#[Isabeau:markus]

[theartofruling]

Who: Beau + Markus (@ocean-eyeslnrp )

Where: Southland Palace

Beau was fresh off the riverboat casino after it docked in Southland. She knew her brother would be at the palace so that’s where she went to visit. She had thrown herself into work to take her mind off the unknowns that sent her straight into a panic when it came to the immortalem. When she arrived at the palace, she flirted with a few of the guards she knew to be regulars before they led her to Markus. “I called ahead and asked if it was possible to get some time with the king. I hope I’m not interrupting. I miss you.” 

[theartofruling]

"I don't know. This wedding has me a little caught up in my feelings. I'm starting to rethink the staunch stance on no more marriage. I...um...I think I confused myself yesterday," she shrugged, chuckling a little. "It wasn't even my other life. It was this one. I just didn't remember you. It's okay. Oddly enough, Daphne and River were in the wedding. Our worlds were close but didn't quite collide." Beau reached for Scarlett when she made her presence known. "Hey, Pretty Girl! You ready for tomorrow? You're going to be the best flower girl ever right? Remember what I said, if you get scared, I'll be there come over and I'll pick you up, okay?" She nodded and told her okay. Giving her a cheek kiss. "My baby. I'm going to steal you away for a little bit later." Beau shook her head. "I always miss you. I just had some things to figure out. Stuff to work through. You were busy being a dad. I had some mom stuff with Zinnia. She still blames me for the breakup with Kaan, still. And me and Kaan have been working on better co-parenting. Z may be an adult, but she's still our kid and we have to show her that. Toni won't see me as a client because of the conflict of interest, but she agreed to see me as an informal client. So I've been trying to get my shit...whoops." She looked at Scarlett. "Don't say that." She continued, "My stuff straight."

For: Beau and Markus @theartofruling Where: Rehearsal Dinner

"I'm kind of glad I never have to worry about this with you." His brow raising as he teased his sister. "Kind of sad I missed it in your other life though." He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and laughed when Scarlett decided to join them because staying still was proving difficult tonight. "I feel like you haven't missed me very much D. Too much business to handle or should I be concerned?"

[theartofruling]

Who: Beau + Markus (@ocean-eyeslnrp)

Where: High Tea and Garden Tour

When Beau spotted her brother holding her step-niece, she had to approach the cute scene before her. Scarlett was a little fussy and Markus looked like he was looking for a rescue. Without a word, Beau took the baby from his hold. "Give me this precious baby. She's so cute in her little dress! Makes me think of when Z was a baby. You okay? You looked a little stressed over here. When's the last time you held a baby before this or is it something else?" she wondered as she rubbed Scarlett's back and the baby calmed down a little.

[theartofruling]

Who: Isabeau + Markus ( @ocean-eyeslnrp​ )

Where: The Divine Forest Spooky river ride

Beau had convinced Markus to go on the spooky river ride with him so they could have some valuable brother sister time. “So, your wife is very pregnant...how are we feeling about that?” she asked after having seen Rowan for the first time in a while. “And of course, we’re going to talk about my role as an ambassador in Kings Hill. I know we were probably hoping the seat would stay vacant, but I would be happy to stay on in the role. I think the princess might need me. She’s like me. She’s an immortalem. So we’ll have even more information on our species and her family.” 

[theartofruling]

Who: Beau + Markus ( @ocean-eyeslnrp​ ) 

Where: Northland Palace

Beau didn’t get nervous about much anymore. She’d lived long enough that nothing truly felt new or excited. With the new memories of her lives prior, it was a tragic, long hard knock life for her. But there was one shining bit of hope that she held tight to. Markus Olsen. He was her hero three lifetimes ago, and she thought that he was dead. Now that she could remember, she knew how old she was. She was nearly five hundred, and he was that old. He’d seen centuries without her and she wondered if he even would remember her. 

She felt her memories with such clarity because they were new, coming to her a few full moons ago. The love for her family came rushing back to her. The love for her brother slapped her hard that she needed to know what happened to him. She didn’t have to search, she knew. Beau had heard of the High Lord, never met him in person until now when she requested audience with him. 

Beau wondered how life had treated him, and how he’d ended up this way, especially when in her first lifetime she was obsessed with vampires. That obsession had gotten her killed. She wondered how his personality was now. Was he kind? Was he nice? Or was he an asshole. She hoped for the latter, because she had grown cold, herself turning into more of a bitch than the bright eyed sister he knew. 

