RP Backup

[Liz]

I saved one or two RPs from the chat log that I was involved in. I'm putting them here.

[Liz]

DRISCOLL X JACKLIN X HOWL X BASTION

<blockquote><div align=justify><font color=white><b>Jacklin:</b>
It was times like these that Jacklin was so happy to be alive. She couldn't have said that three months ago when it seemed her life was ending right before her eyes. Things were changing and Jacklin was happy for that. Sitting on a rock in the Cliffs, Jacklin sun bathed during the warm mid-day sun.

<b>Driscoll:</b>
Driscoll moved through the Cliffs he was out scouting the borders, it was actually bad habit that was hard to break for him. But things were looking up, after all he and Jacklin could be having a family soon. Seeing his mate upon the rock sun bathing he smiled padding up to her he aimed to lift his front paws up on the rocks surface, with a purr he rested his chin on the rock with his crooked charming grin flashing at her, "Hey there beautiful" he purred.

<b>Bastion:</b>
For Jacklin and Driscoll, life may be all sunshine and daisies, but for Basion it was the direct opposite. Turned down by Jacklin, turned down by Stardust - he might have the lifestyle most lions would envy, but at least they wouldn't die alone. With a sigh, he padded up to the sun rock, only spying Jacklin and when it was too late. He didn't want to see their happiness to rub in his own misery but they would have already seen him. With a sigh, he plonked himself down, responding with a smirk to Driscoll's words; 'hello handsome’. Joking, of course. He was as straight as a die!

<b>Jacklin:</b>
As Driscoll appeared, a warm smile lit up Jacklin's face. She turned over on to her belly, getting ready to respond to Driscoll when Bastion appeared. A very light grin creased her mug at Bastion's words as she shook her dial lightly. "Hello sweety." Jacklin responded with a coo to Driscoll, raising a brow lightly in Bastion's direction. "And what may I owe the great company?" Jacklin questioned with a bright smile, looking between the two of them.

<b>Driscoll:</b>
Dris hadn't even heard Bastion come up and he rose a brow lifting his head up to peer at Bastion, he chuckled, "Hello to you too" he said as politely as he could manage, he still didn't trust Bastion but he could be civil. Smiling as Jacklin responded in a coo to him, "I had an offer to give to you but I'll let Bastion speak first?" he offered with a nod to Bastion.

<b>Bastion:</b>
His smirk dropped slightly as the two spoke to each other, so loved up. This could be me, he thought sadly. "Oh, no reason. Just passing through." He was on his way back from his encounter with Stardust - hence his foul mood. Nothing like being turned down by the ex. His ears pricked as Driscoll mentioned news, the nosey side of him idly wondering what the news was.

<b>Jacklin:</b>
Seeing the two of them at least be civil made Jacklin's heart happy. While Driscoll was her love, she -did- consider Bastion to be one of her good friends and she would have hated it if there was a constant tension or battle between the two males. When Driscoll mentioned something about an offer, Jacklin's auds perked on top of her crown. She waited to hear what this offer was, but Driscoll quickly passed the conversation over to Bastion. Emerald green orbs trickled over to the male when HE mentioned he was only passin through. With a slight chuckle, Jacklin's emerald orbs slipped back to Driscoll. "Well, hun, it seems you are back up to bat!" Jacklin wasn't even sure what that saying meant but oh well -- it got the job done. Jacklin waited slightly impatiently for Driscoll to mention the news. Curiosity was a horrible thing!

<b>Driscoll:</b>
Driscoll watched Bastion with a curious eyebrow raise and he chuckled lightly, "Very well" he said turning his attention back to Jacklin who spoke words he had no idea the meaning of. Either way it was evident she was excited, "I've been offered the position of Duke under Howl in Mystal Ridge, I told him I would talk to you before accepting and I wanted to know what you would think of rejoining Mystal Ridge?" he offered with a smooth smile, if she didn't want to go than that was that.

