Shadi's sleep until morning was... restless, to say the least, and the feeling of being watched gave her some strange nightmares of men in black coming to steal away her child, but each time they did, a white knight she knew to be Isiat came and drove them off... Perhaps being so close to the male she had once felt so fondly for was having a positive effect on her? At least she didn't have any true nightmares, like the incessant wailing of a child the Shadi had taken from her paws as they carried her daughter away.

She whimpered quietly in her sleep, before an eerie feeling made her suddenly wake from her restless sleep, her eyes opening very suddenly. She found herself looking into a pair of what she was beginning to call “Carcer blue’ eyes, which were very close to her face, and staring at her. Intently.

Shadi yowled and nearly fell off her bed, scrambling to yank her bedding over the sheer gown she’d worn to bed. She gripped at the blankets and tugged them up around her shoulders, looking over her chamber's 'intruder' as it was.

“Oi!” Her heart was pounding as she glared at the little Lordling, the damned spitting image of Isiat, from his three twitching tails to his black and white fur with the red strip seperating the contrasting colours… Save nothing for the superior, smug expression on his little muzzle, exactly what his father had worn as a child when he had been showing off for her and her sisters as they had played their many games. Even his tailored clothes looked like the ones Isiat had worn, with his house sigil proudly emblazoned over the left breast.

“So… You’re the one they sent to tame me…” The little Keynari spoke almost scrutinizing, as if judging the wet nurse of her merit, like a spoilt little brat… “You can’t do it you know? None of them could. I’m smarter than even my father knows, I just put on this farce until he will stop sending these women to tame me. You will be no exception.” He growled, though it was high pitched, and sounded entirely unthreatening. Like a kitten, fiercely trying to scare away a snail.

Shadi blinked blearily, rubbing at her oddly mismatched eyes with her fist, growling softly.  “Well, ain’t you just the shittin’ image of your father when he was a whelp…” she grumbled out irritably.  She was tired, it had been a long damned night, and waking up to a smugger, smaller version of Isiat was making her want to claw at something. But perhaps she could out-con this little trickster.

“Hunter? It is Hunter, isn’t it?”  She tossed her short legs over the edge of the bed, and begrudgingly yanked on a robe, securing it to the flair of her hips.  “I’m not here to tame you… No one could ‘tame’ your father either, ‘far as I can remember…” She leaned forward on her knees, tossing her waterfall of tangled hair over her shoulder, leaning towards the kid like she was telling him a secret.

“Tame people are boring… they live boring lives, with other boring people telling them what to do, and they die, boring unexciting deaths… Boring, stupid people, am I right?”  She said softly, the sleepiness leaving her eyes as she focused on the child’s intelligent blue orbs. He cocked his head, as if curious, his expresion urging her to explain herself.

“I’m here to show you how to just pretend to be ‘tame’… It’s the subtle art of making people think you are doing what they want you to do… but really, doing it your own way.  See, I’m not one for being all fancy and proper either…” She winked at him, grinning.  “And… I’m here to make you even smarter than the rest of them, and you would like that, wouldn’t you?”  She chuckled softly… She would earn the youngster's trust first, before she went on to show him that doing as your told got you more things than disobeying all the time… and she would show him when disobeying was worth it…

“I can teach you to ride, I can even teach you how to use a bow… but not if your going to be a prat, understand?”  Her voice grew more serious, as did her expression, lifting an eyebrow at the pup. The whelp seemed to recoil at the sharp snap to her tone when she accused him of being a prat, and Shadi knew right then, she had him right where she wanted him.

Hunter was somewhat…. Taken aback. None of the other maids or his teachers were like this with him… And he was suspicious of her. He narrowed his eyes, cocking his head to the left suspiciously. “And what do I get out of it if I decided to… Go along with your scheme? My lord Father would not approve of this… I could have you out of here within the day you know?” He threatened her. His father wanted him to be a proper and good lad, not simply pretend to be one. Of course, he would honestly have rather been neither. This maid would be just like the rest if he wanted it to. One word to his sire and she would be gone without so much as a question about it. His little tails thrashed back and forth excitedly, the small black furred Keynari folding his paws in front of himself with a pout as he spoke. “Just how does this benefit me? Explain, woman.”

“I am Ma’am or Miss, not woman, and it is no scheme… I will simply show you how to deal with all this… Lord business, without completely losing your mind, that is all…” A sharp cry brought her attention to the small white crib, making Shadi’s heart race, fresh memories cutting through her like a hot knife through fat… Gods she missed her daughter…

Straitening her shoulders with resolve to not even look weak for a moment, she made her way over to the crib, and peered down in it.  Two thrashing red tails and a pair of round, bright blue eyes caught her attention, making her smile.  This little girl needed her, she didn’t have time to wait for Shadi to get her shit together… she needed her now, and really? So did that little boy… If their mother could refuse her breast to her daughter, the son had likely tasted her neglect as well. Just looking at their eyes, she could tell they were 'Daddy's children'. Both with those icy blue pupils that shone like gems, with an almost eeireness about them...

