Soon it was all over and the children rushed out of the hall a few minuets behind the guests and seated members who had attended eagerly waiting their reward. Small feet ran through the halls dedicated for them as they weaved their way between large corner tables and fragile vases.

The older ones helping the younger to navigate the world of walking quickly and efficiently. Organising them into lines to go wash their hands and gently scrubbing faces clean. The golden eyed boy who admittedly was one of the younger children also helped - there were some who reveled in trouble and had to be helped with a more patient way.

Once everyone was seated in their places either side of a narrow and long dark wooden table laden with some of the leftovers all eyed simultaneously closed. A prayer of thanks was whispered.

Instantly fists reached towards the food filling their mouths until their hearts were full. Soon everyone had sat back waiting for the last to finish. A blond haired brown eyed little girl giggled first soon followed by the idea of a song.

Songs were means of conveying power as words and voice amplified it creating a stronger welder. The most powerful High Fae could control elements without so much as a tune.

Therefore, this was an outrageously dangerous suggestion but tormenting tempting. Children of Lord Fersugil's keep were not permitted to practice it.

The older children all ranging between 12 and 19 season cycles stood from the table prompter dismissing themselves - but not without a warning glare back at the younger ones while Joel the oldest of the lot a tall youth of 19 season cycles with close cropped blond hair and striking hazel eyes commented on the stupidity and harsh truth of the idea.

The rest of the children watched as the others filled out and only the red haired little girl who made the suggestion sat - alone if not for the silent shadows that floated at the edges of her consciousness.

Her sibling, the thought bought a smile to her face as she reflected the thought of how all her blood had truly abandoned her yet these 4 boys and 3 girls who had come to her had become all that mattered.

"Safire what are you waiting for come on. We need to get back before light out." A voice from the shadows materialised.

The shadows yielded to revel a girl of about 8 season cycles old clutching a worn book her blond hair glinting in the fading light as her eyes of deep brown swirled in contemplation.

"Rachel's right you know we should all get going. You know what happened last time you were caught.. "
Another emerged. This one 9 season cycles with ocean blue eyes and obsidian hair his tone cutting.

Scarlet sniffled in sadness

"He got hurt" she whispered.

Scarlet scoffed

" He got more than just hurt " A quieter almost fearful voice answered. His steps were silent and hesitant as they kept closer to the light.
Emerald eyes blinked in rapid succession as if to banish the scene playing before his eyes - unsuccessfully. While a mop of shaggy dirty blond hair closely resembling brown shook at the memory.

"No, Rhian it's fine it was- umm, fine " the newcomer finished. Wincing in sudden realisation of the outright lie.

"And it's ah - Aodhan. I think "He whispered.

Tall for his age of 7 season cycles old the golden eyed boy left to defend scarlet in a haze 0f worry. Scarlet was the youngest of them all at 6 season cycles old and therefore was the most protected.

His hair was unusually coloured strands of deep crimson and bright blond was prominent but if one looked closer they would also notice that blond gave way to white, dazzling in its brilliance.

The young boy slowly rolled his shoulders as if recalling the sharp sting of the lash that had repeatedly beat against his back.

Three pairs of eyes rolled in anger and sadness.
As they all came forth. Now the shadows hid no one as there figures painted black in the lamp descended to sit next to scarlet who's eyes had now a glassy look to them as she tried to contain her tears of guilt.

"I'm really, really sorry !! "
She wailed.

"Aodhan ? " she tried.

"Yeah, I thought it fitting - well I heard it and thought, umm. " a bark of laughter punctuated his discomfort " truly I don't know what I was thinking , but I liked it. It also seemed like a usefull thing to have- a name I mean. " The boy finished in a hesitant manner, anxiously waiting for his friends approval.

"It's very nice" Rachel gently congratulated.
The others nodded small smiles decorating their faces, gazes glazed over in appreciation.

"What does it mean ? " Rhian vocalised.

"I'm not too sure actually. But it sounds like an old name form the old tounge that is. I should be able to find it in my collection of books. Give me a few days if you don't already know it ? " Auric spoke for the first time. His blue eyes wide in wonder and hazel hair shaking from excitement, his glasses only enlargebing his eyes more.

"Nah, I don't know that either. Feel free to try ,it probably doesn't have a meaning though. So don't get to exited." Aodhan fretted, embarrassment thick in his tone.

All 6 minds revolved around the new concept of a distraction before finally coming to their senses and noticing a still sniffling Safire.

"Shhh, it ok. But shh alright."
Rachel helplessly shrugged at Kyril and Auric who had emerged crossed their hands.

"Hay, beautiful, calm down. We're all fine and with you now. Let's live in the present, what's done is done." Auric fruitlessly attempted. His consolidation only solidified scarlets guilt and pain making her sobs louder and fat tears to flow from her eyes.

The other's shared a looked of horror. If this kept us they would be surely found.

"Uh,- "

"Scarlet -"

"Beautiful-"

"Iceicle - "

" Popsicle!" Kyril corrected thoroughly chastening Rhian who blushed red in embarrassment.

"Shh- "

They tried. Voices a mix of emotions and worry at their fates.

"Would a song help then ? " Aodhan softly asked. The hall became quite. The others staring in dismay.

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