Sereth was walking into the barracks, keeping track of the reactions of the men who had just heard the news of the bonding. The soldiers were edgy, and Sereth was doing what he could to keep them all settled, cracking jokes to some, posing difficult riddles to others, one soldier even got a pat on the back as he looked about ready to break down. A moment later he felt a terrific amount of Saidin being channeled, and rushed out, shouting orders to remain calm.

The Asha'man watched in horror as Brent launched a flame arrow, his heart falling into his chest as the barn fell upon the man who had led them at Shienar. For the first time since he had learned the Flame and the Void from his Teacher, Sereth Arian nearly had the void shatter on him. It was true that he didn't know Covai, had barely spoken to the man, but he admired him. He was a true leader, where Brent was only in title. He led men to their deaths, and felt each wound.

Sereth felt the three soldiers behind him seize Saidin. Sereth turned, catching the half-formed weaves out of the corner of his eyes. The Asha'man began his own grapple with the Source, years of experience rendering the battle second nature. Three cutting weaves, followed by three shielding weaves as each soldier recoiled from the shock. Distantly the philosopher mused that was probably the first time they'd had a weave cut. "Brent will destroy you if you attack him." His voice was low, his anger obvious despite the void.

Releasing the shields, Sereth advanced upon the main party. After a bit of searching, he saw Tai'Dashan, and tossed the man a nod. They were among the few who wore the dragon pin proudly upon their lapel. It was there job to keep the soldiers in line... and protect them if the need arose. This in mind, he turned and faced the battle, watching in controlled awe as the battle unfolded...

nah, i can still squeeze in time to do all that needs to be done. its just the majority of my RPs that i'm neglecting lol.

Arcon wove, masking his own ability to channel. An inverted weave of folded light hid his favored student, and a hint of illusion gave the appearance that the man had disappeared into shadows that literally reached for him. He was proud of his work. He stepped out from behind his own wall of folded light, only a couple feet behind Alliveer. "Hello Alliveer." His was was low, cold. It was aimed to startle the almost certainly edgy initiate.

"The Myrddraal was correct, Alliveer. There are paths in the shadow that you are yet blind too, dangers you are not aware of. Any one of these doors could have exploded, eliminating a valuable resource to the Great Lord of the Dark." Though his words were stern in the patriarch sense, his tone made it clear that he held no fatherly affection for Alliveer. No, he kept him what he was for now, a resource, not even fit for the human verb of lose 'to kill.' He would have to earn that right.

He wove gusts of air, inverting them, blowing out the torches. He wove a strong shield, slamming it into place, yet strong enough to do so even if the man had seized Saidin, the male half of the power. "This exercise will teach you to be aware of your surroundings. It will teach you to be prepared for anything, at any time. But most of all, it will teach you how far you've come in your education." He drained any compliment from the last words by switching to an almost mocking tone.

He made the darkness complete with an illusion weave, and wove a ward of silence, to mask his steps as he retreated into deeper, nautural shadow, before lifting both weaves. For now it was enough to watch Alliveer, test his reactions, Shad would know how to startle him when the time came...

Sereth's eyes glittered with suspicion. She said she was of the yellow Ajah, the healing ajah, and by the oaths she couldn't tell a lie. Yet something rankled with him... Why couldn't she do something for him here? He'd been healed before; hell he had healed before, the power was almost instantaneous with regards to mending wounds... She can't heal him and still fulfill her purposes...

He actually smiled in understanding. "Well, that all seems well enough for me, but I hadn't actually planned on staying here the night over. Our Tower has certain... gifts, that make such things as an inn irrelevant." As I could sleep in my own bed tonight... He left that unsaid, judging from her horse that she had not the weave for traveling. "As such, I'm open to your suggestions as to a good place to stay." He smiled a disarming smile for the Aes Sedai.

He thought over her self-proclaimed title of most knowledgeable, and decided to run with it. After all, there really was only one reason this woman would want to keep him overnight. She wished to study the taint, and its effects on his mind. He thought of the journals he kept, dating back to the first time he had channeled. He chronicled his thoughts, going back over them every so often, checking for any changes in the patterns. They had changed over his years at the tower, but that seemed more the evolution of his brain, his growing maturity, than the effects of the taint on Saidin.

