==========================
==========================
Punishments and Gifts
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Janine rested against Tris, shutting her eyes again.
Tris stood for a moment gazing out into the night.
Tris sighed and then scooped Janine up, flying out of the cave.
Tris send Janine soothing waves of color all the way back to the cave.
Janine mumbled to herself.
*Janine?* Jareth asked softly.
~*Hm?*~
*Are you... alright?*
~*Mmmhmmm... Thanks...*~
*Good...*
Janine smiled.
Tris landed softly.
Janine slid down off her back and smiled at her. ~*Thanks Mom...*~
*Janine?* Jareth started.
~*Good night Jareth*~ Tris said firmly.
Janine looked at him and smiled. ~*What's wrong?*~ she asked.
Jareth hesitated, *Good night Janine*
Janine looked at Tris. ~*Mom!*~ she said accusingly.
Jareth turned and flew off into the night with a final farewell.
Janine pouted.
Janine put her hands on her hips. ~*Mom, he was going to say something...*~
~*I know...*~ Tris' colors were slow and subdued.
Janine sighed. ~*Sorry Mom...*~
~*Janine...*~ Tris started softly, ~*I wish that you would not have done that...*~
Janine looked down. ~*Mom...*~
~*I know that you were upset and that you could not control yourself, but all the same...*~
~*He deserved it!*~
~*What would you have done if I had not been there?*~
~*I would've -*~ Janine stopped.
Tris sighed softly.
Janine scuffed her foot on the floor. ~*He deserved it.*~ she repeated stubbornly.
Tris snaked her tail around Janine's waist.
Janine sighed. ~*He did Mom! You saw what he did to Jareth...!*~
Tris pulled Janine closer, "And we would have done something about it. Together."
Janine folded her arms. "I wanted to do something."
"We would have, and you would not have been hurt."
Janine pouted. "I'm fine." she lied. "He deserved everything he got."
Janine squeaked.
Tris flew upwards, to land on a flat area.
Janine looked puzzled. ~*Mom?*~
Tris gently set Janine down, looked around and then sighed. ~*I forgot something, I'll be right back*~ She turned and jumped off the edge, soaring back down to her cave.
Janine looked slightly blank, looking around her.
Tris returned a moment later with a bundle which she set down. The area was not that large, it was nearly round and flat and, high.
Janine still looked puzzled. ~*Mom? What're we doing here?*~
Tris sighed softly, ~*I wish that you would not have gone off like that, I was afraid that I would lose you again, and...I nearly lost my temper completely, who knows what I would have done to him...*~
~*I'm sorry Mom...*~ Janine looked guilty.
Jareth reached home, landed and transformed. *Trent?*
~Yeah?~
*Where are you?*
~In my study, what's up?~
Jareth vanished and appeared in Trent's study. "I was wondering...in all of your books and such..." he started.
Trent looked up. "Yes...?"
"Do you have anything on how dragons discipline their children?"
"Erm, possibly..." Trent looked blank. "Why?"
"Astario returned..." Jareth started, "And--" he paused, "Brother, promise me that you will not go running off for revenge. I have had enough of that today..."
Trent went a little red. "Jareth, I don't have the energy, let alone the ability to go for revenge..." he paused. "Enough...?"
"Yes, we fought and things were going well until he caught me off guard with a chandelier." Jareth made a face, "Next thing I knew he'd tossed me out the window...and then I was in Madame Fyreflyght's mouth..."
Trent's eyebrows rose. "Oh..."
"Yes. She put me down though."
"Yes, that always helps..." Trent teased.
Jareth sighed, "Anyway... Janine...she..."
"What'd she do...?"
"She was upset, angry and she...went after him."
Trent looked shocked. "She what?" he exclaimed. "Is she alright?"
"Yes... as a matter of fact, she looked to be in better condition then he was."
"So, erm... Why do you want to know - erm - what you asked?"
"Her mother was... not pleased."
Trent sighed. "Yes, but - what does that have to do with anything?"
"She told me to leave and I have a feeling that it is because she wants to take care of her..."
"Oh..?"
"So...what do dragons do?"
"Well... I don't know..." Trent delved in some books and tried to find the right one. "Why're you so worried? Tris knows what she's doing..."
"Because-"
"Because what brother?" Trent asked softly.
"I..." Jareth looked up, "Oh you know perfectly well why."
Trent smiled lopsidedly. "Of course brother." he shook his head slightly and kept rummaging for the right book. He knew he had it somewhere.....
Tris nudged the bundle of blankets that she had brought up.
