#mmmm sry that got longer than i thought

[ashton-ryder]

"Will you finally let me help you back here then?" Ash joked at the years she forbade him from even coming around the counter here and pouring himself his own cup of coffee in the morning. It felt like Charlie could use all the help she can get now, and give him something else to do in the morning. A little hypocritical of her making him rest only for herself to need the same.

He let them melt into the embrace, saying more than their actual words could say but he responded anyways, "always." For reassurance, confirmation. When he said always, he meant it. It was the least he could do for her, from where he is, he couldn't support her like her brothers or Roman can, so the least he can do, is be here. He wanted to ask to be sure if they wanted to keep the baby, but knowing Charlie, he was almost certain the answer is yes. It was uncomfortable sitting in the reality that her life is at risk, even within the walls of safety. He returned the squeeze and place a kiss to the top of her head as they sat in the affirming silence for a moment before he asked his question.

Ash pulled back slightly only to meet her gaze after feeling her shake her head into his chest, he understood the fear considering he knew what her brothers are actually capable of. "Oh they're probably gonna be mad," as he always did, Ash didn't sugarcoat his words to her, she didn't need to be told a hopeful, pretty lie to make her feel better now instead of facing the truth and working towards a solution to that. "But you know they'll always love you Charlie, Jer.. Jer can never be mad at you for too long," his words were murmured with affection. He's seen the way that man caves to his baby sister. Charlie literally held out her anger longer on Ash than Jer has ever did for Charlie. "And JP might try and punch Roman, but kill him, I don't think so." Heck he'd punch Roman too if he hadn't had the time yesterday to work through his thoughts about the news himself. They were more words of truth than comfort.

"But you'll have to tell them sooner or later," like leaving the building or going to the roof, Ash gently told her what she needed to hear, "..do you want me to be there with you when you do?" He offered but it was said with a quiet hesitation - maybe it's not his place to be there, this is their family affair and he shouldn't get involved. Charlie always says he's family but realistically it's not the same, and these were one of those examples of that invisible line he doubted he's allowed to cross. But he didn't know how else to help her but be here. "I can help hold them back," he added in jest but he was pretty sure he could still try and hold them down if they really did get out of hand, even with one good arm.

"You're right about that." On top of all the extra work she'd had to do, morning sickness had started to kick in along with a general sort of lethargy she wasn't used to. It'd made everything that much more of a struggle, but it wasn't her style to complain about that sort of thing to everyone. They all had their own large fish to fry and the last thing she needed was to add any more for people to worry about. Had she not let it slip by accident she wouldn't even have told Ashton, though having him know was a decided relief.

The cup of coffee left on the counter after the few sips she'd allowed herself, was stared at longingly as he came around the other side, her eyes lifting instead to him as he froze with her confession. Letting out a sigh of appreciation as she found herself gathered up into his arms, Charlie hugged herself back around him with all that she had. "Thank you." It meant the world, it really did, and she was sure that he knew that.

Shaking her head against his chest, she refused for a moment to let go, but eventually did just enough so that she could look up at his face. "Not yet... They're going to be so mad, Ashton. Especially Jeremiah at me... but... I'm honestly kind of scared JP might try and like... kill Roman for it."

[1stunseeliefaelass]

Darksiders Arthurian Tales Revisited

Chapter 15: Time for Maintenance and Help

In a cold tundra, a peaceful family was enjoying their day. A hearty, meaty feast made of local game. The family themselves, were Orcs. Specifically of the werebear variety. Three little ones, two older boys and a younger girl, sat around the table eating happily. Their Mother, a Black Orc, meanwhile set out a lone plate with a feast all its own on it, just then the door opened up.

"Urrghaaaah! Geez, you'd think it'd be gettin less cold. Heheh.....," A Green Orc with salt n' pepper hair said before sniffing the air, "....Haha, yet another amazing meal. Thank you honey."

"Glad to please, and welcome home Bardak. Hope you're prepared for the feast that is lunch. Kids might beat ya if you wait any longer to start eating."

"Huh? Well then, let me put up my axe." Bardak states before hurrying to sit down and eat.

"Don't eat fast, and don't you dare choke mister." His loving wife told him.

"Easy Ulara, I know my manners. As long as the kids got manners too.," Bardak said sweetly before firmly shouting at one of the boys, "Hey will you quit trying to rip it with your mouth! Use your knife boy, that's what your Mama gave it to ya for!"

