Best Laid Plans

All was pretty quite in the Nakeen family home, Hiromi was asleep on the couch with Kylie curled against her under some blankets as the old movie 'Frozen' rolled for about the fifth time. It was a good movie but after a few times it really did wear on you.

 In the kitchen Nikki was in the kitchen cooking something for lunch with her daughter Vira while the other two slept away. There were a few things Nikki wanted to talk to Vira about and now they were by themselves with the others asleep in another room it was about that time.

“Did you ever find out why that ninja was helping you Vira?” It did seem a bit odd to Nikki. Of course they could of done it purely to be a good person, but how would they know the information they did? Who did they work for?

Vira shook her head, still cutting some vegetables. “I don't know entirely still. But more then that, when I was at the Mystic world, in a place full of mirrors you can see things. It's hard to explain but..they said something about me seeing something that upset. I didn't go see, but I think I should have even if it did. Now I'll never know what it is.”

“It might be for the best sweetie. But if its something your meant to see, you'll see it anyway. Whatever it was.” Nikki glanced at them. “On another note about Kiro. It's not up to me to tell you what to do but I don't want you to put all your eggs in one basket. You care about them, but do you know if they care about you in the same way?”

Vira paused briefly in her cutting, she didn't give a answer straight away out of reflex but think about what her mother said.

Without another word she placed a hand on her daughters shoulder. “Sweetie, let me tell you something a bit about life when it comes to relationships you can use regardless. People come and go when it comes to dating, so instead on dwelling on it, use them as a learning experience to build a better you. That way when the right person Does come along, you'll be better ready for them. There are countless people you'll be compatible with and some you'll never meet. So if one gets away don't take it as the end.”

She placed a hand on her hip backing away. “I got very lucky with your father growing up together, its not something that happens as often as stories make out. But more then that, love or feelings by themselves aren't enough.”

Vira turned to her. “What do you mean?”

“I mean a lot more goes into it. You can't build a long standing house without a good base, otherwise no matter how fancy it looks and what you put on, it won't last. In other words things like what you have in common, your interest and personalities. Once the love phase of being blind sided goes, what do you have?” She patted Vira on the back. “But like I said, I'm not here to tell you what to do just give advice from my life experiences from this old woman.”

“I know.” Vira had things on her mind already, but she appreciated her mother trying to help. “And mom, you're not old unless just going by human standards. If just going by your looks, thirty isn't old by human standards. Besides, a lot of younger men like attractive older women, its a completely a thing. Like with Alister.” She teased.

Nikki snorted nudging her daughter playfully. “He's older then me. Though I get what you mean, he looks to be in his twenties and I look to be in my thirties. In Mystic years he probably is his twenties so technically still older, maybe.”

It was times like these Nikki really enjoyed, not really worried about much of anything.

They lapsed into a comfortable silence for a bit after before Vira spoke up again. “So..did that stalker problem get taken care of?”

Of course she'd ask but Nikki hadn't wanted her to worry. Besides it had been a while. “Yes. I haven't heard from them in a while. I'm not completely defenseless though Vira.”

“I know, but you aren't really a fighter and they weren't human either. Your my mom so of course I worry about you. I don't like how obessed they were with you or acting like you used to be together when you clearly weren't.”

“And I appreciate it kiddo, but don't fret too much.” She rubbed her daughters back. “It's taken care of far as I know. Now why don't we finish?”

*  *

Espen was at home in the garage with word not to be disturbed unless it was urgent or important.. He was working on a old classic car he planned on getting in working condition on his own one of these days. It seemed like something strange to do in the evening but it helped relax him as he had a great many things on his mind.

In some sense he was grateful for the visit with Ness; place as it got him thinking of a few things. It had got him thinking if he should attempt to take Jennifer as a mate; the only reason he didn't was because he wondered if the relationship should be kept professional. Though, truth be told in his experience most people met their long time partners at the job or places they frequently mainly because they actually knew them and came to like their company. Besides, often one or the other ended up eventually going elsewhere.

He wasn't sure what the future had in store. Espen did know while he would never stop helping people in some form or another, he did want to slow down. He would be able to have more quite moments like this where he could hear his own thoughts and just relax. Here, there was no pressure. No dead line to get too or task ahead to worry about, it was just Espen.

