A Unique Wedding

[Shin]

The deep reflection was cut short when Thorin addressed him; D’Angelo looked up through his steepled fingers, emotion void from his face for the first time, eyes darker than the night staring into Thorin as he spoke. He clicked the tip of his tongue across his the top of his teeth and didn’t move to immediately grab his weapons, instead letting the other guests grab theirs first.

He only moved to retrieve the weapons he laid to rest when the two elvish guards move to flank Thorin, Nicoli wanted to smirk but he hid it masterfully and looked down to the last weapon he had to grab, a short jagged and serrated sword, the weapon looked vicious, like the tooth of a long forgotten creature, which is exactly what it was.

As his fingers grabbed around the hard hilt he felt its properties course through him, amplifying his sense to an extreme degree. It had been hard simply setting the weapon down earlier, but now when he grabbed it even he couldn’t fight the shudder that was sent through his body. The feeling was amazing.

He turned the weapon over to inspect it for a moment before sliding it on to his waist and pulling his green cloak back tight over him. He had felt naked without his most prized possessions, tools of his deadly trade. He craned his neck left and then right, two loud pops following the movement. He kept his eyes closed as the magic settled, his ears picking up the voices throughout the house, his new detecting the faint scents from the garden outside, it was all so intoxicating.

“I am ready.” He said after another moment, opening his eyes and settling them on Thorin and his two escorts. “If you would still like me to accompany you that is?” Nicoli flipped the cowl of his cloak up, pulling it low to shadow his features, everything but the wolfish smile that now replaced the once beaming smile he held earlier.

[Igraine]

“An Empress? I am honored by your presence, my lady.” Nimue bowed her head and smiled as she looked Chizuru over. She was an interesting individual that was for sure. Both would have to learn much about the other, but neither seemed to mind very much. Nimue was relaxed and at ease around Chizuru and that would be good for everyone involved, including the growing daughter in her womb.

“I will have to speak to Thorin about his methods when he returns. He isn’t exactly the brightest student of decorum, but I value his straightforward opinion of things.” Nimue gestured with her hand as she spoke and a smile came to her lips, and it was something akin to heartbreaking at the sight of the love she had for her husband. “He has been through much, though I have not known him long enough to know of his brother Soren that you two spoke so much of.”
Nimue looked at the fire quietly for a moment before glancing back at Chizuru.

“My world is quite different from what you might consider normal. I do not live in this world, usually, because I am a…” Nimue frowned a little and gestured with her hands, not really sure how to express to Chizuru that she wasn’t from this world, that she was a Fae creature – one that might be considered myth and legend to her. “I am a Nymph. I don’t know if you know what that means though. I am unfamiliar with the area you come from. Faery, do you know what that means? What you might consider to be myth or legend or stories of the past that are told at bedtime and seem not to be true. I am a creature that you might find in one of those stories.”

Chizuru might find that an odd statement, and yet there were indicators all over Nimue. The otherworldly color of her eyes, like two miniature limestone pools, the slightly enhanced air of magic around her, and the almost painful sense of beauty she exhibited. There was a deep sense of calmness about her too, though that came after her marriage to Thorin, and the conception of their child.

“It is much to digest, and I apologize for my husband’s inability to have the forethought to tell you these things. If you are open to the idea, and when things are calmer, I would like to show you my world. You seem like the type of person that would appreciate the world I come from. D’Angelo…” Nimue spat his name in disgust. “He didn’t understand it, and now he’s invading it with his awful soulless eyes. I apologize for my outburst. D’Angelo and I don’t exactly see eye to eye. He is the reason I have the faintest hint of a scar along my abdomen. It’s fading still and will be gone one day, but my disgust at his presence will never go away."

Under normal circumstances Nimue would never have tried to take her own life. However, nothing around the black eyed soulless creature that D’Angelo had become could ever be considered normal.

“Tell me Empress Chizuru, what do you consider an object of beauty in your country?” It was a simple question, and yet it could be very difficult to answer. It might seem shallow but beauty was something that went beyond the scope of flesh and bone, and it could be very spiritual if meditated on for any amount of time.

