Title: Winds of Change
Pairing: Jane/Maura
Rating: M
Summary: The Royal couple meets Marcus' counterpart and his team. They also meet with Council members to find out more of what is to come. As before italics refers to mind speak between our heroines.
Thanks to all of you who reviewed and those who are now following along.
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CHAPTER 19
A very specific knock sounded on the door. "That is Zeon." Evie explained as Marcus went to the door giving it a special knock in answer.
Jane and Maura found themselves at the back of the pack. Their friends were now in full security mode. They had all placed themselves between the Royal couple and the door before Marcus opened it.
A large man easily six and a half feet tall stood there resembling the Vikings of old. His clothing and that of those with him were similar to Marcus' and their other friends. The differences were that the man at the door and his second's shirts were a pale tan and the rest of his group's were maroon. Also the clan affiliations pressed into their vests were different.
Jane and Maura had learned at the depot station before leaving that they could feel the differences in beings, it was instinctive for them. It seemed even more so now, as their magic was awakened.
The two Alpha males greeted each other with a nod and a hearty hand shake that was the clasping of each other's forearm instead of hands only. The two Alpha females greeted in the same manner.
"It's been a while Evie. It's good to see you and your mate doing well."
"Yes, it has and it is good to see the same of you Alexi." The two women stepped apart. "Has everything been arranged for our arrival? Is all secured for the meeting?"
"Everything is arranged. You must have some very important beings with you to have that particular group gathering to greet them." Zeon said as he and Marcus were both attempting to avoid naming names in case of prying ears.
"Come, you and those of your team may join us before we depart." Marcus stepped back.
Zeon gave orders to four of his team to stay in the corridor on guard. He, his mate, and four others stepped into the room. The suite had seemed a nice size before, however was getting significantly smaller as each being stepped over the threshold.
Once the door was closed the room was magically sound proofed and they could speak freely.
"Zeon, you and your team must take an oath to keep anything you learn here a secret. Swear by those on High." Marcus demanded as he and his pack continued to block the newcomers' views of Jane and Maura.
In unison upon Zeon's nod they all six brought fists over their hearts and so swore.
Marcus only nodded in acceptance. "Lord Fenrir, God on High, has been in personal communication with me and given me, my mate, and our top team a great task. A task which you and your top team are now a part of." He paused to build the suspense a bit with his old friend. "He has spoken with a few others in Undrehiel to help prepare for their arrival. The need for all the secrecy is because those with us are new to our world and must learn more before they publically take up their roles."
"What or should I say who are you talking about?"
The large Alpha wolf smiled. "The time has once again come as legend promised. Laird Raven and Lady Snow, the King and Queen of all Lycan kind are among us once more."
Evie chuckled at the stunned looks on the six newcomers faces.
"They have truly returned?" Alexi sounded awestruck.
"They are truly the heirs of the first Lord and Lady. Gifted personally by the Gods and Goddesses on High." Evie informed.
The six gazes now searched beyond Marcus, Evie, and their team.
Jane took Maura's hand and they moved forward to stand between Marcus and Evie as Ashley, Warren, and Tony gave way to them.
"It is good to meet you all. Marcus and the others have spoken highly of you." Jane greeted cordially.
Zeon, Alexi, and the others eyes took in everything about the powerful Lycans, not missing a thing. They all six saw the Bands of Royalty each wore.
They all put fists to heart and bowed. "It is our great honor to meet you, Your Majesties." Zeon spoke for his group.
The Royal couple nodded and the group straightened. Zeon was at a loss, not sure what to say to the two beautiful women. Lady Snow looked elegant, capable, intelligent, and strong. He could also feel a strong sense of compassion and curiosity coming from her. Laird Raven was a whole different kettle of fish. She was equally as beautiful, but she had an amazing aura of command unlike even the ancient Fae and Elven leaders. It seemed to be a born ability within her not something she had to learn. The dark haired woman also appeared intelligent and capable, however you could see in her eyes and posture she could also be dangerous and deadly. There was little doubt in his mind that they were who Marcus said they were.
Evie helped break the tension a bit. "It has been a few days shy of two weeks since they were gifted and became aware of our world. They have done amazingly well handling everything so far. They have been close for a long time, but became true mates after they were gifted and we all attended their beautiful wedding ceremony where they exchanged vows according to human law as well. I don't believe I've ever seen a couple more meant for each other." She spoke to them all, but her gaze was directed on her old friend Alexi.
"So they don't have their full Alpha powers yet?" Asked a vampire standing by the door. He was tall with dark hair and eyes with a slim muscular build.
"I don't know if we are at full power or not, however you may attempt to back me up if you wish." Jane kept a calm and cool demeanor as she spoke.
"I am not the most powerful among us. That would be our leader, Zeon." The vampire looked to his boss.
