Garden of Roses

Silver stood at the tavern door. "Harry, Mariposa! We have to get going!" It had been a day since the mess at the goblins.

"We're coming were coming," Mariposa stated as they came down the stairs with their bags in hand. It was truly a good overnight bag when it was connected to their trunks anyway. They had filled their clothes into the wardrobe area and set them up in their room.

Zhongli chuckled. "You can keep those here, we will be getting you clothes from our Home to stay there until schooling is finished." He ruffled their heads gently.

Mariposa frowned a little. "But..."

"No buts." Silver gave them a smile. "The distance between our Home and here is quite far, so we don't want to strain the enchantments."

Mariposa nodded understanding. "Harry I'll run these back up then," she said holding her hand out for his bag which he gave willingly and she sprinted back up the stairs to the top floor and stored them in her room on the hook behind the door. She would give it to harry when they got back but for now speed was needed. Then she began sprinting back down stairs.

Mariposa returned to the waiting party and smiled. "All done so we can go now," she said brightly excited for their first trip outside of coming to Diagon.

Silver lend the group of five to her office, then to the door hidden behind it. "Now, there's two ground rules I'm setting while we take the trip. One, while we make the journy, DO NOT MOVE. Talking is fine, but you must stay still since this is the first time you're making this trip. Two, anything you learn here must be kept secret, unless we tell you it's safe to say. Am I understood?"

Mariposa and Harry could feel how serious this was and they both nodded. "We understand, your home is private and should not be talked about and if we want to share something we ask first?" Mariposa asked to clarify.

Zhongli nodded, his face a stern, stony expression compared to his usual stoic expression. "That is exactly so, this does include HOW we get there."

"We understand," the twins say as they wait to see if there are anymore rules to be put in place after asking questions.

"Gather close, Mariposa, stand next to Xiao. Harry, stand next to Zhongli." Silver instructed, as the group gathered close. When everyone was in position, shadows pounced forward, sweeping them away. The portal, encribed with runes- even if there were no words- slid through quietly through to the Gates of Home, the Arythmoor Estate. "Welcome to our Home, little ones."

"is this what its like to be welcome home?" Mariposa asked tears in her eyes at the intensity that she felt like she was getting wrapped up in a big hug after being away. She looked at Harry and he to had tears in his eyes as he stood there in Zhongli's arms.

Silver's hand brushed the gate's crest, the gates opening with a whisper. She stepped through, motioning them on. "It is, now inside we go, preferably before Little Kitling notices."

"Maman! You're back!" said a young voice as the sound of feet running down the path were heard.

"You jinxed yourself," Mariposa said a little laugh as she saw a small girl with blond hair running down the path in a purple gown.

Silver sighed fondly. "So I did. Luminaria, did you escape your teachers just to greet me?"

"Its stealth training if i got away i win," she said as she launched herself at her maman and grinned up at her.

Zhongli chuckled. "Luminaria, what was the actual lesson?" He asked, moving to scoop the little rascal before she could run again.

"It was History, papa li, but you still tell it much better," she said as she was scooped up. "Its so hard to focus when their voices are like sand paper on my ears so I took Da's lessons about stealth and used them," Luminaria said as she leaned into Zhongli.

Silver and Zhongli both sighed. "Luminaria... You're not supposed to be running off during lessons." Silver reprimanded.

"But maman they hurt my ears, " Luminaria pouted as she rubbed her ears with her hands closed like paws.

"Small Lady, Where have you gotten off to?" said the teacher as they began looking for their errant student. A sigh could be heard as they heard another set of feet trying to make their way with a young male voice saying. "Ace William come on if Lady Silver is back Luminaria is going to be at the gates!" and those that were taller could see the Ace being dragged by a boy who could not be older than 10 to the young girl who could be 8.

"If she's at the gates, she will still be there in a moment so calm down and straighten yourself up, no need to seem impatient," was heard from William as he tried to keep himself from chuckling. The teacher saw William and decided that they would follow to see if they were right about the missing young lady.

"Will, we're over here. We didn't even make it past the Gates." Silver called out, giving Luminaria a stern look.

"Figured our Kitling would be the first to track you down, she's been waiting for you to come since she saw Pretty Steel making up two rooms in the Manor," William explained.

This brought Luminaria's attention back to the matter at hand, guests at the manor were rare so she looked at the group and saw the twins and her eyes lit up as she tried to squirm her way to the ground.

Zhongli booped her nose. "No, Kitling. You're going back to lessons, and will have to wait to greet them properly at dinner. We would have let you off early, but you escaped, so now you have to finish ALL your lessons. ACE, ensure she attends." He passed Luminaria over to Will.

"oh Kitling why did you have to get me involved with your punishment, come now looks like both of you will be attending lessons until dinner," William said taking the errant child and taking the young male with him as they saw the teacher standing with hands on hips.

"Thank you Blood Song, I still don't see how she got out this time," the teacher said as they walked as a pack back to the lessons room all the while Luminaria looking over William's shoulder reaching out for Silver silently saying take me back.

Silver gave Luminaria a stern look, watching as the four left. "Alright, let's go see Aiden. Xiao, thank you for accompanying us back."

Xiao nodded as he then said "If you need me call," then he went off to a training ground to settle back in.

Mariposa and Harry blinked at the whirlwind that had just happened and stepped onto the Manor grounds. "That was an interesting welcome," Mariposa said as she tried to process.

Silver giggled, as the group made their way to the Manor doors. She noticed another welcoming group, Aiden chief among them.

"Welcome home Lovely," said the male to Aiden's left. He stood at 5'10 with black hair and Dark Teal blue eyes.

Behind him stood a female with brown hair with golden colored eyes smiling at Silver as well. "About time you came for a visit thought we were going to have to drag you back Love,"

"Not quite a full visit yet, darling Loves. Thorne, Briar, it's good to see you both." Silver said, ushering the twins forward. "Meet Haderic "Harry" James Potter and Mariposa Alyssum Edelweiss Potter, your great-grandchildren." She said to Thorne. "This one," She ruffled Mariposa's hair, "Has your fang in her wand."

"Like wise Lady Silver," Thorne said as he watched the twins being brought forward. He was shocked at how beautiful the twins were and they had strong names Haderic a play on Hades and Mariposa held an air of elegance with her butterfly name and flower tones of her middle names. She might be delicate but she could and would be dangerous a proper name for a strong young woman. When he heard Great Grand children he blinked and looked at Briar who still seemed distraught a bit. "Great grand children? not Grand children?" he asked just double checking as he saw Silver nod. "At least it will serve in protecting another generation of our family line," he said looking a bit embarrassed at being called out like that.

Silver smirked. "So, im curious.... How did your tooth become loose enough in such a good quality to be wand core quality?"

Thorne tugged at his collar slightly then said "It had to be exchanged for information that was needed to save some pups that got in over their heads recently," he said explaining.

Silver sighed. "Did you even clean it of your DNA? Did you make it a Fae Deal, too?" She asked.

"Of course I sterilized it so there wasn't any extra part of me given away freely and yes I made sure to use fae rules to make the informant responsible for the tooth even after they clearly sold it, and protected myself and the pups from being hunted down after the transaction was done," Thorne stated.

Silver hummed lightly, before she nodded. "Alright, now Harry, Mariposa, meet Thorne, your great-grandfather and Briar, his son- your grandfather."

Mariposa smiled and dropped into a curtsey as Harry bowed beside her. "It is a pleasure to meet you both we just wish it was under better circumstances," she said for them as they returned to standing side by side. They were not sure if they could move to hug them so they waited to see what the men would do.

Thorne smiled at how well mannered the twins were so he would honor that by showing the same formality back. Thorne stepped up from behind Aiden closer to the twins and bowed back to them. "It is an honor to meet you, and I will not say the timing could be better but It is better now then never," Thorne said as he then watched Briar step out and bow to the twins as well with tears in his eyes but saying nothing this moment. Thorne then moved and gathered the twins into a hug now that Formalities were done.

"It is good to be able to welcome you both home," Thorne said to them as Briar joined the family hug both men kneeling to reach the children's height.

Silver let them have their moment, before she cleared her throat. "Pups, I formally introduce you to Aiden Arythmoor, one of my Alpha's, and Lord of Death's Court."

"It is good to meet you both formally, Hedric and Mariposa Pervell, Children of Our Ladies Favoured Line." Aiden intoned, before opening his arms for a hug.

Mariposa and Harry smiled and walked over giving him the formal greeting of a curtsey and bow before hugging Aiden. "We didn't know you were going to be a Lord when we met before," Mariposa said. "But this means you might be able to help us learn to be Lord and Lady too," Harry Grinned thinking about the titles they had to inherit.

Aiden tilted his head slightly. "You shouldn't discount Zhongli. He is a Lord of his own right, a higher level and closer than what you need from me..." The Hound smirked over at Zhongli. "No one can beat Rex Lapis of such."

Zhongli gave a short growl to Aiden. "Lessons are already planned." He informed. "When they are ready I'll be bringing some others into it."

Silver sighed. "Aiden...." She shook her head, bemused, before she turned. "Beside Aiden is my fellow Submissive, Ewan."

Mariposa smiled softly then said "We would never discount Lord Lapis or is it King Lapis, We were just saying in addition to what he could teach us you would be another person who could answer questions," She said teasing Zhongli a bit while explaining what harry had meant. "It is also a pleasure to meet you Ewan," She added as she curtseyed once more.

Silver rolled her eyes as Zhongli groaned. "In the back, we have Amina Kalzik, or Pretty Steel as she have been refered as. You met our ACE, Will, and Luminaria, our circle child."

"Pleasure to meet you Mrs. Kalzik," Mariposa and harry said then trying to parse out everything the phrase Circle child stood out to Mariposa so she asked "Circle?" Mariposa tilted her head slightly as she watched Silver.

Silver nodded. "We will explain, but for now, less information is safer." She held up the twin's deep scans from the goblins.

"Okay, we will wait but eventually we will need answers," Mariposa said as she took a deep breath and then said "So we have more healers appointments?"

Silver nodded. "Anima, what time is the appointment with Jini?"

"I had the appointments right before lunch set aside so we could have that then have a family lunch afterwards they have been wanting to see us recently and times just hadn't lined up before now," Amina said as she looked at them. These twins would be doted upon by her family they were to little and needed so much love and affection right now it wasn't even funny and that was just with her Pareya instincts screaming at her.

Silver nodded, "Fair enough, lets go in, then I'll release Mariposa on the Library until it's time for the appointments. Harry, what would you like to do?"

"If you can give the little ones a reprieve I wouldn't mind running around with them I'd rather play outside right now to much energy," Harry said.

Silver thought about it for a moment. "How about being run through Katas? The little ones usually have thrice the energy I've ever seen from both of you combined so far."

"Okay then but where would be safe to do so?" Harry asked.

Zhongli patted Harry's shoulder. "I'll show you the way, through the manor so that you'll be able to find your way to the kitchens when it's time to go." He lead Harry off.

"Be careful Harry, I'll share anything interesting I learn," she said as Harry was lead of by Zhongli after she turned her eyes to Silver to show her the way.

Silver gave Mariposa an amused smile. "Yes, yes, lets go."

Mariposa smiled and followed after Silver once they arrived at the Library Mariposa felt her inner book lover sigh in contentment. "I can read anything that doesn't repel me correct?" she said feeling that there would be some topics she wouldn't be able to touch due to magic or reasons beyond her control.

Silver cast on the library control, restricting it a bit further. "Now, go ahead. I'll be reading in the back right corner in the nook, and there's a table there as well. Everything beyond your level, or unsafe for our Home, will stick to the shelves."

Mariposa nodded as she entered the Library and began looking through the shelves. She found a few books that caught her eye, Magic theory, Runes for beginners, Rune languages and their place in society, Politics for the politically Savvy, Writing in Runes, Runes and You, Magic and intent, Basic etiquette for Terran Realm, Etiquette for Sanctuary. She carefully carried her almost taller than her stack of books to the table and began to set them out. She picked up the magic theory one first and began to read.

"Oh can i have a notebook?" she said as she looked up at Silver.

