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 Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 11:28 am
Up in the Streets*July 2016*On another solo walk, Ethiriel finds herself in the city -- only to run into a lost Solo.
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 2:39 pm
”Are you ready, Henry?”
The man's grip tightened.
”Yeah.”
Then came the soft snip of scissors breaking strands of hair, followed by the silence of locks falling to the ground. Only Ethiriel could hear the gentle 'paff' of the floor being touched. With Henry's hand held softly in hers, the Sigel floated diligently at his side. She would move when the stylist needed, but she never dropped contact with her guardian in the process.
Henry had been silent throughout the trim, eyes closed as he trusted his usual hairstylist with the small project he had, had going since before the breakup. The nurse had always entertained the idea of longer hair, but now it only served as a reminder, a ball and chain. Not only was it the new year, but the man decided to embrace the cliché phrase “new year, new me,” and figured that getting rid of the weight on his crown would be a good start. It was a freedom he hadn't felt in a while, both getting out and cutting his hair, and it was certainly welcomed.
”Do you want to color today too, Henry?” the older woman, Denise, asked while clipping another tuft of hair away. She had been given permission to cut the man's hair in any way she wanted and longed for the days when he would allow her to transform him completely.
With a chuckle, Henry softly denied the question. ”Not today. I wanna try something a little more natural.”
”Even the stripe?”
”Even the stripe.”
Originally they had intended to let the natural color come through in the growing process; Henry had once been a little embarrassed of his naturally blond stripe in his bangs and usually covered it with dye, but now... well, he intended to embrace it. Denise shrugged and continued on with her little process.
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Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 5:26 pm
”What!?”
Ethiriel's ears perked as she lifted herself from her bed, immediately pausing her walkman to listen further. It was rare for Henry to exclaim anything, always preferring an indoor voice despite the excitement he sometimes felt – not as often as he used to, but it was still there. This didn't sound happy. It didn't sound excited. Shock, fear... something wasn't right.
The good can't last for long.
Gabe had been out of the house for the day, and a sudden fear of him perhaps having gotten into an accident flashed within the Sigel. From her bedroom, Ethiriel couldn't hear the conversation on the sender's end, and Henry had gone back to a more hushed tone and sounded mostly like mumbles with the wall between them. The idea of perhaps leaving the room and approaching her guardian crossed her mind, but it was rude to interrupt while someone was on the phone. Instead, she closed her eyes and tried to listen as best as she could.
”...missing... find him... let you know...”
And then, silence, followed shortly by the sounds of Henry pushing himself from his chair and hurriedly walking down the hall. Then, a couple heavy knocks. ”Yes?” Ethiriel answered a little too quickly, immediately hovering off of her bed and towards the door. Nedhudir came to a stand as well, staring intently at the door. There was no waiting between her response and the nurse opening the door.
”Eth, I, uh...” Henry stumbled on his words, running a hand quickly through his hair. The Sigel's brows furrowed tightly with worry and anticipation at what he would say next, but the man was quick to clear his throat and continue. ”I just got off the phone with Shep and Cesc is missing. He has been since before Christmas.”
Ethiriel's heart throbbed and stomach dropped, eyes widening as she attempted to process the nurse's words. Missing...? Cesc... was missing? He was gone? Is that why she hadn't heard from him? Had she had feet, the Sigel would have stumbled back onto her bed, but instead she sank down with her hand lightly resting on her forehead. She felt weak, feint, unsure of exactly what was happening as the reality sunk in. Cesc was gone. No one had heard from him? Did he run away? Was he... taken...?
The idea caused her to shudder, vivid memories of being taken from Leo in the streets without hope for several days. It was so long ago that it happened, but even now it was a recurring memory that haunted her in her dreams. Did Cesc fall victim to it?
A wave of nausea hit her, and Ethiriel's mind swarmed with dark thoughts. They had just fixed things, they were talking again and even though it hurt sometimes, things seemed fine. Now... was he just... gone? Would he come back? Was he okay? Would he be okay?
Nedhudir moved toward Ethiriel and nudged her lowered hand, trying to calm his master.
”Eth, please... please, stay calm. I'm sure everything's going to be okay. It's only been a couple of weeks... Shep just wanted to let us know and asked us to tell them if we found anything out...”
…
A couple weeks?
Sure, Henry had mentioned before Christmas, but 'weeks' was vague and when put into words, it made it sound so much worse. Fear strangling her chest, Ethiriel ran a hand through her hair while the other remained against her forehead. What were they to do? What could they do? The Sigel stared hopelessly before her, eyes wide and terrified, completely at a loss.
Henry was no better.
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 10:30 am
It had been about a week since Henry had relayed the news about Rhedefre to Ethiriel, and even now she wasn't doing well with it. Most of her time was spent in her room clinging to her phone and repeating voice messages left for her; some were from others, but the Sigel focused on the ones sent to her by Cesc. There was nothing she could help with at this point... she had no abilities that would prove useful to find him, she had no leads to his whereabouts, nothing. All she could do was sit and fret endlessly over the safety of her friend.
Please, be okay...