“What have you to lose, little Lord? Your father clearly isn’t happy with your attitude and progress, and your other tutors and nannies have been boring thus far, hmm?”   She said gently, picking up the crying infant into her arms, cuddling her to her chest.  “I doubt even you could find  a way to ‘have me out of here,’ or your sister would starve… that’s the biggest reason of why I’m here, but since I am…” She shrugged, as if it were not a big deal to her.  “I may as well help shape you to be a decent lord- like your father, not like those stuffy old men who are always trying to send hired swords to take your father’s lands…”  She huffed lightly.

“But yes indeed... What do you get out of this…” She bounced the baby gently in her arms, her little fists tangling in Shadi’s hair, the child’s ruddy orange fur standing out against the pale cream of her night coat.  “I would say… that you would get a teacher who won’t strike you, for one… that would be a nice change, huh? Hated it when my nanny would slap me and my sisters… And you would have my promise that I will try and make it… pleasant, I guess I could say… We could study outside, weather and your behavior allowing… No other nanny will do this for you, nor any other tutor… a blessing of being young- you can remember what it was like to be a pupil…”

The boy didn’t look too impressed, but honestly she didn’t blame him… After having a mother like he had, it was very likely he did not trust her, and did not view her as anything stable in his life… If this panned out well for Shadi, she could very well live out her days here, caring for these children as they grew into adult hood, which was the best she could hope for… it did not sound too bad, compared to being locked up in her father’s house…

“You can try to get me tossed out of here, but that won’t be as easy as you think…” She sounded playful… but she had nowhere else to go.  Leaving wasn’t an option. "I knew your father as a child, and I think he would sooner trust my word than yours, trying to get him to dismiss me... After all, your Father has an idea of decency in his conduct as a lord. More than can be said for-"

“My father is not a decent Lord.” The whelp spoke, a quiet, low growl, interupting his 'nanny's spool, the cub looking at her angrily almost. “My father is the greatest lord who ever lived, and you would well do to remember it!” He snarled, before composing himself again, brushing down his fur. “The town has never been as good as it is under my father, and it never will be after him either. Never ever ever. My family will be the greatest in all of Europe.” He barked, folding his paws with the biggest pout he could pull.

“And besides… Being a lord is boring… All dad has time for is his knights and doing his duties and fighting with mom…” The little Lord muttered, scuffing his foot on the ground as he swung his legs over the side of Shadi’s bed, sitting up and pouting some more, something the Little Keynari was evidently good at. Though at the same time, the way he spoke made his home life seem quite... Miserable.

Shadi sighed, gently rasping her tongue over the infants face, tidying her up for going downstairs to meet with her father.  She figured he would have gotten to sleep a while longer than she had…  “Yes, having a busy father can be difficult… But one thing you can do to make it easier for him to enjoy the time he does have to spend with you, is to behave as best you can, and give him reasons to be proud of you… He was telling me just last night how very smart you are, knowing your math and writing, all at seven? That’s impressive….” She said smoothly, giving the boy some praise.

“The less time your father has to spend cleaning up after you and trying to find people who can handle you, the more time he could spend with you and your sister… but someone as clever as you would know all about that. And surely, as smart as you are, you would understand that I could be of assistance with that as well…” She padded to the many drawers full of clothes and began pulling out things for Emma to wear… She’d never seen so much pink in her life… so she picked out something white, instead. When presented with her clothing, she blinked at Shadi and made spit bubbles, so she figured she’d made a good choice.

“There are many different ways for your father to be with you… going with him when he rides over the estate, dining with him at the homes of the other Nobles, reading with him in his study or being with him when he knights his soldiers…”  She went on, quickly changing the child and sliding her into her clothes, making her squeal in indignation at being exposed to the world.  Shadi carried on, picking up the distressed child and cradling her against her ample chest, which calmed the child instantly.

“Of course…” Shadi frowned, looking at him seriously. “If you are always making trouble, I can understand why he doesn’t take you with him all the times he needs to go… if you are always mouthing off; it’s hard to take you to important places…” She sat down on her bed beside the boy, understanding where he was coming from completely…

“Help me help you… If you do your lessons with me when I tell you too, there is no reason you should be stuck inside instead of riding out with lord Carcer. You wouldn’t be stuck eating with the staff when the nobles come to visiting if you could talk like a gentleman, and could keep yourself from mouthing off, or acting superior to everyone. Even if your father IS superior to the nobles and his people, does he sneer and act like it? No…” She explained, pulling a knitted yellow blanket over her shoulder to hide her modesty, gently moving so she could let Emma nurse.

“As soon as you realize I’m not here to hurt you, you can start realizing that I am only here to help you.”

Hunter frowned, before finally relenting as Shadi dressed his new sister, the boy smiling slightly. “Alright… I’ll try… You’re the first person who has been able to pick her up without her wailing… She like’s you. Even when mother held her to try and quiet her, she cried even louder… But dad had to take her from mom. She was holding her wrong and said she would shake her…” The boy looked down to his shoes quietly, before looking back up.