Silver summoned two notebooks. "The Etiquette for Sanctuary will be alone in one, the rest can go in the other. The notebook for the Etiquette for Sanctuary will stay here and be memory locked for now."

"To protect the secret right?" Mariposa said as she looked at the notebooks and set one down with the book that had been talked about. She set about taking notes on the magic theory. She bit her lip as she looked at a line. "So this talks about how cores can lean one of three ways, is there a way to tell how our, Harry and I's ,cores lean?" Mariposa asks as she looks up at Silver.

"Yes, yet no." Silver shifted. "As your core is just opening enough for 'proper' use, it's rather gray for now, until you grow. It also depends on magic use and lineage."

"Alright so when we are a little older we can do the test to see how our cores are leaning?" Mariposa asked

"It's best to wait for Magical Maturity, which is 17, or 25 if you inherit as a Being." Silver shook her head.

"Okay then, but how do you not go against your nature while growing up then? if we don't know before hand?" She asked as she notated a few more notes into her notebook before closing the book. She had gotten through several chapters and felt like she should save some of it for learning in camp.

"You'll notice that some spells will be harder to master to the level where you can silent cast- we will practice that- there's also a slight... burn? I would say. I don't particualary know as I am True Gray." Silver explained calmly. "True Gray isn't listed as of how rare it is."

"So you can cast almost any spell you want then?" Mariposa asked as she got the first Runes book before her.

"Yes, but no... I still have to work for my spells, but it can be almost any leaning, except for one area: Black Magic, which is the truest most vile forms of magic that violates the Laws of multiple Immortal Courts." Silver explained. "If you come across any of it. your write me, Aiden or Lovely Ewan, if you can't, and Xiao allows for it... you call him in."

"That kind of magic would feel like tar on skin is what the book had said so being in its presence would be noticeable and...." Mariposa trailed off as she read something in the runes book that had her take a few quick notes. "the person involved would feel like slime right?" she finished her train of thought looking back to Silver.

"It's different for most people, but those are general concense. Take three of the most vile textures you know, and add in the heaviest feeling of WRONG you'll ever have, that is the feel of Black Magic." Silver said, as a man with white hair, and blue streaks came in, scooping her up, and setting her in his lap.

"So then why do people want to use the magic if it feels heavy and icky? If it makes you sick around it why would anyone want to poison their magic in that way?" Mariposa asked as she continued to write notes from the runes book.

"It's a Powertrip." The man spoke with a smooth, but deep rumble, not to the level of Zhongli's, but markedly similar.

"But to go against your own magic which would be rebelling against wanting to be used to do such magic in the first place, how can that be a Power Trip?" Mariposa asked as she looked up at the newcomer.

"Once you force your magic into submittion, it's..." Silver sighed.

"Making your own Magic to submit to the level needed for Black Magic is torture. For anyone, you have to ride a fine line that can only be called torture." The man hissed, his heavy water magic making a light mist in the room, and a heavy downpour outside.

"Which is why it makes no sense that anyone could go down the path to that type of magic, but if someone were superseding their will to force them to do it well at that point the magic already is corrupted and then they fall deeper right?" Mariposa said as she paused then listened to Silver.

"It takes a twisted mind, an abused mind, or a desperate mind." Silver whispered. Her eyes going to look outside. "Mariposa, meet Neuvillette, our Mage."

"Pleasure to meet you, I apologize for the heavy topic I had been reading about Magic theory before this," Mariposa said offering her hand after setting down the pen.

Neuvillette raises a hand to stop her. "You are forgiven, with no need to repay me. However, in the future, keep apologies to an absolute minimum while at the Estate as we have Fae on our grounds, and they will take the time to teach you Fae rules if you're Ward of our Sunlight here."

"Ah A lesson well learned then, I will await more lessons with Silver on that topic," Mariposa said avoiding the instinct to say Thank you to Neuvillette.

Neuvillette's eyes sparkled quietly. "Well done." He murmured. "You have about 50 minutes before you need to get ready to leave."

"Ah, yes." Silver kissed Neuvillette's lips softly.

"I have been reading so slowly," Mariposa gasped at herself. "Okay notes later consuming books now," Mariposa said to herself as she pushed up imaginary sleeves. She was already halfway through the first runes book and without taking notes she finished it quickly and in 15 minutes had a second book down. "Oh there were so many nuggets of information in that book....." Mariposa thought as she jotted down the most important points and the book title so she could get a copy.

"Thirty minutes and 6 books I can only finish maybe one before we have to go back to the kitchen if i jot notes at the end," Mariposa muttered to hersef as she looked at the rune books.

"I would recommend that you pick the Politcs book." Neuvillette suggested lightly.

"I was planning on asking if I could take it with us since I will probably be waiting for my turn and need something to occupy my time while waiting," Mariposa thought then added "And its pocket size which would be a bonus," she said smiling.

Silver and Neuvillette exchanged glances, before it was summoned to Silver. "I'll bring it, as you're not tied to the Wards so it wouldn't leave grounds without me or one of my circle, holding it."

"I will get you an annotated copy to read on Terra." Neuvillette said, before he left the room, gaining a worried glance from Silver.

"I look forward to reading the book before my appointment," Mariposa said smiling up at Silver then dived into Writing in Runes to get it read before the time was up. She got finished and wrote down her notes she needed and looked at Silver smiling as she took the books she finished and put them back away then looked at the other 4 books that were waiting to be read. "Can I leave them here until we get back so I don't have to find them again?" she asked

Silver nodded. "Let me show you something, bring those with you."

Mariposa gathered the books up and the extra notebook while slipping her notebook into her pocket. Following Silver to what she wanted to show her.

Silver stopped by a shelf with cubbies. "Pick one of the cubbies, it will lock onto your magic signature for you to store the books in, but be mindful as after a month, if you don't rotate out the books the cubby will be reset, allowing the books to be returned to their spots in the library."

Mariposa's eyes lit up at this. "This is so wicked," she said as she laid the books carefully into one of the cubbies and saw it light up with a pretty swirl of red and green like her hair and eyes and her name in black.

Silver nodded, before she lead Mariposa to the kitchen, where Harry waited- freshly showered. "Good, you're ready to go." She murmured. "Is anyone else coming with us, other than Amina?" She asked looking at the rest.

"Probably should take an Alpha just incase they are needed, so either Aiden, who wants to avoid paperwork anyway, or Zhongli, the Alpha the twins know the most," Amina suggested.

Mariposa looked at Harry and was not sure who to pick. They felt safe with both of them so it was a hard decision. "I am not sure we can pick between them, they both make us feel safe," Mariposa said for the twins.

Aiden sighed. "Why not both of us then?" He gave Amina a playful glare. "Sassy, just like Moonlight."

"What its true you would rather go to a family luncheon then do paperwork even if it means getting fussed over by my family," Amina said smirking back at Aiden.

"Yes." Aiden shrugged.

"Shoe fits then, and its not sass if its truth," Amina said as she shook her head. "We should get ready to portal we have to be there soon," Amina added.

"Yes, yes..." Aiden waved off. He stood, brushing off lint from his pants.

Zhongli pulled his coat back on, now dry from the sudden deludge earlier. "Will someone explain what had Neuvillette upset earlier? Once we are back."

"Oh we were discussing a heavy magic theory topic which we moved on from after just a little more explanation for my benefit," Mariposa said not telling which topic but those that knew magic theory would understand without needing it spelled out.

After Mariposa said that everyone was settled into a configuration where Aiden was holding Mariposa and Zhongli was holding onto Harry. They ported to the Kalzik compound and were greeted at the gates by Surajini, Patrick and Quinn Kalzik.

"Welcome to our estate and healing grounds," Surajini said as she smiled to the group before her. "We have a room set up that can accommodate this group, Amina gave us a head count right before you all left so we had time," Surajini explained as she lead them through the compound to a medium sized building that had a large room inside ready for medical treatments.

"Now who would you say to start with?" Surajini asked as she turned to Silver as the twins Guardian.

"Who wants to go first? This will be a lot of sitting still right now with no moving," Silver explained.

"Would I be allowed to read? or would that be to much moving?" Mariposa asked.

"I can float the book just out of range but I am not sure how good your eyesight is," Silver replied

Mariposa frowned at the thought then looked at Harry. "I don't mind going first if you want to read first Posa," Harry offered.

"I will have time to read either way Ric, I just don't know if reading now or later would be better I don't want to miss conversations so maybe i should go last so that I am not reading on the other end of the appointment?" Mariposa logically parsed out.

Harry Smiled at his twin and hugged her then stepped forward. "I'll be first probably will have to channel her restlessness when it's her turn," he said teased.

Mariposa gasped and mocked hurt as she sat down. "I never, brother mine, ask that of you," she said with mock hurt in her voice before she giggled at him.

Harry relaxed hearing Mariposa laugh a bit before she pulled out a book and notebook. He loved her beautiful mind it got them out of some of the worse trouble they had before they got to Silver's inn. He wondered if he could learn to think tactically so he could help her with her planning and it not be all on her that would be something he would have to ask Zhongli and Silver later though as he took the medical bed.

"Now we will do a few scans to help us map out your seals which should tell us if any can be removed today for your health. We don't need children running around with 17 seals on them if we can help it," Surajini as she pulled Patrick up.

"This is Patrick my Beta, he will be assisting me along with our son Quinn who is in his clinical hours for his qualifications," Surajini explained who else was in the room that would be working on Harry and Mariposa.

"Nice to meet you all," Harry said as he saw Mariposa look up and nod. "It is a pleasure to meet you," she intoned as well. Each of the healers nodded the unsaid we wish it was under better circumstances was implied.

Harry sat there as Surajini and Patrick called out seals and locations for Quinn to write down. It seemed the more seals that were called out the more the tension in the room rose. It was 20 minutes later that Harry was good to step down while they discussed the results with him and Silver.

"So it seems that the ones we can assist with at this moment would be the Magic seal and the Leech, if we don't get those off now it will hinder magical growth and lower the chance of inheriting for him at all," Surajini said as she looked at the layout of the seals. Inheritance could be removed but not today as he would need the magic to stabilize after the seal was removed. "After those two today I would suggest we remove the ones holding back Inheritance so that if something drastic were to happen, not that we wish it, the option is there for his magic to use that as a way to get out of danger," Surajini stated as she looked at Harry and Silver.

Silver nodded. "Let me note for you both that Death's Court is already aware of the Death Seals, we are just waiting for a safer time to remove them."

Harry went to Mariposa and tapped her shoulder and got her Attention. "Your turn Posa, want me to hold your book or Silver?" Harry asked.

"You can I trust you to keep my page brother mine, " she said kissing his cheek as she moved to sit up on the table. "Okay I'm ready," Mariposa said as she sat there.

Surajini looked with Patrick at the seals on Mariposa and the anger ticked up again. Mariposa wanted to shrink away from the anger but found that she could not move while under the scanning that was going on. They called out each seal and location and any entanglements that they noticed.

"Please tell us you are getting rites against the person behind these seals," Surajini asked as they notated the entanglement between the bomb cluster of death/soul seals and the anchor that was a blood seal.

"We're building a case." Silver intoned. "Harry, Mariposa, we will need release forms signed by you two, so that we can add this to the case file."

"Okay," the twins said in unison they knew it would not be easy getting everything taken care of or even right away.

Surajini finished the scan and looked at the notes Quinn had written then said "For Mariposa I would recommend the same ones, Magic, Leech and inheritance but the inheritance one should be done later in the week after the magic has had time to settle.

Patrick looked at the list of seals and frowned. "Lady Silver do you know she has a lost clan's name on one of their seals, a family seal at that," Patrick stated only knowing one person that had that clan name due to healers privilege.

"The Monse Clan?" Silver asked, remembering the flood of Monse through Death's Court a while back.

"Yes, the very same." Patrick said. "Have you sent the request in for them yet, or would you like me to take this personally to the only other member?"

"Mariposa, Harry, this is your choice." Silver turned to the twins.

Mariposa looked at Harry as they were given a decision to be made. "What is the benefits of contacting them now versus Later? We are almost 11 and will be at school for 10 months of the year learning magic and such," Mariposa stated.

