Urei gave his sister a cocky smile. "It's all part of my charm." He turned his attention back to Xeke, who was giggling like a manic, and once again tried to push him off.

Xeke let go, but not willingly. He squeaked in surprise as he was lifted off of Urei by invisible hands and set on the ground. At first he was shocked, but then he noticed it was Taylor doing it and gave her a big smile. 

"Thanks." Urei said, once Taylor walked over. "Only about ten minutes." He said, although his tone suggested it was more like hours then a few short minutes. He crossed his arms over his chest and tapped his foot. 

"You act like Urei is good at waiting." Sam smirked as Tristan joined him.  "But Tristan is right. If you just relax, the last 10 minutes will fly by. And I'm giessing that if we don't talk about it, that'll help." She gave them all a small smile.

Taylor opened the door to the hall. She ushered everyone through and stopped to wait for the older kids like herself.

((eh....brain fart.))

As her children filed in and sat down, the Queen looked at each of their faces, hoping that after what she tells them, they will still be able to smile like that.

"Children," She begins, "I know a few of you are more than a little worried about why I asked to speak with you. Hopefully, you won't think it is as bad as you thought." She stopped and cleared her throat. "The other day, I received a letter from an astronomer. He talked about a few things which involved you all." She glanced at the younger children, not sure she wanted them to know what exactly was said. Making up her mind with how much to tell them, she continued on. "And well, it seems that you all will be making a trip to the neighboring country of Ycul. Just the twelve of you."

Sam hopped of her chair. "Mother, why do we have to make a trip like this? If we weren't going alone, it would have been one thing, but to make us go by ourselves? We hardly even leave home!"

"Yes, I know, I know, and believe me this isn't something I would do without good reason. A reason which I will explain when the younger ones are in bed." The Queen added softly. "But please understand how important this trip is."

The Queen mouthed the words thank you to Taylor as she went around hugging and kissing the top of the younger children's heads. "Good night everyone." She called lightly as the older children took them to bed.

"I can't belive it." Sam said to Taylor as they went to rejoin their mother. "She is sending us on a trip to another country by ourselves." She shook her head. "Hopefully the reason for the trip will clear things up."

Urei and Xeke exchanged a glance. They both knew their mother was not telling them everything, and that alone was enough to worry them, let alone what she had told them. They decided not to voice their concerns, however.

"Urei," Xeke said quietly, "Can you carry me to bed?"

Urei looked over at his brother. He did look tired.  "Sure." He knelt down, allowing Xeke to climb onto his back and wrap his arms around his neck. Urei stood up, making sure Xeke was comfortable. As Xeke all ready started dozing off, Urei decided to join Sam and Taylor, instead. After all, Xeke seemed fine with using Urei's shoulder as a pillow anyways.

"What in the world is going on?" Urei asked them, once he was sure Xeke was too far off in dream-land to comprehend what he was saying. He was frowning again, but this time his face reflected concern more than agitation.

Taylor looked at the two. "Did you see mother's face though? She was looking at us like she was never going to see us again." She said, despair and anger clear in her voice. She fingered her pendant out of habit, and felt it's soothing presence against her skin. The light blue stone inside shimmered as she stroked it.

Urei blushed and looked away. "Oh, be quiet. We're all a bit worried about this, so it doesn't hurt to be a little considerate." He shifted Xeke so his was a little easier to carry. "He's fine like this for a while, he used to do this a lot more, he'll sleep for hours. Besides, I don't want to miss anything else Mother might have to say."

Xeke opened one eye. "Yeah, I do too." He smiled at Urei's surprised ex
pression. "I was just faking you know. I could get the letter for you guys, if you want." He offered, figuring his invisibility would be their best shot at getting it. 

Urei and Xeke nodded silently. Xeke rested his chin on Urei's shoulder and with one final grumble, Urei followed Taylor silently. There was a time to argue and a time to listen quietly.

Sam took her seat as the Queen glanced at them all, resting a little longer on Xeke but deciding it would be fine if he heard too.