Henry, on the other hand, had been trying to be more proactive about the whole thing. He had been asking people he passed on the streets, people at work, constantly checking the available roster at his and sister hospitals – he would even check in with Shep every couple of days just to make sure.
The Raevan's obsessive behavior didn't go under the nurse's radar, either. Periodically he would check in on her, whether it be while he was at home or messaging her while he was out of the house. Ethiriel was good about responding, even during stress, but it was still obvious in her voice that her heart would sink when her phone would announce any name other than Rhede's. Henry knew he needed to get her out of the house and doing something, anything, to get her mind off of it. It was natural to worry about a close friend, someone she had even once fallen for, but when her whole world focused solely on that... well, the man knew that feeling well.
”Ethiriel,” Henry announced as he opened the bedroom door, only bothering to knock once. Upon entering, he found Ethiriel sitting at the edge of her bed, clinging to her phone. She hadn't looked up as the nurse entered, but it was clear that she was attentive, regardless. ”Eth, I'd like you to do me a favor.”
Finally did the Raevan look up, her blind eyes aimed toward the silver hanging on the doorframe. Instinctively, she held her cell close to her.
With Ethiriel having no sight, Henry didn't feel the need to ever fake an expression around her. Now that things had improved for him, the nurse generally carried a lazy or idle smile, but for the time being he was too preoccupied with darker matters to keep that facade when at home. ”I know you're worried... but I think it'd help if you didn't keep to yourself or stay in the house all day. I'd like to introduce you to a couple of people at the hospital? We need an extra hand or two and I know that the kids would love you if you volunteered.”
The subtle twitch of Ethiriel's brow signaled that she was considering Henry's offer. It wasn't something she had ever thought of before. True, there was a twinge of annoyance that her guardian suggested she wasn't doing anything, but... she knew it was true.
”...What could I do?”
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Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2017 9:45 am
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Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2017 10:27 am
Lately Ethiriel had been more into Braille than audio books; the vibrations from the headphones made her head feel weird, something she would have to become readjusted to with time, but for now she wanted the peace of reading by hand. It was difficult to find larger novels like this, but both Henry and Gabe had their ways of finding these things for the Raevan. This was an older book, something Henry had inherited from their grandmother once upon a time, but the man had used all of his resources to find a Braille version for Ethiriel. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, it was called. The Sigel quite enjoyed fantasy of all kinds, regardless of style, so it was an interesting read.
A solid knock to the door was heard all the way in the kitchen by Henry as Ethiriel turned her head toward the entrance to the living room.
”...Huh, I wonder who that could be?” he mused, drying his hands from washing the dishes before tossing the rag onto the counter. They weren't expecting packages or company unless Gabe had ordered anything, but generally he was good about telling his sibling when he had ordered anything. Perhaps a surprise visit from a friend?
As he passed Ethiriel, Henry softly pat her shoulder on is way toward the front door. It had been a calm morning: Nedhudir had been taken on a walk already and breakfast had been had, leaving plenty of time to rest and relax on any normal Sunday.
Something told Henry to look through the peep hole before opening the door today, and he paled as he did. Was... was this a joke...? Glancing behind himself toward the living room, the nurse hesitantly opened the door and put on his best smile, even though it fell short. ”H-hey, Leo! Long time no see...!”
Standing in the doorway was an apparently exhausted Leonard Gaiten, dressed as casually as he always was, hands shoved in his pockets. An uncharacteristic smile rested lopsided on his face, his skin had paled and there were light bags under his eyes from what one could only guess was lack of sleep or stress. At first glance, other than his tired and worn appearance, he seemed healthy enough to the nurse so there wasn't a need for worry in that department. It only led Henry to wonder more... what was he doing there?
”Hey, yeah...” Leo responded awkwardly, pulling one hand from his pocket to raise in greeting. It was clear that something was bothering the young man, something that was long standing and causing him stress, but Henry could only trust him so much.
”What can I do for you...?”
It was clear that both parties were a little uncomfortable despite the nurse's attempts to seem chipper.
The raised hand immediately met the base of Leo's tussled ponytail, much longer than it was last time he had been around – when he had given up Ethiriel to Henry. ”I was, uh... I was wondering if I could talk to Eth...?” he asked timidly despite being a few inches taller than the Raevan's current guardian.
Henry took a moment to answer, pausing as he glanced back over his shoulder. The idea didn't leave a good taste in his mouth, and quite honestly, he worried about whatever Ethiriel's response would be. She had become a strong, fine young Raevan – less stagnated than she had been under Leo's care – and he wasn't sure how either of them would feel about it, honestly. ”Ha, well... Yeah, uh, hold on...”
Meanwhile, in the living room, Ethiriel's eyes widened like dinner plates as she stared blankly ahead of her. It was more rough, more tired than she was used to, but there was no denying whose voice that was. The Raevan cursed herself for not having worn something more appropriate than a curtaining crop top since her bedroom was in clear view of the door. However... it was almost as if fear had glued her into place.
What was he doing here...?