<b>Bastion:</b>
He listened to both of them speak; his lower jaw dropped as Driscoll mentioned going to Mystal. It was none of his business, of course, but he couldn't help but choke. Why did everybody he got close to leave? He was unaware Jacklin and Driscoll had consummated their relationship, and part of him still hoped he could win her over. If they buggered off to Mystal then there would be no chance of that. He kept his mouth shut, however, gaze resting on Jacklin to see whether she would accept.

<b>Howl:</b>
"Maybe you could join, too sir." Howl spoke as he walked up to the trio, silver orbs giving the lions and lioness gathered a cautious glance. He knew he was taking a risk by walking up the Jagged Cliffs territory but desperate times called for desperate measures. He needed Driscoll's help and he needed it now. "We could always use a Lead Warrior..." Howl offered, eyes glancing to Bastion before looking over to Driscoll. "Driscoll, good to see you. This must be your Jacklin?" He said, glancing to the lioness and giving her a nod as well.

<b>Jacklin:</b>
Jacklin listened intently to his news, only to be slightly surprised. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, but it wasn't that. She did happen to notice Bastion's jaw drop for she was watching him from the corner of her eyes. Curiosity overwhelmed her and she turned her gaze to him. She tried to read in his face why he had reacted so but couldn't see anything but a fine mask of camouflage. Emitting a soft sigh in defeat, she turned to look back to Driscoll to give her response when another male entered the scene. Immediately on her guard, Jacklin's muscles tensed slightly as she gazed at the male. When he called her by her name, a brow rose lightly. He must be the Mystal Ridge King that was offering her mate a rank. Giving him a soft nod, she quickly looked back to Driscoll. "If it is what you want, then I am more than pleased to follow along with you." Jacklin murmured softly in his direction, giving him an encouraging smile.

<b>Driscoll:</b>
Driscoll noticed Bastion's jaw dropped and he managed to shrug it off, no matter what he would always be that last obstacle in Bastion's way to Jacklin's heart. When Howl joined them he felt tensed but it relaxed upon the recognizing the lion, "Good to see you too Howl," he said with a smile and nod of his head, smiling at Jacklin. "Are you sure Jacklin? If you don't want to go I won't force you" he offered reassuring her that he thought about what she wanted and not what he wanted.

<b>Bastion:</b>
Another male appeared, introducing himself as the Mystal King. Bastion nodded at him - this must be Vulcan's son. The reason he wouldn't challenge for Stardust. He was taken aback as Howl offered him a position in the pride - Lead Warrior. Where he had begun. "Does Stardust reside with you still?" he asked curiously. Of course she did, he just wanted to check. If he moved to Mystal, he could give Stardust what she wanted, and save her from mating with another male! Jacklin and Driscoll were momentarily forgotten as his head cocked towards Howl.

<b>Howl:</b>
While a nod was recieved from both Jacklin and Driscoll, no words were given his way as the two seemed intent on talking about it. Which was fine -- he understood things had to be discussed before a decision could be made. If Jacklin said no, he might have to try and persuade her himself! When Basiton directed a question in his direction, his brows furrowed lightly as his silver orbs fell upon the male. Easing back upon his haunches, a rough sigh was let out. "For now. I am on my way now to answer a challenge from the Mirrat Hills King on her behalf. It seems that because of an idiot decision made by my brother, Calcifer, Mirratt and Mystal are now enemies." It wouldn't have been fair of Howl not to mention that to the poor fellow. After all, if they go to war, Bastion would be the Lead Warrior and would be expected to help. He needed to know what he was getting himself into. "Stardust is like a mother to me. Trust me, I will do my best to keep her in Mystal." He said, his voice confident and strong.

<B>Jacklin:</b>
Jacklin's attention was also distracted from the new arrival and her eyes were focusing on Driscoll. The thought of raising their family in a pride setting made her feel a little more safe and secure about it. Obviously the King liked Driscoll or he wouldn't be offering him a rank so there were no worries that the cubs would be an issue. "I like Mystal -- it was my first home. Remember?" She said with a wink, bringing up the memory of her arrival at the borders. Driscoll had arrived and taken her back to Mystal himself and they had been inseperable since!

