Alynia blushed at his words a bit phased on he idea of having a prolonged life, but pressed her lips against his nontheless. As she blinked open her eyes she almost fell over in shock. "I wish you would've told me you were going to do that." she muttered quietly, but remained silent as she politely observed the assortment of magical creatures around her. Intrigued but practically everything she saw she turned to look at Puck.

Gears shifted in her head. She had always known that Puck was Oberron's son, but she had failed to recognize that when she agreed to marry him, that Puck would become her son by extension. She smiled nervously at her step son, this must've been a lot for him to take in. She listened intently at their intense war talk, mildly pondering at the idea of Arn and Kim. 'That would be nice' Alynia decided but she put that trivial thought in the back of her head.

What was there for her to do? Alynia really wanted to help in some way or another... But the girl really had no battle experience save for the mild bit of martial arts she had picked up. She stayed quiet to appear polite, afraid of saying anything that could be offensive, embarrassing, or simply stupid. Everything was happening rather quickly, Alynia had no idea how to act like a queen of any sort. She hoped expectations weren't high. She looked at Oberron with a lost expression wanting to assist him in anyway possible but unsure of how. Alynia was also immensely worried about his health, he was already so tired, he had already done so much. It was silly of her, but she didn't want him to get hurt.

He seemed to know her mind and kept her close. He was exhausted and had to lean on her a lot not that either of them minded. They were given a vanguard of plant-like creatures, smaller Ents, powerful creatures that looked like small trees.

As they went about she noticed that sections of the dark forest where restored and it was like looking at Oberron now, partially recovered, and she had to wonder if the forest was tied into his life force. Where it was dying days before now it was springing back with renewed life.

Of course she was out of place here as this column was moved up, this back and so forth. Other defenders joined in, a legion of black armored goblins riding worgs, Oberron was aware of something then but he had been busy reassigning his centaur cavalry to meet the new threat.

But she was included in all the final decisions by Oberron. He made a recommendation about the ongoing battle then asked her what she thought. Rather than ignoring her presence he assisted her in understanding the situation, why he was moving troops in particular ways.

In an hour it was done. The battle had been over, the goblins routed or killed along with a legion of human prisoners. In the aftermath of the battle Ilyania could see Kim standing along side Arn, hand and hand.

Aegir watched the two girls as he played upon their minds, further manipulating them with images and memories though he had not yet been finished with the pair. While he overlapped their experiences in this world they had been entirely different. Arn matched up with Kim, Alyina with Oberron ,,,

He admired the two girls, mostly Alyina despite being partial to red heads. He debated what he was going to do with her realizing that other monsters would definitely smell blood in the water so to speak and flock towards her. Yet he did not wish to speed his own pace up either, savioring this. He cane up with a partial solution that would play on her mind to forget all others save for whatever he did to her upon sleeping next. Letting her be attacked if that were the case but mentally not remembering the event the following day when waking. Save for this, which may or may not be interprted as a dream though he opted to keep things vague.

But now he returned his full attention to the two girls and the events unfolding before her. Due to his compound mind the illusion never waivered any as he was able to debate their futures at the same time the illusion carried on.

"The forest will live again in time thanks to you," Oberron was telling her. He looked to the forest then back at her. His size was still dimunitive as he took her hand and strolled on. He snapped his fingers creating a large pavillion before them, entered, then turned to her.

"We must speal." he paused. "You and your friend wish to return to the shadow?"

The battle was short, but was by no means easily won. When it was over Alynia gravely though she could bear to see more death within her life time but as they were fighting every time they passed another green tree, another patch of slowly emerging grass in the midst of all the black, Alynia was reminded what they were fighting for. She voiced her opinions boldly and supported Oberron in both body and mind.

Alynia had been strolling along peacefully with him, relishing the idea of the forest turning back into a green splendor. Kim had ran off somewhere unknown with the hunter squealing with excitement. As Alynia and Oberron reached the greenest part of the forest so far, Oberron conquered a small outdoor pavillion that looked appropriate in the surroundings of the brown and green canopy above. Held up with just four columns they could see the trees no matter how they turned their heads. Shaded underneath the roof was a single padded bench. They sat down side by side, her hand tightly held in his. Alynia's head affectionately leaned against his shoulder.

"Oh I believe you're over exaggerating. I really didn't do anything but assist." Alynia stated shrugging. "If anyone, it was you who saved us all." Alynia smiled pressing her nose cutely into his shoulder loving his earthy scent. They sat there in a few moments of silence as She noticed Oberron had something on his mind. She lifted her head and sat up straight as she listened to him speak.