"Tell you what, the six of you band together and face my mate whom everyone from Marcus' pack here knows for a fact I am more powerful than. If the six of you can push her back even a little then I will give you all a shot." Jane issued the challenge. "They need to see you as powerful as well sweetheart. They are already dismissing you as the little woman. Make them bow to you, but don't show too much of your true will to them."
"No problem, darling. This may be fun." Maura squeezed her wife's hand before letting go. She faced the six alone.
The Alpha lion knew this needed to be done to positively prove to the others the power of the couple and he admitted he was a little bit curious himself. He took his mate's hand and felt the other's place hands on their shoulders before they all six began to raise their wills and direct their full force upon the woman in white.
Maura felt it, yet it was barely a tingle to her and washed around her harmlessly. She easily had the six bowing before her. She leaned forward and breathed across Zeon's neck since he was their leader and the six rose in wonder.
"You weren't affected at all." Alexi sounded breathless.
"I felt it, but no, I wasn't really effected." Maura was always truthful.
"That's incredible." Came from a willowy female Elf standing beside the Vampire.
A bulky man with brownish skin, hair, and eyes turned to Jane. "And you are even more powerful?"
She could feel he was some type of Fae that was very close to the earth and soil. "Yes."
A cocky redhead stepped up. He raked his shaggy hair from his face grinning arrogantly. "You may have strong wills however a powerful Magi, such as myself, can usually move Lycans and Vampires with magic. Some Elves and Fae can too. Lycans and Vamps are often more powerful physically or with their wills, yet have no resistance to true magic." He lashed out without warning at Jane.
She automatically put her hand up and caught the magic hurled towards her letting it build as the redheaded man sent more at her. Her feral grin rose as he began to sweat and shake. She pushed the magic back wrapping him in it. She raised her hand as he was completely enveloped, as his own magic was turned against him. He rose into the air and was held flat against the ceiling. "The next time you attack me unprovoked I won't be so nice. Do you understand?" Her voice held deadly menace.
"Yes, your highness. I understand. I am really sorry. Honest."
She slowly lowered him towards the ground until he was about three feet off the floor and released the magic holding him letting him drop. He landed with a distinct oomph.
"Ethan get up." Zeon was furious. "I can't believe you challenged Laird Raven without warning. You deserve much worse than what she gave you. You will spar every morning with all of the enforcers as well as myself and Alexi. You will also be on extra duties." He informed his team member.
Ethan slowly got to his feet. "Yes, sir." He turned to Jane and bowed low baring his neck. "I hope you forgive me my arrogance, your highness."
Jane stood quiet letting him hold his position for long moments before finally breathing across his neck.
The man stood grinning. "Even though I got my ass handed to me that was bloody incredible. I haven't been that easily magically trounced since I was a youngling."
Warren laughed then. "And she did that to you buddy without any training. Their magic has only begun to awaken."
"Man, if they can do that now, I wouldn't want to face them after they're fully trained." Ethan said with astonishment.
Maura slid her hand into Jane's. "That was amazing, dear. How did you know how?"
"I don't know. I reacted on instinct. My magic rose to my call and did what I wanted it to." She squeezed Maura's hand in return.
"Well, it was really sexy. I am finding I really like this strong masterful side of you."
"Remind me of that later when we are alone, sweetheart." The dark haired woman sent loving warmth through their private link.
"We should probably inform the four other members of your top team who they are, but first we should put names to faces." Evie pointed to the redhead. "You have met Ethan the team Magi enforcer. The tall female Elf in the back is Jaden. The Vampire beside her is Nolan, and Silas is next to him. He is a member of the Fae tribe, an earth elemental." They each nodded as Evie introduced them.
Alexi turned to her mate. "We can send these four out into the hall and allow the other four in." Zeon agreed.
In moments the guards had switched and four Lycans stood where the others had, two females and two males. From their scents one of the females was a tiger, she had short spiky auburn hair. The other was also a form of cat, however not one the Royal couple had encountered yet. One of the males was a wolf and the other a coyote.
Zeon informed them of who the couple was after they were also sworn to secrecy. He shared with them what happened with the others and they too bowed with fists over their hearts. "An honor to meet you, Your Majesties." They chorused.
The couple bobbed their heads in acknowledgement and they rose. "A pleasure to meet you four." Maura returned.
Alexi introduced the four. The female tiger was Lauren. The other woman who had straight jet black hair to her mid-back was a panther by the name of Maxine, 'Max'. The male wolf with shoulder length sandy hair was Grady and the shorter man with the wiry build and brown shaggy hair, who was a coyote, was Hector.
Once the introductions were finished they got down to business.
"I take it you have more of your security force around the depot?" Marcus began.