<b>Driscoll:</b>
Ears flicked as he overheard Howl speak about Calcifer and he forced his attention away, he was after all involved in that 'idiot decision' though his part limited. Driscoll was distracted well by Jacklin as he smiled, "Of course, how could I forget?" he purred with a grin. He leaned up to nudge her muzzle with his nose. Looking to Howl he chuckled, "Looks like you got yourself a new duke, uncle" he said with a smile.

<b>Bastion:</b>
A hiss of rage escaped his jaws as he heard that STardust was being challenged for by Mirratt. "Curse those Dieudonnes," he muttered, without venom - the love of his life was a Dieudonne. All the same he hated the idea of anybody challenging for Stardust, thinking how ironic it would be if he moved to Mystal just as she was stolen. "I can't decide yet," he said to Howl. How could he give up the Rogue Band life he loved so much? He'd give it up for Stardust, but what if she was already pregnant by another man? How could he survive, having to reign in his loins? "I don't know if I could endure the rules of a pride again. Namely, the no-breeding rule." He smirked to himself, but was thinking how lonely the Band would be when Jacklin and Driscoll left. He was doomed to be alone – again.

<b>Howl:</b>
As Driscoll announced that he had a new Duke, Howl couldn't be any happier. With the possibility of a warm looming on the horizen, Howl would need any help he could get. He was unaware of Driscoll's part in the kidnapping of the Princess that set this all into motion, but even if he did know, Howl was sure he would still welcome his help. He might be a tad bit angry, but he wouldn't turn him away. He then turned back to Bastion as he hissed in response to his news. That was exactly how he felt! A Dieudonne had hurt his brother when they were younger and now it seemed they were infesting the place like a plague. It was hard not to have an automatic dislike for them. "How about this..." Howl proposed to Bastion, silver orbs concentrating on the lion. "Give it a trial run? If you decide you don't like it, then you can come back to the Rogue Band, no questions asked. As for the mating rule..." He said, letting out a rough sigh. "All I ask is you leave other male's mates alone within Mystal. On a second note, if a King comes after you for knocking up a lioness, I'm not going to back you up." He said, basically giving Bastion sole permission to do whatever the hell he wanted with his need. Having Bastion around was more important to Howl at the moment then worrying about who he was going to get or already got pregnant.

<b>Jacklin:</b>
As Driscoll leaned forward and nudged her muzzle with his own, Jacklin placed a loving lick upon his mug. Looking over toward Howl and Bastion, a light frown curled the corners of her lips as Bastion mentioned not being able to make a decision. She knew just how depressed he had been lately and as a friend, she was worried about him. She really wished he would come with them to Mystal, that way she could keep a closer eye on him. With Driscoll and her leaving the Band, it would practically be dead and that wasn't good for depression. "I'll help out in any way I can, sir!" Jacklin murmured gently in Howl's direction.

<b>Driscoll:</b>
Driscoll’s brow rose at Howl’s acceptance of Bastion’s … man-whoring ways. But he shrugged it off, the rule he just gave meant that Bastion could not advance further towards Jacklin, although he was certain the threat was gone. It could always grow again, couldn’t it? He smiled as Jacklin offered her assistance in any way she could and he smiled, he looked at Bastion curious to see if he would join now that the rules had changed slightly. He didn’t really care about Bastion but if Jacklin cared he could pretend?

<b>Bastion:</b>
Now Howl was coating his offer in sugar, and Bastion liked it. "That sounds...inviting," he said honestly. He needed nobody else's help when it came to defending himself against angry Kings - he'd done it enough times in his illustrious past. "I think I'll take you up on it." There was no harm in testing Mystal out, was there? See Stardust, prove he was dedicated enough to move for her, and if he couldn't stand pride life, he could move. It was ironic that he was about to move to the place where he had first been offered all those years ago.