"Mmmm? O....sry Pa...."

"And don't talk to me with your mouth full either. Chew first then speak, or at least pack it away."

The boy gulped his bite down finally, "Sorry Pa."

"Hmph, and what about you?" Bardak asked of his other son.

"I'm doing it right, see Pa? I can use a knife."

"Hey you dummy!", the first brother yelled before bonking the other's head, "I know how to use a knife!"

"Pa he bonked me!"

"Oh quit your whining!"

"THAT'S ENOUGH! Now both of ya sit down and leave each other alone." Bardak firmly told them.

"Yes sir!" They both said in unison.

"Now, where's your sister?" Bardak inquires looking around a bit, only to get 'surprised' by a sneak attack.

"RAAAAAA! I got you Papa I got you!" She pipes up with pure delight.

"Ahhhhhhaha....certainly did. Now come on, sit down and eat." Bardak told her gently.

She scurried back to her seat just as Ulara finally sat down herself and began eating. The family continued their meal in peace and just as Bardak finished up, he heard his crystal going off.

"Hmm? What the?", He then answered his crystal, "Hey Death!"

"Ah there you are Bardak. Hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Oh not at all, just caught us at lunchtime. How are things on your side?" Bardak questioned.

"We're dealing with a wereshark."

"Which one?"

"Leatherbeard."

Bardak immediately freezes, "Uh honey, need you to watch the kids. I gotta take of something, but it's nothing really dangerous."

Ulara sees him going into a specific weapons chest, one with weapons that only has the crazy shit. She's instantly worried, "How can it be 'nothing really dangerous' if you're opening that chest?!"

"Ehehehehehe...heh...", Bardak begins whilst getting a specific dagger he got from Kobolds. Made from cobalt, jagged yet serrated with a hooked end, it ultimately looks like a shark in shape. ,"Heh...nothing but a simple problem that just needs some attending to. Nothing really dangerous heheh...."

The look on his face betrays him, but Ulara keeps quiet. For the kids' sake. Bardak then hurries off to go help out his old friend. Using another crystal to teleport to where everyone is. Everyone is shocked by the sudden appearance of a massive Green Orc in the room.

"Well then, didn't know I'd have this kind of welcome wagon."

"Right....well I suppose we'd best get your introduction out of the way. Everyone, this is Bardak, an old friend of mine." Death awkwardly stated as he rubbed his neck.

Course Bardak then took notice of Death's use of crutches, "What the hell happened to you?"

"Check my ankle, you'll see it."

"Most of time I see ya, you've got twinkle toes. What the hell happened, cement shoes?"

"Oh hardy harhar." Death says a bit grumpy.

"And there's the grumpy old man, where's your cane?"

War then piped up, "I believe he left it in his bedroom."

"Zip it, now. And look who's talking."

"Well if I'm too old for this", Bardak began before putting his hand on Death's head to hold him still, "then what else am I too old for?"

"Now you're just acting like a child."

Bardak shakes his head, "Said the old fart."

"Ugh, let's quit fooling around now."

"Ok." Bardak says before grabbing his old friend into a hug.

"Gah, that was my foot! Bardak put me down please."

Strife snickered, "You think he's giving him a bear hug?"

Bardak just gave him an annoyed look, "Oh sure use puns. Not like they're lazy or anything."

Death sniggered at that as Strife looked at Bardak, "Aw come on. It's wasn't THAT bad was it?"

"I'm a werebear, what do you think?"

"Ooooooooh.....oh....well then..." Strife lets out being unable to say much of anything to remedy that.

Bardak finally put Death down and let him adjust himself. Meanwhile Morgen walked in, "Oh my uhm, this a friend of yours Death?"

"Ah Morgen, yes. This is Bardak, figured he'd be a tremendous help."

Bardak couldn't help but pick on Death's current body language shift as Morgen came into the room. Taking a glance at the woman, he couldn't blame Death either. He then pats Death on the back, "Nice choice Death, nice choice."

"YOU MOTHERFUCKER!" Death shouted in response as Bardak laughed. He then glared at his younger siblings as they joined in the laughter.

Morgen only gave a light snicker to spare him of at least some embarrassment, "Well I'm glad to meet you Bardak. Guessing you know Death extremely well then hmhm?"

