Just the right gifts ( open to everyone)

[damienlove]

Damien would walk with her hand in hand. His head turned to the sides taking in the views of the mountain range. He may not have looked at her the entire time but she had his ears one hundred percent. He really knew nothing of the land Agnes was from. For what he knew he left this land because of her family. He was very intrigued by the story of the Marked Ones. Damien had a soft spot for hearing about the history of places. He also liked to know all he could about the great protective orders in the world.

"I still think I could talk to this man. There are more then one means of duty. I believe your duty is not to just this land but all lands. You are a protector of all beings. A higher calling by the god or gods you worship. I believe that they may understand." If not they were fools. There was more to the world than this little city. They would have to go through him if they tried to pry this woman from her family "I shall keep them away from you regardless while you are here. I say spend as much time as you like. They would dare not harm a mage as accomplished as yourself and a paladin. A waste of forces for two people that could be better spent else where."

[agnes]

She sighed softly and released his hand as she walked to the edge of the terrance and looked out over the lands. For a long moment she was silent as she shook her head. " You may attempt to speak with one of the Marked Ones, Damien, but it changes nothing at all. Our lands have survived this way for generations. And I am not the first that has been given the choice , and have chosen my own path instead of that offered by the Marked Ones. "She explained softly. " I am no protector, I am no holy beacon of purity. "She stated softly as she looked at him. " I could not even give an oath to the Little Gods that they would accept. "

" I simply wish only to see my family which they have graciously allowed me.. they didn't have to. "She allowed with a quieting within her soul. Again she would have wished to lean more toward the melocholy, perhaps the self pity, but it wasn't within her to do so. She looked at him for his words of he would protect her as she chuckled softly. " And this is why you are a most splendid knight. "She grinned. " But there are some moments that it is best to pass with the current then attempt to forge a new bridge within waters far deeper then you or I have swam. "

The soft cough came from the doorway behind Damien. " I don't mean to interupt but.. Mother is demanding you both rejoin us , else she will go into one of her fits. " Caleb spoke up with a roll of his eyes. Agnes chuckled and gave a small nod. "Of course if you would rather I tell her you and your knight here.. are.. otherwise engaged? "he smirked and ducked back inside.

" Caleb Martin! "She shook her head. " Come with a limited time now passing .. lets make the best of it? "She lifted her chin slightly. The rest.. well she'd deal with likely when it didn't quite feel as the world were pressing in on her.

[damienlove]

He smiled as he pressed his body next to hers looking out over the terrace. He closed his eyes, pictures of the mountains remained imprinted in his mind. He inhaled deeply through his nose and slowly exhaled as he listened to her words. Sadly they rang true. Despite his valor and experience this would probably be one battle he could never win. He would never admit that outright though he was too proud of a man to do such a thing.

"Once again Agnes I think you underestimate yourself. You are a Grand Magi at the institute. You are almost among the elite of the elite when it comes to magic. Just because you are not the best at poking people with sharp objects does not make you any less worthy" He snickered and gave her hips a little bump with his own when he heard Caleb. He put his hand up to his mouth as a snort escaped trying to quiet it. He looked to Agnes and stood up straight offering his arm to escort her "Well Lady Agnes I guess we must be off. No good will come of making your mother wait"

[agnes]

There was a soft squeak of surprise by that light bump as she looked up at him and giggled quietly as she shook her head. The roll of her eyes was a bit overly done before her hand lifted and came to rest on that offered arm. " I'm just really nothing more then a fancy bookworm. "She reasoned. " And lets My Lord Damien, else.. she'll start planning a future neither of us are suited for."She gave a small nod.

While not a future, maybe a reception? Oh.. and at least expecting a half dozen grandchildren, as her siblings played along with the game her mother had launched herself into. Most of the guest had lost their wish to remain after the appearance of the Marked One. To be perfectly honest that was fantastic in Agnes's eyes..she really didn't like most of those people when she was younger.. and that hadn't changed.

"AH..there you two are.. come.. Rebbie..go and fetch them something to drink.. " Her mother spoke to the younger of the two women. " Since Agnes is so terrible at this.. you've met the boys.. "the aged hand waved to Caleb and Cedric. " That is Rebecca and my precious girl Olivia.. "She patted the pregnant woman's hand. " You're sister Elsa was feeling under the weather.. " The explanation came as Agnes lifted a brow. " Oh she has since that last baby.. no worries the clerics say she's fine. "She waved it off. " I think she just wants that husband of hers to stay home more with her. " A bit of family gossip? Of course.

Agnes moved to one of the chairs and seated herself with a small smile to Rebecca as she brought over the two glasses of punch. " Thanks Reb.." Though the woman flashed agnes a tooo sweet smile.

