"It says right here!" Damien loudly declared, pointing at the orange panel floating up from his ring. "'In the event one is set upon by another using violence, lethal force may be used to defend yourself.'"

"Scroll down," Alexa replied.

Damien narrowed his eyes in her direction and willed the page to scroll lower before grunting in a frustrated manner and willing the panel to disappear.

"He wasn't even that subdued..."

"He had no arm, was paralyzed, and was lying directly beneath you on the ground. Not to mention, he technically didn't attack you in any case, so you wouldn't have been justified there either. Stop being frustrated at Layla for saving you from being potentially executed," Alexa continued, Kastra landing on his lap and sprawling out.

"He admitted to it though!" Damien replied.

"Yeah, he admitted to playing a part in the reason the Prowlers were there, but ultimately he didn't set them on you. HE didn't attack you. If you would have killed him, you would have been the aggressor and in fact, they might see you as one for paralyzing him," Alexa countered.

She stood up and moved over to where he sat cross-legged on the couch, pouting. She sat next to him and wrapped her right wing around him, pulling his reluctant body into hers.

"Everything turned out fine, stop being so worked up over this. They won't try and banish you for violence, anyway. They'll use a truth spell, and everything will be dealt with. Just don't forget to go to the trial tomorrow," she said, awkwardly wrapping an arm around him as well to try and comfort him. "As much as she seems to hate her students, Layla does what she can to protect us, you know? She must be feeling terrible right now. What if there were teachers scrying the battlefield after your explosion? You would be a known murderer if it weren't for her."

Damien moved his shoulders around, trying to get her hand to stop putting pressure beneath one of them, before ultimately leaning away slightly.

"Just... give me that," he said, grabbing her arm and putting it around his lower back in a normal manner. "I swear. Just because we're in a relationship doesn't mean things have to change. Stop being so awkward to touching me all of the sudden. And I know, it just... I'm frustrated," he finished, forehead dropping forward to rest on his palms.

"Why would you be frustrated?" Kastra asked from beneath him, flitting up and kissing his lower lip in her small form. "We are all ok, Ranger and Rias are almost completely healed, and that idiot is going to be dealt with tomorrow. Relax, like you're supposed to be doing. What we need to be worried about is how the kid could control that thing I sensed," she finished.

"Did you get a look at it?" Alexa asked, sitting up straight, likely eager to change the subject.

Kastra shook her head in the negative.

"Only felt it. Humanoid and quick. I chose to go after the steady fluctuation in the barrier instead and then... well, you know the rest."

Damien leaned back and rested his head in Alexa's wing, sighing. No information on the most important part. And Kastra was right, as usual. The situation would resolve itself one way or another, it was just vexing he was being seen as the bad guy. Up until the end of the day yesterday, Layla had him under constant surveillance and as far away from Cedar as possible. Justifiably so, he'd admit; if he'd been given even the inkling of an opportunity, he would have ended the Celestial, prying eyes be damned.

"Well, let's change the subject. You haven't even opened the letter from your parents yet," Alexa said, leaning forward to grab the letter off of their tea table.

Damien reached forward with his left hand and grabbed her butt as she went to sit back down, squeezing it lightly as he sighed in a relaxed manner and she jumped.

"Whhaaaat are you doing!" Alexa cried out in shock.

"Touching your amazing butt," he responded.

"Bad!" she replied, reaching around and smacking his hand.

"It's relaxing me though, let me have the moment," Damien replied indignantly.

Alexa stared at him for a few moments before rolling her eyes and shaking her head, turning back around as he squeezed again. She sat down and Damien was allowed to leave his hand in the land of the gods, smiling in a contented manner while mentally healing.

"Here," she said, holding the letter over her shoulder as her ears turned red and her wings stayed rigid, refusing to look in his direction all the while.

Damien reached over with his right hand and grabbed the parchment she was holding, passing it down to Kastra shortly after.

"Hun, can you open this? One of my hands is preoccupied with something much more important."

Kastra beamed up at him and grabbed the letter, tearing it open with her small hands before pulling out the paper inside.

"I want a butt massage later too, though."