“But she likes you… I can tell… You’re a nice person…” He spoke quietly, the young pup’s tails flickering. “I’m getting very hungry though… My lady… Could we go and find my father to break fast with him today? It’s normally the only time when I get to see him...” The young lord in-making asked, with a surprising politeness to his voice.

“Yes, of course… You sister is juuust about finished… Which of those three dresses hanging up should I wear to dine in?  You would know your father best, which would he have me wear?”  Children often liked feeling as though their opinions mattered, and she got the feeling this pup didn’t often feel that way in his own home.

“The one on the left, for morning, and either of the other two for dinner.” The little Lord nodded to the dresses, smiling proudly that his input had actually been sought. “He chose them specifically for you.”

Shadi gently unlatched the child from her sore breast, who squalled at her indignantly, her little fists balling up in that way newborns did, and her face wrinkling up as she started to wail.  “Yes, I do love that one, reminds me of a forest...” She giggled softly, taking the child and placing her over her shoulder, silencing her as the pressure in her belly was alleviated.

“Why don’t you go to your room and give your hair a good combing through? It will give me time to finish getting ready myself, I had a long ride last night.” The feline sighed, running her paws through her tangled hair… She needed a few minutes to make herself presentable for her lord anyway. It would reflect poorly on her new master if she were to bring his children to him unkempt and messy.

With one child firmly held in her arms, and another endlessly talking at her side, she allowed the young lord to guide her down the stairs, insisting he must be the one to guide her about the house.  Shadi had dressed quickly as she could, and brushed her hair back to its normal, shining splendor, her locks reaching down past her waist.  Normally she would have worn it up, but she didn’t figure she needed to impress anyone today… Besides, the little lady of the house seemed to like tangling her fists in it… If it brought her comfort, Shadi would wear her hair down every single day.

The splendid green silk dress Isiat had selected for her was a little tight around her middle and her hips, but it fit well enough. One of the hand maidens had brought them in for her last night, and she was grateful for the gesture. No doubt they had once been his wife's dresses before she tired of them. They were a close fit, but they would suffice. If her lord insisted she wear them, then she would wear them. Though it might be prudent of her to remind him she did bring her own dresses as well, before he suffocated her in something several sizes too small; Though she noted that the hole at the back for her tail seemed a perfect fit. She smiled to herself in the mirror, before turning, picking up Emma from her crib, and going to fetch the young Hunter from his room.

She let the boy take her about the house, showing her this and that, as if it were all very important. He stopped her frequently to lecture her on one tapestry or another, telling her about how one particular hallway that was lined with sandy colored tapestries was dedicated to Isiat and his grandfather's victories in the crusades. He showed her the elaborate bathrooms, the long guest dining hall, the glass viewing room on the second floor that extended out like a balcony above one of the many kitchens. He showed her his room, most of all, displaying all his toy swords of different shapes and sizes, and the wooden knights he had painted himself.

Shadi insistently tugged him along, all too eager to be getting to breakfast already. Her stomach growled at the same time as Hunters did, and they exchanged a look that explained their hunger to each other more clearly than words ever could.

They had finally made their way towards the kitchens and dining hall by the time Hunters stomach sounded like a drum-roll, and he hurriedly lead them into the elaborately decorated feasting hall, the long, solid oak table dominating the center of the room, lined with seats on all sides of it, with Isiat at the head of the table. Emma cooed on Shadi’s shoulder all the while, her eyes closing for an after breakfast nap, the newborn having already had her fill on Shadi's teat.

Isiat was already there waiting for them when Shadi and the children arrived, as was his wife. His seat was a wooden throne of sorts at the head of the long hardwood table, high backed and padded, making his presence and his influence known at a mere glance. His wife sat on the corner beside him, and one of his officers Shadi had not yet met sat across from her, a red European fox in a gleaming set of silver plate mail. An orange cloak that matched his fur rested across the simple wooden seat behind him. His sigil was a simple running fox, if his cloak was anything to go by.

When Isiat saw them enter, he raised a hand for silence. He stood, smiling, just as the servants were bringing in trays of eggs and fresh bacon and bread from the kitchen. “Ahh, good of you to join us Shadi, I see you already met Hunter. I hope he hasn’t made himself too much trouble…” The vulpine chuckled with his ever charming grin, as he stood, fineries of gold and platinum adorning the elaborate plate mail armor he wore, the wreath of tails surrounding a fox head of his own house emblazoned in the front. At a glance, she could tell it was more for show than practical use, but then again, if his eccentric nature as a child was anything to go by, looks could be deceiving.

“My wife you have not yet met, this is lady Victoria, formerly of house Turen, the ‘lady’…” He seemed to say that particular word slowly, as if to just emphasize his sarcasm at the title. “of the manor, and this here is Sir McGregor, my finest officer, and infallible companion throughout the crusade to reclaim the Holy Land. Ewen here saved my life more times than I can count.” Isiat smiled, the russet fox merely giving a modest nod.

“Please, it weren’t nuffin’. Jus’ doin’ mah duty to the cross and King is all. Lord Carcer is being far too generous with his praise.” He chuckled, the accent was… Foreign, but familiar, like a memory from childhood. The knight bowed gracefully, before straightening his back, and gesturing to the spare seats. “Please, you’re welcome to join us.” He spoke, before Isiat’s wife cut in.

