A/N: Sorry about the rather angry Author's Note last chapter. We do not want to get sued. With all that being said, thank to those who review faithfully (The Sovereign) for your kind words. Enjoy the chapter!

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson

{Jace's POV}

The following morning was amazing, and I woke feeling like I've slept for many years. I was relaxed, and snuggled next to me was Liliana. She looked so beautiful, so perfect and innocent. She was so close to me; I would stay here forever if I could, but unfortunately the council requested that I came to a very 'important' meeting. Damn council always ruins the little downtime I have. I hope this meeting passes quickly, because I long to be next to her, and I haven't even gotten out of bed yet. I sigh and quickly peck Lili on the lips, careful not to wake her.

I gently slip out of bed, bathe and dress, and make my way to the meeting place. Apparently after the incident with Garruk recently an executive decision was made without my consent; they changed the meeting area every meeting. This time we were to meet at Vizkopa in Orzhova. Wasting little time as possible, I moved through the streets, alleys and walkways before arriving at Shadow Alley. Many of the guilds rested off of the alleyways, they were respective to each color.

I made my way to the entrance, chest in the air, nothing was going to keep me down. I felt good, and not Gideon or that blasted Izzet guildmage was going to ruin my mood. I entered the council room and took my place at the table. The women of the council were outside and Gideon, Ral Zarek, Tajic and a few others milled about, waiting for the meeting to begin officially. I propped my legs onto the table and hands behind my head. I was relaxed and just smiled, nothing could ruin this.

"Hey Jace…"

Except that. I looked at Gideon and he gave me this curious look. He had this expression of curiosity, and his eyes were squinted. I could tell that he was trying to read my mood, but I just smiled and gave him a wave.

"Hi," I said, feeling full of arrogance and joy.

"What's up with…." He tried to say, but at this point the council began to file in and take their places at the huge black table, with the Orzhov guild mark on the center. The room was a dull black, with white accent and spirits moved from guest to guest, bringing food and other objects to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. Teysa took her place at the head of the table, standing, and motioned for a board to be brought in. A ghost came to her after she snapped her fingers and took her cane. I never truly noticed she walked around with a cane, maybe she hid it very well or I was oblivious to her situation and never realized it. A wave of sadness and guilt rushed over me and killed my vibe somewhat. I was still on cloud nine, but felt a responsibility to find out what happened. I wasn't going to pry into her mind, and I would ask her directly.

"As you all know the recent events with Garruk, Jace and Liliana, has brought the attention of the guilds. Many people are questioning whether or not Jace's feelings and thoughts have clouded the Guildpact's judgment, and even question his ability to see us through tragic events."

Those words struck deep and left a very bitter taste in my mouth. Surely, this is just Teysa relaying information, or does she actually feel this way?

"While many of you on the council feel that a serious reconsideration of who should maintain the peace and oversee negotiations, while maintaining a sphere of influence in Ravnica, we must also be considerate of the fact that Jace has not failed us. Many of the guilds to this point have been uncooperative and have failed to represent themselves in the meetings that have been agreed upon by all members and the Guildpact the day he took command. Yet many of you have continued to see Jace through a very dim paradigm," she said. Her words like icy daggers in my back.

I looked to many members of the council, and their faces showed shock, or those who had faces. I could feel the tension and emotions spiraling in the room and certain guild members feared not what Teysa or where she was. Ruric-Thar, the champion and selected representative for the Gruul Clans, one of the heads sneered and the other spoke.

"You speak big words for such a little woman, especially a woman is crippled in a leg," the twin headed beasts straightened their self in the Gruul chair.

"Oh, so what does my crippled leg have to do with this? Do you see me as weak and helpless because I don't have functioning limbs as you, or even two-heads? Do you think I'm powerless before the 'almighty power' of the Gruul? Tell me, would you care to explain to me my weakness?" she says, now taking a seat brought to her by a ghost.

"Little woman, you would not last a second on the Stomping Grounds. The beasts would eat you, spit out your bones and then we would use them as weapons. You pose no threat, nor does your broken body. You would serve as a whore for our pleasure in the camps and we would pass you around until you were no longer of use," the brute laughed and the other head licked its lips.

"You underestimate me, and I would not continue these threats, because if you do, after you've 'disposed' of my body, the Obzedat would find you, your family, your entire clans and rips their souls asunder to add to their selves. Your body would serve as a breeding ground for our spirits and ghouls. And when my body regenerates, I will come to you, rip your heart out and show it to your dying eyes. After which, we will take your corpse and use it for the next batch of thrulls, and I will ensure that yours is given the lowest job, not even worthy for a king's pet."