<b>Howl:</b>
A glance was given to Driscoll and he actually did note the questioning glance on the young male's face. True, it was bending Mystal's traditions by allowing Bastion to continue with his rather... whorish ways but Howl just had a sense that Bastion would be a good ally. We all have our faults and why condem Bastion because he was born with a high sex drive? Howl saw no need to judge and knew that his offer would be a tempting one indeed! When the lioness offered to help out, it warmed his heart to know there were many out there willing to do their part. "Then we shall test that out! I'll start you off as a huntress and see how that goes, okay?" He said with a grin before looking back to Bastion. "Great -- I'm glad you accept. Now, if you boys will excuse me, I have a challenge to attend to." He said, standing and giving them a glance over. "I'm sure you both know your ways to Mystal? And please, do be careful." He cautioned them. "I wouldn't put it past Mirratt to attack if they knew you were a Mystal member." And with that, he turned around and took off in the direction of the Burnt Arena.

<b>Jacklin:</b>
Jacklin felt -relieved- when Bastion took Howl up on his offer. Maybe this way she could convince him to stay -- after all, they were good friends, right? Maybe she would be important enough in his life to convince him to stay in Mystal where she could keep an eye on him. It seemed the deal worked out the best for everyone in this case and Jacklin couldn't be the happier! When Howl offered her the rank of Huntress, she was more than pleased. It was something she was well use to and would be more than glad to accept! Looking back to Driscoll she gave him a goofy grin as she stood. "Ready to go?" She questioned, also directing that question over to Bastion as well. Turning her gaze back to him, she flashed him a warm smile, trying to convey to the lion how happy she was that he was joining them!

<b>Driscoll:</b>
Driscoll chuckled with a nod towards Howl, so Jacklin was given the same rank she started out with when she first joined Mystal Ridge, he loved it. She was a excellent huntress, it would not take her too long to ascend in the rank ladder. He was sure of it. "I'm always ready" he reassured Jacklin with a grin, glancing to Bastion as he let his paws fall off the edge of the rock to get full balance back, why didn't all three of them go? If someone from Mirratt Hills showed up they'd make a mess of them, wouldn't they? Driscoll knew he would.

<b>Bastion:</b>
With a final glance back at the Cliffs he had made his home, Bastion nodded. "To Mystal." He smiled wryly at what Howl said before leaving - Bastion had been on the wrong end of Mirratt too many times. He took another, lingering look at the Rogue Band territory, before turning to follow Jacklin and Driscoll.

[Liz]

HOWL X HARBRINGER

<blockquote><blockquote><div align=justify><font color=white>Time moved quickly and slow, sifting like the grains of an hour glass until the creature wasn't sure when it was. The ethereal being no longer took the form of a mere child; something had changed. He'd come to terms that he was dead, that much he was sure. The moment he'd figured it out, his body had changed; grown to looking more like a teenage youth. Strands of bronze mane sticking out along the back of his neck and skull. But that didn't change the fact that he had yet to realize just /who/ he was. So he lingered on this day outside the Mystal King's cavern. Staring blankly into the shadows as his mind spun round and round. There was just /something/ about this Male.....

<font color=990000>Something had told Howl it was time to wake up. He wasn't sure what it was, but as he blinked his eyes open groggily, he mumbled something beneath his breath as he pushed his large body to his mitts, his front legs pushing forward in a full body stretch. And then, he saw him. Silver eyes connected with the unearthly figure and it froze Howl in his spot. Eyes narrowed slightly as flash backs to Harbringer's death flashed through his mind once again. He knew this youth -- it was the cub that he had seen when running into that lioness. What was it doing here...? Taking a timid step forward, he took in a deep breath to prepare himself as he spoke. "You know me, don't you." He stated, eyes still narrowed as he gazed upon him.</font>

The male shifted his weight, sitting down when the male drew towards the mouth of the den and spoke. His head inclining downward in a simple nod. But despite the answer, he still spoke otherwise. "Maybe." He murmurred with a deep voice. Head tilting to the side, "I'm dead..." He said, surprise at how easy and calmly he could admit that obvious fact. "I think there's something I'm suppose to tell you..." He continued, unsure. Staring at Howl intently, he felt a tingle of memories, blurred and indistinct surface. "Mystal Kings... I've heard and seen their actions. Will you be like them?"

