Unfamiliar Attraction

Invaded Territory

Quinn in the study completing paperwork. Quinn is sitting at his desk in the study and his father walks in with a book in hand he gently tosses it on the table in front of Quinn.

Father says, "Here you asked about mating," "This is the rule book", "it may answer any of your questions", and" Anyway, it will be good for you to learn the rules for when you take your place as my replacement".

Quinn opens the book and flicks through a few pages. He looks at his father and smiles "You'll be here a long time."

Quinn reads through chapters on ranking, requirements, formal and informal obligations, and duties of the houses. It all seems straightforward; he thinks, but he wonders if his position in the Glanville family will affect his chances of a match with Darius. After all their fathers have known each other for a long time. Unquestionably, he thinks he would be the best choice. Just then his father walked back into the room buttoning up a fresh vest,

Quinn's Father says, "Randolph De-Chevalier has called a meeting", "both of us must attend", and "get ready."

Quinn looks at his father and asks, "Do you know why?

His father shakes his head to signal 'no'.

Quinn rushes off to change his clothes, they meet in the Fourier. They enter the carriage together and journey to the De-Chevalier castle. As they arrive several carriages are lined up out front. Quinn and his father look at each other wondering what has happened or is to happen. As they enter the great hall, Armond directs them to sit next to Randolph De-Chevalier and Darius De Chevalier. Quinn looks at Darius and he looks serious and upset. Quinn wonders what is happening, he tries to get Darius's attention, but Darius nods no. Rahvyn enters the room and takes his seat next to Darius as he looks at Quinn, he also shakes his head and mouths no. Quinn realizes this must be serious as Rahvyn hates council meetings and will avoid them if he is allowed. If he has taken his place next to his father, then it must be serious.

Randolph De-Chevalier speaks loudly and informs all clan Councillors that.

"a new clan has entered their territory"," they have sent a message to say they are happy to match the eldest son/daughter to a clan. This is to prove their loyalty to our ruling clans". "I wanted all clan members with unmatched sons, daughters willing to take this vampire into their family, to put their name forward." "I would have offered my son Darius",

Quinn's heart dropped, he was about to stand up and object, when Randolph De-Chevalier continued.

"But he has informed us, he is currently seeing someone and does not wish to break that at this point."

As Randolph sits down, Marquis stands to speak. Marquis De-Glanville, Quinn's father was about to nominate Quinn, but he grabs his father's arm.

Quinn "Don't please."

Quinn's father looked at him and nodded. As Quinn looked up, he saw the uncertain look in Darius's eyes. Marquis De-Glanville then cleared his throat and spoke,

"My son has objected to being matched at this time. He has also met someone; we spoke about this yesterday."

Darius and Rahvyn looked up surprised. Darius became very uncomfortable, suddenly fidgeting in his seat. Marquis continues,

"He is currently studying to prepare to take my place when the time comes". "Due to my position on council", "I don't think the new clan or a member of, should hold the position of wife to my son."

As he sat down, Randolph De-Chevalier spoke again and agreed with his old friend,

"Maybe putting this clan member with one of us on council is asking for trouble".

Several of the clans' councilors voiced the same options. As the councillors chatted among themselves, Quinn excused himself to go outside. Darius and Rahvyn also excused themselves and headed outside. Once outside Darius moves quickly to Quinn.

Darius asks, "if he told his father about them",

Quinn shakes his head and states, "no", "I have not",

Darius frowns and then asks, "whom he has met then? that his father approves of".

Quinn looks at him and smiles. "Father knows I am interested in someone, that's all." "Father has a valid point"; "we don't know if this is a good idea or not".

Rahvyn asked about "the clan that had moved in and if anyone had met them",

just at that moment Armond walked past hearing his comment and said, "And you don't want to meet them, do you!".

All three looked up and asked, "Why?

Armond states, "that their fathers do not trust them", "and we are not sure of the purpose of them moving into our territory", and "it either will be a war, or something major happening."

As Armond was about to leave he looked at all three and said,

"You better prepare yourselves, if war happens".

Quinn and Darius look at each other both worried as in past wars between clans. Their brothers fought together and lost their lives for the clans. Quinn excuses himself and returns inside, Darius follows shortly afterwards, to also listen to what plans the elders have come up with. Quinn looked at his father worried, then looked at Darius and Rahvyn as they returned to their seats.

Armond has "asked permission of the council to attend the residence of the new vampires", "to talk with them and find out why they have taken up residence here".

Quinn asks, "permission to accompany Armond as his father's representative".

Darius stands and wants to represent his father, Quinn goes to object, but realised where he is and in front of whom.

Armond quickly speaks, "objection to both", but is overruled.

the fathers, stating, "It is good for them to learn and protect the clan".

Armond obeys the councilors and tells Quinn and Darius "to be ready at dusk."

Armond is instructing his team to protect the young lords at any cost.