Alynia blinked in surprise at the sudden change in mood. "Return?" she asked softly. "H-how can you even wonder that? I don't know about Kim, but I want.." she paused. What did she want? Sure, it was possible to head back to her school and try to pretend none of this fantasy had ever happened, because for all Alynia knew this was reality. She looked at Oberron, they both knew she didn't fit in with they Fey simply because she was human, but she wanted to fit in. Yes, Alynia wanted to stay. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go back and visit from time to time if it was possible..." Alynia looked up into Oberron's violet eyes. "But I want to stay with you." she whispered.

She had done much more of course. The fighting was over, Sable's dark army had been nonexistant in her demise leaving only the human defenders that amazingly lasted the hour but mainly because they received assistance from the goblins.

He listened to her words, smiled, patted the back of a hand. "It still is not safe for you here. There will be attempts on your life and I have not recovered fully to thwart then and stop those on mine. I have been away a long, long time and I suspect that Puck would not be so willing to step aside.

"I would like you to stay, believe me that will please me to no end though what pleases me more is knowing that you are safe. I am not opposed to you visiting though ... often."

He smiled at her, patted her hand again and looked into her eyes. He still had not recovered a\enough strength to retain his natural size, wondered briefly how she would view him if he were in his true form and assumed, perhaps rightfully so, that she was not ready for that.

He produced a silver ring, etched with entwining leaves that he gave to her. On the top it had small emerald stones. "Rub that ring and you will return to my side. Those stones are magically enchanted and contain my blood allowing you to transport to my side when it is activated. It might not work all the time in the Shadow though, just keep trying and here you'll wind up.{

He smiled at her kissing the back of her hand then giving her the ring. He gazed at her, a hand setting upon her nearest thigh. He looked at her, turning on the bench to face her better.

"It will be the best, for a little while at least, my love."

Alynia was upset, but not entirely surprised at what she heard. She knew, even the best of things had to eventually come to an end. As much as she wanted to, Alynia refused to argue against him knowing that he meant the best. Besides, Oberron had told her that this was not forever. A brief time a part, Alynia convinced herself. It was only to be a short time away for eachother and then they could be together as long as time would allow.

She gave him a sad smile as he slipped the beautiful ring onto her ring finger. She held up her left hand admiring the beautiful piece of jewelry. "You know, humans say that this finger is the only finger with veins that connect directly to our hearts. That's why we exchange rings during our weddings on this specific finger. It means we will cherish the other." Alynia signed lightly. "I wish I had a ring to give you." she said with a regretful smile.

"If you say it's for the best then I will trust you, just as I said I would." Alynia paused taking a hold of his hand telling him she really didn't want to leave. She looked at him longingly trying not to let her sorrow show. "How will I know it's safe to be back by your side?"

"You learn something new each day," he smiled at her explaination of rings and veins. He was not totally familiar with human anatomy to know much more then the basics. "It's alright, give me one when you come back." He rubbed a finger over the emeralds on the ring.

At this stage Aegir manipulated her mind so that Alynia would always be aware of the illusionary ring on her finger and it would exist at least to her even if she took it off and placed it somewhere. He altered her subconscious to always remember where she put it ... in time of course so she could misplace it from time to time but always find it eventually.

"There, I've made it so only you and fey can see it. Fey know enough to not try to steal it, and the humans of the Shadow are a mixed lot, robbers and thugs abound so someone might try to rob it from you if they knew of it's existance, this is only effective in the Shadow, the humans here can see it their attuned to this realm so to speak."

He thought over her question going silent for a second. "I suppose you will not know when it is truly safe for you. But it is easy enough to walk amongst worlds, you can always go back to the Shadow if it is too dangerous here ... or there as an escape for a little while unless it is more dangerous here at the time.

"No doubt Puck will be an issue. Not only has he been replaced as a regent but as you are my wife now he isn't even second behind me in succession and if we do have children eventually then they will beat him out as heirs. He will not take too kindly to that, though in public he will be guarded and well meaning, behind closed doors he may try to have us removed. Fortunately he will not do so until the Dark Forest is no more. Intrigue, got to love it."

He smiled at her briefly then. Patted her hand softly with his own. "Regardless if it's dangerous or not I wish for you to visit often. Life without you would be so unpleasant. There is no rush to depart either."

His lips pressed to the base of her neck then. "Unless you choose to that is. It would be easiest to send your friend back with you but she is absent at the time. Perhaps the hunter was in the cell next to her own and the two got to know one another during their confinement, I cannot say but they have seen to taken a shine to one another. He even said to her through the closed cell that he would be back for her, and that was before I told him about the winds and how to use them to call forth this army here."