Janine grumbled to herself about it 'not being my fault if that Fae's got a big mouth' and sat down by the fire, sulking.
Janine looked puzzled.
Tris sighed softly, "Janine, I'm sorry but..."
Janine looked a little worried. "What...?"
"I'll come up if it rains..."
"Huh...?"
She nuzzled Janine, "Please understand..."
Janine frowned. "What? You - you're leaving me here...?"
"For tonight."
Janine pouted slightly.
She moved over to the center of the area and blew a small fire.
Janine folded her arms and looked extremely sulky.
Tris sighed ~*Little one...I must do this...*~
~*Why? You never said not to go and get the little weed...*~
Tris sighed as well and held her breath. ~*Good...good night little one*~
Janine pouted again and sat down. ~*Fine...*~
Tris sadly dove off the edge and glided away.
Tris curled up in her cave.
Eriki crept up and crawled on to her.
Janine lay on her stomach and pushed a piece of rock along with her forefinger.
She nuzzled Eriki absently.
Janine rolled onto her back and fingered the locket Jareth had given her that was still in her pocket. She took it out and looked at it with an indulgent smile.
Eriki smiled at Tris and wrapped his tail comfortably around one of her spikes.
Janine brushed the gemstone with one finger, a dozy smile lighting her lips again.
Jareth sighed softly.
~*Yes?*~ Janine was relieved someone was talking to her. She was getting a little lonely.
Jareth looked up at his brother, "Janine doesn't have wings but..."
Trent looked up. "Hmm?"
"The problem is, I don't know which of these she'll do."
"What're the options?" Trent came over and stood next to Jareth. "And which do you think are the least likely."
"The one about tying her wings down..." Jareth answered.
Trent chuckled. "Definitely not that one... Next?"
"Considering how Janine is afraid of small places, I don't think that putting her in a small cave would be something that she would do either."
"Nope. Anything else?"
"Cutting off her mind..."
"Hmm... That could be possible. Although not much of a punishment as she's used to being without a communicative psych..."
"Yes, I think that... never mind."
"What?"
Jareth looked up at Trent oddly, "Forget it."
Trent frowned. "Mortal slang. Tell me."
"Trust me brother..."
"Why does that make me want to trust you less...?"
"Fine. I was just thinking that the third punishment that I listed as been carried out."
"The mind cut-off?"
"yes."
"What about it?"
Jareth looked meaningfully at Trent.
Trent frowned, he hoped Jareth wasn't reminding him about his own predicament. "Yes...?" he prompted.
"Yes, well," Jareth cleared his throat, "I suppose that there is a way to test that..."
"Jareth, don't keep reminding me." Trent muttered. "Testing it?"
"Yes." Jareth said, *Janine?*
*Just making sure that you could still talk...*
~*Yeah, I can. Thanks.*~ Hmph, so he hadn't actually wanted to talk to her. Janine pouted.
*Good...* he sounded very relieved.
Janine let herself smile slightly. ~*Yeah,*~ she said, for the sake of saying something.
"It's not the mind cut off," Jareth informed Trent.
Trent nodded. "I guessed as much. What else?"
*How are you?*
~*Alright. Bored.*~ Janine knew well enough to keep her sentences as short as she could.
*Bored?*
~*Nothing to do here...*~
*Where?*
~*Wherever this place is...*~
*You're not...she wouldn't....* Jareth took a breath, Janine did not sound frightened, which meant that she wasn't in a small dark area.
Janine drew her brows together. ~*Who wouldn't what?*~
*Nothing, I was just afraid that she would... put you somewhere...*
~*She has...*~ Janine twisted her lips into a wry grin. ~*Up here...*~
*...Up?*
~*Yeah. Some - I dunno...*~
*Oh, I see...*
~*Yeah...*~
*Don't fall*
Janine snorted. ~*I'm not going anywhere Jareth...*~
*Good.*
She wished he could come, but he probably wouldn't. Or couldn't.
"But...?"
"But she could still be put up somewhere high where she couldn't get down."
"Yes, she could... What're you getting at brother?"
"That's what happened."
"Oh... Well, I suppose Tris knows best..."
"Yeah."
Trent nodded, then yawned. "Alright brother, out of my study, I'm going to bed."
Jareth smiled and vanished.
Trent smiled and appeared in his own room, falling into bed and falling asleep almost immediately.
*Janine?*
Jareth transformed to the owl and took off.
Jareth was not stopped, he landed and transformed.
"Ahem..."