"So.. Damien how much of Agnes do you know? " SHe asked as Agnes looked at her and sighed quietly.

"Please don't...."She knew this was going to happen. Ah well..

[damienlove]

Damien stood quietly by Agnes as all the introductions were made. He smiled a bit nervously knowing very well he would mix up the names and faces eventually. Oh how he could go for something to drink. A real drink but this would not be the time or place for such "Might I get some tea? It would be greatly appreciated after such a long journey"

His eyes widened slightly at the question presented to him. He looked to Agnes and gave her hand a squeeze "It is alright Agnes no troubles here." His gaze turned to Lady Clayborn after taking a deep breath to calm his nerves as his heart seemed to start pounding threw his chest. "Well I have to admit Agnes was quite shy when she first arrived to the Order. It took some time but she has really open up to me. I am one of the very few she has really spoken much to. I am lucky though she is a magnificent person. I could not be happier that we met"

[agnes]

Agnes decided it was that moment to rise to get the tea Damien had requested. As her elder sister snorted softly. " Shy? Try the walls breath heavier then she does.. honestly if it wasn't for the fact there were always books laying about? I could have sworn I had only two sisters! " Rebecca announced as she watched Agnes move off to the side cart. The rest of the siblings had all joined in around the couches and chairs scattered here and there.

" I had Francis convinced there was a ghost living on the second floor. " Caleb spoke up as his wife gave him a chiding little look though giggled softly. " Its true.. we saw her so rarely. "

" So was it romantic.. the way you met? " Cedric's wife asked meekly from his side.

" Not really, it was in the college in Rhydin. "Agnes spoke up. " Damien and I attended a class or two together. "She explained as she set the tea cup down in exchange for the punch Rebecca had gotten him.

" I bet it was love at first sight.. " gushed Francis as Agnes rolled her eyes. "Well he is a knight.. " She pointed out. The stories at that point began about Agnes and her well.. more ackward years.. yes those more ackward then now! It was Rebecca that finally spoke up , looking at her mother.

" Do you remember how Agnes swore she'd never love again.. "She declared dramatically, an arm flinging over her forehead , while the other of course draped acrossed her belly. Agnes looked at her , the expression paled a little.

"Please Bee... " she really didn't want to live through this again.

" Oh but A.. I must... I really really must! "She grinned as all big sisters do. Evil! "Did Agnes ever tell you she's rather adept at playing the piano? " She asked Damien with an evil grin. " Mother decided it would be nice if Agnes learned something other then stuffing her nose in a book.. what was that man's name... "She looked off toward the younger sibling.

The sudden bounce came with the bright smile. " Oh oh oh oh.. Mistral Sabian Faus.. " She even added that little sigh as Agnes buried her face into her hands. "Agnes was absolutely IN-FATUATED with the poor man. "

" Nevermind he was twenty years older then she was. What was worse.. he had a little nickname for you didn't he dear? " Rebecca asked far too sweetly, was she enjoying this? Oh.. just a little. " His little Lullaby.. so very sweet.. Agnes even wrote him a song."

" I was twelve.. by the way.. "She noted somewhat tartly. See.. SEEE.. this is why she knew this was going to be a very bad idea.

" Twelve going on twenty , or so she thought. She swore as soon as she found out the man was to be married that she'd never fall in love again. " Rebecca announced with a fake sniffle.

" The girl moped around for days afterwards. " Her mother chipped in as Agnes just idly wondered if they were having fun here.

"Do you have a nickname for Agnes ? " Francis asked.

[damienlove]

Damien stood and listened to all that was going on. He looked to Agnes every so often just to see the expression on her face. Had it been anyone else he would have busted out laughing and teased her about being called little lullaby. But he had too much respect for the mage. Eyes shifted around the room as all the words sunk in about Agnes "No she neglected to tell me about all this. For good reason I am sure. I can be a bit on the jealous side" He smiled and gave Agnes a bit of a nudge " Well I really do not have a nickname for Agnes. I respect her greatly and find it too disrespectful to her to just throw out any pet name that every man uses to try and pick up a woman"

He knew very well Agnes had a nickname for him, Rake. Hopefully that would be kept quiet during this meeting things were awkward enough. At least it was for her and he was sure of that. He was lieing through his teeth at the time knowing well he was not good at it. But he had to try. This would most likely be the last time Agnes ever saw her family so he had to give a good performance. As long as they did not expect any making our grandchildren he could get away with it. He had a love back in Rhyfellion to worry about.

[agnes]

Both Caleb and Cedric looked at each other then back over to Damien. "She threatened you didn't she? " Caleb asked and sighed with a pained filled expression. " Its alright.. they get us where it hurts the most.. " He offered a sympathic nod.

