NDA Art Critique Message Boards

lol thanks Wolven and you'll just have to wait and see muhahahahahaha

( i like smileys :P )

I understand the whole exams, so happy i'm done ferever with them! :D

one of these days i'll go back and repost parts cause of rewriting and additional details i have done but that'll be when i get around to it

and here's some more


Nostalgia can make you nauseous.


Cam and Kailah walked back to their apartment both of them moving slowly due to soreness. Cam walked to his room after they got home and stripped off his clothes. He wrapped a towel around his waist and headed to the bathroom.
“I’m soaking first.” He grumbled as he passed Kailah’s room.
“Ok.” Came the reply from behind the closed door.
Cam ran the hot water and filled up the tub. Taking off the towel he slowly lowered himself into the steaming hot water’s embrace. He sighed in utter contentment as the heat soaked away the soreness from his body.
A knock came on the door a little later, “Cameron, do you have a towel?”
“Yeah, I’m good.” Cam called back to Kailah as he pulled the bar of soap from the cubby hole. He began to lather it and started scrubbing off the dirt and grime. He washed his hair and noticed it had gotten a tad long, minus the burnt bit.
Once he rinsed off he got out of the tub that had cooled off during his bath, he let the water out. He picked up the towel he had walked in with and dried off. He caught sight of himself in the mirror and stopped.
The scars from the burning during the Body Caster incident were fading, but they were still a different color to the rest of his skin that hadn’t been burned. Chelry had done a fantastic job but there was still a difference in the skin tone. Cam shrugged, his skin would tan evenly eventually. Scars from past adventures were a white contrast to his tanned skin.
“I’m coming out.” Cam called as he wrapped the towel around himself again and opened the door.
Kailah was leaning against the wall in her bathrobe waiting for him to get out, “My turn!”
Cam chuckled as she scooted past him and shut the door. He heard the water running again as he made his way to his room. It was kind of chilly; the weather was turning more towards winter as the days passed. Once he was dressed he got the fire going and sat on the couch and watched it burn.
He heard Kailah get out of the bath and go to her room sometime later. He realized he had dozed off. Kailah came back out of her room wearing her white blouse and black pants. She was barefoot as she walked over rubbing the towel to dry her hair. She sat on the couch next to Cam and tucked her feet up under her knees Indian style.
When she had dried her hair as much as possible with the towel she put it aside and pulled out a comb from her pocket. She began to comb her hair as Cam watched. When she was done she put the comb onto the little table in front of them and sat back with a sigh. They hadn’t added much into the common area, only the two two-seater couches, a wooden rocking chair, and the little table.
“I’m beat.” She said with a yawn.
Cam nodded, “Yeah.”
Kailah rubbed her shoulder and grimaced. Cam noticed, “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head, “My shoulders are sore.”
“Here.” Cam said motioning for her to move in front of him. Kailah got off the couch and sat on the floor between Cam’s feet. She moved her hair out of the way and bent her head down. Her shirt fell down a little revealing more of her shoulder.
Cam placed his hands on either side of Kailah’s neck and began to rub it with his thumbs. He could tell by how it felt that her muscles were tight. After her neck he moved to her shoulders, pressing just hard enough to rub out the tension. Kailah sucked in her breath when he hit a certain part on her shoulder, he could tell it was really tight there so he worked on it till the muscle eased.
Kailah sighed in contentment when Cam finished, “Thanks. You’re turn.”
Cam nodded and the two of them switched places. Cam took off his shirt for her to be able to massage better. Kailah used a little bit of power to heat her hands up and began on Cam’s neck. Cam sighed as she worked her way to his shoulders.
“Shalia could never massage well.” Cam said as Kailah worked out a kink in his right shoulder.
“Really?” Kailah asked, “How close were you two?”
“As close as any Pair. She was like a kid sister to me. I had the hardest time keeping her out of trouble too.” Cam laughed remembering some of the things Shalia had gotten into, “She had a knack for it.”
Kailah smiled, “Were you a bossy ‘big brother’?”
Cam chuckled, “Only when I had to be. I guess I was kind of too strict at times. I spoiled her though, especially when she’d look at me with those big green eyes.”
“What was she like?” Kailah asked gently as she moved to the middle of his back.
When Cam didn’t answer Kailah started to regret her question thinking she had treaded onto a touchy topic. After a few minutes of silence Kailah stopped working and leaned to the right trying to see Cam’s face.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” She said softly, “If it still hurts we don’t have to talk about it.”
Cam laughed, “No, it’s alright. She was about the complete opposite of you.” Cam said getting up off the floor and putting his shirt back on, “You want some coffee?”
“Yeah, always.” Kailah said smiling as Cam headed to the kitchen, “What do you mean my complete opposite?”
“Well, she wouldn’t have apologized like you did just now. She was kind of an airhead and didn’t pick up on the atmosphere of a conversation at all.” Cam voice drifted back to Kailah from the kitchen.
She inhaled deeply when the rich smell of the coffee brewing drifted in and filled the common room. Kailah watched the fire crackle and pop in the hearth giving off a pleasant warmth to combat the chill. She sat on the left side of the two-seat couch with her legs tucked up under her.
Cam came back into the room carrying two mugs of coffee and handed the one in his right hand to her. Kailah accepted it with a thank you and took a sip. She sighed in happiness at the creamy taste, Cam had learned how she liked it fixed and vice versa.
After Cam got settled Kailah shoved her toes under his thigh to keep them warm. Cam laughed at her as he took a sip of coffee.
“What else was she like?” Kailah asked.
“She was very much like a little kid, ninety-miles an hour at the mouth, talked constantly. She never really stuck with anything,” Cam laughed, “I remember one time she got this crazy interest in pottery and decided she wanted to be a potter. She forced me to take lessons with her and after about a week she lost interest and quit.”
“I see, so when you say you spoiled her, you meant going along with all her whims.” Kailah laughed.
Cam grinned in embarrassment, “Yeah, I couldn’t help it. She’d ask me in this pitiful voice, call me Cammy, and stare at me with big puppy dog eyes.”
“Aha! Now I know what to do to get my way with you.” Kailah grinned at him over the rim of her cup.
Cam snorted, “I was like that, emphasis on was, I’m not much of a push over now.”
“Oh, ‘much’ huh, Cammy?” Kailah said grinning even more.
Cam mock glared at her, “You know what.”
He put his coffee cup down and grabbed her right foot. Amid her shrieks of protests he tickled the bottom of her foot laughing. Kailah pulled out her other foot from under Cam and kicked him in the thigh.
“Stop it!” Kailah cried tears of laughter streaming down her face, “Cameron stop.”
Cam laughed as she punched him in the arm, “Ow, ok, ok!”
He let go of her foot grinning at her as she pulled it back tucking both her legs under herself. Kailah glared at him as she sipped more of her coffee and he just grinned back.
“Yeah, she was a lot of fun. Got me into a lot of trouble but was always there with me to get out.” Cam stopped smiling, “Except for that last time.”
“Does it still hurt?” Kailah asked gently.
Cam looked at her and saw only genuine concern for him on her face. He could tell from the look in her red eyes that if he wanted it she would drop the conversation till he was ready.
“Not as much now.” Cam replied, the memories making his voice slightly gruff, “In the beginning, after the funeral, I felt nothing. I was empty inside, hollow. Then the rage came. I wanted to kill any Chaos I could get my hands on. I was unstable; I’d pick fights with anyone and everyone.”
Kailah listened in silence, patiently waiting for Cam to get his thoughts in order. The fire crackled as the logs on it fell apart sending sparks up the chimney. Cam stared at the steam rising from his coffee cup.
Picking it up he took a sip before he continued, “I cashed in every favor I had to get on any expedition into the Chaos Zones. After a year of constant battle with Chaos and fights with allies, Maltoris finally grounded me.”
“There weren’t any Zones left except up north. And if he hadn’t grounded me, I would have stormed it alone.”
“That’s when I turned to drinking, to drown out the memories and the pain they brought. Sitting still lowered my guard; during battles I could focus everything on the fight. I figured if I could forget, even for a little while, it was worth it.”
Cam paused, Kailah could tell by his eyes that he was back in his memories, they were distant, “Don and Skiff stayed with me drinking most nights. They made sure, for the most part, that I didn’t die. Chelry and Esma tried to be supportive but I shoved them away, along with most of my friends.”
He took a deep breath and continued, “Chelry and Esma forced me to go to any Joining Ceremony held at the Compound. I stormed out of a couple of them in the beginning if I wasn’t too drunk to move. I didn’t want to ever go through that pain of losing someone important again. In the later years I fussed but went anyways, I thought I would never attach again.” Cam chuckled, “When I saw your boots stop in front of me, you turned my whole world sideways.”
“I’ve never had anyone to lose.” Kailah said softly when Cam didn’t continue.
Cam glanced at her in surprise at the confusion in her voice, “What do you mean?”
“My parents died when I was very young, in a Beast attack, that’s where I got the scar on my back, or so I was told. I didn’t have any other family. I was taken into the Compound in the Southlands when it was discovered I had magic at three and never made any friends while I was there.” Kailah explained. Her tone was more curious than sad, “You, Chelry, Esma, Don, and Skiff and his family, are the first friends I’ve had.”
“Really? Chelry said he had lots of friends in the Compound in The Plain. Is each Compound different?” Cam asked curious.
Kailah shrugged, “I guess, the only ones I was in were the ones in Southlands and then Kalm where I joined with you. I was sent to Kalm when I was eighteen when it was discovered I could cast all the elements.”
“That was, when?” Cam asked putting his coffee cup back down.
“Four years ago.” Kailah told him taking a sip of coffee.
“You’ve been in Kalm for four years and you hadn’t attached till now?” Cam asked raising his eyebrows in surprise.
“I didn’t need to attach.” Kailah explained, “They put me in Council training, and for two years I was under Jorvis, then…”
Kailah paused and clenched her jaw in aggravation, “Then Surkaust tried to get me under his control. Jorvis wouldn’t have it and the two of them started a huge fight over it, and dragged in half of the rest of the council with them. The fighting lasted up till I quite the training and went to the Joining Ceremony where I joined with you.”
“Man…” Cam said in disbelief.
“Surkaust would send me gifts trying to sweeten up to me to join him. He really just wanted my power to add to his own. He visited me all the time while I was staying in the Compound. He wouldn’t leave me alone. Sometimes he-“ Kailah paused, the memories were upsetting her, “Blood Casters can do things to make your body…respond…in certain ways…”
“It’s ok.” Cam said trying to get her out of the depression, “He can’t get you now. I’m here.” Cam’s dislike for this guy escalated to a new level of disgust.
Kailah gave him a small smile, “Yeah, thanks Cameron.”
“Remember, you have friends now. I can pretty much vouch for any of them to stick by and stand up for you should you need it.” Cam said reaching over and patting her on the head.
Kailah sniffed, “Yeah. How did you meet Chelry and Esma?” Kailah asked rubbing a tear out of her eye. Cam smiled at her as he leaned back onto his side of the couch.
“Chelry and I grew up in the orphanage together, we kept in touch after he joined the Casters, and I met Esma after I joined the Swords. I was about thirteen when she royally kicked my butt.” Cam said smiling at the memory.
“What do you mean?” Kailah asked confused.
“Well, know it all that I was, I challenged her when she enrolled. Thought I could take the scrawny elf girl. The other boys put me up to it. She wiped the floor with me and then all the rest of the recruits in the room after that.” Cam grimaced staring off into space.
“How old is she?” Kailah asked after she finished laughing. She tried to figure the numbers in her head.
“She’s twenty-seven, though she looks about sixteen.” Cam said shaking his head in amazement.
Kailah laughed, “So is she the only woman you’re scared of?”
Cam barked out a laugh, “Women in general scare me. But Esma’s not a woman; she’s a compact siege engine.”
Kailah couldn’t help but giggle, “She is indeed tough. They are such an odd pair those two.”
Cam snorted, “Yeah, talk about complete opposites. You’d think with the way Chelry looks he was the Sword and not a Healing Caster, but Chelry wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
Kailah smiled, “But you know, it kind of works, in an odd way.”
“Yeah, I can’t really imagine Chelry without Esma or vice versa.” Cam nodded in agreement. The tower bells chimed off in the distance, calling out the time to the bustling city that housed the Kalm Compound.
Kailah yawned as she stared at the dying flames of the fire. Cam studied her profile in the dim light. The fire sparkled as it was reflected in her eyes, her long lashes half closed. Her black hair was even darker and the highlights from the fire gave it an otherworldly ambience.
Kailah noticed him staring at her, “What?”
Cam shook his head, “Nothing. I’m turning in.”
Kailah nodded as Cam stood up from the couch, “Right behind you.”
She drained the last of her coffee and grabbed Cam’s cup, while she washed the cups out and set them to dry, Cam banked the fire to make sure it wouldn’t flare up and catch anything else on fire.
“Goodnight, Cameron.” Kailah said as she went to her room.
“Goodnight.” Cam said back as she smiled at him and shut the door.
Cam went to his own room and shut the door behind him; he leaned back and rested his head against the door. This month that he had spent living with her had been surprisingly fun Cam realized. Cam sighed as he stripped off his clothes and got into bed. As he drifted off to sleep he smiled thinking of what adventures tomorrow would bring.

