Title: Family Ties
Authors: Leiko and Perry

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The car pulled into the parking garage, pulling into one af many empty spots. The man exited the vehicle, and moved to Shirania's door, opening it for her. Several other elves, male and female, entered the garage from a door.

"Juriel, as always, what did you do? The girl is only wearing a swimsuit," a fairly young woman exclaimed.

Shira lay curled up into a ball in the seat of the car, shivering with fear.

The woman pushed the larger man out of the way, kneeling beside the car. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, brushing a hand through the girl's hair.

Shirania flinched at the woman's touch, curling in on herself even tighter.

"Get a blanket or something," the woman ordered, several men jumping to do her bidding.

"She's not going to fall for your charms like everyone else does, Cien. Face it, you just don't - " he stopped, the woman flicking a tiny dagger from nowhere.

"Stay out of this. You put her into shock, how's that for charm?" she sneered, the dagger dissapearing.

The men reappeared with the blanket she had requested. Cien took it, gently wrapping it around Shirania. A small squeak escaped Shirania's throat.

"Am I going to get my car back?" Juriel asked, impatient.

"Bastard," Cien swore under her breath. She then knelt beside Shirania again. "Child, I don't mean to hurt you."

Shirania squeezed her eyes shut, determined not to give in to this kind voice -- not to betray Kiron.

"Why can you just give up this... need for that elf?" she asked, not standing.

"You bitch, you know perfectly well why I want the Astrainia," Juriel lifted Cien by her throat, snarling. "Our victory is no-"

"Your victory?" she choked out. "It was over long ago. All you do is drag up old wins to cover for new losses." Juriel snarled at her in elven, tossing Cien against the car.

Catching her breath, Cien watched Juriel leave, wiping a small amount of blood off her bottom lip.

"Child, will you at least look up?" Cien started to worry for the girl. Juriel was not known for taking the best care of his captives.

Shirania almost involuntarily shook her head a tiny amount.

"Alright, you three, hod lthe doors open. I can't tell if she's in shock or not. If she's in shock we have to get her inside," Cien stood, motioning for half the group to leave. "And you three, find out where Juriel is going, he's responsible for this... mess."

"I'm going to take you inside," she said, brushing back Shirania's hair again. "I apologize for anything Juriel may have done to you."

Shirania heard the concern in the woman's voice, but she could not bring herself to relax. These people were after Kiron!

"Him and his damned Astrainia. Don't be alarmed, I'm going to pick you up, as carefully as I can. The feud ended, if only he'd let her live in peace now," Cien was mostly talking to herself, but also hoping her voice would sooth the girl's fears. Hooking her arms beneath Shirania, Cien lifted her easily. Somehow she managed to leave the girl mostly covered by the blanket, and started towards the first door.

Shirania felt herself being lifted by the woman as if she weighed nothing.

"Open! I said open the doors," she called, the door jerking open as her voice reached the elf holding it.

Some small part of Shira's mind whirled at the idea of a feud. They were out to kill Kiron? Why? What was this feud about?

Cien carried the girl, turning toward her own personal quarters. When she reached the door, slight frustration vented as she kicked the bar to open the door.

Cien took the girl to her bed, laying her on top of the comforter. "That's at least got to be more comfortable than that car, if not smell better," she informed Shirania, smiling faintly.

Shira lay there still curled up into a ball, but the earlier adrenaline that had held her tight was beginning to fade away, leaving her cold and trembling.

"What am I going to do with you?" she asked, sitting next to the girl. "I hate this feud, I hate Juriel, I hate my job, I hate my life." Cien sighed, laying back across the bed. She sat up again. "But I have to take care of you before I bemoan my fate. Let me get you a warmer blanket." Cien rummaged in an ornate chest befre returning to Shirania. She was trembling to violently for just cold. Cold fear flashed through Cien. "Child, are... are you alright?" she asked, touching her back lightly. The fear that the girl had passed beyond her help was almost solid.

Shirania felt like every fiber of her being was on fire. Muscles trembled and threatened to cramp as a cold fear settled in the pit of her being.

"Shock," Cien stood again, pulling open a drawer at a nerby desk. While she was busy, the door opened to admit Juriel. He looked about the room for a moment, eyes settling on Shirania.

"You out," Cien ordered, holding a small bag.

"What gives you the right to order me around? And are you supposed to have the prisoner in your private quarters Cien?"

The girl's breathing came in sharply, sobs threatening to break through the tension.

"I think you have done enough to her," she snapped, eyes narrowed.

He laughed, looking Shirania's form over. "I could snap her out of it, give me five min-" Cien's hand snapped across his cheek. Juriel was stunned for a moment, the said softly, "You'll pay for that, in more ways than you can imagine." He left, the door closing silently behind.

