Lexine lay on his stomach, his feet in the air, looking at the photoalbum on the bed in front of him. Nate as sitting on the edge of the bed, leaned agains the head board, cleaning and reloading a clip to one of his guns, as they tried to ignore the steadily growing moaning on the wind. He was watching Lexine, while he worked, the way Lexine's delicate fingers turned each page, his eyes studying each picture. It was just an abusred little album his mother had of pictures of him and Michael as boys. Lexine had found it while looking for his cigarettes and Nate had a sneaking suspecion that his mother had left it there on purpose. But Lexine studied each picture, as if memorizing each detail, with intent focus. Some he trailed his fingers over, a soft smile touching his lips.

Lexine turned the page, picking up his fag pack and lighter, and lighting one, dragging the crystal ashtray closer. He looked at each picture intently. The last picture on that page was a picture of Michael, Nate and Eire. Lexine tilted his head to the side, looking at it. Then realized he'd never asked. "How did you and Michael meet Eire?"

Nate was setting another bullet in the clip and held his thumb over it, glancing at Lex. "Ye don't know?" He asked, bemused. Lexine shook his head. Nate grinned slightly, going back to his work. "I was sixteen and I'd just joined Michael t' finish off me trainin'. Michael liked t' travel, so we hoped the pound o'er to Ireland for awhile. Eire and Ruby were livin' there at that time, running from what we'd later find out, was Emerald. They lived in a little place just out side Castlemain...small place, makes Glennfinn 'ere look like Glassgow." He slid the next bullet into place. "But it still had it's advantages and...pubs. we were in one, one night...drinkin' age is fifteen in ireland...and as long as we didn't start anything we could stay an' drink...How ever, some locals got roudy, and one thing led to another and they found out we were Scots...Ain't nothin' worse than a drunk, patirotic irishman." Nate said with a look. Lexine was looking over his shoulder at him, curiously.

"We got our selves cornered by a couple of the local lads, thought they were hot shit, drunk on their asses...Then some one starts shovin' their way through, growlin'. I thought there was a dog at first, but then I noticed this tall fuckin' skinny guy shovin' his way through, with un natural silver hair. He starts tellin' 'em all off in gaelic and obviously these lads had dealt with him before, because despite his size, they start backin' off. All except this one punk. He gets up in Eire's face, an' starts insultin' him back. They exchange verbal blows, still in gaelic, and then Eire snaps his teeth at the guy, lunging forward like he's gonna bite him and the guy falls backwards."

"After that, Eire introduces himself, offers t' buy us a drink and we all proceed t' get smashed, but we quiet liked each other. It was our first night in town, see, an' so Eire offers t' let us stay with him an' his mum...So we all stagger out of the pub an' start fer his place...half way there in the dark, the punk shows back up...this time with friends and they've got bats...and other things beat the fuckin' shit out of us with...Eire starts growling again an' I realize he's not quiet as drunk as us...They hesitate, but lung at Eire, but Eire ain't there any more...comin' to a skiddin' hault behind them, is this fuckin' silver wolf, snarling and snappin'. So they turn on Michael an' I, but it becomes one big fuckin' brawl cause the wolf leaps in as well an' after takin' a bit of a beatin' but dishin' a right good one out, the idoits made a run fer it..."

"Mike an' I are left lookin' at this silver wolf, who just calmly becomes Eire again...we're floored. Eire explans he's part shade and there for able t' change in t' a wolf...I was really fascinated by it and the entire walk back t' his place, I questioned him about shades as much as he knew..."

"So how did you three become so close?" Lexine asked, rolling over slightly and snubbing out his fag in the ash tray. Nate felt Lexine's foot rub up against his leg, gently.

He glanced at the window, the wail still being heard and said. "Ruby took a quick likin' to Mike an' I as well. We stayed with her an' Eire fer two weeks. She was a heritary witch herself an' she gave me all kinds of tips an' lessons, it wasn't until later that I learned Ruby knew me mum well, but hadn't seen her in years. When we got ready t' leave, we were headin' for Spain, Ruby suggested we take Eire with us, pointin' out that Eire had never been anywhere other then were they formerly lived in England an' Ireland. Eire was relcuntant t' leave, but Ruby pretty much made him. So we all went travelin' round Europe, Spain, Fance, Gremany, Romania..." Nate smirked slightly. "Took on our first vamp in Romania...Eire was a big help there... Russia, hoped down t' India, over t' Japan, and then t' the States... We'd go back to Ireland every few months, t' check in on Ruby." Nate fell quiet, stopping his work for a moment, and he looked at the picture in the album beyond Lexine. It had been taken just before Ruby was found dead.

"Eire had jus' turned eighteen, I mean it was jus' a few days after his birthday when we got back t' Ruby's home...It was late...but somethin' was wrong the moment we came in sight o' the house...Then we heard a wailin' on the wind," He gestured to the window, Lexine shuddered slightly. "An' Eire's nose picked up the scent of blood and he made a run for the door. We followed him in. He'd come t' a stop in the door way of the front room...even in the dark, I could see the body on the floor...I could see the blood...I couldn't move...neither could Michael...Eire managed t' get t' the body and confirmed wha' we were afraid o'...that it was Ruby...It was the first time I saw Eire cry...an' the only other time so far's been Michael's death...he let out such a moarnful howl, holding Ruby...We weren't alone in the house however...the bitch made her first fuckin' appearance that night...an' every thing she said, crashed Eire's world down around him...After that...it was Eire with no place t' go...an' by that time, we were all three brothers if nothin' else...so he came back here with us...A year after that, the Illuminatie got him, an' it took Mike an' I two years and Chaos' help, t' find him...He was in bad shape, an' little more then an animal...we had t' bring 'im back 'ere an' it took two months t' get him back t' Eire...Michael ne'er gave up on bringin' Eire back 'round, an' I was thankful fer that...Eire an' I've been best friends since the night we met...an' well...the bastard knows I'd do jus' bout anything fer him." Nate grinned slightly.

Lexine was running his finger along the edge of the photoalbum. "Oh, I think Eire's the same way..." He said softly.

"He is...He's let it be known before that I an' K are the only family he's got left...Course...now there's Xander..." Nate shook his head, finishing with the clip and sliding it back into the gun, putting the safety on. Sitting it on the beside table, he shifted postions, stretching out beside Lexine on his stomach. Lexine looked him in the eyes, and Nate saw the love and thoughtfulness in his gaze and leaned forward, kissing Lexine softly. "An' I'd do anything fer you as well, baby doll." He said softly. He felt Lexine smile softly behind the kiss, and Lexine slid closer, letting Nate wrap an arm around him. Nate nuzzled Lexine's neck, above the collar, his eyes on the window as the alluring beauty turned back to the photoalbum

The wailing was slowly growing louder. Lexine turned his head to look at the window with disdain, when thought he saw lighting flash on the other side of the curtians. He turned his head, looking at the ceiling, curiously, and sure enough, heard rain failing. There was a distant faint rumble of thunder behind the wail. Nate raised up, mildly curious. Lexine looked back toward the window and watched. This time however, when the lightening flashed, something sparked a prickle of fear in him. He thought he saw a shadow against the curtains. He watched intently, poised on his elbows as Nate kissed his shoulder, an arm around Lexine's waist. When the lightening flashed again, Lexine caught the shadow at the side of the balcony now. That prickle of fear grew a little.

With the next flash of lightening, he didn't see anything, but he thought he heard a faint tapping. He shuddered despite himself, and felt Nate's arm tighten on him, Nate kissed his other shoulder. Then Lexine jumped at the sound of a click by his ear and turned his head, eyes wide. Nate was cocking his gun. Lexine hadn't been the only one who'd seen the shadow and while Lexine had been watching it, Nate had leaned back and retrived the gun from the bedside table.

He crawled over Lexine, touching the small of his back a moment as he got off the bed and chambered a round, moving toward the balcony. Lexine sat up slowly.