Death facepalmed before readjusting himself on the crutches. Leading to Morgen looking at his foot. She went up to him and sat in a chair next to him, "Since we're both here, may as well get this done."

"Uh Morgen....not in front of my siblings....please? It's....really not necessary."

Bardak shook his head, "If she can help with yer leg, then let her help. I've seen you when you're fucked up, and hell look at me, I know when I'm fucked up too. Shoot one of the reasons Ulara and I are together is because of this. Good way to build up your relationship."

"Shut. Up." Death expressed in a deeply embarrassed tone.

Morgen blushes a deep red herself, her eyelashes batting as she blinked. Bardak knew from Death's body language and Morgen's own reactions that the two didn't seem to be official yet. Or they may be aware of their own feelings but not the feelings of the other. Either way, he'd be helping with more than just a wereshark.

"Now go heal up, I gotta go prepare some stuff." Bardak stated trying to give them some minor privacy.

"Wait, what do you have in the way of weapons?" Death quickly inquired.

"Oh just a dagger, that's pretty much it." Bardak tells him.

"Seriously? A singular dagger?"

"Remember the last time we fought Leatherbeard? My axe did jack shit. Besides, this dagger ain't ordinary, it's cobalt. Trust me, this will do some major damage on him." Bardak states firmly.

"If you're certain Bardak, I'll trust you. Oh and be sure to say hi to Harker. Might do him good to see you, and to know that you're helping with Leatherbeard." Death says simply.

"You got it. See ya when you're all 'healed up'."

"Sure thing." Death replied shaking his head.

From there Morgen worked on mending his injury. She'd walked outside first to find a tree to make a small moonfruit tree with. Finding a dead tree in the garden's center, she began to work her magic on it. It takes a bit of work, but to her the small sapling tree is worth it. Even as saplings, moonfruit trees bare some fruit. Using her magic she tenderly sped that process along and smiled as the plump opalite colored fruits formed. Inside them all, was a single glowing golden seed. Morgen gathered all the fruit into a basket before going into the kitchen to prepare them. She chopped all but one of the fruit into bite sized bits and put those to the side. Her next step was to grind the seeds into a fine powder, which she mixed into a bowl of water. As it began to glow radiantly, she also added the thin slices of the final fruit into the bowl for a boosted effect.

Finally she came into the room again and inquired of Death, "In terms of fruits, what would you say your favorites are?"

Death cocked his head confused but thought back a bit regardless, "Depends, I'm a fan of pomegranates, dragon fruit, and prickly pear. It really does depend however."

"I see, well what if they were in a salad together?" Morgen suggests.

"Again, depends on the salad. So just say what you've got. You make it sound like you're about to hand me something that's extremely disgusting."

"Look I don't know your opinion of moonfruit ok? I'm using it to help heal you, but I imagine eating it on it's own might get boring. Hence why I'm asking about the fruit." Morgen explains a bit annoyed.

"What does moonfruit even taste like, when it comes to resemblances to other fruit?"

"It's sweet, with a grape like texture, but without the annoying skin of said grape." Morgen explains.

"Ok. What does it taste like? You said sweet, and that's fine. But details, they are important. Is it like apples, grapes, what?"

Morgen sighs and thinks a moment, "It's like a lychee or rambutan. If you know of those two."

Death snickers, "You do know people describe them both as grape like in flavor right? You could've have just said grapes."

Morgen rolls her eyes, "Yes very funny. Either way this will help to heal you."

"Yeah let's get this over with, please."

Morgen nods and gathers up everything after making the fruit salad with the fruits Death mentioned and the moonfruit bits. Using a tray to carry both the salad and the bowl with moonfruit infused water. Once beside him she places the fruit salad in front of Death before kneeling to place the water by his feet. Course Death is NOT used to anyone removing his boot, let alone anyone touching his foot.

"Gah, what are you doing?"

"You're supposed to soak your foot in this. It helps." Morgen explains.

"Ok then...I think I can handle this end of things. Thanks for trying...at least." Death responds awkwardly.

"You're welcome. Now just keep your foot there and....when was the last time you ....uh...I guess cleaned up?"

"Uhhhh...was it after the first or second dragon I had to kill?" Death questions himself.