Cien set the bag down, quietly gathering the girl into her arms. "What am I going to do?" she asked, hoping for an answer from somewhere.

The sobs finally broke through the wall of tension in Shirania's chest.

"It'll be okay," she told the girl. "It's alright."

Clinging weakly the the elf's shirt, the young girl cried out the tension in her body, the sobs leaving her weak and gasping for breath.

Cien let the girl cry, running fingers through her hair. As time wore on, the sobs reduced themselves to hiccups. "Are you going to be okay?"

Shirania hiccuped in response.

Cien smiled with relief. "You realize we aren't all monsters?"

"Kiron." the girl whimpered.

"Who?" the elf asked back.

Realizing what she had said, Shirania curled partially back up into a ball, not giving a response.

"I want nothing to do with Kiron," she said. "Other than to stop the fools from hunter her down."

The door opened again, a short, thin elf entering, hair in braids on either side of her head. "Cien?" she asked, voice quiet.

"What is it, Duire?" the woman asked, looking at the other.

"We-we looked up her changling status," she said. "This is one Shirania Kelon. She was exchanged for a child... it says from the Grinaldi."

"What?" Cien looked confused, looking at the paper Duire handed her, to the girl. "She's... one of us?"

Shirania hiccupped again, choking weakly on a repressed sob.

"That's what it says Cien, I'd believe it. But, I have other business," Duire nodded, then left the room.

"A Grinaldi child found in the hands of the Astrainia. Irony, if it exists," Cien muttered softly.

Colors swirled behind Shirania's eyes as the warmth afforded by the blanket pulled her in and out of sleep. "Changeling child. . . Astrania. . . Kiron. This is all a dream." Shirania told herself as she slipped into slumber. "It's just a fevered dream."

Cien left the girl in the bed, wrapping another blanket around her.

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Shirania stirred under the warm blankets, memories drifting in and out as if from a dream.

Cien glanced at the girl, then returned to the paper on the desk she was working on.

Shifting, tired muscles protested and a small groan escaped her. School, she had to get up for school. Slowly, she forced herself to sit up, scrubbing her face with her hands, her hair loose and tangled about her.

"Good Morning," the older elf said, looking up from her work again.

"Hmm?" Shira looked up, taking a moment to register her situation.

"I said, good morning," Cien smiled faintly.

"Morning?" Shirania tensed, looking about her. "Where am I?"

"I'd say home, but I don't think you'll look at it that way."

"What are you talking about?" Shira asked, fear tinging her voice as the stray memories from the day before came filtering back.

"You're on Grinaldi land, where where they used to be," Cien said, turning in her chair.

"Grinaldi." Shirania repeated in a small voice.

"Indeed."

Shirania drew her arms up around her knees, growing as small as she possibly could -- trying to block out the world.

"Really now, are you so convinced we are all evil?" the elf sounded slightly annoyed with Shirania.

"How should I know otherwise?" she whispered almost to herself.

"I realize you were brought here not of your own will, child, but if you say we are monsters, than you accuse yourself as well."

"I'm not one of you. I do not hunt down people." she retorted.

"Neither do I. The leaders of this country have ordered the deaths of political rivals, while those with less power object. Becuase those with power do something, does that indicate everyone does?"

Shirania didn't answer.

"Look, I'm not here to harm or terrorize you. And after what I know now, I don't think anyone else will either."

Shirania wanted to yell back at her about Kiron, but bit her lip, remaining silent and feeling terribly alone.

"I am called Cien," the elf said, standing and giving half a bow. She walked to a chest, pulling out some clothing. "Here."

Shirania looked at the clothes, and just pulled the blanket closer around herself.

"What do you want with me?"

"What do I want with you? Right now I want you to put some clothes on. Would you prefer a shower first?"

"I. . I'm so scared." she whispered.

"Of what?" Cien asked, sitting next to her on the bed.

"Everything is so twisted."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know who I am. Who I can trust."

"You are Shirania Kelon, a changling..." Cien answered. "I can tell you your family if you like."

"But what does it mean, who I am?"

"You are who you desire to be."

"Yes but what if I do not desire to associate myself with hunters and killers?"

Cien laughed. "I've never hunted a thing in my life. Nor have most of us."

"I thought I knew who I was with Kiron, and now I'm supposed to be something else."

"Are you defined by who is around you?"

"No but a name seems to determine who it is I am supposed to hate." she bit out.

"So, you are content to hate me merely for being Grinaldi?"

"So are you content to let your fellows hunt down a person?"

"I do what I can within my abilities ot avoid this. I do not agree with their methods. The Astrainia have been gone for too long, bringing it up again is foolish, and detrimental. Child, I am Grinaldi, and I and proud of my heritage, just as Kiron is. I am not going to change my name to suit the whims of a girl. If it is my name you hate, look in the mirror and reflect it back."