****
Eire yanked the covers from over top of his head and looked toward the window. He was perched over Xander, who looked quiet flushed and suprised, but a after a moment, he too turned his eye to the window. There was a faint clacking to be heard. "Tree?" Xander asked in a whisper. Eire shook his head. Xander winced. Eire threw the covers off and started to get out of bed. They hadn't really gotten very far, both were still wearing their sleep pants...although Xander's looked half ready to come off and he wiggled a moment, pulling them back up right, before sitting up.

As Eire crossed toward the window, he paused, taking his 9mm from the holster on the back of the chair, cocking and chambering a round. Xander looked slightly apperenisive. As he approached the window, he saw and heard it was storming. The lightening didn't reveal anything outside the window and he opened the curtian slightly, looking out at the rain splattered window. Still not seeing anything, but hesitatant, he closed the curtian and started away from the window.

Then he felt a cold draft on his back and spun, the curtain had opened again and the window was being blown open, seemingly from the storm. From half way into the room, Eire felt an icy draft pass by his shoulder, that had nothing to do with the storm and he spun, looking toward the door. "Fuckin' hell! Some one just left a benshide in!" He started for the door as Xander scrambled off the bed.

"What! How?!"

"I don't know!" He was just reaching out of the door when it opened and slammed shut. "Fuck!" He yanked the door open, stepping into the hall, gun at ready.

****
Nate had been about to open the curtian to the balcony when they heard the slamming of a door near by. Lexine slightly irritated at his door from his spot and Nate smirked slightly, before heading toward the door. As he started to crack it, another door slammed. He stepped into the hall and saw Eire two doors down, with a gun. Eire was now looking at the door that had been to Lexine's room. He looked up when he heard Nate, as Xander slipped into the hall behind him. "We've got a benshide in 'ere." Eire hissed.

"Wha?! Are you sure?!" Nate hissed back.

"Nate, I'd stake my shade blood on it!" Eire snapped back. "And I think it went in Lex's room..."

"Fuckin' bloody hell!" Nate hissed angrily. "There's no fuckin' WAY it could be a fae...the house is pertected against that...it would mean some one would've had t' let it in,,,"

"Then some one let it in..." Eire said softly, knowing Nate didn't want to think that. He moved to Lexine's door and opened it, scanning the room. "He's in your room?" He asked Nate. He noticed that closet door was cracked.

"Yes..." Nate hissed in irritation and Eire looked back out into the hall to see Nate already opening his door. "There's a hidden joint door in the closet..." Nate snarled before shoving back into his room, Eire behind him.

Lexine turned from the window to look at them. Nate held up a hand, "Stay where ya are.." He told him. The closet sat between the window and the door. Nate crossed the room slowly, watching the closet door, which was still closed. Reaching Lexine, he took the red head by the waist, turning back to the door, where Eire and Xander were.

"Wha's it waitin' fer, ya wonder?" Eire asked softly, eyeing the closet door. "Unless it's already in the room..." He turned his eyes to the room.

"We need t' flush it out int' the open then..." Nate replied.

"What's gotten in?" Lexine hissed, he hated it when they kept him out of the loop.


"A benshide..." Nate replied calmly.

Lexine winced, then said. "Need to reveal it's shadow...but regular light wont work..." He told them.

"What does?" Xander replied.

"This..." Lexine held up a hand and conjured a flame. It cast a soft light about the corner of the room where he and Nate were, but it threw objects and their shadows vividly on the wall, as if it were a bright light. Nate glanced about them, before guiding Lexine, by the waist toward the door. He and Eire kept an eye out for a shadow that shouldn't have been there. But it was Lexine's eyes that caught sight of what looked like a headless corpse crawling along the wall. "There!" He hissed, bringing the flame around for a clearer veiw.

Nate flipped the saftey off his slicenced 9 mm, defty and took aim, muttering a soft, 'Forgive me mum..' before pulled the trigger. The bullet struck the shadow and there was an implyed, but silent scream as the shadow stiffened, then became solid, revealing it's self to be the headless corpse of a woman.

"Whoa..okay..." Xander paled from his spot and Eire glanced at him. "What is that..."

"Benshadie, sorta...cousin t' the banshee...obscure, usually sent by a powerful fae t' take some kind of revenge..." Eire explained. "Nasty thing too...ye really can't kill 'em...not with out really powerful magic, or being a powerful fae..."

"Yeah, well, we've got the powerful magic bit covered." Nate said, having snatched the iron fire pocker and still had a hold on Lexine's waist. "We gotta get t' her..."

"It's after me isn't..." Lexine muttered fouly. "If I have fae blood, why is it after me!?"

"No doubt somethin' t' do with Teliveer..." Nate remarked. "Fuckin' hell, where that fuckin' bastard?" He growled.

"Who?" Eire asked.

"Sands!" Nate answered as he and Lexine reached the door, the benshide had crawled up onto the ceiling and was following, but it stayed back, from a mix of Lexine's flame and the iron poker Nate had. The four of them backed into the hall and it followed over the ceiling door frame. It was a slow process, backing down the hall way, but they didn't want to give it a chance. Who knew what it would try if they turned their backs on it, and this way, they could keep it in the light.

Until Lexine's flame began to waver. Nate looked at him, alarmed. Lexine looked paler, and tired. "I'm sorry." He whispered barely audible, "I can't...I'm too...tired.." Nate swore hard, looking around for an escape.

"Maybe I can 'elp?" Came Duncan's voice from near by and Nate looked over his shoulder to see Duncan standing in the door way of his room looking at the ceiling. He looked back at Nate with a almost bored expression, though his eyes sparkled and said. "Leavin' me out o' the fun again, cousin?"

"Lend a hand?" Nate asked.

Duncan came out into the hall, reaching out to the slowly dying flame. He paused, eyes closed slightly, seemed to whisper something, then took the flame, which flared up again. The ben shide drew back with an unheard, but felt hiss. Eire was looking at Duncan with an impressed look. "Me magic's always been more of the elements." Duncan answered simply. "I can keep it up long enough t' get us t' Aunt Helena's door..."

"She's gonna love this..." Nate said dryly, but handed Eire the poker. "Jus' keep it off our backs...I'll explain it t' mum..." Duncan nodded and Nate took Lexine's hand, before turning and sprinting down the hall with him, toward his mother's room. Arriving at it, Nate knocked, while Lexine turned to look back down the hall. The ben shide was trying to follow them, but Duncan seemed to keep the flame close enough to keep it from succeeding and Eire was using the poker where Duncan's flame couldn't reach.

He looked back at the door as it was opened. Helena appeared, wrapped in her robe, hair braided, but other wise looked quiet awake, and not exactly surprised to see them. She looked over Nate and Lexine's shoulder at the events down the hall and frowned. "How the blazes did that get in here?" She demanded.

"We don't know yet, mum, but it's after Lexine... "Nate said quickly.

Helena raised an eyebrow, but looked at Lexine. "I thought you might have fae blood...how odd..."

"I haven't know about it for very long myself." Lexine answered softly.

Helena reached out, taking Lexine's arm gently. "Well come in, lass, don't jus' stand there! Nate, stand gaurd, Duncan an' Eire can't hold it off fer much longer. I expect ya know t' use a wardin' spell.." She gave him a serious look.

"Yes, mum." Nate answered with a slightly smug expression. She smirked slightly, but other wise led Lexine into the sitting room of her chambers. Standing Lexine in the middle of the room she grabbed something from the table and sat the box at Lexine's feet and took a good size peice of natural chalk from with in, before drawing a circle around Lexine, while resiting, softly, words that had a slightly musical ring to them. She stood up inside the circle and smiled at Lexine, touching him on the shoulder, before stepping out side the ring. Lexine felt a slight vibration of the air around him as she stepped away from the ring.

Her door was still open and Lexine could see the others sprinting down the hall to join them and thought he saw a shadow on the ceiling ahead of them. Helena moved to an armoir near by and took out a slim, almost italian rappier style short sword, of blacked iron. She calmly turned and moved back toward the door as Eire dashed a head of the shadow to enter the room, handing Nate the poker as he slid by. Nate looked over as his mother came to stand on the other side of the door. Xander and Duncan raced a head of the shadow next to pass through the door and Helena rested the sword casually.