The air turned cold and the spirits in the room began to spiral around Teysa, and their screeches echoed through our bodies. Something apparently struck Ruric-Thar deep because the ogre sat down and quickly grew quiet. The entirety of the guild home grew quiet and dead. No one believed it before, but Teysa has more power than even some of the members of the Obzedat. I don't think anyone will ever question it again. Many of the guildleaders turned their heads, fearful of what Teysa is actually capable of.

"On with matters, then, if none of you other brutes have something to say about my leg."

No one spoke.

"I have worked with Liliana Vess on a few occasions, without Mr. Beleren's knowledge. It is important that I say, as an unbiased outsider, that Liliana is not a little girl who needs a man to take care of her. She is more than capable of protecting herself. She came to Jace because despite of the fact that she needed help, Liliana's heart led her to Jace's doorstep. It is obvious to me that Liliana never got over Jace, as Ral will tell you that Jace never got over Liliana. I do not think, and nor do the Orzohv, that Miss Vess' presences clouds Jace's judgment. In fact, I think quite the opposite, as do Tajic and Gideon Jura. That being said, I think Jace should get up and say his piece."

I stand up, hands on the table. I heave a heavy sigh and look around the room. These are the types of meetings that have me wondering how this plane survived for as long as it did.

"We agreed after the fall of Tezzeret that I would be the person, the unbiased, non-guild aligned outsider, that kept peace on this plane," I started calmly. "And that is what I try to do. I don't pretend to know you each on a personal level, but I'm sure that each of you have someone that means the world to you. Someone to come home to every night. Liliana is that to me. Liliana is my peace. She keeps me grounded. I've only ever trusted two people the way I trust her, and the other is dead. She is the one that keeps me afloat when my mind is breaking. I kept myself together long enough without her, and now that I don't have to, I won't. She is part of me now. She is going to be around, she is going to be in my life. That is a given. I am not asking you or your guilds to fight for us, but I do ask you for your cooperation. I ask for your information. Because Wildspeaker isn't going to rest until he finds her. And I'm not going to let any harm befall her, regardless of what your guild's chosen actions are. But be warned: if you do not cooperate, you are giving Garruk the upper hand, and he will attack. He will attack your guild, your families. He is ruthless. And he's not going to rest until he has Liliana. And I'm not going to let that happen. If we wish to preserve the peace in Ravnica, you must give me your cooperation. Or else Wildspeaker will wreak havoc on this plane. Remember that when you decide to give me lip service about your loyalties."

I sit. Calmly. Teysa speaks.

"I think that when we convene for the next time, Miss Vess needs to be here. She must give us all the information about how Garruk works. I think it is important to include her in these decisions that so closely affect her life, Jace."

"I agree."

Tajic, Gideon, Ral, and Isperia, the Azorius leader, all shake their heads. It is agreed upon that we will reconvene next week, and that Liliana will be present to share information on how Garruk works as well as who he is working for. As I walk out, Gideon and Ral catch up with me. Ral looks at me, and clears his throat.

"They all act like children, Jace. But I think you're a true leader, and I agree with you. You're a different person since Liliana Vess came back into your life. I am sorry for the things I said. You two complement each other."

"Are we putting this rivalry under the table, Ral Zarek?" Ral just shakes his head, snorting.

"I guess we are. I'll help you find out about the Dimir, Ral. Because Liliana and I owe you this much. Thank you for having faith in my abilities to lead. But we will help you, I promise. But I need to get home. I hate leaving her alone in that house."

"I understand, Jace. Keep your head on straight."

I nod at Ral and Gideon and make my way back toward the house. I hate that the council wants to involve her in the delegations, but they didn't leave me much of a choice. I walk through the door, calling for my girl.

"Lili?"

"I'm back here, my love."

She's never been one to call me that, even when were together before. It makes me smile. I walk back toward the washroom, and Liliana is washing her hair. I'm in awe of her beauty, and the smile that is on her face lights up my world.

"Mind if I join you, my sweet Lili?"

"Of course not. How was the council?"

"About that. They want to include you in the meetings now, because they need information about Garruk if they're going to give me their cooperation. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course I don't, Jace."

I climb into the tub behind Liliana, wrapping my hands around her waist, and planting a soft kiss on her neck.

"Jace…"

"Mmpf?

"I need you.."

I'm more than happy to oblige her.