Peace. Such a rare thing in the majerian's life. From the moment of her ascension she had found very little of it. Even when she and Mags had moved to the Riverside Inn.

That was such a lifetime ago. Sighing her silvery eyes drooped, the pitter pat of rain echoing outside of window was calming. Her niece was safe. In the arms of her love and protector. The same with her nephew and future king of Majeria. Skyler was safe and in the next room on the couch seemingly enjoying his sleep.

All was finally going well. She would soon be opening a shop and had a partner in Skyler. A protector for the shop and maybe a co-owner. She would speak to him on it.

Skyler...

She didn't know what it was about him but she completely adored the lad. Entirely too much for her own good. And even her niece warned her that she shouldn't be getting so close. Losing herself to an emotion that Beth only knew as pain. Did she love the young man' Perhaps. Or maybe it was the fact they held so much in common. Understood each others. To a point. He seemed so perplexed by the fact that she was so offstandish and apparently not use to being touched. If he only knew. And yet he was willing to dance around her uneasiness in attempts to enjoy her company and ease her mind. At least she thought that is what he was attempting to do. There was no doubt that he enjoyed touching her. Stroking her hair. A gentle brush of fingers to her arm. It was like a need he had to fulfill.

And it was to her attention her niece brought. He was young. Probably just wanted her for the reason all boys attempted for a female's touch. Sexual desires. And it was a fleeting thing. With a heavy heart she took that to it's meaning and knew eventually he would leave or grow bored of her. When his needs were too great and he found he would not be getting anything easy from the Majerian he would move on to some young busty thing who would put out at a wink. Then again this was something she had openly spoken to him and he said he might surprise her? Surprise her how exactly she wasn't sure.

"Miss it's ready."

Her eyes rose at the merchant's words and she turned to the elderly man who motioned for her to follow. Turning on her heels she followed with sure, eased steps. He lead her into a large work area where he had been working on something she had ordered. A large sleigh bed frame, hand carved. At the head of the bed a shelf with a sword placement rack. She smiled in appreciation for the fine craftsmanship. Would he like it' Probably would have a fit that she bought him something so grandish. Oh well.

Nodding her head she turned her attention to the merchant. "Have it delivered to the address I gave you." She watched as the man gave his nod in agreement and scuddled off to get his young grandkids to assist him. Young men that were all grin and winks upon entering. Shot down with a blank look of silvery eyes she turned and slipped out of the shop.

The cold rain was alarming at first, causing a brief jump of flesh when it found flesh. Too cold really to be without some protection from the rain. Instead of erecting a barrier to protect her from it she walked down the street in the rain, the heavy droplets clinging to her curls of fiery red and nearly causing them to straighten out. It was comforting in it's own way though she had this feeling a cold would follow in the days to come.

Coming upon the medium sized shop she raised her eyes to the building. It needed some things replaced. A coat of paint. A lot of love and work. She was fine with that. Would keep her mind off of things. She stood in the rain for several minutes before turning away, steps carrying her back to the hall.

Upon entering the hall she removed her soaked jacket, leaving it to drip on a hook near the door. The floor was crossed quickly and the steps taken just as quick. Not a step heard as she approached the door. It was unlocked as quietly as possible so not to disturb Skyler. But be damned if that door didn't creak as it was opened. Shaking her head she entered the room and closed the door.

The shop was quiet and continued to be so. Things were coming along well and there was no stopping the Majerian from her refurbishing of the structure. Slowly but surely she was returning to her old ways.

Skyler. He was a nice thought. And it was a lingering ache. But in the end she knew what her niece said to be the truth. He was not the one. His spirit was free and it would be wrong to attempt and keep him with her. If anything he needed someone his age. Someone as carefree. Someone who wasn't her.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Slowly her head rocked against the window to watch the mist stained window. The rain outside drizzled in a lazy time that almost seemed to draw her into a near slumbering state.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

She had not seen him for a few days..no more like a week or two. Probably off enjoying his freedom. Found himself some pretty young girl or girls to flirt with.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Accept fate girly. He's a friend and nothing more. Will never be nothing more. Stop dwelling on him..

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Exhaling slowly she struggled to defend off a yawn. Pushing from the window's sill sure steps carried her across the flooring of the shop she had decided to name "Wings of Old". It probably wouldn't go anywhere but it didn't hurt to try. Taking up her sword it was unsheathed and she looked over the surface of the blade. Etches along the flat wove in mythical runes that glowed faintly with life of it's own, dipping in and out of the ethereal blue hue.

Silvery spheres that were her gaze turned to their normal steel as her fingers curled around the hilt of the sword and drew it up to reflect the firelight's glow. She would be there for him as a friend but she would no longer allow it past that.

Now the question of his room. Her eyes slowly drifted off down the hall as the sword's point arched down a touch. He had declined it she was pretty sure. No she would leave it as it is. A gift to a friend and she felt extremely strong about gifts both in giving and receiving.

With sword in hand she drifted to a seat, staring at the runes and awaiting either customer or nightfall.

"Auntie?"

The soft voice pulled her from her thoughts and silvery eyes turned onto the young woman. A child she had watch grow like a motherly figure. Standing she crept a hint of a smile to her niece.

"Jeala. Where have you been?" A hint of concern hanged in the majerian's voice. The look on her niece told her all. She didn't even need to mutter a word. A knowing nod was placed between the two and the elder majerian settled back into her seat.

"It will be dealt with. Have you told your mate?"

Jeala's eyes lowered shamefully. She had been avoiding telling her mate for obvious reason it would upset him. She actually had been avoiding her handsome elven for a while now. "No. I haven't seen him to tell him."

"And he avoids me now." Beth's head shook side to side slowly. "He nearly jumped down my throat because of my threats. He will need to learn to make due with them. I am sure one day he will be just as protective if not more over his children."

"Auntie..please ease up on him. He's doing the best he can. And he keeps me very protected."

Beth's lips pursed at hearing her niece's words. Sighing she gave in and gave a brief nod. "I will. But so help me if something happens to you .."

A melodious little giggle came from Jeala, "Yes yes. Hell hath no fury like a pissed off majerian."

"Damn straight." Beth found herself grinning a bit.

Throughout the night the two spoke of this and that. Avoiding things that were best left alone and enjoying more pleasantries.