Purple iris' gazed at her then as his thumb traced the back of her hand then.

Alynia hummed quietly admiring the emeralds as well as the man who gave it to her. "Then I will only come back when I cannot bear to have another day without you." she paused. "Goodness that won't be very long." she teased in mock concern. "I will return when I feel it's right, and if then its still not safe I will go back and come again." she stated in a matter of fact tone. "I will visit often."

Her expression turned into one a bit more concerned as she heard about Puck. "Yes, even I know enough to assume he is a mischievious little fellow." she sighed. "I had almost forgotten that you had a son. Atleast we have time then to prepare for what ever he has planned... But i don't want to be a bad step mother!" she added. "Yes, in the future children would be nice.. But for now I don't believe we should avoid doing anything that would make Puck displeased."

She smiled slighting thinking about Kim and the hunter. "Arn is a good man." she stated earnestly. "I am confident that he will treat my friend well. And I am especially glad to not be the only one who has found kindness" Alynia smiled at Oberrron,msecretly doubting that the anyone could treat anyone better than Oberron to her. "I wonder if they'll decide to wed.." she wondered outloud thinking about her and her husband.

Then Alynia paused, she seemed to be considering something that was troubling her. She took a breath before she spoke. "If I must go, maybe it would be best to leave as soon as possible.. The longer I stay the more reluctant I am to leave you..." she said sadly but her voice trailed off as his lips came in contact wih her smooth neck. She had planned to ask him for something more suitable to wear while travelling, but the very words died in her throat.

"See. If you kiss me like that I will never leave." She said quietly sighing in bliss. She used gentle hands to lift up his head to kiss him full on the lips. Alynia captured him in a slow, sensuous, and passionate lip lock that left the king wondering where she had learned to do such a thing. "You'vs forced me to ask you if I may stay the night and leave in the morning." she blushed but smiled. "I can't help but want you to kiss me more."

"Yes visit often and even if it is a little dangerous you wouldn't have to rush to leave." He smiled back at her as he considered the matter further. He had suspicions about what Arn and Kim might be doing and he figured it wasn't arranging flowers. The funny thing was that she and Kim may have been in different places if the situation were a little different though he could not imagine how that would go, not now after he's experienced so much bliss with Alyina.

Clearly he was torn, he did not wish for her to go, yet knew that she could not stay either.

"And from time to time when I can manage it I'll walk the Shadows and visit with you." He'd have to be careful ... well, it would be Aegir and of course his illusions so it wouldn't take much more effort on his part. He still needed a means of her controlling the ring, where it would appear to work and thus he would accomplish that by controlling a portion of her mind not to use it on certain days or times but on others, others when he was nearby and could respond to her of course. It was a simple solution to a simple problem.

"I am unsure of the plans of your friends, though they are fortunate, they lack the complications we have. No royal politics, same species despite one being from the Shadows ... in a way I shall envy them. Kim could probably stay too without too much concern either. I only wish that option was open to you as well. In time it shall."

He smiled looking forward to that day. Soon though he found her lips against his. His skin was back to shedding it's pal light again as he basked in the gift he recived now. The trace of her lips lingering against his as his heart was set aflame. He smiled as she asked her question.

"Puck will have to calculate his next move and probably won't be ready to strike for some time. You'd be safe for the night ... of course, I would not have seen you off until the morning any how." He beamed, shared in her blush then returned his lips to her own hungry for more. Clearly he desired to kiss her again more than before and made no secret of it as he did so now.

Alynia was over the stars, as she held the kiss until she felt like she could no longer breathe. She pulled away blinking to clear her head from the lack of oxygen. "Where is Puck anyway?" Alynia wondered out loud. Her cheeks were a lovely rosy tint as she slid her hands into Oberron's but she spoke what was on her mind, "Because if he's not near, and it's safe as you say, we can do what ever you'd like." Alynia leaned in to kiss him once more trying to tell him what she meant, but she was interupted.

"Ah, quite the contaire fair mother." Came a bright almost mocking song sung voice. With a little hissing sound, and a wisp of light suddenly appeared Puck. "I am right here!" he declared. Alynia looked at him slightly surprised, but pulled back blushing even more heavily. A horrible thought of him watching the entire time they had sat down. "Is this how she won you over father, by batting her eyelashes and puckering her lips?" He said in make believe horror clutching a dramatic hand over his heart. Puck laughed, but somehow the laughter didn't reach his eyes.