Instead of just showing up to see Hiromi, Alister decided to have his secretary call to see if it was alright to come over. As much as he wanted to let Hiromi know f the Circle's decision, there was a time and place for everything. Plus, just showing up without any warning or invitation was just rude and as the leader of his people, he not only had an image to maintain, but he set the tone for the rest of his people to follow.

* *

Jennifer was upstairs doing her normal duties. There was a buzz from the intercom, letting her know that there was someone who wanted in and she already knew whom it was. It was one of her people. They let her know they were coming before they go to the main gate. Though she was curious as why they were here, it wasn't too uncommon for messengers from the Arch Bishop to want to see Espen.

Nikki wondered who that could be, she was curious as it could be just anyone so she went to go check who was coming around this time and for who.

* *

Espen finished and got cleaned up with a shower, throwing some clothes on to be presentable. One never know when he was going to recieve any kind of guest, which is why he had a 'business' home and a much smaller one a lot less knew about to get away for a bit.

As it turned out, it was Alister's secretary, Janice. She had met the Nakeen family once and instantly took to them. She tried to stay in touch when she could and my goodness was she a chatter box "Hello, Nakeen family!" she says in a cheerful tone "I apologize for calling at this hour, but I have some news you're going to Want to hear!" she says "The Arch Bishop himself would like to know if he could pay you a visit sometime before the end of the day! Isn't that exciting?" she asks. She was her usual ball of chatty energy today.

* *

Jennifer looks over to Espen "Ah, perfect timing. I swear you always seem to know when you have a visitor or when there's something for you." she says as she holds out a leather folder that was tied close. It had the unbroken seal of the Arch Bishop on it. In it, were papers for Espen, for dates and times that Alister an the Circle members would be available to meet with the heads of Noreal. As well as several locations, some on Elysium and some on Earth, that were designated Elysium soil.

After Jennifer hands over the folder, she heads to her room, with a small scroll of her own. Wanting to read whatever was on it in private.

Vira found it funny how many of her female friends were usually much more extroverted and outgoing then she was, where Vira was a more introverted and private. "That's fine, my mother doesn't have a problem with Alister coming. But aside, how have you been?"

* *

Espen was curious what Jennifer had but she had the right to privacy and her own thing so it was more an after thought before he focused on what he had on his own room.

It was good information and gave him enough to work with, he would just have to do his part. He had a feeling the powers that be would want to meet on Elysium, he would have to see and confirm.

There as a slight pause on the phone "I've been pretty busy lately. The Arch Bishop has been traveling a Lot and it's been really tiring, but that's alright because I get to see more of this interesting planet." she says "It's a little unnerving to look up at the night sky and see all those stars. We don't have anything like that on Elysium." she explains "So when the season of Moon comes rolling around, Nihilophobia is a common illness among my people." she says "Oh, just incase you don't already know, Nihilophobia is the fear of nothingness."

* *

Jennifer comes down, looking for Espen "Ah, there you are. I wanted to let you know that I will be heading out soon. I have a meeting with one of the Circle members and will be out late." she says, then turns and starts back to her room.

"Ah...we'll makes sense given that." Vira was silent for a bit. "A bit off subject, but I have a question about the Hall of Crystal Mirrors. Its been said it shows things, but have you ever tried them or put any stock on it? A friend of mine said I'd see something..distressing and I lost nerve but now I regret not doing it."

Rather a ugly truth then a pretty lie, as her mother said. Though she wasn't sure she call the ninja a friend offically..but he Did help her out regularly. She just had no idea why or what their agenda was or anything.

*  *

A Circle member had speficially requested her presence? That seemed a bit odd or not. He wasn't sure of the politics there. "That's fine, I'll see you when you get back. I had something to discuss with you but its better had when you have time so it can wait until tomorrow."
It was best to have the talk he had in mind when she came back and wasn't in a hurry anyway,

There was another pause and one could almost see Janice nodding through phone "Of course, absolutely we take what we see to heart in the Hall of the Crystal Mirrors." she says in what one Might call a serious tone, but, Janice was never known to be serious, not overly anyway "It's said that our Great God, the Mighty Galford, gave us the Crystal Mirrors, so that when we were lost i life, they would point the would point the way for us." she explains.

* *

Jennifer nods, not saying anything, then heads back into her room. Presumably to get ready for her meeting later that night.