"How do I even know you're telling the truth?"

"How do you know I'm not?"

"How do I know anything? Up until two days ago nothing ever happened to me." Shirania beat the matress in frustration.

"Something happened when you were born," Cien said, voice soft again.

Despite her misgivings, Shirania felt herself listening to the other elf's words.

"You are a changeling... a practice that most choose to ignore. Your full elven name... is Shirania Grinaldi..."

"Why?"

"Why? Your blood parents are one of us. You are one of us."

"No," the girl bowed her head, afraid of the answer. "Why did they abandon me?"

"Your mother... she died in childbirth. After that, your father just... for a time he gave up everything. There was little else that could be done, once he gave you up as a changeling," she said, touching her shoulder lightly.

Shirania let the elf touch her, not feeling anything.

"I-I'm sorry," Cien said, watching the girl closely.

"S. . so you just gave up on me?" she asked quietly.

"No, by law we cannot reach out to you until you are entered back into the elven world properly. But... things changed."

"Entered back?" she repeated.

"Can you honestly tell me it was not a shock to find out you were an elf?"

The girl shook her head, walking over to the mirror, blanket still wrapped about her.

"Would you like to shower?" Cien asked again.

"What will I do afterwards?" Shira asked, not taking her eyes from the reflection.

"Whatever you want to do, other than leave the building."

"Why?"
"Elves dont bear children very much anymore... Those that we have are precious, those found, even more so."
"So I'm a captive in this house?" Shirania couldn't bring herself to refer to it as hers.
"If you wish to view it that way, yes."
"How else should I view it?"
"That you've returned home."
"Never to leave?"
"I wish I could let you, kidnapping children is not high on my list of things to do," Cien said. "But I would likely be dead if I let you leave."

----------------------------

"Go lad, help with the bandaging," Kristolas said after another moment passed.
Kirk nodded uncertainly at the older elf before striding over towards Kiron.
Kiron was struggling with the bandage, not quite able to tie it properly with one hand.
Gently Kirk took the ends of the cloth from her, tying it securely.
"Thanks," she smiled, watching his hands.
Kirk blushed slightly, feeling the older elf's eyes on him.
"Are you going to be ready to go? We have to find Shira."
"I'm ready whenever you are."
"Good." Kiron stood, walking back to Kristolas. "Thank you old one," she said, grinning impishly.
Kirk followed her quietly.
"Get along now Kiron. Find your friend."
"Yessir," Kiron gave the setch of a bow and pulled Kirk out the door.
"Um. . ok. So what is the plan now?" Kirk asked a little awkwardly.
"You show me where the Fornel building is."
"And then what?" Kirk asked, opening the door of the truck for her and offering a hand up.
Kiron hopped in, biting her lip slightly. "I find Shirania."
"But how Kiron?" he burst out, wedging himself in the doorway. "We've already had one dead person, you can't just slash and burn your way through!"
Kiron's eyes fell. "I-I don't know any other way..." her voice wsa low, sad. "This is all I've known."
Uncertainly, Kirk covered one of her hands in his own, squeezing it reassuringly.
Her world had fallen away from her, but Kiron couldn't let that alter anything. Jura needed her help... that's what mattered.
"Kiron?" he asked uncertainly.
"Hmmm?" she looked up, meeting his eye reluctantly.
"We can do this together." he said softly.
"I don't want anyone hurt for me," she said softly, giving her head a quick shake.
"We're here for each other." he said, avoiding the issue.
"I..." she looked away again, some of the braids in her hair falling forward.
He took a deep breath, the words of the elder echoing in his mind. "I'm here for you right now."
"Thank you..." she said quietly, looking at their hands.
"Now, let's figure out what we can do."
"Do you know of the building that Kristolas spoke of?"
"Yes. It's just outside of downtown."
"Is there any way we can get in easily?" she glanced up again.
"It's just a building so far as I know." he shrugged. "What would they do if we just walked in?"
"I..." she blinked, then looked at him for a long moment before grinning. "I think it'll work."
"Really?" he asked, surprised.
"Really. They know my tactics by now, likely had someone look them up as soon as I was discovered. It's not expected."
"Ok." Kirk smiled. "Let's go."
Kiron nodded, almost reluctantly pulling her hands away from his.
Kirk shut the door, jogging around and hopping in the driver's seat.