Oberron's suspicions were correct, it did seem that Puck resented atleast a portion of the turned events. Alynia frowned slightly, biting her lip again. She wasn't sure of what to say. He was her step-son but he far out aged her by years as well as experience with the realm around them. She felt some how inferior to him. "I'm only kidding... but I wouldn't be surprised, she's quite a looker." Puck continued tilting his head as if observing Alynia from different angles. He laughed again rocking back and forth on his heels much like a child, the same empty laughter.

Alynia flushed but didn't draw up the courage to remark on the inappropriate nature of such a comment, but there was to talk as Puck rambled on. She stared at him masking her look of surprise with a polite look of interest. "Now father! We have much to catch up on! I have been looking for a chance to speak, but she stole you away before I could!" Puck was good at playing innocent, his devious eyes wandered looking from the face of Oberron to Alynia. He might've been many many centuries old, but that didn't change the fact that he was a mischevious little boy.

Oberron thought about her question for a moment and what he'd likely be doing. "He's probably at the castle." He assumed that his son would be doing damage assignment, rounding up prisoners and assessing the situation.

But the sudden appearance of Puck told him he was dead wrong in his understanding of the situation. He could hear the venom mixed in with the words of his son and could sense Alyina's discomfort. He set a hand upon the back of her's reassuringly as he glared at his son. He kept the venom out of his words as best as he could though Alyina could feel that the barbs were there.

"She is now your queen and you will treat her as such. She is responsible for slaying Sable and restoring the old kingdom among other things. I shall not share her, or divide my time between the two of you. I am tired and need to rest to regain my strength and while you may have centuries on her she is not some commoner you can speak down to. Frankly, it matters not that she is human and not fey like us. Her perspective is rather refreshing and there is much we can learn from humans."

"I meant no offense, though my musing may have offended both you and your highness," he bowed slightly at her though Alyina did not think he was genuine but rather covering his own bases. "I did wish to speak to you, there is much we need to speak of."

"It can wait," oberron answered with haste. "It has kept for centuries now, what's another night? I would have suspected that you would be making an inventory of the new lands and recording the treasures we have uncovered rather than wasting time here. There is the orb, probably in Sable's vault, that the witch was using to corrupt the forest."

"That is it, or one of the reasons I need to speak to you. Who will reign as regent over Sable's lands?"

"The hunter ... Arn I believe is his name."

"A mere human, charged with all that land."

"Most is no good to us being civilized and besides, not just one human, no not one ..." Oberron thought briefly, though that was speculation on his part. "It would do well to have him on hand. At the castle he is close to the dark forest and knows it well enough to have crossed it thrice at least. The forest is recovering but there still may be problems. Record the lands and Sable's treasures, don't bother me until this is done."

"As you wish, father, your highness," Puck bowed to each in turn then was gone. Oberron shook his head slightly as he looked back at Alyina as if in apology for that.

"It will be some time before he finishes the task." He considered for a second. Then "I want you to pour salt at the base of every door into your room and windows while you are here. In the Shadow I don't think you would have to worry as much."

Alynia let out a small breath of relief as she watched Puck disappear once again. She shook her head trying to say it wasn't a big deal giving Oberron a regretful smile. "I can't say I expected him to treat me kindly.. He really does sem to have something against humans." She sighed softly wondering if there was a way to convince
Oberron's son.. Her son otherwise. Alynia looked thoughtful for a few moments. "I'm really still all shaky about this royalty business." she paused thinking a bit. "A queen..." Alynia stated as if trying to taste the words. She shook her head in surrender. "I don't believe I'll ever be able to wrap my head around that." she muttered quietly.

"Well I'm not sure what salt will do.." she inquired giving Oberron a disbelieving glance then she smiled." But I am assured you would not give me any advice to harm me." she teased lightly, as if that wasn't true. Alynia placed her hand ontop of his leaning in to kiss him again, this time without interruption.

She pulled back slightly and then kissed him again on the lips a slow, warm kiss that even made her curl her toes slightly. "I am keen to continue where we left off." she whispered quietly but pulled back again. She wasn't trying to tease him, Alynia was just nervous. "But don't lie, I know you are busier than you say." Alynia continued on a rather more disappointed note. For some reason she knew that Oberron would not deny her if she wanted. But for some reason, maybe it was Puck or just her gut instinct, Alynia felt that she needed to remember she was in the presence of a king.

"I feel as if I am being selfish for wanting you." she whispered kissing again, she couldn't help herself.