forgive the oozing touchy feely of the next few "chapters"

Sometimes you just need to tone things down a bit. Getting 'touchy feely' is a bad term. It is good for the characters to reminisce because it allows for more character development as well as plot. (lol, smileys)
Furthermore, too much action just makes things boring after a while- (Transformers: revenge of the fallen) and people loose interest.

aside from that, to me the blood casters seem like a bunch of gits, particularly that guy 'surkaust' is that what you call him. yeah. the implication of what he did to Kailah is repulsive.



quite frankly, from a literature-ish point of view, this kind of development is good. Creating characters entirely focused on one aspect, come crunch time it doesn't make a good finish. Adding weaknesses makes the characters more 'human' or so to speak. eg. Darth Vader repents at the end of star wars episode six. this shows he was still human and not the epitome of evil. of course he is a bad example but i am doing my best to analyse.

Okay, enough waffle. Keep up this story dreamer. I eagerly await the next chapter/extract/whatever you call these installments.

thanks Wolven i wasn't sure if i was being over the top with em :\ and i do get what you're saying about too much action, hopefully these next few chapters won't disappoint either

i don't know why but i had a sudden brain spurt and wrote alot this last week

and some more also i have gone back and updated previous posts hopefully fixing/answering some questions :P



Downtime with “family”.