-------------------------

The buidling itself was undescript, save for being one of the larger ones in Newport. The windows were flat, reflecting the turbulent skies around them and the other buildings.
Kirk pulled his truck up into the parking lot, the engine dying away into an almost ominous silence.
Kiron took a deep breath, gripping the sheathe of her sword.
"Are you ready?" he asked, looking over at the elf.
She nodded, opening the door quietly. "As I can be. Kirk... I can't promise that no one will be hurt."
"That's alright." He said, getting out of the truck.
Following suit, Kiron climbed out, slinging the sword onto her back. "Alright..."
"Let's go." Kirk looked over at her before stepping tentatively towards the building.
Boldly, Kiron walked in the door, acting as if she belonged there. A single door guard gave her a single look, then returned to the magazine he was reading.
Kirk followed, trying to look nonchalant as fears played ceaselessly through his mind. What if something happened? What if Kiron were injured? What if they'd done something to Shira?
The receptionist smiled a bit curiously at the pair. "May I help you?"
Kirk looked rather uncertainly at Kiron, the idea of just walking in seeming worse and worse.
"I'm looking for Kalorin Jalain?" she asked, bringing up a name she knew very well.
"Mr Jalain? I can have him paged for you if you like..."
"No no, I just need his office number. I'm sure he's expecting me," Kiron smiled pleasantly, the receptionist somehow not seeing the sword.
Kirk watched passively, the scene playing out as if it were in a movie
"Ah, yes, he probably is," she smiled knowingly. "Um... 425, it's on the fourth floor."
"Thank you," Kiron nodded, catching Kirk's hand as she started to walk away.
Kirk started at the contact, jumping to follow the elf.
Kiron glanced at him, whispering, "Do we use the stairs?"
"Umm. . I don't know."
"Alright, what are those?" she blinked, watching people step out of the elevator.
"Elevators." They would be quicker. Kirk said, gently directing her towards them.
Kiron let herself be directed, looking at them with hidden curiousity.
Kirk caught the door with his hand, holding it for Kiron before stepping in and hitting the button for the 4th floor.
The elf's eyes widened and the gripped the handrail as the elevator moved. "It It's..."
"It's a lift. Don't worry." Kirk smiled.
A few seconds later the lift came to a halt, the doors sliding open.
"Odd..." she relaxed, or appeared to, stepping out with confidence.
The hall was classic, off-white walls curving. Doors regularly interrupted the smooth plane, and paintings between those.
"Ok. So now we go talk to this man?" Kirk asked quietly, stepping up beside the elf.
She nodded. "He's..." emotions warred in her for a time, trying to sort how she felt about Kalorin.
Silently, Kirk placed a hand on the elf's shoulder, the rush of emotions playing in his mind's eye.
"I- he-we.." she shook her head. "I'm not sure any more. But if anyone will be willing to help us here..."
"Ok."
Walking a bit slower than before, Kiron started down the hallway.
Kirk let his hand slide from her shoulder, the silver ring glinting in the light, before following her.
"Four twenty five..." she said softly, stopping at the door.
Kirk followed, watching the elf.
Gathering her courage, Kiron knocked on the door waiting patiently.
Kalorin looked up with faint suprised at soemone knocked on the door. Shoving the papers aside, he called, "Come in?"
She turned the handle, merely opening the door but not stepping in.
A long silnce passed, the pen dropping from the man;s hand. Green and silver eyes studied one another before Kalorin opened his nmouth. "K-kiron?"
She grabbed Kirk, pulling him into the office as well, closing the door, still silent.
Kirk stumbled forward, sensing the tension between the two.
"What are you- Kiron, how are you-" the man stood, tall, thin, and athletic. In appearance he was not much older than Kiron, though lines round his eyes said otherwise.
"Kal-Kalorin..." she didn;'t meet his eyes, instead looking at her hands.
"You're... youre the Astrainia everyone's in an uproara about?"
She nodded slowly, finally looking up. "I am..."
"Gods... what happened?"
Kirk watched dumbly, the situation beyond his understanding.
"I don't really know," she shrugged, elegant even in her confusion. Her back straightened, suddenly screaming noble training.
Without another word, Kalorin pulled her into an embrace, making her eyes widen with shock.
Kirk's throat tightened, but he forced himself to remain still, watching the two elves.
After a bit, he released her, giving her a look over as he did so. "You've not changed either."
"Kal.. I'm looking for the changeling."
"The- ah..." his eyes narrowed for a moment, then he smiled genuinely. "I can help you... for a price."
"For a price?!" she asked, anger and slight hurt in her voice.
"Yes, Kiron... You're so beautiful," he said the subject shifting slightly. "I never forgot that. In all this time, whenever I saw the moon..."
Kirk shifted uncomfortably, feeling as if he weren't even there.
"What is it you want Kal?" she asked, a definate edge to her voice.
"I've told you before Kiron. All I want is you, and you may have anything within my power," he said gently, putting a hand on the small of her back to pull her closer.
Kiron tensed. Once this would not have botherd her, but now...
"Kal.. I can't," she pushed against his chest, but he didn't let go.
"Kiron, I need you..." he said, looking at her from where he held her.
Kirk felt his fists curling up as the scene continued before him.
"No," she said firmly, back curving away from him.
"I'm not so sure you have a choice," Kalorin replied. "Do you wish your friend back or not?"
"Kal... stop it," she said, pushing against harder.
He pushed her against the wall, grinning. "What exactly are you going to do? You have no fellow guards this time, no one to call for. Unless... you think you'r little human can be of help."
