Not sure why this particular chapter took me so long. It just did. The linker to the next section I already have written may take a while but I have a few ideas about characters I may want to use.

Also I've made a tumblr for the sake of this story. It's very plain and will probably stay that way. i don't have a ton of time to make it super fancy. But I've used it to update what the characters look like in my head. I still have a few more to post and I need to find my map of the realm to upload but this should be a good start. You'll see i posted the dress from the spice islands chapter. I'll do that in the future to to help you see what I'm visualizing. Go check it out. If the characters you see there don't match up with what is in your head then feel free to keep your choice.

.com

I know the link probably won't upload so the tumblr is called Once and Forever and my username the link is onceandforever-k2t . tumblr . com - no spaces of course, fanfiction just makes things difficult.

"Emma dear, are you almost ready?" Snow asked, trying to get her daughter out of the bathroom and downstairs to greet their friends.

"I'm going as fast as I can." Emma rushed out of the bathroom, pulling her hair onto into a ponytail. She tucked her tunic into her riding pants and looked at her mother. "I think I'm good."

"That's what you are wearing?" Snow eyed Emma's outfit.

"Yes." Emma said simply. "It is not as if we are greeting foreign dignitaries. I mean they are, but they are your friends. You shouldn't need to impress them. Besides shouldn't they get to know the real me?" Emma tried not to roll her eyes at the irony in that comment.

"I don't see how the real you would be different in a dress." Snow sighed.

"The real me prefers tunics and riding pants." Emma shrugged.

"So I'm seeing. Well its too late now." Snow shook her head. "Come along. We need to get down there."

"Wouldn't want to be late in reuniting with people I don't know." Emma said under her breath as she followed her mother out of her room.

"What was that?" Snow looked over her shoulder.

Emma looked up, surprised her mother had heard her. "I just was wondering to myself what it is going to be like that's all."

"Wondering what what is going to be like?" Snow asked.

"Meeting someone who is supposedly one of my best friends." Emma elaborated.

"It is going to be fine." Snow assured her daughter. "Everyone is aware that you do not have a memory of living here prior to your departure which means they are aware for all intents and purposes this is your first time meeting them. These are understanding people. They will not expect too much out of you."

Emma didn't point out that just because someone was a 'good' person didn't mean they wouldn't put an uncomfortable amount of pressure and expectations on someone to be what they previously were.

As they walked into the private greeting hall her parents used for some of their closer visitors James turned and smiled to see them. "Ah there are my girls."

Emma noted Will and Daniel were already there, sitting quietly next to one another. A tentative agreement to get along had been struck between the two after being forced to room together in Drell. Emma was not clear on the details but she knew that Daniel had done his best to make peace with Will and assure him he wanted only to have a good relationship with the boy.

"They just arrived a little bit ago." James said as his wife joined him. "They should be here any…"

"James." A hearty voice filled the room as a striking man entered the room.

"Thomas." James smiled warmly embracing the man.

"Snow." Thomas turned to his right. "You look lovely as always."

"Thank you Thomas." Snow smiled as she embraced him as well.

"And this is so clearly Emma." Thomas finally set his gaze on the girl. "You look so much like your parents."

"So I've heard." Emma nodded.

"Well it's a pleasure to meet you again." Thomas held out his hand. As Emma took it to shake it she was struck by a memory.

She couldn't have been more than five years old and was in a castle she did not recognize. She was standing at the top of a flight of stairs on one foot, staring intently at the wall in front of her. Thomas walked into the room, examining a stack of papers. He looked up, surprised to not only see Emma had escaped the governess, but was separate from Alexandra. He smiled to himself, knowing Emma was mischievous and cunning just like her parents. "Emma what in the world are you doing?"

Emma glanced down at Thomas, trying hard to keep her balance. Thomas had to hide back the laugh that threatened to escape from the adorable look of determination on her face. "Balancing." Emma said before returning her stare to the wall.

"Why?" Thomas asked slowly.

"Ari says to be an expert swordsman you must have infallible balance." Emma sounded like she was repeating another's words other than her own. "I'm practicing."

"And who is Ari?" Thomas walked up the short flight of stairs.

"My sword's master." Emma answered.