Silver hummed. "Now would mean you'd have more time to get to know them, or them getting used to the idea, then there's the inverse, you'd have the chance to grow a bit more, grow into the idea of them and not be overloaded with a Merrow Family member before you're ready."

"Posa we never thought we had anyone but them before hand, now we have found so much more family then we knew, I think getting to know them on our terms is the best thing we could ask for with so many people that seem excited to know us," Harry said

"I am not sure Harry, what if this is the one that doesn't like us? What if this is the one that refuses to accept us?" Mariposa asks her twin

"No, Merrow are very family oriented, to the point of ridiculous." Patrick cut in to soothe Mariposa. "I'd know as I'm quarter Merrow. In fact I'm pretty sure he'd fight Silver for Gaurdianship over you."

Silver laughed, "Sounds about right for Merrow families." She admitted.

Mariposa froze as they said they would fight for guardianship over them. She felt her breathing increase as the room decreased in size. She felt her eyes widen at the thought of being taken away from somewhere they felt safe finally and were settling in. No no no no no this was bad she thought as the room seemed to begin fading into a tunnel of black.

Quinn, having kept an eye on them, rushed to Mariposa's side, gently lowering her to the ground. "Breathe in." His voice intoned, a small flex of natural Healer's Aura, and Alpha Order mixing to calm her.

Mariposa gasped in a breath trying to do what Quinn said but it felt like her lungs didn't want to cooperate.

"Slowly, In... 2... 3... Out... 2... 3..." Quinn kept his voice calm and steady, not noticing that he had caused everyone to focus in on them, and space being given.

Mariposa followed the directions she was given and the tunnel faded after a bit she still felt shaky as she came back to herself from the panic attack. She looked up at Quinn and tried to keep her breathing steady. She couldn't find words this time to express what she wanted to say as her mind was still recovering from the lack of oxygen and near passing out.

"Take your time, just keep breathing." Quinn murmured. "There's no rush. There's also a third option the adults forgot to say: He can be told, but ordered to stay away for now, Healer's can be quite convincing when they need to be."

Mariposa swallowed as she kept breathing. "I just don't want to leave where we are safe, We need to be with Silver for school, w...we signed a contract, got to graduate," she said thinking about what they had signed and what she knew about contracts. "Meeting fine, taking no," she said simply.

Zhongli rumbled approvingly, "It's a Sanctuary Contract for Minors. Their previous guardian gave Silver custody. It bares similarities to Mentorship Contracts." He informed the Healers.

Surajini looked at Zhongli. "I take it that they knew what they were signing being ten it would hold up here as valid as long as they were informed," she stated. "Which would make the Merrow have to do things on the twins terms even with them being lost children, breaking their stability would do no good on any front," Surajini stated.

"That is true, however, we had been planning on explainging that after this revilation." Zhongli explained just as calmly. "This also means that Mariposa and Harry have choices to make, which is what they currently need."

Silver nodded. "That was the conversation planned for tonight. This just moved it to now."

"C...Can we just talk about the seals right now?" Mariposa asked wanting to get away from the talk of more family right now. "Are we still able to take off the ones you were suggesting safely even with my.....panicked moment?"

"Panic attack, but both yes and no." Quinn decided to answer. "you're magic is in a state of flux due to your emotions, so it's not as safe, so we have to wait for you to naturally calm down."

"So I have to get back to a calm baseline?" Mariposa asked wondering if she could manage that if they took care of harry and she read for a bit. Maybe that lunch that Silver and Amina had talked about would help too if they had time after the lunch to help her still.

"Yes, but we need a true calm, not a temperary calm." Quinn murmured. "Do you have some Meditation styles you're comfortable with so that you can process, instead of pushing this back?"

Zhongli answered. "I have taught both of them several, motion and stationary. They do which is comfortable for them. Harry tends to be more motion based, and Mariposa is a varient."

"I know im to shaky to move but do you have any rune books or alphabets I can look at?" she asked cautiously.

"I think i have a few Aquakine Rune primers that I can dig out," Patrick said as he moved to go get them from his study. It would show her a bit of her heritage and be a good apology for setting her off like he had he should have been more aware of the situation but it seems she had a strong masking that was also very Aquakine like.

Silver moved to Mariposa's side. "Would you like me to show them the Contract that you two signed, that way they know the limits for both of our sides and add it to Medical Files here, so that if your Merrow Family member askes for it, he'll know exactly what you're into? Both of you."

Mariposa nodded. "More information the better, then they won't try to change things suddenly for us," she said as she saw Harry nod his acceptance as well.

"I don't want her to feel like she has to panic like that again to be heard," Harry said as he was still standing with Zhongli.

Silver nodded. "Of course." She watched as Medical release forms went to both of them, ones that would be backed by her.

Mariposa read over everything. "Standard release, they get to see everything that was done before this appointment and any extra documents we provide that pertain to our medical health moving forward," She explained to Harry "So we will provide the contract we signed as part of the medical file and allow family members to contact Silver should they need more information about us when they get copies of this file," She read the small print and then nodded as she looked at Silver "I read all that correctly right?" Mariposa asked before she put pen to paper.

Zhongli looked it over himself, before he answered for Silver. "You did read that correctly."

Mariposa nodded and together the twins signed the contracts for their medical release. Mariposa and Harry handed them back to Silver so she could add her signature.

Silver signed easily, before she moved to her bag, pulling out the offical copies for both twin's contracts, showing that it was idividual as the contracts went. "These are official copies for their medical records, along with the Goblin Healer's Historical Deep Scans."

Surajini looked at everything that was presented to them. Historical Deep scans were not seen often but as she looked over the injuries her face went cold as Patrick came back from his office with the book for Mariposa.

"Jini?" Patrick asked. He moved to her side. "Jini, talk to me."

Surajini looked at him then said "Give her the book then come read this, but keep your emotions locked down," she said to him.

Patrick floated the books over to Mariposa. "Here is both a Primer, and the alphabet."

Mariposa smiled as she got the books. She set them out where she could see both she got everything ready then looked at Zhongli. "A small sand pit and stele?" she said softly

Zhongli chuckled. "Let's just stick with notes for now." He said, moving to Mariposa's side.

Mariposa began to work through the alphabet and beginning pages of the primer. She worked steadily one rune at a time. Her mind taking in their meanings as well as how they could be used. Combinations began to fill her mind as she sank into a meditative trance of notes and runes.

Patrick read over the Historical deep scan, but his magic couldn't be contained, the earth rumbled wetly as he tried to contain his anger. "This makes everything very much clearer. I'm tempted to claim Healer's Rights inconjecture with Silver's rights." He said, his voice blank as he tightened his control on his emotions.

Silver hummed. "I wouldn't mind it, but I'm still letting them go at their pace, though I'll be taking them to a Mind Healer over the course of the year, as that is part of their health." She said this last part, looking at them in the eyes. "You'll get to choose the Mind healer, but I need you both to work honestly with them, switching Mind Healers is an option at any time, but I need a decent reason, like the approach isn't working for me anymore, they're pushing in the wrong direction, or they're shameing you. They're hard valids, the last one is a reportable offense if they don't give a very damn good reason, like they have irrefutable proof and can prove it without a doubt, kind of proof.

Harry looked at Silver. "non-negotiable?" he asked

"Health things: Mental, Physical, Emotional, or Enviromental are all non-negotiable in that they happen, but who it is, will be negotiable." Silver confirmed.

Harry frowned but nodded it was what they had signed up for when they accepted Sanctuary from Silver. "You know you will have to tell Posa when she's not meditating right," he said looking at silver.

"And I will." Silver agreed. She knew this would be hard to hear, but it was needed. "It was something that was going to be part of what we talked about tonight."

Harry nodded then said "Is my magic stable enough to do the removals?" he asked wanting to not waste time.

Patrick took a few more breaths. "Yes, however, our are now fluxing."

"So after lunch would be better?" Harry asked where it was normally Mariposa asking the questions. Harry knew it was not normal that he didn't ask his own questions often but with how close he and Posa had grown up she seemed to know what he was going to ask regardless and said it in a way that didn't' get them into trouble. He knew this would be a thing that probably needed to be talked about.

"Yes, lunch could be had first." Patrick eventually agreed, motioning them to follow.

The whole group followed while Zhongli carefully worked Mariposa out of her meditative state so she was not startled and carried her with her sleepiness that came with meditating for a good while for her.

"Come, little one, It's not bedtime yet." Zhongli coaxed, his voice soothing, but firm.

"I know its not bed time but got a good meditation like at bed time so sleepy," Mariposa said trying to not sound half sleep drunk.

Zhongli chuckled, ruffling her hair gently. "Good, that means you're completely relaxed."

"I should be good when we eat, just not steady on my feet yet," she said knowing she would be stumbling if she tried right now to walk.

Zhongli gave her a small, but so warm of an smile. "That's why I'm carrying you."

Mariposa smiled as she rested against him. "The runes were nice to work with, they flowed nicely one into the other, would be so easy to build arrays upon themselves with them they interlock like fingers," she said trying to wake up more by talking about the Runes.

Zhongli hummed, letting her talk, finding her talking woke her fast. "Runes can be like that. I'll teach you some other runes eventually. These are very old runes, nearly a dead runic language."

"That's not fair to the Runes, they cant die as a language," she said worried. "No runic language deserves to be forgotten, each has a brilliant power of their own and should be shared when they can," Mariposa said.

"When I learn runic alphabets it seems like my brain can see how best they can be laid and structures that they are more willing to make, like the Merrow runes, they want to form patters like ripples in a pond, if you write them in circles that get larger and bigger then expand it vertical there is nearly an endless weave you can build," she explained.

"Are you sure Mariposa is a beginner in Runes?" Patrick asked. "That is intermediate to advanced logic, at least."

Silver was just as stunned. "That's Maternal Line shining through. Evanson specifically."

"I should probably talk with Mr. Kalzik and younger Mr. Kalzik about the runes if its a Merrow thing right?" Mariposa asked Zhongli

"You should." Zhongli murmured. "Why don't you sit here?" He sat with Mariposa in his lap, letting her eat first so that she could talk with Patrick and Quinn, a seperate tray setting beside him so that he could eat as well.

Mariposa was excited as she began to eat a little bit curious what was on the table. She was careful to only take a little bit to try first as she ate lunch and began to discuss the runes with the two part Merrow. "The runes show you in how they are structured how they want to be used, if you look at them side by side they don't really look right, but you take it and turn it into ripples you would have about 16 ripples for the whole language to be visible but due to the nature of runes if you printed them that way it would blow up so breaking them apart and compartmentalizing them is the only way to share them safely right," Mariposa stated

Bharin stood further at attention, having been relaxed against the wall. "Little one, are you related to Jun Evanson?"

Mariposa paused in her thoughts as she found herself addressed. She looked to Zhongli as if asking if it was safe to answer the question.

"Go on, this is Patrick's Joker, Bharin." Zhongli answered gently.

"Yes Mr. Bharin, She is my Grandmother, though I've never met her," she said watching his reaction to that.

Bharin nodded. "She used the exact same words and phrasing to me once, however it was Fire based as she spoke of the Fire Courts Runic Language."

"Runic languages just want us to listen so they can share the way to best use them," Mariposa stated like it was fact.

Bharin nodded sharply, relaxing back against the wall, turning his attention back to something else. "Just like her Grandmother."

Mariposa blushed a bit as she turned back to Patrick and Quinn, Who were also staring at her in awe. "Um but with the Circles you can build them up and have Vertices that intersect and allow chain making so something can be stronger or have multiple operations," she finished.

"That's called Tower Casting." Patrick stated. "Or are you talking Olympian rings?"

"Both i guess see look at my ripple picture that does not have any runes," she said pulling out her notebook to show ripples in a tower and then an aerial view where two towers were intersected by another ripple tower.

"That's.... Olympian Towers.... Only 7- now 8 eventually- can do." Patrick said, his mind in utter bafflement.