She looked up, worried. ~*Mom...!*~
~*Hmm?*~
*I...um... I will come see you tomorrow then.*
Janine smiled slightly. ~*Sure...*~
*Very well then. Good night*
~*Jareth- wait a minute...*~
*yes?*
~*Could you - d'you think you could -*~
*What is it?*
~*If it's not too much trouble or anything... Could you come now? I'm - a bit lonely...*~
*Now? Well I...*
Janine felt disappointed. ~*Don't worry...*~
Jareth swallowed and touched his neck briefly, *I will... I will come.*
Janine's heart lit up and she smiled. ~*You will?*~
*Yes. I will be there soon*
Janine hugged her arms around herself and grinned happily. ~*Thank you!*~
Janine stayed by the fire, swinging the pendant slightly so it caught the light and glittered.
He flew along, hoping that where Tris had put her wasn't very far from the cave.
Janine smiled idly, her mind wandering.
Jareth spotted her and circled around overhead.
Janine didn't notice, her mind definitely elsewhere for the moment.
Jareth descended and circled around to come land by her.
Janine heard a ruffle of feathers and looked up.
Jareth let out a soft call.
Janine smiled happily. "Down here...!"
Jareth dropped down and then flew towards her.
Janine stood up.
He headed towards her and then suddenly let out a little screech and went down.
Janine gasped. ~*Jareth?!*~
He appeared a second later and tried again with similar results, only this time he didn't fall.
Janine looked worried. ~*What's wrong?*~
*There's...something here...* Jareth answered.
~*Wh-what...?*~
*I don't know...*
Janine sighed. ~*I guess it's Mom...*~
*Feels like it...*
She sat down and folded her arms.
*Wait while I try something...*
~*Okay...*~
Jareth flew upwards until he was directly above Janine.
She watched him silently.
He went into a dive.
Janine got up and moved, just in case.
She ran forward and smiled at him. "Thanks...!"
He smiled, "No problem..."
Janine shyly walked a little closer and slipped her hand in his.
He gave her hand a squeeze and sat down on the ground.
Janine sat with him. "It's a little lonely out here... But warm." she rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad you came..."
"I'm glad I came as well," he said, looking around nonchalantly.
She smiled happily and snuggled closer.
He put an arm around her and gave her a hug.
Janine felt warm and contented, putting her arm around him and hugging him gently back.
Janine jumped a mile.
Jareth looked up and went a bit white.
Janine looked sheepish. "Um... Hi Mom..." she had a feeling she was going to be in a bit of trouble...
"Hi," Tris said, regarding Jareth a bit coldly.
Janine found his hand and gave it a small squeeze. ~*I think I blew it...*~
Jareth rose to his feet and bowed to Tris, "I..." he started.
Janine stood up too, twisting her hair around one finger.
"This is not quite what I had in mind..." Tris said mildly.
"Sorry Mom..." Janine said softly, looking sheepish.
"I apologize as well Madame..." Jareth started.
"Enough Jareth," Tris said a bit sharply and he fell silent.
"Mom, don't take it out on him, I asked him to come..."
Tris flicked a wing in acknowledgement before snaking her tail around Jareth.
He flinched and was still.
"He'll have to go home, won't he...?"
"Yess."
Janine sighed. "Sorry Mom... You'll let him go himself though, won't you?" she looked hopeful. "Don't be mad at him, it's my fault."
Tris nodded, "I will be back shortly."
"Thanks Mom..." Janine sighed. "Sorry..."
Tris dove off the edge.
She sighed, hoping Tris wasn't going to do anything to Jareth....
"Madame... please...wait..." Jareth was protesting, having quickly discovered her tail still wrapped around his ankles.
Janine sat back down, muttering to herself.
He let out a yelp as he really really hoped that she wouldn't let go.
Tris twitched her tail and sent Jareth flying. She caught him neatly and then headed for his castle.
~*Don't do anything nasty, will you Mom?*~ Janine sought assurance.
~*Of course not Janine...*~
~*Thanks...*~ Janine was relieved.
~*Good night little one*~
~*Good night Mom.*~
Jareth closed his eyes, airsick as usual.
Janine snuggled down in her blankets and shut her eyes, dozing off.
Tris deposited Jareth on the tower, where he stood waiting. "Oh, that's it," she said, "Nothing else." ~Jareth?~
He nodded, looking very much relieved.
Trent looked up, sensing Tris. He stuck his head out of the window. "Good evening!" he called cheerfully.
"Hello," she called back.
"What's happening?"
"Oh, just returning some things," she said cheerfully.
"Some things?" Trent looked blank.
She nodded and then, as she thought of something she wheeled around and returned.
"Bye!" Trent laughed.