"Your what?" Thomas raised his eyebrows.

"He's teaching me the art of sword play." Emma elaborated.

"Yes dear, I am aware of what a sword's master does." Thomas shook his head. "You're parents are allowing you to learn how to use a sword?"

"Well not yet, I'm learning the basics so when I'm old enough I will be well prepared. Ari came all the way from Agraba to teach me." Emma said proudly. "Well not really, but he did come from Agraba and he is teaching me, balance, agility, those things."

"Your vocabulary seems to have expanded." Thomas was clearly amused. "Though I'm not convinced you know what they mean. Your father hired someone else to teach you to use a sword?"

"He's busy, he wants me to be prepared. I think he wants to be the first to actually help me use a sword but he needs someone to train my in the in between time he wants to but…" Emma trailed off.

"But he doesn't have a much time a he wishes and he wants the best for you." Thomas finished.

"Yea." Emma nodded.

"And how does your mother feel about this?" Thomas asked.

"She said she knew it was going to happen sooner or later but if he puts a sword in my hand before the agrees age she'll have his head." Emma said matter-of-factly.

"Who? Your sword's master?" Thomas asked.

"My father." Emma grinned

"That sounds like Snow." Thomas laughed. "Now come on and get off the top of those stairs before you tumble down them like last Christmas and your mother has my head."

"I'm older than I was last Christmas." Emma crossed her arms but did as she was told.

"Yes four months is a lifetime." Thomas teased.

"I'm five now." Emma said indignantly.

"You are." Thomas agreed. "And you and Alex are both growing too fast for my liking. Now how about you and I go find Alex and her governess who is probably worried sick wondering where you are."

"Ok." Emma agreed.

"No more running off." Thomas held up a finger. "Your parents would kill me if I lost you."

"You're scared of my parents?" Emma asked.

"Your mother? Yes." Thomas nodded. "Any man should be scared of a woman's wrath when it comes to her child. I'm the same way with Ella and Alex."

"Why?" Emma asked.

"Love dear Emma." Thomas said as he took the little girls hand into his own. "It is because our love for our children is so strong, even the thought of them in pain is too much to bear."

"Emma." Snow's voice snapped Emma out of her memory.

Emma noticed that three more people had entered the room and all were staring at her. Emma shook her head, trying to clear it. "Sorry I… I'm just trying to remember. You seem familiar but it's like a face in a dream."

"Well I guess familiar is better than nothing." Thomas smiled. "This is my wife Ella." Emma smiled and shook the woman's hand, noting her beauty. She greeted Andrew, the carbon copy of his father and finally the last member of the family stepped forward. She was beautiful, just like her mother, with cascading blonde waves and piercing blue eyes. Two pieces on either side were pinned back revealing a beautiful face framed by the rest of her long hair. A full light brown dress with lace detailing covered her entire body but stopped just below the shoulders, leaving them bare. In short, she was stunning. "Emma this is Alex."

"Emma." Alex couldn't help herself. She rushed forward and pulled Emma into a hug, taking Emma by surprise.

"I'm sorry. "Alex stepped back. "I just missed you so much."

"Alex." Ella said gently.

"Right." Alex shook her head. "You don't know how to respond to that because you don't even remember me. I'm doing everything I'm not supposed to. This isn't a very good start."

"It's ok." Emma assured the girl. "It's weird for me too."

"I can imagine." Ella smiled sympathetically.

"Why don't we retire into the private dining room?" Snow suggested. "The cooks have prepared an afternoon meal. You must be hungry after your journey."

"That sounds delightful." Ella took Snow's arm and the two led the way, acting every bit the part of old friends as spoke eagerly with one another. Andrew and Will were quick to follow, excited at the prospect of food. Alex, Emma and Daniel brought up the rear.

"Alex this is Daniel." Emma said suddenly, realizing Daniel hadn't been introduced yet.

"I know." Alex smiled.

"You do?" Emma looked confused.

"Yea I was introduced to them while you were spacing out." Daniel teased.

"I'm sorry." Emma put her hand to her head. "It's been a strange couple of days.

"I've heard." Alex nodded. "I can't obviously imagine what it's been like but I heard you were unconscious for two days?"