“Kai!” Cam bellowed from the living room. He couldn’t believe it. She had betrayed his trust. His heart felt torn from the betrayal she had so blatantly committed with her sweet smile plastered across her face.
“Yes, Cameron?” Kailah asked coming back from the kitchen.
She looked at him with her head slightly tilted to the left, her eyes innocently concerned.
“What is that?!” Cam asked pointing at the thing on the back of the couch.
“It’s a kitty cat.” Kailah replied slowly like she would to a little child.
“I’m not stupid, I can see that.” Cam retorted to her tone, “I mean to say, what the hell is it doing here?”
“Um…” Kailah glanced around him at the black cat sleeping peacefully on the back of the couch, “Looks like he’s asleep.”
“Why is it here?” Cam said gritting his teeth.
“Well,” Kailah began, “when I went to the market it started raining.”
“Never mind that reason, why did you bring it here?” Cam cut her off.
“Because he needed a home.” Kailah stated crossing her arms.
“I hate cats. Get rid of it.” Cam said his tone taking on a demanding edge.
“No.” Kailah replied tilting her head back slightly.
Cam sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose; because his eyes were closed he didn’t see the amused smile flicker across Kailah’s face. When he looked back at her she had the same indignant rebellious look on her face.
“Kai, we don’t need a cat. We won’t be here enough to take care of it, and I’m not going to make somebody check on it while we’re off on contracts.” Cam said trying to be calm and reasonable. They’d been paired for almost six months and he still couldn’t keep up with her.
“But, Fudgums doesn’t have anywhere else to go.” Kailah said in a small voice walking over to the cat.
She scooped him up in her arms and the thing just oozed into a comfortable position. He opened one lazy green eye, yawned, and went back to sleep. Cam shivered in revulsion.
“He’s a sweety pie, here hold him.” Kailah said walking towards Cam and extending Fudgums.
“No.” Cam said holding up his hands in front of him like he was trying to fend off evil. Fudgums just hung there with his ears back in annoyance.
The tea pot whistled from the kitchen and Kailah shoved Fudgums into Cam’s outstretched hands, “Here take him.”
She ran to the kitchen to take the kettle off the stove and Cam was left holding the rather annoyed Fudgums.
Cam stared into Fudgums’ bright green eyes. The cat stared at Cam in annoyance while it still hung there. Cam couldn’t move till the cat meowed at him to put him down. Cam dropped the cat in surprise. Fudgums shook himself then went back to the couch to sleep.  
Cam sighed and rubbed the back of his head with his hand, “We still can’t keep the cat, Kai. There’s no one to look after it.”
There was a knock on the door and Cam went to answer, “Hel-ugh”
Three heads about midsection height hit him in the pit of his stomach and high pitched squeals of “Uncle Cam!” came from them.
“Oh no! It’s attack of the midgets!” Cam cried in mock fear as he stumbled back away from the door. The three hoodlum boys went with the flow and attacked him, the eldest hung on Cam’s middle while the two twins each grabbed an arm.
“Alright you three, don’t break Uncle Cam.” Skiff said following his three boys in. He had a baby boy in his arms and the biggest grin on his face.
“Skiff! Is that the new one?” Cam asked shaking the three boys off carefully.
“Yeah that’s Dom.” Piped one of the twins, it was either Vish or Vash, Cam couldn’t tell the two apart.
“Hey buddy.” Cam coed at little Dom over Skiff’s shoulder.
“Dad, did Uncle Cam react like this when he saw me for the first time?” The eldest boy, Kale, asked staring at Cam in ten year old revulsion.
Skiff laughed, “You should have seen him with the girls. Speaking of, where’s Viska and your mother?”
“Coming.” Morsha’s voice called from the hallway as she rounded the corner into the room trailed by the nine year old and three four year old girls. Morsha was a cute petite lady with long brown hair and hazel eyes. The stress of eight children and a husband only enhanced her beauty by maturing her thirty-two year old looks. The triplets took after their mother but the eldest daughter Viska looked more like her daddy, with blonde hair and blue eyes.
“What you think Cam?” Don asked coming in after the girls. His usually spiky black hair slicked back. His grey eyes danced in merriment as he smiled down at the baby.
“Hey lemme’ see!” Kailah called running over to see the new baby, “Awe, he’s so cute!” Kailah squealed in female delight.
“Kitty-cat!” the triplets squealed when they caught sight of Fudgums.
“Where?” The twins asked in unison then followed the triplets to see him.
“Um, Cam, when did ya’ll get a cat? And what possessed you?” Don asked looking at Cam in confusion.
“That would be me.” Kailah said softly still cooing at baby Dom.
“The discussion is tabled for the moment.” Cam rallied to Don and Skiff’s smirks.
“Kailah dear, I brought some veggies from the garden may I use your kitchen?” Morsha asked as she headed there.
“Oh, yes of course.” Kailah said following her back to the kitchen, “Gotta finish lunch anyways.”
“Viska come help, please dear.” Morsha called over her shoulder to her.
“Yes, mom.” Viska replied.
“Boys, watch the rest of the kids.” Morsha said to Skiff, Cam, and Don as she disappeared into the kitchen.
Don walked over to supervise the children with the cat, “ Cera, Sora, and Zarrah, don’t pull the cat’s tail.” Fudgums just laid there and took the abuse.
A knock came from the door and Cam went to answer it again. The scowl of annoyance on Esma’s face was almost as forceful as the stomach full of children.
“Esma and Chelry! Come in come in.” Cam said standing back and letting the small woman in followed by the giant.
“Uncle Chel!” the twins and triplets cried running over and jumping into Chelry’s arms. Esma’s scowl softened as she smiled at the children.
“Hey, munchkins.” Cherly laughed hugging them all at once in his big embrace. The kids laughed at the way his beard tickled their faces.
“Hey, Chelry.” Skiff smiled shaking his hand.
“Oh, this must be Dom.” Chelry said smiling at the little baby sleeping in his daddy’s arms unaffected by the squeal of delights from the other children as Esma handed out candy to them.
Cam smiled in amusement at the change in attitude of Esma when she was around children. He had been brave enough to ask her once why she was different around children and her reply had been, “Because they’re children.”
Every time she met Skiff’s kids she always brought some kind of candy with her to give them.
“Where are Kailah and Morsha?” Esma asked as the kids went back to climbing on Chelry and poking the cat.
“Kitchen.” Cam said pointing with his thumb over his shoulder.
Esma nodded and headed to the kitchen to greet the girls.
“How was the trip to the south?” Don asked Chelry as he sat down on the left couch. Skiff and Cam sat on the other couch and Chelry sat back onto the floor with a couple of the children in his lap. The twins along with one of the triplets went back to tormenting Fudgums.
Chelry shook his head, “We saved as many as we could but the epidemic wiped a lot of villages out. We got it stopped at the border to Central but I’ve had my fill of corpses for a lifetime.”
“Are you two on leave for awhile?” Cam asked him as he got up and let Fudgums escape into Kai’s room to the protest of the children.
“What’s an edimic?” One of the girls in his lap asked.
“It’s when a lot of people get the same sickness, Zarrah.” Skiff replied from where he sat rocking Dom in the chair.
She nodded her head in four year old understanding and went back to playing with her doll. Cam was baffled how Skiff could tell any of his kids apart.
“So when are you going to settle down, Don?” Chelry asked changing the mood.
Don laughed, “And leave all the beautiful lonely ladies of the world without my charm?”
“What charm?” Viska scoffed as she came in from the kitchen carrying a tray of drinks, “All you do is flirt.”
“Thanks, dear.” Skiff said as she placed a glass on the table in front of him.
“That’s not all I do, Kiddo.” Don retorted accepting a glass from her, “But I won’t discuss the finer details of my business with a fourteen year old.”
Viska blushed bright red and headed off back to the kitchen after she had finished passing out drinks. Don smirked into his cup as he took a sip.
“You shouldn’t tease her so much, Don.” Cam said pulling his legs up so one of the triplets could crawl through. The kids had gotten bored climbing on Chelry and had moved on to noisier adventures.
“Hey, settle down.” Skiff commanded and immediately the volume toned down.
“Dad, could we go play in the courtyard?” Kale asked with the twins behind him, their six year old faces full of bright shining hope.
“Yes, as long as you behave and keep together. Stay in the courtyard. The Trips are going with you.” Skiff said calling after the boys as the three girls followed after them.
“Brought some snacks for ya’ll.” Viska said coming back from the kitchen. She carried a tray with small cake slices on plates.
True to fourteen year old girl stubbornness she passed out all the plates to everybody else but Don.
“Where’s mine?” Don asked in a whiny voice as Viska headed back for the kitchen. Viska stuck her tongue out at him over her shoulder and kept walking. The rest of them laughed at Don’s dumbfounded face.
“Told ya.” Cam said eating some of his.
“How old are you now, Don?” Chelry asked chuckling in merriment.
“I’ll make twenty in the fall. Why?” Don asked taking a bite from Skiff’s plate.
“Skiff, how old is Viska?” Cam asked slyly watching Don’s reaction.
“She’s fourteen, will be fifteen in the summer.” Skiff replied slapping Don’s hand away from his plate.
“That’s how many years difference, five, right Chelry?” Cam mused turning to Chelry, “That’s a normal range right?”
“Oh, yea, I’ve even heard ‘em of being over ten years.” Chelry replied going along with Cam’s scheme.
“What are you two getting at?” Don asked warily.
“You don’t have to worry about it, cause there ain’t no way in hell I’m going to let THAT happen.” Skiff interrupted looking sternly at Cam and Chelry. Both of whom laughed while Don sat in befuddlement at the joke he clearly missed.
Viska came back into the room carrying a plate, “Here since mom said you sounded so pitiful.”
Don laughed, “That’s what I thought.”
“Go ahead, eat it.” Viska said slyly, “I dare you.”
Don had the fork half-way to his mouth and looked up as Viska walked off. He looked back at the cake slice and then at Skiff’s then back at his. He made a decision and switched them. The rest of the laughed at him.