Could be wrong?

"Oh, don't worry. I know well enough to let an Aes Sedai of the Yellow do her work." It was the reds that he intended to interrupt. "And my name is Sereth Arian, Asha'man of the Black Tower, I'm sure we'll both profit from this chance encounter, Eqwina. We... share a similar interest in mental illness." He laughed, and walked down the street, giving her the chance to walk beside him. At least they'd have equal chance of destroying each other from this position.

The book keeper followed of his own violation, knowing that he didn't have much of a choice. They found a pair of rooms at a reputable inn, neither feeling quite comfortable with the idea of sleeping near the other. The three retired immediately, and went to the Aes Sedai's room. He warded the room for silence, "We shouldn't be overheard."

Sereth took a deep breath, and took a seat on the bed, and let Saidin go. It was a gamble, but he hoped it'd pay off. Afterall, she wouldn't know if he let go of the source, and Sereth very much believed she thought he'd hold it the entire time... And this way, he'd be fresher than his opponent if it came down to it. "Eqwina, if I may be blunt. Who do you desire to study first, I, or this book keeper."

Summer is but a dream as of yet, I'm busy writing final papers. Fun. -mutters-

Hrrm, was wondering. When am I getting my WS? and how? I kinda like my twin, wanna get him and his dashing swordsmen thing rolling.  :)

yeah managed to find some time to throw up a quick post... Let's go Arath! -laughs manicly-

Sereth looked up at the mounted woman, smiling all the while. It was nice to see someone not be immediately cowed by his black coat, or, he supposed, the floating man beside him. Goosebumps on his arm told him why she was not afraid. He drew heavier on the source, if this got ugly, he wanted his hammer blow ready.

Outwardly however, he nodded his head respectfully. He remembered his lessons with the Grey Sister though, and made sure the movement was that of an equal, not of an inferior. He wouldn't allow her to push him around. The Asha'man needed a strong presence, needed respect, especially from these Aes Sedai. He doubted they'd get it though, or at least, not so much as the young Asha'man held for the woman upon horseback.

"Flaunting what I am? I assure you, though it must look like this it is something quite different." He paused, allowing her to put in the obvious question. "This man seems to be suffering from some disease. He was perfectly reasonable when we began talking, but severe mood swings rendered him about ready to attack me. He recognized my coat, even asked for healing." He left the rest unsaid, she was Aes Sedai, didn't need him to connect all the dots for her. Didn't need to tell her that no sane man would willingly attack a male channeler, not a trained one, and certainly not unarmed.

"So, I restrained him. Though I could have easily overpowered him, holding him and transferring him to one of the famed Wise Woman of Ebou Dar would have been difficult, and I might have had to strike him to ease the burden..." He presented the idea calmly, but with a hint of distaste. He didn't want her to think him violent, but didn't want the idea out of her head. Though he would hate to have to resort to it. These woman had done to much for the world for him to take one out of it...

"Though you are Aes Sedai, you could do much better than even the red belts could, unless I'm mistaken." He left out better than he could do. Not for the first time, he wished healing was one of his gifts. He released the gag on the book seller, and set him down gently, though immediately ready to seize him again. "Is this agreeable?" The man looked up to the mounted woman, and reluctantly nodded his head.

Sereth was proud of himself, he had almost certainly secured some help for the poor man, if any was to be had. She couldn't rightly refuse to help him if she hoped to maintain the prestige of the Aes Sedai, not to mention the 'lesser of two evils' aspect that the crowd had pinned on them. He knew she'd recognize the ploy, he just hoped that it was seen for what it was. An honest attempt to help a man.

Now he just needed to sate his curiosity. "And if it wouldn't be to much trouble, if you know what affliction the man has, I am quite curious about it." He offered her his trade-marked sideways smile, attempting to disarm the situation for the final bit. He was after all, asking for a favor...