“Isn’t that the lords choice, who to invite to his table? I never agreed that she could sit with us. She should eat with the other servants.” She said coldly, taking in the feline like one took in a maggoty piece of bread. Isiat didn’t miss a beat.

“Woman, you are addressing the lady who saved your daughter’s life when you wouldn’t lift a finger to do it yourself, I would count myself lucky to be seated at your lord’s table indeed. Ser Lancy, Lady Victoria would take her breakfast in her chambers today, would you please show her there? Thank you…” The vulpine commanded coolly, eyes never leaving the table as one of the knights standing around the room as guards stepped forward, offing his hand out to the Lady of the manor.

“My lady…” He simply stated, taking Victoria by the paw with his mailed gauntlet. The russet furred Keynari scowled as she swatted the guard’s paw away, rising from her seat with a rough shove against the wood.

“Fine. Let her sit. I would sooner eat alone than with the common folk. You’re no better than a commoner, to let such rabble sit at your table.” She spat at him, before storming from the room with a snarl, slamming the door behind her.

When she was gone, Isiat let out his breath. “She forgets her place. I apologize for my wife, but please, come, dine with us. I need to discuss the children’s day with you.” He nodded, pushing out the seat his wife has so recently occupied. 

The little feline’s eyes were wide at the drama that unfolded in front of her, utterly horrified, honestly speaking.  She was clutching Isiat’s infant daughter to her body tightly, as if she could shield her from the madness of her father’s house, and the trouble her mother was causing… already she was feeling very protective over the tiny babe… And already, she felt very, very unwanted by her new master’s wife.

“Err, yes sire, thank you…” She made no further comment as she walked to the chair he had offered… it was not her place to sit at his side during meals, but even more, it was not her place to deny her liege lord the things he offered her.  She would sit wherever the hell he told her to sit and that was certainly that. With the way he had so harshly dismissed his wife, she wasn’t in any position to deny him. Frankly, she didn’t think she wanted to at the moment either…

She sank into the wooden chair, moving the baby into the  safe, warm cradle of her arms, the little girl reaching up with one clumsy arm and grabbing onto the front of her dress, gurgling and blowing bubbles in Shadi’s general direction.  “I don’t think so, greedy girl…”  The lioness murmured to the tiny vixen, a soft purr in her voice as conversation picked up once again in the room, covering up the awkwardness of the silence that had filled the room after Victoria had left.

She wondered if it was always like this in his house… Or if Victoria was simply reacting with hostility to another female around her children… and her husband. New mothers could get possessive.

“Hunter, here.” Isiat grinned, embracing his son in a hug, before he ruffled the young mutt’s hair fondly and sent him back to his seat. “Now, to Hunter’s schedule.” Isiat resumed speaking as he helped himself to some eggs from the platter set out before them. The way he spoke was so… casual, and just after he had been so firm towards his wife. It was… Unsettling to the small feline. “Right after his morning meal, he has prayer In the chapel, see that he -does- attended… He has made light recently of trying to dodge his way out of devotion by hiding out place.” The vulpine started as Shadi slowly sat, her new lord chuckling softly as his listened to his newborns gurgling.

“It is good that she likes you. She’s stuck with you for now. Her mother wants near nothing to do with her… Funnily enough, she want’s near nothing to do with you either.” He managed a halfhearted laugh, as if he took amusement in his wife’s disgust over the situation.

Isiat could tell Shadi was nervous, simply by how protectively she was cradling the young infant, and doubly so when he asked her to have his wife’s seat. But it was not her place to question her lord, and she didn’t, which was good. They would get along swimmingly. Isiat was known as a fair and honest and kind lord, but when people wasted his time, or questioned his commands, he was reputed to have struck even his wife with his mailed paw to discipline her.

Though Shadi didn’t know it… She would be his exception to the rule, just as he would never strike his children… She was far too beautiful in his eyes to ever raise a paw to in anger, or for any other reason… It had been the thought of her that had kept him strong when they were young. The way she would cheer him on when he fought with his father’s blade trainers had always made him fierce and strong. Despite many bruises, and oftentimes landing in the mud of the ring, when she was there, he had never once given up, and because of that, he had also never lost to one of his trainers after she began attending his lessons to watch, while their fathers did business.

“After chapel, his has his training in the yard with Ser Parker until we break for mid-day meal, and then you will have him until dinner for his studies.” Isiat said between mouthfuls of bacon, the lord having his fill of the food presented before him at the table, reaching with a pair of tongs to help himself to some more meat. “After dinner, the children will bathe, be dressed for bed, and ready for their nightly prayers before the last changing of the watch on the walls.” He finished, setting down his cutlery and looking across at Shadi.