“So how long have you had a crush on Don, Viska?” Kailah asked her when Viska came back in.
“What?” Viska asked as she blushed bright red, “I-I, I don’t know what you’re talking about Kailah.”
Morsha chuckled while Esma and she shelled peas, “About a year ago, is when I first noticed it.”
“Mom!” Viska shrilled turning from the pot boiling on the stove.
“Oh, and let me guess, he doesn’t have a clue.” Kai said as she added some veggies to the pot. Glancing out the window she saw the rest of the children playing tag with some soldiers who were off duty.
“Course not.” Viska snorted, “He’s about as sensitive as a doorknob.”
“Who’s sensitive?” Don asked coming into the kitchen carrying the empty plates, “Hey, when’s lunch?”
He walked over and peered over Viska’s shoulder, “Whatchya cookin?”
“Poison, now go away.” Viska said elbowing him away. He dodged it while laughing then put the plates in the sink.
“When will it be ready?” Don asked as he moved out of Kailah’s way when she motioned with the cutting knife.
“At lunch, you still got about an hour to go, so go entertain yourself out of the kitchen.” Kailah said shooing him out.
He snatched up a carrot as he walked out smirking at Viska’s cries of protest.
“I swear that man needs to grow up a little.“ Viska said turning back to the pot.

“I swear that girl needs to lighten up a little.” Don said chomping down on the carrot. He sat back down on the couch and picked up the cards Cam had dealt out.
“They said it’ll be ready in about an hour.” Don said around the carrot he had clenched in his teeth like a cigar. Skiff came back from Cam’s room where he had put Dom down to sleep, leaving the door cracked. Cam snorted in amusement as he changed out some of his cards.
Fudgums strolled out of Kailah’s room and hopped onto the couch next to Cam. He stretched then curled up next to Cam, not quite touching but close to it.
Don laughed, “I don’t think you’re going to get rid of the cat, Cam.”
“Watch me.” Cam said not even glancing up from his cards, “Kai can fuss all she wants to, but I have the final say.”
Skiff laughed, “Oh you have so much to learn about women my young friend.”
“We’re not that hard to understand.” Kailah interrupted before Cam could say anything. She pet Fudgums over the back of the couch and he purred in happiness.
Kailah glanced at Cam’s hand, “I wouldn’t play that.”
“I’m quite capable of winning, as long as I’m not playing against you.” Cam said but changed his play anyways.
Kailah smiled, “Sure.”
“So, Kailah, what made you choose this pathetic loser as a partner?” Don asked changing out a card.
“I’m not as pathetic as you, buddy.” Cam retorted, “And you really don’t ‘choose’ your partner, per say. It just kinda happens.”
Kailah didn’t say anything as the children came back from their excursions outside disrupting the card game. Cam noticed she had gone sullen but didn’t pry. Over the past few months she had taken to deep thought more often than not. Cam was also being shown a very interesting beetle at nose range by very excited twins.
The laughter of the children snapped Kailah from her thoughts as Morsha called for everyone to come get it.
“Vash, come here, let me wipe your face.” Kailah laughed catching one of the twins as they zoomed by.
Vish stopped too and let her wipe his face as well and the two then continued on to the food.
“How can you tell them apart?” Cam asked Kailah as Morsha and Esma dished out the food to the children and Viska got them situated around the table.
Kailah shrugged, “I dunno.”
Cam laughed as Viska put a napkin on top of Don’s head as she was handing them out. When she passed back by Don popped her in the butt with it, laughing. He stopped when he realized the Trips were glaring at him. He then got popped on the back of the head by Viska to the cheers of the children.
The rest of the evening went with laughter and fun for the whole group. Skiff convinced Morsha to sing for everyone and even got Viska to do a number with her. Don played the guitar he had brought with him and Viska sang along with his playing.
Esma and Chelry left first followed soon by Skiff and his family. Don left with them carrying the twins who had passed out along with the Trips.
“Goodnight, you two. See ya again sometime.” Skiff said over his shoulder as he left with Kale in tow and Dom in his arms. Kale had one of the triplets on his back.
“Be safe going home guys.” Cam said as Viska and Morsha left carrying the other two girls.
“Night, guys.” Don said as he walked out after them.
Cam could hear their voices get fainter as they went further down the corridor, he could make out Don picking on Viska and her angry retorts. He chuckled as he shut the door. He turned to see Kailah asleep on the couch curled into a ball with Fudgums on top of her.
“Hey, get.” Cam shooed Fudgums off. The cat looked at him and plopped onto the floor and into the chair.
Cam shook Kailah’s shoulder, “Hey, Kai, you’re gonna get a crick in your neck if you sleep here.”
Kailah semi woke up, “Ok.”
Cam smiled as she stumbled off to her room to sleep with Fudgums following behind her. He could have sworn the cat turned and smirked at him as the door closed, but he put it down to fatigue. Cam shook his head as he went to his own room and passed out from the excitement of the day.


silly kitty katz

Awww maan! I truly feel sorry for Cameron now. I happen to have a distaste for cats. its a long story which involves me sitting on one when i was like four, and now they have a personal vendetta on me.
So now we know that don likes skiff's daughter. Can't imagine Skiff will be happy about that.
i don't have much time at the minute so i will just cut to the chase. The character development in this 'chapter' is good, and now we have Cameron's likes and dislikes coming through. +coffee, -cats.
once more i look forward to your installments and i will hopefully set aside a day to go and read descendants.

thanks Wolven, as always your comments are most appreciated :D

yeah, Skiff might not like that idea too much muhahahahaha

here's the next chapter


Secret mission number 47.