"That would be correct." Emma confirmed.

"Well that probably accounts for the spacing out." Alex supplied.

"Of course." Emma agreed, grateful Alex had unknowingly given her an excuse for her odd behavior.

The three took the final seats at the table. The meal was more casual, as they were in the presence of friends and that platters had already been set out on the table allowing them to serve themselves as they pleased.

"So Emma." Thomas said as everyone began to fill their plates. "James tells me you and Daniel have been living in another land for the past ten years."

Snow and James both glanced at Emma, gauging her response. Emma could tell by the looks on their faces they had not intended for this to be lunchtime conversation. Emma herself was surprised Thomas would be so forward about the question but she answered anyway. "Um yes. It's called Altair. We grew up there together."

"And how exactly did you all find this place?" Thomas directed this question to Daniel.

"Altair itself is a land of magical beings. It's an island kingdom, much as Erril or Erian is a kingdom. It has many cities and a capitol where our seat of government is."

"Seat of government?" Ella asked.

"Altair is not run like the kingdoms of this world." Emma answered. "Our rulers are chosen by the people. It is based on who we, as Altarians, believe would be in the best interest of our kingdom. They do not rule for their entire lives rather they are reevaluated every few years to determine whether they should stay in power or be replaced by someone else. There is a whole network of officials who help them rule as well. It's a bit complicated if you do not live there."

"Ruling isn't based on birthright?" Andrew seemed shocked.

"It's based of power really." Daniel explained. "Just because your father held a position of power does not mean you will. You have to be a good politician of course, but our government is comprised of the most skilled individuals in Altair."

"Though those who hold positions of power do generally come from families of note in our world." Emma pointed out.

Ella looked at Daniel. "So if the two of you grew up there, where did you live? With a family?"

"No." Daniel shook his head. "There is… well it is hard to explain but it is sort of an academy that families might send their children to in order to learn different trades or skills. Magical abilities manifest in the sixth year. Some children are sent by their families to learn and others are rescued from whatever situation they might be in. The woman who is in charge has this ability to sense when one of us is manifesting our abilities. If she senses we are in distress she comes to us immediately to rescue us from whatever situation we might be in and brings us to Altair. We grew up learning how to hone our magical abilities and safely practice them. We also learned other skills such as hand to hand combat, archery, swordsmanship, and fighting with all sorts of weapons."

"Our little Emma a swordswoman? Looks as if she has achieved one of her lifelong dreams." Thomas smiled.

"It was my dream?" Emma asked.

"I don't think your mother was too keen on the idea but you were determined to learn. Your father found you the best sword's master in the realm. He started with you the day you turned five, practicing with wooden rods. I don't believe you ever got to a real sword though." Thomas said.

"She didn't." Snow clarified quickly.

"Is she any good?" Thomas asked.

"She's excellent." James said proudly. "The first time I encountered her she bested me. Her instinct is infallible and her skills are impeccable. I'm not sure I could have trained her better."

"That's high praise coming from your father." Thomas beamed.

Emma blushed. "I don't know that I'm that good."

"She is." James assured him. "You should spar with her at some point."

"I'd love to." Thomas smiled. "If Snow agrees of course."

"If you hurt her, I'll kill you." Snow pointed her fork at Thomas.

"I'm aware." Thomas held up his hands in surrender.

"Snow dear." James took her hand. "I do not believe it is Thomas you need to worry about. Besides we've begun adopting the way Daniel and Emma practice. It's much safer."

"Tell that to Emma's arm." Snow muttered. Will ducked his head, staring intently at his plate, not wanting to make eye contact after the past incident had been brought up.

"So in your world they've basically taught you how to be warriors." Andrew clarified.

"We learn more than that." Emma spoke in defense of her land. "They teach us diplomacy, about different cultures, the history and customs of all the realms. They want us to be well-rounded individuals. We understand all different forms of governments, learn alliances, battle strategy, and even language."

"You can speak other languages?" Alex's surprise matched that of everyone else at the table.

"Multiple." Daniel said slowly. "It's how we communicate when we travel to other realms who do not speak our language."

"You realm travel." Andrew said breathlessly.

"Yes." Emma nodded, noticing her mother's uncomfortable posture.