She truly was quite the beauty… Even in her youth she had been beautiful, and if it hadn’t been for his family’s arrangements for him to wed the young lady Turen before he left for the crusades, then he would have asked her for her hand in an instant. Shadi’s mismatched eyes still captivated him just as they had when he was but a boy. One the green of pine forests and meadows, the other Brown as the earthen soil… He sighed softly as he looked upon her longingly… To be so close to her after so many years… She would have raised his children, but not as she was now… It was almost a tragic sort of irony that he had married and that his wife had refused to breast feed their daughter, that had resulted in her being here again after so long…

It tugged at his heart, and he did not realize how he was staring at her until long after she had already realized, and he turned away, raising a paw. “My apologies. I was… Lost in thought. If you will excuse myself and Sir McGregor, we have an appointment to keep with some nobles about matters of coppers and swords…” He nodded, rising with the Irish fox beside him. “My lady Stryker. Oh, and make sure Hunter doesn’t eat too much.” He pointed out as he left, the little black fox lazing back in his chair, a full platter of bacon missing in front of him.

Shadi sighed softly, cradling the babe in her arms against her chest.  They had been simple childhood friends not 15 years ago, where had the time gone?  He talked to her so very formally now, not at all like how they had been as children… but that is how life was, wasn’t it?  Talking to her like an old friend would be… very improper, him being a married man and her being a disgraced nobleman’s daughter… Though, she was glad he had grown up to be such an honorable man, and such a good father… He honestly seemed to love his children.  She was glad to be of service to him and his little family…

And at the same time… it was horribly hard to see the differences between them.  As cubs they had been equals in status… now, he was the lord of her lands, revered and loved by the people he served, as was his family… He brought wealth and prosperity to his fief, and made the people under him very happy.  He was a good lord, the best his lands had seen, his son did not lie when he said these things to her just that morning…

Isiat was a wonderful lord, and Shadi was the shame of her father’s house, and her family.  She was the first out of many generations of her family who had disgraced the family thus, and the only female in her family to ever bare a bastard, which was fine for a man to do, but not for a woman… Now, she had been stripped of her family, her name, any securities she’d ever had under her father’s roof, and the love of her kin… losing her daughter had been the worst of it, though… the rest she could have bared, if she had been allowed to keep her…

A gentle tug on her hair brought her around, making her look down at the infant against her chest, Emma cooing sleepily against her while she napped… How had this happened to her?  How did she go from being a happy teenager with many prospects in front of her... to having her child ripped away from her, and being handed a baby she could never truly be allowed to mother and love?  She felt as though naught but food and a watchful eye for these children… she could never be anything more… and it was already starting to hurt, just adding to her pain she already carried on her…

“…I thought that today, after your prayers and sword practice, we could perhaps take your maps outside for the day, since the sun is out… I fear I am not yet adjusted enough to honestly set you to work schooling just now… We can start that tomorrow.”  She tried to sound lively, for the boy’s sake, but the reality of her situation was catching up to her quickly, and her voice sounded drained and colorless.

She didn’t really have a chance to eat, as the babe in her arms kept her from honestly reaching any food, but she had no qualms about waiting until lunch… she was in no eating mood any way. Her appetite had left with Victoria’s comments. She tried valiantly to shake her bad mood for the children’s sake though… They were the most important thing right now.

“Your sister could use some sunshine too…”

“Yes lady Stryker…” Hunter bowed politely, playing his part of their little deal, as he rose from his seat slowly, tucking the wooden chair back in behind himself. He slowly made his way towards the exit of the hall leading towards the foyer, gesturing behind himself for her to follow. “And make yourself a roll if you haven’t had anything, eat it on the way. I’ve had to do it many a time.” The youngster grinned, licking his chops clean of the grease from his bacon tray, his belly rumbling loudly.

The courtyard outside the foyer was already bustling with activity, despite it only being so soon after sun ride. The night watchmen were returning to their barracks, as the new watch marched out, leaving long lines of symmetrical footprints on the ground behind them. Shadi had to duck back inside as a pair of winged horsemen cantered past; the lord’s scouts no doubt, by the falcon’s perched and chained to their wrists... Isiat had always liked to know everything that was going on, even as a boy. That evidently had not changed.

When they reached the chapel, Hunter stepped in quietly, bowing his head to Sir Vaylore, the father of the chapel, an odd combination of Rottweiler and Wolf, and an even odder mixture of anointed knight and a father of the church. He was a quiet beast though, it was said he only spoke to Christ and his liege lord. His mail was covered by the black and white crossed robes of the Hospitaller. He bowed in turn to the young lordling and then again to Shadi and the little one in her paws. Leading them to the front of the Chapel, he bid them to kneel and pray before the effigy of Christ on the crucifix, in turn making a cross on each of their foreheads with holy water, muttering almost utterly silently beneath his breath for their wellbeing.

Shadi felt more at ease in the presence of the tall, looming warrior priest than she had felt anywhere else in the manor so far. The air in here was… different, like all the personal conflicts of the building’s inhabitants were blocked out by the sacred place’s walls, painted glass images of the saints and Christ looking down upon the pews judgingly. She muttered a quiet prayer herself, asking for the strength do not break down in front of her new lord, and to guide his children well. When the priest bid them rise, she felt surprisingly at ease, the short visit seeming to lift the burden that had clung to her like an unwelcome guest.