"You drive a hard bargain," Damien replied while grabbing the paper from her small outstretched hands and opening it up so they both could read from his lap.

He looked down at the writing and smiled, the letter written in Garrett's handwriting. He'd complained more than once about his mom's writing being impossible to read, and it seemed the first letter he'd gotten from them took that into consideration.

"Read it aloud," Alexa requested.

"Look at me then," he responded.

"No."

"Then no," he said with a grin, leaning over and kissing the back of her neck, causing her to redden further as her fists clenched.

Damien glanced down to the words again and began to pour over them. The letter had been transported by means of magic and sent from Hathen. From what he read, instead of going right home, the three had explored Eleram a bit and when they had gotten transferred, they'd stayed in Hathen to wait for a convoy. The letter was sent just as they were leaving home for Carlon.

His dad spoke of what they'd been doing there, touring different shops and the few guilds. Shopping, sightseeing, looking at many different job opportunities for Damien and Alexa to pick up over the winter... it rambled on. He spoke of the wars and how the Emperor was still too lax with the multiple threats, cautioned Damien on Hellial sightings, and asked how their first month had gone. Near the end of the letter, Kastra perked up and began reading out loud.

"Love you three - Mom, Dad, and Vanessa," she said, reading from Damien's lap. "P.s. Vanessa said she's going to pursue Damien when you all get back."

Alexa instantly tensed up and turned, grabbing Damien's shoulder with her right claw and reading the letter as Kastra grinned up from his legs.

Damien started laughing.

"That's not funny! That would be... wait, what does that say?" Alexa asked, looking closer. "Flip over?"

Alexa grabbed the letter from his hand and flipped it to the backside, revealing another sentence. It was written extremely small.

"P.s. We are moving to Hathen and should be settled in by the tenth month. Come visit and... pick out a room," she said in a surprised tone. "I wonder what made them want to move?"

Damien shrugged.

"I think dad's been wanting to move to a bigger city to upscale his shop; maybe they saved enough money?" Damien theorized.

"It was probably the Changeling that pushed him over the edge," Kastra said. "When you guys returned from buying your swords, your father was going on and on about the shop. He and the man were talking about going into business together."

"I'm sorry, buying my what?" Damien asked, looking down at Kastra affronted.

"Your swords."

"Hmm? I don't recall having any swords," he said with a thoughtful look as she rolled her eyes.

"Your partners, whatever. I said you could get more women, not pretend your swords were women."

"Wait what," Alexa said, freezing in place as she lifted off the couch to set the letter on the table.

"Nothing Lexi. Just Kas, being Kas," Damien replied, feeling a sense of loss as his hand went cold.

"Well why not? The more the me- mfffff!" Kastra called upward, voice muffled by Damien's large hand over her tiny face an instant later.

"I'm not sharing either of you with anyone else," Damien said, grabbing Alexa by the back of her pants and yanking her down almost on top of him. "You two are a handful as is. Any more and I'd go insane, and that's final. No. Additions," he said, removing his hand and glaring down at Kastra who hopped off his lap and grew full size, sitting next to him.

"Fine. If you're happy with us, then I'm satisfied too. I was happy with you alone, I didn't know I'd love Lexi so much too. I thought maybe more would be better," Kastra admitted, leaning into him.

He kissed her forehead as her hand stroked his jawline. His beard was starting to come in, and her long nails felt soothing on his chin.

"More family is nice. Maybe Alexa's will be willing to be a part of ours. But I don't want any more of you. I'm selfish. I don't want to share you with any guy, or any girl for that matter. You are both mine and each other's; no one else's," he finished.

Kastra snuggled further into him and Alexa tensed up slightly.

"I love you too and feel the same way, but it'd feel more sincere if your hand wasn't in my pants and on my butt," she muttered.

"This is mine too," Damien stated with a squeeze.

He let go after a few moments and untangled himself from the ladies, standing to stretch, then moving for the couch opposite them, sweeping up a tome from the coffee table that he'd been reading before becoming curious about the specific wording on murder in this country. The book was on exotic Beasts, one of the many he'd picked up from the library obelisk.