"Yes, my people are scattered throughout the depot and at all entrances and exits. I also have them guarding the transpo you arranged. I have three members of my team standing by at the end of the hall with a luggage trolley to take your things to it. The Council members are in a private conference chamber near the private entrance to the station. We should easily be able to get there without much public interference if we stick to the VIP corridors."
"Good, I take it the Council members also have their usual bodyguards with them?"
"Yes, each member has three. One of each is in the room with them, one posted outside the conference room, and the others are patrolling with my people."
There was silence a moment as the Alpha thought. "That means one guard for each of you, Laird Raven." Marcus turned to Jane. "I would suggest myself as one and even though you both know Evie better, I would suggest Zeon as the other. He is equal to me in power and rank."
Jane turned to Maura who gave a slight shake of ascension. "That is agreeable to the both of us. We would like Evie and Alexi to be our security at the door. I want Ashley and Ethan to escort the team members with our things to the transpo and make sure the vehicle is secure. I feel more comfortable having some presence I am familiar with there. The others can patrol as you see fit."
The two Alphas easily agreed.
"Call your people to come get our things" Marcus advised. "Ashley and Ethan will go with them and the rest of us will escort our Laird and Lady to the conference room."
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In short order the luggage was gone and Jane and Maura took their first steps out of the room and into Undrehiel. The corridor was wide. Six people could easily walk abreast. The guards formed around the Royal couple. Grady and Jaden were in the lead walking side by side. Next also side by side was Nolan, Marcus, and Lauren. Jane and Maura followed with Evie and Alexi on either side of them. Behind them was Hector, Zeon, and Tony walking abreast with Silas, Maxine, and Warren bringing up the rear. The security team was taking no chances with the charges the Gods themselves had given them to protect.
It was a great honor to be the security team for the legendary Lycan leaders.
Upon reaching the conference room those not entering or staying by the doors were told to patrol once the couple was safely within the room.
Evie and Alexi opened the doors after a brief knock. Zeon entered first followed by Jane and Maura. Maura's arm was through Jane's like before with her hand resting on a strong forearm. Marcus followed them in making sure the door was secured behind them.
Zeon and Marcus stood on either side of the Royal couple, however one step back, as they met the six Council members.
They all six wore their Council robes, each tribe wore a different color, however all had the same gold trim and Council insignia. A man in a silver robe stepped forward offering a dip of his head. "I am Mendaiven, one of the Elven Council members. I would like to welcome you both to Undrehiel on behalf of the entire Council. It is our great honor and pleasure to meet you both."
The couple acknowledged the greeting. "We are excited to be here. Thank you for the gracious welcome. It is a pleasure to meet such esteemed members of Undrehiel." Jane greeted.
"Jane that was really well done. You are so good at this King stuff."
Jane fought to keep a straight face.
Mendaiven turned to a female fairy who wore a sky blue robe. She also had beautiful gossamer wings on her back outside her robes. "This is Sailenay. A council member from the Fae tribe." The woman with pale golden hair smiled and lowered her head in greeting.
The couple returned it as the Elf went to the next member who was a man with salt and pepper hair and mustache. "This is Candovar, a Magi member of the Council." He wore deep blue robes and copied the fairy's greeting.
The Elf moved on once Candovar stepped back. A tall man with whitening blonde hair looking to be around fifty stepped forward in teal colored robes "This is Mason. He is one of the Human members of the Council." He greeted them as the others had. They returned it and he stepped back.
"This is Valldarion. She is a Vampire member of the Council." A tall elegant, yet gangly, woman stepped forward greeting them. She wore deep burnt red robes.
When she stepped back Mendaiven waved to a large bulky man a little over six feet tall with a wide and burly build crowned with dark hair to his shoulders and a dark mustache and beard. "This is Ingorod, a bear Lycan and member of the Council." He said with a worried look on his face when the bear in green robes did not nod to them.
Ingorod's voice was low and gravelly when he spoke. "I know Lord Fenrir said you were the ones, yet I do not feel comfortable giving pledge to you as my sovereign without giving challenge. My fellow Lycan counterpart and I have been the strongest of the Lycans for almost twenty years. I am the stronger of the two of us. I challenge you to a test of wills."
Maura quirked her eyebrow at him. "Are you challenging me or my mate?"
"I challenge The King, my Lady. She is the one who is the ultimate leader of our tribe."
Maura only nodded giving Jane's arm a squeeze before stepping back to stand between Marcus and Zeon.
"Your challenge is accepted, give me all that you have." Jane stood in a relaxed pose, arms at her side opening herself up for the challenge.
Ingorod's power flared and built. He was a little more powerful than Marcus and Zeon, but not by a great amount and he was not even near half as strong as Maura. Jane stayed in her relaxed pose as the man began to show distinct signs of stress with the effort and his face was turning beet red.