”Ethiriel?” Henry called from the doorway, wanting to keep an eye on Leo rather than granting him access to the house just yet. ”Someone's here to see you--”
Should she be excited? Worried? Angry? She had a few choice words for him, but Ethiriel wasn't sure that she'd have the strength to say them. Slowly, hesitantly, she rose from her spot on the couch and masterfully left the living room, into the hallway, floating cautiously toward the door.
Leo's eyes widened in realization upon her approach. ”Eth, heh, you... you've grown so much...!” he said incredulously, putting his hand back into his pocket and leaning back. The man felt foolish after that little train wreck left his lips; this wasn't how he wanted this to go. How did he want this to go?
Lifting her chin, the Sigel fixed her face and nodded. ”I have. Henry has been a wonderful guardian to me.” Her tone was even yet biting, and her words stung with purpose.
Much in Leo's style, the man didn't flinch visibly despite the bite. The lack of honorifics or use of Henry's surname took the photographer by surprise and he half wondered if he would have been given the same treatment with time. He knew he couldn't have been a good guardian to Ethiriel at the time... he just couldn't. He wanted to give her a better life. ”I'm glad...” he said softly, shifting from one foot to another. ”So... how've you been...?”
A switch in Ethiriel flipped then, only given away by a subtle twitch of her brow, and she hovered closer to the man, gently touching Henry's shoulder in passing. Without making contact with Leo's arm or shoulder, she searched for the younger man's face until his cheek rested softly in her palm.
There was a brief moment of uncertainty as the nurse watched Ethiriel's strange display, until a loud crack of skin against skin caused him to leap forward and grab her wrist.
Leo had reeled back, surprised by the strike and the strength behind it before looking back to Ethiriel in shock. That was the last thing he had expected out of her, but it had been... quite some time. He didn't know her anymore, nor should he have expected to.
”You think you can show up here and act as if nothing had happened? As if you had not abandoned me? Left me with a stranger?” Ethiriel spat, accusation thick in her voice. No sign of crying tainted her tone, strong as ever. ”Do not ask me how I have been, when you had dropped me like a burden! You have no place here!”
”Ethiriel, shh, shh...” Henry cooed, pulling the Raevan close to his chest.
For a moment, Leo was unsure of what to do. He had come here with a purpose, but he hadn't foreseen this. Both hands out of his pockets, his silver watch in place, he lifted his hands in surrender. ”I... I deserve that.”
Again, Ethiriel's eyes widened and she stopped fighting Henry.
”I... I wanted to... make it up to you. I wanted to make things right. I messed up.”
Unable to hide her confusion, Ethiriel's arms fell limp in Henry's hands, and carefully he lowered them to the Sigel's sides. Her eyes did narrow in suspicion. Henry could see the sorrow on Leo's face that the Raevan could only hear, and he could tell that the man was being genuine. He didn't want to be the first to speak, but with a drawn out silence from Ethiriel, Henry asked, ”...do you want to try and give him a chance...?” His voice was soft and meant only for her.
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Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2017 5:07 pm
It had been a day since Leo's sudden arrival, but it was clear that Ethiriel – and even Henry – were not happy. Normally he was more tolerant of people inviting themselves over and wanting to join activities, but what was Leo trying to accomplish? Why out of the blue?
Tolling away in the kitchen, Henry had some light classic rock playing in the background as he worked. He had set to work on dinner early, wanting to have everything done and ready by the time Gabe and Ethiriel were to come home, but mostly his brother. Ethiriel still wasn't huge on food despite actually eating it more as of late, but with Gabe's activities outside the house, the man wanted to make sure he had something fresh to come home to. Tonight it was spinach and chicken stuffed ravioli with homemade marinara sauce, as well as various other greens and vegetables. A salad (with mostly cucumbers) was constructed for Ethiriel when she was to return.
He had already decided that Leo was not to have dinner with them tonight, regardless of if he wanted to.
His brother had been out most of the day prior and missed the events. Gabe had retreated quickly and quietly to his room late in the evening and today most of it had been spent locked away much the same until just an hour or so ago when he stepped out abruptly and took his car. It wasn't unusual behavior, the younger brother often kept to himself when allowed, but that was on a normal day – and yesterday had not been a normal day for anyone.
Gabe returned with a small plastic grocery bag in hand and he made his way through to the kitchen after getting rid of his jacket. Winters this cold were unusual in Gambino, and this one was particularly frigid.
”Hey,” Gabe greeted Henry passively on his way to the pantry. He slipped in a few odds and ends he picked up that they had been low on – another loaf of bread and a few canned goods, mostly – but most notably were the extra amounts of coffee he procured when they had plenty.
Henry had been busying himself by slicing some squash to fry – one of his few “less-healthy” foods he would sometimes prepare when he was in the mood – when Gabe had returned from his impromptu grocery run. Glancing up from his work, both brows raised at the amount of coffee procured, but for now he wouldn't question it. ”Hey. Was the store busy?” The nurse sounded a little more in-thought than normal, like when the hospital was particularly busy, as he set back to chopping the gourds.