When she was led into the meeting room to see him, it was as if more memories came flooding back to her when she laid eyes on him. “Marky Mark,” she said immediately before she lost the ability to say more. A lump in her throat hindering her ability to speak momentarily. It had been her nick name for him a play on a name of an old boyband she used to like. “My apologies. Your...majesty? I don’t rub elbows with nobles anymore so I’m not sure what title to use.” Her cheeks were wet with tears she didn’t even know were falling. She couldn’t understand how Isabeau Reneau, the woman she was now, could be this shaken by the mere sight of Deana’s brother. In her lives she had different names, different personalities, but she remembered now how every single one of them felt. And this one was breaking her heart. She had the shortest life the first time, and yet it was the most impactful. 

“I don’t know if you remember me? But I’m your sister.” 

[theartofruling]

“I think it might hurt too much. My life has been defined by losing people. I’ve had other parents. Twice. None as great as our parents. But I think it would kill me to know they’re out there and they just don’t remember. I’ve seen that look and dealt with it with Zinnia’s bio dad. I can’t deal with it again. Finding you was enough for me too.” Beau’s want to be a vampire had long passed. But the gesture was sweet. “I detest what I am at times, but I’ve grown to be one of the most vital people to helping others with this. Like an immortalem encyclopedia of sorts. I don’t think I could give it up and still be able to help the same way.” 

Beau burst into laughter. “I can’t promise I won’t forget who I’m talking to. Because there’s a big chance that I might forget again. You’re too easy to talk to now that we’re both adults,” she teased. Beau shrugged. “You can ask her. I’m not afraid. Besides I think she knows him well.” A smile touched her features. “But have you ever thought that maybe if worrying is the problem you should maybe stop worrying? Just a thought. And I doubt you’ll have to live without her. Fate gave me the losing hand in love, so at least one of us can keep their mates. I hope it works that way.” 

Markus gave a nod, a part of him not wanting that but wondering. "I'd rather not, I have gained more than enough family for the moment. If you ever want to we can, but I think having you is more than enough." He sighed, "I have yet to turn anyone, but." He shook his head realizing just how much he would break that vow for his sister, "I remember how much you wanted this and how it seemed so odd to me. I would do it for you."

Markus' brow rose at his sister, "whatever was running through your head just now, don't ever let that come out again." He smiled and gave a laugh, "Fine, you can pick them. A guy? From the Emergent in the Forest? I'm gonna ask Iris about him you know that right?" Markus shrunk in her grasp but nodded, "That's the thing, she won't complain because she knows I'm already worried. I'm even more worried because I know she won't complain." He held her hands and smiled, "I am more than in love with her. I couldn't live without her."

[theartofruling]

“I think it’s possible that any child you have could. But then again I don’t know much when it comes to you being a vampire. I still don’t know who in our family was the immortalem. Could skip generations. I don’t know how I got “lucky”.” Though the word was said more sarcastically than anything. She definitely did not feel lucky to have been an immortalem. “Maybe if they were, we will cross paths one day. Who knows. If you ever want to look into it, I would look into it with you.” 

“Don’t get caught up. I know how easy it is to get caught up. You want me to put her on to the good stuff that I have? Because I’ve been child-free for a while and I’ve been regularly getting…never mind. I forgot I was speaking to my big brother. You don’t need to know that information.” She rolled her eyes, huffing with frustration. “Yes they are there for protection but I still have to look at them. I don’t want to see something non aesthetically pleasing when I do.” Beau shook her head when he asked if she was referring to Kat. “I’m not sure if Kat can fight. But no. Um…he’s a guy I know. Met him at the Secret Garden. He’s a regular. He’s a former member of the Emergent in the Forest. His name is Ben.” Beau stood on her toes and framed his face in her hands like their mother used to do. “Listen to me, Rowan is fine. She’s not complaining, is she? She’s not injured or hurt. She’s fine. The baby is healthy.” Beau smiled, glad her brother had found something she had failed to find in any life time. Love that lasts. “I’m glad one of us has a lasting love like that.” 

Markus smiled, "I like it. I like it more than I ever thought I would." Markus' brow rose, "it's genetic you think there would be a way to trace it?" He looked at Scarlett and thought of his own unborn daughter, "if it's genetic could my daughter possibly be one?" He shook his head and smiled, "no I guess what I am now would cancel that out too." He shook his head, "I don't think they were, if they were maybe they don't remember us."

Markus rolled his eyes, "I know all of that. I didn't take preventive measures with her at first. Obviously, we will be safe going forward though." He sighed at his sister and shook his head, "I think you're missing the point of guards. They are there to keep you safe, not look good." His brow rose, "a roommate? Who? Kat?" Markus sighed but gave a nod, "I don't like other people falling victim because of me. I never have. I love Rowan and I wouldn't change what we have for anything but I wish she hadn't fallen into something that I essentially caused." He smiled, "she reminds me a lot of you when we were kids. Willing to back me up in any way possible. I love her with all my being and would do anything for her."

