She'd just turned the lock when she realized there was someone on the otherside in her hall. Arching an elegant eyebrow, she unlocked the door and opened it, again. Her other eyebrow raised, registering the surrpise of seeing Estehl standing on her door step;. "Don't you know better then to show up on a lady's doorstep with out calling first?" She asked with a slight smile.

Estehl raised an eyebrow and hid a smirk. "Your number is no doubt unreachable. Except to those you give it to."

"I haven't given it to you?" She asked with a smirk of her own, leaning procovatively on the door, letting the left strap of her dress slip down. But she watched Estehl's eyebrow quirk unamused and moved her postion, yanking the strap up. "Alright then, what do you want, Estehl?"

"Your time's come, Jonathan." Estehl replied, hands behind his back.

Jasmine's entire mood completely changed and she let go of the door, stepping away from it and gave a gesture. "Do not call me that, Estehl...I shed that name decads ago..." She said with a slight tone. She turned, moving away from the door, not even looking back to see if Estehl was following.

Estehl chuckled softly, stepping into apartment and shutting the door behind him. He followed Jasmine into the living room, where she flopped on the couch, taking her boots off. "Ye were Jonathan long before you were Jasmine, were you not?" Estehl asked, still standing with his hands behind his back.

"An unfortunetness." Jasmine answered, dropping her boots under the end table and looking at Estehl.

"But a truth. Do us a favor, Jon, drop the glimmer. This is serious." Estehl said, moving to a near by overchair and sitting down, crossing his knee over his leg. Jasmine was staring at him with almost a look of indiginant horror.

Then seemed to regain her composuer and stood, turning toward the door of the bedroom with stocking feet. "Let me change." She said simply, with out looking at Estehl and moving into the bedroom. She realized as she dug through the drawers of her dresser that Estehl must have been extremely serious not only to use her real name, but to ask her to drop her glimmer. She paused to consider the last time things had been so serious, at least two decades ago. She quickly changed into a pair of sweats and ratty, but clean t-shirt. Taking the pins out of her hair, she braided it quickly before moving back into the front room.

Estehl was still sitting in the chair, the same way, but was flipping through a magazin from the coffee table. His glimmer had been dropped, his long hair, silver white and his eyes, an electric blue that sparkled with interest as he raised his eyes. Jasmine sighed and dropped her own glimmer,

What was revealed was a slender feminine looking fae male. Jonathan sat back down on the couch, making himself comfortable. And watched Estehl finish with his magazin and sat it down, before turning his electric blue eyes on the feminine drag queen. Jonathan picked up his pack of cigarettes from the coffee table and lit one, before asking. "Alright, my prince, what is it you wanted to speak to me about?"

Estehl rested his hands in his laps and regarded him. "How long has it been since I saved your life?" He asked calmly.

Jonathan took a long drag, crossing his feet on couch before him. "Eighty nine years, nine months, fourteen days and twelve hours." He answered, exhauling.

Estehl chuckled. "you've kept that record rather well."

"Some one has to..." Jonathan answered.

Estehl chuckled again, shifting in the chair. "The point is, your time to pay back that debt is now..."

"Yes, I had a feeling that's what it was all about. What is it, you want me to do, Highness?" Jonathan asked after a pause.

"Lexine Mordant...You knew his mother, did you not?"

"Jasmine knew his mother...Lillian" Jonathan said with a sigh.

Estehl looked amused. "Jasmine knew what Lillian was." He said finally.

Jonathan sighed and gave Estehl a look, before shoving a lock of black hair that had come loose. "Don't beat around the bush with me, Prince Estehl. I'm well aware of what Lexine is...How ever, he has a Guardian, does he not?"

"Yes, Faal of course. The point, however is, I want some one, I can trust, watching the 'Daughter' of the Seal." Estehl answered.

Jonathan quirked an elegant eyebrow. "You don't trust Faal?" He asked, taking another drag.

"I trust Faal with my life...more importantly, I trust Faal with Lexine's life. The fact is...there's some one around Lexine that I don't trust..." Estehl said with a sigh, getting up from the chair.