"What's that like?" Andrew seemed fascinated.

"The worlds are all incredible places. Many are beautiful in ways completely different from this land. The customs of people are all fun to learn and experience as well. Especially festivals, those are our favorite." Daniel explained.

"We have big festivals here." Alex smiled. "Massive balls, the towns all celebrate, we even have lights in the sky for some. People dance for days."

"I'm sure they are truly wonderful." Daniel smiled at Alex, causing her to blush.

"What are some of the festivals you've seen like?" Alex asked shyly.

"They vary from culture to culture." Emma explained, watching the exchange between the two closely. "But one of my favorite's is Rengesemeny. It's the festival of colors. It's a beautiful celebration that last for days. It's as if no one sleeps. There are parades and dancing and fantastic costumes everywhere. Near they end they release these massive colored balloons that vendors spend the entire year on just to be let off into the air."

"That sounds fascinating." Alex seemed absolutely captivated.

"It is." Emma agreed but noticed her mother was not very comfortable with the situation. "But I'm sure the festivals of this realm are just as elegant."

"Why don't you children go for a walk in the garden?" James suggested. "It's such a beautiful day to be inside. It will give us adults some time to take care of some business so we can all enjoy one another's presence for this trip."

"Ok." Emma nodded.

"We're going to the sparring range." Will called as he and Andrew quickly ran off, their guard running to catch up.

"Emma." Thomas called, causing Emma to turn. "I'm looking forward to that sparring match later. I want to see first hand if James's claims are true or if he's just boasting about his daughter."

"Oh they're true." Emma smiled devilishly. "Just wait and see."

Thomas gave a hearty laugh. "Oh you haven't changed a bit. Go have fun."

"I love your gardens and it has been ages since I have seen them." Alex smiled as she accompanied Emma and Daniel out of the castle. "We don't visit here as much since well… your parents prefer to visit our castle. It's less…"

"It's fine I understand." Emma said so Alex didn't have to continue.

"Will you tell me more about the festivals you've seen?" Alex asked hopefully.

"Well another one of my favorites is the festival of Chione." Emma said. "She's a goddess of snow and ice. It's a cold world where they have it but it's a beautiful festival. They carve beautiful sculptures out of snow and ice, both small and as massive as buildings. They're so intricate and stunning. And they've found ways to light up the ice sculptures in brilliant colors. It's a sort of magic of course but it makes it absolutely stunning. It's a different world."

"And they build the most amazing slides out of snow and ice." Daniel added.

"It's a bit more juvenile." Emma shrugged. "But extraordinarily fun."

"Wow." Alex breathed. "So you two have traveled to many lands."

"We have." Daniel nodded. "With our friends from our world. Some authorized, other's not, but all incredible."

"Your life sounds so fascinating." Alex shook her head. "So much better than my boring life."

"I'm sure your life has been incredible." Emma said.

"It has." Alex agreed. "I have fantastic and loving parents. My little brother's a pain but I love him. I've had the best opportunities and never wanted for anything but I've never been anything but safe. Sure I had a few mischievous escapades when I was younger but I gave those up because it was expected of me to be a lady and a role model as a future ruler of our kingdom. It's a far cry from the adventures you two have had."

"Adventures aren't always a good thing." Emma admitted.

"What do you mean?" Alex asked.

"We've had a more close calls than we'd like to admit." Daniel supplied. "Our life isn't as glamorous as we make it seem."

"Well it seems pretty fantastic to me." Alex shrugged.

"It was a pretty great way to grow up." Emma agreed softly. "But every world, every life has it's pro's and it's con's."

"I guess that's true." Alex agreed.

Daniel glanced up at the sky. "Oh… Sorry Emma. I have some stuff to do." Emma raised her eyebrow. "I made some promises to Will."

"You two are friends now?" Emma asked skeptically.

"I'm working on it." Daniel shrugged.

"Well good luck with that." Emma laughed. "I'll see you at dinner."

"Good bye princess Alexandra." Daniel gave a slight bow. "It was a pleasure making your acquaintance."

"Please, its just Alex." Alex smiled. "Any friend of Emma's is a friend of mine. Besides, I hate going by my formal title."