Morgen facepalms, as does Fury nearby, "Brother, after you heal, you're bathing."

Bardak then calls after them from down the hall, "I'm an orc and a werebear! Even I know about personal hygiene!"

"SHUT UP OVER THERE!" Death shouts as Bardak laughs.

Puck then walks in to see both Bardak, Morgen with Death's foot in a bowl of water, and everyone else laughing, "Did I miss something here?"

"You know how bad Death smells like all the time? Apparently we found one of the reasons." Strife tells him whilst wheezing.

"Apparently our brother forgot to clean himself after dealing with a dragon." War adds on.

"Both of you zip it. He doesn't need this kind of ammo." Death quickly tells him.

"I already have enough ammo, but a little extra never hurt anybody, right?"

Death just groans and sits in silence as Morgen uses her magic on the water. He does glance towards the little fruit salad, and feels his stomach growl. Finally he takes a bite of the salad and is pleasantly surprised by the moonfruit. He can't help but indulge a little, which helps Morgen with her work since he's distracted. Course eventually she has to hold onto his foot as she's healing him.

Death suddenly jolts as he holds back a light chuckle, "Please be careful..."

"Same to you, I'd rather not be kicked." Morgen tells him simply.

"Right. Uhm....let's finish this up...heheh...hm." Death expressed whilst trying not to let out a laugh.

Morgen smirks but stays on course to be nice. Eventually she's certain she finally has it, "Alright, you should be good to go."

Death then works on standing up and nearly falls at first before Morgen helps him stay up. Course Death accidentally grabbed something he hadn't meant to. After a single, but gentle squeeze, he found out what it was. Quickly he pulled his hand down, his neck revealing yet again just how embarrassed he was at this moment.

"Oh shit my apologies I uhm.....I....ah....shit."

His siblings stifled their laughter, until Strife broke first, causing the other two to follow.

"Real funny, laugh it up before you all die." Death growled at them.

"Apology accepted, you did slip after all." Morgen reassured him, being forgiving.

"That is no excuse for touching you...like that." Death insisted.

"It was an accident Death, I can understand that much. You needn't worry. Now perhaps you should clean yourself up. Nothing like a warm bath to ease the mind." Morgen explains warmly.

"Uhhhhhh.....right. I'll get on that..." Death told her nervously before heading towards the bathing area.

Bardak looked at him funny, "Dude, you had your chance. You were waiting for your moment. That was it."

"Ugh....geez why is everybody trying to hook me up with her? First it was Strife and Puck, and now it's you."

"Because she actually seems to care you. Second of all you seem to care about her." Bardak tells him.

"And that's a completely normal reaction! We're kindred spirits if anything at all."

"Not to mention you yourself are a very attractive man. I am very confident man, so I bring awareness to those facts." Bardak states.

"Geez you're starting to sound like Harker."

"Because I'm right? Try an describe to her, you know as if I've never met her before."

Death facepalms, "Aside from the fact that she is indeed very beautiful, which I can say in confidence is an obvious fact. It's objective, not subjective here. Second, she is very kind to just about everyone. No matter what their background is, or how they look. If anyone deserves the title of noble, it's her. She has a very noble heart. And with her magic, specifically in the healing branch, she is highly skilled with it. Although she could probably use more training, specifically in fighting. At least for the time being."

Bardak smirks, having seen Death go from annoyance to peace as he spoke of Morgen, "And you say you're not into her?"

Death growled before saying quietly, "Zip it."

"What are you scared of things going wrong? That she'd leave ya for someone else? That she'd discover your dark history, and all it's bloody glory? People like her have seen people like you before. They understand em, hell Ulara and I are those types of people, or rather were. Remember how it was when I was young, back when you first met me? I was batshit insane by most standards. And you, were a stuck up son of a bitch."

Death chuckled, "You're not wrong, I was a bit stuck up back then. Among a few other things."

"And Ulara? She found me in the wilderness one day after I'd gotten into one hell of a fight. She took me in, patched me up, after that we started talking. And after quite a few years, we just had a 'thing'. And after that we got married and after that the family heheh..."

Death thought a moment and asked him, "Do you really think, I'd make a decent man for anyone? Or that perhaps I'd be a decent Father? Be honest with me."