"Do be a dear an' help yer mother box this wee problem in, Nathaniel..." She said causually, with out looking at him, before she began a silent spell, focusing on the hallway. Nate smirked but lended a hand, knowing which spell she was using and joined her. After a moment the thing became trapped in a seemingly invisable box and Helena moved out into the hall, glaring coldly at the creature. She spoke in gaelic, ordering it gone, and for empuhsize of the word, shoved the sword upward into the creature. There was a scream on the wind outside the thing vanished.

"Now, perhaps ye'd like t' explain wha's goin' on?" Helena asked calmly, turning back to Nate. Nate gave a nervous and sheepish grin as Helena eyed him.


After making sure Lexine was alright, Helena called for some tea, turning on a few more lights in her sitting room and stoking the fire. She settled down in a chair near the fire place with a a cup and eyed all five of them as she took a sip. "Now then..." She sat her cup down and waited patiently.

"They're after Lexine..." Nate said softly.

"Yes, we've established that, Nathaniel, darling." Helena said patiently. Nate winced silently. "Do you get your fae side from your mother, Lexine?" Helena asked softly.

"Yes..." Lexine answerd softly from the chair he was sitting in. Nate was leaning against the chair, a hand on Lexine's shoulder. "But I didn't get a chance to know my mother, she died when I was born..."

"And your father never told you anything?" Helena asked.

Lexine winced. "My father didn't raise me..." he started to say something else, looking rather misrable, but Helena held up a hand.

"You don't have to discuse it.You mother must have been very powerful...possibly someone very important in retrospect, for a half blooded fae, half elemental to feel the pull t' Ter Nah Nog...I'm suspecting thats why you're visiting, Nathaniel." She looked at the two of them. Nate was absently, but lovingly stroking Lexine's shoulder and Lexine had leaned his cheek against Nate's arm.

"Yes mum." Nate answered softly. "A friend of ours, Jeffrey Sands...his father is Estehl Errin..." Helena looked surprised. "The crowned Prince of Ter Nah Nog... so Sands is half fae...anyway...Lexine fainted a few days ago...seemingly over nothin'...Sands' fiance, Aiyla is the staff doctor for us...the two of them were who told us Lexi's half fae...and Sands explained about findin' the door."


Helena appeared thoughtful, nodding to Nate's explantion. "Yer mother would have had to have been a very powerful fae, Lexine. It's the only explantion for all...this..." Helena meant the drawl toward the door and the appearance of all the fae creatures Helena sighed. "Then there's only a couple of things I can say." She looked at Lexine. "Careful the fae don't try t' tempt ye when you find the door...or else ya may find yerself wantin' to stay amung them and that means you'd have t' give up everything..." Her voice was calm, but there was a pointed look in her eyes as she held Lexine's gaze. . "And that's another thing. There's no way in bloody possible hell that that benshide could have gotten in, with out some one LETTING it in..." She looked toward the other three.

"It got in through my window..." Eire said. "But I didn't open my window and I was half way across the room when it did open.."

"I know you didn't let it in, Eire, dear...it had to be some one with magic...and I think I know.." Helena looked slightly aggravated. "Why, is what we need to find out...Nathaniel...I'm going to ask ye all t' remain here another day...help yer dear mother deal with this..."

"Are ye suggestin', Auntie, that Conner..." Duncan started to say, but Helena only gave him a look.

"I suggest it's time ye tell Nathaniel wha' ye haven't, Duncan.." Helena said calmly.

Nate raised an eyebrow, he was still leaning on the back of the chair and was still stroking Lexine's shoulder and neck below the collar. Helena eyed this, but said nothing of the collar..yet.

Duncan sighed. "Ye know I told ya that things have been...ye know, family politics an' all. Well...we've been suspectin' Connor's...not actin' in the best interest of the family..." Duncan told Nate.

"How?" Nate asked.

"At first...not much...ye know yer heir to e'erything, Nate..." Duncan said. "And one o' the reasons I was pressin' ye t' visit, is Conner's been tryin' to get that changed...sayin' yer either dead, or don't give a fuck..." Duncan told him. Nate frowned. "An' when ye showed up with Lexine, well Connor went into a rant 'bout that...tryin' to say that well...ye probably heard some of it the other night..."

"He doesn't trust Lexine..." Helena added. "Absured to say the least, but he's tryin' t' become heir...power hungry..."

"But why and how would he've let in a benshide?" Nate asked, he felt Lexine sigh and slip down lower into the chair and he stroked his hair, trying to comfort him.

"Auntie Hel's righ', though, Nate, who else in the house has the ability t' let one in...to rearrange the protection spells..." Duncan pointed out logically.

Nate swore softly, and looked at his mother. "I imagine we'll find out soon enough wha' he's up to..." Helena said softly. "I'll be doubling the portection spells on the house tonight..." She informed them.

"Do ye want some help, Auntie?" Duncan asked.

"No, but thank ye for askin' Duncan...and how is Jasmine?" Helena asked.

Xander choked on his tea and looked up with surprise. Even Lexine looked up. Nate raised an eyebrow and Eire began snickering. Duncan ignored them. "She's fine, auntie Hel..." He answered simply. "Sleepin' but I'm sure she wont be thrilled t' hear 'bout this..."

****
They all left Helena's room, heading back to their own. Lexine was so exhausted, Nate scooped him up and Lexine laid his head against Nate's shoulder, his arms curled around Nate's neck. They paused at Duncan's door, which opened before Duncan could open it. Standing in the door way was an exotic and beautiful young woman with black hair and amber colored eyes. She was wrapped in Duncan's brocade dressing gown, which even looked good on her as it slid off one shoulder. She leaned against the frame, almost sensually and eyed all of them.

"The amount of trouble, you boys seem to get yourselves into, never ceases to amaze me." She purred, but smiled.

"Jasmine! What are you doing here?!" Xander asked out right.

Jasmine laughed, turning her amber eyes on Xander. "Aww Sassy, what's the matter, not happy to see me?" Duncan had raised an eyebrow, most interested by this exchange.

"No, I mean, it's good t' see you, Jas, but...I'm just surprised..." Xander replied, eyeing her.

"We all are..." Eire put in, an arm around Xander's waist.

Jasmine chuckled, but smiled warmly at them. "Duncan and I have been dating for two years, thank you...he invited me. Which is a good thing, because I think you all could use the extra help." She added seriously, before reaching a hand out and touching Lexine's hair. Lexine turned his head, looking at her with sleepy eyes, but gave her a weary smile. "You poor thing..." Jasmine cooed softly, with a sad expression. Then said in a authortive tone. "Take him to bed, Nate...we can discuse more of this in the morning. He needs rest."

Nate chuckled, with a slight shake of his head and caught Lexine grinning tiredly as he turned his head back to Nate's shoulder. "Righ'. I look forward t' hearin' more 'bout you two..." Nate said to Duncan and Jasmine with a nod. Jasmine chuckled, but shooed them off. Nate took Lexine back down to his room, closing the door behind them.

Jasmine turned to Xander and Eire. "And you two...as I just said, we have all morning to catch up..." She was giving them a look which said get to bed as well. Xander grinned sheepishly, but nodded and Eire pulled him down the way to their room. Jasmine watched them go as Duncan slid up beside her.

"Ye know them?" He asked softly, sliding a hand around her waist.

Jasmine smirked and pulled him into the bedroom, closing the door. "Oh yes...you're not the only one in love with a boy, my handsome witch.." She purred, nuzzling his neck.

"Well I kinda guessed with Eire an' Xander..." Duncan replied, kissing Jasmine lightly.

Jasmine laughed softly, which sounded musical. "Not just..." She replied, looking up at him.

Duncan's eyes widened slightly. "Lexine?!"

Jasmine continued to laugh softly. "Beautiful young man, isn't he?"

"Lard, I had NO idea!" Duncan said with a laugh.