Kirk stepped forward, gripping the elf on the neck. "Stop it." he demanded, his voice deathly quiet.
"Human..." he siad, voice droipping derision. "I hardly think you are able to stop me. And if you did, I am in charge of building security."
"I am asking you to respect the Lady's wishes." he said softly, tensed for action.
"Boy, unless you wish to watch, I suggest leaving."
Kirk dug his thumb in between the elf's collarbone and his shoulder, digging for the pressure point.
He hissed, hands closing on Kiron's arms.
Kiron's eyes narrowed and she moved, faster than Kalorin could react. they positions reversed, Kiron holding the man agaisnt the wall with oen hand.
Kirk stumbled back, surprised by the elf's speed.
"Now," she hissed, face a hair's breath from his. "Tell me where she is."
"She-I'll take you to her..." she replied, utterly suprised by her action.
"Good," she replied, backing away but keeping ahold of his arm.
Kalorin glares at Kirk, but led them out of the room. "Do you still bear that cursed sword?" he asked, looking at her back as if he couldnt see it.
"You need ask?" she asked in reply, neither confirming or putting aside his inquiry.
Kirk followed at a slight distance, feeling like a camera there only to record the actions of others, and never to interact.
"Alright, I cannot take you directly, Kiron," Kalorin said, pausing by a door. "I have a meeting I must attend. But you have my word I will not report you and that my insrtuctions are correct."
Kiron looked at him, then nodded.
"Okay, take the elevator down to the basement, use this card to get in," he handed her a security card. "Third door on the right in the left hand branch."
"Kal, thanks," she let his arm go, looking at the key card once he was no longer there. "This is a key, Kirk?"
"Most likely, but do you really trust him?" Kirk asked.
"His word,. yes. Elves have an odd sense of honor," she shook her head, passing the card to him.
"Are you alright?" he asked, the scene in the office replaying in his mind.
"Yeah.." she glanced down to the hand mark on her arm. "I'd forgotten... He'd never really gotten a chance such as that before."
"A chance?" Kirk asked numbly. "What kind of chance?"
"To.. press his suit I suppose you could say. We were good friends, but he'd always assumed we could have more." She shook her head again, pushing the button to the elevator. "I'm sorry, I didn't think that would happen."
"Kiron. . .I." he paused, shaking his head. "Nevermind."
"Hmm?" she glanced at him, silver eyes as turbulent as the sky outside.
"N. .nothing." he said, ducking his head and stepping into the elevator as the doors opened.
She gave him an odd look and followed into the elevator.
There was a screech and grinding, the elevator shuddering to a halt. Kiron backed into the wall, looking around for the source of the noise. The long, silver blade was in her hands within seconds, held before her at the ready. The elevator doors closed and the lift lurched downward before shuddering to a stop. A large clanging sound was followed by the plunging of the elevator into darkness. She swore in elven, putting the sword down when she could no longer see Kirk.
Kirk froze, icy feelings of dread clutching at his heart.
Her eyes closed, fear building incontrollably within. The sword fell from numb fingers, Kiron attempting to step further into the wall.
The clatter of her sword hitting the ground shook Kirk from his dark thoughts. "Kiron?" he whispered into the darkness, desperatly tempted to reach out for the elf.
"What is it?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.
"Are you alright?" he asked, an uncontrollable concern coloring his voice.
"I I can't..." see? What was wrong? The last time she had known this darkness.. she had died. "I.."
Kirk could see the elf's faint outline in his mind's eye, fear and emotion outlining her form.
"We've been tricked." he said grimly, taking a step towards the elf.
"It's always dark..." she whispered, slipping down to the ground.
Kirk stepped forward again, following the image in his mind. "What's always dark?" he asked.
"Death," she replied, unmoving.
The word struck Kirk like a physical blow. Falling to his knees he wrapped his arms fiercly around the elf. "Don't say such things." he whispered.
Despite all her training, Kiron turned to him, burying her head on his shoulder.
Surprised, Kirk pulled the elf closer, holding her in the darkness and just being there.
Silently she just clung to him, eyes tightly closed against the darkness.
"Don't leave me Kiron." he whispered into her hair.
She looked up, still seeing nothing, still silent. His words, though quiet, seemed to fill her entire being.
"Please, don't leave." he pleaded into the darkness.
"I-I won't" she replied into his shoulder, not moving.
Kirk bowed his head against hers. "Thank you." he whispered.
"Why?" she asked after a moment, afraid to hear the answer. His closeness was comforting, something she had never felt from any being than Shirania and Liara.
"I. . " he paused, "I love you." the words sounded very loud and clumsy to Kirk, but the darkness had taken them from his mouth and there was no taking it back. He held his breath, waiting for her response.
Her hands tightened into fists on his shirt, closing her eyes tighter. "I-I..."
He closed his eyes, heart tense with emotion.
"Kirk..." she shifted slightly, emotions fighting to spill over. "I... I think I love you too," she said finally, feeling awkawrd.
"Kristolas warned me against it, but." Kirk said, his voice breaking as he pulled the elf closer to him as if to protect her from the world.
She laughed quietly, "He would. I only had a father in the loosest sense of the term you see..." she said, leaning against him slowly. "And.. well, our life spans are very different."
"I know." he said softly.
She grew silent again, breathing in Kirk for a time.