"Trent?" she called.
"What? Sorry?" Trent looked up.
"Can I meet you tomorrow morning?"
"Yes, of course..." Trent was worried, what had he done wrong now?
She smiled, "good, I will see you then?"
Trent nodded. "Of course."
"I will meet you up there?" she indicated the tower.
"Sure."
She smiled and dipped her wings, "goodnight."
"Goodnight..." Trent pulled his head back in and frowned. "South Tower...?" he mused.
She flew away.
*Yes?*
~What was all that about?~
*Hmm?*
~Was it you she was talking to?~
*I suppose that you could say that...* Jareth said in a tone that indicated he did not want to talk about it any more then that.
Trent sighed. ~Alright brother, alright.~
*I am going to bed...*
~Goodnight Jareth...~ Trent clambered out and sat on his window sill, looking up into the clear, starry sky, musing over what exactly Tris wanted.
The sun rose.
Tris glided upwards
Tris wound her tail around Janine's waist and lifted her daughter onto her back.
~*Good Morning*~ Tris called to those inside the castle.
Jareth was awake and he looked up hopefully.
Tris glided around, ~*Oh Tre-ent...*~ she called in a singsongy tone.
Tris circled around over head.
Tris smiled, "so impatient..." she stirred her barrier around his mind.
Suddenly she slowly opened his mind.
"Am I letting you go?" she supplied, "Yes."
She smiled, "Now, isn't it a lovely morning?"
Janine yawned softly and opened one eye. It took her a couple of seconds to work out where she was, then she sat up.
Down in the cave, Eriki and Tris were waking as well.
Janine yawned again and stretched out her arms. ~*Mom?*~ she said softly, so as not to awake Tris if she was still sleeping.
Tris sent back a dreamy answer.
Janine smiled. ~*Sorry, did I wake you?*~
~*No little one I was just waking up*~
~*Good... It's a beautiful morning!*~
~*Is it?*~ Tris slunk out of her cave.
~*Gorgeous.*~
~*It is,*~ Tris said with a smile spreading her wings to catch the sunlight.
~*Can I come down yet...?*~ Janine asked, wanting to go and see Jareth so she could check up on him.
Janine smiled as she looked around.
Tris circled overhead and then came down to land.
She looked up. "Morning Mom."
"Good Morning little one," Tris said, landing and nuzzling Janine.
Janine smiled and rested against her. "It's a beautiful day!"
"It certainly is. Janine, I have an errand to run, over to the castle." Tris' eyes sparkled innocently.
Janine's eyes lit up. "Could I join -" she stopped, blushing suddenly. "Mom!"
Tris smiled innocently.
Janine put her hands on her hips.
Janine giggled and leaned her head on her hands.
~*Hang on now*~
~*I am!*~ she grinned.
Tris smiled and dove off the edge
~*It's so lovely...*~
"It is," Tris said as she caught a current and glided along.
Silently Janine looked around, taking in the scenery.
Tris burned a path through a cloud.
~*Mom?*~ Janine questioned.
~*Yes?*~
~*Um...*~
~*What is it little one?*~ Tris asked sending a wave of color.
Janine blushed. ~*I was just - wondering -...*~
~*Yes?*~ Tris prompted.
~*Well... D'you think me and - y'know - Jareth might....... Um.......*~
Tris laughed, ~*That is very clear little one...*~
~*Sorry Mom...... I just - d'you think we might - um - get - ehm.... Y'know........?*~
~*Ah, I see...*~ Tris answered, ~*Well...well Janine, I don't know.*~
~*No?*~
~*I don't know. It's possible*~
~*He hasn't before.*~ Janine inputted wisely.
~*That is true, well I suppose that the only thing to do...*~
~*Hmm.*~
~*The only thing to do is wait and see*~
~*Yeah, I guess.*~
~*Yes,*~ Tris said with a smile as they flew over the castle.
Janine yawned slightly, rubbing her eyes and smiling around the scenery.
Trent mumbled. ~Murgh.~ he said, turning over and trying to get back to sleep.
~*Are you up, Jareth...?*~ Janine asked softly.
*Good Morning Janine* he said happily.
~*Did you sleep alright?*~ Janine's heart was bursting, she was so pleased he sounded happy to hear from her.
*Yes, how was your night?*
~*Quiet, thanks.*~ she smiled a beaming smile as she and Tris flew, almost stupidly happy that day.
Tris' colors took on a rather amused tint as she came down to land.
Jareth had appeared outside and he stood back to give Tris room to land.