[Kirin]

Listen before you speak, Chizuru told herself.
With a nod, she responded to Nimue's question. She knew what a faery was. She met quite a few when she helped to found a colony outside of her home in The Twin Countries. However, a "Nymph", well, that was new. She would have to do some research when she got home. This mission was going to take longer than she previously thought.

"Oh, hai. I know of faery. I have met a couple from the world of the faery when I was traveling beyond my borders. It was..an interesting meeting." She couldn't word it any other way.

She just knew there was something about D'Angelo that could not be trusted. Well, that something was everything. "I knew there was something about that man." Her thumb ran along her lower lip. "Do you think he'll try anything with Thorin?"

A moment later and the young woman was paralyzed in thought. Her eyes closed halfway and she gave Nimue's inquiry some thought. What did Chizuru think was beautiful? She could only remember one thing that was hammered into her head a long time ago. Before she became the Heiress. Before she even set sail.

"Before I directly answer your question, I will explain things. When I was younger, I was just a simple daughter of a very wealthy daimyo. A daimyo is similar to, hmmm..I guess a knight. A man or woman who is in charge of a section of their country. I spent long boring days of meditation with my uncle. By the end of that summer, he got sick and soon, he had passed into the cycle of rebirth. He always told me that nirvana was beautiful."

Chizuru cleared her throat. She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. The loss of Uncle Shigeo was harsh to her. Everyone from the Empress to even lowest-ranked foot soldier desired to die in battle. Her uncle died from sickness.

"Nirvana does sound beautiful. But I believe that life itself is beautiful. It is not always perfect, but it is wonderful. Miraculous. Your life is one of a kind. No one else can live your life." Her head tilted in thought. "It is intangible, this life. I am always surrounded by things that are pretty to look at. The ceremonial swords and armor I have at home. They are pretty to look at. They are simply accessories to my person."

"Might I ask you the same question? What do you consider an object of beauty here? You are surrounded with unfamiliar things and they're very pretty in their own right."

[Igraine]

Nimue smiled as she listened to Chizuru. Humanity and life were very beautiful things, something to be cherished and held close to the heart. When she was asked a similar question, the Nymph allowed her eyes to drop to her hands in her lap. Her hands accented the gentle rounding of her belly and she smiled.

“I would agree with you, not for the sake of making a kinship of ideas between us, but because life is the most beautiful thing to me. New, old, human or not, it is all quite beautiful in its own way. I’m not sure if being pregnant has reaffirmed my belief in this, but I appreciate it.” Nimue smiled again and looked at Chizuru.

“Meeting with my brethren is always an interesting adventure. Seldom do they really understand what humanity is, or the powers that sometimes come with your lineages. The older of us understand these things and they also understand that some of you are descended from us. Others of you are descended from deities or other fantastical creatures. My younger of my brethren like to believe they are the most fantastic creatures that have ever existed, and I apologize if you have met any of them.”

Nimue shifted in her chair and glanced up as Amariel brought in more berry juice. She thanked the woman who looked to be smudged with flour and smiled. Amariel would offer Chizuru some of the juice as well.

“Amariel is an amazing cook. The stew that you had earlier was her creation. She also bakes, cleans, and makes delicious juice. She will not allow me to refuse food as you saw at dinner. I swear she will make me fatter than the baby!” Nimue joked as she squeezed Amariel’s hand. “I fear you will fair much the same if you stay with us long, Chizuru. Is there any food that you love from your homeland? Amariel is a quick study and can have whatever you desire made for you by dinner tomorrow.”

Amariel smiled brilliantly and nodded, glad for the praise showered on her by Nimue.

[Kirin]

She refused to turn away hospitality. Chizuru also did not want to impose too much.

"Those that were in my land were looking for the necromancer that was pestering the Empire. After that day, I never saw them again. The citizens thought they were kami. Uh, gods. Luckily, they were fairly humble. I guess, in taking in what you just told me, their leader was old."

"Maybe I can teach Amariel-san some recipes from home."