<font color=990000>For a few moments there, Howl wasn't completely sure that he was actually awake. It was an odd occurrence, or so he believed, for the spirits to travel far from Specter's View. To see this youth now, let alone in a more grown state, was very odd. Maybe it was his mind's way of making what he believed to be true come true through a dream. But he felt the breeze peaking in through the cave and he knew he wasn't dreaming. This was as real as it got. He took a few more steps toward the mouth of the cave before he sat, intense silver orbs concentrating on the spirit in front of him. "Yes, you are..." Howl responded to his statement of death. But, by the tone of his voice, he knew it was partially to help the youth come to terms with the fact too. When he mentioned he thought there was something he was suppose to tell him, Howl's curiosity peeked even more. Howl had always been an avid believer of the spirits -- he often talked to them (mainly his mother) right before he went to bed. More recently, he began talking to that white lioness named Snowa, now knowing she existed and knowing she could hear him. To see the youth return, though, was odd and there had to be a reason for it. "That depends. What have the previous Mystal Kings been like?" He questioned. Howl had only been around to see his father's reign and Harbringer's partial reign -- he had no idea of Mystal's past or what the youth was referring to.</font>

He could see it vividly, the stories and experiences. Even as Howl agreed to the fact of his death, the Spirit nodded somberly. His brow furrowing when questioned about the past Kings. An anger ignited inside, and his gaze became cold. Rising from his spot and stepping foreword until he was but inches from the mortal lion. "One was filled with hate... pointless hate. Hunting down and murdering a dead King's family. All because he loathed the dead King... the innocent suffered." The words where spoken bitterly, and if he'd been alive the brutes breath would have been foggy as if chilled by ice. This King he knew only by name, and the tales he'd heard from his Mother. He turned around, stepping away from Howl then. His tone immediately dropping into a somber melody. "The next... the next was different. But his methods where the same. I didn't know-" He choked, "I didn't know he was my brother.. or I would have never suggested....." He stopped, wishing for once he would actually take a breath of air to still himself. "A murderer followed in his footsteps. He gave his throne to a murderer...." He said, unnaturally calm as he spoke of the third king. "With laughter and joy he lured his mother home before ripping out her throat. Hiw /own/ mother!" He shouted before willing himself to look back at Howl. "The fourth... the fourth saw something terrible. And I wonder if it will poison him too." Harbinger said, a look of concern on his face as he eyed Howl now. Howl was the fourth - he knew this. "It was screams that woke me into this world. /Yours/ I believe."

<font color=990000> Howl paid attention to the youth with the utmost intensity -- his eyes riveted on him and his auds flicked forward. He even found himself leaning forward a bit as if that would allow him to hear better or get the information better. As the youth began telling the stories of the Kings of the past, Howl was just riveted to the spot. The stories were interesting and ones he had not heard before. When he talked about the innocent suffering, a certain type of hatred for that kind of male... that kind of ruler... welled up in his chest. The bitterness of the youth's tone was duly noted and if he hadn't been speechless at the moment, his tones would ring with the same sour taste. The spirit being mere inches from him didn't bother him in the least and as he got closer, he brought a cloud of cold and despair with him. A shiver travelled down Howl's spine, causing his body to shiver all the way down to his flanks. As the youth continued with the story, Howl was slightly confused. He wasn't giving any of these lions names -- just numbers. When he began to mention screams, his auds flipped back as a rough sigh escaped past his lips. "I can't lie -- the last King, Harbringer, throwing himself to his death was pretty rough on me. He was my... my brother..." Howl said, his voice getting choked up as tears threatened to fall down his face. "The screams you heard were probably from me in my sleep." Howl explained carefully, silver orbs watching the youth and judging for a reaction. Was he Harbringer? Was he the very lion who had caused him all of this heart ache and trouble?</font>
Harbinger. He'd heard that name before; at Specter's View. When Howl had sought guidance then. When he admitted to the screams in his sleep, the Spirit sighed. "I didn't know who to trust.... I did not think...of the effect it would have on you." I? What was this /I/? And yet he felt more whole as he spoke as if this Harbinger was him. He was Harbinger Tsavo.. last son to a persecuted family. "Howl... forgive me." He spoke, almost pleading. The ethereal figure shifted in and out, transforming to the lion he was in life; down the the translucent scars on his holographic like pelt.