"I have only one answer, yer siblings. You managed to protect Strife from yer asshole of an older brother. War, you fed like him a dragon and yet made sure he had manners. Fury? Well a debate is up on that one. But she's at least decent and she shows great promise....later. Besides, you love em and you have faith in em. And despite what you say, you care about em no matter what. You say you won't be a great Father, they prove that to be incorrect. As for the great husband part, and being a great man for someone. You gotta have faith in yerself and remember one thing, she's always right. And she never did anything wrong. Trust me, keep that in your head, and she'll be happy. Happy wife happy life, and I am a good example of that philosophy."

Death chuckled again, "Thanks for the...advice. 'Grandpa'."

"No problem, old fart. Now go take a bath, and get whatever you got on you OFF. I can smell it now, and OOOH BOY it is NOT pleasant. Did you cut your hair, and now cemented that way?"

"Hush up, I've got it covered." Death tells him.

"I'll time ya, see how long it takes ya."

"You're an asshole." Death responds before getting to work.

Bardak did as he said, and timed Death on it. And chuckled at each swear Death uttered or eventually started yelling out.

"Good old grumpy Death."

"I CAN STILL HEAR YOU!"

"Good! Cause you've been at it for about an hour now. Damn son, how long has it been?"

Death begins to see blackness behind him in the water, "Uuuuhhhh....I don't know.", he then smells what was just in his hair.

He immediately recoils, about to throw up. It smells like rotten corpses that took a bath in blood and fish guts, whilst using durian and raw sewage to clean themselves.

"Why couldn't I smell this before.....hurp....no wonder I was ok with eating durian....uurrgh....huuk....oh it's so bad.....gak....blarg...."

Bardak then smells it, "Ooop....ok I'm gone. Have fun with that, oh my gosh....Creator bless that man's hair."

As Death continued washing himself and getting more frustrated, Morgen made her way over in a towel. Course right as she removes it in the room she notices Death and the blackness surrounding him, "Uhm...you want to explain that to me?"

Death froze, "Ah.", then upon turning around he quickly jumps backwards slightly, "Gah wha?! Ok then......next time knock. May I ask by chance, why are you naked? Here at this moment, in front of me?"

He then turns around as Morgen quickly covers herself, "I'll leave now if you wish. But it seems you're having trouble over there. Perhaps you'd like some help? Besides someone has to drain this all out."

Death sighed, "Right......you can aid me, if you wish. Just be careful where you lay your hands."

"Of course. Just give me a moment to drain this mess here, it stinks to high hell, truly." Morgen tells him before using her magic to get the water into a current. One that moves the dirty water towards the drains faster. Eventually it's taken care of and Morgen hops in. Making her way up to Death. As promised she's careful, and for now just focuses on his hair. Course she pulls it back a bit and realizes just how bad it is.

"Oh merciful Creator."

"What is it this time?" Death asks nervously.

"Is this....a piece of entrails in here?" Morgen inquires before pulling at it and realizing it was indeed a piece of rotted guts from something, "Oh Creator! Ah!"

Death turns around to see Morgen shaking her hand to get it off and gently grabs her wrist. He then tenderly removes the entrail bit before inspecting it, "That's dragon guts, yeah...that should've been taken care of a few months. Sorry about that. That's probably very disgusting and disturbing for a female Unseelie to see."

Bardak then comes on back to check on Death, and sees the entrail bit in his hand, "Awwww, you've got her heart."

"Seriously? This was in my hair!"

"So that's the uh left ventricle of a dragon heart. How the hell did ya get THAT in yer hair? Did ya jump inside of it yeesh!" Bardak accidentally yells out.

"Shush ssssshshhhhh stop stop." Death quickly tells him, not wanting anymore attention.

Morgen meanwhile decides trying to put a comb through his hair and asks him, "Death, do you have a comb by chance?"

"What exactly is a comb?"

"Oh my....ok. One moment. Bardak, might you shut the door please?" Morgen requests.

"Alright. Wait a minute you want me in here by chance? Also why was the door open anyway?"

"Oh no, you can go. Also to answer the second question, I don't know." Morgen responds.

"Ok then." Bardak says shrugging and closing the door.

Morgen then gets out of the water to search around the room for a comb. Finally she finds an entire box of them, "Ah here they are, these are combs."

"That's a brush."

"A comb is a type of brush." Morgen insists.