"So, you don't want to hear about my wave chains?" she said gently

"Please don't for now, I'd like to process this bit first. General runes talk is fine, but not..... this level." Patrick barely said. "And I'm concidered a Runes Master.... This is a level of a Genius Runes Master."

"Oh, so what is general level runes talk? This is really the first time i've been able to talk about runes with someone," Mariposa admitted.

"I can't even keep up, I'm just starting as my specialtiy requires an Adept level of Runic knowledge." Quinn muttered.

"Oh, is there something I need to break down about what i said?" Mariposa asked tilting her head innocently.

"How about we talk about the Runes themselves?" Patrick asked. "Let's start there."

"Okay," Mariposa says as she started talking about various runes and why she would or would not pair them together for various meanings.

"Why that pairing, this has been tripping me up." Quinn asked. He proceeeds to explain how he's getting stuck, where, and which pairings.

Mariposa takes the pairs and lays out the alphabet book then grabs the primer and flips to each page for each of the ones in the pairs and shares the meanings behind them and shares how some of the ones he was trying to use don't work outside of a triad or an anchoring pair of runes.

Both of them keep talking, helping Quinn understand until the rest of the table was finished eating. "This makes so much more sense now."

"But don't forget that the unstable pairs can be anchored in the next ring up too," Mariposa says before sitting back letting it sink in for Quinn.

"Why does it sound stupidly easy?" Quinn sighed.

"Because you were being held back by Jargon, when in doubt go back to basics," Mariposa said "Always remember your basics teach you everything you need for what you are working with, Towers are just ripples stacked so if you run out of room to anchor it in one ripple set move it up and make it flow from the anchor," she finished.

"You're good... Kinda wish you'd be my tutor." Quinn and Dysoka spoke in unison.

Mariposa blushed at the compliment.

"Alright you two, either lessons or to finish this appointment." Patrick stated.

"We should probably finish the appointment, its what we came here for originally," Mariposa said as she carefully got up and collected her notebook again which had extra sketches of ways that the runes could be used.

"If you wouldn't mind, I'd like a copy of your notes, because they're far better explained than even the Primers for beginners." Patrick requested.

"After the appointment." Silver said, speaking up as the Rune users finally calmed down.

Mariposa nodded to Silver and stood up. She looked and saw Harry walking over to them looking a little down. "Ric, what's wrong?" she asked moving to her twin's side. "Nothing, just didn't have as exciting a lunch talk as you, " Harry said "Tried to talk to the one who asked you if you were related to our Grandmother who we don't know but, he didn't seem willing to talk to me," Harry shrugged.

"It's okay we got seals to get off today," Harry said not letting it bother him, since he was happy to see his twin cheer up after all the news they had gotten over the last few days.

Bharin slid a small notebook to Harry as he moved off, filled with answers to questions he got. "Talking with guests is not a favorite of mine."

Harry nodded and was glad that he had not been totally ignored. He just wished that Bharin would have asked him to stop with the questions he would have sat down and been quiet. "I understand, i did not mean to overstep my place," Harry said as he walked a little faster with Mariposa to get back to the room they had been in before. Harry wanted to get the seals off and go back to where they were staying, maybe they still didn't have a home; maybe mariposa's panic attack was a warning they were getting too comfortable.

Silver stopped Harry outside of the room. "Talk with me..."

"About what? He made it clear we," he motioned to him and Mariposa " were just guests, I shouldn't have asked him questions but he could have asked me to stop and leave him alone, I would have sat there Quietly if he had just said anything" Harry said

Silver made a motion. "Bharin hasn't been informed of the Contract of Sanctuary for Minors, so he didn't know that you two are now my wards."

"But wards are not children that are claimed as family," Harry said

"It doesn't make as much of a difference to Dragels, Harry. Wards, adopted Children are the same things." Silver explained.

"we came here thinking it was family so him saying we were guests threw everything into doubt, I didn't want to doubt you Silver," Harry said "But I don't want to be looked upon differently...."

Silver pulled Harry into a tight hug. "Oh Harry, son by choice." She murmured, she crooned softly, tucking his head into her neck.

Bharin tapped Silver's shoulder, making her pull back enough to cut her neck a bit so that Harry could have a comfort feed. "Drink, It'll help."

Harry didn't think to hard about what was going on and would ask questions later as he did as he was told. There were so many things he didn't understand but as he drank he felt himself stablize out and not feel as frayed around the edges.

Patrick poked his head outside, spotting the trio, before returning inside to do Mariposa first.

"How does that work? Why does that Work and did I just drink what I think i did? am I a vampire?" Harry asked

"You're not a Vampire, you're an uninherited Dragel. If you thought you just drank blood, then yes you did. It's called a comfort feed and its typically shared between family members, the only ones you should avoid is typically Thorne, Briar and most of the time Aiden, because of the fact that they're Hellhounds. You should avoid Hellcats too, but in this case you're taking such a small amount it's not a bad thing in sparing small doses."

Bharin gave her an annoyed, yet amused look. "Cheeky."

"Why does he say Cheeky? Was it bad i took from you?" Harry asked as he felt a fog of calm wash over him.

"And~ there it is." Silver sighed. "This feeling is the exact reason why we say small sparing doses."

"How long?" Bharin asked.

"If I was a regular Hellcat it'd been 2 hours. As I'm special 8." Silver sighed.

Aiden's head poked out. "The Fuck you do?"

"Comfort fed Harry." Silver stated, shamelessly. "He was getting too wound up, because Bharin didn't have enough information."

"I didn't know about the Contract, but I did answer his questions via written word."

"He needs verbal reassurance. We've only had them for less than a week.... from an abusive home. Yes, we're building a case for it." Silver returned, a slight hiss in her voice.

Bharin's entire frame froze. "Level?"

"It's a level four at BEST, confirmed Emotional, Physical and Mental. Environmental is a bit iffy." Silver explained.

Bharin hissed himself.

"Calling him a Guest? That just set him back, and I won't know how far until tomorrow at the earliest. I'm fucking LIVID now, Bharin." Silver snapped, but kept her voice at a soft tone.

Aiden pulled Silver into his arms. "Sunlight, calm..." He ordered her. "Do I need to grab Zhongli for a comfort feed for you?"

"No, just take Harry inside, please. Bharin, if you wouldn't mind, we are going to Hiram so that he may be made aware of this, and Patrick can decide punishment after the appointment." Silver said.

Aiden winced. "Got it." He gently nudged Harry into the room. "Come on, pup."

--Arythmoor Manor, Next Morning--

Harry wasn't sure what truck took him out but it left a lot of fuzz in his brain as he sat up. He looked around and saw all the dark cherry wood and deep red sheets. He felt a little out of it as he tried to remember where he was. "Posa?" He called out as he wanted to get the light turned on a bit more. He felt a rush of something as the room brightened up just slightly and he could see a bit more around the room.

Before he could do anything, two familiar raps sounded on the door. "Harry?" Silver's voice came through the door.

"Yes Ma'am, Im up," Harry Replied as he felt around for his glasses.

"May I come in?" She asked, gentle and warm. It was a request, not a demand, even to Harry, that was clear.

Harry debated with himself for a whole 15 seconds before answering Silver. "You may," He still wasn't sure where he stood on everything but he didn't want to lose a potential parent when he had already lost one set.

Silver poked her head in, a small sad smile on her face. "Morning, Little One. Do you want to talk, or would you like to listen first?" She noticed his hesitation to answer her. "You're not in trouble at all, Harry, I just want to reiterate something I said yesterday, and soothe your mind about any worries if I can."

"I'll listen first then, it might take care of the worries naturally," Harry said as he looked at Silver.

"Alright, do you want me to turn on a light, because you're not supposed to be using Magic at the moment while your body adjusts to not having the seals." Silver looked at the Lumos ball over his head.

"I didn't realize I was doing it," Harry said startled "How do i stop?" he asked earnestly.

"Nox." Silver waved her hand at the ball, turning it off easily, as she turned on low level lights in the room. She then motioned him to the couch. "Sit with me?"

Harry moved over to sit beside Silver. He had nothing against this woman who had taken him and Mariposa in when they were not sure they would have had a roof over their heads after going to the Alley.

Silver turned to him, her eyes warm, loving, but firm. "First, I'll make something clear. The Contract you signed with me? It's called a Mentorship-Ward Contract among Dragels, and it can also be called an Adoption Contract. So by Nevarah Law, you're now my Circle's child, but I'm the primary Contact." She waited for him to understand.

"So I am- since the day we signed- your son?" Harry asked clarifying.

"Yes. That's exactly what I'm saying." Silver smiled warmly at him. "I'm also the Emergancy Contact should anything happen to you."

"Which works both here and back on Earth?" he asked cautiously.

"Not Quite yet. I have to file your Contract with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, or DMLE for short." Silver explained.

"Oh, have to do that when we get back right?" Harry asked.

"Yes, I'll be doing that first thing when we return. Second, I also want to make clear, that you can go to anyone you have meet and ask ANY question, they know that you're expanding your boundries, but they will push back to see what you're comfortable with, to see how far you'll go for answers, or they'll demand an answer." She murmured. "You can shut them down as you need to, but I want you to try and flourish."

"So I can ask questions and if I ask more they might ask questions in return, is that right?" Harry asked clarifying for himself.

"Yes, because you're new to them, but also you need to learn you for all you're a twin with Mariposa." Silver continued.

"I know I am my own person. I just couldn't talk in the place we lived before without incurring the wrath of Vernon. He hated to even think i existed, so i became Mariposa's shadow in the house, it was safer that way." Harry explained

Silver frowned at that, but she nodded. "You're voice matters here, too, it will always matter." She said.

"That's good to hear, It might take me time to get comfortable asking questions more often but I know Mariposa has been trying to encourage me to talk more now that we are not there, but she knows it is baby steps to break habits and she has a habit of knowing my Questions before i can ask them to protect both of us, she suffered seeing me hurt. She had to patch up my injuries a few times and we only had a little thread and needle she had to sterilize in hot water," He said thinking about the few times he had to have stitches and they had been locked in.

Silver had to close her eyes, holding back her anger. "Never again. While you will get punishments, never to that level, never." She couldn't help but pull him into a hug, holding him close to her.

"We know were safe here and wont face those kinds of injuries here, I also think I like doing more physical workouts, makes me feel like i accomplished something every time i do the Katas or just get to run until I ache," Harry said smiling. "I know Posa loves the library and it was our sanctuary before we found you but I like being out side," he said.

Silver gave him an amused sigh. "So much like Childe..." She whispered, highly amused. "I'm going to have to introduce you to him."

"Oh is he not here now?" Harry asked

"Oh no, I'm sure he is, lets see if we can spot him." Silver stood, heading for the window.

Harry joined Silver at the window and saw the shinning blue spot of light like a beacon drawing the eye to the gray clad redhead standing there working on something. "Is that him?" He asked pointing Childe out.

"Yeah, that's Childe... my silly nut." Silver gave a loving sigh. "One of my idiots, but i love him, just like the rest."

"That's always a good thing right? and is the subject of learning what circles mean still off limits?" Harry asked.

"It is, for both." She answered. "But... I can and will take you over to Childe."

"That would be wicked i think, he looks like he enjoys time outside a lot, and has lots of pointers for me to learn from," Harry said smiling at Silver.

"Get dressed then, in workout clothes, and I'll take you to meet him." Silver said, ruffling his head.

Harry nodded and got up to look at the clothes that had been made available for him to use. He began to pick out the outfit he was going to wear. A pair of shorts in gray and a t-shirt that was white. He slipped on his shoes and looked at Silver. "Ready," he said smiling largely.

Silver nodded. "Are you hungry, or do you want to go straight over to Childe?"

"Should probably eat something light then go meet him if were going to be working out side don't want to get sick," Harry said knowing how it was to run on a near empty stomach.

Silver gave him a proud smile. "Then let's get you something to eat, son."

Harry teared up a little and hugged Silver. He didn't know if he would ever take for granted that she called him son ever and he hoped he never did because after 10 years of not hearing it he never wanted to be without knowing he had parents again.

Silver hugged him back, crooning gently. "How about some porridge and cereal this morning? Something light on your stomach, but filling."