Jonathan watched him, not about to hide the fact that, that statement confused him. "Don't trust...who?" He asked.

"I have my suspessions...I only bring this up with you, because of the simple fact that if my suspessions prove correct it could complicate things." Estehl said, moving over toward a window.

Jonathan watched closely. "Complicate things? Estehl, you're beating around the bush again..."

"If my suspessions are correct, it would mean one of the enemy has gotten in close to Lexine...But it's not just that...It would mean Lexine would consider this person a friend...there for their betrayal would.."

"Hurt him indoubtably. Who is it, you're suspecting Estehl?" Jonathan asked, tapping the ashes off his cigarette.

Estehl turned around to face Jonathan with a troubled look. "Azreal..." He said very softly.

Jonathan's amber eyes snapped up, wide eyed. "Saffron?! Estehl, you can't even possibily suggest Saffron would betray his own brother!"

Estehl moved back toward the chair he'd been sitting in. "I wouldn't exactly say he would betray him on purpose." Estehl said with a sigh, sitting down.

"Then what exactly are you suggesting?" Jonathan asked, sitting forward to snub out the remainder of his cigarette. "You said it was some one working for the enemy...Saffron hasn't been tied to LiVed in years..."

"As I said it wouldn't be willing." Estehl replied. "Saffron was told, when he was 16 that...Loki would betray him...he's been so preoccupied by this thought I'm afraid he may be the one to do the betraying. You know how things like this work..."

Jonathan sighed, sitting forward, his elbows on his knees and ran his fingers through his hair. "Who is it, you really want me to watch, Estehl...Lexine, or Saffron...?"

"Lexine. Puk is watching Saffron." Estehl answered, leaning back in the chair, though he did look troubled.

Jonathan watched him closely, then sat back slowly. He considered his words for a moment, then said very softly. "I know what this is really about, Highness..."

Estehl turned his electric blue eyes on Jonathan and asked. "And what is this about, my fragile little flower?" There was a hint of sarcasim in his voice.

"Sweet talk will get you no where, Estehl..and it's not about Lexine and Saffron, not entirely...it has to do with Ellander doesn't it..." Jonathan replied with a look for what Estehl had called him.

Estehl's eyes flashed. "This has NOTHING to do with Ellander, Jonathan. It is ENTIRELY all about Lexine and Saffron. If Lexine dies, the worlds will fall in the most gruesome way. "

"It's Faal's duty to ensure Lexine's life, why haven't you told him about Saffron?" Jonathan asked.

Estehl got up, moving back toward the window again, silent. Jonathan got up from his spot, and moved toward the window. Estehl watched his reflection moving toward him, still with the sashaying hips. Estehl considered Jonathan's life. The youngest son of one of Teliveer's dukes, he'd been subjected for earlier on to the scandals and secrets of court life. Jonathan had two older brothers, but his mother had wanted a girl. Everyone knew Jonathan's parents had a terribly marrage and her want of a daughter drove her to take her anger and frustration out on Jonathan, making the young boy as feminine as possible.

When Jonathan was 15, his father demanded he join him and his brothers at court. Jonatahn's feminine nature got him into real trouble and by the age of 17, he was embroilled in a sexual scandel, he'd ended up into an affair with one Teliveer's generals, a man three times the age of Jonathan. Jonathan had believed it was true love, it had devistated when he discovered the man had only used him

It was about that time, Estehl lost his baby brother, Ellander. He'd been protective over his brother. They'd been off on one of their runs, they'd been out riding the phookas across the country side out side of Dublin. Upon returning, almost to late that night, they'd been trying to sneak back into their family's wing, where their rooms where, when Ellander stopped at a down stairs window, that led into Teliveer's study.

Estehl had known for several years that Teliveer had had many mistresses, he knew that that was just a part of court life. He believed his mother knew, but his sisters and his baby brother did not know. In fact, Estehl did his damndest to protect Aerieth, Arcanina, Aisleen and Ellander from the fact that their father had several mistresses, mostly for the sense of family their mother, Aiyla tried to convain.