The excess didn't seem to bother Gabe, as he placed it directly with the amount they already had. ”Not really.” He scrunched the empty bag up between his hands until it was compact enough for storage with the other spares. ”Despite their early holiday advertisements.” When it was discarded, he took a glass from the cabinet and took it to the refrigerator's water dispenser. Gabe sounded a little tired about that, but otherwise no worse for wear. ”What's in the pot?”
”Mm...” Henry hummed, taking the knife to the sink to rinse it off for use later. ”Gotta get them lovebirds excited.” He no longer sounded bitter about it. He then walked to the fridge to take a peek inside, assessing what they had and what else he could make. Without looking back to Gabe, he responded, ”Ravioli: chicken and spinach. Wasn't able to make it from scratch this time, though. Sorry.”
His glass full, Gabe pulled himself around to the other side of the kitchen island to keep out of Henry's way as he cooked. ”Don't they, though,” he muttered before taking a sip. Gabe quirked a brow at Henry's apology. ”I'm wounded,” he stated so flatly there was no mistaking it for anything but a joke.
A smirk spread across Henry's face as he scoffed silently. ”I know. I'm the worst.”
Near the door to the greenhouse, Nedhudir sat silently and patiently as he watched the two men walk around. It was about time for his walk, but someone had nabbed Ethiriel earlier and hadn't brought her home yet despite the agreed time. This annoyed Henry further, but he had yet to text Leo in hopes that it would be soon without the need of provocation. He'd have to take the Collie out after dinner.
”Terrible,” Gabe chided back just as he turned against the island to see the service dog's form. His brow immediately furrowed. ”Where's Ethiriel?”
”Leo's back,” Henry said plainly, obviously not amused with it, himself.
The bottom of the glass set loudly against the counter top. ”What the hell does that mean?” Gabe stared at the back of Henry's head as he paced to the greenhouse door. He held it open for Nedhudir, who trotted inside gratefully.
Had Henry not been chopping onions and other vegetables, he would have rubbed his eyes in frustration. Instead, he bowed his head and sighed sharply. ”I honestly don't know. He says he wants to make it up to Ethiriel, but I don't know what exactly that means. I haven't had a chance to talk to him solo, yet.”
Gabe shut the door and returned to the island, arms folded to rest atop it. His eyes threatened to bore holes in the back of Henry's head as he continued to cook.
”So, what? He popped in out of nowhere, said 'hey, let's go', rounded her up without her dog, and we're supposed to be doing...? What, exactly?” The sudden terseness of Gabe's tone bent Nedhudir's ears back; he stepped out of the kitchen to retrieve his own leash while the two men were occupied. ”What the hell's going on?”
”He's not getting her back. There's no way I'd ever hand her over to anyone, let alone him.” Henry wanted to make that part perfectly clear, punctuating it by ceasing his work. He then turned to Gabe, expression just as grave. ”I don't trust him. He seemed genuine, but I don't know what he's got planned. Ethiriel didn't want to accept him but she's trying, so we have to trust her more than anything. I'll talk to her when she gets home and decide what to do from there.”
As Henry turned to face him, Gabe set his palms against the counter and stood up straight. He listened in stony silence until his brother finished, their eyes firmly locked. Gabe scoffed. ”So she's alone with a person neither of you trust and I know nothing about, without her dog.”
The man fully understood Gabe's implications, agreed with them, and honestly couldn't dispute them. While he wouldn't touch his eyes, Henry pressed his knuckle against his forehead. ”I knew him briefly and I know saying it doesn't mean much, but he didn't seem the type of guy to kidnap anyone. I mean, Ethiriel was kidnapped from him once. I don't think he'd put that on someone else. If he takes any longer to bring her home, he won't be seeing her again.”
A brief silence fell between them with such a casual drop of information. Gabe's hands slid from the counter as he took a step back, like the knowledge staggered him, but it did little to disarm him.
”What the ******** are you talking about? Do you even know where they went?” Gabe gestured violently toward the wall, his voice raised. The collie had returned, lead held in his mouth, only to turn right back around. ”That means jack s**t to me, Henry. Christ.” He fumbled, then, first for his left pocket, then his right. When neither returned what he sought, Gabe held his hand out toward his brother. ”Give me your phone.”
”Gabe! Keep your voice down! There's no need to yell, especially when there's a service dog around!” Henry's voice raised as well, only to make the point as he motioned towards the retreating Nedhudir. He watched his brother fumble to search for whatever he didn't seem to have, but the sudden, outward reaching hand in his direction answered the question before he could even answer it. Hesitantly, the nurse pulled it out but didn't hand it over. ”What are you doing?” At first, the thought of Leo's number being available crossed his mind.
While the warning of volume was outwardly ignored, Gabe's voice returned to a more typically terse tone. The question only served to raise his hackles further; he rounded the island and grabbed the phone out of Henry's hand. ”What do you think?” Gabe thumbed through the contacts list quickly to reach Ethiriel's number and set the phone to his ear, one hand tense against the side of the island.
Henry, not quite as frantic as Gabe, quickly circled to his side and watched as his brother searched for the number and relaxed when it was only Ethiriel's. With his arms crossed, he leaned against the island and listened.