Harry nodded and walked down stairs with Silver. He leaned into her a little as they walked. It was nice to know that he hadn't dreamed that she claimed him as her child regardless of blood. He took a deep breath as he let things release a bit from yesterday. He knew he was just pushing things back right now but he hoped he had a good time outside with Childe and was able to work through things himself.

When they got downstairs Harry was surprised that he didn't see Mariposa. "Is she still sleeping?" Harry asked as he looked up at Silver.

"Yes, Butterfly is still sleeping. You're nightmare woke you before her." Silver explained, though sh had a feeling that he didn't remember it. She set about making his breakfast, humming softly, sending him to the table after washing his hands. She cooked as Childe entered, feeling the tug on their bond. "Morning, my Fiesty Beta." She chirred at him as she made him some breakfast as well.

"Morning, Sunshine." Childe hummed, moving to hold her from behind in a cuddle as she cooked, easily moving with her in a dance of her cooking. "I heard about the double sanctuary chicks."

"Mhmm, Harry's at the table, go introduce yourself to him and wash up." Silver leaned her head back, kissing his jaw, receiving a kiss to her forehead in turn. "He'll be joining you for your morning training, so that he can work through yesterday. Bharin misstepped from lack of information, and he's essentially you after your unwanted trip at 14."

Childe stiffened. "How bad?" He asked, his voice lowering slightly.

"Processing the trauma, but stable, him and his twin both. They're just.... delicate." Silver sighed. "We've only had them for a few days, so its not as bad as it could be." She nudged him off, sending him to the sink.

Childe sighed softly, getting the jist of the Silver wasn't saying. Harry was surpressing his trauma, and there would be an explosion at some point if it wasn't handled now. He moved, washing his hands, before plopping himself at the table. "Hey, munchkin. I'm Childe, Silver's Beta." He said, before reaching over to ruffle Harry's hair.

Harry watched the tall man that walked in he was as tall as Zhongli which was something that he didn't expect from what he had seen this morning. When Child introduced himself and called him munchkin he was not sure why but it ruffled feathers. "Not a munchkin, I'm Harry or Haderic," He said ducking his head away from the ruffling.

Childe huffed a laugh. "Gotta earn the non-munchkin status, im afraid." He still ruffled Harry's hair. "Still Silver told me you wanted to join me this morning, so we're going to start you with a dagger, after a warm-up."

Harry raised up his eyebrow. "And how does one earn the non munchkin status?" He said still moving away from Childe's hand. He could feel himself getting annoyed and as he did the tips of his hair began to shift towards red.

Childe gave a feral grin. "When you can beat me in a fight, full-stop." He replied, as Silver set the dishes in front of them.

"No Murder at the table, unless you want Cleaning duties for the next two months." Silver stated. "That goes for you both, and Childe, quit aggrivating Harry... for now."

Harry looked up at Silver and sheepishly grinned at her. "yes Mum," he said.

Silver rolled her eyes, but smiled. "Eat up, son."

Harry nodded and started in on the food placed before him. It was nice to have someone who cared if he ate breakfast now. He couldn't wait to share report cards and such with her when he started to get them from School. He wanted to share all the moments of pride that he saw Dudley get over the years. He was just glad they had gotten this chance now.

Childe ate his food, quiet, taking in how Silver seemed to ease into the spot of Mother, just like with Luminaria. "Momma Sunlight." He teased between bites.

"Hush you!" Silver laughed back, as she sat down to eat as well, the pots used to cook washing themselves in the background as they ate. "Harry, what's your favorite color? That way we have a dish set in your color so that others can know you've eaten."

Harry blinked as he thought about that, he never really thought about colors beyond making sure he matched Mariposa when they had to dress up. "I...don't know," he said honestly "Never really had a reason to like a color over any other," he said as he shrugged and continued to finish eating.

Silver hummed lightly. "When you find one that you like, let me know so that we can have one for you. Even if it's puke green." She joked at the end. "For now, I'm going to use purple with gold antlers to mark your bowl, as it's not claimed yet. Mariposa's will be purple with silver antlers."

"Cool, that goes like our trunks," Harry said as he then stood up. "I'm done so do i wait here or outside?" he asked.

Childe hummed. "You can wait for me, munchkin. I'm almost done, just put your bowl to the left side of the sink and grab a bottle of water from the fridge. You'll need it."

Harry nodded and grabbed up his bowl and thought about it and habits went into gear and he began to wash what was there needing cleaned. He fell back into habits to avoid trouble. He washed and dried his bowl and placed it on the right side along with the other small pieces that were there. Laying them in rows on a towel. He shook his head as he went and got the bottle of water and then returned to the dining room.

Silver spotted his actions and sighed. "This is why I said fragile." She muttered with Harry over at the sink.

"I see it." Childe replied, before he noticed that Zhongli and MAriposa were coming in the kitchen.

"Childe, Silver, and Harry, good morning." Zhongli said, as he ushered Mariposa over to the sink to wash her hands. "Wash your hands, I'll make breakfast."

Mariposa nodded still a little sleepy and quiet as she walked over and washed her hands. She was dressed in a light purple dress that seemed comfortable before anything else. She rolled her shoulders as she almost went into cook mode but saw Zhongli and remembered he was going to cook this morning.

Zhongli nudged her to the table again. "What did Harry have?" He asked.

"Porriage, and Cereal, with a cup of tea." Silver answered. "Childe is in charge of Harry this morning, then both of them are coming to my private Solarium. Mariposa, you can join us as well."

Mariposa looked up and nodded. She was still slightly nonverbal before food. She waved at Harry and did the little bit of BSL they knew from having a special student in their class one year.

"Good Morning Posa," Harry said as he signed back as well using butterfly instead of her name.

"I'm going to be outside today, should join me eventually, cant stay in the Library the whole time your here," Harry teased as he signed to her.

Mariposa frowned and signed back of course not but i want to finish the books i picked out. then stuck her tongue out at her twin.

Silver sighed softly. "You have plenty of time, Butterfly." She murmured.

Mariposa looked up at Silver blinked and opened her mouth but still nothing else wanted to cooperate. you know BSL? she finger signed out knowing her knowledge was limited.

Yes, I do, now what do you want to drink, Butterfly? Silver signed back, enjoying the break from talking, fingerspelling as well so that Mariposa could read her signs.

papa li tea she spelled then ducked her head slightly

Osmanthus Tea it is. Zhongli signed back, fingerspelling it as well, a warm smile on his lips. "Do you want it plain or doctored?" He asked as he turned to get the pot started.

how we had it at shop Mariposa replied She waved to Harry as he left with Childe.

"Be safe Posa, if you don't want to talk today that's okay," Harry said as he hugged her and then left with Childe.

Silver hummed softly. "Was it the first cup?" She asked.

Mariposa nodded.

"Plain, my Dragon." Silver answered, her nose scrunching a bit. "How can you drink that plain?"

didn't get a lot of sugar in drinks mostly water, milk at school or nothing Mariposa signed

Silver's eyes flashed with anger. They had no right to keep you from your choices. None. She signed a bit faster, the spelling harsher motions.

Mariposa read the letters but her shoulders curled a bit. The harsher spelling and the faster speed was anger she could tell. She tried to not think it was because of what she said as she thought about what Silver said but she wasn't sure what would happen if Silver couldn't get angry at the right person. less punishment without complaining. she signed her eyes dropping to the table as she waited for breakfast.

Silver breathed harshly. Who decided this? Please do not hide it or lie, Butterfly. Silver signed a bit slower, but she was still so angry.

"Not during breakfast, Lovely." Zhongli said, placing the bowl in front of Mariposa, setting his own next to the curling girl.

Mariposa carefully pulled the bowl closer to herself and held the spoon like it was a lifeline. She was skittish that was for sure. She carefully went about eating quietly since her mood for talking was almost gone right now. She went about eating almost mechanically.

Zhongli carefully pulled Mariposa into a half hug. "Silver isnt mad at you, little one, she's mad at your previous guardians."

Mariposa looked up at him and nodded then set her spoon down. just hard to not take it when the anger can be seen when talking to me, brain doesn't know if i should have said things differently to not upset anyone or just been complete nonverbal, she took a good minute to spell it all out. She knew her brain could be an unfair foe making her doubt herself at times.

Silver deflated. "Oh Butterfly...." She whispered. "We'll get your books, but you're with me today. We're going to cuddle in my Solarium with Zhongli, then Childe and Harry when they finish."

Mariposa looked at Silver then signed I understand our past was bad, i know you just want us to be safe and happy, just angry talking, shouting she flashed her hands fast and like speaker booms and sudden movements will trigger doubt. know you care your heart is too big not to, Mariposa signed then moved over in her seat and hugged Silver.

Silver melts, hugging Mariposa with the budding love that comes with adopting an new Ward. "Eat, then we'll get to the quiet cuddle session."

Mariposa nodded as she went back to eating and took a sip of the tea and sighed happily. Once she put it down she signed Nectar of the gods then giggled and went back to eating and sipping the tea.

"Nectar for Zhongli, definitely." Silver teased the Alpha, only to be poked as Mariposa's food slid in front of the child.

Mariposa smiled as she finished her breakfast and tea and gathered her bowl and spoon up and went to the kitchen and washed it up setting it where harry's were already drying. She returned to the table then asked can i have more tea? she held out the empty cup.

Zhongli easily filled the cup.

"You can bring the cup and pot with us, as they're charmed not to spill." Silver mentioned.

Mariposa smiled and nodded as she took a drink of the refilled cup. it really is the best tea ive ever had even was trying to figure out ways to get it at school because nothing else would taste as good she signed.

"Zhongli can send you care packages." Silver waved off. "Or I can."

"I'd be happy to send them." Zhongli said.

Mariposa smiled and went and hugged Zhongli. She then said "Thank you papa li," in a quiet voice

A pleased rumble erupted from Zhongli, as he snuggled Mariposa close.

-- Silvers Solarium Arythmoor Manor --

Silver opened to door to a massive Solarium, her private one, setting Privacy to her, Zhongli, Mariposa, Harry, and Childe. "Welcome to my Hideaway. Open upon invitation." She said playfully.

Mariposa walked in and saw all the greenery and was shocked as they walked into the center and she saw the biggest bed she had ever seen. She saw over sized chairs she could curl up in and tables to hold drinks or books. She walked around examining all the plants she bit her lip wanting to chatter but knowing her voice just didn't want to work today. She found the whole place beautiful.

Silver purred deeply as she walked in. "I hope you don't get scared, but when I come in here I use an alternate form." She admitted, before pouncing onto the bed, her form growing massive as dark flames sprung around her paws, her golden Ligress fur being shook out and she stretched like the massive cat she was.

Mariposa was wide eyed a moment before moving closer looking to Zhongli and signing safe to pet?.

Zhongli chuckled. "That's Silver, little one, just more intinctual. So yes, she's safe to pet."

Of course I am! I'd never hurt my Cub! Silver refuted, using her gift to speak.

Mariposa blinked and tapped her head and pointed to silver and tilted her head in question.

Yes, a gift I received on my 16th birthday, just as you will. Silver answered.

Mariposa Clapped happily and excitedly not noticing that her hair was beginning to shift slowly to a bright sunshine yellow creeping up from her roots. so wicked i cannot wait to see what i get she signs back to Silver.

Zhongli chuckled, "Sunshine yellow, how cute."

Mariposa looked at Zhongli and tilts her head not knowing what he was talking about.

Zhongli lifted a strand of hair. "Now... do you want to see a Dragon, too?"

Mariposa was shocked and the yellow went bright blue. "How?" she spoke out then looked at Zhongli not sure what she had done to her hair. She was scared as the color went towards white as her emotions went to fear that she had lost her bright red hair.

"A Magical gift." Zhongli answered. "Now, dragon?"

Mariposa looked at Zhongli and nodded wanting to definitely hide between the two fierce protectors she was seeing them as and hope her hair stopped shifting colors and went back to normal.

Zhongli nodded. "Get into the center with Silver." He told her, as he twisted into a serpintine dragon, like the Chinese depictions of the Kirin, but feircer.