----------------------------

A thought suddenly struck Shira. "What about my family, my friends?" she demanded.
"I could have your father come to see you," Cien said, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
"My human parents." Shira replied, coldly.
Cien looked said, "That's not in my power."
"So what is in your power?" Shira demanded.
"So far? I've kept you out of much less pleasant hands than mine." her face flashed anger for a moment, "Now, if you'll allow me, madam," her voice dripped annoyance. "Since you find me this unpleasant to be around, I have things I muct get done."
Shirania didn't reply, eyes hard.
Without another word, Cien turned back to the papers on her best, hitting play on a cd player.
Glaring at the elf's back, Shira scooped up the clothing on the bed and stalked off to the shower, having little else to do.

--------------------

Kiron shifted finally, bringing her head up. Her mind was clearer, and she knew what had to be done.
"Sorry, Ki-istral," she murmured to the silver blade as she picked it up. "You're not going to like this... Kirk, make sure you stay back."
Kirk nodded into the darkness. "Alright."
She concentrated, enabling herself to see in what little light there was. The sword itself seemed to glow faintly, a trick of the mind? No... the metal did glow, a faint, soft, white that lent more light to both their eyes.
Closing her eyes, Kiron stood in the exact center of the elevator. She brought the sword down, imbedding it inot the metal with a squeal. The sword's light grew in intensity, as Kiron swept it in a long arch around herself. She jumped to the side, clsoing off the circle. The floor of the elevator fell away, dropping into the darkness below them, occasionally lit as it passed a door.
Kirk stepped quickly away from the glowing sword, pressing himself into a corner of the elevator.
"And that, is how we create an opening," Kiron said, smiling in the dimming light.
"Ok, now what?" Kirk asked, looking gingerly over the edge of the hole.
Setting the sword beside her, Kiron dropped down beside the hole, lowering her torso into it without hesitation. "Hmmm..."
Kirk resisted the urge to stop her from dangling above the hole.
Kiron sat back up. "I can get us down, easy," she put the sword back on her back as she stood. "Ready?"
"Umm. .I guess." Kirk replied uncertainly, trying not to think about the potential for a fall.
"Will you be able to hold onto me?" she asked, eyes concerned as she wiped her hands on her pants to rid them of sweat.
"I have no desire to let go."
"Well good," she smiled, and put her back to his then rached back to take ahold of his hands. "Hold like this and you won't prevent my movements," she instructed, placing his hands on her. "Got it?"
"Sure." he said, still slightly uncertain.
Kirk wrapped his arms securely around the elf, pressing himself tight against her and closing his eyes against the darkness.
Kiron nodded, then put her hand on the edge of the hole she had created and dropped down. She caught then smoothly, not comepletly assured Kirk would stay where he was.
He felt his stomach drop as they fell through the hole, causing him to tighten his hold.
"Still there?" she asked, shifting her weight slightly.
"Yeah." he said into her shoulder, trying not to focus on the fact that his feet were dangling over a rift.
"Good," she nodded, then kicked off the cable to swing them both.
Once it was in reach, Kiron took ahodl of the cable in her hands, and began the process of lowering them toward the ground far below. Somewhere around the fifth level she counted, her arms began to tire, but training allowed her to ignore that.
Kirk managed to keep himself calm as they descended, but as time passed the trembling in Kiron's arms became noticable.
After what felt like an eternity, Kiron's feet brushed something solid beneath them, and she lowered both herself and Kirk onto it.
Finally sensing something solid beneath his feet, Kirk sank to the ground.
She was beside him, wincing slightly. "Why do you build your buildings so tall?" she asked, leaning against his shoulder.
"Don't ask me, I don't like heights." he said weakly.
Kiron was about to say something when her head snapped up, looking back the way they had come. "It... It's moving..."
"What is?" Kirk asked, his voice strained in the darkness.
"The... elevator? It's coming this way..." her eyes were visible in the semi-darkness, wide as they looked up.
Kirk jumped to his feet, looking desperately into the darkness for some kind of alcove to hide in.
"Isn't there a door out of this palce?" Kiron asked, looking at the walls as she stood.
"Um. . I don't know. I think there should be." Kirk felt along the wall.
"Here," she found the smoother metal of the doors and rn a finger down the crack.
Kirk crossed to where she stood, using the image in his mind's eye to find her.
"Hmmm.... I could open it with Ki-istral..." she mused softly.
Stepping swiftly between the elf and the door before she had a chance to destroy anything else, Kirk pushed down on the crash bar for the door, swinging them out into a brightly lit hallway.
Kiron blinked in the sudden light, then grinned at Kirk. "And it sounded like such fun too...."
"Right." he said sarcastically, blinking against the light. "So now what?"
"We look for Shirania..." the elf looked around, taking in the clean-cut look of the walls around them.
"Ook. . . and how are we going to do that?" Kirk asked, having completely lost track of where they were.