"Then it is indeed a brush." Death responds sarcastically.

"Do you even brush your hair?"

"No, I don't see the point behind it." Death simply states.

"Ok, we are SO changing that. Give me a moment whilst I comb through this 'bloody mess'."

Death groaned, "Leave the puns to Bardak, at least he has an excuse."

"Right. Now hold still, wouldn't want to pull your hair by accident. Who knows how tangled it truly is." Morgen tells him.

He does so as she begins combing through his hair. Using magnemancy to pull a bucket from nearby and scraping anything on the comb into it. Death took note of the magnemancy and wondered what else she could do with it. He soon began to feel his hair slowly becoming longer, not to mention smoother. Normally it was coarse to the touch, but as Morgen worked with it, it seemed to become as soft as her own hair. From what he remembered of it at least. Finally Morgen sighed as her work was complete.

"There, fully combed through and ready for a proper cleaning."

"Huh.", Death begins before looking around them at the water. Surprisingly he sees nothing.

"It's all in this bucket here, if you really want to see the mess I cleaned out. Also you still have that dragon vein thingy on your hand by the way."

Death quickly smacked his hand onto the bucket's rim and got the thing off him finally. Next he cleaned his hand off whilst replying, "So anything else we need to do here? Unless you want to help me get my back."

"Ha, only if you return that favor. But I'd say all that's left is to clean your hair out a final time to be sure, as well as the rest of your body." Morgen responds coyly.

"Well let's get to work then." Death states whilst rolling his eyes. He'd NEVER spent this long in a bath before, and it was ANNOYING.

Morgen meanwhile gave him a shampoo to use and told him, "This is a spare I keep on me in my crystal, I have my own to use. And it is unisex in terms of who it's made for."

"Ah I see......well then....thanks?"

"Hmhm...you're welcome."

Morgen and Death then began working on their respective hair. Morgen had just begun combing her own as Death approached her from behind.

"Mind if I help out with your hair at least?"

"Oh not at all, just be gentle. My hair is wavy so likely the tangles may be thicker." Morgen replied blushing a little.

He then gently grabs the comb from her, and begins a rough brushing she isn't used to. Course she winces a few times, causing Death to ask, "Sorry, too rough? I'm not used to this."

"A bit yes. Just go a little slower with it, like I was doing. If there's a snag, that's when you get a true brush for it" Morgen explains gently.

"Ok. I'll to be more gentle this time." Death tells her softly.

He then works slower and notices the results seem better now. Morgen isn't wincing anymore and soon relaxes as the comb gently massages her head. She can't help but enjoy the experience a little. Death also starts getting more of the scent from the shampoo, but also something else. Something more pleasant that he can't help but accept the occasional whiff of it.

"Uh...ok I've got most of your hair. Mind getting my back for me?"

"I'm on it." Morgen tells him as she gently lathers him up.

Death freezes at first but calms down shortly after. From there, he felt just how good Morgen was with her hands. They were soft to touch as always, and he could actually feel a few muscles loosening as well. The scent from before suddenly becomes more noticeable the more relaxed he becomes. Course something else becomes noticeable too, more so than it has before. Death tries to manage his blade, but the scent keeps making that difficult.

Morgen soon finally finishes his back, "There. Are you alright? You've gone quiet."

"Of course, just fine just fine. I need to get my foot right now. I'll do that myself." Death responds before hurrying away.

"I haven't....scared you have I? I know you have 'bad memories' and all." Morgen implores with heavy concern.

"Hmm? Oh no no, I'm fine truly. I promise you needn't worry about me."

"If you say so....." Morgen says softly before working on her own body.

As she does so, Death works to keep himself under control. He finishes cleaning his foot easily enough to sell the story. But sheathing the blade was harder. Breathing heavy and fast as he took his time. Eventually he does cool down enough to trust himself around Morgen again. Just in time too as Morgen had finished the rest of her body, and had trouble getting her back. Death came over and began helping her out.

"Do you need help with that? You got my back I can get yours, you know?"

"Oh yes please, thank you." Morgen responds as he gently places his hands on her.