Mariposa went and crawled into the bed and found a spot to settle safely against Silver between her paws against her chest. She drew her knees up to her as she looked at the white creeping down her hair like frost.

Silver instantly started purring deeply, before she started grooming Mariposa like a cub, as Zhongli wrapped around them like a large snake.

Mariposa was drawn out of her worry as she laughed at how Silver was acting to her. She didn't realize that as she stopped focusing on her hair it shifted again to the bright sunshine yellow.

My cub! Such an adorable cub. Silver purred louder, continuing to groom Mariposa's hair.

Mariposa laughed as she was doted upon she also pulled up the book she had been reading. "How...can...I...read...with....you...licking me?" Mariposa asked straining herself to talk.

Then don't, and be groomed like a kitten, which you are. Silver chirred, still grooming until she noticed the sunshine yellow returning.

Mariposa huffed a little darker orange fading into the sunshine yellow as she kept the book on her lap.

Silver lightly huffed, showing Mariposa the new color. Annoyed, Cub?

"A...little...why?" Mariposa asked just wanting to read the runes book she had grabbed.

Hair has become a mood ring. Silver giggled mentally.

Zhongli huffed in Sliver's face, as he adjusted his goldspun fluffed tail to distract Silver's attention.

Mariposa looked up at Silver. "Why though?" she asked worried so it started to shift to blue again.

Silver gave uncommentable hum, having no answer as she started to groom Zhongli's tail.

As Silver's attention went to Zhongli's tail Mariposa began to read from her book. She was reading when she heard the door open and Harry and Childe came in. She had been relaxed and her hair had returned to its normal bright red.

"I don't know if mum will be happy about some of these injuries," Harry said as he had a slightly swollen lip and the start of bruises across his arms and such from the wooden daggers Childe had them use.

Silver's head popped up. What did you do, Ajax Childe Tartaglia?

Childe froze, a look of 'Oh shit!' on his face. "Started with wooden weapons?"

"But only after a fist fight and lap around our training area" Harry said throwing him under the bus so to speak.

"Munchkin!" Childe playfully whined. "You joined me for training."

"Didn't say i didn't enjoy it" Harry said with a laugh "It was fun and I can't wait to go again." He said with a grin.

"Betrayal!" Childe cried out, pulling Harry into a nuggie. "Come'ere, Munchkin!"

Harry's hair was also at his laughter shifting to the same bright yellow that Mariposa's was as he tried to get away from Childe.

Childe and Harry scuffled, slowly drifting into the pile and Zhongli made room for them, only ending with Childe flipping Harry into the cushion. "I win, brat!" Childe crowed, setting Harry into Silver's side.

Mariposa set her book to the side as Childe crowed and launched herself at him tackling him backwards a step.

Childe laughed brightly as he caught her, tickling her quickly. "Little Butterfly, gotta be quicker and stronger than that!"

Mariposa made a rawr face with her hands beside her head.

"Posa!" Harry called out worried he had been flipped but he had been mostly ready for it. He calmed down a bit when he saw Childe just catch her but he watched him closely.

Childe continued his tickle attack, being quick, but so gentle with her.

Stay calm, Son, Childe KNOWS better than to hurt a girl when it's not time to train. Silver reassured Harry, nudging him deeper into her side.

Zhongli huffed lightly. "Childe, set the fierce cub back in the nest and come rest for an hour."

Mariposa began to push her hands against his chest in a way to signal stop as she tried to catch her breath. She was a little light headed from the laughter. She signaled ok to Harry who still was watching but more relaxed.

Childe took notice of her state and stopped, letting her catch her breath, as he resettled her back against Silver's chest. "Definitly feirce, but still just a Butterfly. We'll get some fangs on her yet if she wants them."

Mariposa thought about it. maybe with runes as a field leveler she signed.

Silver purred lightly. Of course, Cub.

Zhongli nuzzled Mariposa's cheek with a whisker. "We'll teach you all of the Languages we're allowed to."

Mariposa's eyes brightened when Zhongli said that. I can't wait to learn she said as she grinned. I know that Quinn and Patrick will enjoy the conversations if i come up with more unique ways to use the runes she laughed knowing that Patrick probably would be nervous to talk if she came up with other theories but she still had other thoughts she wanted to talk through about the Aquakine runes.

Zhongli rumble-chuckled, his whisker patting her head gently.

It will be quite a conversation to be had, Cub. Silver said as Childe carefully climbed onto her back to sprawl out and take a short nap.

Mariposa took a moment to settle back and begin reading again when Harry tapped the top of the Page to get her attention. He signed to her He was glad she was feeling better as he then hugged her.

"Rest," Mariposa said softly to him as he curled up with her while she read.

Zhongli coiled a bit more around, his magic washing over Harry in firm, but careful waves, healing him of the worst of it. He did leave some of the pain as to let Harry remember that there was things to be learned.

Harry yawned and settled in falling asleep quickly from all the hard work he had done with Childe. Mariposa kept reading as the others around her slept and she felt when Silver's breathing changed to a more napping rhythm.

Zhongli's head lifted a bit, keeping an eye out for the knock for lunch, a soothing rumble coming from him regularly to keep Childe dozing. When lunch time came around, his whisker bapped the dozing beta to have him wake up and grab it.

Childe snapped to attention, "Zhongli?"

"Lunch is at the door for all of us." Zhongli replied, using part of his coils to give Childe a way down without bothering Harry and Silver much.

Childe hummed lightly, using the coils to get Lunch from Amina outside the door. "Thanks, Pretty Steel."

"Zhongli knows the potions regimine, and everyone's bowls are marked." Amina whispered, spotting the sleeping Silver.

Mariposa saw Childe using some of the extra coils of Zhongli to avoid disturbing Harry and Silver. She carefully set her book to the side with a bookmark in it. She looked at her brother then Zhongli.

"Time to wake them?" she asked softly

Zhongli rumbled lightly. "Yes, you wake Harry, I've got Silver."

Silver's eye cracked open. I'm already awake. Childe moving woke me.

"Sunlight, its lunchtime." Childe shrugged unrepentantly.

Mariposa moved to the side and touched Harry's shoulder. He came awake quickly. "What's wrong posa?" he asked she shook her head. "Lunch," she said softly she still wasn't completely feeling talking but definitely more than this morning.

Childe floated the bowls over to the table. "Over to the table, you two."

Zhongli unwrapped himself, letting the twins head over to where lunch was being set.

Silver nudged both of them up, before she stood, shaking out her fur and transforming back to the form they were used to.

Mariposa and Harry carefully got out of the bed and made their way over to the Table where the food was being set. Sitting side by side Mariposa took a deep breath as she looked at Silver and Zhongli as they joined them.

"I have some days where.....words don't want to happen," she said "apparently today was one," she finished.

Silver simply nodded. "It's the same reason that I learned how sign language."

Zhongli gave Silver a gentle look. "Silver's came from an abusive home as well."

Mariposa was shocked as she looked at Silver. She would never have expected it of her not with how strong she was or how protective she was. "I want to learn more BSL so that those days are less hard, i know finger spelling is not a convenient way to get things across," she said softly.

Silver nodded. "There's also LSL- Zhongli's native language- so that we can teach you the Shop's name, but also give you both a language in Hogwarts that no one will know."

"I'd like that," Mariposa said smiling. Harry nudged her to start eating as he made sure the tea cups were filled.

After that moment, lunch was a quiet affair, everyone focused on eating, trying the chicken stirfry, which turned into a completely lazy day, as they all slept in the Solarium after dinner.

--Silver's Solarium, Dawn--

Silver and Childe were the first awake of the group, checking on events that were going on. "There's a Runes Forum today." Silver said.

"There's also a free-for-all for children learning to fight in the Pits." Childe pointed out.

Zhongli's head popped up, a huge yawn cracking his jaws. "Morning, my Baobei."

"Morning, my Dragon." Silver murmured, kissing his snout.

"Morning, Mor-mor." Childe cheekily said, kissing Zhongli's mane. "Let's wake the children."

Harry shifted in his half sleep and sat up. Being a light sleeper he looked at them stretched which showed a few scars that were on his back low enough to be seen when his shirt raised. Harry saw how light it was and touched Mariposa's shoulder. "Posa time to get up," he said softly as he saw her yawn and stretch as well. She opened her eyes and blinked as she saw Silver, Childe and Zhongli,s dragon head. "Morning," She said to them smiling.

"Good morning, Butterfly, Munchkin." Childe said, talking over the low growl that Zhongli was giving off quietly.

"Good morning, Son, Cub." Silver greeted. "Let's go get ready, unless you both want another lazy day before your appointments today? There's a Free-for-all for children learning to fight in the Pit, and an all elemental Runes Forum as well." She offered.

Harry perked up at the idea of seeing where he stood with others of his age. "I wouldn't mind trying the free for all, would be a good baseline for Childe to see what natural gifts i have without being the one taking the blows" Harry said grinning.

"Hey! I like fighting!" Childe rebuttled, gaining an amuzed look from Zhongli and Silver both.

"But Teachers should see their students fighting from afar to better gauge their skills no?" Harry asked.

"I think the Runes Forum is more my speed, I might want to learn to fight one day but right now I like the idea of Runes so much more," Mariposa said as she smiled at how excited Harry seemed.

Zhongli nodded. "The Forum starts in thirty minute, the free-for-all sign-ups are underway now."

"Lets go get ready then, We don't have time to lose," Harry and Mariposa said as they stood up and went to go get dressed and maybe a quick breakfast.

"We'll get food on the way there!" Silver called out after them.

"It is the same for us, Butterfly." Zhongli rumbled out, his intonation changing a bit, which carried much further.

"Okay" They called back as they rushed to get to their rooms and change into something else to wear. Harry put on another light colored outfit this time in Gray and black. Mariposa found a pretty silver dress and put it on with a pair of black mary janes.

The twins made their way back to the main room where they found Zhongli, Silver and Childe waiting.

"Ready to go?" Silver asked the twins as they came back to the room. She was dressed in a full body Flexi suit since they were going to the pits today. Her hair was braided back and out of the way where she could see around her more easily. She was ready for anything it looked like.

"Yes," The twins said looking at each other and laughing how they both had gotten dressed in a shade of gray. "Good luck today Harry," Mariposa said. "You too Posa, Talk them all in circles" He grinned as he looked to Silver.

Silver gives them both a grin as she moves Harry to her side and Childe moves closer. "Zhongli let me know if you need, I'm only a portal away," She said before taking hold of Harry and Feeling Childe grab onto her shoulder securely. She then activated the portal and whisked them away to the Pits to get Harry Registered.

Zhongli nodded to Mariposa and held out a hand to her. "You look very well dressed, lets go get you to the Forum so you can enjoy talking to the others," Zhongli said as he activated the portal once Mariposa was settled against him.

As the Portal began to transport them something felt off. Zhongli was alert but he was not truly ready when the portal shattered around them. He felt the wind around them and the moment that Mariposa was ripped from his hold and her scream. He found his heart stop as his instincts took over and he shifted to his Dragon form and caught Mariposa. She had drifted and fallen enough that her hair was white from fear. He scooped her into his claws as he made his way safely to the ground.

He laid her down then returned to his human form and knelt there beside her. "Mariposa are you okay?" He asked as the trembling girl launched herself at him and she cried into his jacket. Her hair was still white with a light tint of dark blue. He held her until she calmed down. Zhongli sent Silver a message that there was a portal break but everyone was okay just shaken from the sudden freefall.

"Mariposa little butterfly are you okay?" Zhongli asked as he felt her trembling less.

"Will be, what happened?" She asked her voice so soft.

"That was a portal break but I don't know why it happened little one," Zhongli said as he held her.

"It felt like ants marching across my skin, I tried to ignore it, I promise I did," Mariposa said "But something about the feeling was uncomfortable and I just wanted it gone, Im sorry Papa li," She said as she looked up at him her hair still very white.

"It will be okay, we will find another way to get you safely back then since I might not be able to Portal you home right now," Zhongli said filing away her words about the feeling and how she had wanted it to go away. Was she Magic Sensitive?