"I do believe THAT was the point, darling. After all, your aunt I imagine wouldn't be to happy, which I believe is why you've told her I was YOUR girlfriend..." Jasmine pointed out bemused. "Besides, it's obvious how much Nate loves Lexine...or he wouldn't be here to help him find the door..."

"So ye know 'bout that?" Duncan asked, amused by Jasmine.

"I'm fae, Duncan...I know...I knew Lexine had fae blood in him, the first time I met him...bout time some one told him he did...still...he's in danger..." Jasmine said with a frown.

"How much do ya know 'bout that?" Duncan asked.

"Not as much as I'd like t'...I can only imagine WHY Teliveer's sent his pets after the poor dear...I also know Estehl Errin, my crowned prince, Teliveer's bandished son...has one o' his boys also watchin' out for them...and I intend t' find out more..." Jasmine said seriously.

"I've taken a likin' t' Lexine..." Duncan said with a sigh. "An' as ye said, Nate obviously loves...him very much..."

"Oh, aye. We wont have t' worry t' much of Lexine's saftey long as he's with Nate...but I would worry about what will happen when he does find the door. He'll be very tempted t' remain in Ter Nah Nog...it's happened before..." Jasime said softly.

"Wha'd'ya mean, Jasmine?" Duncan asked, eyeing her.

"I mean...that he could be tempted enough to leave behind THIS realm...and Nate..." Jasmine said. "If his fae side gets the better of him..."

"I don't think he would...he's to in love with Nate..." Duncan said quiet soundly.

"All we can do is see..." Jasmine answered simply.

****
Nate carried Lexine into the room. He shut the door with his foot and carried Lexine over to the bed. Lexine was awake, but on the verge of falling asleep. He lay him down, and moved the album, ash tray and other things to the bedside table, before going back toward the door. "Nate...?"

"It's alright baby doll." Nate said softly, he ran his hand along the door frame slowly, muttering softly, he did so to the entire door, before crossing over to the closet, and doing the same. Then he did the same to the windows and balcony, before turning to the fire place. The room was slightly chilly, and getting colder. Nate set about starting a fire, but the match box was emtpy. He snorted illy, shaking his head, as he crouched before the fire place.

He heard the bed squeak slightly and felt Lexine coming up behind him. Nate looked up as the fragile red head leaned over him. He was wrapped in the throw blanket from the bed. Nate put the matches back up and wrapped an arm around Lexine's waist as Lexine touched the wood, a fire springing up. Nate sat back on the floor, leaning against the cidar chest that was at the foot of the bed and pulled Lexine down upon his lap. Still wrapped with in the blanket, Lexine snuggled against him, watching the fire a moment, before turning his head and laying it on Nate's shoulder. "Aww...baby doll..." Nate stroked his hair, his other arm wrapped around him. "Are ye alright, baby doll?" Nate asked him as Lexine curled against him, his head on Nate's shoulder.

"Mhmm...just sleepy..." He muttered in a small voice.

"Then you should sleep." Nate whispered, letting Lexine stretch against him as they watched the fire.

"Can I sleep 'ere?" Lexine asked, his voice muffled as he turned his head into Nate's neck, nuzzling it.

Nate smirked, rubbing Lexine's back. "When ever ye want baby." He knew Lexine had fallen asleep when he didn't reply and Nate continued to hold him, until he was sure Lexine was fast asleep, before he got slowly, as so not disturb Lexine, and carried him to the bed, laying him down. Lexine didn't wake, showing he must have been extremely tired.

Letting him sleep, Nate moved over to the desk near by and sat down, leaning back in the chair and thinking. The only way Connor could have let in the benshide was to know who and what Lexine was. Then there was the guy in the woods...Nate sat the chair down slowly, putting it together. Connor must know the man in the woods, what other explanation was there? That only aggravated Nate more, because it brought up the question of just WHAT was Connor up to.

After mulling it over for a while, Nate couldn't keep his own eyes open. He got out of the chair, pulled off his shirt and slid into the bed, wrapping his arms around Lexine's small frame and drifted off to sleep beside his lover.

***

(From here on it's co-written with Skye)

Jasmine met them the next morning with Duncan at the stairs. She was dressed in in designer jeans and a dark blue cashmeer sweater and was leaning against Duncan as they waited for the other four. Xander pratically bound down the stairs and hugged Jasmine. "Meant t' do that last night." He said with a grin.

Jasmine chuckled, hugging Xander back. "Good, because you owed me." She said, before pulling Eire into a hug. He blushed, but hugged her back. They turned their eyes to the stairs as Nate and Lexine came down. Nate had his arm around Lexine's waist, who was dressed in a long black mock turtle neck sweater dress with long sleeves. It was almost a form fitting dress, but looked good on him. Jasmine had to admire it. Lexine didn't look half as exhausted as he had, but he still looked paler then normal, his hair was loose and fringes of bangs hung in his face

Nate looked up to see the others waisting for them and gave a half smirk. "Mornin', Jasmine, boys. Any sign o' mum yet?" he asked, cuddling Lexine against his side. Lexine gave a small smile and leaned his head against Nate's shoulder. "Morning." He added softly, smiling at Jasmine.

"Good morning." Jasmine beamed. "Did you get any sleep this time, Lexine?" Lexine blushed slightly, but nodded with a weary smile. "Good. Duncan and I were discusing some things last night, we'll be going with you to Ireland." She said.

Duncan raised an eyebrow. "When'd we get t' that bit?" He asked her with a smirk.

"Just now."Jasmine replied with a look.

"Hey, the more the merrier." Xander remarked.

"The more the merrier fer what?" They turned to see Helena coming out of the parlor."Good morning." She greeted them. Duncan gave his aunt a kiss on the cheek. Helena smiled and looked Jasmine over. "Much better this morning, Jasmine dear...not so...flashy." She said in approval of the jeans and sweater. Jasmine chuckled softly. "Thank you."

Nate smirked and quickly squashed it before his mother saw it. "Good mornin' mum." He said and gave her a kiss on her cheek as well. "Jasmine was just saying Duncan an' herself would like t' come along with us when we head on t' Ireland. Lexine's wantin' t' see her homeland an' all."

"Ah, well I think that's a splendid idea. Breakfast is ready." Helena gestured to the breakfast room. Jasmine distangled Lexine from Nate's side, taking him by the arm and starting toward the breakfast room. Eire raised an eyebrow glancing at Xander who shrugged. "I never claimed to know how Jasmine thinks, thank you." He muttered. Eire snickered and pinched Xander' on the rear when no one was looking, Xander had to stifle his yelp and gave Eire a look.

Nate looked to Helena and offered his arm. She raised an eyebrow at him but slipped hers into his. "I trust there's been no more trouble?" she asked as they walked in to join the others, who were already finding their seats. "Don't fret, mum. We'll be outa yer hair soon.. no more faeries roamin' the halls once we go, i'd imagine." Jasmine looked to be struggling to suppress a giggle at his comment.

"I should hope not. I've doubled the protection on e'ery thing. But I imagine the real trouble will stop once our...traitor is gone." Helena said, taking her seat at the front of the table as Nate pulled out the chair for her. Duncan pulled out Jasmine's chair. She smiled at him, stole a kiss and slipped into her seat. Duncan beat Nate to pulling out a chair for Lexine and gave his cousin a cheeky grin. "And where is the bastard this mornin'?" Duncan asked, only to recieve a smack from Helena. "Ye know me rules about lanuage at the table." She said sternly. "Sorry Aunti Hel." Duncan muttered but chuckled.

Nate supressed his own smirk as he pulled out a chair for his mother before taking his own seat next to Lexine. "He raises a good point, though, mum. Personally, I'm not sure why ye've put up with th'... him, for as long as y' have."