He's a bit more rough than her, but is still being careful for the most part. Morgen even begins enjoying the semi-massage of sorts in time. Meanwhile Death was trying to maintain control as he started catching whiffs of the scent around Morgen again. He could only assume the scent was Morgen's natural musk. Although he couldn't understand how it hadn't been so noticeable before now. Finally he and Morgen finished up and Death turned around to let Morgen dry herself in privacy. Morgen quickly worked to dry herself off and soon left the room. Giving Death his own privacy, which he preferred.

Admittedly, he was highly nervous. Perhaps, even scared. But not of Morgen, no, rather he was afraid of himself in this moment. He hadn't had to fight himself like this in a very long time. It frightened him, as he thought about what may have happened had he lost control. Even for a moment. Eventually Death finally dried off and left as Morgen had previously. Being spooked still, as he ran into Bardak again.

He decided to take the moment to ask him for advice, urgently, "Bardak, how do you control your werebeast side?"

"First off, I was lucky I got the bear. Which is technically the most 'gentle' of the beasts. Second off, I didn't fight it. I let most of it through, kind of. Again, got lucky. I remember one werewolf friend, he uh was very off-putting at first. But he was kind, for the most part. When it came to the beast, he didn't let it in. And that's where it led to the whole moon cycle, rage filled monster. Wait, why even ask that?"

"Demonic half is being a bitch today. I caught whiff of Morgen's scent. It caused me to lose control almost."

"Welp, I mean you used to control that part of yerself by fighting all the time correct?" Bardak questions.

"I can't exactly fight inside a bath now can I?"

"Nah but you could handle it in other ways. Second, when was the last time you got laid? Last I heard Demons had high libidos." Bardak presses.

"Practically eons ago."

"That's yer second problem. And finally, what kind of hobby do you have outside working? Beyond occasionally visiting friends." Bardak tells him simply.

"I mean I cook but that's about it, I'm always busy."

"Let me get this straight, are you always busy, or making yerself busy?" Bardak asks.

"Shut up." Death told him annoyed.

"Come with me, you need some time to air dry your hair anyways." Bardak tells him.

Meanwhile as Death and Bardak headed outside for their walk, Leatherbeard had brought Arn along to start their job.

"Be glad that he doesn't want me to have too much fun with ya."

"Be glad I'm willing to tolerate your bullshit." Arn retorted.

Leatherbeard elbow swipes his head, "Heheheheh, keep that spirit up and I might teach ya how to fight."

"I've lasted this long without help. I'll last longer without yours.", Arn says rubbing the spot hit.

"Heheh, surviving's one thing, thriving's another. And buddy, creatures like us were designed to thrive. Ok, you take care of the baby and lady. I'll take care of Death. Hahah." Leatherbeard declares proudly.

"Heh. The easier it is for me to go home. Just so you know I'm not bailing you out, you die you get left behind for the crows.", Arn tells him.

"Heheheheh, I'm assuming you've never met the Horseman have ya? I have. Hahah...nearly came this close to biting his head off. And another time, his close friend almost became my bitch. Trust me when I say this, you have no chance against the Horsemen. Especially, their pussy for a boss."

"Lot of talk for someone who would've died in that arena. If you didn't have that equally bitchy healing effect.", Arn remarks.

"La pute, you were using the wrong weapons. You should've used something of either silver, or magic. And even then, it still wouldn't live up to the true cadence. But if you were to grab a few of those kind of items, you better yer shot counts petite merde." Leatherbeard states.

"Silver or not, you should've died from the blood loss alone. I've seen and done it a hundred times over, as much as you say to the contrary, you're not fucking immortal.", Arn retorts.

"You don't know what I am, nor what you are I'm guessing? Ye probably only think that the 'wolf' is all you are. Am I right?" Leatherbeard inquires coyly.

"I don't give a damn what you think. I just know that when you die, I'll look on your corpse and smile.", Arn explains almost gleefully.

Leatherbeard only laughs, then asks one of the men to bring them a non magical weapon. He does so and Leatherbeard then points it at Arn. From there Arn's shoulder erupts with pain as Leatherbeard stabs it, and twists the blade into the wound. Leatherbeard then coldly pulls it out and the wound heals over, not even a scar is left behind.

"That, was to open your eyes. Believe me boy, you're stronger than what most would think. And I'm far stronger than you or any other wereshark. Heheh. Now, we have a job to do, so get to it."

Arn growls in pain for a good few seconds but he just stares at the shark as they walk

'I hope the Horseman makes soup out of him.', He thinks to himself.