Sereth Arian followed the Storm Leader Covai through the hole in reality. He couldn't believe what was happening. Though he still didn't personally like the man who formed the skimming platform, he had to say he respected him, and, as all people were, cowed by his presence. All of these thoughts were in his mind as he followed Covai, recognizing at once their destination. Oh... Oh my. This, this will be interesting...

For the umpteenth time today he swallowed the urge to ask any questions. Though he was no longer the ranting child who viewed Saidin as some great beast to poke and prod at, he would ever be curious. Ever the philosopher, the historian, but most of all, a student to the world. These answers will come in time Sereth, just let them lie for now. Much unlike that previously mentioned boy, he was fully aware of his surroundings, and when they were within the room of the M'Hael, he was fully aware of the glaring, raging illinair.

He stood firm as the man spoke back to the Lord Dragon, Sereth's hands tightened into a white knuckled grip upon the sword on his hip, an unusual move, seeing as how he almost never appeared to be aware of the instrument. The Dragon's rebuttal however, forced the air from his lungs. So much power... He could incinerate us all. What truly took him back however, was the Dragon's proclamation.

Peace with the White Tower! Finally! Floodgates of possibilities surged through his mind. Talking with Aes Sedai, who lived for hundreds of years, the bookish browns, the logistical whites, the world wise blues, the anatomy wise yellows, the negotiators of the grey, the battle hardened greens... And the reds. The women who hunt his kind. It was... a sobering thought. He'd taken lessons from a grey in the arts of negotiation... Maybe that would help. Still, it was worth it. The Library of Tar Valon was actually an option now...

His attention was ripped back to the present, preparing himself to defend from what was bound to be one angry M'Hael...

Adamin had to resist the temptation to laugh as everything unfolded. He was being defended by two women, two rather attractive women at that, from a burly bull of a man. It was deliciously ironic, truth be told however, it did rankle his pride a fair degree. . Still, he decided to take his sister’s path though, and used his natural talent of stealth, trained through years of being a black market supplier.

When his sister picked up Cassie, an odd mix of emotions filled up. Glee, of course was present, after all she was a stunning soprano, however a bit of some strange emotion crept in. It wasn’t jealousy exactly, just a sense that she shouldn’t be there. This was the twin’s great escape, their last moment of glory before a life of swordplay and hardship, maybe even being separated if some whimsical Aes Sedai decided to he liked Adamin’s well turned calves…

Of course this didn’t mean he wouldn’t capitalize upon the situation.

He stole a few moments between saddling the horses to steal that kiss he had wanted, literally sweeping her up off her feet, and throwing her against a support beam. He felt that sense of pride stir in him when he set her down, leaving her breathless. He tossed her another flirty wink, and each escorted a horse out to meet back up with his sister.

He watched the scene behind him with a hint of disinterest, faked of course considering his life could be on the line if Bart decided to charge like the bull Ada had compared him to. He mounted like he did most things in the presence of women; a bit flashy, without being overly dramatic about it, and making sure to show off his well muscled frame. Something made considerably easier with the lack of a shirt.

He rode off with his sister, pulling a shirt from his saddle bags somewhere along the way. He laced it reluctantly, grinning over at his sister. Not the flirtatious smile he had demonstrated for the singer, no, a genuine smile that he reserved nowadays almost exclusively for his sister. “Quite an interesting night, wouldn’t you say Del?” His sing-song voice turned up at the end, giving it the same fox-esque qualities that his sincere grin was taking on.

He took the rebuttal he knew he’d receive with a laugh, and steered his horse closer to his sisters, using exclusively his knees. He lashed out, grabbing his twin around the hips and pulled her onto his horse side saddle on his knee, every now and then having to reassert that was in fact the male of the pair.

He cut off her protests, “What do you think is ahead of us, Del?” She’d have to grow serious; how could not, when her brother’s similar moods were so rare. They chatted about it for a while, Ada holding his sister’s horse’s reins with one hand, the other looped around her waist. He snuggled up to her and sighed, “I love you Del…” He waited for her response before adding, “But where are we going to sleep?”