As the phone rang, Gabe kept steady eye contact with the surface of the counter. When the answer came, his head dipped down.
”Henry? Is everything well?” She sounded almost relieved, as if she eased from a tense situation.
Gabe's voice came out clipped, clearly holding back stress, but he maintained a reasonable volume with some attempt at calm. ”Where are you?”
”Oh, Gabe? I am on my way home... is something the matter?”
By the way she spoke, there wasn't. That allowed him to relax a little more but he didn't dare look at Henry yet. ”How long's the drive?”
There was a brief pause in Ethiriel's direct speaking, a soft mumble heard vaguely over the line – followed by a voice unfamiliar to Gabe: Leo. ”Possibly five to ten more minutes. We did not go far. Is there need for worry...? Is Henry alright?”
”No. It's fine.” Gabe turned against the counter, moving his back to face Henry as he spoke. ”Do you want one of us to meet you out front?”
”If you could, I would appreciate it very much--” This time, she sounded like it was more than just a request.
”Got it. I'll be out there with the dog.”
There was a small, disgruntled sigh on the other end. ”Oh dear, he must be very restless... Perhaps I should take him on a walk upon my return...” The last part seemed more like idle musing to herself than it did her speaking with Gabe. ”I will be home shortly. I am sorry for any worry I may have caused.”
With the main source of panic put to rest, Gabe merely answered Ethiriel with a simple ”yeah” before he ended the call. ”See you in a few.” He hung up and, without turning to look at Henry, held the phone toward him.
Henry took the phone back without question and didn't push further. Gabe's farewell said enough. Setting back to working on dinner, part of the nurse figured that at this point, his brother might dismiss himself from eating with him and Ethiriel after she got home. He let out a silent sigh, oiling the pan so that he could fry the squash.
”What do you want to drink?”
Quiet followed on the phone call's heels but Gabe remained where he stood. As Henry returned to cooking, his brother rest his arms against the counter of the island once again and pulled over the barely touched glass of water he had poured himself. He didn't ignore the question, instead lifting the glass to indicate his answer.
After a few moments more, however, he finally spoke with a fully calm but clearly displeased tone. ”That was ******** stupid, by the way.”
”Which thing?”
”All of it.” Gabe took a moment to drink and nearly downed half of the glass. ”She should not ever go with someone neither of you trust, much less someone who clearly couldn't keep track of her worth a damn, without the dog. That's what he's for.”
”I don't disagree,” Henry responded, focusing on the food now that it was on a hot surface. ”He showed up yesterday, too. Today isn't the first time. I was with them then.”
Something he probably should have mentioned.
The silent glare his brother passed him over his shoulder confirmed that. ”Wonderful.” Gabe stared forward as he finished the glass, his back to Henry. ”I go out to Durem for a day and I miss everything.”
While he couldn't tell whether Gabe was joking or not, though he highly doubted he was, Henry deflated a little at the stove. Again, he wanted to make things clear. ”If I had any inkling that Eth was in danger, I wouldn't stand idly by making dinner. I've already thought about this. I won't hesitate to get the Lab and the authorities involved in this.”
Once again, the glass was set roughly against the counter. Gabe turned to Henry, one arm still against the island. ”Right, so I'm over here making a big deal of nothing because you know the guy so well, is that what's going on?”
”Dangit, Gabe--” Henry said, exasperated, turning from the food just for a moment. ”No, you're not 'making a big deal of nothing' and no, I don't know him 'so well!' I'm trying to give him a chance to apologize if Ethiriel's willing to let him! I didn't set this up smart, I know I didn't! I'm a first-time parent, Gabe! I'm just trying to make things work out!” The man's voice wasn't steady.
”Then keep a better lookout for when your daughter's uncomfortable.” There wasn't bite to Gabe's voice, not that time – just a cold truth.
Between their fuming, Nedhudir settled back into the kitchen doorway. With Gabe's final word, the collie whined and set the leash down on the floor in front of himself. The younger Knight took that as his cue. ”I'm meeting her out front.” He knelt down to get Nedhudir hooked up with his lead.
”I wouldn't have let her go if she didn't agree, herself. We'll know her verdict tonight.”
Henry didn't watch as Gabe gathered Nedhudir and led him to the porch, focusing on not burning the food, instead. That was the first either of them had really referred to Ethiriel as literal family, at least “daughter.” It felt right to him, even if the situation wasn't in the highest spirits. They would need to speak later, to know what the plan was, and to clear everything.
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Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2017 2:04 pm
”We'll know her verdict tonight.”
They certainly would.
Gabe sat out on the front steps with Nedhudir, leash in hand and wrapped loosely up his forearm. The collie sat two steps lower, looking ahead just the same as the human – watching the driveway as the dusk light dimmed. Smoke mingled with their warm breath in the cold. His damn phone had been left in one of the jacket pockets, where it sat on him now feeling all the heavier.