[theartofruling]

“Being a family man looks good on you though. Horrible for your past reputation though,” she teased. “I think really any of you could have been. First life, I lived and died without any abilities manifesting. So it’s very possible one or both of them are out there with new lives. I can’t believe they would have memories of you and not come by because even when I couldn’t remember, I knew you existed. You’re on the news often. That’s how I knew to come find you.” She knew as much as their parents loved them, there was no way they wouldn’t come see Markus if they were like her and still alive.

Beau laughed. “You’re five hundred years old, why am I having to explain how safe sex is? Because if you’re not entering safely, and she’s not on any precaution I can see how a baby would arrive. Me, personally, I’m always on preventative measures.” She heaved a sigh. “But can they be fine and keep me safe? So can I give them the nights off some nights? I have a sort of roommate who can protect me when he’s there?” Beau understood the gravity of the situation, but still saw the good impact he had more than the negative. She kissed Scarlett’s cheek. She was falling asleep. “The positive outweighs one bad thing though, Markus. Don’t let yourself get lost in that. As the person here who was married for much longer than you, it’s a trade off. Not everything will be all good or all bad, look at your time as a whole rather than think about this one not so great instance.” She rolled her eyes. Rowan pregnant or not is powerful and I’m willing to bet wouldn’t be happy hearing that, and you’re Iris’s mate so as a person who had a mate much longer than you too, you are a part of her family.”

Markus' smile faded for a moment, "I had no plans to come back when I was turned, I couldn't really get away from her after a while she got bored of me." He shook his head, "I'm just happy you're here now. To see," he shook his head to keep from getting emotional, "to see me have a family and someone that loves me. All things I never planned for as a human, as you know." He laughed Beau and Scarlett into a hug and kissing the top of their heads and to keep his emotions in check. "Here I was stuck with the life you wanted." His brows pulled together, "you think one of them could have been? I still wonder if I could have been as well. I'll never find out now."

Markus smiled and ran his curled finger across Scarlett's cheek, "I never thought I would have children, then I found out about my connection with Rowan and we had hope, just didn't expect it so soon after this one." He laughed when she curled closer to Beau. He rolled his eyes at his sister request, "They aren't there to gawk at. They are there to keep you safe." Markus sighed, "Beau, whoever is doing this targeted her because I was on the their trail to unlock the immortalem myself. I was just a few steps behind and they gave Rowan this thirst and rushed her pregnancy to distract me. I'm thankful, but I wouldn't be me if I didn't worry about the effects I have had on her life." He shook his head, "A lot is going on with me and Iris, but I don't think it's her being targeted because of me." Markus smiled and shook his head at her, "I know I''m not but Rowan isn't really in any shape to protect me right now and Iris has her own things to be concerned with and her own family to take care of."

[theartofruling]

“If it helps, the woman who raised Zinnia wasn’t Deanna. I mean yes I have her memories. I remember her love for you and I grew my own love for you. But those memories, I died early. You would have come back for our parents but I was onto my next life, with no clue of the parents I left behind. Or the brother. So you being here now? Makes up for missing me missing you in my first life. The second was nothing to write home about either.” A frown creased her brows. “When I was Deanna all I wanted was to be a vampire. Being an immortalem isn’t great though. I mean no one really understands you. You can’t be too loud about what you are, and you die, come back and sometimes have no memory of your entire family. It’s definitely not great, but sometimes I wonder if mom or dad, or both could still be out there because they’re immortalem too.” 

She looked down at Scarlett laying her head on Beau’s shoulder. “After Zinnia, I had a strong stance on no more kids. But the way she just lays on me like this or lights up when I’m here and calls me Bobo. I miss this.” She didn’t miss being a single mother though. “Okay. Fine. Can I help pick them? They need to be hot.”  She knew her brother’s priorities weren’t the aesthetics of the guards. “Would she? She’s always a target with or without you. How do you know no one is targeting Iris? You don’t. And as for your wife, again she chose you. I’m fairly certain that means she understood that meant your potential enemies too. Why are you not worried about yourself? You can get hurt and worse. You’re not invincible.” 

"Doesn't change that I wish I could have been there. I always wanted to be." It didn't change that he wasn't though and that when he was turned he was different and didn't feel he could trust himself around his family. "A part of me will always wonder if I could have been immortalem like you. I didn't realize how much I missed you." He smiled at Scarlett and nodded, agreeing that she was growing to fast. "She is, I'm not prepared for how fast she is growing or how fast the other baby will grow."

His brow rose and he shook his head, "Not too in your business. Just there to ensure you're safe. I want to be sure you're safe and you're lucky it's only two." He nodded but he couldn't help but feel like he had somehow caused it, "I know, but if we were not associated to each other she would be fine." He sighed, "Just like with me and Iris. No one is bothering her. She's fine and safe... but Rowan is a target and has been targeted. I'm worried about anyone that has ever meant something to me. You, Z, Jackson.. Scarlett and even our unborn child."