"Alex it is. I'll see you later Ems. Pray your brother doesn't kill me." Daniel gave one final smile before taking his leave.

Alex watched him leave. As soon as he was out of sight she turned back to Emma. "He is so attractive."

"I guess." Emma said passively.

"You guess?" Alex's eyebrows shot up. "Emma I'm not sure I've seen someone so attractive in my life, except you know maybe Chris, but he's like my brother. He is a god."

"He's just Daniel to me." Emma shrugged.

"I get it." Alex nodded. "You're playing if off for your father right? How long have the two of you been a thing?"

"Since never." Emma laughed at the thought. "Seriously there's nothing there."

"You don't have to lie to me Emma." Alex said pointedly. "It's obvious he has eyes only for you."

"Maybe to the delusional, but Daniel is just a friend I grew up with." Emma asserted. "We're close yes but nothing more. Like you said about Chris, whoever that is, he's like my brother."

"I wish I had grown up around that." Alex shook her head.

"Well he's all yours if you want him." Emma held up her hands. "But I have to warn you, he can be a bit bull headed at times."

"Like you can't?" Alex laughed. "I mean no offense, but if you're anything like you were when you were little you're one stubborn individual. The amount of trouble you got us in. You were fearless, but also kind of stupid."

"Some might still agree with that sentiment." Emma grinned. "I'm just a bit more capable of handling the consequences of my actions."

"Well that's good to hear." Alex said. "The amount of heart attacks you nearly gave our parents is hard to count."

"Yea well I don't think a heart attack can compare to the way I broke their hearts." Emma said solemnly.

"Yea." Alex nodded slowly. "Mistakes were made… but they were in the past."

"Was it a mistake thought?" Emma glanced at Alex. "I mean I had to leave for a reason. I just can't remember what it is."

"Then you don't know it was a bad thing." Alex pointed out.

"But I don't know it wasn't." Emma looked at the ground. "I try to forget about that but it's always in the back of my mind. I can pretend I haven't missed the past ten years all I want but it is always in the back of my mind."

"I guess I can understand that." Alex shifted uncomfortably, glancing over her shoulder at the guards keeping a close distance from them. "So look I know you probably feel like everyone expects us to be best friends again but… I don't."

"You don't?" Emma looked surprised.

"No." Alex shook her head. "We were best friends once, but we were also very young. We've grown up in vastly different worlds. We're different people now and we may not be … well we may not be able to be best friends anymore."

Emma nodded awkwardly. "Yea... It's not that I don't want to be friends with you."

"I know that." Alex assured her. "I mean I hope you wouldn't write me off that quickly. Then again we are effectively strangers."

"Sorry." Emma apologized.

"It's not your fault." Alex shrugged off the comment. "I mean maybe it is but… it can't be easy having a bunch of strangers telling you all about your past life."

"I'm managing." Emma said.

"Well how about this, we start as strangers." Alex suggested. "Well not as real strangers, our parents are best friends. But you tell me things about you, I'll tell you things about me, and we'll see if we just want to be cordial with one another or maybe we find a way to be friends again. Regardless, it's got to be easier than trying to reclaim the past. Sound good?" Alex held out her hand.

Emma was silent for a moment before nodding and taking Alex's hand. "I think that sounds really nice."

"Keep up you two." Daniel called over his shoulder.

"We're trying." Emma turned to Alex.

"I'm sorry." Alex huffed and pulled up her skirts again. "It's hard to move quickly out here in a dress."

"That's why I told you not to wear one." Emma said pointedly.

"It's all I brought." Alex sighed.

"I told you that you were more than welcome to borrow something of mine." Emma responded.

Alex just shrugged. "I like dresses."

"Of course you do." Emma rolled her eyes. "If you're going to come along, just try to keep up."

"Will do." Alex determinedly readjusted her skirts and moved quicker.

"Took you long enough." Daniel grinned as the girls made their way into the clearing.

"Sorry." Emma shrugged even though she clearly wasn't. She looked at Andrew and Will. "You two ready?"

"Is your sister really that good?" Andrew turned to Will.

"She's all right." Will shrugged. Emma and Daniel both gave him pointed looks. "Ok she's really good."