Janine sensed Tris' colors and couldn't help a blush. ~*Mo-om...!*~
~*Off with you now...*~ Tris said.
Janine leaped elegantly off Tris' back and smiled at her.
Tris smiled back and jumped into the air, ~*I'll just leave you two alone then...*~
~*Mom!*~ Janine's face burned.
She glided away.
Janine turned back to Jareth, letting her hair fall over her face. "Morning..."
"Good morning, it is certainly a very good morning now."
Her face burned more, and Janine was glad her hair was covering it. "It is, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"You're okay, yeah?"
"Of course I am, and I am much better now."
"Good..." Janine practically whispered.
There was no answer for a moment, then Trent made an attempt at being awake. ~What.......?~
~*Good morning*~ she said brightly.
~No it isn't...~ Trent grumbled.
~*Oh is it not?*~
~No... It's too early for a start... and for another thing, I'm awake.~
~* I think that it is a Nice Morning *~
~I'm getting up...~ Trent got dressed and appeared on the tower, rubbing his sleep-filled eyes, his jet hair tousled.
Trent sat down and yawned.
"Good Morning again."
"Mmm, morning."
Tris circled around again.
"You want to speak to me?" Trent asked, wondering why it was imperative it was this early...
"Yes. But I'm afraid that I also need you awake..."
"I am awake..." he yawned and covered it up with his hand.
"Good." She turned a few rolls.
"Are you going to speak with me...?"
"Yes."
"Um... When?"
"Now."
"Oh, alright..." Trent waited.
"I have something for you..."
"You do..?"
"Yes, a gift of sorts."
"Oh...?"
"Yes." Tris circled again.
"Would you mind most awfully if you told me what this gift of sorts is?" Trent said with another yawn.
"I'd prefer to just give it..." she said.
"Well, would you soon, please?" he wished she'd just get on with it!
Trent wriggled uncomfortably. "Sorry Mada- Tris..."
He blinked for a few moments, shaking his head from side to side slightly to test it.
She wasn't finished yet, she continued to pull out until only a faint whisp remained.
He squeezed his eyes shut, then opened them, regarding her slightly puzzledly. "You mean you're letting me-?" he questioned.
She pulled out even further until there was nothing left of her in his mind.
Trent's jaw almost dropped open.
He blinked stupidly. "I - well - I - er - madam - I mean Tris - I-!"
"Whatever you care to call me..." she said with a smile.
He still spluttered, then pulled himself together, glad Jareth wasn't around. "Thank you Tris." he said, bowing low to hide the slight hint of color on his cheeks.
"Mmhm..." she answered.
Trent stayed low for a few moments.
She glided low overhead, brushing him with the tips of her wings.
He jumped slightly.
Trent smiled bashfully. "It most certainly is Tris, thank you..."
"Peace Trent," she said with a smile.
Trent grinned.
"Now, my friend, please behave yourself."
He looked as innocent as he could. "Now, would I do anything but behave?"
"I have serious doubts of that," Tris said with a smile, "As it stands, do not spoil my daughter's morning."
"I won't." Alright, if she put it that way...
She smiled, "Farewell."
"Farewell Tris."
She dipped her wings and glided away.
Jareth absently rolled a crystal around. Janine had left not long ago and he felt...odd.
Jareth sighed and appeared in Trent's study, "I know that you're going to tease me so you may as well just get on with it."
Trent nodded. "Thanks brother." he swept his hand round and brought a chair for Jareth.
Jareth sighed, "I guess that I'm just a bit tired of having her in my mind..."
Trent pushed himself away from his books and stood up, stretching to relieve the stiffness in his back and shoulders from where he'd been hunched over his books. ~Jareth?~
*Yes?* Jareth looked up, pulling himself back down to earth.
~Have you eaten?~
*Um...*
~Um?~
*Come to think of it, I don't remember...*
Trent rolled his eyes. ~Are you hungry, brother?~ he said, half teasingly.
"Me? Tease you?" Trent looked innocent. "I was simply asking if you'd eaten... It isn't my fault you're love-struck."
"No, I haven't eaten."
"Right. Thank you for answering. Are you hungry?"
"I suppose so."
Trent rolled his eyes. "Am I only going to receive virtual monosymbollic answers from you brother?"
"Yes."
"I give up."
Jareth smiled, "So I suppose that you want dinner then?"
"I certainly do, when you've quite finished teasing me." Trent flicked his fingers idly, sending the books skidding off his desk to land in a neat pile on the floor.
Jareth looked puzzled and then blinked and conjured up several dishes on the desk.
"Trent?"
"Yeah?"