"I'm not sure, but it's best not to stay by the elevator. Someone knows we're here..."
"Fancy that." Kirk muttered, his legs still feeling weak from the climb down. Glancing about, he spotted the number "We're on the basement floor, two levels below ground level. Where is it we were supposed to be?"
"The basement I believe he said," Kiron's eyes narrowed, looking at the door evenly spaced down the hallway.
"Well that's good at least, we're right where they wanted us to be."
"Kal said.. third door to the right of the left branch," Kiron recalled.
"Very well, let's not waste time." Kirk said, gesturing for the elf to proceed him.
Kiron kept her sword drawn, watching for the hall to branch to the left.
"This way," she head down the first left passage, counting the doors to the right.
Kirk followed her.
Kiron put her ear to the third door, closing her eyes and listening. "There's.... someone within," she murmured.
"Are you just going to burst in?" Kirk whispered.
"I don't know of an alternative," she replied, eying thedoor speculatively.
"Well, what would happen if you knocked?"
Kiron looked at him. "Someone might open it..." She smiled and relaxed slightly. "Alright, move a bit to the side, just in case."
Kirk nodded, smiling.
The elf knocked politely on the door, waiting as whoever inside moved about to get to the door.
Cien looked up from the page she was writing on, glancing at the door. Who would be here right now? She looked toward the bathroom where Shirania still showered, then walked to the door, opening it.
"Yes?" her eyes widened the silver elf pushing the door open and stepping into the room.
"Where is she?" Kiron asked, resting Ki-istral on Cien's shoulder by her neck.
Kirk hung back, letting Kiron do the talking, and keeping an eye down the hallway.
"Who- you- Astrainia?" Cien's eyes widened further, taking in all of Kiron and then Kirk.
"I am," Kiron grinned, "Back from the dead. Now, where is Shirania?"
"Over there," Cien looked to the bathroom door.
"Kirk?" the silver elf asked, glancing at him.
"Sure." Kirk said, passing between the two elves and on into the room.
Kirk paused, knocking softly at the door and casting a look back at the two elves.
After a few moments of silence, Kirk shrugged to himself and opened the door.
The soft sound of running water came from within, along with a soft mist of fog. Blushing furiously, Kirk called out. "Shira?"
Only the sound of running water answered him.
"She had best be in there," Kiron said softly, then took ahold of Cien's shirt, pulling her toward the bathroom with her.
Kirk called again, with more force. "SHIRA!!! Are you alright?"
"Jura?" the elf said over her shoulder, watching Cien closely
After a few moments the water shut off, and Shira's head peered warily from behind the shower curtain.
Kiron put her head into the bathroom, looking away from Cien for the first time,
"Jura, ready to go home?"
"KIRON!!!" Shira yelled joyously, rushing out to embrace the other elf.
Putting an arm around Shirania, Kiron gave Cien a glance before lowering the sword. "I told you I'd protect you," she said quietly.
Shira buried her face in the elf's shoulder, giving vent to her relief.
"It's okay, Jura..." Kiron patted her back gently.
The elf hiccuped twice, swallowing her tears before looking up. "Oh Kirk!" she said, startled. Blushing furiously she looked around for a towel.
Kirk blinked and then quickly turned his back. "Uhh. .Sorry." he mumbled.
Kiron laughed lightly, then turned her attention back to Cien. "You," she put the sword to her neck again, Cien's eyes widening once more.
Shira managed to secure a towel around herself before rising and standing behind Kiron.
"Did she harm you at all, Jura?" Kiron asked, eyes vaulting through several emotions but still retaining an icy stillness.
"Umm.. no." Shira paused, looking down. "She protected me from the others."
"She-she is my kalana," Cien said, looking from Shirania to Kiron. "I didn't know it until..."
"A changeling..." Kiron murmured. "And..."
"Get her away from here," Cien said finally, "It's not safe."
Kirk had turned around and stood there regarding the three elves with a blank look. "A changeling?" he almost asked himself.
"Are you going to come after me again?" Shirania asked coldly?
"I will not, but I cannot give word for the Family," Cien shrugged.
"Jura," Kiron took Ki-istral from Cien's neck, "Do you have clothing to wear?"
"I only have my swimming suit." Shira said doubtfully.
"Kirk, help her find something," the tension between Kiron and Cien didn't cease, eyes' following one another's every movement.
Shira's eye fell on the hook in the bathroom where the borrowed clothing hung.
Kirk followed her eyes. "How about those?" he asked softly, stepping up beside the elf.
"Well, I guess they'll work." Shirania said doubtfully, not wanting to take from Cien.
"Please, get dressed, child," Cien said. "I rather you get out of here the faster."
Shira looked at the elf dubiously before going into the bathroom door.
The door opened suddenly, a large elf entering. He looked at Kiron for a moment, not quite intelligent enough to figure who she was quickly.
"Jura, I suggest speed," Kiron said simply, not making a move against the newcomer.
Kirk spun to face the door, trying to sense his intentions.
Inside the bathroom Shira tried to hurry, fumbling with the buttons on the blouse. After a few moments she emerged, flustered with long hair awry.
As soon as Shirania was dressed, Kiron moved. She slammed the hitl fo Ki-istral into the elf's mid-section, followed by kicking him back. "Let's go!"