"Hm.." Vira trailed off thinking. "..Then, the next time I visit I'll make a detour to go there. I'm not doing anything so it shouldn't be too long. Its something my gut is telling me I need to do."

*  *

Espen headed to his room after that, he had a lot on his mind but he planned on making a few calls then reading to wind down before he headed to bed.

"Well, when you're ready for a return trip, let me know and I'll see about setting things up." Janice says "'m sorry to have to cut our conversation short, but duty calls and such. I'll give you a call sometime tomorrow if you like." she assures "But for now, I wish you a pleasent night." she says in hast, then the line goes dead.

* *

Jennifer hadn't come out of her room all night and so far, she didn't seem to be coming out of her room today as well. There was a knock on the front door and on the other side was Rosa, the maid from the Grand Hall.

Vira headed to bed after that, there were a lot of things on her mind but she was now more then determined to get that visit as soon as she could. Tomorrow may be quite busy so she wanted to be rested.

* *

Espen had grown concerned about Jennifer a bit, it wasn't like them to be cooped up in their room as they were usually early risers. Though he didn't get to go talk to them before one of his people answered the door to lead Rosa to him. It was a slight surprise since she was usually all the way at the Hall.

"It's nice to see you again Rosa. What can i help you with today?" He guessed they were sent by Alister so but it was usually one of his many assisants.

In the morning, it was getting close to the time that Janice said that Alister would be heading over and as usual, at least one of his personal guards stopped on by first to secure he area. It was Simon, who was their escort wen they were in Elysium. He knocks lightly on the door, not wanting to wake anyone who was still sleeping up.

* *

Rosa give a slight bow, since she wasn't wearing a skirt "Greetings, young master. I'm here to take Jennifer's place as yor new bodyguard and personal assistant." she says, all smiles and cheerfulness as she was before "I certainly hope we'll get along as well as we did wen yu visited my home."

Hiromi was the one who opened the door. "Good to see you again. Kylie and Vira are asleep still but Nikki is out and about." She moved aside so they could enter.

* *

Espen was stunned as if he had been hit with a electric volt, big reason he had't seen it coming and no warning. That and the reality of Jennifer's presence possibly not being there regularly there began to sink in. It effected him more then he'd like to admit, being honest with himself he knew why. If he didn't before, he definitely needed to talk to them now.

Still all the politics meant he was relatively good at pretending nothing was bothering him when he felt like it. "I see. This is a surprise, did she request to leave or did something happen?"

Simon wanders on in "Greetings once again. As usual, I'm here to make a inspection of the grounds to confirm what we already know before the Arch Bishop arrives." he says. He was in a good mood today. The usual inspection meant a quick look around for threats. Not that Alister couldn't handle himself.

* *

Rosa blinks in sight surprise "I'm not entirely sure. I believe it's a classified mission, but please don't quote me on that" sh says, still smiling "If you like, I can ask the general who reassigned her." she offers, but wasn't confident that she would get an answer.

Hiromi expected as much. "You won't have any problems from us, feel free. I wasn't expecting anyone to come over this early though."

Vira and Kylie came down stairs shortly after, the later was not a morning person and a bit sluggish behind her big sister.

* *

The gears in Espen's heads were turning a mile a minute as some things weren't making sense to him. It didn't help that Rosa seemed geuinely surprised. If it was something Alister knew, he would of had the courtsey to let him know ahead of time since he knew how close he and Jennifer were. Even if putting that aside, Alister had been the one to assign Jennifer to him in the first place.

So either something of drastic importance was happening, or something fishy was going on.

"It's all right, I'll talk to Alister about it the next time we talk if its not classfied. There's a room up stairs to the left, make yourself at home. If you need anything, the other maids will be happy to help."

After Espen finished he went to Jennifer's room and knocked.

Simon looks over to the new arrivals "Ah! Good morning, ladies!" he says in a cheerful tone "Please don't mind me. I'm just inspecting the area for possible threats." he says as he pulls out his phone, leaning against a wall as he plays a game on it "Human technology is quite amazing. This little device can communicate to someone from clear across the entire worl, as well as play movies, and games, and music." he says "We have nothing like this on Elysium. No even close." he says ashe continues to play his game.

* *

Rosa comes walking over to Espen Um, if it's Jennifer you're looking for, she left sometime in the night." she explains, not entirely sure how to handle this situation "Can, can I get you anything?" she asks.

