. She gave them both another minute, then regretfully turned and pressed her lips to Patrick's ear. "We decided."

"Will I hate it?" He leaned into her small hands that slipped inside his collar and gently rubbed at his neck.

"No. I do not think you will mind." She half-smiled. "Hiram has agreed. He was very…upset to see me so…distraught. He is still quite furious with me. I feel quite foolish."

Patrick's response was immediate and deliberate. He reached for her with both arms and pulled her flush against his chest. "You were rightfully worried." He kissed her soundly. Dark brown-black eyes blinked up at him in a mixture of dazed surprise. "There is nothing to feel foolish about. Hiram is likely upset at himself for not noticing that you were under such strain. You know how he is."

Surajini licked her lips, slowly. "Not—quite—"

Patrick smirked. He kissed her nose instead. "Quinn didn't mean it."

"I know." She sighed into his neck and reluctantly redirected her attention towards the main reason she was here in the first place. It was a tad more difficult than it should have been, but she rarely saw Patrick these days and it was hard not to want to jump him, tease him and smother him all at once, when they were together again. "We've decided that he will shadow Kyle for the next six months, instead of being the other way around."

Patrick winced. Quinn's natural Alpha tendencies often led to his need to be in charge or in the leadership role. Kyle, as a natural Beta, had no issues whatsoever following his adoptive brother wherever their adventures took them. He was also, however, able to switch from a complacent role to a more dominant one. It would be the perfect punishment, subtle and ingenious in one. "That's quite devious, my queen."

"It needs to be." She fisted a hand in his dressing gown. "He's growing up, Patrick, but he's still the same. I couldn't bear it if I lost him. I honestly don't think I would survive."

"Hush. You would. You are stronger than you think. You would survive, even if only for the rest of us." He soothed. But he understood just the same. "I am sure this will help him to think ahead in the future. Arielle knows that Kyle is quite adept at doing so. Besides, it will give them some time together. From what Bharin tells me, I believe they need it."

"Mm. They do." Surajini slowly relaxed. "Are you staying long?"

The smirk reappared. "I am, actually."

Surajini brightened at once, a tentative hope blossoming in her expressive eyes.

For a moment, Patrick felt a twinge of regret that his presence was so desperately craved, yet considered unattainable. He hadn't meant for his work him so far away or to last as long as it had. Things had become even more complicated when Hiram's business partners had begun to request him instead. Time had flown and then he'd realized, belatedly, that he'd been regulated to a long-distance life at the expense of his Circle. He'd pulled rank and social hierarchy on this one, along with the added excuse that his only son required him in addition to his Submissive. The clients had no choice but to agree and he'd made it quite clear that he intended to take the entire Hunting Season off.

"Patrick?" The hope in her eyes was now replaced by worry.

"Sh. Sorry." He cuddled her close. "I am staying for the Hunting Season." Her breath caught in her throat and she froze. "The entire Hunting Season. I told them my family needed me. They could not refuse."

"Won't it cause trouble for you?" She whispered.

"Nothing that Hiram and I cannot handle." He smiled into her thick, silky hair. "We have more than enough to provide for all of us as it is, so there is nothing to worry about if things turn sour."

There was silence for a moment, then an audible purr filled the night.

Patrick stared down at her for a moment, but her dark eyes shone in happiness. He stifled a laugh and rubbed his cheek against hers.

A/N: This was 17k before I realized that I forgot the character snippet and then I didn't want to leave the Water bit out for the next one and arggh, it made it to 20k. *tugs on hair*. I hope you, my dearest, wonderful, charming readers, do appreciate it. LOL. I apologize for the scene jumping, I think I took out MORE than I actually put in. Oh well. Feel free to yell if it does not make sense.

I really appreciate the kind response to the last chapter, especially the bit with Patrick and Quinn, that was quite hard to write. This chapter shows a bit of Surajini, Quinn's Mother, so enjoy getting to see her as well. Not to mention that horrible cliffhanger with Harry being stuck under water with a weird, translucent swimming sea snake. Ahem. Yes, I actually did do that cliffhanger on purpose, because the next scene is quite. I could have simply ended it with Ilsa on the docks, but then that would've been boring, right?

Alright, alright. Don't throw stuff at me. *sniff* Apologies for how long this chapter took. It's longer to make up for the fact that I have midterms coming up by the end of next week. Thank you all for the kind reviews, suggestions and also the well wishes for my Aunty. She had an infection in her stomach this week and was rushed back into the ICU. I'm going to see her tomorrow. I hope it's good news. :(

REVIEW RESPONSES are in the FORUM. Copy and paste to get there, click on the appropriate chapter number and scroll down to find your review and my reply. Replace the (heresadot) with actual dots as FF eats all urls.

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~Scion