Fionn was furious at finding his newest prodigy nearly bled dry in the arena and he had gone to the palace directly.

“Piuthar was that QUITE necessary of you?” he demanded of his queen and half-sister.

“Yes.” She said sitting on her granite throne.

She was now wearing a black filmy gauze dress that tied around her neck and her eyes took on that haunting look as she stared at Fionn. Her nails dug into the granite and her eyes were getting stormy.

“Arianrhod stop! You are going to cause a tornado or something for the love of your father!” He swore at her.

He was one of the few who dared speak to her impertinently and she allowed it because not only did she love him more than she should but she respected him. Fionn stood taller than most ekimmu and had the fairest of blonde hair. He wore a beard but it was kept immaculately groomed and his mane came to just past his shoulders and he usually wore it down. For the moment he was wearing a loose green tunic with Celtic symbols embroidered in gold along its edges and belted at his waist with a thick leather belt. He wore his deer hide boots and his hammer and shield were not on him at the moment but he always wore his iron gauntlets except when he slept; which was seldom.

“Fine but he dared to speak against me as if he were someone I should listen to, please Fionn control your underlings better.” Arianrhod commanded.

“Piuthar, he is young and he used his tongue ill.” The thunder ekimmu admitted.

“How would this ekimmu before me, use his tongue?” She asked leaning forward.

“We have fae to discuss Piuthar and not suggestive comments.” Fionn snapped at her.

Gwydion was nearby the entrance to the throne room and he smirked at Fionn’s indifference and that made him giddy. His twin had never forgotten her feelings for the half ekimmu and Gwydion had never forgotten his hatred either.

“There has been Undine seen in Eire and Wales. I want them eradicated and spread to all my winds as an example to my mother that her creatures are not welcome in my kingdom.” Came her cold retort.

“Do you intend to lead the battle yourself?” He asked.

“When have I not?” Arianrhod snorted.

“Very good, when should I ready our warriors?” The incarnate Thunder asked.

“Tomorrow will suffice. The sooner the better.” She stated as she stood.

“It shall be done as you wish.” He murmured and he turned on his heel and left her presence.

Fionn passed by Gwydion on the way out and his scowl was enough to make the ice prince grin with glee.

“You...