"Can we still go to the Forum?" Mariposa asked.

"Of course little one they were worried about you after the portal broke, so they were waiting to see if you were okay first," Zhongli said as she looked back and saw the Runes masters and the Gheyo standing there waiting for Zhongli's aura to calm down.

"Oh," Mariposa said her cheeks going pink as she looked at Zhongli. "I'm okay now" she said as her hair began to return to its normal Red color.

"Now that you are red again my little butterfly I believe you," Zhongli said with a chuckle before he scooped her up into his arms as he stood.

"my apologies for startling everyone, it was not our intention to arrive in such a manor but it seems my little butterfly is magic sensitive," Zhongli said in an authoritative voice which got nods from the Gheyo and Forum members before one of the Gheyo still stepped forward.

"Would you mind if we did a single scan to make sure no ill aftereffects?" the Gheyo asked to Zhongli.

"Of course, I'm going to have to put you down for just a moment butterfly, this warrior is going to use a light touch magic to make sure you are okay and don't need to go see the healers now rather than later," Zhongli explained while informing the Gheyo to use magic sensitive spells.

Mariposa nodded and once her feet touched the ground she stood very still while she watched the Gheyo make a few motions before they nodded and said "She is going to be fine, if she can get a little snack and sugar she should be just fine," the Gheyo stated as they noted it down in the minor report they were filling out.

Zhongli nodded as he saw Mariposa look back at him and smile. "Of course," He said as he went to pick her back up but saw her step forward. "I will be fine Papa li, I am steady," Mariposa said smiling at him.

"Very well, lets get you inside then so that you can engage in the talks," Zhongli said as everyone began to filter back inside. He would order something close to be delivered for them. He wanted to keep an eye on the stubborn butterfly.

The runes forum had signs directing them to the second floor conference room. Inside there was one set of tables against one wall where the Runes masters were sitting with rows of seats that were beginning to be filled filling the rest of the room. Zhongli watched as Mariposa got first row seats for them and chuckled at how excited she was to be in the front row. He made his way to where she had picked to sit and took his seat handing her the runes primers and alphabets.

"Welcome to the All Elemental's Rune Forum, this is a 4 hour block of time, but feel free to leave at any point." The Earth Announcer greeted warmly. "There's Primers and Alphabets avalible for each chair in each element. The event will start in twenty minutes."

"Why don't you go over the alphabets while i get some food delivered," Zhongli said to Mariposa who nodded and began to look at each one tracing them with her fingers. Zhongli ordered two breakfast Shakes to get the sugar and protein that Mariposa needed right now. He had it delivered so he just had to meet them outside. "Xiao," Zhongli said and waited. Once he appeared, he explained he needed him to sit with Mariposa for a moment while he went to get her breakfast from the delivery person.

Mariposa saw Zhongli bring Xiao in and realized he had to go get the food that had been promised so she smiled and continued to look through the alphabets without trouble until she got to the Aquakine alphabet and frowned. She looked at Xiao then stood up. "I need to ask them a question about this paper before we start," she explained before approaching the table right in the middle where Air and Storm runes masters were talking.

"It seems that the Merrow Runes Master...." The Storm Runes Master was stating before Mariposa approached.

"Pardon the interruption, but I had a question about the Aqua'kin'e Alphabet page, is this the correct page?" Mariposa asked.

This got the Runes Masters attention.

"This is the one we were provided, young miss." The Storm Runes Master stated calmly.

"Oh, i wonder if i was shared an older copy before then, because these don't look right," Mariposa stated looking down at the paper again and got the feeling that she just wanted to toss it away.

"Those fish-brained persons probably made up a dialect to toss to us so they didn't have to particapate." the Fire Runes Master snorted.

Mariposa looked at the Fire runes master and then said "It is still their right for it is their language to share what they wish to with those not of their culture, how would you feel being told you had to give away your sacred words or languages to everyone," She said before turning back to the Storm Runes Master. "Is there anyway to double check before we begin?" she asked politely.

"I'll message the Merrow Runes Master to hurry along, though they move at they're own storms." the Storm Runes Master replied, prepping a message bubble, and gently waving her to her seat.

Mariposa smiled and did a small dip of a curtsey as she stepped back to return to her seat. Once back she looked at Xiao. "did i handle that well?" she asked worried

"Good job. Zhongli would be proud." Xiao answered shortly, but kindly.

Mariposa smiled as her hair brightened a little with sunshine yellow roots. She smiled more when she saw Zhongli coming back in the door.

Xiao held out his hand for a memory Transfer as he noted that one of the other Jokers was there so he wasn't needed after Zhongli took the memory. Once the transfer was complete he wind stepped away.

Zhongli processed the memory and gave Mariposa a warm, proud smile. "Xiao was correct. I'm proud of you." He said, handing her the protein shake. He turned to the Joker. "Would you like to introduce yourself?"

Xanthel stood there his dark iron colored eyes taking in the child before him. He could feel the family connection. "I am Xanthel, " He said short and to the point.

Mariposa looked up at him and froze not sure how to react. She really wasn't sure how common the name was but she looked up at him and could tell he was debating what he was feeling.

"It's okay if you don't want me." she said so softly that Xanthel was shocked to hear her say that he knelt and looked her in the eye as she sipped the drink she had gotten.

"Never think you are unwanted, I didn't know you survived, that is all I couldn't find any of them when I heard about the Attack, Had i found you and your brother I would have brought you here before anyone else could try to claim rights to you." Xanthel said as he saw the girl before him smile sadly.

"I wish you had been able to find us, it would have been better," She said wistfully.

Xanthel looked at Zhongli and for once was glad he was already a Joker because he had a feeling that the story the twins had under the surface would have made him shift once told in full.

"Xanthel... Explain.... Now." Zhongli commanded, using a voice that broke no room for denial.

"Before I joined our circle, I had found two submissives that needed thirds for their children. They were Fae/Dragels so I agreed to help them with magic, I knew that they were involved in a civil war but they knew to call me if they needed help once i had a mission call me away. I knew the children were viable but nothing else. I felt the parental bond snap into place when they were born but after that it was muted and then silent. I couldn't find them when i got back and saw the state of the home that one of the submissives had been in. I couldn't find any trace of the twins or the other submissive, it was like they disappeared then I was screamed into the circle and without a lead thought they had died in the war as well," He said short and to the point.

Zhongli took a moment to digest what he heard. "We will be having a Circle Meeting... Tonight... This is something the WILL be talked about. Silver gained custody via CONTRACT." Zhongli gave Xanthel a firm, dissapointed look.

Mariposa looked at Zhongli. "Don't be mad at him when it seems others meddle in things they shouldn't," She said her eyes a little distant before she shook the feeling off and continued drinking her shake happily.

Zhongli stiffened, before he gently ran his fingers through her hair. "Little one, do you want to sit in my lap or Xanthel's lap?" There was only a few minutes left before the forum began.

"I can sit on your lap papa li if i have to," Mariposa said as she looked up at him all innocent.

Xanthel looked at Zhongli . "I'll lean against the wall here beside you Alpha if you don't mind better to protect you if trouble happens," Xanthel stated his Joker mask back in place after identifying his daughter.

As Xanthel settled against the wall, a bubble of water splashed mostly harmlessly against the feet of the people in the front row,- i.e. Mariposa's feet were splashed against lightly, as if greeting happily. The water seemed to stay lapping at her feet even as the rest was mostly vanished away, much to the confusion of everyone, but Zhongli, who gave a disgruntled look.

"Yes yes, I'm here. Now let's get this over with as I've other things to be doing." The Merrow Runes Master said whippishly.

"She's in the front row, your portal induced water is at her feet." The Storm Runes Master informed the newly arrived Runes Master.

"She'll be spoken to after this." Came the firm reply of the Merrow Runes Master.

The Earth Announcer stood up, grateful that after that the Merrow Runes Master had arrived this time, and on time. "Thank you for your patiance, we will begin." As he said this, several orbs of magic began floating in front of each Runes Master. "We will go down the line from right to left, as our Merrow Runes Master Guest is an extremely rare appearence."

"How... polite... I am Advisor Keiran, I have been a Runes Master of the Aqua'kin'e Dialects for over three decades." The Merrow introduced himself.

"I am Mage Riven Caithrone, I have been a Runes Master of the Storm Dialects for over two decades." The Storm repersentive said calmly.

"I am Prince Perryton, I have been Runes Master of the Air Dialects for fives years." The air prince greeted.

"I am Crown Prince Raspen, I have been a Runes Master of the Earth Dialects for just shy of a year." The Earth Prince greeted calmly.

"I am from the Cunningham Circle, I have been a Runes Master of the Shadow Dialects for over three decades." The shadow Dragel provided.

"I am Crown Princess Ebony, I have been a Runes Master for just over three years." The Fire Princess spoke calmly, giving Mariposa a playful wink.

Mariposa paled a little as she looked at Zhongli her hair going a little white around the roots now.

"You were given a pass this time, Little One." Zhongli whispered into her ear.

"I wasn't rude but i didn't know...." Mariposa said

"Stop." Zhongli murmured. "You did your words that were fair, but reminded her that she wouldn't want her Family runes blared out in the open either."

Mariposa nodded and calmed back down to where her roots were Red again like normal.

"Now, I will address something brought to my attention." The Earth Annoucer said. "The Runes provided to us by our Merrow Guest is a stand-alone runes set of their dialects, so do not use them with other sets. As well as the addressment between a Guest and Princess Ebony: It's completely regarded as reminder to her, and not taken as an offence."

Zhongli chuckled softly. "I told you so, Little one." He muttered, kissing the crowne of her head.

Mariposa flushed as her hair shifted to orange a bit and she leaned into Zhongli to pull out her notebook and pulled the pen out of the spiral while opening it to a blank page past her Aquakine notes.

"Now, feel free at any time after the first two hours to interrupt with question, though our Speakers will have Right of Refusal- or in other words for our visiting guests from other Realms- They can choose not to answer." The Speaker explained, before the first two hours passed in a blur of notes and demonstrations.

Mariposa waited having written notes and ideas down while taking her notes. She looked at the first set of notes and it was the fire runes. She took a deep breath and raised her hand to be acknowledged. Once done so she formed her words. "Princess Ebony, the structure you showed us in the demonstration was just one formation type for the fire runes correct? And would you advise layering that structure vertically to make a more interlocking and sound array?" She asked as she had a sketch from top view of a column structure and how anchors would be spread across them.

Princess Ebony blinked in surprise. "Yes to your first question, but to the second question, I've seen it done, but it's not a consistent use."

"Why When you would be able to spread the anchor runes across the 7 layers and build the structure from the bottom up like a flame burning away..." she asked

Ebony held up her hand, stopping the question. "That is because of HOW most of the arrays are centered as to not interfere with something under Royal Seal."

"My apologies then for my question," Mariposa said as she looked at her book and still wanted to discus things more but it seems that there were other things in the way of her being able to get all her questions answered.

"I understand that you'll want it answered, but if the question interferes with Royal Seals, then we are hard bound to not answer." Prince Raspen headed off the eventual asking of- but this is an open forum, we should be allowed to ask and get a response- giving everyone but Mariposa and Zhongli stern looks.

Mariposa allowed a few questions before she asked another one this time to the Shadow Representitive. "To the Cunningham represenative, how long has the Shadow Runic Alphabet been in service and is it still evolving?" she asked carefully.

"It has been in use for ten years, and ifit is, then I haven't notice myself yet." The Cunningham said. "If you've noticed it, please bring it up here at the end."

Mariposa nodded then allowed a few other questions to be asked. "Prince Raspen the Earth runic Language does it prefere the Tree formations or Stele Formations and are both also able to be written vertically from a top down view up?"

"I need a bit of clarifying on the second part, are you talking about Towers?" Price Raspen asked.

"Yes do the Tree lock paterns and the stele paterns allow for them to be written as towers or Pyramidal towers?" she asked

"I can't respond to part of that question, but yes it is possible." Raspen stated, a wince as the crown scales flexed.

"Careful, you've treaded a fine line, Little One." Zhongli whispered warningly.