Chizuru looked down in thought. "In our country, we follow the Celestial Houses, which are guarded by mythological creatures. It's believed that some people are chosen to follow the teachings of these particular houses, but the title of the Emperor or Empress is held by someone who belongs to a different house each year. It goes in a cycle. Sometimes, the Emperor's child does not 'belong' to the next Celestial House. It is said that the Emperor or Empress is directly descended from the guardians of the houses. The guardians are the Pheonix, Dragon, Tiger and Kirin. I am descended from the Kirin."

Almost like reading Nimue's mind, she responded. "A Kirin is sort of like a griffin, I think. It's a dragon that has a single horn, breaths fire and looks sort of like a deer instead of a reptile. It possesses scales instead of hair like a deer. The Kirin is the most honored of all the guardians, for it brings peace and wisdom. When I was younger, I had to copy the sacred scrolls written by the Kirin's disciples. They are magical in nature and I have not brought them with me. They are too sacred to leave my homeland."

[Igraine]

OOC: I'm sorry I took so long posting!

“A Kirin, hmm?” Nimue said with a smile. She had seen creatures similar to what Chizuru described but not exactly the same. They were still a wonder to behold all the same.

“Would you like to venture into my realm with me some time? I think that you would like to see all of the creatures. We have a few that are similar to your Kirin but are not the same. They are either not dragon-like or they have various different parts. They’re usually small too, but some are quite large. There are other creatures and plants that you might be interested in seeing as well. I make a journey every few weeks because I can’t survive outside the veil of my realm for longer than three months. The magic of the realm sustains us, and the Human world unfortunately does not have as much magic as it used to. That is part of the reason we separated ourselves from the human world.” Nimue sipped her drink and eyed the fire for a few moments before looking at Chizuru.

“I find that the humans like to cage things they don’t understand or find beautiful and do not understand. Is that true where you come from? I have been studied many times by wizards, doctors, Kings and Queens, religious orders, and even peasants. I have never been caged until D’Angelo took my locket. Even then it wasn’t a cage; so much as it was a realization that he wouldn’t let me go until whatever he wanted was fulfilled. I am lucky that Thorin found me when I tried to hurt myself. Dreadful idea I know, but the locket that Thorin wears around his neck is powerful magic, dangerous to me if in the wrong hands. A nymph is a deeply emotional creature and love is our forte as much as anything else. You may find yourself at ease around me without even meaning to, it is because I am at ease with you. When I am calm I have a calming effect on those around me. Except, of course, D’Angelo. Anyone wishing to do me harm can go straight to the dogs if you want my opinion on it.”

Nimue frowned a little at the end and smiled again, lightening her features. Amariel was braiding her long hair, nodding here and there to what she was saying. She was a little woman, thin and lithe, and yet there was a power in her presence that suggested she could handle anything that was thrown at her. She had to, not moments before Chizuru showed up there were grimy handprints everywhere from Thorin thoughtlessly touching everything after being in the forge.

“I would very much like to learn your recipes, Empress.” Amariel said as she finished Nimue’s braid and tied it off. “When you wake in the morning we will begin so that there will be enough time for everything to cook.”

“I do so enjoy trying new things. I hope this baby agrees. She is quite the opinionated sort and loves fruit. I haven’t had a bite of meat beyond a little bit of chicken in the past few weeks! I do hope Thorin brings some fruit back from the Queen. You will have to try some of the fruit if he does, Chizuru. It is absolutely delicious and some of the fruits are no longer found in the human world. We took the last strain of dying plants with us when we separated ourselves – and now they grow abundantly again with the care of our gardeners.”

Nimue beamed at Chizuru as she looked at her. Her smiles were infectious, but her allure as a nymph would be deadened by her attachment to Thorin. She was uninterested in anyone else – so beautiful she might be, but her focus was on her new Husband and the child growing inside her. Her emotional states, however, would still be quite catching – which for Thorin could be very difficult if she had a severe mood swing while pregnant and all the people in the house responded with similar mood swings.

[Thorin]

Bastard.

Bitch.

Thorin had so many words to express his current emotions. Traveling silently, he trusted his back to D'Angelo, while he sliced through the precious foliage of the Fae realm. The path was never defined in this realm and that was what he had realized with Queen Kahlan's presence. Everything had already been decided, regardless of what he wanted. Morgana would be entrusted to Kahlan and Isabella, while he became a phantom in her life.