Cam woke to the sound of something scratching at his door. Confused he stumbled out of bed and opened his door. He looked out and saw nothing, and then he looked down into the green eyes of Fudgums staring up at him.
“What, cat?” Cam grumbled.
He glared at the cat as it meowed at him. He followed the thing to the kitchen and got him some food. Cam yawned as he glanced out the kitchen window into the courtyard that was slowly being lit by the dawn. Cam scratched the back of his head as he started the coffee. There was no schedule today either. No new contracts had come for them at all. Or for any other Pair he knew.
Chelry and Esma were back down south helping with the epidemic; their leave had ended a few weeks ago. Skiff and Don were busy with the festivals coming up and getting their squad into top condition for the tournament. Cam smirked remembering those days he had taken part in the Grand Sword Tournament.
Cam made a cup of coffee for himself and took a sip before he fixed one for Kailah. Fudgums finished eating and walked with Cam to Kailah’s door.
“What?” Cam asked him irritated.
Fudgums just stared at him and Cam opened the door. Kailah didn’t even stir as Fudgums jumped onto the bed and curled up. Cam set her coffee on the night stand.
“Hey, princess, time to get up.” Cam said poking her in the back.
Kailah grumbled as Cam walked out the room and shut the door. Cam shook his head, Don had been right, they had kept the cat. Cam glanced at the calendar on the wall as he passed and smiled.
Cam was making breakfast when Kailah came into the kitchen with an empty coffee cup in hand and a Fudgums in tow. Cam split the scrambled eggs evenly on two plates that already had toast and bacon on them. He glanced in her direction and smiled at her tussled hair. She hadn’t changed out of her pajama’s either before coming in search of more coffee.
“You definitely spoil me, Cameron.” Kailah said as she sat at the table with a full cup of coffee.
Cam shrugged, “I used to do the same for Shalia. We were taught in basic that how well you treated your Caster was how well you survived.”
“Really?” Kailah asked taking a bite of the eggs, “Wonder why that is.”
“Happy partner, happy home, maybe?” Cam suggested as he ate.
Kailah nodded, “Possibly. So what’s the plan for today?”
“I have to bring that calibrator back to Skiff today, so I figured I’d go hang with him and Don. They’re training the squad for the tournament, thought I’d go check it out.” Cam said absently as he used the bread to push the last of the eggs onto his fork.
“Guess I’ll go visit Morsha and the kids then.” Kailah smiled.
Military drills bored Kailah to no end; Cam knew this, which is why he had planned it this way. Cam picked up his and her plates and washed them.
“I’ll walk you there.” Cam offered, “Go get ready.”
Kailah nodded as she finished off her coffee then headed to her room to get dressed. Cam went to the door and got their mail. Sifting through it he came across a small parcel from Chelry and Esma addressed to Kailah. He quickly stuffed it in his shirt and headed for his room. He heard Kailah come out of her room as he put the parcel under his bed out of view.
Carrying his boots in his hands he went back into the common area and sat down on the couch. Kailah was putting her hair up waiting for Cam to finish. She wore the black corset vest outfit Cam had met her in those six months ago. Cam smiled to himself; it almost felt like a lifetime, it was getting harder to remember life before Kailah had burst onto the scene. He could still remember life with Shalia, but the life between her and Kai was hazy now.
“Ready?” Kailah asked him drawing him out of his thoughts.
“Yeah.” Cam answered standing up from the couch he went and closed his door completely so Fudgums wouldn’t get in it.
“Behave cat,” Cam said pointing at Fudgums who was curled up on the couch, “guard the couch.”
Kailah laughed as she walked past him into the corridor. She waited for him to lock the door and together they walked out into the brightening courtyard. A few of their neighbors were out early heading off to whatever errands required their attention. Some of the Pairs nodded to Kailah and Cam as they passed and they nodded back in greeting.
Cam set a leisurely pace out the courtyard entrance onto the street that led down to the city. The Compound was set on a hill that was not quite within the city itself. Skiff and Morsha lived close to the Compound but it was still a fair distance to walk.
Kailah paused at a fruit stand and bought some pears to bring to Morsha. The two of them didn’t talk as they made their way through the slowly waking streets. Kailah smiled as a group of children dodged around them playing tag.
Cam opened the gate to Skiff and Morsha’s home and waved Kailah through. She nodded in thanks and passed through the two stone post that were connected to the seven foot wall of stone that secreted off their home from the busy street.
“Morning ya’ll.” Morsha called to them from the vegetable garden off to the right of the path to the house.
“Good morning. Hope you don’t mind baby-sitting my Caster today, Morsha?” Cam called and got a back slap to the stomach for from Kailah.
Morsha laughed, “Not at all. Whatcha got there Kailah dear?”
“Some pears. I was thinking of making a pie for Cameron, but now I’m thinking not.” Kailah teased looking at Cameron through lowered eyelids.
“Pie?!” Vish and Vash asked poking their heads out the door, “Kai!”
“Hey guys.” Kailah said kneeling down to give the twins a big hug.
“Well, I’m headed off to see your husband. Oh, here’s the calibrator.” Cam said placing the tool down on the bench next to the door, “Thanks for letting me borrow it.”
“Not a problem,” Morsha replied coming out of the garden with a basketful of greens, “Here take these to my husband and that scoundrel Don.”
Morsha placed a different basket of fruits and vegetables in Cam’s arms. Kailah was pulled into the house by the twins and triplets and Cam laughed as he waved goodbye to her.
“Is everything on schedule for tonight?” Cam asked when Kailah disappeared inside the house.
Morsha nodded, “Yes, we’ll bring her back around four, Cam dear. Don’t let those boys be late, ye’ hear?”
Cam laughed as he mocked saluted her, “Yes ma’am.”
She swatted at him with a rag and he scooted out of reach laughing. Cam walked back out the gate into the now bustling street and headed in the direction of the training grounds for the Tournament.
A chill went down Cameron’s spine causing him to spin around scanning the crowd. He looked around carefully but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
“Weird.” Cam mumbled as he turned back to the way he was going. A few minutes later a shadow detached itself from the wall and followed after him.