Damien took his seat and laid across the couch.

"Why did you go over there?" Kastra asked with a pout. "I just got big for you."

"Because you get handsy when you're our size, and I need to focus. I only got through the first part on what to feed Emra before you interrupted last time," he responded, opening the book to where he'd left off reading on the general outline of Sylphens.

"But-"

Damien lifted his finger up in a shushing motion and looked back down to the book, starting his reading.

'A beast primarily found inhabiting the north to west running mountain chain that splits the continent, Sylphens were first named by the Elves that discovered them in the early 4000's. This member of the quadruped family prefers to live near rivers-'

"What if I promise to be good?" Kastra asked, interrupting him.

Damien lifted his head in a sarcastically exasperated manner and her innocent smile came into view. Unable to bring himself to deny her, he lifted his hand and patted the top of his head, the only place he could have the Fae touching him and feel like his chastity wasn't a moment away from being threatened.

Kastra nodded and hopped into the air, shrinking and landing atop his head. He returned his focus to the book as she sprawled out.

'This member of the quadruped family prefers to live near rivers and lakes, mostly keeping to themselves. If happened upon by any type of creature, be it an Elerian or otherwise, they have a tendency toward violence depending on where in their territory they are or if their young are around. Sylphens will protect their homes to the death, so it is suggested a person not engage them unless they are confident in their prowess.'

Damien flipped the page.

'Primarily, Sylphens eat small indigenous creatures or plants, but can be satiated off larger beasts or mana alone. If lured in by a Dungeons mana stone as a food source, they become even more territorial than usual and very dangerous Holders.'

"Damie- right... he's reading."

'When fighting, a Sylphen will use its teeth, claws, and mana capabilities to defend itself. Born in the wild, the stronger parent, be it the mother or father, will infuse the child with its most powerful form of mana and teach it to fight. This will bond the creature with its parent, and over time, the Sylphen youngling will adapt to the magical category infused as a means to defend itself and secure sustenance.'

'Sylphens can be bonded with sapient Elerians as well. Similar to with a parent-child relationship, if an Elerian infuses the youngling with their mana it will form the same bond. It is suggested the owner use the element or form of magic they are most comfortable with.'

'Like other creatures that form bonds with their parents, Sylphens learn to wield only one form of mana initially but become extremely adept at it within a few years. By the time they are fully grown at the age of twenty, it is said they will have surpassed their parent in the use of it.'

'Sylphens are a very rare species and are illegal in all areas of the Empire and Dwarven lands to hunt, though their hide and teeth can sell for hundreds of gold per piece depending on one's age. If caught in the trade of Sylphen parts, execution is the typical punishme-'

"Hey you?" Alexa asked, touching his arm from where she stood over him.

Damien startled slightly before looking up at her standing above him, wondering when she'd gotten there.

"Sorry for interrupting. I'm going to head to Gallion's to grab Piper and Emra. I'll be back i-"

"I'm coming with," Damien said, jumping up. "Did you know Sylphens could bond with people?" he asked, excited.

"Yes... wait, you didn't?" Alexa questioned, taking a step away at his excitement.

"Not until now! What about Pippins?"

"No... Pippins are magical, but they don't bond, and there haven't been any recorded cases of them becoming strong. Wait, I thought that's why you said Emra was yours?" Alexa replied, still seeming confused.

"No, I just wanted you to have Piper because he was more adorable. Emra is... cute, kind of reminds me of a dog, but different looking. I didn't know she was special like that."

"Well, you better hope Gallion didn't get greedy," Alexa replied. "Imprinted on us though she may be, a mana bond will overwrite it," Alexa explained as they moved out their front door and headed for the Platinum district.

"He wouldn't do that..." Damien said with a nervous laugh. "Surely."

"Sure he wouldn't," Alexa said with a sigh.

"I would never do that and frankly, I'm put off you even suggested it, Lexi," Gallion said, affronted at Alexa's suggestion.

"I was on your side, man," Damien said with a nod.

"You were on the fence," Kastra corrected, Damien swishing his hand over his hair to try and knock her off as she ducked further into it to dodge the attempt.