What he and Ellander had seen that night shattered that illusian to peices, especially for Ellander, who was only 18 at the time. Their father, Teliveer was having sex with some one who was NOT their mother. Estehl had hoped to stifle his brother's shock, dismay and questions, trying to pull him away from the window, but what they had witness next had shocked even Estehl. Teliveer, in front of his sons, and in the throughs of passion with the young woman, stabbed her, repeatedly, almost over joyed by the blood shed.

Ellander had been so shocked, he'd cried out, drawing Teliveer's attention. Estehl had tried to get Ellander from the window, but Ellander had frozen up, and before Estehl could even carry Ellander from the site, Teliveer was ontop of them. And he was enraged. He knew Teliveer couldn't harm him, Estehl was his heir. But Estehl's concern was his brother, and he'd been right...Ellander had vanished, the next day. Estehl had feared the worst, but after confiding in his mother, he knew Teliveer couldn't have killed Ellander. So Estehl went against his father's wishes and mounted a search. IT was the first time he'd rebelled against his father.

His searches mounted to nothing, he could not find a trace of his brother. Jonathan had been there, a young man much more intelligent and wise for his age then some of the oldest members of court. Estehl and Jonathan became friends. At one point, Jonathan had been inlove with Estehl. Estehl hadn't wanted to break Jonathan's heart, but he'd had to explain why it just wouldn't have worked between them.

Then, in Estehl's search for his brother, he'd found out about the young woman Teliveer had murdered that night. She'd been mortal, and Teliveer's soul wish to murder her WAS because she was a mortal girl, brought through the void to Ter Nah Nog, just to suffer at Teliveer's hand. He'd raped and murdered her just for a thrill. Estehl found out she wasn't the first one, and that and the disappearance of Ellander drove Estehl to hate his father, hate with a passion and he began forming a rebellion, finding others, through Jonathan and other friends, who knew how evil Teliveer was. Estehl began forming the plann to create the Golden Court.

Then Teliveer found out. And when Estehl was tried for treason, knowing he couldn't kill his heir, not openly, he ordered, by right of king, to impression Estehl in the Box. An obsidion three foot, by three foot box. For one thousand years. Estehl took his punishment with true grace, but vowed to those who were closest to him that he would find away to end Teliveer's reign. He joked that one thousand years would be the perfect time to form such a plan.

But after six hundred years, he was suddenly releashed from the box. His sisters doing. Aerieth, Arcanina and especially Aisleen had pleaded with their father, for six hundred years, to releash Estehl. He learned from Aisleen, their mother, Aiyla had died, only two years after Estehl was put in the box. It was the last strawl, Estehl hated his father more then any person he knew. But he also knew he had to play it smart.

He reentered court, playing the part good son. Teliveer assumed Estehl had learned his lesson. Upon reentering court, Estehl met a beautiful raven haired young woman with amber eyes. Things heated quickly between them, but before they could end up in bed together, the young woman confessed. She WAS really Jonathan. Jonathan's life had been threatened, both from the scandal he'd been involved in and his connection to Estehl, For those reasons, he'd been possing as young woman, hiding his true identity. It was, as Estehl admitted, very cleaver of the young man. But he warned Jonathan that if his rouse was found out, it could put his life in danger. Many assumed the very alluring Jasmine and the Crowned Prince were lovers, Estehl found it to amusing to denounce and it protected Jonathan.

And while Estehl was playing his little game at court, he met a young guard, Faal. He took a quick liking to Faal for a mischievious streak Faal began to reveal around those he considered his friend. He was a bit naive to court politics but Estehl liked the intelligent younger fae and elecated to keep him in his circle.

****
"I have my reasons for not telling Faal just yet..." Estehl said, crossing his arms as he felt Jonathan come up beside him. Jonathan slid a hand onto Estehl's back.