“Hey, Cam!” Don called waving his arms then getting fussed at by Skiff for breaking formation.
Cam laughed as he set the basket down on the bench and sat down next to it. Skiff’s squadron was practicing on the tournament grounds today and as Cam scanned the crowd it seemed like they were possibly the favorite this year.
Cam smirked as he caught sight of other squadron insignias in the crowd of spectators. No doubt they were spying out the competition learning weak points. When Cam had been in the squad, long before he had joined with Shalia, he had gone on a couple of spying missions along with Don and Skiff.
The Sword Tournament was an annual event that pulled squadrons from every district in the country. This year it was being held in Kalm so Skiff’s squadron didn’t have to travel and would have the home-team advantage this year if they won the semi-finals.
Each year the different districts would hold the semi-finals for their own squadrons to find a representative team to send to the tournament. Once those were out of the way and the twelve finalists were decided on they would meet in the designated city and compete.
Skiff’s squad had been the semi-finalist for Kalm six years running and from what Cam could see they would be again this year too. Ever since Skiff had become the squad leader they had never been defeated in the semi-finals. They had won the finals three years ago but hadn’t been able to claim it again. Don swore up and down they were going to get it this year for sure.
Attached Swords were not allowed to participate in the tournament because of the extra power boost they get from their Casters. Cam smiled remembering one of Shalia’s temper tantrums about how unfair it was that he couldn’t help them win.
After the drills ended Skiff dismissed his men then he and Don walked over to where Cam was sitting. Skiff was drenched in sweat as he pulled his helmet off and wiped his brow. Don was grinning from ear to ear.
“What ya’ think?” Don asked pulling off his helmet still grinning.
“I think someone needs to be a little more serious during practice.” Cam smirked, “You were lagging behind, Don.”
The grin vanished from Don’s face, “Was not!”
“Oh, these are from your adorable wife.” Cam ignored Don as he handed the basket to Skiff.
Skiff chuckled, “Thanks, sorry you had to play delivery boy. Kailah’s with Morsha?”
Cam nodded, “Yeah, your wife told me to make sure you two weren’t late tonight. Kailah also believes I’m going to be with you two all day.”
“If we didn’t have to practice we’d help you set up.” Skiff shrugged apologetically.
“Nah, it’s alright, I can handle that much.” Cam shook his head, “Well, mission accomplished I’m headed back to get everything ready. Remember be at our place at three.”
“Right.” Skiff nodded and waved as Cam left the grounds.
Cam headed back to the Compound at a leisurely pace. He swung through the market to pick up a few things along the way. Strawberries were in season and they were Kailah’s favorite. He also picked up a bouquet of wild flowers.
“Oh, got a girl, handsome?” The older woman selling the flowers asked him with a knowing wink.
Cam laughed, “Something like that.”
“Well, you know the legend about the Pelmora Flower, right?” The woman asked pointing to a closed small blue flower in the bouquet.
“No, what is it?” Cam asked his curiosity piqued, “It’s not even open, yet.”
The woman laughed, “The legend goes that if the flower blooms after its given then that person is your true love.”
Cam chuckled, “Wouldn’t that be something.”
“Oh, is the person you’re giving it to not a possibility?” The woman asked leaning on the wagon and pulling out a long pipe.
Cam was about to answer in the negative but he stopped, “I haven’t really thought about it.”
“Well,” The woman puffed on the pipe, “food for thought then, yes?”
Cam walked away silent in thought. The woman grinned at his retreating back as she puffed shrewdly on her pipe. Cam really hadn’t thought about it, marriage between Caster and Sword wasn’t forbidden, it just rarely happened. Usually it was because most Pairs were the same gender.
Thinking more on it Cam had to admit that it wasn’t a horrible prospect, Kai was certainly gorgeous. It never entered his mind with Shalia because she was a kid sister to him, nothing more nor less.
Without really paying attention Cam made it back to their quarters. He shook his head putting these thoughts away for now; it didn’t really matter right now anyways. He had a lot to do in the time remaining till four that afternoon.
Glancing at the sand clock it claimed that the time was ten in the morning. He didn’t notice Fudgums till he tripped over the cat that was weaving around his ankles.
“Dangit, cat!” Cam grumbled catching himself on the chair, “Get out the way.”
Fudgums just stared up at him in contempt like only a cat could do.
“Don’t look at me like I’m stupid, you made me trip.” Cam fussed down at him.
Fudgums continued to stare, “What?” Cam asked it and Fudgums ran to the kitchen.
Following behind Cam set the groceries and flowers on the table and saw Fudgums sitting next to his empty food bowl. Cam sighed as he walked to the pantry and got some food for the cat. Fudgums purred as he shook the first bite he took then continued to eat.
Cam shook his head as he walked back into the common area and started rearranging the furniture a little bit. He pushed one of the couches into the corner formed by the wall of his room and the kitchen. Grunting with effort he pushed the other couch against the wall of Kailah’s room. He then moved the two chairs each to its own corner of the room.
The coffee table he left in the middle for now as he turned to survey his handiwork. He pursed his lips in thought then pushed the coffee table to against his wall. He nodded in satisfaction as he headed back to the kitchen.
Looking at the list he and the rest of them had come up with he started pulling out ingredients for the different dishes he was in charge of making. Fudgums jumped onto the table and watched him work.
After he had gotten the soup going he went to his room. Fudgums watched as Cam came back with the parcel from that morning. Came carefully opened the parcel and pulled out a small wooden box and a letter. The box was carved Rivertree wood that Chelry had sent from one of the tribes in the south. Cam wished the two of them could have been here for this but duty called.
Cam set the small dark brown box carved with river country scenes on the table then went back to his room. When he came back Fudgums was inspecting the box with his nose. He shooed the cat away which only sat back out of his reach and stared at him. Cam set down a folded piece of light blue silk and carefully unwrapped the object within.
Cam smiled to himself as he looked at what was sitting on the cloth. Nodding to himself a good job he carefully rewrapped the artifact. Cam got up to stir the soup then brought the box and cloth back to his room for later. Fudgums watched Cam work on the other dishes all the while humming.
A knock came on the door and Cam went to answer, “Coming.”
“Hey guys,” Cam said to Skiff and Don as he glanced at the clock, “perfect timing.”
“Pssh, always.” Don replied walking into the room carrying various objects, “what goes where?”
“Um, find a spot I guess.” Cam shrugged as he took some of Don’s load.
“Morsha and them will be here in an hour, is everything ready?” Skiff asked as he came in and shut the door.
“Yeah, just put this stuff up and put out the drinks and food and we’re done.” Cam said bringing the two bottles of wine to the kitchen.
Don laughed as he set down the decorations on the coffee table, “This is from me, where do you want it?”
“Oh, go put it on my bed next to the one from me, Chelry, and Esma.” Cam said motioning with his hand toward his door.
“Here, Don, put this with them too.” Skiff said handing Don a handful of packages.
Don nodded as he went and put the stuff on Cam’s bed then came back and started helping Skiff and Cam decorate. They had just finished when the clocked chimed four.
Cam went and started a pot of coffee while Don and Skiff rested on the couches. Coming back into the common area, Cam surveyed their handy work. The coffee table was covered with a bright blue cloth and odd assortment of finger foods were placed on it along with some small flowers Don had picked on the way over.
The small flowers reminded Cam and he rushed back into the kitchen and grabbed a vase, he filled it with water then put the bouquet he had bought earlier in it. He then brought that to his room and placed it on his dresser.
As soon as he shut the door to his room someone knocked on the front door. Cam smiled as he went to open it.
“Hel-ugh!” Cam grunted as once again he was head-butted in the stomach by little people.
“We’re here!” The twins called rushing around him and into the room.
“Ok, ok, hush,” Skiff shushed them as they were followed conspiratorially by Kale, Viska, and the triplets, “remember it’s a surprise.”
The twins both covered their mouths with their hands. Cam chuckled as he glanced down the hall, no sign of Kailah and Morsha.
“They’ll be here soon.” Viska said handing Don a bowl of salad and motioning for him to put it in the kitchen, “Mom made up some reason for them to lag behind so we could get here first. Is everything ready?”
Cam nodded, “Yeah, I think so.”
Glancing out the kitchen window he saw that dusk was starting to settle. If Viska’s calculations were correct they’d be here as soon as it was getting dark. Cam lit the lamps then got everyone into the kitchen to hide.
Cam sat impatiently in one of the chairs as he waited. Finally a knock sounded on the door and Cam had to calm himself to answer normally. He signaled for the others to get ready as he went to answer. Cam flung open the door and the others jumped out from the kitchen.
“Happy Bir-who the hell are you?” Cam asked the small man on the other side of the door.
The man wore a dark red robe that seemed to be too big for him, the effect making him look smaller. He was probably five foot seven if Cam had to guess. He had black hair that was graying at the temples, but the thing that caught Cam’s attention the most was his silver eyes.
The small thin man looked to be about in his thirties grinned at Cam, “Good evening. I don’t believe it to be my date of birth, but thanks all the same.”
“Uh, can I help you?” Cam asked the man, something about his overall atmosphere was creeping Cam out.
“I’m looking for Kailah Malavander, is she in?” The man asked in a soft velvety voice.
“Not at the moment, who are you and what do you need her for?” Cam asked as Skiff and Don came to stand behind him. Viska ushered the kids back in to the kitchen sensing something was amiss.
“Oh, dear where are my manners.” The man chuckled, “My name is-“
“Surkaust!?” Cam looked down the corridor to see Kailah staring in fear at the man in front of him.
“Ah, Kailah, sweetheart,” Surkaust purred turning toward her, “so lovely to see you.”