He didn't even know what kind of car to look for. With a short huff, Gabe looked down at Neduhdir who sat at loyal attention. ”What did you think of him?” The service dog glanced at Gabe and they quietly locked eyes as he took another drag of his cigarette; Nedhudir quickly returned his eyes to the road and Gabe followed suit.
Mere minutes passed before a nicer car than expected pulled in, gleaming beneath the streetlights as they passed. Through the front windshield, glancing in it was obvious that Ethiriel was anything but impressed with the night, ready to be out of the car and have Leo on his way. She was polite about it, however; you would only be able to tell on her delicate features if you were familiar with her lately... Now that she usually carried a gentle smile, it was obvious that it was missing. In the driver's seat, Leo was seen chatting away without a care in the world – the Sigel too polite to stop him despite the car finally ceasing.
As soon as the car pulled in, Gabe was on his feet. He stayed where he was for a few moments to observe the situation, eyes narrowed against the dim light. Beside him, Nedhudir stood and took a few tentative steps forward but the two waited within clear view of the driver. While the man ran his mouth, Gabe finished his smoke.
After a minute of the car sitting idly, Leo was the first to remove himself from the car; when he met Gabe's eye for just a second, he nodded despite not knowing who he was before circling around to Ethiriel's door to lead her out. It was clear that she didn't want this, but she didn't know how close Gabe or the door was, so there wasn't much she could do at the very second.
Gabe acknowledged the nod by locking eyes with Leo on his way to the passenger-side door. As he stepped, Nedhudir lead their way and Gabe unraveled the leash from his arm. He waited nearby, the silver glint of his ring necklace a clear marker. Calmly, he slipped the collie's leash into Ethiriel's grasp when one of her hands were free.
Eyes immediately drifting to the silver, Ethiriel's expression softened and she took Nedhudir gratefully after removing her touch from Leo's as soon as she could get away with it. The Sigel barely even passed Leo's silver watch a glance when she motioned for Nedhudir to start walking toward the house. ”Thank you, Leonard.”
”No problem--” he said dully, watching in stupor as they continued on without him. ”Are you busy tomorrow?”
”Yes. I would not be able to spend time with you. Some other time.”
Gabe stepped aside once Nedhudir could guide Ethiriel away from the car and watched the exchange with his hands tucked into his jacket. The collie seemed to waste no time in bringing Ethiriel to the door, and Gabe trailed behind one slow step after another until he stood adjacent to Leo. He paused there, eyes moving from the raevan's back to the other man's profile.
”Hi.” There was as much emotion in Gabe's greeting as there was on Leo's face.
Despite Gabe staring right at him, Leo continued to look after Ethiriel until she was fully at the door before turning to meet the younger Knight's eyes. ”Hey. I'm Leo.” he said, offering a hand. He seemed as interested in meeting Gabe as Gabe did him, but that was from not knowing that the man was actually related to Ethiriel in any way other than seeming familiar with her.
Even as the hand was offered, Gabe's eyes remained to scrutinize Leo's face. There was a slight delay before he returned the introduction. ”Gabe. Henry's brother.” He kept their handshake brief.
”Ah. Nice to meet you,” Leo said with just a tad more familiarity. When their shake ended, his hands were shoved into his pockets awkwardly. ”Guess I'll get going. Don't mean to intrude.”
”Yeah.” The hint of familiarity Leo displayed didn't reach Gabe.
He glanced back at the car to offer it scrutiny as well, but his jaw tightened at Leo's attempt to excuse himself; he was already in a foul mood, so perhaps that made it all the worse, but the man reeked of passive aggression in that moment. ”I guess you will.”
A brow was raised at Gabe's snide remark, but nothing more was said. Leo offered another nod before passing the Knight to round into his car, disappearing into the driver's seat and quickly taking off.
Within the door, Ethiriel had been met by Henry who had already begun asking questions and checking if she was okay. She assured him that all was well but she definitely wasn't pleased with Leo's conduct, but she was going to attempt giving him further chances. For now.
Nedhudir was patient but whined softly beneath the Sigel.
Gabe remained where he stood to watch Leo back out of the driveway. Only when the car was another house length down did the younger Knight allow himself to shiver from the cold and make his way inside. He kicked a scant amount of slush off of his shoes against the steps before he stepped inside and, as he removed his jacket and made certain to deposit his phone into the pocket of his jeans, Gabe waited for a pause in their hushed discussion to speak.
”Would you like to tell me what's going on?” He addressed Ethiriel with a level volume and a tone that read more strained than angry. ”Because apparently I missed a lot yesterday.”
Passing a glance to Gabe's necklace, Ethiriel visibly deflated. She couldn't offer him a fake smile or look of assurance, exhausted from having to deal with Leo the past several hours. ”He... wishes to atone for what he had done. He speaks of himself as if he is gloating about his accomplishments, so I must wonder about his true intentions. I will... try... to see eye to eye, but I am unsure of how far I will allow this to continue.”
She didn't know how much Gabe wanted to know.
Ethiriel's despondence immediately shifted Gabe's glance from her to Henry; Gabe gestured to the raevan silently, to indicate her clear unease with the situation, but for the moment he left it at that.