"He is me brother's son." Helena replied with a look. "But he'll be dealt with." "Well obviously, pardon me for butting in, Helena, he's the only one who COULD have let the benshide in last night..." Jasmine said calmly. Helena nodded, although she flashed Jasmine a look. Two stronge willed women at the same table, dangerous combination. Duncan winced. It was a good thing Jasmine had decided they'd go with the others. Helena more then likely would end up at barbs with JAsmine if they stayed any longer. "Well he is bloody a pest." Eire said from his spot next to Xander, who like Lexine was wisely staying silent a topic neither were totally familiar with. "I mean, this whole thing 'bout Nate disownin' the family..." Eire shook his head. "Have ya disowned yer family, Nate?" He asked his best friend with mock seriousness.

Nate snorted. "Hardly.. although I suppose I don't spend as much time 'ere as I should.. do I mum?" he gave a sigh as he saw the brief look on her face that told him he'd spoken the truth, and before she managed to cover it completely, he smiled softly. "Don't mum. No need t' sweeten th' truth. 'Spose Conner's righ' in a way... I'm suppose t' inherit all this, and yet, I'm never here...."

"Well a few more visits would help." Helena said simply. "Conner's just power hungry...he squandered away the fortune his father left 'im, now he wants this one..." Duncan said seriously. "So he's goin' through Lexine t' get it?" Eire asked with a raised eyebrow. "No that implies something more." Jasmine said softly as Duncan poured her a cup of coffee. Helena started to reply, when she inclined her head slightly with a frown as if some one was speaking to her from her right side. "Well it makes sense t' me he'd use Lexine t' get t' Nate..." Xander said softly and felt Eire's hand on his knee under the table. Lexine sighed, staring at the table more then anything else. "Like I said, he's a ba-" Duncan cut himself off with a look at Helena, but she didn't seem to notice he'd almost slipped. "He's coming." Helena said finally, looking up. A few moments later, the door opened and Conner came sauntering in. "Good mornin'." He said with an oily smile, his eyes coming to rest lastly on Lexine.

Nate bite down on his tongue hard enough that he was sure he'd drawn blood, determined not to offend his mother this morning by getting into a battle of insults with his cousin. "Mornin' Connor... slept well, I trust?" he asked as politely as he could, deciding his tongue was fine since he didn't taste blood. He let his hand fall under the table and give LExine's knee a gentle squeeze, letting it stay there for both of their comfort.

"Slept fine despite the storm." Conner answered, with a smirk. "And ye all?" "Peachy keen." Eire muttered, glaring at Conner. he kept his own tongue in check but that didn't stop the looks. He knew Helena'd take him over her knee just as soon as she'd take Nate and Duncan. Xander slid his hand in to Eire's under the table and squeezed with a silent warning not to say the wrong thing. "I think everyone slept just fine." Jasmine said pleasently. Conner's gaze suddenly narrowed on her. They hadn't met. "Who are you?" He asked with slight irritation. Helena's gaze narrowed herself. "Conner, is that any way t' speak t' a lady?!" she snapped. "Sorry, Aunt Helena..." Conner muttered, faking a bashful look. "I'm sorry, I didn't get a chance t' introduce ye." Duncan said biting back a smirk. " Conner, me girlfriend, Jasmine. Jasmine, luvy, me cousin Conner." Duncan introduced them. Jasmine held out her hand, with a rather preditory smirk. "Charmed to meet you, Conner." Conner took her hand hesitatnetly. He obviously realized she wasn't what she was playing to be. "Pleasure." He replied eyeing her

Nate cleared his throat, and gave Lexine's knee another squeeze. "Well, if we're all here then, I suggest we eat... Can't speak fer the rest o' ye, but I'm famished." he glanced at Lexine with a small grin and was rewarded with an equaly weak one in return.

"Yes, I agree." Helena said, before ringing a bell by her elbow, the severants entered, beginning to set up the side bar with breakfast. Conner was still eyeing Jasmine, but slipped into a seat. Duncan leaned toward Jasmine and whispered something in her ear with a smirk and Jasmine giggled. Helena gave them a look and Jasmine gave a sheepish smile, before whacking Duncan in the arm. Duncan chuckled. Lexine tucked a lock of hair behind his ear and tried to ignore the fact that Conner's look turned on to him, and had darkened. "So when do ye plan on headin' for Ireland?" Helena asked conversationally. "I think we planned t' leave t' morrow, wasn't that right, Nate?" Eire asked.

"Aye, tomorrow sounds ' bout right, I 'spose." He said, trying not to pay attention to his cousin. finally though he couldn't take his staring at Lexine any longer. He did his best to keep his voice calm, but cool and calm weren't his normal states of mind. "Connor... is there a reason y' keep starin' holes through m' girl? Or are y' just being rude?"

"Me, Rude? Ne'er." Conner replied with a smirk. Eire snorted, biting his tongue. Xander was giving him an imploring look not to say the wrong thing. Lexine looked in Conner's direction for the first time and gave him a dark look back. Helena raised an eyebrow. "Honestly Conner, ye have more manners than that!" She snapped and Conner dropped his gaze.


Nate continued to stare icily at Connor. "Are y' goin' t' dodge the question with yer excuses, Connor.. or are y' actually going t' be a man an' answer truthfully... fer a change..." he added softly. Lexine gave his hand a squeeze beneath the table as if cautioning him.

Conner arched an eyebrow, giving Nate a look. "Are ye intendin' to bait me 'ere, Natey?" He asked in a mock sweet tone. "Bait?!" Duncan snapped, turning his gaze to Conner who only grinned. "Well if ye weren't such an ASS." Eire put out. Xander and Jasmine both winced. Conner snickered. "Ass, that's a good one." Helena's hand came down on the table with a sudden smack as she stood. "Connor Edmund MacCallugh!" She snapped. "Honestly, Aunt Helena!" Conner said in his own defense. "We don't know any thing 'bout her!" He gestured to Lexine. "What do you want, a complete dosie?" Jasmine snapped. "Thank ye Jasmine," Helena said, but kept her eyes on Conner. "And as I told ye last night, boy! I don't care if she's a Colombian Drug Lard, or an heiress, this is STILL my house! And ye WILL act the gentleman ye so claim t' be or so help me, boy, ye'll rue the day ye EVER crossed me!" Helena snalred, before sitting back down. Lexine had practically slipped as far down in his chair as possible and noticed Xander was in the same way. Eire snickered, until Helena's eyes flashed in his direction and he blushed sheepishly.


"No, yer not bein' 'baited'.. yer being rude an' I deserve t' know why.. an' yer still avoidin' the question. And by th' way... Her mother's the heiress, actually, an' I'm not aware of any drug lards in the family.. although there Is a Lard in there.." Nate said, trying to keep his temper in check in front of his mother by promising himself that h'ed beat the crap out of the bugger later.

"Oh I see, an where'd the two o' ye actually meet?" Conner asked scatchingly. "Conner!" Helena warned. But Conner actually ignored his aunt for the moment. "I'm jus' findin' a little hard t' believe that after all this time, since Michael's death NOW ye show up...with some scarlet woman, t' boot!" Conner snapped. Jasmine turned part way in her chair away from the scene. "Oh lard..." She muttered and met Xander's wide eyes. Eire snarled, and was about to get to his feet.

Nate set his cup down and turned to face his cousin. "Mum, I'm sorry, but I've tried t' put up with him.." he turned back to Connor. "Y've got no right t' question any damned thing I choose to do, Connor. Whether I live here or not, this is still my home.. an' I'd like y' t' get th' fuck out of it." "Nathaniel!" Helena said, but Nate held up a hand and turned a serious look to her, then looked back to his cousin. "Yer nothin' but a gold diggin' son of a bitch, and I want y' gone. I won't be puttin' up with yer crap around m' Lexine. she's done nothing to deserve being treated like this. Yer damned lucky she's not the vengeful sort, Connor or y'd be quakin' in yer boots."

Connor opened his mouth to say something but Duncan appeared at his side. "Ye heard 'im, Conner." Duncan said with obvious joy before grabbing Conner by the scruff of the neck. "Out ye go." He began hauling him out of the chair when Conner rounded and socked Duncan across the jaw. Duncan whipped back around and hit Conner in the stomach. Helena sat for a moment with her face in her hand, before rolling her eyes heaven ward. Connor lunged at Duncan, stricking another blow. They crashed into the side board. Helena gave Nate an expaserated look at if to say, 'See what you started?' Eire was out of his chair with a snarl, even before Xander could stop him.