Dogs howled, cats yowled, and birds fluttered as she screamed his name into the night…

-scrambles- Must post! Must study! Oh god the choices. >_<!

Just stagnet it till monday or tuesday if you can, please? Last test on monday, and I'll be free, oh god I'll be free!

Good job with the dragon by the way.

Hey Essy, good to have you back mate. I remember all of that going down, you got Aiel, and I got FLers, and we both left.  :P

Glad to have you back mate, and as far as I know you are still viable as a dready.

Well, U4ea, whats the point of being a dashing swordsmen if you don't get the chance to show off for osme ladies?

IC at least that sounds like exactly something Adamin would do, Kyn.

The woman was a bladestorm. He rested within Ko'Di, fighting with both daggers, doing his best to parry every lightning strike that came his way. He knew that this woman put no value on his life... and he began to fight for it. He believe he made it three minutes before the void shattered under the stress of the assault. Abruptly the assault stopped, and his teacher looked... disappointed.

Rage welled up, but he quickly fed it to the void, and took his stance. Again she assaulted him, challenging his snake-quick reflexes, her blows straining his corded muscles. He fought hard, floating in the void. Countering where he could, deep down knowing that she was holding back, treating him as a child... The thought again shattered the void, and yet again the woman's attacks ceased.

Dhjorn was breathing hard. He fed his contempt into the flame once again, noticing that it was coming easier as he repeated the exercise, if only by a fraction. He held his daggers at the ready once more, and the assault renewed. Dhjorn moved his hands as he had before, defending, every now and then launching a quick thrust, forcing her to parry to buy himself a bit of time on the defense. He let the void do its work, detaching himself from the fight at the same time living every moment of it, from the points of his daggers to the woman's own spinning wrists.

He lost track of the time, until he was savagely struck on the head, sending him sprawling out. By some miracle he maintained both consciousness and the void. Looking up at her, he searched her for an answer, before realizing that he must have made it the full twenty minutes. He stood, his head throbbing, but all the same waiting for her to continue. The fade ignored the emotion skirting the edge of the void, before it was consumed by the Flame. It had no place in his dead heart...

Arcon drew his sword. "Final warning Dhjorn." The Fade turned his frightening gaze upon Arcon; Arcon met his eyes without flinching. He had practiced on that wretch Calaun, and would not be intimidated again. The Fade spun Shadar out of his grasp, putting the student on his ass against a wall. Some hurt pride, but he'd be alright, thought the dreadlord.

"Now Shadar, watch closely. I use a slightly different weapon group than you, but the basics are essentially the same for all bladed weapons." He drew on Saidin, weaving a dagger of air and fire into his left hand, and tied off the weave. Arcon fought with both power and blade, and he'd teach Shadar to do the same.

Arcon shifted the weight to the balls of his feet, as he was taught to do when he entered combat. It was a method known as Cat Crossing the Courtyard, and it maximized his reaction time. The Fade charged at him, a double thrust aimed for his chest. Arcon countered with "The Cat Dances on the Wall," and named it for the benefit of Shadar. It was a series of lightning fast thrusts, slashes, and parries, and a great defensive maneuver for those with the wrist and feet speed to perform it.

Arcon shifted to offense ,"Cutting the Clouds," a strike at his opponents wrists. The Fade leaped back. Arcon held his sword ready at the hip, his dagger at chest level. The Fade attacked again, "The Dove takes Flight." A thrust from the hip, with high power.

It went on like this for a while, neither warriors gaining ground over the other. Arcon's skill was matched by the Fade's faster, stronger body. Arcon's training met with Dhjorn's instinct. It was far from a blade master tournament to be sure, but both knew the pointy end of the blade. Arcon ended it with "Courtier taps his Fan," a savage downward cut to the skull, and when Dhjorn blocked, he added in a gust of air to knock him onto his back. "Shadar, I demonstrated many sword forms, though I doubt the Fadeling here picked any up, concentrated as we were. Stand up, and face Dhjorn again, and try to incorporate some."