" The wallet.. " Cedric spoke up with a groan.. of course then it became quite real when he got elbowed for his troubles. "See.. its all the women from this kingdom.. they are abusive. " This of course won out in nothing more then the light hearted laughing and such.

Agnes was just slowly shaking her head as she held her cup of tea. However with the company gone.. there was a sudden thundering of feet that raced in through the back doors. Rebecca and the others smiled as the small herd of children thundered in. For most of the older children they knew Agnes as they came racing inside. For a moment the young lady seemed a little overwhelmed but of course she didn't stay that way long. The parents of the younglings just watched as they seemed to all speak to her at one time. She looked at them and laughed softly.
Though really only catching snatched pieces of their rambling conversations. "I got a horse" Its not a horse its a pony.. " " its a horse! " "I got a new dress! " " Mommas takin me to Madame Elza's.. " they all seemed rather excited though it was a smaller one that tugged on her arm. " Who's he? " The small finger pointed at Damien.

" That is Lord Damien Love, he is from Rhyfellion.. thats where I live now. "she explained as well half a dozen pairs of eyes shifted and stared at Damien.

" He's awful big. " stated one of the boys " He's bigger den Daddy" Which of course had them all laughing quietly.

" They grow them pretty big there. "Agnes admitted with a small nod.

" can you make a rainbow? " one of the little girls asked finally as the other children grinned and looked back at her. " Thats why yous left.. you said you was goin somewhere ta learn to make more rainbows.. " the little girl insisted.

Agnes took a moment to consider that as she looked over toward her Mother. The woman only gave a small nod. " I did learn to make rainbows.. "She spoke softly as she moved away from the gathering of Adults, though even they seemed curious of what their little wayward sister had gone away to learn.

The quiet sign was given as she delved into her core and carefully withdrew the thread of energy, the delicate lift of her hand as she opened her eyes , casting the simple cantrip of light, though displaying the subtle shades as they arched from her hand and spilled out acrossed the room. which of course the littles were dazzled and bounced around, running through the colors as Agnes couldn't help but laugh at. People often wondered why she was so drawn to light? The smiles and giggles at this moment in time, was the true reason why.

As the spell came to an end, the children began to pile around her again. " Now .wait.. calm down.. I do seem to have remembered presents in my bags... though.. I wonder.. give them to you now.. or make you wait... "She tapped her chin as well the explosion of voices and bouncing bundles of energy which were pint sized and chattering a mile a minute. The young lady winced a little as she held up her hands, she was just about to try and calm the gaggle down when the bellow came from the hallway.

"Bring down that damned Noise! " Agnes winced as well as the children as she took a small step forward. The slam of a door came as her Father stepped to the edge of the room. " There are some of us that haven't called this a holiday and given up on family all together. " He came across with a stern glare that swept the room and landed for a moment on Damien then came to rest solely on Agnes. She gave a small nod.

"Forgive them father.. it was my fault. "She stated quietly. The man pursed his lips then retreated again before another slam of a door.

" Don't worry Agnes you know how he gets.. " Caleb spoke up quietly as the others chimed in their sentiments as she gave a small smile and nod.

She looked at the faces of the littles around her. " After dinner this evening.. alright? I haven't even had a chance to unpack. "She promised them as they nodded , though even down to the smallest of the children kept themselves quiet. " Why don't you all go and play for a bit? " She encouraged as they slowly departed the room.. though Rebecca finally pushed herself up and waddled after them. She didn't say anything but rested her hand on Agnes' shoulder for a moment. The fake smile was plastered onto Agnes' face.. as if she ignored all of what had happened. Water beneath the bridge.. right? She turned as the others began to take their leave as well. Her brother helped her Mother to her feet.

" That old bastard.. don't you worry about him. Hmph.. its good to see you home. Now then.. you and Damien will take the guest room.. I've already had the servants move your things up there. "She patted her cheek.

" Mother I.. don't think that it would be .. "
" Nonsense.. I'm old.. but not that old. "She winked at Agnes and sighed. " I.. am going to take a nap. " She announced and set off out of the room, with Francis walking beside her.