Nate gave his mother a shrug before calmly standing up and moving to join the fray. "Had t' be said, mum." he grabbed a hold of Duncan's shoulder and pulled him aside in time to duck a swing form Connor before driving his own fist across the mans jaw. eire slammed through them and tackled Connor around the middle taking both of them to the floor. Nate turned a look on duncan. "Stupid daft move that was... should've brained the bastard first, THEN tossed 'im out.."

"Ye would've thought he'd spared the ladies any blood shed." Duncan said rubbing his jaw. "Wha' ye talkin' 'bout?! This is Conner..." Eire growled from his spot. Duncan reached down, a death hold on the back of Conner's neck. "This isn't the last of me ye've seen..." conner snarled as Duncan and Eire dragged him toward the door. Half way to the door, Conner gaze landed on Lexine, dark and menacing. Lexine stared back wide eyed. Duncan and Eire wrestled Conner out of the room and they could hear the commotion all the way down the hall and into the greeting hall, before the sound of the door slamming followed. Helena shook her head. "Me brother's rollin' in his grave right now..." She muttered.

"Yer brother woulda' been rollin' in his grave at his son's behavior an' yer puttin' up with it, mum. I don't like th' way he was lookin' at Lexine... I think he's up t' somethin'... I don't want him any where near her.." Nate said as he made an attempt at setting some of the things right before resuming his seat. "I know y' don't want t' consider it, mum.. but Connor... he's not..." Nate sighed and waved it off as Duncan and Eire came back into the room. "We'll be outa yer hair tommorrow, at any rate. I 'spose I'll see about taking some time off from Chaos Inc t' come here and see t' things...."

Helena eyed her son thoughtfully, but said nothing. Duncan sat down again, next to Jasmine, eyeing a scratch on his arm. Jasmine looked at him and Duncan gave her a cheeky grin. "Should've just beat the livin' sh...snot out o' him..." Eire muttered sitting back back down. Xander was staring at him and Eire gave him a grin. Mr. Brown entered the breakfast room and crossed to Helena's side, whispering something and Helena nodded, before standing. "Excuse me." She said with a nod to all present at the table before following Mr. Brown. Duncan watched her go with a look. "Damn it, I hate it when she's up t' somethin', the last couple weeks, she's been disappearin' left and right." He said to Nate.


Nate cast a glance after his mothers and shrugged. "She's got a lot on her shoulders. Lards know she doesn't have enough help with it all.. can't blame fer bein' secretive at times.. .. after all.. 'spose it runs in th' family.." he added giving Duncan a smirk as he lifted Lexine hand to his lips for a kiss. "Well... what d'we say we finish breakfast?"

Duncan was about to say something, when Jasmine leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Leave it be for now, luv." She said softly settling back in her chair and picking up her coffee cup. Eire was already eating, Xander watched him with a bemused expression and shook his head slightly. "So if we're leavin' tomorrow, what are we up to today?" Xander asked. "Well I don't think ye and Lexine've seen the rest o' the house an' grounds yet, have ye?" Duncan asked. Xander shook his head.

Nate gave a snort. "Oh aye.. after all.. th' first part of th' tour was such a bloomin' success after all..." he smirked into his coffee and noticed how quiet Lexine was. "Lexi, babdoll... what's wrong? If it's Conner.. don't let the bastard get t' ya..."

"Oh yes, I'm so sure Lexine enjoyed watchin; ya run those horses t' death, last night." Duncan replied with a roll of his eyes. Lexine shook his head slight, turning his eyes from the window. "Nothin', just lost in thought." He answered softly. Eire looked up. "'bout what?" Eire asked. Lexine gave him a look. "Does it matter?" Eire shrugged, then sat back in his chair. "I suppose once we get t' Ireland, we can use me house...may be a bit dusty though." Eire said. Xander raised an eyebrow

Nate slipped an arm around Lexine's shoulders and pulled her against him, kissing her hair. "I'm here, babydoll.. don't be forgettin' that..." he said softly.

Lexine smiled softly, leaning against Nate. "Just because it's a bit dusty, doesn't mean anything." Jasmine said from her spot to Eire. "Well it's bit more then just a BIT dusty, Jasmine." Eire replied. "Haven't been there...in a few years...Last time it was used was fer a job.." "As I said, I'm sure it can be taken care of." Jasmine replied with a look. Eire went to open his mouth but Jasmine's look increased and he snapped his mouth shut, hearing Xander snicker from beside him.

"Of course it can be cleaned.. if it's still standin'." Nate chimed in, smiling. Th' weight o' th' dust bunnies might a pulled th' thing t' th' groudn by now..."

"Yeah I really should've set up somethin' to see bout keepin' the place in workin' order." Eire said with a sheepish expression. "Other wise, Nate's probably right." "So why haven't you?" Jasmine grilled. "Wha?" Eire looked up a bit taken back. "Why haven't you set up housekeeping?" "I..." "Oh I see," Jasmine cut in with a look. "You don't want to go back to Ireland, but you still own the house...." She clicked her tongue. Eire blinked. "Now wait a moment!" He protested. "waiting." Jasmine replied in a singsong tone. Eire blinked again. He looked at Xander who shrugged.


Nate chuckled. "Give it up, boyo.. no use arguin' with her..." he took a sip of his coffee then continued with a smirk. "Besides, th' place will be fine.. I took th' liberty t' see t' it.. after th' last time.." he shook his head ruefully. "Perhaps I should spend some time t'day helpin' mum... startin' t' feel a mite guilty about leavin' all this t'her... care t' help out, luv? Learn the witch family trade?"

Lexine raised an eyebrow, "Wouldn't I be a nuesance?" Eire was fuming in his chair, giving Jasmine a look, but Jasmine was pointedly ignoring Eire. Xander chuckled and leaned over toward Eire and said something to him, that got Eire's attention and Eire smirked, giving him a look back. Duncan raised an eyebrow watching them, but Eire just grinned at him. "Hey yeah, go ahead Nate...we'll find somethin' else to distract ourselves." Eire said. Jasmine rolled her eyes.

Nate chuckled at eire and Xander. "I'm sure y' will at tha'.." he tunred back to Lexine. "Not at all, luv. And if yer plannin' on stickin' with me... it's somethin' yer gonna wind up helpin' with sooner or later..." he added softly, stroking her bottom lip with his thumb as he spoke..

Lexine smiled back a bit more, "Might as well then." she said softly noticing Eire and Xander already getting to their feet. "Whare are you two going?" Jasmine inquired. "A walk." Eire answered with a snicker. "Walk me arse." Duncan snorted. Eire raised his eye brows amusingly before heading for the door, Xander in tow. Eire leaned close to Xander and pinched him, Xander stifled a yelp and Eire took off down the hall. Duncan gave Nate al ook. "I would've thought ye'd told those two t' be careful..."


Nate gave a snort. "Dunc... d'ye think I didn't? Not as if it really matters... I don't think mum would care one way or t'other..." he went quiet for a moment, his hand stroking Lexine shoulder as he stared into his coffee cup, then with a smikr he moved the cup away and looked back at his cousin. "Besides... d'ye really think we're follin' her? this is Helena MacDonnell we're talkin about.. no doubt she knew from th' start and is merely humourin' us..."

"Yeah, well, look, it's not like any o' us could've just walzted in and say this is who we're with, so bad so sad, and not consider wha she would've thought, Lard, she would've taken the switch t' us just for bein' so cheeky." Duncan said with a look. "But yeah...well, Michael DID start the whole ball rollin', so." Jasmine gave Duncan a look. "He's right, Jas...Auntie Hel probably already knows who and what ye are!" Duncan replied. Jasmine snorted. "The King of Ter Nah Nog, doesn't even know! How do you think I've survived so long, hmm?"