He hung his coat on the rack and folded his arms. ”I don't know what the hell is going on with this but if you want to try? Fine, try. Take your dog next time, if there is one, but don't put yourself at risk for people you don't owe s**t to.” Immediately, Gabe's eyes locked onto Henry's. ”And don't you do it, either.”
Henry also deflated, meeting Gabe's eyes and watching his gestures. He had already agreed with his brother, but he knew that he was just trying to drive home a point.
There was so much about Gabe's movements and speech that swore of stress more than any typical flavor of anger, between his tense voice and the obvious restraint he put upon it to keep at a reasonable volume.
”He will not be around forever. I will accept his apology if he manages to offer a proper one, but I will not accept him back into my life.”
Gabe's hands moved roughly in front of him, as if to wave himself out of the conversation. ”Do whatever you're going to do with that,” he stated as he turned on his heel and started down the hall, ”but maybe don't go off completely alone with someone who let you get kidnapped.”
In horror, Ethiriel swung her head in Henry's vague direction, brows furrowed and eyes wide. How in the world did that slip to Gabe? Obviously the brothers had a conversation, otherwise he wouldn't have been riled up enough to use Henry's phone to contact her, but he let that slip too? It wasn't her favorite moment to relive and she certainly didn't want or need that reminder that very second.
”I... must take Nedhudir for a walk. You do not have to wait for me to start eating, I am... not very hungry.”
”Eth, I'm sorry--”
”You are fine. Do not worry.” she said plainly, gently tugging on the Collie's leash to lead him towards the door. It was getting late, but Ethiriel had everything she needed and a safe neighborhood to get her dog walked and back.
Leaving Henry at the door, the man could only stare stupidly. What had he gotten himself into this time?
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Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2017 2:04 pm
Why was this happening? Now, of all times; why was it happening? Why did Leo have to come back? Why did her kidnapping have to resurface? What in the world was even happening anymore?
With the door shut behind her, Ethiriel numbly stared forward as she attempted to process what had just happened. Was Gabe mad at her? What in the world had she done? How was the kidnapping either of their fault and why did Gabe even know about it? What had Henry said that caused the situation to escalate to being called?
Nedhudir whined beside her, nudging Ethiriel's hand impatiently. She relented, offering her palm for the Collie to lick and love before he pulled her along.
Frustrated, Ethiriel hovered along just behind Nedhudir as he trotted along the sidewalk. It was still chilly out, the Sigel needing a jacket as she held it close to herself with one hand. Luckily it had been a dry day, so the air wasn't as cold as it possibly could have been, and it meant that there would be no need to give Nedhudir a special bath or anything later on. While they moved along, she would listen to the few passing cars at this hour.
She knew she wasn't going to take him back. Leo had hurt her so deepy, abandoned her, tossed her aside like she was nothing – why did he deserve to have her back? Despite Henry's faults, the Raevan was happy within the Knight household; happier than she had ever been with Leo. Even if he wasn't here to take her back home with him, he deserved nothing and that was exactly what she was going to give him. Why should she?
While it was obvious that Henry wasn't too pleased about all of this, he was so accepting of it – at least, as far as Ethiriel was aware. He'd given away far too much information when it wasn't his place to give, and that frustrated her further.
And Gabe... he must have been worried, but what was that response? Should she go and apologize? What did she even do to earn that attitude? Should she wait for him to apologize?
All of this was giving her a headache. It was too bad that her own abilities didn't work on herself – she was riled and in pain, but there was nothing she could do about it. The Raevan was tired and wanted to rest at this point, but with how life seemed to throw her through hoops, Ethiriel wasn't sure she was getting it just yet.
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Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2017 2:05 pm
One, Two, TeaAfter a surprise call from Lulu, Ethiriel makes a tea date with the rabbit to catch up.
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Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2017 2:07 pm
Fancy ThatOn an impromptu shopping trip, Henry and Ethiriel happen to bump into Anastacia.
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Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:52 pm
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Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2017 2:14 pm
Striking a ChordTo get her violin tuned and tweaked, Ethiriel finds that Cordelia shops at the same music store.
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Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2017 2:14 pm
Just like every other year, Valentine's was just a day. It wasn't in a negative light for Ethiriel, but it had never particularly been positive, either. She loved that others could enjoy the holiday with those they chose to so long as it was reciprocated, but the Sigel had never had a Valentine and, quite frankly, was rather glad this year.
Except for one thing.
Cesc was still missing.
With her silver thumbnail held gently between her teeth, Ethiriel took in a deep breath. She hadn't heard a single word about his whereabouts, whether he was safe or if he would ever come back again. Working at the hospital had proven to be a good distraction most of the time, but now that the Raevan was home, waiting for her day to start, she couldn't help but worry over the stag relentlessly.
Even though a little bit of her pained for him, she knew they were only friends. Perhaps for the rest of their lives. This no longer bothered Ethiriel... she just wanted him in her life, whether they remain platonic or become romantic, she just wanted him there. She could live with it. If he could only see her as a good friend, a best friend, so could she.