He knew how challenging this would be, not even having the chance to practice the forms, he doubted even Shadar's amazing learning ability would hold out. Still, he'd know what it was like trying to learn and adapt in real combat, and that was a valuable lesson. One he had learned from his first teacher Mr. Sweeper, may lionfish make a meal of his innards...

Sereth wove simple weaves. Rocks fell and exploded do to the grenade weave, forcing his leaping adversary to change direction to dodge. Caltrops rose to slice open her boots and feet. Small fireballs, meant more to scorch than to destroy the lass fell. He got more aggressive as she moved on, sending larger earthen projectiles, even causing the earth to move under her feet. He was pleased to see his student doing the same, even weaving lightning at his sister, though Sereth knew he had no intent of hitting her with that deadly bolt.

She disappeared in a hole in the wall, and Sereth moved to the other side of his platform. She had advanced to the second stage of the challenge. From here she'd have to climb up, and leap to the next platforms to advance. It gave the defenders ample time to hit her, it'd be difficult to change direction while she was airborne. Sereth threw more light weaves at the Blademaster, more grenades, more fireballs. He was tired, having exerted himself far to much when he had risen up this maze for her to practice in.

He switched tactics suddenly, throwing clubs and bands of air at the ever agile target. A small smile spread over his lips as one connected with her, slamming into her left ribs. You won't be able to see everything a channeler throws at you Thera. He took a moment to watch Mathis' reaction, as he thought he wasn't amused with actually striking his sister. Sereth had given him his warning, he'd need to keep up and adapt in order to give his sister the challenge she deserved.

Sereth moved a platform back mid leap, forcing Thera to extend herself and scramble for the edge. He thought he had her there, and prepared himself to throw more clubs of air, aiming for her arms... It was a short fall, perhaps six feet, and a small tunnel led back to the first stage of the challenge, allowing her to try again if she did succumb...

Sereth Arian was searching through a dusty back room of a book store. He had heard rumors of a surviving copy of Stemming the Black Tide, a book on war wrote during the Trolloc wars. Sereth thought it relevant to be up to date on the known tactics of the enemy, even if they were incredibly outdated. The book seller looked nervous. "You... You arrived by stepping out of the air, that means you... You are one of these Asha'man, right?"

Sereth sighed, he doubted he'd like where this was going. "Yes... yes I am." The man did a full turn around, making sure no one else was around. "Yes, yes, thought so... This means you can use the power, like the Aes Sedai..." Sereth's eyebrows rose, and was about to correct the man, "Well, technically..." The seller snapped, "Yes, you have the male half! The part that destroyed the world! You will eventually kill us all, but for now, yes now you are sane, right!"

The Asha'man had seized Saidin half way through the man's banter. "I am as sane as ever, book seller. Why do you ask." He still used his casual words, but for the first time in a long time, he embraced the emotionless tone of the void. He liked the effect it had on the deranged man; he shrunk in response to the harsh tone. "Oh, so sorry Asha'man its just... Ah, I know I should have gone to the wise women, those red belts have helped before, but... They don't have the power... and I'm sick, real sick..." Sereth relaxed a hair. He wanted healing.

"Been going around. People start behaving crazily, and then they just die. I'm... I'm sure you've noticed my mood swings." The black coat nodded. "Now I don't know if you can, so far as I've heard the male half is only good for killing, but could you... Could you try to heal me?" The pleading tone in his voice was heart wrenching. Still, he couldn't possibly help the man, he knew only the lowest forms of the healing weaves, and doubted they would be enough.  When he told the man this, he broke down into tears, going to smash his head into the books.

Flows of air stopped him, both the scholar and the humanitarian within Sereth couldn't have allowed him to hurt himself. "Let us go to these red belts as you called them, herbs can do amazing things." Another band of air, this time around the book seller's mouth; he couldn't deal with the screaming. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Stemming the Black Tide and picked it up, leaving a full Andorian Crown in it's place, before moving out into the throngs of people. There were perks to this black coat, Sereth thought. The people parted before him on his way to help the floating book seller.