Nate chuckled. "She's right, Dunc... Jasmine's probably th' only one though. Although, with mum, ye never know.." he gave a shrug. "I suppose I should tell her anyhow... squash those grandbaby ideas she might be gettin'..."

"Yeah, that's gonna break her heart, Nate." Duncan said with a look. Lexine bit his lip, looking back out the window. Jasmine watched Lexine, and snickered softly, turning her gaze to Nate. "Well you never know...The Seal is rather...mysterious where certain things like that are concerned. After all, there is no if ands or buts considering Lexine will have to have an heir." Jasmine said softly taking another sip of coffee and lighting a cigarette. Duncan raised an eyebrow. "Yer bein' evasive, Jasmine, ye know I HATE it when yer evasive..."

Nate snorted, eyeing Jasmine curiously. "Ye don't mean..." he glanced at Lexine then shook his head. "Lards girl... tha's just .. bafflin'... don't go there right now. Strange crap happnes, we'll deal with it then.. let's not go borrowing more!"

Jasmine laughed softly. "Just consider it as a warning for when the strange crap DOES happen, because chances are, it will..." She said, taking a drag. Lexine raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a confussed expression. "Find the seal first, then you'll understand." Jasmine said. Duncan snickered. "I think I know what Jas means..be twisted as hell, but..."

Nate turned and stole a kiss before smirking at her. "Jasmine is insuatin' tha' since y' need t' have a heir.. if y' stick with a guy ... yer gonna become a girl so it'll still happen... think it would be simpler t' find yerself a girl d' it th' old fashioned way m' self.." he shrugged and winked across the table at Duncan, knowing Lex was about to do something to him for the comment.

Lexine smacked him hard in the shoulder giving him a look. "Very funny and who would suggest, smart ass?" Lexine inquired. Duncan ducked his head, snickering and Jasmine shook her head softly, before offering Lexine a cigarette. "well actually...I don't think that would matter actually..." She said. "How do you know so much" Lexine inquired. "I make it my business to know about the Seal." Jasmine said with a shrug.

Nate raised an eyebrow. "Are y' sayin'.. tha' th' only way Lexine CAN have a kid.. is.."he waved his hands around for a moment trying to find the right words.."y' know?!"

Jasmine smirked, handing Lexine her lighter. "Of course, actually that's the ONLY way...so it'll happen sooner or later." Lexine's head hit the table, with a groan. AT the same time the door was opening again and Helena entered, an eyebrow raised, she eyed each of them. Duncan trying to stiffle his snicker, Jasmine smirking, Lexine with her head on the table and Nate. "Did I miss something?" Helena inquired calmly, eyeing Nate.

"Discussin' wha' th' future might be holdin' fer Lexine an' m'self.." Nate said, biting back the smirk that kept trying to creep onto his face. Duncan gave a soft snort and Nate just shot him a mischievious look. "Yer jus' jealous.." he managed to get out before cracking up and laughing,. earning an even more confused and somewhat suspicious look form his mother.

"From the way ye sounded from the hall, me dear son, didn't sound t' me like ye knew what ye were talkin' bout." Helena replied, giving him a look. "One would think ye'd have been better...versed in those ways by now..." Jasmine had to stifle her snicker and caught an amused look from Lexine as he propped his chin on his hand and stared at Nate with a look. Duncan snorted, and bit down hard on the inside of his cheek.

Nate felt his face burn with a blush. "Well, mum.. it's a wee bit more comlicated then' all tha'..." he managed to get out, wiping the corner of his eye with his thumb. He looked to Lexi and cracked up again at the expression on her face. "I'm sorry, luv.. I know yer not findin' this very amusin'... "

"You're right, I'm not finding it very amusing." Lexine replied, with a look, before picking up her coffee cup again. Helena smacked Nate upside the head as she passed by him, but it wasn't hard, playful if anything. "I thought I taught you better consideration then that." She said as she headed toward the door that lead into the kitchen of the manor. Duncan was now snickering into his coffee. Jasmine reached over and patting Lexine's hand. "Don't worry luv, it'll alright its self in the end." "Yus, that what I'm afraid of..." Lexine muttered,

Nate rubbed his nose with a smirk as he watched his mother pass through into the kitchen, then turned to Lexine. "Come on now, Lexine.. would it be so bad? Havin' a little red headed baby ot two toddlin' around after ya?"

"Shouldn't you be asking yourself that same question?" Lexine replied. "Unless of course you don't plan on being around then..." she said even softer, turning her eyes away. Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "Well I should think you'd have awhile before THAT..." She said. "Course, chances are once you find the seal...the change would happen...at least I'm willing to put my money on that..."

Nate frowned softly and stood pulling Lexine up out of her chair. "Excuse us fer a momnet, will ye?" he asked and gently ushered her into the hall, closing the door behind them. "Lexine.." he said softly, sliding his hands around her waist. "What d'ye mean, ' unless yer not plannin' n bein' around then'... I love ye, babydoll.. I don' plan on going anywhere unless it's with ya." he said softly, looking down at her. "As fer th' possiblities of babies in yer future..." he gave a soft laugh. "I was hopin' I'd be th' one ye'd be havin' em with.. but if ye've got some other bloke in mind..."

"Oh for the love..." Lexine rolled her eyes and gave him a look. "As in who, I ask you? Eire? Certainly not..." There came a yelp from outside, which signled Eire and Xander were still playing. Lexine sighed, and leaned against him, resting her hands against his chest. "To be perfectly honest, it had better be you..."

Nate chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. "Good then.. so enough o' this garbage about me not bein' around... if y' do turn into a girl fer real, babydoll... I hope y' consider marryin' me." he said softly, his hands gently rubbing her back as he held her.

Lexine blinked, looking up at him, slightly wided. For a moment she was reminded of their first kiss in her kitchen, thanks to Aloysius. "Are you serious?" She asked in a whisper.

Nate blushed slightly, as if suddenly realizing what he'd said. "Well.. yes. I mean... well... yeah, babydoll... I am."

"Well I suppose...if..or should say WHEN, the way Jasmine puts it, should I...become a girl for real." Lexine said with a gesture and amused look. "My answer would be yes..." There was another yelp outside, followed Xander yelling. "I'll get you for that, Eire!" followed by the sound of the front door opening again and running footsteps.

Nate ignored the pounding footsteps growing closer as he looked donw at Lexine, suddenly very aware that he'd just sort of asked him to marry him.. and he'd just sort of agreed to. With a sudden grin he swept him off his feet and spun him around before setting him back down and kissing him soundly.

Lexine was caught completely by surprise by Nate's action and even more by surprise when Eire came busting around the corner and scampered behind them, laughing hysterically. "He's gonna kill me." Eire snickered. Lexine looked at him in confusion, than looked back down the hall to see a very wet Xander stalking their way. "What did you do?!" Lexine asked, looking back at Eire who still hiding behind Nate. "He shoved me in the pound." Xander growled. "I can't help it! i feel like a kid around here!" Eire replied, still laughing.

Nate chuckled before pointing at the door. "Out o' here, b'fore mum seesy' drippin' all o'er her floor!" he said, pulling Lexine to safety, away from the driping Xander.

Xander made a swipe for Eire who ducked around the other side of the couple with a laugh and headed for the door with Xander right behind him again. "Ten to one says Xander freezes him in his spot before he can get safely away." Lexine said softly looking back at Nate. Jasmine and Duncan appeared in the door way. "Wha's all the noise?" Duncan asked. "Eire shoved Xander into the pound." Lexine answered. Duncan snorted. "I seem t' remember when Eire did the same thing t' Michael and Nate both..." Duncan said with a smirk, eyes sparkling. "I think they chased him fer a good three hours...or was it more?" He looked at Nate.

Nate snorted. "At least... bugger. But somehow, I doubt Xander will be needin' t' chase 'im that long..." he said with a smirk before nodding to the dining room. "Mum still in th' kitchen, or is she in there?"