"I thought that might be why you asked Daniel and I to help you." Emma smirked.

"If anyone asks I'll deny it." Will held up a finger.

"Ok." Daniel laughed. "Shall we get started?"

"Let me grab my sword." Will moved to take it from one of the guards.

"Uh." Emma held up her hand, stopping her brother. "No swords today."

"I thought we were learning sword fighting technique?" Will narrowed his eyes.

"We are." Daniel assured him. "But we're not using swords today."

"Why not?" Andrew asked.

"Because the two of you still see the sword as a weapon." Emma said patiently.

"A sword is a weapon." Will seemed annoyed.

"No." Daniel shook his head. "It is an extension of yourself. You are the weapon. The sword is simply a tool to help make you more lethal."

"Daniel." Emma warned.

"Lethal?" Andrew and Will's eyes both lit up.

"Or better swordsmen." Emma glared at Daniel. "You need to understand how to fight on your own to become better with a sword. You never want to be dependent on a weapon. You should be able to trust yourself to get the job done, a sword may not always be available."

"So if we're not using swords what are we doing?" Will asked.

"Hand to hand combat." Daniel said simply as he dropped his sword to the ground. "It is something Emma and do frequently back in Altair. It is how they teach us to fight in Altair, granted we learn other weapons as well but it is very applicable to what you are learning."

"You need to learn to see your opponents moves before they make them." Emma continued. "To have the ability to see all possible scenarios and know how to respond is to survive."

"How do you know what someone is going to do before they do it?" Andrew asked.

"By being so well trained it becomes second nature." Emma said simply. "It's not easy and it takes a lot of practice. But it separates a warrior that is good from a warrior that is great, and it will save your life."

"And hand to hand combat will help us with that?" Will looked skeptical.

"What happens when your sword gets knocked out of your hand and your opponent still has theirs?" Daniel asked. Both Will and Andrew remained silent. "That is when the real fight begins."

"And the fun begins." Emma grinned. "Watch us, we'll show you the level of combat that is expected for the older individuals of the academy. We don't expect you to be at this level. We just want to show you what you're aiming for. "

"You ready for this princess?" Daniel teased as they walked out to the center of the clearing.

"I don't know why you're so cocky." Emma tied back her hair and tucked in her sleeveless tunic. "I'm the one who usually wins."

"Yes but who broke your arm?" Daniel raised his eyebrow.

"It was a cheap shot." Emma muttered.

Both slowly circled each other, holding their fists up, ready to attack. Neither made any moves at first, studying the others movements. Finally Daniel made a move, going in for a strike, which Emma quickly blocked. The two fought quickly and aggressively not holding anything back. While most major shots were blocked, a few caught one on occasion, but neither slowed. At one point Emma saw Daniel lunge and knew his weight would be off balance enough for her to make a move. She leaned back, letting his arm graze in front of her body before grabbing it and kicking his knee, knocking him to the ground. He was quickly back up, grabbing her free hand and sending a hard blow to her face. The two continued to spar. Daniel sent a blow to Emma's arm, which she took but caught his in the process. In a swift movement she twisted the arm and sent him flipping to the ground. Daniel got back to his feet as the two circled again. Daniel responded by sending a roundhouse kick to Emma's head, which she spun and managed to block. However she gave him the opening he needed to flip her to the ground.

"Nice." Emma grinned, not taking her eyes off his movements.

"I'm not as weak as you think I am Emma." Daniel watched her just as closely.

"I would never accuse you of that." Emma looked Daniel in the eyes, taking his attention off her movements as she dropped to the ground, kicking his feet out from under him. Before he hit the ground Emma was on top of him one foot pinning down his dominant arm, the other knee in his stomach. Her hand pinned down his neck. "Ready to give up?"

"Never." Daniel gave a devilish surprise before pressing his hand hard into a spot he knew would knock Emma off her balance.

"Ah." Emma winced and gave Daniel enough of an opening to throw her off. The two grappled and quickly ended up in a stalemate position, both lying on the ground, each holding the others arm across their chest in an immobilizing position.

"Draw?" Daniel suggested.

"Draw." Emma muttered. Both stared each other down, hesitating before finally letting each other go. The two stood up, brushing themselves off. Emma shot a small glare Daniel's way as she tried to stretch out some of her knots. "That was low even for you."

