Alae chuckled and hugged the young elf back,
<font color=pink>"You need not fear Alaerth. He really is a sweetheart."</font> She frowned, <font color=pink>"I suppose it is partly my fault. We rule this kingdom together, you see. But I find ruling drab, so I leave and go to the forest, leaving Alaerth to deal with problems by himself. Ruling a kingdom such as this is not easy, and it tires him so."</font> Her face fell a bit, <font color=pink>"I really shouldn't leave this burden on him. It makes him irratble. But don't worry, when he's not surrounded by officals and palace nobles who constantly bug him, he will warm up."</font>

<font size=1> <font color=silver>Arlyth shrugged, <font color=skblue>"If you say so..."</font> he said, a little dubiously. <font color=skblue>"I've never had the chance to rule a kingdom..."</font> he blushed, <font color=skblue>"I doubt I'd do very well anyway... and it sounds rather boring to be honest."</font> he snuggled up to his cousin, resting his head on her shoulder. <font color=skblue>"Thank you."</font> he whispered, <font color=skblue>"...for not judging me by my father's actions, I mean."</font> Without thinking, the boy climbed onto his cousin's lap, his head still resting on her shoulder. <font color=skblue>"I... guess I didn't make too good an impression. I would have spoken earlier, when I saw you in Aunty Sylquis's rooms, if you recall? But... as you know, she told me to go and bathe."</font> Arlyth looked uncomfortable, <font color=skblue>"I didn't mean to be rude... it's just that... well, she reminds me so much of my mother... the way she holds me; the way she looks at me... I just obeyed her without thinking."</font> he paused, and smiled slightly, <font color=skblue>"She's very beautiful and kind, isn't she?"</font> he finished snuggling closer to Alae, waiting for her to wrap her arms around him.</font></font>

Alae smiled fondly at the memory of her childhood and rested her chin on top of Arlyth's head,
<font color=pink>"She was younger than you are now when Alaerth and I were born. When your father and mother left and gave Sylquis to my mother for clerical training...well, we grew up together, so she is more like our big sister than our cousin."</font> She busied herself with arranging pieces of his hair, <font color=pink>"As for your father, I never knew him, but it is wrong to assume every child is like their parents, as Alliene does, even though Calaethis is wise now. He acted foolishly in his youth, and look at his relationship with Alliene-or the relationship that isn't, I should say."</font> She stood, and set Arlyth gently down on the floor. He could feel the raw draconic power flowing through her even now, <font color=pink>"I should clean myself up. Alaerth would appreciate my company right now; he does so hate to deal with bothersome noblemen and their daughters."</font> She laughed.

<font size=1> <font color=silver>Arlyth smiled somewhat, and hugged his cousin again, <font color=skblue>"Do you address her as 'aunt' or 'aunty' then?"</font> he wanted to know, meaning Sylquis. Looking at his cousin, he could not help but feel her draconic power, and he stiffened slightly, but made an effort to relax, and whispered, <font color=skblue>"Might I accompany you to see your brother, my cousin; or would you prefer I went back and saw Aunty Sylquis, giving you two some time alone? I'm sure that you'd like to speak privately to him about Aunt Alliene..."</font> the boy paused, and smiled at his cousin. He was obviously far more at ease around her then he had been earlier and gave a wicked grin, <font color=skblue>"You know..."</font> he said slyly, <font color=skblue>"You could introduce me to some of these noblemen's daughters."</font> he winked at her, awaiting her reply; fully expected her to swat his backside.</font></font>

Alae tsked at him,
<font color=pink> "A little early to be thinking about women!"</font> She scolded as she led him to the door, <font color=pink>"Your aunt may or may not be done confering with her goddess. I'll need to talk to my brother alone, for he may still be upset."</font> She unbuckled her mother's sword and tossed it on the bed, then turned to Arlyth with a smile, <font color=pink>"If you need something to do, why not take your stallion out to the castle grounds? It is very beautiful out there, and sometimes you can even see my father watching from his cave."</font>

<font size=1> <font color=silver> Arlyth smiled, <font color=skblue>"I was only joking, dear cousin,"</font> he replied with a large grin, <font color=skblue>"Hmm. I don't believe I've met your father... er, is he as scary as Aunt Alliene?"</font> he asked, with a shudder. <font color=skblue>"I... I woudl like to meet him; he is my uncle after all... what do you think?"</font> the boy asked, clearly seeking his elder cousin's guidance.</font></font>

<font color=pink>"No he is not as scarey as Alliene, but he is still not on good terms with Calaethis. Don't worry, he would not attack you if he saw you,"</font> she quickly reasuured him, <font color=pink>"But he holds his pride close, as any dragon does."</font> She unhooked her cloak and tossed that on the bed as well, <font color=pink>"Meeting him is out of the question for two reasons. One, it is a four day journey up to his home; time we do not have, and two, I don't want you going up there without Alaerth or I to accompany you."</font> Her tone was a serious warning, <font color=pink>"Understand?"</font>

<font size=1> <font color=silver>Arlyth bowed his head, and replied <font color=skblue>"Yes Alae... but; I know the spell dimension door... I could in theory, open a portal there which would take us directly there without the four day journey needed..."</font> he swallowed, <font color=skblue>"But I won't go there without you; you have my word."</font> he went to one knee and shyly kissed his cousin's hand, <font color=skblue>"I promise."</font> he looked up earnestly at her, seeking her approval.</font>

<font color=pink>"Father has had his home long since shielded from such spells as those,"</font> She said with a smile, and patted his head, <font color=pink>"But thank you for listening. I'll see you at dinner, little cousin."</font> She stepped back and gently closed the door.

<font size=1> <font color=silver> Arlyth nodded, <font color=skblue>"See you at dinner, cousin."</font> he replied, and went off for a ride with his stallion.</font></font>