"Still in the kitchen, workin' with her herbs." Duncan answered. They heard Eire yelp this time and Xander laughing. Lexine smirked, having a good idea what Xander had just done. Jasmine shook her head amused, leaning against the door frame, holding Duncan's hand. "Well then." She said. "I take it youv'e worked out what ever little problem that reared in there, over the future events..." Lexine frowned slightly. "Are you...sure, Jasmine...?" "Oh, absolutely. You see, Lexi, dear, the Seal can't have it any other way...I think it's only been waiting until you were drawn to going...home to say." Jasmine said seriously.

Nate looked thoughtful. "So yer sayin' it's only a matter o' time, then?" he asked Jasmine, his eyes wandering to the door. Jasmine smirked. "Yes, definately. Whether or not he remains a she after the birth of the heir is another story, although I see no reason why the change would reverse..." Nate tunred back to Lexine. "Wait here fer me, luv.. I'll be right back.. I need to ask mum somethin.." he said and kissed him quickly before slipping free and dashing into the dinning room to the kitchen beyond.

"Well this certianly makes things more interesting..." Lexine muttered, watching Nate heading for the kitchen. "What? Nate proposing or the whole deal with the seal?" Jasmine asked, eyes sparkling. "How did..." "Intitution dearest." Jasmine replied, "Plus an acute sense of hearing." She winked. Duncan smirked. "All of it." Lexine answered, leaning against the wall. "Well chances are, I rather doubt it would reverse it's self...the Seal would perfer it that way anyway." Jasmine said. "I think...the fates only did what they did...with the hope...shielding you from...certain bad guys." She said thoughtfully, as Duncan slid an arm around her waist. Lexine sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. "So how do I find the seal anyway?" "Oh...you'll know, once you find the door..." Jasmine said softly but looked momentarily worried.

Nate skidded across the kitchen floor as he burst into the room, earning a dark look form his mother. He ignored the look and caught her in a hug, kissing her cheek. "Mum .. I need t' pop int' th' safe and grab somethin', if y' don' mind... I remember seein' a pretty little silver an' diamond ring in there..."

Helena raised an eyebrow, wiping her hands off on a dish towel. "What ever for?" She inquired, then raised her eyebrow higher. "Is there somethin' ye should be tellin' me, boy'o?" She asked.


Nate grinned. "Apparently ye'll be plannin' a weddin'.... some time after we get back from Ireland I suppose.. haven't realy set a date yet.. just sort of.. asked." he chuckled.

"A wedding? Ye asked Lexine?" Helena replied, looking half amused, half exapserated. "Jus' like that?" She snapped her fingers. "Yer as impetious as yer father. Ne'er thinkin' things through...always followin' yer heart." She shook her head, but left her work, heading for a side door that lead across the hall into the study, were the safe was. "I suppose I should've seen it comin'. At least intend t' ask her properly, jus' don't thrust the ring on her finger." She was still shaking her head.

Nate laughed softly as he followed her. "O' course... I'll plan it real careful.. lots o' romatic stuff t' make it memorable an' all tha'.." he said, rocking back on his heels as he waited for her to open the safe. "And I just didnae 'ask'... well, I sort o' did, I 'spose.. I just said I hoped if.. well.. if she was gonna have kids, they'd be with me.. an' well..." he shrugged, knowing he was bluching like crazy and grinning like an idiot.

Helena opened the safe, and turned to look at him with a serious expression. "Jus be sure this is what ye want, Nathaniel." She said softly, before gesturing to the safe and stepping a side. "She is a very sweet...girl, shy, but sweet. Well mannored." Helena said thoughtfully, she glanced at the portrait of her late husband and had to smile slightly.

Nate caught the hesitation on the word 'girl' and snorted softly. "Mum.. I know y' know.. Lexine's not a girl. But he's the Daughter of the Seal.. Jasmine says tha' th' seal needs an heir an' seems t' believe tha' Lexine will be... becomin' a girl fer real when she finds th' Seal..." he took a deep breath. "I love th' boy, mum.. an' he really is as sweet an' shy an' well mannered.. when he's not pretendin' t' be a girl.. which he usually doesn't do, I might add...an' even if he doesn't turn int' a girl.. I still wouldn't want t' be with anyone else.."

"I'm jus' tellin' ye t' make sure it's what ye want." Helena replied. "An' yes, I know...I knew the moment ye introduced us. But I appericate the idea of sparin' me feelin's on the matter." She said giving him a look. "As fer being the Daughter o' the Seal...I have a passing knowledge o' that...an' yet I have the feelin' Jasmine is probably right on it." She reached over and took Nate's chin, turning his head, to look him in the eyes. "If ye love Lexine, then jus' be happy. Ye have me blessin'."

Nate grinned again and pulled his mother into a hug, lifting her off the floor as he did. "Thank ye, mum. Tha' means more then y'll ever know." he said and quickly turned to the safe to find the ring he remembered. A brief search and he found it in almost the same place he remembered seeing it last and slipped the small box into his pocket for the right time.

Helena shook her head with amusement while heading back toward the door to go back to the kitchen and her work. "Well I suppose Lexine wouldn't be the first elemental in the family..." She said thoughtfully. "And ye tell Eire and Xander if they get water on me floor again, I'll hide 'em both!"

Duncan had offered to show Lexine some of the other down stairs rooms. "An' this is the grand ballroom..." A large art deco style ballroom with a intricat paterned tile floor, it had a large fireplace with the family crest over top of it, and victorian funiture around the edges. "I love this room." Jasmine said, with a smile. "Great fer weddin' receptions..." Duncan said with a smirk. Lexine shook his head, giving them both a look. "Well it is...every family wedding hold the reception here." Duncan said seriously.

Nate was heading back to the hall where he'd left Lexine when he heard Duncan's voice and followed the sound instead. "Here y' be.. getting the grand tour, are y'?" he asked coming up behind Lexine and wrapping his arms around him. "Mum says if we see eire and Xander were 'sposed t' tell 'em she'll hide 'em both if they get her floor wet again.."

"Oh I doubt they have the idea of any more water games on their mind by now..." Jasmine said, running a hand over the mantal of the fireplace. "I was jus' tellin' Lexine, that the family has every wedding reception 'ere." Duncan said smirking. Jasmine moved toward a window that over looked a side field, and watched Xander playing fetch with a very energetic silver wolf. "Well the room is certianly big enough to hold a reception." Jasmine said turning from the window. As she did how ever a shot rang out over the ground, causing both Lexine and Jasmine to jump. Duncan was already at the window.

Nate was out the door and running before the echo even doed off. " Stay inside...Jasmine! stay with Lexine!" he yelled over his shoulder, pausing long enough to pop open the hidden closet in the hall panelling and grab one of the rifles, loading it as he ran.

Duncan cast a look out the window, along with Jasmine. Lexine moving toward the window as well. Neither Eire or Xander were seen until the silver wolf head popped up in the field. Duncan turned, and sprinted after Nate. "Ye two stay here!" He called over his shoulder and almost ran right into Helena in the hall. "Was that a gunshot?!" She demanded. "Fraid so, Auntie. No worries, Nate an' I'll take a look." Helena moved into the grandball room, crossing over to the window with the other two. "I don't see Xander..." Lexine muttered. Jasmine cast a worried look at her, both thinking the same thing.

Nate heard feet pounding along behind him, following his own move and pausing at the hidden gun closet. "Hurry yer arse, Dunc! "He called back over his shoulder as he reache dthe door and peered out. "Did it hit anyone?" Ducan slid to a stop beside him. "Saw Eire pop up.. doens't look like it got him.. but we didna see Xander anywhere..."

The silver wolf was seen in the field to pop up again, as if checking to see if the cost was clear. As he did, another shot rang out, sounding like it came from near the tree line and Eire dropped down again. "Bloody 'ell." Duncan muttered, loading the gun he'd grabbed, while glancing toward the tree line across the field.

Nate was already taking aim at the area he was pretty sure the shot had come form. He searched along the treeline using the guns site and suddenly took a shot. There was a sudden snapping form the trees and something moved away deeper into the trees. "Damn!" he swore, sighting for a second shot.


 






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  Skye, Ruex, Sage, Washu & Miss Frost .
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