Transitioning from realms always made his heart and shoulders heavy. Even though he would be working for Queen Mab, it meant that they had lost and the war was about to begin. His thoughts went to Caderyn and his enthusiasm about his new position with Queen Mab. There had been a sadness in his mentors eyes, shielded by a desperate acceptance with Igraine's marriage to King Pendaran. Thorin had to admit, that everything could have been prevented, but he didn't have to agree with that reality.

Seeing his home in the far distance, he realized that they had crossed. His forge looked more welcoming, though his wife would want attention. Thorin had remembered to bring her the food recommended by Queen Mab and gifts for his foreign guests.

“You are lucky that you are a free man, D'Angelo.” Thorin said, sheathing his blade and opening the door to his home. It was as if he had only been gone a few short hours. The women were still chatting amongst themselves, Amariel was tending to Nimue as usual. Placing a large sack on the table, he announced the contents with a nonchalant explanation.

“We celebrate, in the marriage of Queen Igraine and King Pendaran....and in the death of my father.” Thorin sat down, taking off his sword and sheath. Taking a flask from the bag, some of its contents had already been consumed. Placing the uncorked flask to his lips, he finished the remaining drops of liquid, in a few eager gulps.

While human alcohol did little to his system, alcohol from Queen Mab's realm, seemed to have a unique effect. Thorin became drunker, faster, but he was able to focus his strength and energy. Of course, there would be a downside, with his new romance with fae mead. Once the rush left his system, his energy would be siphoned, turning his mind into a surreal torpor.

“In the morning, I will begin my work for the Queen. D'Angelo, since you gifted the hammer, you may witness its first creation.” Thorin announced with slurred words. It was rare, that another being was allowed to enter the forge. With that being said, Nimue would find the importance of those words. Only on rare occasions, had Nimue ever stepped foot in her husband's forge.

Thorin reached for a second flask, ignoring the many eyes set on him. Since the news of Igraine, his father and daughter, he had only thought of drowning his anger.

[Shin]

Everything had a way of working outs, Nicoli had been lucky thus far and even now, walking behind Thorin as they exited the Fae Realm and crossed it’s borders to Thorin’s own estate Nicoli couldn’t help but marvel at his own luck. From lab rat, to street rat with nothing to his name to the leader of guild, and even the savior of small city which had granted him the title D’Angelo, the bringing of Angels.

The cowl of his grey green cloak was pulled closed around him as they walked, the cowl pulled up and low like normal for the assassin. Both hands rested on the hilts of his swords, he knew every detail of those hilts, every nick and scratched, every smooth and jagged surface. The magical properties of Tooth coursed through him, amplifying his senses the magic was more powerful in a natural setting and in the Fae Realm Nicoli witnessed things and saw things in a way that no human had likely seen before.

When the two crossed that border Nicoli noticed first by the sharp drop in his senses, he knew they were close to home. Sure enough, the thick foliage gave away to Thorins home.

Before the two even entered the house Nicoli knew Nimue would be there, her scent was thick in the air and in way Nicoli looked forward to seeing her, if only because his presence always caused her emotions to spike. It entertained him.

“That is a gracious offer. But I am afraid my duties to the Queen demand I return back. I have much to do.” He said with a simple smile, giving the two women a ghost of a smile before turning and walking back out the door, pausing once just beyond it. “I’ll be back to check up on your work.” With those words he stepped out into the darkness, the shadows seeming to envelope him as one of their own as he walked, eventually vanishing into the night.

[Kirin]

"Oh? You do me such a great honor. I would love to go to your realm sometime." Chizuru's cheeks were pink and she bowed her head briefly. "Ah... Yes, we tend to 'cage' things, as you say it. Though, some boundaries are a little blurry in respect to our customs, but in reality, we are all humans. There is much we don't understand."

At least, Chizuru wasn't afraid to admit this. She figured that the moment you realized how truly little you know, you are on the first step to gaining wisdom should you so desire it. Her kind gaze turned to Amariel, the one that she grew to respect simply because she had the air of someone who could probably kill a man twice her size with a spoon.