"Know your opponents weaknesses and exploit them." Daniel shrugged. "Evan's rule-number seven."

"Yea but where did I get that injury?" Emma said tersely.

Daniel sighed and rolled his eyes. "Saving my life."

"And yet you had the audacity to exploit it." Emma shook her head but a smile played at her lips.

"I just did what you would have done." Daniel said.

"Touche." Emma laughed. She glanced at the boys. "You ready?"

"You expect us… to do that?" Will looked dumbfounded. "Are you absolutely insane?"

"We don't expect you to do that." Emma shook her head.

"We can't do anything close to that." Andrew finally broke his shocked state. "You two bloody well could have killed each other. I don't know how nothings broken and how are you standing right now? I'd be on the ground in pain."

"You learn to become sort of immune to pain." Emma shrugged. "You can feel it but you learn to let the adrenaline mask it."

"I can't move that fast." Will shook his head.

"You'll learn." Daniel assured them. "We won't even start with hand to hand combat for the two of you. You'll just hurt yourselves."

"Because the two of you didn't hurt yourselves?" Andrew asked.

"We know how to properly fight." Emma explained. "We also know to stop before we do serious damage to the other. You don't know how to do that yet. We'll start with the basics."

Daniel produced to pads with arm straps on the back. "Fight technique. We'll show you and then let you mimic. We'll stay simple today basic attack and defense."

"You two are the experts." Will shrugged.

"Go get stretched out." Emma instructed. "It will keep you from getting hurt."

Alex came over to Daniel and Emma as the two boys went to stretch. "Are you to mad? It looked like you were trying to kill each other."

"It doesn't help someone survive if you go easy on them in practice." Daniel said simply.

"You do this normally in Altair?" Alex asked in surprise.

"Every day." Emma nodded. "It's not always hand to hand, we rotate weapons as well."

"I'm shocked you two are still in one piece." Alex shook her head.

"There are quite a few broken bones." Daniel admitted. "Luckily magic helps them heal faster."

"How many times have the two of you broken something?" Alex looked warily between Daniel and Emma.

"More times than I'd ever admit to my parents." Emma said. "We get better at not bruising easily."

"How?" Alex asked.

"Magic." Daniel and Emma said in unison.

"Should have guessed." Alex nodded.

"Neither of us should bruise too much." Emma glanced over herself. "Though I might feel some of this tomorrow."

"Sorry about that cheap shot." Daniel apologized.

"Don't be." Emma shook her head. "It was the smart move. I would have done the same. However you typically won't know the location of your opponents scars."

"Use what you have to your advantage." Daniel glanced at the girls. "Never underestimate your resources."

"Rule-number five." Emma looked at Alex. "How did the guards react?"

"You're going to give them a heart attack." Alex smiled looking over her shoulder at the group of guards that looked incredibly tense. "They were freaking out. I think they didn't interfere because they were scared they would be hurt.

"Good." Emma laughed. "They'd do well to fear us." She glanced over at the boys. "You two ready?"

"Yea." Will nodded as they rejoined the older three. "So where do we start?"

Daniel handed Emma one of the pads and positioned himself in front of her. "Follow our lead."

"Emma?" There was a knock on the door. Emma quickly tied her tunic top, protecting her modesty before the door opened. Evander cam in and stopped suddenly when he saw Emma covering herself. "Oh I'm sorry I should have waited for an answer. I'm just not used to you…"

"Having a body, needing privacy, not being six?" Emma asked.

"All of the above." Evander nodded. "I'm sorry."

"It's ok." Emma gave a reassuring smile.

Evander was about to respond when his eyes fell on Emma's shoulder. She followed his gaze to where a dark bruise was flowering, cursing herself for keeping her sleeveless tunic on. "What happened there?"

"It's nothing." Emma shook her head.

"Daniel?" Evander asked knowingly.

"Seems to me like you already know what happened." Emma pointed out.

"Your guards talk." Evander smiled, a twinkle in his eye.

"Were they surprised?" Emma asked.

"Very." Evander nodded. "They seem to be a little bit frightened of you, or at least what you are capable of."