"Since when can you...?"
Trent suddenly looked enlightened and grinned cheekily. "Since this morning when you were - otherwise engaged..."
"So she let you have your powers back..."
"That, brother, is rather obvious."
Jareth sighed patiently, "I see that."
"Then why question that?"
"I'm trying to congratulate you..."
"Thanks," Trent grinned and indicated to the seat. "Sit?"
Jareth did so.
Trent sat opposite him and looked thoughtfully at the dishes. "Food." he nodded, mostly speaking to himself. "Always a good thing."
Jareth laughed, "You must have been hungry brother..."
"Hmm?" Trent looked up.
"All this talk about food... you would think that that was your only concern."
He laughed. "At the moment Jareth, it is."
"I suppose that since she gave you your powers back..."
"Yes?"
Trent looked sympathetic. "I'm sure she'll release you soon also brother."
"Yeah... Also??"
"What?"
"What do you mean "also"?"
"I mean that she's released me, she'll release you?" Trent didn't realize Jareth hadn't already grasped that he was free.
"She's...what?"
"Released me..." Oops...
"Oh."
"Sorry..."Trent wasn't sure what else to say
"No..." Jareth said softly, "No, it's alright..."
"No, it isn't really..." Trent sighed. "Have something to eat."
"Trent." Jareth said firmly, "It is fine. It's not your fault that she freed you..."
It didn't really make Trent feel any better.
Jareth sighed, and started to eat.
Trent sighed and ate, pushing his food about the plate, his mind elsewhere again.
Tris was outside, lying in the setting sun.
Tris sighed and closed her eyes.
Tris shifted silently, a bit uncomfortable.
She curled around Janine.
Janine yawned slightly.
Janine was leaning against her, a smile on her face.
Tris shifted her wing slightly. On the underside of it was a small jagged line, a healing scratch.
Janine noticed it with a small frown. "Mom?" she murmured, shifting herself so she was lying on her front.
"Yeah?"
"What happened there?"
"Hmm?"
"There," Janine repeated, pointing to Tris' wing.
"Oh. That." Tris shifted and folded her wing.
"Mom...? What is it, please?"
"It's just a scratch..." Tris said, but there seemed to be something in her tone that indicated that there was more to it.
"C'mon Mom, please tell me properly...?"
"It's a scratch," she said again, "Nothing more then that. These things happen."
"They do, but that's not just a scratch..."
Tris smiled and nuzzled Janine, "I assure you, it's nothing serious."
Janine pouted. "Mom...!"
"How'd you get it...?"
"I... scratched myself..."
"How...? On what...?"
"With my claws little one..."
"How'd you manage that...?"
Tris shrugged, "It was easy enough..."
"Uh huh..." Janine didn't really sound convinced.
"Yeah, look..." Tris shifted and moved her claws over to her wing.
"No! Mom, don't! Why'd you do it?"
"I wasn't going to..." Tris said mildly.
"Good!" Janine looked relieved. "Why'd you do it in the first place? It's not exactly a natural place to put your claws..."
"It's one of the easier places to scratch myself and more or less painless..."
"Why did you need to..?"
"I needed the blood..."
Janine pulled a face. "What for...?"
"Mom?"
~*I needed it for something...*~
~*For what though...? Please Mom, tell me...~
Tris sent Janine an image of the rocky plateau that they had gone to several days ago with the jets of steam shooting out.
Janine frowned. ~*When we were there... You brought your -*~ she replayed the entire indecent to herself. Surely not..
~*I gave you the gift of dragon sight and communication...*~
~*But with -*~
~*You are my child, of my blood...*~
~*Literally...*~ Janine pulled a face.
Janine rested against her. "That doesn't really bear thinking about..." she said after a moment.
"No. That's why I didn't tell you."
Janine laughed slightly. "I'll keep schtum next time, eh?" she asked with a smile.
Tris smiled, "Listen to me little one. I am fine, and so are you, and it seems to me that we are both the better for this experience..."
Janine nodded.
"So you are alright?"
"I am." she nodded.
"Good." Tris smiled, settling back down.
Tris got up, easing her tail under Janine, "I think it's time for bed..."
"Hmm...?" Janine murmured. "No, not yet..."
"You're asleep on your feet..."
"Am not..."
"Well then..." Tris nuzzled Janine and lifted her with her tail, setting her on her feet, "Now you are..."
Janine pouted. "That's cheating..."
Tris send Janine a mental laugh.
She giggled. "Okay, okay... Bed it is.."
Tris smiled and eased Janine into the cave, and into bed.