Jane slowly brought her will forward gently easing the bear back not wanting to embarrass him by throwing him backwards. She forced him to take a small step and give her a slight bow of his head. She held it there going no further. Jane released him when he bared his neck. She stepped forward performing the ritual to end the challenge before straightening and joining Maura once more.
"You are indeed powerful, you're Majesty. It has been many years since I have been defeated."
"You did very well Ingorod. I am glad to have one as strong as you in my tribe."
"You gained much respect from the rest of the room too, dear. They all watched that challenge closely to see if you could actually do it."
"Lord Fenrir may have told them who we are nonetheless often it takes seeing to fully believe."
"Yes it does. I have a feeling we will have to do more proving in the near future."
Jane sent her agreement as she and Maura turned to Mendaiven. "That was quite impressive, Laird Raven." He waved to a conference table behind him. "Let's have a seat and we can discuss the things Lord Fenrir had us arrange."
The table was round putting no being ahead of the other.
The Elf continued on as spokesperson for the group. "In an attempt to call as little attention to us all being here as possible this meeting will be brief. We also understand that for you both it has already been a long day whereas here the day is just beginning." He adjusted his robes as he sat waiting patiently for everyone to do the same before continuing. "Our world has waited a long time for the appearance of the heirs of Lord Raven and Lady Snow. Once it is public knowledge that you are indeed once again among us, many will journey to the AccuLarentia Province to try and get a glimpse of the two of you. The leaders of the other tribes will also arrive to formally welcome you." He waved his hand towards the bear Lycan. "I am afraid many more challenges similar to that one are in your future until you fully establish yourselves."
"We both are expecting the same. It is the main reason we need as much time under the radar as possible to learn of this world and its customs before we step into the public arena." Maura affirmed.
The Council gestured agreement. "All of us on the Council have made arrangements for individuals, each held in high regard in their particular field, to come to you and help you prepare for your new roles in life."
"Are we going to be staying in AccuLarentia Province during our training and adjustment period?" Jane was excited for the meeting to be over so she and Maura could see the world outside the depot station.
"No, it would be too easy for knowledge of you to get out. You will be going to your private home. The one left to you by the previous King and Queen. It is hidden to everyone but those of the small province it is in. No one really knows where it is except for the residents because the whole small province is magically hidden. The people of Hecation Province do travel and are seen in other places trading their goods and wares. Many beings have attempted to follow them back to their homeland, however they get disoriented, losing their way, and lose track of those they were following." Sailenay the Fae tribeswoman informed.
Valldarion continued. "There are very few in our world who were alive when your predecessors lived among us, even within the Fae and Elves who have much longer life spans. Those of Hecation are descendants of those who lived and served the first Lycan King and Queen. According to Fenrir the home has been maintained in perfect order. Ready for the new King and Queen to take up residence on a moment's notice. I am sure that they too will be eager to assist you in your preparations and training. Many of our greatest warriors and healers have come from there over the past generations."
"Much talent and great craftsmanship comes from Hecation." Stated Mason, the Human Council member. "Everything from warriors, healers, scholars, artisans, and craftsman, all extraordinarily talented, come from the province."
"That is about all we have to impart at the moment. Zeon will be our liaison to you. We can communicate with him without problem or suspicion. He will know how to get messages to you and will help us arrange the delivery of our experts when their times to join you arrive."
"That is agreeable." Jane knew that Zeon would be one of their advisors once Marcus and Evie had to return to the human realm.
The Elf and other members of the Council stood. Maura and Jane following suit. "It has been a pleasure meeting you both and we will do all we can to keep your existence a secret until you wish it to be otherwise." Mendaiven shook each of their hands in the way of the human realm. "I look forward to our next meeting."
Jane and Maura exchanged cordial farewells with the other members.
The couple faced the group before allowing the guards to open the doors. "It has been a pleasure and an honor meeting you all and we both look forward to getting to know you and working with you as our futures march together." Jane nodded to them all, receiving slight bows of salute.
Two Council guards bowed to them as they opened the doors. Zeon led the way through with Marcus at their backs. The Royal couple eagerly greeted their party.
As they made their way down the empty corridor to the private exit Maura leaned into her wife speaking low. "You completely nailed the whole King persona. You were great sweetheart."
"Thanks, it seemed to come naturally. I didn't really think about it. I have been following my instincts since we arrived here. You sounded very regal yourself and carried yourself with grace and elegance. I think we did well back there." Without breaking stride she eased her head down sharing a quick kiss with her Queen. "Now let's go see what this new world is like."
Maura smiled in agreement and equal excitement as the two women turned seeing the doors to the outside world appear as they rounded the last corner.
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Well, tell me what you think. It really makes my day when I hear from you. Until Next Time…Holly