"Excellent." Emma grinned as she walked over to her bed, grabbing a shawl and pulling it over her shoulders. She turned back to Evander. "Aren't you the head of my personal guard?"

"I am." Evander nodded.

"So shouldn't I see you a little more often?" Emma pointed out.

Evander gave a small laugh. "Fair enough young one. The answer to that particular question is yes. Unfortunately I've been a little busy fulfilling my duties on your fathers war council."

"So he see's that as more important than my safety?" Emma raised her eyebrow.

"Not at all." Evander assured her. "But both your father and I see you as more than capable of taking care of yourself. We think while you're around the palace grounds and especially when you're with Daniel you can handle a lighter guard."

"No chance of ditching the guard completely?" Emma asked hopefully.

"You're still a target." Evander reminded her.

Emma sighed. "Figures. So what did you come here to tell me?"

"Excuse me?" Evander asked.

"I assumed since you're so very busy that whatever brought you here must be important." Emma teased.

"How do you know I didn't come to see my favorite…?" Evander started.

"Assignment?" Emma raised her eyebrow.

Evander took a patient breath. "I just wanted to see how you are doing."

"How I am doing?" Emma raised an eyebrow.

"You know with everything, the transition home, Ella and Thomas's visit…" "Your former best friend being here."

"I'm doing fine thank you." Emma said slowly, an amused look on her face. "Ella and Thomas are perfectly nice and they don't bring up my past. Andrew keeps the bite out of Will's persona and makes him bearable so that's refreshing. They both seem to enjoy training."

"Teaching young boys how to fist fight?" Evander laughed. "Yes I'm sure they worship you."

"I'm not sure worship is the right word." Emma shook her head.

"And how are things other than that… with Alex?" Evander pressed.

"So that's why you're here." Emma nodded. "My parents sent you to check up on me and how I'm handling everything. My only question is why you? I mean no offense but we don't exactly have much of a relationship." Evander gave Emma a pointed look. "They sent you because we don't have much of a relationship and they thought I might be more willing to talk to you about it."

"I'm not looking to give you any advice." Evander promised.

Emma pulled out a fresh pair of trousers and a long sleeved tunic and laid them on her bed. "I wouldn't ask for any advice anyway."

"Yes I'm aware you seem to think you're capable of handling things yourself." Evander said.

"Things are complicated." Emma glanced over her shoulder. "No one can really understand the position I am in so no one is qualified to give me advice on it, except maybe Daniel. I'm not their proper little princess, I'm…"

"Lethal." Evander finished for her. Emma raised her eyebrows, causing Evander to shrug. "Will told me."

"Ah." Emma nodded. "That was Daniel's comment, not mine."

"That doesn't mean it's not true." Evander pointed out.

"You think I'm lethal?" Emma asked.

"I think your skills are more than capable of allowing you to take someone's life. The only question is if you have." Evander said simply.

"What kind of civilization would allow children to kill?" Emma asked, hiding her nervousness expertly.

"I'm simply asking." Evander assured her. "You did say you have been trained in all forms of combat form a young age."

"To prepare us for when we are older." Emma nodded.

"What about holding nothing back?" Evander asked.

"That kids a snitch." Emma shook her head. "In practice. We'd never kill each other. That's absolutely insane."

"I'm not accusing you of anything Emma." Evander promised. "I'm just warning you not to hide who you really are, especially to yourself. It will only result in heart break."

"Well thank you for the advice." Emma said tersely. "If you're done I'd like to bathe before dinner and I'm sure you have important war council things to get back to."

"Emma I'm…" Evander started.

"It's fine." Emma held up her hand. "Though a piece of advice? If you really think I'm lethal, getting on my bad side is probably not the best decision."

"Duly noted princess." Evander nodded as Emma walked towards the bathroom.

"It's Emma." Emma glanced over her shoulder. "I'm no princess, I can see it in your eyes."

"That is where you are wrong my dear." Evander stopped her. "You are still very much a princess… you just can't see it yet."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Emma snapped around.

"You'll see." Evander gave a small smile as he walked out. "In time."

Rengesemeny is a combination of words for colorful and balloon in another language. I can't remember what it was though - it was a while ago.