"I don't know why...you and Faal have been through enough together, for you to be able to trust him..." Jonathan said softly, resting his hand on Estehl's back and laying his cheek against Estehl's shoulder. "This does have something to do with Ellander...you might as well admit it to me, if no one else... And you should tell Faal, as this involves the young man he loves..."

Estehl reached around his shoulder and touched Jonathan's hand. "Tell me something, Jon, dear. Do you remember Ellander?"

Jonathan sighed, still leaning against Estehl's shoulder. "I wasn't lucky enough to really know him well...I do remember him..."

"Do you remember what he looked like?"

Jonathan giggled. "he was handsome if thats what you're asking..."

Estehl smirked slightly. "He was lucky, he looked more like our mother, then Teliveer." Then he sighed. "The problem is, after my mother died, Teliveer did everything he could to erase her from our lives...I know Ellander looked looked like our mother...but I can't remember what our mother looked like!"

Jonathan raised his head, and moved around to look at Estehl, meeting his eyes. "What are saying, Estehl?" He asked softly.

Estehl turned his eyes from looking out at the sunrise, to meet Jonathan's gaze and said softly. "I think I've found my brother, Jon...I wont know for sure, until Teliveer is dead..."

Jonathan stared back at him, almost wide eyed. "But...how...I don't..."

Estehl held up a hand, and then said softly. "I'll speak no more of it for now, not until I know for sure...but I think I've found him..."

The Obsidion Box. Estehl had been dreaming of it more and more often as of late. And it was aggravating him to no end. He distasted even thinking about it. Nothing had been more, mind numbing then those six hundred years. The first three, Estehl had recieted every poem, every song, every novel he'd ever read, to himself, word by word, just to keep his mind. Then he ran out of words, and turned his mind to forming a plan to destory his father, but still it had been mind numbing. And he'd known after four hundred years, that another six would simple driving him insane. One thousand years. No doubt his father had intended it to be a lesson.

After five hundred years, in the box, Estehl felt he was quiet mad. He daydreamed, and even dreamt at night, of his brother, of how Ellander had vanished. He blamed himself. He could have done more to protect his brother from their father's wrath. Then he'd wanted to blame their mother. She could have protected Ellander. Then he turned his guilt into even more hatred for his father, deciding that if Teliveer had wanted to destory the boy, he would no doubt have done so. How this...monster could harm one of his own children...

Estehl had never cared for the whole Heir and Spare theory he'd had to spend his entire life learning. Teliveer had made sure Aiyla had given him two sons, just incase something happened to the first, the heir. But Teliveer had, had no love for Ellander. Their mother, however...she'd been an excellent mother, excepted her children's faults and praised all their strengths. But she had not been strong enough, to either with stand Teliveer's law, or the grief of losing a child. Two as it turned out.

She'd grieved herself to death at the lose of both her eldest and her youngest sons. The girls had done all they could to consul their mother, but with in two years of Estehl's imprisoment, Aiyla died of a broken heart. Teliveer never raised a hand to the girls. They were after all the bargining chips that would get him more power. He married the youngest, Aisleen off to the black alchamist, LiVed, King of the Black Court. He married Aerieth against her will to the Blue King. At least Arcanina had escaped. She, like Estehl had been far to strong willed to deal with their father and had struck a deal of marriage with a throne in hell, becoming the feared and powerful Spider Queen.

But Estehl had to give her credit. She'd used that power to further not only his cause, but protect certian lives as best she could. She had protected Saffron when he'd been thrown into hell at the tender age of 12. She saw to his well being and uprising and training. A sort of mother, Saffron had never had. Arcanina had seen to Aisleen recieving the child Maya and the infant Aiyla to raise.

Aerieth was hardly ever heard from. As mysterious as the Blue Court it's self, she kept to herself and her own politics. Estehl had hardly seen her in the last hundred years. But he knew, he could still use the cover of family to get help if it was needed. Aisleen tried to live her own life and rule the red court with grace. Between all three girls, Aisleen was most like their mother. Noble and full of grace, she held her head high and refused to let even her marriage to LiVed decided the fate of her court, or her children. She had a strength, their mother hadn't.