The thought of asking another man for help with a woman, or at the very least an issue over a woman, rankled the deep sense of pride that the male twin held onto... He hadn't even used a wingman in...No, don't think about him. "But sister..." He was stunned to see that she cut his normal charade of begging short, opting to speak to the man herself. Adamin blinked. Twice. Oh my...is my sister...? He chuckled to himself. "Well, well D'Ashan, looks like my sister finally found someone to..."

At that moment he noticed Addison, and thought that the shock of seeing his sister chasing a man must be affecting him more than he originally theorized. He was about to introduce himself, but found her already deadlocked in conversation with Adamin's new friend. Now, say what you want about the man, but Ada would never steal another man's girl; as long as he was aware of the relationship ahead of time.

Still, his choices for enjoying the last night outside the yards were getting fewer and fewer. His sister was chatting up some new toy, this other man was in conversation with a pretty girl, and the previous object of his affections would get him beat with a ham-sized fist. Adamin sighed with his typical stage flair, seeming to shrink three sizes with the movement.

He looked up to the stage, seeing her looking down at him with a puzzled expression. By the Light, she is pretty... His smile was suddenly back on his face. He knew how badly Del wanted this to be a night for them, a twin's last stand, if you will. A last night where one could get the other in trouble, and they could run away laughing, her slapping him on the back of the head, before giving her slightly younger brother a hug as soon as they were out of the immediate danger.

So he turned the charm back on, again using those beautiful midnight blue eyes to their full effect, motioning for her to join them. "D'Ashan, just do me one favor, when the bull at the door leaves for this table, give me a bit of a warning." He ribbed the man playfully, tossing him a friendly smile. When he turned back to the stage, he was exuberant to see her apologizing, saying she'd be back again another night, and climbed down. Adamin's smile grew wider, again showing her a hint of perfect teeth, flattering her as she approached.

To Ada's complete surprise, she got the first word in. "You’re three kinds of fool," her voice was light, her tone playful. Still, the twin knew she was right. "You know all about Black Bart, and you’re still chasing me?" Ada's answering chuckle had a musical note, "Well, I'm going to study at the Warder's Yards, didn't think now would be a good time to start being intimidated." She laughed; he laughed, it continued for a bit like that.

She broke the usual, flirty conversation first. "The Yards, though. It's a shame." Ada motioned for her to continue. "Yeah, they'll ruin that pretty face of yours... Suppose that means I'll have to enjoy it while it’s here?" The man knew his cue, and let off another chime of laughter, "Suppose so," and leaned in for the kiss.

It was at this moment that he felt himself being lifted into the air by his coat collar. "Oy there pretty boy." A baritone, big hands, strong as an Ox in mating season. Didn't take a sharp wit to know it was Black Bart. "What do ya' ken your doin' with ma' girl?" The singer, what was her name again... Ah! Right, Cassie, such a plain name for such beauty... Back to the present Ada! Yes, Cassie spoke up for him. "I'm not your 'girl' Bart! Now set Adamin down!"

"Oh, I will..." Again, Ada knew his cue; his nimble hands drew the dagger at his side, and put it to its ghastly work. No, he didn't stab Bart, though someone undoubtedly should, he used it to cut open his coat and shirt, and promptly slipped out of the ruined garments, the dagger discarded for the maneuver. Ada came out of a roll, and stood with a flourish, having picked up the dagger half way through, and sheathed the blade. It was... a well practiced move.

His temptation to take a bow was over ridden for the concern of his own immediate safety, as the big burly bouncer charged at him, much, to Adamin's amusement, like the bull he had been compared to in the younger man's mind. The agile twin dove to the side, enjoying the tendency of people to form a circle around combatants for its increased room to move. "Now now, come on... Bart, was it? I'm new to town, didn't know you had any claim to Cassie..." A blatant lie, but he hoped Bart didn't know that. "Her name is Cassandra!" He roared, advancing and throwing one of those previously mentioned Ham-haymakers.

