Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything at all, 'cept my lovely imagination.
Chapter 2 : Maior Risus, Acrior Ensis (or The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife.)
For centuries, Historians have been trying to discover how our many different species evolved. However, none have had great success. This is in part mainly due to the secretive nature of the various species, and the sheer amount of time needed to accumulate and sort through the gathered information. In spite of this, there has been major documentation published describing the many attributes and features of each race, written both by someone of that race as well as others. Each author brings a new perspective and it is very interesting to compare the results.
For now, we'll settle on a basic view of the important races and recommend more advanced reading at the end. Among those we discuss are: Demons, Elves, Fae, Centaurs, Werewolves, Goblins, Angels, Vampires, Wizards, Giants, Gypsies and the Elementals (for a more complete list visit the index).
Demons have been around for ages and consider themselves superior to the rest of us lowly beings. There are many different subcategories such as Dog demons, Panther demons, Snake demons etc. They are also……
-Book excerpt from The Worlds Perspectives, by Lwr. Nomad Inc. (East/West Division)
Bright morning light filtered in through large windows highlighting the rows and rows of books, falling upon the pink and green paisley chairs clustered around an antique teak table. Alec DeTantaras rose slightly from his chair and subsequent book as his husband walked in, along with an older, yet still regal, lady with greying black hair. "Lady -"
"Now, Now." The lady held up a boney and wrinkled hand, while making one of those funny noises that come from the back of your throat when you scoff at something. "Please. How many times do I have to tell you that it's Elisabeth, Beth or hell, you can call me Mother if you want. Lord knows you" Sharp blue eyes glanced at Alec then at the man escorting her- Daryn, "both need one."
Alec answered just as Daryn caught on to what was being said. "Once more, as usual."
"Hey, I resent that. I do NOT need a keeper. I can handle myself just fine, thank you very much."
Both Beth and Alec exchanged looks of disbelief. "Really?" Alec asked, a dark eyebrow rising condescendingly. "What about that time in New York, when you got lost and ended up starting a full out gang war? Or that time in Budapest when you had no idea where we were? Or that time when you almost got the shit kicked out of you because you wanted to take a picture of a certain street in Amsterdam? Or-"
"Alright, alright, alright already. I get the picture." Daryn said sourly, "but it still doesn't mean I need a permanent keeper, just ….. Occasionally. Yes. That's right." His head nodded sharply emphasizing his point.
"Shush. Shush. There, there. No reason to get upset child." Beth made an appeasing motion with her hand, her words soothing like she was speaking to a two year old, which Alec supposed was the case sometimes. His husband didn't have the best of manners, an area in which he himself was sorely lacking, but would never admit to. "Let's move on to a different topic, I'm sure you are quite capable of handling yourself, just like my grandkids. Speaking of which, where are Zylle and Adrien?"
"They were out in the stables, but well-" Alec shrugged, "you get the picture, they could be anywhere. Both of them have full run of the grounds and believe me, they take full advantage of it."
Beth frowned concerned and glanced at Daryn questionably, conveying her worry about their safety. "Don't worry, Beth, they're perfectly safe. No one can get on our property except for those we want. Plus we have excellent guards." He purred delightedly with a devious smirk on his face.
Alec shook his head. "Sadistic bastard."
"Oy. I am not."
Seeing the argument start up, Beth decided to go find her wayward grandchildren before it got ugly or worse…..passionate. She shivered just thinking about it, once was enough and even then it gave her dreams for months afterwards. Not something any eighty year old wants to admit to.
"Are too."
"Am not!!"
"I'll show you want I'll do with those pouting lips of yours."
Yep, I am glad I left when I did. No need for me to witness them two going at it this early in the morning, not without something alcoholic anyway. Beth decided hearing the tail end of the conversation through the open door. Really, listening to those two sons of hers, one would have no idea they were adults. They would also have no clue about which 'adult' was the dominant, the roles switched so damn frequently it wasn't even funny. Sp much for being a typical and predictable species, Beth huffed blowing a stand of hair out of her eyes. If she ever found where the author of that waste of paper, Lock-Beard or whatever his name was, there would be trouble.
Despite all the aggravations that Alec and Daryn caused (both directly and inadvertently), she was glad they were a part of her family. It didn't matter to her if Alec and Daryn weren't hers by blood (God knows she likely wouldn't be alive now- they were OLD!) or adopted, both shit stirrers were a part of her diverse family- along with her…..strange grandchildren.
Thinking of whom, Beth decided to start searching in the kitchen. Both seven year olds had bottomless pits instead of stomachs. Heading down the stairs to the lower level and rounding the corner she caught sight of the very person she knew would know where the twins were. "Adele."
The figure stopped, turning around so Beth could see the motherly features of the housekeeper and cook. "Lady Beth. I'm sorry, I didn't see you."
A polite and quiet laugh resounded around the hallway. "Of course you didn't dearie. I was behind you, and as much as Zy and Rien believe you have eyes in the back of your head, I don't think you've quite managed that yet have you? Besides you're obviously busy." Beth said, gesturing towards Adele hands both of which were holding trays laden with croissants, pastries and fruit among napkins and glasses.