"Well, I'm insulted," Gallion declared. "Fair, though. I tend to take things that I find beautiful, and your Emra is certainly a Fae in that regard. Unfortunately, she hates me. Wouldn't stop nipping or scratching at my arms or hands every time I tried to pet the beast. Take her," he said, pointing to where their Sylphen slept on his silk pillow. "At least Piper wouldn't attack me when I tried to sleep on the bed."

Damien practically floated to where his little monster slept and smiled down at her, leaning over and petting her head.

"Did you fight off the scary man? You did a good job didn't you? That's my girl. That's a good gi-"

"Explain what I'm seeing please," Gallion asked.

When Damien looked up, he was being pointed at.

"I have no idea. Why are you talking like that?" Alexa added .

"What?" Damien responded, confused.

Kastra stayed silent atop his head.

"It's just... You don't talk like that to your pets?" he continued, embarrassed.

"No. I've never heard someone treat their pet like that. It was disconcerting, to say the least," Gallion said.

"I-"

"You know what? Please don't explain," Gallion interrupted, raising his hand. "I don't want to risk knowing what goes through your mind. You should all get going anyway, aren't you on house arrest until your trip to the council in the morning?"

"Yes, but they said we had to stay in the district, they just didn't specify which. Therefore, we only have to stay within the entire housing district," Damien said with surety in his voice.

"They said YOU had to stay in them, not we, troublemaker. I wouldn't mind getting caught with you, though," Kastra said, poking at his forehead as Damien stood with a huff while cradling Emra in his arms.

"Alexa, let's find Piper and go. I came here to see friends and have a nice time, but honestly, I'm feeling attacked," he finished, strutting out the door.

Night settled on the school as the three finished dinner and their nightly activities. Damien settled back into the large bath, mentally and physically exhausted.

He'd assumed things would streamline once they entered the school. Hoped that they'd have an easy time of it and not have to deal with politics and pressures from others... but that wasn't the case, and he realized it was naive to assume it would be. The teachers, the Dean, the rules, house arrest, the attempt on his life... everyone around him had an agenda, and nothing was cut and dry.

He stood up from where he was bathing alone and moved for their room where the girls already lay in bed. He sidled in, next to where they were tangled up in each other, and laid staring up at the ceiling while wondering what to do next.

"Hey, Damien?" Alexa whispered from next to him.

"Yeah?"

"I was thinking... why don't you teach Kastra and me your language?"

Damien cocked an eyebrow as he continued staring at the dark ceiling. He hadn't thought about it once, honestly. He hadn't spoken English in years. Never even slipped up and used words from it on occasion anymore, only ever on purpose when he needed a way to describe something not from Eleria. He thought about his home once every week or so, sure, but the fine points of his past had begun to fade long ago. Thinking about it had only turned him morose each and every time, so he'd avoided the thoughts as they slowly slipped further away.

Thinking about it now though, the hurt wasn't there. It was like looking back on your hometown with a smile. The kids you grew up with. A happy nostalgia.

He let out a sigh as he smiled lightly.

"Sorry," Alexa whispered out. "I didn't mean t-"

"No, it's ok," Damien interrupted, turning his head to look over at her. "It was a good suggestion. I honestly never even thought about it. Why do you want to learn it?"

"Well, I was just thinking how great it would be to be able to speak a language not translatable by translation magic," she responded. "Since the person who made the spell people use didn't know... English? People wouldn't be able to use the spell to understand it. Or any spell, for that matter," she explained. "And... I'd like to learn it for you," she finished quietly.

Damien looked back up to his ceiling, a warm feeling in his chest.

'I wish I could show you how happy I was, mom. How happy everyone here makes me. You'd love them.'

"I'd love to teach you both," Damien eventually said, shifting his body sideways to meet her eyes.

The room was silent save for Kastra's shallow breaths as she slept, sprawled on top of Alexa. Damien almost laughed at how defenseless the always alert Fae looked, wings drooped on her back and face resting on Alexa's stomach.

"She keeps me warm," Alexa said with a warm smile.

Damien almost laughed at that too and closed his eyes, waiting for sleep.

