Anyone in my employ can. They are the only ones I am loyal to. If there is no basis of trust between colleges then any empire will fall. What is on your mind dear?

I think may be correct in her guessing

You think who may be correct in what guessing?

*Rathil says looking a little confused*

I think Calliope may be correct in thinking I am with child

*Rathil nods a bit, not really acting like he is surprised, but at the same time it is obvious he is processing something*

Well then he says, A celebration should be in order I would imagine?

He more asks then says.

Dare I ask who the lucky man is?

*her eyes turn sad and then a tear falls down her cheek*

*she says in a small sad voice*

Jericho

*Rathil takes a seat next to her and puts his arm around her shoulder.*

That's who I figured you were referring too. I had just hoped it not be the case. It is okay to hurt my dear.

*leans into Rathil*

Neither one of us meant for it to happen. Of course I am sure you have heard that alot. I did love him you know.

*looks at him*

I think Esane knows and that is why she killed him.

I know you did, and that is very possible. Although like I told you before. Jericho knew he was going to die to Esane. It's possible he was trying to change his future by hunting her down first or maybe he had just hoped to take her with him to keep her away from you. He cared for you more than I have ever seen him care for another living being and I don't think he knew how to handle that. Although he knew he was willing to give his life to protect you.

I am scared. I do not want this madness to continue on to my child. Esane must die and soon. But I am not ready in my knowledge and skill to kill her. She is to powerful for me. I do not know how much longer I can take her insanity before it makes me that way.

*Sighs a bit*

That is how she works. She is entirely unstable and I am sure she did exactly what she is doing to you to your mother. You can not let her beat you down again. You handled her very well last night and I can tell she was more rattled by the people standing up to her then she let on. She is used to ruling by fear. It is true she is powerful and you should not underestimate her. Although you can use her ego against her.

To tell you the truth I am amazed at how everyone tried to protect me. From you I expected it. But everyone else I did not. I am not used to having that many friends who want nothing in return.

*looks at Rathil with a look of confusion*

How can I do that?

*Smiles a bit*

Imagine a person with my level of confidence and cockiness but without my ability to process information logically. I mean the first night she walked in here with the fake name of Sanee. She does not try to hide who she is. She believes she can destroy anyone she wishes. She even walked in here last night with the intent of tormenting me.

Her overconfidence and her ego will be her downfall because you can use it to get her exactly where you want. She is the type of person who will willingly walk into a situation she knows is a trap just to prove she can. She has no regard for her own life. Just destroying as much as possible before she dies.

Calliope wakes with Pan in her arms...stretching her arms out she picks up her little furry friend and kisses him on the head. He waited patiently for her to wake so he could eat. He rubs against her leg folded on the bed. She gets up, waves to him and says, "I will be back precious little one with your food." and walks out the door

Calliope comes whistling down the steps and with a bright smile, "Alatariel, how are you feeling this morning? Rathil you look look rather sad, my friend." She finds her special chair that Barbus found for her, slides it over to where they are sitting.

*Laughs at the halfling a bit*

No, I am not sad in the least my tiny friend. How are you today?

So you are saying that when the time comes that I should make her think it is a trap or that she has me at wits end and then spring my attack on her when it's not really a trap or that I am in my right mind?

Wait now i am confused. I think I am talking in riddles now.

Hello Calliope. i am fine. A little nautious this morning but it is passing. I think you are correct in your estimation last night.

*Smiles*

I am saying that when the time comes you will know what to do. I am sure we have not heard the last from Esane but do not let her rattle you. It makes her angrier and angrier when people do not back down to her. Did you see how mad she got at little Calliope last night? I assure you if she was able to she would have fried our little friend, and all Calliope did was stand up to her. She is a very narcisistic woman.

"I feel somewhat chipper today. What I am told about the festival is so exciting." her eyes light up as she hears all the hustle and bustle going on outside. "Busy day today for me, I think..but Im up to it." She leans over and touches Alatariels stomach. "I had a dream about you and a baby last night." as she shivers with excitement at the thought. She thinks to herself that this may never be something in her life. That is why she loves children so...........

I will heed your advice. And I think with my friends around me I can stand up to anyone. But if she does not know that I am with child is there a way to keep that from her?