Kylie had a quite 'morning' lacking her usual happy and outgoing energy but Vira was more awake. "It is. Technology can be a wonderful or horrible thing depending on what it is. My mom's home realm has something similar but I've never been there."

* *

Espen thought she would of been back, but it looks like he was mistaken in that regard so it would just have to wait. He'd just focus on the things that needed to be done right now instead of worrying about what was going on, Jennifer was a big girl she could take care of herself. "Just tea is fine."

Simon nods as he looks at his new watch/computer "Well, I guess it's about that time. got to let them know everything's clear." he says as he heads on out. about ten or so minuets later, there was another knock on the door. This time it was the full compliment of guards and Alister.

* *

Rosa nods, a bit confused, but heads downstairs. She needed to familiarize​ herself with the house if she was going to service all of Espen's needs. She hoped she wouldn't let him down.

This time it was Nikki who opened the door who smiled when she saw Alister. "Afternoon Alister, please come in." Hiromi had heard Alister had good news about the settlement thing which was a good thing, but she doubted that's all he was there for.

Alister walks in, leaving his guards outside, with only his assistant accompanying him inside "Thank you for your hospitality." he says wth a smile. He spots Hiromi "Ah, just the one I wished to see." he says, then looks to Nikki "Is there somewhere Hiromi and I may speak in private?" he asks.

Hiromi knew that was her clue as much as any. "The room to the left, this way." She lead the way so they could talk, though she had a feeling of what it was already.

Kylie perked up a bit, mostly because it never took long for her to get going, and two she saw Janice and took a liking to her. "Hi Janice!"

Alister follows Hiromi into the room, Janice following, giving Kylie a quick wave and a smile before heading into the room "I take is that Espen had told you the details before hand?" he asks as h holds out his hand. Janice gives him a folder and he passes it over to Hiromi "That, is the deed to a rather sizeable plot of land in the Fire Plains." he says with a smile

"After many days of going around and around, certain members of the Circle and myself, had convinced the majority of the Circle that 'Outlanders', as we're now calling them, Are allowed to live within Elysium, but they can Not buy property." he points out

Then he gets a sly smile "The said nothing about Outlanders staying on property that belongs to others for free or that others couldn't Give them some land." he says wth more than a bit of smug triumph in his tone "So me and some of the Circle members chipped in and bought a plot of land in the Fire Plains so you and as man of your people as want, can live in relative peace." he says.

"I say 'relative peace' because the Fire Plains have their own dangers to be on the look out for..." he warn as he holds out another hand as Janice gives him some pictures and he hands them to Hiromi "There are fiery eruptions, lava geysers and it's close to Mount Magmoor, which has a tendency to erupt frequently and spew out lava bombs. To say nothing of the predators there." he says.

"Still, your potential new settlement is only twenty miles from Inferno Village. The residents there live outside the Circle's influence, so it should be easy to barter trade with them." he finishes.

Hiromi looked over the pictures, thinking in her head. "I'll definitely have to show some of these to Lady Kanzenabi, she's always been the head for these things. A few questions. When can we relocate? For those of us who are making the trip, we don't all our things in order since we weren't sure if things would work out. And two, what kinds of predators? It wouldn't be responsible to not know what we might run into."

Alister nods to the packet ""It's all in there. Though, I'll tell you now, the Lava Runners will be your biggest threat in the Fire Plains. They're the size of a horse, blazing red with fiery wings and they can either breath fire or lava and the longer they bath in lava, the stronger and bigger they get." he explains "Luckily, they also eat the lava. It's like they're drawn to it, so they don't really go taking a dip in it too often." he points out "I'll advise you now, you'll want o see about getting some of the villagers from Inferno Village to live in your settlement and show you how to put up a barrier around it." he says.

He then stands "Well, I suspect that you have much to do at the moment and I shall not keep you from it." he says "This is a great day for both our people, I feel." he says, satisfied "If things go smoothly with Noreal, we might be one more step towards bringing all our worlds together." he says, then he excuses himself.

Nikki was talking to Vira and Simon with some small talk while they waited for Alister to come back with his private talk with Hiromi. She wasn't sure if he would be staying a bit or was just visiting for the news to be on his way, he was a busy man after all. "Will you be staying a bit Alister or does duty call?" Which in the end was fine, he was a leader of a people after all.