But still, Estehl felt he owed to his mother's spirit, and to himself, and his sister, to find Ellander. He refused to give up the search. But what worried him now, was that if his suspession proved correct, how could it have happened, all this time...his brother would have been right under his nose and if it were true, Estehl refused to forgive himself for not knowing sooner.

"Tricky tricky bastard..." Estehl muttered as he rolled over in the bed, staring out the bedroom's balcony into the night, after waking up from another dream about the box. His father would have indeed out done himself if it were true.

Perhaps that was why his father was rushing to finish off Estehl and his rebellion. Even more then that, perhaps thats why Teliveer was rushing to get his hands on the 'Daughter' of the Seal. With Lexine in his grasp, Teliveer would achieve his ultimate goal, and protect his lies and secrets and evil doings. "You can protect them, but you can't hide them...you son of a bitch." Estehl muttered fouly, before getting out of the bed.

He crossed over to the balcony and opened the doors to the chill of the winter night. Snow glistened on the ground below, blanketting this world in white. Estehl reveled in the cold a moment, stepping on the balcony, his electric blue eyes looking slowly over the mortal world beyond him. How his father could hate humans with such a passion was beyond Estehl. There was such beauty in this world. Sure, humans were idiots most of the time, but there were proofs of enduring traits. Love, compassion...Estehl had met noble humans. He'd loved at least one mortal woman dearly, in his life. But had let her go for her own saftey. He knew she lived a peaceful life, where she was. Alandra was so like her mother, some times it broke Estehl's heart to look upon the girl and see so much of her mother. Sands' mother had been a simple fling, but still, the result was extraodnary if Estehl was so inclined to agree. Sure, Sands had done some terrible things in his life, Estehl himself had. But he'd watched his son, strive to be the better man and in doing so, prove Teliveer wrong about humans.

Estehl sighed, his thoughts already turning back to Ellander. He turned from the balcony, going back inside, closing the doors slowly behind him, Eyes looking about the spacious room, he crossed to a near by vanity. Pulling out the stool, he sat down and drew a finger across the mirror in an intricate pattern.

The glass began to ripple. and swirl, and then Estehl was graced with a view of gracious study, walls lined with shelves of books, the room softly lit by the glowing fire in the fire place. Estehl chuckled softly to himself, watching the pair before the fire a moment. He was a firm believer in true love and here was a perfect example of it. He watched them for a moment, cuddled before the fire, a book between them. Then he afforded them the privacy they deserved. "Protect him well, old friend..." He said softly, before drawing the finger across the mirror again.

The view changed and he watched another pair, Alandra and Saffron. They were walking through the snow, hand in hand. Another example of real love. Estehl chuckled again. Sands no doubt wouldn't be queit as thrilled to see his half sister with the death elemental, but Estehl didn't think Saffron would harm her. He'd have to answer to both Sands and Estehl if doing so...not to mention Estehl was quiet sure his old friend, Auron wouldn't be pleased.

He swirled his finger across the glass again, scrying another scene, checking up on Auron and the Lady Chaos as an after thought and was quiet glad to see they were still doing very well. Spraying his fingers on the glass, he 'wiped' the mirror clean and got up from the vanity.

"Lost again, are you?" Came a soft voice from the door way. Estehl turned his head to see Jasmine standing in the door way of the bedroom, wrapped in a long black silk robe, her hair in a long braid down her back. She'd taken a guest room, when she and Estehl had taken this short mission here in England.

"I can't be lost, if I know where I am, and here is where I am." Estehl answered, watching the alluring beauty a moment.

Jasmine smirked slightly, leaning against the door frame, crossing her arms over her chest. "Indeed, Estehl...but lost you are...in your thoughts..."

"Eloquently put." Estehl inclined his head to this with a slight smirk.

"Are you still refusing to tell me where you believe he is?" Jasmine asked, stepping further into the room. She watched Estehl glance thoughtfully at the vanity mirror. She'd seen his scrying. Looking in on Faal and Lex, upon Alandra and Saffron and even curiously checking in on Auron and Chaos. But it had been the first he'd remained on the longest. And Jasmine was no fool.