[theartofruling]

“I was very different then. It wasn’t that long ago honestly.  But it seems that way. She’s only forty. But, I was such a housewife. I worked, of course, but it was such a different life. I was happy. Life still felt a little incomplete, but little did I know that’s because of you missing.” She hugged Scarlett a little tighter. “You’re growing a little too fast.” She pouted when she heard the word guards. “How in my business will they be?” Hearing that someone had caused extra issues was concerning. “Markus, you didn’t do this to Rowan. Some asshole with an obsession with immortalem did. How is she doing? What are you two doing to make sure she and the baby are okay?” 

Markus smiled as Beau took Scarlett and he nodded, "I hate I missed being an uncle and seeing you with a little one like this, but I'm glad I get to see you with one now and Scarlett always misses you." Markus nodded feeling a bit better about his sister being safe with her staying close. "I will gladly send a couple guards with you when you leave. I know you may not like that but it would give me peace to know you're being watched after." Markus shrugged, "I mean we did the work but uh... I think the person that freed them this time had something to do with isssues?" He questioned the word before nodding, "Rowan is facing with this pregnancy." He sighed and nodded, "I am just a man and it could easily be that but she is always very level headed even when she was pregnant with Scarlett. This pregnancy is different, and the moods are swinging violently in some cases. Why would the baby be hungry for my blood?" His brows raised, "I spoke with Iris, this isn't normal. I worry that because of my actions Rowan and my child are paying for it."

[theartofruling]

“I swore I would never have another kid. Being a single mom was rough. And there is so much at stake with being an immortalem. But holding her gives me baby fever and what ifs.” She nuzzled her nose against Scarlett’s cheek. Totally listening to every word her brother said while trying to make Scar laugh. “Okay. I’ll stay, but only for a few days. I have to check on some other locations soon. But, I trust you when you say you won’t let anything happen to me. If I can help it, I won’t let anything happen to you either.” She was overjoyed that her brother would be a dad again. “What do you mean brought on by the race for the immortalem?” Protective sister mode was about to activate. “Define strong. Are they really abnormal or are you just a man? No offense. I know moods can swing. I didn’t like myself sometimes when I was pregnant with Zinnia. Any chance the baby is just really hungry?” 

Markus shook his head but handed over Scarlett, "you are definitely more interested in baby time, but I know she helps. Be sure she stops here as well, I want to talk to her, just make sure she doesn't need anything." His brows rose at her admittance and he shook his head, "I will not allow that to happen. They are unpredictable but if you need anything to feel safer I'll be sure you get it." He laughed but nodded, "I would prefer it so I could keep an eye on you, honestly." He sighed, "yes, I am very serious, hopefully not because I was not the greatest child but another little one for sure. I'm excited, a little worried, because I think some of it was brought on by this race for the immortalem. She is very excited, her uh.." He cleared his throat, "her hormones are pretty strong, nothing like with Scarlett and her thirst is... also pretty strong. So I believe there is some magic in the mix as well."

[theartofruling]

Beau gave him a squeeze before she reached for Scarlett. “Not that I’m now more interested in baby time but give me my little Scar! Your Auntie Beau could really use some Scarlett hugs!” She reached out for the little girl instantly. Beau adored kids, but her stance on not having more came from a place of fear of having to raise them alone. “Zinnia is a trooper. More worried about me than anything. I raised far too strong of a young woman. She always wants to look out for me. She promises to stop by this week to visit.” She loved that her daughter now had more family than just her. She may have grown up without a father but in her adult life, she had Markus, Kat, and Kaan in her life in addition to her mother. “I have just been worried and making contingency plans if for some reason I die again. Things seem unpredictable with the immortalem now fully realized. But, no. I’m good unless you want me to crash here and babysit Scar for a bit. I’m probably going to crash at my apartment here in Southland before I’m off to check on another of our brothels.” Her brow rose and she almost chuckled at how they shared the mannerism. “Sure. Anything. What’s the something in the works?” Her eyes widened. “Are you serious? Does this mean a little you running around? That’s great for me and Scarlett. The fun we will have! How are you feeling about it? And Row is she excited?”

Markus had been entertaining Scarlett while Rowan rested when he heard Beau. His brow raised at her as he swung Scarlett on to his hip and pulled his sister in with her. "I missed you too. I've been worried about you. Especially with everything that happened. You and Zinnia been okay? Do you need some place to stay or something?" His brow raising before he pulled away and looked at Beau. "There is something in the works... I may need your help with it." A smile eased onto her face, "you're going to be an aunt though, again."