He had to come home safely. She silently pleaded with whatever powers be that he was, but unfortunately it was quite the opposite. The Sigel had no idea of his suffering and hardships shaping his growth, and quite frankly, the uncertainty was just as frightening. Should she get her hopes up and assume he was fine just for him to come home worse for wear or never at all? Or would it be easier to play it as if he were going through hell and he come home fine and dandy?
With a sigh, she pulled her scrubs over her head and smoothed them out over her belly. She was just a volunteer, but she had agreed to come in today despite Henry having off. The nurse never minded giving her a ride when necessary, so in the other room, he prepped for the trek himself.
As they headed down the hallway towards the door, both Ethiriel and Henry stopped before the it. Just outside, the sound of a car door shutting was heard, closer to the house than anywhere else, and the two “looked” to each other. Neither had planned for guests, and while Gabe was still around, they were seeing less and less of him. Confused now, Henry was the first to step forward and open the door to take a peek. Upon seeing just who was outside, his brows furrowed. Leo.
”Oh, hey--” Henry stammered, glancing back to Ethiriel – who looked just as irritated. ”We were just leaving, did you need something?”
Leo had been attempting expressions lately, and what rested on his face now was sudden disappointment. ”Oh,” he responded flatly, looking to the approaching Ethiriel. She didn't look pleased... or at least, it seemed that way. Her face was neutral but she certainly didn't look happy. It had been so long since he was able to read her expressions and the guilt ate at him. ”What're you guys up to today?”
Ethiriel was the first to respond, moving just past Henry to float at the threshold. ”I'm a volunteer at the hospital. Henry was giving me a ride.”
Short and to the point.
The photographer then perked, hiking a thumb towards his car. ”I can take you since I'd have to be leaving anyway. Maybe we can, uh... catch up...?”
The Sigel's brow twitched, but there were no other signs of aggravation visible. Henry, catching the tension, decided to chime in by turning down the offer. ”Thanks, but really, it's no problem. I gotta pick up some paperwork anyway--”
”No, really, I don't mind. I'd like the chance to talk to Ethiriel a bit – I came over in hopes that we could get a minute.”
Henry looked to Ethiriel, who closed her eyes and sighed through her nose. The nurse didn't like the direction that this was going, and Leo's determination wasn't exactly winning him brownie points in this situation. Wanting to decline again, the nurse was interrupted by Ethiriel this time.
”If you must,” she said, fully aware of her agreement to give him a chance in the first place. She didn't like it. She didn't want to “make things work.” If it were up to her, Leo would be gone to never return. He betrayed and abandoned her when she was so young, why did he even deserve this chance?
The mature thing to do in this case was swallow her pride and try.
Turning to Henry, the Sigel lightly placed her hand on his shoulder and nodded. He sighed, placing his hand over hers and offering a slight squeeze. ”I... guess I could pick up the paperwork later. Drive safe, Leo.”
Seeming to light up, at least as much as he could being Leo, the photographer took the final steps onto the porch and reached for Ethiriel's hand. She barely took it, only enough as a guide, the two made their way down to Leo's vehicle. She was let inside, but to his surprise, Ethiriel was quick to buckle herself in with no assistance. Man she had grown.
”So...” he started awkwardly, both hands on the wheel and eyes forward. A beat had passed, neither of them talking, and the tension was palpable. After what felt like a decade, car heading down the driveway, he spoke again. ”So you volunteer at the hospital? That's pretty cool. I'm still doing the photography thing – lots more clients than before. Keeps me busy.”
Ethiriel made no attempts to glance his way or nod.
”Lots of weddings. Seen a lot of beautiful brides and receptions. Reminds me of when you first met Cesc--”
Another twitch of her brow. The Sigel could feel her blood rising, but she bit it down and remained calm for the sake of her sanity – as well as not ruining her ride. Leo had immediately begun rambling again, and after a solid minute of him talking, Ethiriel cleared her throat forcefully. This caused him to halt and glance for just a second.
”This is not catching up. This is you gloating about yourself,” she said bitterly, lifting her chin. The longer she was in the car, the more she wanted to get out and just walk the rest of the way; unfortunately for her, she didn't have Nedhudir and couldn't rely solely on her phone to get there. She was stuck for another ten minutes or so, and she wasn't sure she could make it that long.
Leo fell silent, a deep blush spread across his cheeks. What was he to say about that?
For a good few minutes the ride was quiet; Ethiriel didn't care to speak and Leo felt too awkward after being called out. This irritated the Sigel further – he wouldn't own up to his mistakes and discuss it, he just wanted to sink into his pity party and live in denial. After some time, Ethiriel attempted to lighten the air and start conversation, though it was light and forced. When they finally arrived to the hospital, only brief goodbyes were exchanged and the Raevan immediately vacated the car. She didn't accept any help from Leo towards the hospital, claiming she would be fine on her own, and that was that.
Why did he just show up unannounced? The fact angered Ethiriel and she was sure Henry didn't appreciate it either.
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Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2017 2:15 pm
Once Again, With FeelingIt seemed as if this particular park was their "special place" as Ethiriel crosses paths with Xiu once more.
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