With each of her tender kisses upon him his skin emitted a soft glow. He looked at her with his purple irisis, grinned a little and she could see the shimmer of light in his orbs as she addressed the issued that was before them. Of course he would be busy but he was in no hurry given that things had not seen his attention for centuries certainly a few hours would mean little to him now.

"Oberron's weakness is that he prides himself too much on the fey. He believes that humans are inferior and would never stoop to hiring them as assassins for instance. Thus why you are relatively safe in the Shadow. Few fey go there and you can bet that he will send a fey after you.

"But," he paused as if he were debating something and came to his own answer. If she ever needed what he was about to say then he was trying to harm her for whatever reason, a thought that caused him to shudder a little. He paused for a moment, continued. "But, regardless how powerful the fey we have to count each gran of spilled salt before we can move on so salt at the doors and windows of places can be quiet effective in delaying us. Even me. Call it a compuliveness on our parts, a flaw, and one that can be be exploited."

He placed a hand atop her thigh, patting it softly. "You will get use to the title, I will keep you from having to attend court for a long while and let you settle into the title. I am busy, yes, or shall be anyway but nothing can pry me away from this sacred duty. Besides, I have been absent for centuries what's another night?"

He leaned forward, pressing his lips first to her shoulder, then leaning up her lips. A soft glow passing from them as his other hand came to rest upon her hip. "Unless of course you don't feel comfortable with it ..."

She giggled lightly then apologized. "I'm sorry I just couldn't imagine such a compulsion. Who wouldve imagined such a weakness?" Alynia amused herself with the moment of an image of Oberron leaning down counting salt grains and couldnt help but stiffle a laugh again. "Well now I know how to protect myself from any more of your advances." she teased.

Alynia listened and smiled. "Well I'm not sure if your asking about my court position, or what ever you intend to do to me with your time off." she flirted casually. Alynia paused to organize her thoughts a bit. A court position? Alynia had expected as much but she was still not ready to hear the actual words. "I'm only entirely comfortable with one of those guesses." Alynia kissed him on the cheek working down to his neck nipping playfully on his collarbone. "And you're right, another night shouldn't matter." she mused more of to comfort herself than him.

"Tell me, what would you like to do right now." she said leaning back in a completely casual tone but with a small glint in her eye as she awaited his answer.

"Oh it was ridiculous, early on Sable kept me locked up with tons of the stuff after letting me out of the dungeons. I guess she didn't have to worry about me escaping if I were busy counting ... counting all the grains in about ten tons of salt takes a long while. She eased up once my powers waned signifacantly though."

He cast a glance to his right, then his left, grinned at her. "I don't see any salt around." He hopped up off the bench to his feet in order to walk in front of her. He gave some thought about court and all the glitz that went along with being a monarch but they had time and he figured that he could ease her into it.

"Court's nothing special. Long and drawn out and boring, but that wasn't what I had in mind. Yep, you can call me greedy and I don't want to share your attention right now. But I do want you to relax."

The path of her lips on him previously left a tiny glow emitting from his body. He leaned over her, kissed her, sweeping his hands against the curve of her breasts as they moved against them, his thumbs hooking back to rub small circles over the top of them, while they were still covered there was no mistaking the warmth in his touch that seemed to seep out from him then.

"Lay back." He thought that a better would be much better but right now he expended a great deal of his magical power already and had to rejuvenate some in order to get it back. Thus he could not afford to be to carefree with his magic. He waited for her to comply, bend over her and pressed his mouth against her own in a sweet kiss that lasted a fair while breaking that kiss only to breath.

He smiled, looked at her and set one hand on her breast slowly rubbing the orb beneath his hand. "There was something that I did find most enjoyable when we were last together," He moved closer to her head, unleashing himself from his pants, that thick, hard member that was pulsing with each beat of his heart. He did not say anything at least not yet as he gazed down at her from above.

Alynia bit her lip slightly, obeying him earnestly lying back as gently as she could. She mewled slightly as he started to caress her sensitive mounds. First she glanced up at him shyly before flicking her eyes downward, she wondered how such a thing had fit inside her the first time. How had he gotten so hard so fast... Alynia was biting her lip again. She looked back at Oberron with small smile.

"I wonder what part that was." she said sighing in bliss.

She was squeezing her knees together feeling the first rush of anticipation coursing through her. The pleasure was sending tingles up her spine. Alynia took hold of one of his hands edging him to climb ontop of her moaning slightly. She paused assessing her actions, resorting back to her typical shy self she flustered under his stare. "I dont know what you do.. or when I became so eager." she admitted blushing.