"All right. I look forward to tomorrow. I'll teach you a simple vegetable and rice dish, so as to not upset the Lady's seemingly sensitive palate." She laughed lightly.

Both Tamotsu and Chizuru jumped when Thorin arrived, dumping a bag on the kitchen table. Chizuru just bowed her head towards Nimue and excused herself to see the contents on the table. Tamotsu rose an eyebrow. He was silent, watching and listening to Thorin babble incessantly.

"Nan ja?" He asked Chizuru.

Chizuru explained that they were from another realm. "Wakarimasu, Tamo-chan?" She giggled.

All Tamotsu did was blush and nod his head. "Hai."

Chizuru nodded at D'Angelo. "Be safe. Farewell." She bowed to him and was secretly glad he left.

"Thorin-san, really? You should not be drinking to make yourself even more dull in the brain. Well, at least, not without sharing. May I have some, please?" Chizuru winked playfully and gestured to the flask

[Thorin]

Thorin smirked at Chizuru. It was obvious, that she would fit in just fine with their family. Maybe if her friend enjoyed the drink, he would relax a little. Every now and then, he noticed that the guards left eye would twitch from nerves. “I can never say no to a pretty face.” Nimue might scoff, or simply ignore her husbands antics, but this was the most relaxed he had been in...well, years.

Knowing that someone else had killed his father, spurred most of the anger, but Igraine's predicament also created some of that fire. If she had just listened to him and stayed safe in Ulster, it could have all been avoided. Well, now she would suffer for that ignorance. Shaking the bag some, he let her see, that he had brought at least a months supply of flasks. Handing her an untouched one, he wondered how the young empress would handle that kind of liquor. It would be very interesting, indeed.

It was humorous, that so many were interested in his work and forge. Until he had met Nimue, his presence hardly went noticed. Looking toward her friend, he nodded, albeit smugly in response to her request. “You may enter the forge and your friend Tom can too.” Thorin's drunken state, didn't allow him much room for polite behavior.

Tamotsu would be perplexed, maybe even angered at their new employer's actions. Thorin was mostly ignorant, in how to behave in front of royalty, regardless of his past relations in the Ulster kingdom. Under his roof, Chizuru would no longer be able to carry that title with such authority. That reality came with the job. He wasn't an abusive man toward Nimue, or their servants, but he wasn't one that revered someones status from another country.

“I'd like to study your weapons, if Tom wouldn't mind. I'd like to create a weapon in similar design. I can forge new creations for you and your guard. You will be a nanny, but you will also have to protect them, should they ever be attacked and I'm not here to defend them.” In essence, Chizuru was a guardian to their children and to his wife. She was perfect in appearance and skills, which he didn't doubt. No one would suspect her ability to take down a man.

Standing up, his body instantly swayed. The alcohol was already working his system. Thorin motioned for them to follow him to the forge. “Bring your drink. Tom can have his own flask, if he desires.” Heading toward the forge, his mind buzzed with a sharp focus. His tools waited for him, the sight of the anvil awakened a sense of clarity. Chizuru would notice the change of mood and his work pace. It was as if a different person were with her, yet he was the same man that had left the estate not moments ago.

“We will see what this new hammer can do and cure your curiosity at the same time.” Untying the hammer from his side, he immediately felt a sensational bond with the tool, when placed in his hand. It was strange, but he felt comfortable in front of this woman, as if she could be a sibling.

“What would you have me create, Your Majesty? Maybe your friend has a suggestion?” Drinking more from his flask, he put it on his work table, so it wouldn't be far from reach.

[Shin]

William was not a creature of the night, but he was a creature from the Fae realm and even on it’s edge, close to the edge of Nimue and Thorins dwelling he was at one here. He placed a hand on the ground and extended his senses allowing him to feel anything connected to the earth it was a simple trick really, though not entirely accurate. It had its uses. After a moment and noticing the wards Nimue had placed around the house and its grounds he crossed the thresh hold, he knew she would instantly be aware of his presence, and likely know it was him.

His long black hair was held back behind his ears and deep blue eyes scanned the establishment, he could hear voices on the other side of the house. As he walked William pushed his color shifting cloak behind him, brandishing his magnificent fey sword and showing he had no intention of hiding it. He was hear to congratulate his friend, not cause a scene.