They left with the father’s silent nod of blessing, and stepped back out into the warmth of the late spring morning. Isiat had been through the chapel before they had got there, and was already  in the foyer of the Manor, welcoming a carriage of lesser nobles, come to pledge their squires or allegiances or discuss taxes… All menial jobs which the Keynari swore he hired advisors to do for him; but alas, he greeted them as was befitting of the lord of the manor, with curt bows and eloquent words.

He watched as Shadi and his children left the small chapel across from the lobby doors, and longed to simply spend the day with them for a change, rather than prattling on with these men who thought themselves important… But such was the life he had been chosen for.

Hunter led Shadi from the chapel, the young boy weaving between men and horses, forcing Shadi to step lively to catch up with him. Though when she finally did, she almost ran headlong straight into Ser Parker, who was already waiting for them in the training yard. He chuckled, holding a paw out to catch the small feline, her large tail beating back and forth from the effort of her dash.

“Woah! Careful there miss, I imagine the lord wouldn’t be happy if you toppled over with his daughter.” The black dragon chuckled, his scales polished to mirror sheen, just like his armor was. Though in place of his two handed great sword, the sergeant at arms instead held a pair of wooden training swords; crude impressions of the real thing, and evidently well used, if the dents in the wooden ‘blades’ were anything to go by..  

He offered out one of the wooden swords to Hunter, carved from pine with a lead rod in the center to add strength and weight to the practice blade. The young boy took it with a whine, pouting to himself. “Awwww… When do I get to train with real steel?” He complained, as the knight gently ushered Shadi and the infant towards the seats at the edge of the arena.

“My Lady Stryker… If you wish, you may use this time to work with the newest arrival to the castle, or to explore the grounds if you would wish. I shall try not to bruise the little lord to much today to make your first day a little easier.” The dragon grinned, a playful, but friendly grin.

He made her smile.  She’d heard Parker was a charmer, and she hadn’t been let down.  “Thank you Ser, I actually think I will take the young lady and find a nice, shady tree to rest under, hmm?” She spoke half to the dragon and half to the napping child in her arms, bringing the soft, sweet infant closer to her chest, letting the child’s head rest under her chin. Emma simply yawned, sleeping quite soundly against Shadi’s breasts. Being a newborn was tiring work.

She left the boys to their wooden swords, and did as she said, hunting down a patch of shady grass under a thick, leafy tree oak, and making herself cozy under it. Her dress spread out over the greenery, the colors blending almost seamlessly together.  Carefully, she laid the child against the soft folds of the fabric, letting her look up into the leaves of the tree as she blinked into consciousness. 

“Pretty leaves, hmm?  See the white flowers?”  She spoke softly, gently to the infant, who was struggling to look up at the tree, her eyes still unfocused with the newness of her life.    Her eyes were focused on Shadi more than they focused on the tree, blinking up at her with an almost concerned expression.  “Don’t look so serious darling, you’re far too young to have such worries…” She murmured softly to Emma, stroking over her red fur with a gentle paw.

“Watch your brother, see him swing his sword?”  The infant couldn’t see that far away yet, but Shadi babbled to her anyway… it was very likely these children would be her only companions in the upcoming years… and if Shadi was lucky, she would be the one to help them with their own babies when that time came, likely until she died… Her eyes stung as that fact set in… Her life was basically over now; these children were her life…

“Just you and me, huh sweety?”  She murmured grimly, giving a sort of half smile as she watched the infant blink at her two tails with curiosity. The rap of wooden swords clashing rang through the yards, and the yelps of the infants brother whenever Parker tapped his paw with the flat of his blade, trying to teach him to utilize the cross guard.

“Not quite lass.” The charming smile appeared besides her, the bright silver plate mail from the morning glinting in the light beside the sitting feline, as Sir McGregor’s shadow passed over her, the red fox standing between her and her sunlight she had been enjoying. “Tha’ Lords guests were… Not to my liking, and one of them took insult to my presence.” He chuckled quietly, the fox’s long bushy tail swaying back and forth. “Lord Carcer thought it prudent for me to remove myself ‘fore I ra’moved tha’ young noble’s head from his shoulder’s.”

The knight slowly dropped to a knee and watched on quietly, his eyes following Hunter fighting with Ser Parker, just as the large dragon seemed to deliver the young lord a stiff blow to the gut with the handle of his training sword, making the youngster double over and lose his breakfast on the dirt arena beneath him. “Oh, the little Lord have too much for breakfast? Not anymore, get up, you’re done for the morning. Tomorrow, eat less. It slows you down, and makes you weak.” The dragon shouted, snatching the sword from the young lordling and pushing him off towards Shadi’s direction.

“Miss Shadi, I… I don’t feel well…” The young vulpine staggered towards her, holding his gut and mumbling quietly. His tails almost were dragging in the dirt behind him, and she knew immediately he’d be feeling that blow for some time yet. Sir McGregor at her side rose to his feet again, chuckling as he wandered back towards the keep, leaving the lady to her charges.