Ada jumped back, having barely missed being laid out. Damn her... gave me a pet name to start. This was never good when dealing with a particularly slow jealous bull; it implied a closeness that simply didn't serve the flirtatious newcomer. To put it simply, there was no chance of Ada talking himself out of this one, and after another roll, he tossed his twin a wink. It was an old gesture for the two. She'd know now why he got into this mess, and likely slap him twice for it.

The short wink however, took a moment to long, and Adamin took a fist to the gut for his efforts, a fist that sent him flying back a couple feet. Winded, he still tried to scramble away, as the bigger man approached him, a malicious smile on his lips. This is going to hurt...

-checks the list- Kay..Tigara is still in play. <3

Sad about the extra charries being boxed, but we do what we have too mate, glad to have you still writing at all. :)

As some of you have noticed (Probably Tai and Eqwina...), my time online has drasticly been cut down lately... For this I've got to site the upcoming AP Tests for Bioligy, Physics (B), and Calculus (AB for those interested). I, for the first time in my life, find myself studying my corpulent rear off (Great weight loss plan), as I'm going for fives (max credit) on all of them... And for this reason I can cite a new hatred of plants, as they are both incredibly boring and make up a large percentage of the knowledge I must have.  :'(

I should be done with them all within two weeks, and will try to get in a few posts inbetween now and then, and I deeply apoligize for this, trust me, I'd rather be here.

I'll run through pointy end bad with Arcon, it'll count as a half-WS gain for him anyways, as well as ranks towards greater dreadlord.

Haha, tell me about it. I've got some posts to catch up on, some tests to post with my acolyte...bleh.

Adamin was doing his part admirably well. He managed to give her his full attention without leering, or seeming obsessive. His smile was a slightly crooked, sly seductive grin, with a hint of tooth to show off his shining white teeth. Still, he knew it was his eyes that were winning her over. Midnight blue, almost black. Those eyes, eyes he had only ever seen among his siblings and father, promised so many things. Passion, experience, but most of all desire… A desire to please.

He hardly noticed the other man at the table after he sat down, using him as a vessel to give her an off hand compliment. Only one thing shattered the trance that this woman had put him in. The voice of his sister. Always the charmer, Del. He turned from the singer, those eyes making another promise. I’ll be back in a moment. “Don’t mind her friend, a couple bad experiences on the road and a life with a wonderful brother like me as put her a bit off as to men.” Adamin chuckled, and patted the man on the back.

“Now, Adela,” he used her full name, god forbid the man tried to use the pet names the siblings had developed for each other. She was armed after all… “Just give the guy a chance,” his eyes moved to return to the singer, meeting eyes with a man in a shining red cloak for but a moment. The man unnerved him slightly, and it took a half heart beat to get him back on the ball. “If he tries anything fresh, I’m sure you’ll give him the normal star treatment.” Another chuckle rolled off Ada’s tongue, an almost musical note.

He turned his gaze back up to the singer, a hint of question now in those midnight blue eyes. Adamin didn’t like the way she smoothed her skirts. Ah… damn… From here he had two obvious choices. Those being rather to proceed and potentially having the time of his life for the last time in god knows how long, or to halt his advances and save himself a potential beating…

He searched again for the man who had met his eyes, finding him; he breathed a sigh of relief. His eyes were neither seething with anger, nor giving him an icy death glare. In short, it wasn’t his girl. He decided to reach out, and mouthed a single word. Who? A simple nod to a rather large man at the door caused Adamin’s heart to sink.

He turned his attention back to the singer, who was in the middle of a stirring song. By the light, she was beautiful… “Dearest sister, sorry to interrupt, but you remember that time you caught me with Rilke? At the inn a few years back.” It was a memorable night. She had caught them when ordering a room for herself, the inn keeper having chosen to show the pretty young girl the room himself. A kind older man, not trusting the local ruffians to leave her completely alone, he accompanied her for protection. Rilke was his daughter, and had taken a spare room with Adela’s twin…

Adamin nodded to the bouncer with a sigh. It was going to be a long night.

Hrm, I recently shut down a bio with white hair... but my grandfather actually had this condition from a traumatic birth, so in his memory, I'll stamp it. CC'd by CotS