There was a soft wrapping on Merlinus' chamber door. "It's Ruby." "Come in." Merlinus waited for her to enter. When she did, his breath caught in his throat. He was already sad to see all his 'children' taking off at once, but it was time. That was not why the sight of her brought him speechless, however. Her hair was black and her green eyes now a dark honey color. "Did you dye your hair? Are those contacts?" She looked somehow different though too - but perhaps it was just the change in colors. "No Papa. I changed myself. I've been able to for a few weeks now...." He looked at her long before answering, then smiled tightly. "I knew it. I knew you could alter things!" He caught himself nearly shouting. "I figured you'd try it on yourself first. Why wait until now to tell me?" "I...I was afraid you'd be upset with me and give me a lecture about being responsible and all that. And there were so many things going on.... Now, now seemed like a good time. I want you to know I can take care of us." She looked as if she would start crying any moment. "I'm not upset with you, my child. I've long suspected with what you can do that it would come to this. Did you use the circlet?" "No, I did it in my mind. No circlet." "Mind you ARE responsible. Don't go materializing out in broad daylight in the middle of a square and things of that sort!" Of course he had to give her even a small lecture. "I'll miss you, dear." "Damon's been giving me pointers on being stealthy and obscure - trust me. I'm worried about you, Papa." "Silvanus is going to move in here with me while you're gone, so there'll always be someone here. Don't worry. I haven't lived this long to up and go while you're gone," he chuckled, hoping to lighten her mood. "And may I say, you look more like a little princess than an officer. Lovely. So...you all are ready to leave?" "Yes. Come and say farewell. They're out in the hall, waiting for us." Ruby threw her arms around the old Corvum and hugged him tightly. "I'll miss you too. You be wary! You hear?" "I will. Come on now, and show me that pretty smile." She smiled but it was forced. "You can do better than that!" That made her laugh. "Alright, let's be going. You did make Damon learn English, didn't you?" "Yes, Papa - English, French and German. I was going to teach him Cygnan, but I thought it might be confusing. We can do that when we come back. I made him speak English all morning. No Shinjare." "That's my girl!" ***** Thank you so much for stopping by, for your comments and views! Thank you as well for your own inspiring art, dear friends! Have a sumptuous Sunday! Model is SRG_Ruby Top is from 'Shades of Atlantis'. Texture is 'Wild Sisterhood' from DAZ. Hair is 'Carolina' by SWAM P.S.: @RodS - The text on the previous image is the Cygnan text. Shinjare (the dragon language) is more flowing and arcane looking ;)