“Nimue, surely you wont force a friend to stand out in the cold.” He called out to the darkness, knowing the subtle breeze would carry his words to her, and likely to anyone else close by. Not that he minded, this close to the border of the fey realm and in the presence of a friend, he was sure things were safe; at safe as they could be with the veil being broken. He grunted at thought before it was replaced by his charming and delightful smile. He decided to make his way to the other side of the house and see if perhaps she was over there, or perhaps the lucky man she got betrothed to.

[Kirin]

Surprisingly, Chizuru did not expect to be treated as royalty by any foreigner in any foreign land. When one is chased out of a village weaponless by natives carrying various weapons and fire, one learns modesty quickly. She knew she was not in her element and interpretted this as a vacation. While she was on vacation, she figured it would be best to learn what she could before she went back. Anything to help protect her people.

Tamotsu blushed at being called "Tam-chan" by Chizuru. He was not used to such terms of endearment. Well, only when his Empress was drunk. He watched her take the flask and thank Thorin. Chizuru turned to Tamotsu.

"Do you want some? Our host has offered us some drink." Chizuru giggled at him.

Tamotsu's cheeks turned red and he just meekly nodded. "Hai."

Tamotsu bowed his head towards Thorin. "Domo", he thanked Thorin.

The younger man allowed Chizuru to open the flask and hand it to him. He drank first, then made a face. He was not used to the taste of this drink. Chizuru translated to her guard. "He wants to see your weapons and examine them." Tamotsu nodded.

Chizuru grabbed another flask and they both followed Thorin. "I am not sure as of right now. Perhaps a simple..." Her hands motioned to Tamotsu's waist. "Some sort of sword would be adequate. Thank you." She opened her flask and drank the first sip.

What an interesting flavor. It was different from the wines and sake she was used to. It was very potent. The heat rose to her cheeks and her body was less tense. As she drank a little more, her entire body filled with a familiar warmth. "Ah.." She muttered.

[Igraine]

When Thorin arrived back home Nimue listened to what he had to say before he left with Chizuru and her guard.

Amariel sifted through the fruit that he’d brought back, which Nimue found rather sweet, even if he did love another woman. Nimue was a creature that created love in one form or another, rather physical or emotional, and his emotional love of another woman didn’t bother her. Most women would have a real issue with their husband being physically and emotionally attracted to someone else –but Nimue was a Nymph after all.

Amariel handed the woman some pieces of watermelon, an apple, and a peach arranged prettily on a plate. There were some vegetables there as well, carrots and celery among the most abundant. Nimue was thankful that the child growing inside her wasn’t craving a lot of meat because she didn’t eat very much herself. Nimue sat at the table nibbling on watermelon as she spoke to Amariel about various things. The woman was putting the fruit away and cleaning up the kitchen.

It was then that she heard William’s voice. A smile broke out on her face as Amariel registered the half nymph’s voice as well and hurried to the door to let him in. With a piece of a peach in her hand, nibbling idly, Nimue skipped to the door and peeked her head out to see William.

“You know that you are always welcome in my household, William! Where have you been?! I have so much to tell you, and you just missed the man that started it all!” Nimue said, indicating D’Angelo as being the reason things were so out of place.

[Thorin]

Thorin examined the swords, carefully making mental notes of the curve in the blades design. Their weapons were unique, but not so unique, that he couldn't reforge them into something better. Without warning, Thorin began to break down the swords, dismantling them in front of their respective owners. He heard her guard cry out in shock, but he was too consumed by his work, his mind instantly zoning out in the process.

The hammer worked its wonders, making a sword in less time and with greater precision. His two guests would see his anger, his frustration being worked into the metal, while he forged the new creations. That very energy would be siphoned into the blades, but it would be up to the owners on how they wielded such weapons.

During the forging, he momentarily stopped and unsheathed a small dagger at his side. Taking the blade, he ran the tip across his hand, making sure that the blood spilled along the spine of the sword. Grabbing Chizuru's hand, he made the same motion and left her with a clean flesh wound on her palm. They would be dumbfounded, confused by the dark ritual that seemed to change the properties of the metal. The sword would act self-illuminated, diffused from the reaction of the Vuri bloods mixture on the metal.