"Safe, to say the least." Estehl answered calmly, seeing Jasmine's gaze in the mirror.

"In the arms of his lover, where is a more safier place in either world?" Jasmine replied softly, with a bemused smile.

"No where." Estehl answered, a touch forlornly.

Jasmine was quiet a moment, not sure rather to be direct or not in her questions. Then asked softly. "Do you really think you've found him?"

Estehl was quiet a moment, his eyes upon Jasmine, assessing how much to confide in her. After everything they had been through, she had never given him reason why he could not trust her. She was, perhaps, his greatest allie, next to Faal. Finally Estehl said, his voice even softer. "My heart would swear upon it, Jasmine. But only Teliveer's death will show for sure..."

"An enchantment?" Jasmine asked, moving toward him seductively.

"Of the worst nature..." Estehl concluded, watching her closely.

"So why not just have Faal killed, when he was unfortunet enough the discover his highness's...trespass?" Jasmine asked.

"Undoubtably, it would have complicated things to much for Teliveer..." Estehl answered. He felt Jasmine's hand slid on to his bare chest and could still see the affection in her amber eyes. He sighed deeply and took her hand. "Jonathan.."

Jasmine sighed herself and removed her hand, sashaying past him toward the balcony. "Yes, I know, Estehl..." She answered in a whisper, not looking at him.

"It could never be, Jon." Estehl answered in return, his voice just as soft, watching her open the balcony doors. She stood silloheted by the moon and snow.

"It's never stopped how I've felt about you...but I know...For one, you still love Elizabeth...You were a fool to give her up, you know." Jasmine answered.

"It was safer for her, and for Alandra." Estehl answered simply, moving back toward the bed.

"If you say so..." Jasmine answered with an amused tone, finally turning to watch him.

Estehl met her eyes. "That part of my life is in the past. I focus on the now." He answered calmly.

Jasmine was quiet a long moment, then asked. "And if you find Ellander, and all is set right, what then, my lord?"

Estehl was quiet a moment, then answered. "I beg for his forgivness, for not having done more in my power to protect him from our father...and I try and set things right..." Estehl answered.

"What are we doing here, Estehl?" Jasmine asked, from taking his arm as he escorted her through the double doors into the grand mansion, that was full of formal party goers. Estehl hadn't told them why they were attending this party. But here they were, dressed impeccably, Estehl in a black suit, and Jasmine in a dark blue.

"I wonder, Jasmine, if you've met the lord of this manor?" Estehl asked, glancing at her with an amused look.

Jasmine looked about, with a frown. "I've never been here in my life, so I can't say that I have..."

"Shame, I think the two of you would get along very well..." Estehl continued with his amusement.

Jasmine eyed him, her amber eyes narrowing. "And what is that implying?" She asked with a touch offense.

Estehl chuckled, lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, before saying. "Forgive me, if I've offended you."

"But what he was really trying to say," Came another man's voice, this sounded like silken honey and Jasmine HAD heard it before. "Is that we share an interest in intrigue, subterfuge, and not to mention wagging tongues."

Jasmine spun around, rather gracefully, while Estehl turned with a chuckle. "Phineas!" Jasmine cried with obvious joy, throwing her arms around the handsome man before them.

Even in human guise, his skin was so pale, it was almost white. His hair was the same, so pale it wasn't exactly blonde, or white. It was shoulder length, but brushed back from a high forehead. His eyes were such a pale blue, they nearly lost all color at all in the right light. He had high cheek bones, and straight nose. He was handsome in a very intriguing way.
And he chuckled as Jasmine releashed him from the hug. "A pleasent surprise to see you as well, Jasmine me dear." Phineas said, smiling charmingly and turning his eyes to Estehl.

"I suppose she would explain what you're doing here...?" He asked the Crown Prince.

"I thought we could have a chat, for old time sake..." Estehl replied with obvious humor.