"Do you still want to return?" Alexa asked after a few minutes, sounding nervous.

Opening his eyes up again, Damien noticed a forced smile on the girl's face.

"I do," he responded. "I'd love to go back and bring them here. Or go back and visit, say hi, say bye... Tell them their son is doing well, great even. I'd love to go back," he said, reaching forward to place a few stray hairs behind Alexa's ear. "But I'd never go if it meant I couldn't see you ever again," he finished, leaning forward and kissing her softly. "You both keep me warm."

The girl's eyes closed as she rested her hand over his, pressing it into her cheek.

"I love you," Alexa said after a moment as he sidled in closer and she rested her head on his shoulder.

"I love you too."

"Are you prepared?" Layla asked as Damien, Kastra, and Alexa left their house, meeting her and Reinal as they waited outside the home.

"Why are you here?" Damien queried in an aggravated tone.

Layla scowled at him and Damien mentally sighed. She was the last one he'd wanted to see today. The last one he wanted escorting him.

"I and Reinal are your escorts, twerp. I thought as much would be obvious," she said, turning and leading them out of the district. "It seems we'll need to work on your ability to read situations."

"I'd rather you not," Damien admitted.

"Why do you talk back so much, boy? Why always have a quip prepared? Must you always have the last word?" Reinal asked as they moved forward, turning to glare at Damien. "Respect your betters."

Damien kept his mouth closed as they made eye contact. The man probably referred to Layla, but was also infatuated with the Kreel. Nothing Damien said would convince the man in either direction. He also knew nothing about him besides what he'd seen in Advanced combat, so perhaps it went deeper than simple infatuation.

"Lemshire, Dewitt, Terrel, and Layla. All your betters, all who's methods you have questioned and spoken back to. Fire is good to have when the situation is appropriate to have it, do not misunderstand, but someday that attitude so clearly visible is going to get you in trouble," the Werewolf said, turning around. "What cost is a little face in the grand scheme of keeping you and your loved ones safe?"

The group continued onward, no one saying anything after Reinal had finished. Right before they got around the lake, Layla broke the silence.

"We are near. Do not speak out of turn when under the council or you may risk expulsion. Rias and Ranger have already both been forcibly sworn to secrecy about the events that happened two days ago and the council will most likely seek to silence Cedar with his death."

"Good," Damien shot back absentmindedly.

The Kreel stopped moving at his word. He watched as her fists and shoulders clenched and unclenched repeatedly, muscles on her neck spasming. He expected her to turn and begin yelling as she usually did. When she didn't and instead untensed finally, his eyebrows lifted.

"A student's death is never a joyous occasion," she declared in a quieter and more monotone voice than he'd ever heard her use before. "Never."

The group continued its march forward as Reinal bored a hole through the side of Damien's skull, who pretended not to notice.

"There is a chance they try to turn the situation on you. Do not speak out of turn, and do not try to answer falsely or embellish facts. You will not be under a truth spell, but if they find it necessary, they will cast one. If it is found you were lying, you will be expelled from the country and never allowed to return," Layla continued as they began moving up the steps of a large, official-looking structure.

The building was not decorated ornately at all, instead being very to the point. It was about two stories tall and shaped like a grand half-circle, the flat side being where the entrance was. The only decoration on the building were two large Golems dressed as knights with real swords, armor, shields.

Damien was certain they weren't decorations though, if Terren was any indication.

"Damien! You made it!" an old voice called as they heard the sound of footsteps approaching from behind them.

"Mr. Lemshire," Damien responded. "What brings you here?"

"Are you kidding me? In my school for only a month and already at risk of expulsion or execution? Whoever is on trial today is just too interesting to pass up!" the old man exclaimed. "If whoever is in trouble told me a secret or two I'd turn the verdict in his favor though," the man said with a wink and a few nudges, nearly knocking Damien off balance with his arm that held a walking staff the man never used.

"Sir, please don-"

"Oh hush Layla, I am the Dean and King. I do what I want," he said, wrapping his arms around Damien and Reinal. "Well boys, shall we go see what this Tearen boy screwed up?"