“And thus, one’s duty is never done…” He chuckled; his tails flickered beneath his cloak, the same fiery orange color making the fabric and fur almost blend together.

“I shouldn’t think anyone would feel good after being struck in such a way.”  Shadi murmured sympathetically, having to bite her tongue from saying something about the dragon picking on such a small child, but it wasn’t her place… In a real sword fight, you didn’t get second chances.

She gently pulled the child down beside her in the shade, letting him lean against her form, the boy’s legs curled up on her gown in much the same way as his sister was.  The moment Emma saw him, she squalled and flailed her little arms and tails, not exactly reaching for him, but clearly getting excited at the sight of his face.

“Seems someone thought you did very well with your practice, little lord… I think you have a fan.” She chuckled lightly, her paw stroking over his head tenderly, rubbing his ears in a soothing way as she murmured to him, a low, soft purr steady in her chest, seeking to comfort the hurting child.  She didn’t see his mother out here to do it for him… so Shadi would have to do the best she could. 

Isiat, meanwhile, was busy seeing his guests off, their business done, their oaths sworn, their squires ‘Ser’d, and their collective arses gotten out of his castle. He should have simply let Ewan take that damned ignorant heathen’s head. Coming here from the Holy Land to open trade routes in Europe, and they insult his guests. By right’s, any other lord would have challenged them to a duel, or worse, taken their heads himself. He was furious.

As soon as they were out of his gate, he turned to the man next to him, a young wolf. “Find Sir McGregor, have him rally fifty men under no banner, and without markings. Follow those bloody heathens from that lot and ride them down before they reach the next town…” He growled, before turning and heading off to find Ser Parker… Now that he had some time, perhaps watching his son’s progress would ease his mind. Though when he saw the two children curled up with Shadi, the newborn figure of his daughter in her arms, and his son at her side, he felt a pang of disappointment.

“Whatchya’ doing down there kiddo? What happened to your sword practice?” He asked, a soft, but still somewhat saddened look on his face, the lord kneeling down beside Shadi, the vulpine looking… Worse for wear after the meeting. His hair was mussed from where he had repeatedly ran his paw through it, the small length of string he used to pony-tail the long black locks with tied around his wrist.

“Parker hit me in the stomach with his pommel… Said I ate too much…” The little lord groaned, gaining a mere chuckle from Isiat.

“Well, this is what happens when you eat to much and get hit. It is why a knight watches what he eats, so as to not eat too much before a battle. Hiding in Lady Stryker’s bosom won’t help you be a better knight.”

Before Shadi could stop herself, she snorted, the paw holding the boy to her bringing him closer.  “Ohhhh yes, and you were a knight at seven.  I recall you running off to lady Carcer with many a scraped knee and some very sweet tears in your eyes...A couple I gave you, as I remember”  The little feline snickered, before putting a paw over her muzzle to hide her smile, not able to stop it.

Isiat paused, and his eyes met Shadi’s, and for the longest moment, it wasn’t certain if he was about to strike her, or laugh with her. Fortunately for her sake, a moment later, he chuckled again, that little amused chuckle he had made since he was young. “In my defense, you don’t fight fair either.” The lord smirked, his tails flickering behind himself. Even his son giggled quietly.

“Miss Shadi? Beat you in a fight?” The little boy gawked almost, looking up at his caregiver with something akin to awe. “But… Nobody can beat daddy in a fight? How’d you do it?!” He demanded, the youngster’s voice full of excitement and adventure, just like his father’s had been at his age.

“Well, I pushed him.  Remember this, little lord, and you will be spared much grief as you get older… A proper lady never starts a fight, but she can finish one.” She said with a hint of mischief in her voice, her tongue swiping over Hunter’s forehead, and his thick thatch of black hair.  “It was a good lesson learned; I bet your father will think twice before dirtying a lady’s dress again.”

“Well you were the one who left it by the side of the riv-“ Isiat caught his tongue quickly, grinning like a true fox, his tails flickering beneath his red and gold trimmed robe of black. “I was simply trying to return them… My fur just… Dripped on them was all…” He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. “C’mon Shadi, show some mercy, you’re going to kill my reputation if that story gets around.” He grinned, as he took a seat down on the grass beside the feline.

“That was a long, long time ago though, wasn’t it? Back before all of this nonsense… It’s such a different world over there. But Jerusalem… They say in the holy land a nobleman begs on the street, and the beggar is lord of a castle…” He spoke, looking at his son, who was looking back at him with a rapt fascination. His father rarely had time to recount stories with him, or even talk to him much.

“Is it true father? Could I be a lord over there?” He asked, Isiat’s face turning rather grave for a moment.

“Maybe one day… But not for a long time little lordling Hunter. Maybe once you can beat Parker in a fight.” He chuckled, winking at Shadi as he playfully mouthed ‘It’ll never happen!’ Sighing softly, he leaned back, resting out on the grass. “So Miss Shadi… If you don’t mind me asking, what happened here while I was gone? I know your father was lord of this region, but…. What did I miss? Everything has changed… I was gone almost seven years…” He asked softly, the vulpine’s icy blue eyes meeting her mismatched ones…

The little feline blushed hotly and looked away, lifting Isiat’s youngest child into her arms, wanting to feel her warmth close to her. 