Once finished with Chizuru's blade, he marveled at its beauty. Chizuru's sword was elegant, but deadly like its master. Its design was vented, finished with engraved runes, finely detailed metal hilt, that ended with the form of a dragons claw, clutching a precious stone. Thorin presented two more pieces to Chizuru. They were small daggers, but intricate upon further inspection. The blades were interlocking, but could be used as bladed whips. Thorin added fine serrated blades along the edges, which would only create a more agonizing end for her future enemies.

He could see Tamotsu fidgeting, anxious to see the end of his beloved weapons. Thorin was the most creative and thoughtful with her guards sword. The blade was simply reinforced, the familiar curve arched in the spine, while twin dragons overlapped and rested along the metal hilt. Even though it wasn't a complicated design, he had spilled Tamotsu's blood, mimicking the same process with Chizuru's. It was amusing to watch the guard panic, wondering if the blacksmith had truly gone insane.

Their swords would be bonded, almost sentient in design. They would both feel an immediate difference in design, weight and confidence when wielding the complex blades.

Tying the hammer to his side once more, Thorin moved away from the forge and began to return to the house. His exhaustion Looking to Chizuru, he made one simple comment -something he hoped she would take to heart. “Consider yourselves guardians. Only use those blades to protect.” He had put so much anger into those creations, that he wondered about the after affects in the future.

The Fae alcohol was quickly wearing thin in his blood, his mood becoming less than welcoming. Entering the home, he immediately fixed his eyes on William. “Is this going to become a regular thing?” Thorin shook his head, noting the random appearances and disappearances of the fae.

It was annoying, especially when a man wanted to rest, but he would have to get used to it. “I am Thorin Xanathi, Nimue's husband.” Sitting down at the table, he kicked his shoes off and immediately leaned in the chair. “I suppose you're one of those fairy types?” Thorin looked at William, curiously, wondering how he tied in with his wife's past.

Acknowledging his wife, he leaned in to kiss her briefly. "The blades are finished. Chizuru can show them to you when she returns from the forge. I'm sure she'll have to calm her guard down." Thorin didn't elaborate further...that was left for the imagination. Grabbing a piece of supple fruit, he was beginning to wish that he was biting into a steak.

[Shin]

Before William could make his way to the back, where he could hear the sounds of metal hitting metal and the hiss of a forge his delicate ears picked the sound of a door being opened, it’s light pouring out to illuminate William in it’s path, he held a warming smile and looking to Nimue like one might look to a sister.

William was a very handsome man, even by Fae standards. He was part Nymph, which was thought of as all but impossible since he was male and yet he was living proof, even if he was an anomaly that couldn’t be reproduced. He was only half Fae, and while his deep blue eyes, soft perfect skin and perfect teeth could certainly entrap women there was nothing supernatural about it.

“I would certainly hope so.” He said as he moved in to give Nimue a big hug. “I have missed much it seems.” He said, looking to her larger belly. “There is much to be celebrated and even more to be happy for in these dark times.” He was referencing the newly wed King and Queen and the collapsing of the veil.

“I had to leave the castle almost directly after that dark fae attack was dealt with. It is the life of a Ranger.” He shrugged, knowing very well it was his nature to never sit in one place for too long. His heart belonged to the road, much to the dismay of many lasses.

Before William could speak any further he saw Nimue’s husband, Thorin, enter from the back covered in sweat from working the forge, he smelled something foul to William as well. He raised a brow at the mans crude nature, William was obviously amused and he gave Nimue a crooked smile. “Pleasure to meet you and I am only half of one of those fey types, as you put it. I am William Hawk, a Ranger and the closest thing Nimue has to a brother.” He clarified, the amusement never leaving his eyes or his voice.

“I was actually passing through when I felt Nimue’s magic’s at work, a feeling I wouldn’t soon forget mind you. I couldn’t pass by in good conscious without stopping in, Nimue would never forgive me.” He laughed at that, his eyes finally starting to scan the interior of the house, though by the way he hovered by the front door it was obvious that he didn’t plan on staying long.