<font color=990000>And so the truth was finally coming out! The cub he had seen that night at Specter's View WAS Harbringer. This youth IS Harbringer. As he began to speak and he admitted he didn't know who to trust, his auds pinned back against his crown and his mouth opened to say something but no words came out. When he asked for forgiveness, he didn't know what to say, do, or think. As his body shifted and he finally turned into the Harbringer that Howl remembered, the tears began to fall down his cheeks but he didn't move. He sat there, his face turning into a mask of stone. No. He was NOT going to allow this to ruin his life again! He had just gotten to the point where he could sleep through the night -- he wasn't going back to that! "Harbringer... I knew it was you." He stated simply. The pause in the sentence had allowed him to correct his tone as it began to falter. He had to face this head on. "Why couldn't you have said something? Why did you have to jump -- I was there with you. I was there /FOR/ you! You jumped anyway!" He began, the frustrations of the past few weeks leaking through. "YOU LEFT ME ALONE!" He screamed, his eyes narrowing and more tears falling down his cheeks. As he became impassioned, Howl stood, his steps taking him closer to the spirit, his lips curling back in a dissatisfied growl. "YOU LEFT ME ALONE ... TO CLEAN UP... THE MESS." He yelled again, his voice beginning to falter and his rage disappearing. Instead of rage now, it was filled with heart ache and grief. "You are my brother... father already left... and then you...." He breathed, his body shaking now, his gaze dropping to the floor.</font>

Harbinger stood still, listening as Howl's questions turned to accusation; fill with anger and grief. It was a pain that no mortal or immortal could relieve. Howl had been thrust into a position of ache and suffering because Harbinger had put him there - without so much as a second thought as to what might happen. But he did not interrupt the young King. His expression remained contorted into that same look of concern. He hadn't realized that Howl had felt like they where /actually/ brothers. For so long Harbinger had started to drift away from the Ven'detta King and his family, growing distrust for Vulcan most of all. The confrontation before the days of his death had only solidified that distrust. And yet Howl... through and through. He'd walked every step with Harbinger along the way, even helping to burry Rhea and look after his sons. What excuse could he possibly give? None. There was no excuse, but he did hope for understanding. Standing up straight, his ears pushed forward though his intangible mane. "All that was life to me died with Rhea.... could you yourself continue on day in and day out if it had been my daughter? If Vivienne had such a fate?" He asked; no. Harbinger did not deserve forgiveness. But perhaps he could make up for it by fulfilling the role he'd been thrust into. "I was not expecting... to come back." No, Fate was cruel and even in death denied him the love he'd sought by committing suicide in the first place. "I could not ignore the implications your brother and Stardust had implied that day.. for the throne. I wanted to break tradition... end the cycle of reigns fraught with blood. That's why I chose YOU! It is why I said nothing. I knew you would refuse and I could not... /would/ not allow Calcifer to be King. Mystal needed more than that."

