By the time the two of them made there way through the enchanted forest it was late evening, a clear night and the stars were mesmerizing. The chill in the air had all but vanished. The two of them walked as quickly as they could hoping Daniel would be able to join them on this quest. With in the hour Richard and Stergis had finally reached the magnificent grand castle, they were taking a chance that he was home. Once the two of them reached the  doors they knocked with intense force. The echo from it could be heard through the entire castle. It seemed like forever to Stergis before one of their servants answered.

"Hello gentlemen good to see you. The happy couple are in their library, I'll take you there." Greeted their butler, Mitch.

They followed him down a dark green and teal hall way until they reached the enormous library. When they walked in, Zeta noticed them first, and greeted  accordingly.

"Richard and Stergis what a wonderful surprise. Please join us for a drink. What brings you guys by this evening?" She asked, curious. Though she did like all of their friends and was ready to entertain, Zeta wanted to make sure everything was okay.

Daniel took a sip from his goblet before he stood up to greet his friends.

"I do love having you guys stop by to visit, but is anything going on?" Daniel asked the two warlocks.

Stergis took a large long sip of the wine in front of him and then went into the details of what had happened, telling him of the old family staff, it's importance to him. He explained that it was rare and how he wanted his love to receive it as a gift for their bonding ceremony. He sipped at the wine as he repeated the whole ordeal to Daniel, and asked for his assistance.

Zeta poured everyone another glass nearly over flowing her own goblet. Worrying over what was going on. She tried not to, this was Daniels like, this is what he did, she of course love and respected him for it. He was a warlock brethren and it sounded like they need him. The decision of going on this quest wasn't hers to make and she knew it.

When Stergis finished explaning the whole situation, Daniel just looked at his love, as if he were asking what should I do?

"Darling they need you. I'll be here when you return." Zeta cooed.

"It's settled then." Richard spoke, glad to have his life long best friend at his side for another who knows what will happen adventure.They finished the contents of their goblets, then Daniel got up to pack a few things for the journey. About fifteen minutes later Daniel returned to the library.

"I think it is far too late to go tonight, maybe we should start fresh in the morning."

The other two  nodded in agreement, then Zeta had offered for them to stay in the night in her and Daniel's grand castle.

Stergis and Richard graciously accepted their offer of lodging for the night. All of them headed to bed after that, with dreams of a new adventure awaiting them the next morning.

Ravenessa paced back and forth through the castle, wondering how long her mate would be gone on this quest of his. Then her mind began to go through the list worrying that he would be hurt, what if he didn't find the relic? What if he didn't return to her? She knew logically that everything would be fine, she kept trying not to think of him but it was difficult. She didn't like not knowing what was going on. She went into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of wine to soothe her nerves. Eventually just before sleep that night she convinced herself she was just being paranoid. She had faith in Stergis.

Veronia was home in her cottage, worrying over Richard's fate as well as her brothers'. She wondered what if Richard didn't return? What if he were killed or had an accident in the mountains? She let her mind wander through different possibilities until it began to scare her. She tried to block out all thoughts, then got up to pour herself a double scotch to help her sleep tonight. Then another. She'd deal with all of it later. 

                       Veronia knew the problem and fear would be there in the morning. Right now she was going to enjoy the numbness of the liquor until she passed out from it. Veronia spent the rest of that night consuming the bottle of scotch. Just for tonight needing to drown her apprehension and over imaginative paranoia. She didn't care how intoxicated she became. Wishing only to silence the fear and worry in her heart. Soon after killing the bottle off, she passed out right there by the fireplace, dreaming of his return home

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