I thought it was about time to start boiling blood again... so to speak. Were it not for the fact that he is a blatant plot device, Kailah should really get a restraining order fired onto his backside. I mean that literally.
Cam is getting a bit mischievous, stealing her mail. He's starting to cross the line a bit, he needs to be careful, because 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.' Sorry, had to say it. basically he's in for an ass kicking if he goes too far. It is amusing though.
I like where you are going with this, and it is really anyone's game right about now, i know I'm hoping for a showdown.
As per usual, i enjoy all of your work on this, and no- i have not found time to read descendants, but I'm a zelda fan so i will eventually get there. Nothing left to say except 'Keep it up dreamer!' (I would say 'dream on' but that could be taken the wrong way... plus its an awful pun)

thanks Wolven :D and yeah if he deffinately couldn't be a more obvious plot device oh welz

here's some more!!!!



Kill the mood why don’t cha, jerk.


It took a few seconds for Cam to process the name and come to a conclusion. Cam went to speak but Surkaust ignored them as he seemed to float down the corridor to stand in front of Kailah.
“Well, well,” Surkaust sighed, “every time I see you, you seem to grow in beauty.”
“What do you want?” Kailah spat at him as she clutched the bag of bread so hard it was crumbling.
“Oh, nothing.” He said waving his hand airily, “I just happened to be in the neighborhood and thought I’d come wish you a happy birthday, is all.”
“Thank you, now good day.” Kailah replied through clenched teeth as she brushed past him.
She stopped short when Surkaust shot out his arm and slammed his fist against the wall making a crack. Kailah glared at him as he smiled pleasantly back at her. Don and Skiff each placed a hand on Cam’s arm as he started to go forward when Surkaust leaned closer to Kailah and whispered something in her ear.
Kailah went pale as Surkaust dropped his arm and brushed past her. He nodded in greeting at Morsha who stepped away from him hugging baby Dom close. As he disappeared down the corridor Cam shook off Skiff and Don’s hold and ran to Kailah.
“Hey,” Cam said carefully gripping her shoulders, “you ok?”
Kailah snapped back to reality, “What?”
“Are you ok,” Cam asked shaking her slightly, “did he hurt you?”
Kailah smiled softly at him, “No, I’m fine.”
Cam wasn’t completely convinced, “You, sure?”
“Yes, Cameron.” Kailah insisted, “Why are Don and Skiff here?”
Cam glanced back over his shoulder at them and saw three little triplet heads looking out between their father’s legs. Laughing he grabbed Kailah by the hand and led her back to the apartment with Morsha following after.
“Well,” Cam said as he stepped through with Kailah, “surprise.”
Kailah laughed as the kids ran up and hugged her all together, “Surprise for what?”
“Happy birf’day.” The twins chorused in unison.
Cam scratched the back of his head, one of his habits when he was embarrassed, “Yeah, happy birthday, Kai.”
Kailah smiled at him as she was led further into the room to one of the couches. The kids all piled around her as the rest came in and shut the door and the incident earlier behind them.
“How did you know it was my birthday?” Kailah asked Cam as he walked past into the kitchen.
“Well the Pair registration came in a few months ago and it had it on there.” Cam called back as he fixed Kailah a cup of coffee.
“Don’s to blame for the festivities.” Viska said sitting down in one of the chairs.
“Hey,” Don ruffled, “it’s not ALL my doing. You helped too.”
“Yeah,” Cam chuckled, “those two started planning this whole thing when they found out.”
Kailah laughed with the rest of them, “Well thank you. I’ve never had a birthday party before.”
“Well, what would a party be without,” Skiff said coming out of Cam’s room, “gifts?”
Kailah’s jaw dropped in surprise as the triplets and twins jumped off the couch to help their daddy bring over the presents. In truth they just wanted to be the ones to hand them to her as Skiff was left holding nothing.
Cam went back into his room and handed Don the gift he had brought and grabbed his own stuffing it in his pocket. The two of them went back into the living room as Kailah was opening the first little present.
“Who’s this one from?” Kailah asked turning the small square over in her hands.
“That one’s from Dom.” One of the triplets answered, “This one is from us three.”
“Ok, let me open this one, and then I’ll open that one, ok Zarrah?” Kailah said pointing to the one in her hands.
“It’s not really FROM Dom,” one of the other triplets said, “Mommy actually made it.”
Kailah pulled out a hair band from the package, it was knitted in red and black wool yarn and had little glass beads on the ends, “Oh, I love it.”
“Here open ours!” the triplets insisted pushing their gift into her hands.
Kailah laughed as she obliged their demands, “What is it?”
“You’ll see.” They answered grinning.
Cam smiled as he set the bouquet of flowers down on the coffee table and watched Kailah be assisted by the triplets in getting into the package. Kailah laughed in excitement as they pulled out a flower crown from the box. The triplets put it on her head and situated the ribbons the way they said it had to be.
“Our turn!” The twins demanded as Kailah hugged the triplets.
“Ok, ok.” Kailah laughed as she was handed their present.
Kailah pulled out a small clay jar that the top didn’t quite sit right. It was painted very colorfully by little fingers.
“It’s beautiful.” Kailah cried turning it around and looking at the different art work of dragons and bugs. The twins beamed with pride and then scrunched up their faces as she gave them each a kiss.
“This is from Kale and me.” Viska said handing Kailah a pair of gloves, “The leather came from the Barska cat Kale killed and tanned and the wool is from our sheep that I knitted.”
Kailah tried on the fingerless gloves that were reinforced at the palms and on the knuckles with leather. They were black and dark brown and had fur around the cuffs, “Oh, they’re so soft.”
Cam was impressed, Barska cats were as difficult to tan as they were to kill. Their hides were worth a pretty penny because of that fact.
“Cam said that Casters need their fingers free when they cast, so I made them fingerless.” Viska supplied blushing slightly.
“Thank you.” Kailah said motioning for them to give her a hug.
“And this one is from Skiff and me.” Morsha smiled as she handed the last of their gifts to Kailah.
“Oh, neat!” Kailah cried pulling out a three tiered hanging basket, “Thank you.”
“You were telling me last month that you like the one in my window at home so I had Skiff make you one.” Morsha said bouncing Dom.
“And this is from me.” Don said handing her his gift.
Kailah unwrapped it and pulled out a light blue silk scarf, “Oh, Don.”
“Only the most beautiful for the most beautiful woman.” Don smirked as Kailah blushed, “I told you before that my mom’s the most skilled silk weaver in Kalm.”
“Now, I believe you.” Morsha said impressed.
The scarf had silver thread interwoven in the light blue and shimmered when it was tilted in the light. Kailah carefully folded it up and placed it on the seat next to her and stood up.
“Well since it’s such a good gift,” Kailah smiled shrewdly, “and the other boys got one.”
Kailah pecked Don on the cheek and caused him to blush, “Awe, shucks.”
The others laughed at Don’s embarrassment and Kailah went and sat back down.
“This is from Esma and Chelry, who unfortunately couldn’t make it.” Cam said handing her the box and the letter.
“Oh, it’s so pretty.” Kailah exclaimed running a hand over the smooth surface of the box. She set it down then read the letter out loud:
“Dear Kailah,