“It wasn’t so bad… but we both know my father never had a gentle paw when it came to anything, yet alone when he has been given so much power… it was… a good thing you came along to take the seat, my lord… The people were very unhappy.  I think the only good that came of it was my father marrying off my sisters to such good men, the Rousell’s, as I was to be.  I am very proud of them.” 

Honestly, it had been a very good set up her father had managed for his three remaining daughters.  Shadi was one of three triplets, the youngest of the many Stryker children.  When her father had been lord, he had found three brothers, older men, but good men, who would happily marry his daughters.  Shadi had fallen in love instantly with the shining man her father had promised her too… Her love for him had… left her in a very bad situation, but she didn’t think it would turn out so badly… they were to marry, right? 

Ulric had given his life in the crusades, however… his death had marked the end of Shadi’s life as well as his own…

“Father was furious of course… but the lands are still healing, even now… he doesn’t know how to deal with power, you saw the state of the people when you came home… far be it for me to speak ill of my father, of course…” Though she did not sound sorry at all… She hated that man more than she ever hated another living thing.

Isiat nodded slowly, the vulpine giving a quiet hmmm in thought. “Aye, the hamlet was in a little strife when I returned with the king’s gratitude and one of his fiefdoms. Your father was not happy when I presented him with it and took the Manor… I am… Sorry, for your previous mate, and your child.” He gave her his sympathies, as was expected of a lord to a widow who hadn’t even had the chance to marry. “But there will be other opportunities yet… There are many fine knights in my service. I hear sir McGregor has been… Watching you closely.” The Keynari chuckled, his tails flickering amusedly as he made the not-so-subtle insinuation.

“He is a fine man, and a brave fighter. Our banner’s met at Tripoli, and we rode together from there to my father’s castle outside of Jerusalem. It was almost a funny sight, three and a half thousand men between us, all of them carrying a fox flag or shield or standard… My father rode out to meet us and insisted that he had sold all of his chickens the week prior, and that we would need to go find some elsewhere.” The Keynari laughed, covering his muzzle with one paw as he tried to quiet himself.

“We held back one of the Saracen raiding parties for four nights while we were there, fighting side by side in the thick of it. He’s as good a man as any, perhaps you ought to give him a chance?” The male suggested, even though he was loath to see her with someone else so soon…. If he hadn’t been promised to another by his parents, he would have asked her hand many years ago… Though what would he do even if he did get with Shadi? They would both be guilty of adultery, the punishment for which was death… There was always the Holy Land… Anyone could make a new start there… But to simply… No, it was ridiculous. He had his own duties here.

He sighed, shaking his head back and forth with a soft chuckle, as he reached across, ruffling his son’s hair softly. “So long as I have these two, I’m happy… And I’m glad it’s you taking care of them. You’ll do them good, I know you will.”

Shadi frowned and clutched Emma closer to her, looking at Isiat with apprehension.   “Uh, yes my lord… but I think it would be in my best interest to just… focus on your children… I would not burden a man, especially not a good one, with everything in my past…”  She spoke quietly, letting the tiny red foxling gnaw on her knuckle softly.  This wasn’t what she needed to hear right now… she would not become a pity bride for a knight who was too good for his own wellbeing… Taking her on would be the worst mistake any man ever made…

“I feel exactly as you do… I swear to you now, my lord…” She said softly, smiling as Hunter’s head fell against her shoulder suddenly, the boys eyes shut in the afternoon warmth.  “Your children will be my top priority until the day I part from this world.  None shall come before them in my eyes, and none shall ever come to bring them harm, even if it would mean my life in turn.”  She said solemnly, pressing her nose into Emma’s thick, inky black hair.  “So long as I draw breath, your children will never be without someone to care for them… I need them as much as they need me…maybe more… I need no husband in my life, so long as I have a place here.”

She swore her oath, far more precious to a parent’s ears than any pledge of fealty.

Isiat stood, nodding down at the feline, huddled over his two children. She would be their defender, their castle to run to, their armor, just as he was. It pleased him. A smile crossed his lips. “Good. See to it you find yourself a blade at the smithy’s and someone who can teach you to use it… These parts are rough, and my reception of those… Lesser… houses was seen as an insult by them for some reason, like my choice of knights who attended was as well.” He scoffed, one paw resting on the elaborate eagle-head pommel of his sword.

“You may wish to be on your guard. If anything happens, those children are in your paws by the time the first alarm bell rings.” The vulpine spoke firmly, his eyes on hers unflinching, utterly, and deadly serious. He held her gaze for a long moment, before he turned, pacing towards the yard. “Lunch will be served soon… And my lady wife was looking to speak with you. Be on your guard.” He chuckled over his shoulder, waving to his children.

Shadi groaned outwardly, before covering her muzzle with her paw, looking quickly up at him.  “Yes, of course sire… I will speak with her immediately if you would like to take Hunter to the afternoon meal…” She spoke, watching him go. Truthfully, she was dreading having to meet his wife, one on one at last…