[damienlove]

Damien stood a bit overwhelmed as the children flooded in. He smiled warmly and watched all the interactions that went on. It seems Agnes secretly loved children. At least she was really good with them. He turned and looked a bit confused at her fathers words. That is of course until he heard he would be sleeping in the same room as Agnes

His eyes almost bugged out of his head at the thought. He took Agnes with his arm and tried to quickly get to their room without running. Upon reaching the room he almost yanked her arm off pulling her in and closing the door. "Well ummmmmmm........So how is this exactly supposed to work Agnes. Is there a closet I can sleep in or something?" He looked around extremely nervous. His love was going to kill him for this he was sure of it. "And what was that all about with your Dad. Still the mad your not fufulling your duty thing? I am so confused here you have to help me"

[agnes]

Agnes was attempting to explain! Though she was caught up by Damien which earned him an odd look as well. She had to nearly jog to keep up with the long legged pace he set. She was a bit shorter!! Once they had arrived at the room, she yelped as he tugged her inside. She stood with her back to the door as she looked up at him wide eyed. " What? No.. don't be silly. "She rolled her eyes at him. Though she was rubbing her arm.

" Its very simple, you'll sleep here.. I'll sleep in my old room. "She stated quietly. "I'll come back at first light.. and no one wil be the wiser. "She pointed out. "Honestly Damien, I am very appreciative of your company.. though I will not dishonor either of us by even ... considering. "She stated firmly. He was nervous.. she had no intention of ending up dead over a ruse, thankyousoverymuch!

The hand lifted and passed over her face as she sighed quietly. " I haven't a clue why my father is still upset.. I am fairly certain at some point this evening he will be more then happy to let me in on it... trust me. We just have to get through dinner this evening.. and breakfast tomorrow.. alright? "

[damienlove]

He calmed down a bit with a sigh "Sounds like a plan Agnes. Now I guess I have to go explain myself to the rest of the family huh" He scowled a bit before giving her a hug " I would say you owe me after this but I offered so I guess you can just say it" He was pretty sure she wanted to say I told you so the entire time they were here. He smiled and took her hand and made his way back down to the room they had just left. He halfway expected a million questions so he had to prepare for the worst.

[agnes]

Agnes only stared at him and canted her head. " You dragged me all the way up here.. "She wanted to swat him in the head! "I told you so! I told you this was a bad idea. "She was not above saying it either! She found herself walking back down into a room of extremely confused people. She offered a small smile and lightly patted his hand.

She looked back to the rest within the room and smiled softly, the small shake of her head. " It seems that the journey made him a bit.. delicate.. "She lightly touched her stomach. " I had to show him where the privy was. "she explained. Though the family gave Agnes an odd look, then looked to Damien then.. well nodded. A bit too much information? Yes but it staved off other questions almost immediately.

" Are you going to show him the city? " Caleb asked quietly, as he approached the 'couple' " you know.. a carriage ride through the city.. maybe to show off the sights would be nice. Could possibly make a stop... " He spoke as he looked at Agnes. She only stared at him for a moment then gave a small nod.

" I could do that.. I mean there is still time before dinner. "She pointed out softly.

" Take the south road and speak to Brother Donavan.. its been arranged. " He spoke quietly to a point that only Agnes and Damien could hear him. Agnes smiled gratefully and hugged her brother.

"Thank you Caleb. "

"You two are too close for you not to at least see him before you go. " He added softly.

[damienlove]

Damien laughed a bit as she finally said those words "I knew you have wanted to say it" Then all of a sudden he just gave Agnes a blank stare. Did she really just say that? Oh she was so going to get payback. His cheeks turned a slight rose color from the embarrassment. He smiled a bit hearing about getting a carriage ride through the city. It sounded like a grand way to escape the house for a while.

"Well then shall we go Agnes? It sounds like a lovely idea. I would love to get the grand tour. I love being in new lands." He offered his hand to her before escorting her out to the waiting carriage. Once inside he he almost collapsed dead "Really Agnes?....delicate?" He rolled his eyes a bit snickering "So who is this Brother Donavan we are meeting up with? A childhood friend or something?"

[agnes]

Well he deserved for her to say it! She had said it before.. that she reserved rights to be able to say it..and.. what happened? She was right She smiled up at him when he blushed and patted his hand again. Agnes was smiling as she gave a nod to Damien and this time it was she that nearly drug him off his feet as she stopped outside the door.

"What was I supposed to say. you nearly ripped my arm off! "She pointed at him. Then the smile brightened. " No..even better.. its my younger brother. "She could have just screamed with joy really. Jebadiah was the whole reason she had wanted to come back at all. She gestured for the footman to bring the carriage around as she drew in a deep breath. A bit excited , yes she was.

[damienlove]

He shook his head as he sat in the carriage before looking into her gaze "I said I would have explained it." He chuckled again and looked out the carriage window enjoying the scenery "Is this brother going to ask a million questions too? I was hoping for a little escape from all the awkwardness." He leaned back into his seat and sighed contently. "I have to admit this is a beautiful place. It seems like a fantastic place to live" Well despite the marked ones of course. That had to be a painful life.