Our sincerest apologies for missing your date of birth celebration. Chelriman is quite upset that we could not be there with you and everyone else to celebrate. I am agitated as well, this assignment is lasting longer than anyone could have anticipated, but that is beside the point.
When we saw the box, it reminded us that you had once told us you used to live near a river, and we thought it would be suitable as a present. Hope to see you and everyone else soon.

With love,
Esma and Chelriman

P.S. Beware of Pashkik, while I’m not there. –Esma

P.S. Have a great birthday and tell everyone hi for us! – Chelry”

“Seriously,” Don cried, “She’s not even here and she still berates me.”
Everyone laughed as Kailah folded the letter and set it aside.
“Alright, let’s eat.” Cam called heading for the kitchen, “You sit there.” He told Kailah as she started to get up. Fudgums jumped in to her lap and Cam did a thumbs-up to the cat for keeping her in place.
Kailah laughed as she pet Fudgums who purred like a motor. Cam brought her a bowl of soup and a plate of the other goodies the rest had brought. Cam had also pulled from the dark recesses of the pantry some of the sweets Esma had left them for this day much to the happy squeals of the little kids, Don included.
Cam watched Kailah out of the corner of his eye as the night and festivities went on. The children had brought games to play and were now in a heated discussion with Don about one of the rules that he had broken. Cam could tell that the encounter with Surkaust had rattled Kailah more than she had let on but he could also tell she was determined to not let it ruin the night.
The party slowly wound down to a halt and the participants packed up their stuff and headed home. About a bottle of wine and a half in everyone was slightly tipsy.
Cam and Kailah waved at them from their doorway as they headed down the corridor carrying the ones who hadn’t lasted the entire night.
Kailah went and collapsed on the longer of the two couches. Cam came over and picked up her feet then sat down with them on his lap. Fudgums jumped to the back of the couch and curled up asleep.
“Oh,” Cam said digging in his pocket, “almost forgot.”
“This is for you.” Cam said handing Kailah the folded piece of silk.
Kailah sat up as she accepted the gift, “What could this be, I wonder.”
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye cautiously and he grinned back, “Open it.”
As she finished unfolding it she sucked in a small breath, “Oh, Cam, it’s gorgeous.”
Cam smiled softly as Kailah picked up the necklace by its silver chain. The pendant was a small piece of polished hematite carved into the shape of a rearing Pegasus with its wings extended.
“Where did you get it?” Kailah asked him.
“I picked up the stone a number of years ago.” Cam explained holding out his hand to help her put it on, “I took it to an old buddy of mine who carved as a hobby back in basic and asked him if he could do it.”
Kailah handed him the necklace and turned around pulling her hair up so he could clasp the necklace around her neck without it getting caught. He got it clasped and let it slide into place on her neck. Kailah let down her hair and turned back towards him looking at the pendant. It hung to the middle of her chest and gleamed catching the light from the lanterns.
“It’s lovely.” Kailah said softly looking back up at him, “Thank you, Cameron.”
“Oh, also.” Cam said standing up and crossing the room.
He picked up the vase containing the bouquet of flowers he had gotten and brought it over, “These too.”
Kailah grinned, “Awe, thank you.”
She smelled the flowers, “They smell so nice.” She set them on the ground next to the couch and turned back to face him.
“This has been the best birthday party I’ve ever had.” She said grinning.
Cam laughed, “I thought it was the only one you’ve ever had.”
Kailah shrugged, “Details.”
She fell silent and Cam glanced back over to see her in thought. He guessed that she was thinking about the incident with Surkaust. He poked her in the rib causing her to squeak.
“Hey,” Cam teased, “all the rest of them got a kiss, where’s mine?”
Kailah grinned, “Nope.”
“Excuse me?” Cam asked poking her in the side again, “I didn’t hear that correctly right?”
Kailah laughed as Cam continued to poke her in the side, “Stop, you’re not getting one.”
“Oh, really?” Cam asked sarcastically as the poking escalated to full on tickling. Kailah laughed as she tried to slap his hands away but he dodged it easily. She tried to get away but Cam caught her and together they tripped off the couch and landed on the floor.
“Ha!” Cam laughed, “Now, I’ve got-“
Before he realized it Cam had Kailah pinned on the floor looking up at him. Kailah looked up at him through half closed eyes, the light from the lamps danced in them. Cam’s hands were braced on the floor on either side of her head, her hair around her like a dark halo.
Slowly Cam lowered his face to hers and kissed her gently on the lips. She responded to his touch and he breathed in her scent more deeply, it reminded him of flowers and spice. He curled his fingers in her soft hair as she moved her hands to the back of his head.
Suddenly Kailah pushed him away with a look of shock on her face. Cam stared back at her in tipsy confusion as she sat up and gently pushed him off. Standing up she adjusted her crumbled clothes and tried to smooth out her hair.
“Well,” Kailah said shakily, “Thank you for the party, I think it’s time for bed now.”
Cam just watched her as she went to her room. She said a hasty goodnight over her shoulder and shut the door. A few minutes later Cam got up and blew out the lamps then headed for his own room.
After he had shut the door he went and sat on the edge of the bed. Letting out the breath he had been holding since he kissed her Cam buried his face in his hands.
“What were you thinking?” Cam sighed softly asking himself.
Cam got dressed for bed and climbed under the covers. He sighed as he thought about the look of shock that had crossed Kai’s face just now.
“Why did you do that, Gantervez?” Cam sighed as he rolled over and went to sleep.

Fudgums stirred and jumped down from the couch. Looking around he didn’t see either of them and headed for the kitchen to eat. By the couch, where Kai had left it, the little blue flower in the bouquet had bloomed.

damn i wish i could slap Cameron! fair enough he's having more luck with kailah than I have been having with women in general, but really he's just been a right... I can't think of a word other than 'Prat.' Don's stupidity and flirting is becoming a tad repetitive if i may say so but thats his character so i can't really argue with that.
Surkaust did not wreak as much havoc as i had initially expected, but then again, he's cunning. I guess i will just have to wait. however, the letter in cameron's pocket from a while back seems to have disappeared... or i haven't been reading this correctly . And then there's Kai's unusual behaviour. Something is definitly about to happen and damn it dreamer, i can't wait! You know the drill. Keep this stuff up!