"Goodnight Mom..." Janine murmured, settling down. ~*'night Jareth...*~ she added sleepily. She couldn't go to sleep without saying goodnight to him too!
"Night little one..." Tris said.
*Good night* Jareth answered.
Janine smiled and shut her eyes, happy. ~*Love you...*~ she sent before she fell asleep.
Tris winged away silently, there was one more thing that she wanted to check up on.
Queen Amorana was on the balcony of her room, meditating.
*Astario, you have a visitor.*
Tris looked at the Fae Queen a bit amused, "Is this going to be amusing then?"
Astario walked into the room and bowed, looking a little put-out, his hair a mess and his face had a smear of coal dust across it. He was wearing servant's clothing.
"M-m-m-m'lady..." Astario stuttered.
Tris smiled, "Thank you."
*Astario?*
Tris had settled in to a more relaxed position.
Tris watched him go and then laughed.
At that moment the object of their conversation knocked at the door, balancing three plates rather precariously.
Tris snaked over to him and scooped up the plates from the floor.
Tris regarded Astario carefully.
Amorana started laughing the second the door was shut behind her son.
*Astario.*
Tris turned a loop in the sky in delight.
Astario skulked down to the kitchen, took a bucket and brush and walked to the hall, grumbling all the time under his breath at his punishment. He got down on his knees and started to scrub.
Tris flew home in a very good mood. She slid into her cave and curled up.
Tris flew over head and then circled around to come back, as she smelled someone outside.
Amorana looked up, sensing a presence.
"Good Evening."
"Good evening Madam Fyreflyght." Amorana stood up. "So nice to see you again!"
Tris dipped her wings in response and flew down lower.
Amorana stepped back so she could land.
Tris landed, just fitting, her tail draped over the edge.
"Good evening Madam." Amorana smiled.
Tris nodded, "How are you tonight?"
"I am very well thank you, and yourself?"
"Good," Tris said, "I just wished to drop by and make sure that things were alright here. That is, that I did not do too much damage."
"To Astario? No, he is well. As well as can be expected." Amorana smiled a little mischievously. "I have made sure he has been aptly punished."
Tris smiled, catching Amorana's expression.
"He is working hard." the Fae queen said.
"Is that so?"
"It most certainly is. Would you like to see him?"
Tris nodded, "If you don't mind..."
From his place in the palace kitchens Astario groaned. ~Is it imperative I attend, Mother?~
*Yes.*
~Very well.~ Astario looked at the servants. "I am required upstairs." he said, hating to have to explain his actions to mere skivvies.
"Alright Astario, but don't be long!" they were loving it!
"It - well yes, it will be." she smiled.
~*I see...*~ Tris said with a mental laugh.
Amorana smiled at her son. "Do come in Astario."
"I did, Mother." Astario muttered.
"Temper temper son. Come and speak with Madam Fyreflyght."
Astario looked as though he might faint; his face went as white as a sheet.
Tris very carefully kept her expression blank.
"Good evening."
"G-g-good evening...!" Astario looked almost comically panicked.
"I was in the neighborhood and I thought that I would stop by."
"Y-y-yes... I - I see..."
She nodded and smiled.
Astario unceremoniously sat down in shock, then leaped up again, trying to look presentable as his mother looked at him sternly.
"I see that you have been busy..."
Astario nodded hard.
Tris turned her head to Amorana, "You were right..."
Amorana smiled. "I was?"
"Yes." ~*Very amusing*~ She shifted, "I must compliment you. I approve."
"I am glad." *I tried my best.
~*Very nice. I could not have done better.*~
*Good.* Amorana smiled. "You may go, Astario."
If he had been offered all the realms to rule Astario couldn't have made an exit any faster.
"That is quite alright. My husband had told Astario in no uncertain terms he was not to play these silly battle games."
Tris nodded, "I meant, thank you for permitting me to see that."
"I see. Well, I thought you would appreciate seeing that I have indeed carried out what I said I would."
"Yes, and in such a creative way too."
Amorana smiled. "I do my best."
"So he is down in the kitchens then?" Tris' eyes sparked mischievously.
Amorana nodded. "Working hard, I trust. I am sure the maids and Cook will be making sure of that."
She smiled, "I don't supose that you would allow me to--" she trailed off meaningfully.
"You would like some sustenance before your flight home, I assume, Madam Fyreflyght?" Amorana said innocently.
Tris nodded, "Yes, if you wouldn't mind..."
"Would you like me to send for one of the kitchen hands...?"
"If you don't mind..."
*Yes mother?*
*Come here a moment, your services are required.*
*Yes mother* Astario groaned. "I am again needed upstairs."