----------------------

Kiron came back down the stairs, Ki-istral still on her back as she'd forgotten to take it off.
Shira leaned against the wall, the events of the past few days spinning behind her closed eyes. What to do now?
"Jura? Are you okay?" the elf stopped by her.
Shirania laughed softly. That seems like an odd question at a time like this.
"Jura?" her eyes went over the changeling, looking for any physical distress.
"How should I be?" Shira asked, leaning her back against the wall and looking at the ceiling. "So much has happened."
"I-... I'm sorry Jura.. this is my fault."
"No. . this is the way things are." Shira said, standing upright.
Kiron shook her head, "You could have been happier if I had just stayed away."
"There still would have been unanswered questions in my life."
"Ignorance is bliss," Kiron's eyes were dark, self-incriminating.
"Bliss is an unattainable entity." Kirk countered, walking into the room and placing a hand on both of the elves' shoulders.
"When did you become Tulinne?" Kiron asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kirk looked confused.
"The word is... Philosopher?"
"Oh. . .well." Kirk shrugged, blushing.
"It's an exaulted position," Kiron laughed softly, forcing away the dark cloud in her eyes.
"So I guess the question is what do we do now?" Kirk asked, a forced cheerfulness in his voice as he tried to understand his two companions.
The silver elf shrugged.
"I. . I don't know." Shira replied slowly.
"What do you think they'll do Kiron?" Kirk asked, watching the elf closely. He could sense her buried anger, and its intensity worried him.
She tilted her head, "I'm not sure... but I think they'll go away soon enough."
"Why do you say that?" Shira asked.
"Just a feeling," she shrugged.
"I just know," Kiron smiled weakly.
Kirk cocked a suspicious eyebrow at the elf.
She avoided his eyes carefully, chewing on her lip.
"Kiron?" He asked quietly. "What are you planning?"
"How to be rid of your persuants," she said simply.
"What are you talking about?" Shirania asked concernedly.
"The Grinaldi," Kiron said softly. "It has been a long day."
Kirk walked up to the elf, grabbing her firmly by the shoulders. "There's no reason for this kind of rash action!" he said quietly, trying to catch Kiron's eyes.
She looked at him.
"Why do you do this?" he asked.
"Do what?" she blinked.
"Try to throw your life away."
"I'm not," she shook her head. "It's not mine to throw away."
"What are you talking about?" Kirk asked, irritation coloring his voice. "You are your own person!"
She leaned forward to kiss his cheek, "I'm going to go take a shower."
"A. .Alright." Kirk said, blushing.
Kiron went up the stairs to the bathroom, humming quietly.
"I'm worried about her." Kirk turned to Shirania.
"What do you think she'll do?" Shira asked quietly.
"I don't know." Kirk admitted, running a hand through his sandy blond hair