Phineas eyed him, then turned, with a gesture. "Shall we depart to some where more private?" He asked. Then offered his arm to Jasmine. Jasmine flashed Estehl a smirk, slid off his arm and on to Phineas' with ease and grace.

"Lead on, Phineas." Estehl said to this, with a gesture forward. And he fell into step behind the two, his hands behind his back.

"Is this really your house?" Jasmine asked as Phineas lead the way through the party, in the grand ball room, toward a side door.

"For now..." Phineas answered, a bit evasively.

"Steal it?" Estehl asked, with humor from behind them.

"Good Lord, no...I have the deed...signature may be forged, but I have the deed." Phineas replied, glancing over his shoulder with a smirk. He opened the side door and lead them out into a black and white marble tiled hall, with large plants and tall windows, all which had velvet curtains drawn over them.

"Be honest, Phineas." Estehl said once they were through the door.

"Oh, I own the house...it just depends on how much longer it keeps my interest and when I feel the urge to sell it." Phineas replied seriously, as he lead them along.

"Your attention span was always worse then any one elses I've known...including Faal." Jasmine said.

"Of course...the only things I truly love in life, are real friends," Phineas gave them both a wide smile, if it was a litle absent. "A pretty face, a good brew and of course...the Game. Faal, you say...and how is that devil?" Phineas looked at Jasmine with interest.

Jasmine giggled softly, and smiled. "Faal is good. He's in love..."

Phineas paused beside a door, but turned to look at Jasmine with a skeptical look. "Faal, in love? Which title is it this time...Dante's Divine Comdey...no I suppose he's already read that one...Milton's Paradise Lost perhaps...or Paradise Regained. Or perhaps The Devil In Love..."

Jasmine gave him an unamused look, then said. "It's not a book he's in love with. But an enchanting red head." Phineas was unlocking the door they were standing outside of and Jasmine waited until just as Phineas was opening the door. "A one, Lexine Mordant..."

She judged the name to have the right effect, because Phineas tripped none to gracefully over the door's thresh hold and had to grabbed the door with a hand to regain his balance as he'd tried to turn back to quickly.

"Are you serious?!" Phineas asked with a stressed hiss.

"Very..." Jasmine said, stepping into the room after Phineas. It was a small, private office. It was also enchanted to prevent eavesdropping. Estehl followed them in.

Phineas shut the door, and turned to them. "Faal is in love with the daughter of the seal...er...son in this case?!"

"So you know...how interesting." Estehl said bemused, as he glanced about office.

"Of course I know...don't change the subject..." Phineas said with a slight tone.

"Yes, Phineas, and it really is the real thing...Faal is also...Lexine's Guardian..." Jasmine said softly.

"Well, this is certianlly an interesting turn of events." Phineas remarked.

"Well it's not a bad thing..." Jasmine said, with a tone.

"I didn't say it was." Phineas replied.

"Enough chatter about the lovers." Estehl said from his spot, turning back to look at Phineas. "I'm afraid I'm going to just get down to business. I need you back, Phineas..."
Phineas snickered, looking at Estehl. "You need ME, do you? What if I don't need you?"

"No games, Phineas. You return to Ter Nah Nog, tonight..." Estehl said with authority.

"A bit of a late notice, isn't it?" Phineas replied dryly. Then sighed. "Alright, what is it you want me to do?"

"The usual...plant yourself in the court, and relay anything you feel is of improtants to either myself or Jasmine. Faal if you can't reach either one of us. This time, how ever, you're doing so to protect Lexine. Teliveer is out to lay his hands on the daughter of the seal, and Faal has to bring him to Terra, because of his mother's blood, or it'll kill him."

"Well, this should be fun..." Phineas muttered.

"Oh come now, Phineas, I'm sure you think it is.." Jasmine said from her spot. "Have you heard about the Golden Court?"

"I have indeed...so would this job also have to do with the time finally arriving?" Phineas asked, glancing back at Estehl.

Estehl bowed his head. "Indeed. My father's reign of tyrany is about to end..."

"Excellent." Phineas said with a rather frightenly cold smile.