<font color=990000>His mind, soul, and body ached. The pain and suffering he had been trying to push to the back of his mind and ignore had finally come back in full force and for a moment there, Howl almost collapsed to the ground. Instead he fell back on his haunches, his body still shaking from the energy that was coursing through his veins. He listened to what Harbringer had to say but he didn't respond at first. No, there would be no life after Vivienne. He simply could not imagine life without her. Maybe he understood Harbringer from that aspect but why him? Why not Jackson or someone else? There were plenty of other lions in Mystal BESIDES Calcifer that could have taken the crown. "Why... did you have to die for it?" Howl questioned, his voice full of hurt still. "I know Rhea's death was tragic... but... your sons." Howl breathed, pained orbs glancing up to see his reaction. "What about them? Where they not the product of you and Rhea's love?" He questioned. The shaking finally stopped and the tears finally stopped. Howl felt pretty hollow and empty at this point -- his survival instinct taking over and numbing him until he hurt no more. "Calcifer didn't become King and still he starts trouble." Howl muttered, his lip curling back lightly at the thought. Yes, he had spoken to Calcifer he there had been an understanding between the two brothers... but deep down, Howl was finding it extremely difficult to forgive Calcifer. Not only did he start this trouble but he disappeared to allow Howl and Jackson to take the brunt of it. "Now all of Mirratt and probably all of the Diuedonne family is after me and my family... your family. I'm doing my best to protect them but I'm only one lion. I feel war is looming on the horizon and Calcifer plans on making a hero out of himself and sacrificing himself to the cause." He spat out his words, the tone bitter to his tongue. "There goes another brother... gone. Everyone just... leaves me."</font>

It was painful to see even in death (or perhaps it was his mind remembering pain) the suffering he'd caused Howl. His bright green eyes softened with guilt as he watched the male sit back; struggling with the concepts and hurt that had been done. But no matter how Harbinger looked at it, he knew the damage could not be undone. There was no going back... not him ... not anymore. Imprisoned even in death from the one soul he'd been trying to find. All he could do now was attempt to ease that pain he'd caused. He could have picked anyone.. quite literally. But there had been something in Howl that day; something that shined out above the rest which had marked him for this path; this destiny. ("Why... did you have to die for it?") He frowned, shaking his head just slightly at the question.

"I didn't... the choice was mine Howl. I could not... live in a world without her. And now our sons must live in a world without either of us." His sons.. SONS! The one thing Harbinger had believed impossible; daughter after daughter.. oh yes he loved them. He never favored one over the other - but a son... it was different. It meant something more- her last gift. Even now the creature felt his heart in twaine; aching. Thankfully he was distracted from it at Howl's next remark about Calcifer. And immediately he felt an ethereal sense of anger fall around him. /His/ family.. /their/ family. Dieudonne. The one name he'd pushed to the back of his mind for some years now. Not since Neveah had he spared them even an inkling of thought. And now their eyes where fixated on those he'd left behind - and he the fool for not being able to help them. For not staying when he should have... "You Must be strong Howl." He spoke, his voice raked with conviction. He would have prefered Calcifer's life spared; even though in death there still lingered that growing dettachment from the lion. But no wrong deed goes unpunished... he was living proof of that... or /dead/ proof; however you wanted to look at it. "Calcifer must answer for his crimes. Choice and accountability... it's a hard line to walk Howl. I say this to you as your friend and not your brother; you cannot save them all. Their will be.. losses... undeniable and unstoppable. I fear in the end you will have to decide which ones to save..."

<font color=990000>Howl was both mentally and physically exhuasted. The adrenaline that had been coursing through him had left and now he was experiencing the 'low' that came along with it. He stayed sitting though as every muscle in his body finally relaxed and stoped shaking. "I'm trying to be strong, Harbringer. I'm trying my damndest." He explained, his eyes still trained to the ground. "I just don't know where to draw the line as brother and King. Backing my brother, I put all of Mystal in trouble. But, he is my /brother/ for goodness sakes! What is a brother if I can't back him up then?" Howl was so torn between loyalty to the crown and those underneath it and loyalty to his family. He also had to consider Vivienne in this. She was his family now too and loyalty to Calcifer may bring harm to her. "How do you make that decison? How do you honestly say who is worth saving and who is not?" He questioned, silver orbs slowly looking up to the ghostly form.</font>