"should i stop asking questions?" she looked up to Zhongli worried.

"Keep it to a lower level, or more general." Zhongli answered.

Mariposa looked at her next page of notes on the Air runes and took her pen to cross out her Question and work on asking something else while other questions were asked of the panel.

"For Prince Perryton, is there a dialect that you found more challenging to learn then others?" she asked as she felt some of the crowd look at her in shock. Mariposa felt her roots shift to orange maybe she shouldn't ask anymore questions after this.

Perry chuckled. "I'm actually going to open the question for everyone to answer, but yes I've found there to two Dialects to be harder for me to learn, but I'll leave you guessing on which."

"Ebony and I have a cross elemental language that we learned, it was brutal, and its a young language atop of it." Raspen rubbed his temples at the mention of the Runic Language.

"Why did you bring that up? I see gears turning in the girl's head." Ebony playfully whined.

Mariposa's eyes lit up knowing that the languages could be combine and she could write her own runic language. She looked at Ebony and did a little bleh tongue at her which caused the panel to laugh.

"For Mage Riven, How hard would it be to write your own runic language?" Mariposa asked smiling

"It will depend on which dialets and elements you're picking to use. The more you use, the bigger it will be." Riven answered, leaning forward a bit, his interest sparked- his mind racing, trying to pick up her brain as well.

"So secondary Question to Mage Riven How many Runic Languages would you say is to many to combine into one runic language?"

"It depends, how far are you willing to go?" Riven challenged.

Mariposa looked at the Merrow Runes Master and said "If we were to have access and permission to use the base dialect of the Aquakine runes and were able to balance it against the interactions between fire runes and water runes, could there be a language with all the elemental runes in it?"

"Royal Seal." Keiren answered.

Zhongli rolled his eyes.

Mariposa nodded and wrote down a note that royal seals covered a lot of her questions and wondering if there was a way to get the answers without hurting anyone to answer.

"Now, we will open the floor to Consultations for this last hour, please form orderly lines." The Speaker announced.

Mariposa stood up and looked at Zhongli as she smiled at him. "I tried my best to keep my questions simple towards the end," she said as they went to see the Cunningham representative. Xanthel was following them carefully.

Once they got up to the table she waved politely to the Shadow representative then said "You wanted to see my notes yes?" as she smiled as she flipped back to her Shadow Runic language section and set it down.

The Cunningham member pulled out a wax tablet, pushing it to her. "Just the new ones, if you would please."

Mariposa carefully carved the first rune adding the name as well as common uses then went on to do the same for the three other runes.

As Mariposa was carving Xanthel looked at the Cunningham and asked "Do you have any rune combinations that would help with poison distrubution and storage?"

As Mariposa finished she heard Xanthel's request and the runes just told her what the sequence was. She carefully pulled out one of her pages and sketched it out a four base runic array and an anchor rune to allow it to be triggered easily. "You want to put the trigger rune somewhere easily touched so that its more useable. " She said.

Xanthel looked the array over nodded and went to put it away.

"Wait, one, kid, you're not certified, two-" The Cunningham started, having not even seen the array.

"Evanson." Xanthel replied, giving him a firm look.

Raspen and Ebony exchanged looks from where they were looking over their own consultations.

The Cunningham blinked, before he nodded sharply.

"But I also carved it out for you to check," Mariposa said softly.

The Cunningham looked at the small array that was carved into his wax tablet, triple voided to null magics. "Thank you." He took a moment to look at array, again, before humming. "Shorter than what i'd've written but good."

notes"I got the feeling shorter is better and less prone to failing, or am I wrong?" Mariposa asked head tilting slight in her innocent nature.

The Cunningham Runes Master snorted. "Saftey measures? What saftey measures." He waved the group off as the line behind them was getting slightly long.

Mariposa shook her head smiling still as she walked down towards Perryton.

Before she could join the line, the puddle around her feet surged, making a visible path to Keiran.

Mariposa looked at the water path then felt the soggy shoes. "Papa can you keep me balanced while i remove my waterlogged shoes?" she asked.

Keiran blinked over to them, as the water had splashed him, refreshing his skin from the hours above the waves. The water purer than what he was used to, causing a small rumble of pleasure.

Zhongli scooped Mariposa in one arm, easily taking her shoes off with the other hand, his magic sending them into his storage for later.

"Papa, I could have done it myself," Mariposa said laughing lightly.

"I know you could, but I still wish to care for you." Zhongli said, setting her onto dry ground, which was soon wet as the puddle rushed to her feet.

Mariposa laughed a bit as the water tickled her ankles and she had sunshine yellow peaking out at her roots again. "Thank you papa li," Mariposa said as she followed the water path curious why the water was trying to show her somewhere else.

Keiran watched as she walked to him, a small crest of the Monse Clan catching his attention. He started taking in more details, he would need to report this to his King immediately after this talk.

"Well Met Advisor Keiran, I'm not sure why this little water path wanted me to jump over to you but I won't complain, I had questions that Healer Patrick Kalzik could not keep up with," she said giggling a little remembering the luncheon.

Keiran hummed, settling in a bit more. "We can set a date for such tomorrow, so we can talk more freely then."

Mariposa thought about what she had said to Princess Ebony earlier and nodded "That would be appreciated, I will have my Guardian send the best time?" She said looking up to Zhongli for conformation.

"I have the scheduale, butterfly," Zhongli gently pulling her closer to his side in reassurance. "Silver wouldn't mind me adding this after getting more of your seals removed for a lazy day tomorrow."

Keiran's eyes narrowed. "Do I have permission to get her medical records?"

"You'll want hers, and her twin's." Zhongli gave him.

"If we are going to talk about runes tomorrow can I show you some things I wanted to discuss but Healer Patrick couldn't keep up with?" She asked pulling her notebook back up to her chest and began flipping back to the original Aquakine notes she had taken. "By the way I don't like the runes you shared here one they are not complete as you say they are and two they don't like being called the Landwalker special runes," she grumped as she held her note book.

Keiran sat up staighter. "Little Guppy, share your questions, but like has been said some will be held back."

Mariposa nodded as she laid out her notes that had Sketches of the Runic Array types and two were half complete sketches. "I want to know more about the array types, mostly I know about Towers, Olympian Towers, Pyramidal Towers and Wave chains its these I don't understand yet, " she said pointing to Trident, Shark and a half sketched Coral.

Keiran took out a pen, writing neatly the names of the two he knew. "Those are what I know, get this last one finished, and i'll look for the answer afterwards."

"I also have noticed a few things about using Wave chains to tie towers and olympian towers together into a mesh like shield," she said softly for Keiran.

Zhongli's magic washed over them. "One more question, butterfly, then we must get going for the appointment."

"Okay Papa," Mariposa said as she then thinks and looks at Keiran and asks "was part of the language lost? some of the runes when worked with feel sad for a missing partner," she states as she looks at him.

"That question would have to wait for tomorrow," Keiran said, before he gave her a small smile.

Zhongli hummed. "They typically have breakfast at 7-8am, so roughly 9am is the earliest we allow for visitors."

"Oh I'll have to let Harry know and if they have anyone who doesn't mind coming onto the sand to do physical things with Harry that would be a good idea since I know he's not as into runes as I am," Mariposa rambled off.

Keiran nodded. "I will bring someone, now off with you, guppy."

"Alright see you tomorrow Advisor Keiran, lets go Papa li," Mariposa said as she took Zhongli's hand and smiled up at him. She then asked "Are we portaling again?" she was a little hesitant.

"Not this time, Little One," Zhongli said. "Not after a portal break."

"Is she alright?" Keiran asked, as they hadn't gotten too far from him yet.

"She is, she was checked over after we both calmed down a bit." Zhongli answered.

"So were walking?" she asked tilting her head "Can we get a snack on the way?" she added to her first question.

"Sure, we can." Zhongli answered, before he guided her away, Xanthel following right behind them.

-- Kalzik Compound --

"I saw so many pretty things on the way here," Mariposa said chatting with Zhongli as they entered the compound staying calm not thinking about the seal removal that she was going to have to go through. her hair was full sunshine yellow at this point.

Zhongli indulged her, explaining each place she saw, who built it, if any runes were visible. He kept an eye on the puddle of water, which seemed to act as shoes for her to keep from her bleeding due to the cushion.

"I really liked the pretty colored runes on the one building," She said not realizing that to others they were not a rainbow of runes.

"Mmm, Little one, most people don't see colors unless it's infused with a person's magic." Zhongli admitted.

"But the colors make the runes so much more alive, and beautiful not just the structure of the runes but the magic they represent," she said pouting a little.

"Little One." Zhongli said, his voice taking a bit of a stern tone. "Do you need to take a nap?"

Mariposa thought about it and looked at Zhongli and then said "Maybe I had a lot of exciting things happen today," she said trying to be honest about herself.

Zhongli nodded, "And that puddle has been following you all day, so we will be flying back."

Mariposa giggled. "It's been nice against my skin," she said softly.

"Then we will show you the beach tonight, where we will meet the Advisor tomorrow." Zhongli said.

Patrick came up to the trio and smiled at them. "Welcome back, Little one, how are we feeling today?" He asked as he looked at them eyeing the puddle at her feet too.

"Good Afternoon Healer Patrick, I'm a little tired from all the excitement I've had today but otherwise good," She said politely.

"Yes, having a portal break, a runes forum, this odd puddle following her around." Zhongli sighed.

"Portal break?" Patrick stated as he looked at the small 10 year old child.

"Yeah their was a feeling of bugs crawling on my skin and i just wanted it to stop did not realize it was the portal until i was falling through the air," She said softly.

Patrick lost his eyebrows to his hairline. "Dear child, were you checked and cleared by a medical professional?" He asked.

"Yes, one of the Earth Royal Gaurds present checked her over." Zhongli answered, handing the scroll with the results.

"I see, very well, It seems that we have something to add to her medical files then," Patrick said as he sighed then turned. "Lets get you to the exam room so we can get those extra pesky seals off," He said before leading the way to where Harry and Silver were waiting.

"Very well, also please expect Advisor Keiran to be requesting the twins Medical records shortly." Zhongli informed.

Patrick paused as he looked back. "He was actually at the Rune Forum?" He asked shocked. Shaking his head he couldn't believe the little butterflies luck.

"Yes, Little one's luck is extrodinary." Zhongli answered. "I'm sure Harry's is the same."

"I wonder how Harry's day went," Mariposa said then yawned a little.

"Harry placed 10th in his round, Butterfly." Silver answered, holding a sleeping Harry in her arms. "He's been chatting up a storm until 15 minutes ago when his day caught up to him."

"Ah, that's a good start, he has be a scrappy child for all his calm temperment." Zhongli hummed, taking Harry to check him over, a pleased rumble when he noticed that all he could smell was Harry's scent and noting the sunshine yellow tipped hair. "Good, this is very good."

"I saw where we can help Harry, but tomorrow will be lazy day." Childe said, a proud look in his eyes.

"Oh, we are going to have Visitors tomorrow, Zhongli set it up for us," Mariposa said as she got up onto the table then waited for Patrick and Surajini to do the things they needed. As they started the baseline scans she got squirmy. The magic felt so itchy. It didn't feel like yesterday.

"We need you to sit still little one, " Surajini said as she looked the young one over. She wasn't doing anything different from the other time.

"I want to sit still but everything is just so itchy," Mariposa said as she looked at the two Healers.

"I see," Surajini said as she took a moment to adjust and recast. When Mariposa sat still she nodded. "High Magic Sensitivity, we will have to remember that," Surajini said as she looked at Patrick.

"Of course but should not affect the Seal removal correct?" Patrick asked as he looked at his submissive.

"Just might mean we take a little longer if we have to be delicate," Surajini stated. With that the Healers focused on Mariposa letting the rest of the room talk as they wished.

"Visitors, Alpha?" Silver asked, her eyebrow raising.

"Advisor Keiran and one other at the least, possible Royal response at most." Zhongli sighed. "Here, watch this." He gave Silver the memories that she needed.

Silver digested the three memories, before she shot an baffled look to Zhongli. "You... We are having words when we get home."