"Well don't be long, you have more work to do down here!"
Astario knocked on the door.
"Enter." Amorana said.
Astario slunk in. "You called, mother?"
"Yes, Mistress Fyreflyght, you would like something?"
Tris nodded, "Yes. I thank you that you have offered me a snack before I begin the long flight home."
Astario's eyes widened perceptibly. He didn't want to be a dragon's 'snack'!!
Tris flicked her tail idly.
Amorana motioned her son forward. "Well? Where have your manners gone child? Don't just stand there like a lemon!"
"Sorry mother..." Astario muttered, walking forward slightly, not making eye-contact with Tris. "What would you like?" he monotoned.
"Oh, not much," she eyed Astario, "Just something light..."
His hands shook as he took a pad and a quill from the table. "S-s-something l-light...?"
"Yess."
Astario gulped. "A-a-a-a-anything in particular....?"
She flicked her tongue out thoughtfully.
Astario involuntarily stepped back a pace.
"I will have three steaks... rare," Tris decided.
Astario scribbled the order down with a shaking hand and backed off again. "W-w-will that b-be it m-m'lady...?"
"For now I think that will do."
"V-v-very well...!" Astario's voice went up and octave as he finished his sentence and turned tail, practically sprinting from the room.
Amorana was almost doubled over in laughter, the effort of forcing herself not to laugh having made her stomach hurt.
"You have a very amusing son..." Tris said mildly.
Amorana nodded wordlessly, then pulled herself together, knowing that just wasn't proper behavior for a queen. "He is certainly - very overawed, Mistress..."
Tris nodded, "I believe he half expected me to order him..."
Amorana started laughing again.
Tris smiled, "I look forward to my snack... and the server..."
Amorana bit her lip to stop herself from laughing. "I think you have succeeded in frightening my son out of his wits..."
Tris looked up, "Well here my snack comes now..."
Astario almost dropped all the plates at once before he remembered that no, he wasn't the snack, it was what he was carrying...
"Enter." Amorana called, struggling to remain deadpan.
Astario made his way in, very slowly
Tris looked up, "Ah, good."
Astario walked slowly forward, trying desperately not to drop the plates.
Tris snaked her head out, licking her teeth.
Astario blanched, and dropped one of the plates, making a rather amusing sight as he grabbed wildly for it, almost dropping all the plates he held, until he finally managed to regain his composure (and his balance) and managed to take another step forward, his eyes clenched shut, holding the plates out at arms length.
Tris stood up slightly, "well bring it then..."
Astario walked a few more paces forward, his eyes still shut.
Tris silently shifted her tail.
Astario took another pace forward, tripped over her tail, gave a yelp of surprise and fell flat on his face, the plates, amazingly, still held upright from his position on the floor.
Astario winced, expecting to be eaten with the plates.
"Thank you," she said, swallowing one of the steaks in one bite.
"Y-y-you're welcome... M-m'lady..." he stuttered, cringing.
She ate the next one.
*How long are you going to torture me like this Mother?* Astario whined.
Amorana gave him a 'look', and he subsided.
"If you ever get tired of him, just let me know..." Tris said softly.
"I will do that, Mistress." Amorana smiled.
Astario went white.
Tris nodded and ate her last steak.
Astario managed to pull himself to his feet, still shaking.
Astario watched her back from under his eyelashes, decidedly nervous.
She turned to the Queen, "Thank you very much for the snack." ~*And the entertainment*~
"You are very welcome Mistress. Any time you wish to visit, the offer is open."
"I thank you." She stood up and stretched her wings.
Astario scuttled backwards, heading for the door.
She spread her wings, the tips brushing Astario.
Astario let out a rather frightened sounding squeak, then tried to cover it up by coughing.
"Farewell," she said sweetly.
"F-f-f-arewell...!" Astario stuttered, then fled.
She jumped into the air and glided away.
Amorana waved one hand regally. "Farewell Mistress Fyreflyght, I hope we will speak again presently." she smiled.
Tris dipped her wings in response and flew on.
*Yes mother?* Now what did she want?!
*You have some jobs, I take it?*
*Yes mother...*
*I want my hallway swept. After the mess you left it is a tip. I want it scrubbed as well.*
*MOTHER!*
*Now, Astario.*
*But Mother I-*
*NOW, Astario!*
*Alright, alright....*
*Oh, and Astario?*
*Yes Mother?* Astario gave an angry, verging on hysterical shout of irritance as an apron danced towards him.
*You mustn't get your overalls dirty.*