"Was there anything I can help you with, Lady Beth?" Adele Cossente asked, mentally going over her checklist for the morning wondering if she had forgotten something.
Beth smiled at Adele. "Actually, there was. Just a quick question before you finish up. Have you seen those grandchildren of my mine lately?"
"Oh yes I have Lady." Adele nodded, moving one arm and subsequent tray in the direction Beth had come from. "They were in my kitchen bugging me, not even ten minutes ago. I sent them out into the courtyard, until I finished setting and serving breakfast."
"Thank you. I believe I'll go find them." Beth inclined her head graciously before sweeping back past the grand staircase she had come down, towards the end of the hallway and the French doors leading outside.
"Oh, Lady Beth. I almost forgot. Breakfast will be in ten minutes on the patio." Adele called out, her voice echoing around the hall. The only reply she received was a delicate wave.
Shaking her head, Adele carried on to find Susie, her help as well as the maid, to kick her but into gear and help clean up the dining room for the dinner tonight.
Meanwhile, Beth had found her grandchildren sitting on the enclosed low brick wall, their heads together and backs to her, obviously plotting something.
Walking closer, her curiosity rose as both twins didn't hear her and it wasn't like she was trying to be quiet. Older women aren't exactly made for sneak attacks. Finally she got as close as she dared, she raised her voice, "WHAT do you think you are doing?" A un-lady like snort escaped as she tried to hold her amusement in.
The twins had been so startled when Beth first spoke up; they had both fallen backward landing in the strip of grass at her feet.
A pain groan issued from Adrien as he rolled over onto his knees. "Ow. That hurt!"
Zylle hummed in agreement, looking perfectly content from her position staring at the sky and completely ignoring the person that orchestrated said position. "Ohhh. Look Adrien, a bunny."
Speckled amethyst eyes turned to look at Zylle incredulously. "You are so weird."
Zylle just smiled sweetly still gazing at the fluffy white clouds. "And you're my brother, way to state the obvious." The tone completely belied the sweet innocence of her expression.
Beth couldn't hold it any longer, chuckles just started spewing out and she couldn't stop. Her twins really were something else, just like their parents, yet so different even from each other. Startled once again, Adrien's head shot up, speckled amethyst wide with surprise. In contrast, black ringed amethyst eyes rolled upwards, as their owner calmly greeted Beth. "Hello Nana."
"Nana!" Adrien jumped into the semi-calm woman's arms. Leaning back, his face echoing his excitement and happiness, he started firing questions off full blast. "When did you get here? How long are you staying? Did you bring any presents? Why did you-"
"Rien." Beth calmly stated, an amused eyebrow arched. "Calm down. You tell me what you two rascals were plotting, and don't give me that look. I know you are up to something, I'm not blind. You tell me and I'll answer your questions."
Adrien now sported the infamous (yet popular) goldfish look. "Bu….but- tha-"
Zylle finished her brother's sentence, seeing as he was stuttering so hard it seemed he had pneumonia. "Blackmail, Nana? Bit sneaky isn't it?" She sent an annoyed thought –one of their many talents, telepathy that only worked between the two of them- to Adrien. 'Shut up and follow my lead!' "Besides we weren't plotting anything were we, Rien?"
Adrien shook his head in agreement not missing the threat hidden in the question. Appeased, Zylle continued ignoring Beth's obvious scepticism. "Rien and I were just discussing when breakfast was going to be. We're hungry. But now that you're here you can tell us all about your wonderful trip." While she was talking, the eight year old had stood up and hooked her arm through her Nana's guiding her away from the wall.
Catching on, Adrien quickly copied the action on Beth's other side. "Yes. I'm sure you visited lots of places?"
Beth nodded slowly. "I did."
"And I'm sure you met lots of new people?" Beth was confused at her granddaughter's questions; she normally wasn't this sly and subtle. Still trying to find out what angle Zy and her brother were after, she nodded again.
"Just like you found lots of new souvenirs?" Adrien hinted as bluntly as ever. Understanding flashed through blue eyes before then went blank again. Aha, Beth thought, that's what they wanted. Sly little devils. Deciding to play the confused card, Beth looked back and forth between the two grinning identical-except-for-gender twins.
"I did but I don't understand what you're asking. You normally aren't interested in all my old boring friends." Her eyes twinkled as both twins gave small sighs. Zylle leaned forward and looked around Beth to Adrien catching his eye. Both children nodded at the conveyed message between the sets of amethyst eyes.
1 – 2 – 3
"Sooo, Nanna. Any presents?"
A/N : Haha. Hehe. Haha. Finally! Not much compared to the first chapter but it's just a filler. Also there is a Chapter 2.5 that I am not going to post as it is an interlude b/w the lovely parents, Alec and Daryn, and quite racy. I have to clean it up first. Should be soon, as I am getting back into the swing of things, both work and writing. Toodles.