He does touch his shoulder as there is still blood present, but at least he won't be too sore to swing his weapon.

Arn then gets a handkerchief from Leatherbeard, "This scent's from the little one I found the other night. She's one of the few that are aiding the fugitives. She's not yer target, but she is close to them so it'll help."

Arn nods before sniffing the handkerchief and hurrying off on the scent's path. Leaving Leatherbeard to his own task. Suddenly he felt a presence calling to him, he did not know it, but felt it guiding him. Cautiously, he chose to trust it. As it was leading him around the scent as far as he could tell. Nergal meanwhile smiled, glad that his plan was working so far. The Wiseman now could only hope that Puck could bring the young man back from the dark path he was on. Nergal then sent a mental link to Puck, to warn him to 'watch over' Arthur discretely.

"The baby.....watch him.....he'll be needing you....."

Puck shuddered, "Ehhhh ok...creepy voices inside my head are giving me orders.", then upon looking at his current bottle, "Maybe I should really stop experimenting."

"Just go over to the child of Uther, he will need you....both of them will."

"Ok then....I must certainly be losing my mind again, oh boy. Wait, what do you mean by both?" Puck inquired confused.

"You'll know in time."

"Great, I'm dealing with a very vague voice to begin with, oi. Fine, I'll go check on the little squirt." Puck explains before going to Arthur's room.

He finds the little tyke hugging his stuffed lion as always, and notices the magic that's on the toy as well.

"Smart lad making such a good toy." Puck whispered before the voice spoke again.

"Hide close."

"Seriously hiding? Ok." Puck states a bit grumpy.

Arn eventually began to notice his surroundings shift and distort. He stopped and raised his cutlass in preparation for any attacks. He notices it starts at one tree in particular that he passed. One side of the distortion was where he was, the side he was now on seemed to be much darker as opposed to the Seelie Realm. A sure sign he'd been brought to the Unseelie Realm, he wasn't sure why though.

In his confusion, Arn heard a voice, "Continue on with your mission. There's someone there that will you want to meet."

Cautiously he continues on, but says to himself, "This better not be a trick. I am in already in the mood to kill someone."

Arn shakes his head before finding himself on the edge of the woods. There he sees the outer walls of the castle and the moat that surrounds it.

'Nothing I can't handle.' Arn thinks to himself before turning into his wolf form, the process of shifting one's body to a new form is a level of pain that's nearly indescribable, but Arn bears it without making too much noise. When he adjusts he uses his senses to take in the smells and sounds before he makes a plan.

He then gets on all fours and rushes the moat. Before reaching the edge he makes a daring leap from the shore, and by some miracle manages to get a grip on one of the looser stones. Arn then begins using his claws to get a better grip as he ascends the wall. Even leaping to spaces he cannot reach normally.

Once at the top he hears a single guard stop at the edge. Arn then grabs his face and slams his head on the stonework, tossing him over the side. Arn then hops onto the parapet and upon seeing another guard, closes the distance and slams him against the wall of the guard post. With one hand covering his mouth, the other digging into his throat. With one violent jerk, Arn rips open the man's neck. Arn puts the sight out of mind as he sniffs the air for the tyke. Finally he finds the scent again, following it through a few corridors and hallways all whilst dodging the patrols. Course as he follows the scent he doesn't realize he's leaving a trail of blood.

Arn soon finds the room but sees that there's two guards at door,

"Shit...if this goes sideways, just grab the kid and go...no hesitation. The sooner this happens the sooner I can go home." Arn whispers to himself before letting out an audible growl.

The guards look down the hallway and one lowers his pole arm. Arn rushes him, dodging the pole arm and slashing his throat with his cutlass. The second guard is a bit more competant as he deflects the follow up blow. They trade blows before the guy disarms Arn and goes to strike him down. Arn however claws the man's leg and gets behind him so he can get him in a hold. One good jerking twist is all it takes to snap his neck. Arn then grabs the guard's pole axe, snapping it in half so that he now has a hand axe. Arn then opens the door checking if anyone is inside, satisfied he walks over to the crib and sees the little tyke is still asleep.

'Heavy sleeper this one.' Arn thinks to himself before he attempts to grab the kiddo, it's only then that he realizes he's not alone.

He lowly growls before scanning the room and sensing a familiar presence.