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 Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 1:14 pm
It was so easy to shift how her arms were around his neck as Elijah's arms moved; to trust him completely as he lifted her up. By the time Relm thought that perhaps she should have objected it was too late... not that she really minded. Her blood pounded between her ears, facilitating the change of subject. Her tail swayed behind her where it hung casually, the carbunkle feeling oddly light like this on top of hearing that he was fine with saving her. Was she imagining more in his tone and his smile... or were both just making her too giddy to think straight?
Probably a combination of both. Everything.
Slender arms wrapped a little tighter and certainly warmer. Relm looked up into her friend's green eyes, her thoughts fluttering around about how fluttery being held like this made her feel inside -making it so that she could not resist it in the slightest. She was resisting laying her head on his shoulder as it was, and her eyes and almost shy smile shone with an inner light. The shyness in her smile vanished into the playfulness of a warm laugh and hug. "Nu-uh! No way we're leaving before the show's over, Musician! You're stuck with me all night!" Her eyes sparkled happily up at him and Relm hoped how tight her breath and pulse pushed at the constrains of her shirt could not be noticed.
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Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 3:19 pm
Elijah laughed. He had been hoping she would say something like that. "Alright then. I have no problem with that." He grinned and carried her back over to their seats with no rushing. Now he had to let go of Relm, didn't he?
He put Relm down carefully and waited for her to take back her seat before he sat back in his. "I promise not to let anybody slip past me and try to take you again, okay? No one will be able to make any moves on you while I'm around." He winked at her before looking back over towards the concert. That's right, the concert didn't stop or anything. They must have missed a bit of music. How long had he and Relm been like that? He had lost track of time.
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Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 9:17 am
Pure joy. His laughter fell upon her like a healing spell with the warmth it gave to her. Better than a healing spell -she felt good to begin with.
It was hard to hide the look of disappointment as she was set down. Easier to turn her face momentarily away. She could not help however watching out of the corner of her eye to watch Elijah sit beside her as she pulled her legs up onto the bench beside her. How could she get back in his arms? Should she... with the way he knocked all sense and reason from her like that? The debate of should or should not did not last long under the overwhelming insistence of How.. Maybe ask to pretend to be together? -I don't want to pretend. Act weak. -Weaker than he makes me feel? No.. I don't want to act. No act no games no pretend. No teasing. -Play? -... maybe play. -it's not teasing if you want it. -I didn't say I wanted it! -Is that so? -I just like him near. -Why is that, Artist?
The internal communique left her feeling edgy, but not as much as the fluttering of little winged beasts inside her as Relm inwardly took a deep breath & steeling her courage -usually she had plenty, why did it seem in short supply now?- looped her arm through her friend's nearest one and hugged while leaning with casual lightness. Sort of like she had at the first concert they had ever gone to together, but with a little more. A mint green carbunkle ear brushed his shoulder and Relm laughed as if in game and yet with sincerity as well. "I'm going to hold you to that, Musician."
She had to distance him somehow. If she could not with touch, Relm had to try with words. Only... her words and tone were not as distancing as perhaps they could have been. The little actress succeeded in trying to ignore that flaw. Her heart beating fast in her chest trying not to read more into Elijah's words than what was there. Relm closed her eyes and listened to the music, not trusting herself that she would not look up to Elijah and watch him instead of the band. Okay... she would not act or pretend or lie... but that did not mean she had to show anyone the truth either. Especially herself.
The owners of the two sets of eyes that had kept tabs on the pain in concern grinned to themselves, feeling satisfied in the situation. They seemed all right.
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Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 7:30 pm
The anthro dog stared down at Relm for a moment or two before wrapping an arm around her. Having her hug him again was something he hadn't expected, but there were no complaints coming from him. The disappointment he had felt when he had to put her down faded away quickly. He liked being with Relm like this. There was no way he could deny that. It wasn't bothering him at all, at least for the moment anyway. Elijah just wanted to enjoy himself. If they were both happy nothing was wrong, right? That was logical. Well, he still couldn't stop the slight pounding of his heart in his chest.
His eyes were once again back on the stage as he watched the show go on. Just occasionally he would look down at Relm to see how she was doing. Also just to make sure he wasn't imagining all this happening. They were hugging after all. It felt too nice to be real.
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Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:03 pm
Casual. Casual. Casual. It was like a litany, an undercurrent far beneath the music and half whispered within her mind. It would be so easy, to nestle into his side. So easy... and why is that, Artist? -...shut up.
Relm kept her eyes lightly closed, her head nodding in time to the music. She knew she could pull back any time... Any time at all. Any time she wanted to.
Which was the problem. She did not want to.
After some time she happened to open her eyes and glance up in time to catch Elijah looking down to check on her and something jumped like a beast of the Veldt in her chest. Her breath caught as well and for a moment she could not look away; a moment too before a smile played across her lips beneath faintly darkening cheeks. Just before she looked back to the stage it seemed Relm was about to say something before thinking better of it and remaining silent. Just as well... The band announced last call at the bartender's request and the noise level increased with grumbles, awww's, and other sounds of disappointment together with the shuffling of drinkers trying to get their last bar drink of the night. Coming on her last rounds the waitress placed a couple new waters wordlessly on the table with a smile that said there was no reason to do or say anything as well as thanks before slipping silently off into the throngs. The bouncer's eyes followed her with a nod, also lingering on the younger pair. The girl was probably the youngest patron they had in there tonight.
Relm knew what else last call meant: the show too would soon be over. Truthfully... she could not settle on how she felt about that. Reluctantly she moved one hand to get a drink to soothe her dry mouth and throat. All those jumpy feelings inside... made her thirsty.
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Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 9:15 pm
Ending? So soon? The anthro dog really did lose track of time after all that happened. Either that or he was just enjoying himself that much. It was strange, but a pleasant kind of strange with this happy feeling bubbling inside him. He cheeks darkened slightly after Relm caught him looking. The anthro dog quickly moved his eyes away to look at the band again as soon as Relm did. Darn. She had caught him. Now he had to be more careful or he figured she might start suspecting something was up.
The time had finally come. Of course the concert would have to end. Elijah felt a sinking feeling of disappointment in the pit of his chest now. He had wanted the concert to last longer. Even if he couldn't bring himself to exactly admit why, things had been going so well. After a moment of watching people move out and start to chatter at one another Elijah spoke. "Guess we have to go now...."
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Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 9:32 pm
All too soon it was over. Her face was as unreadable as her feelings themselves as Relm nodded in response to Elijah's comment. Something was tight in her throat, dammit. Giving him a quick hug Relm looked up and smiled with a bravery she did not quite feel. Casually she pulled away from him to something more suitable for getting up and moving out, though the arm behind him lingered. An ear flicked noticing someone moving through the crowd and seeing the frightened dancing girl with a basket of CDs Relm fished out money for one which she tucked playfully into Elijah's jacket pocket with a wink before snagging the collar of her own jacket up with her fingers. "My treat, 'Lijah."
Just as playfully she nudged him to get off the bench, feeling that breathless feeling all over again. A flicker of fear touched behind a mixture of joy & apprehension in her eyes. "Time to get some fresh air."
And tell him... or at least answer questions. Relm really was not sure where she should begin. The fingers of the artist's hand flexed in response to a subconscious thought of wanting them held.
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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 9:05 pm
Elijah rose from his seat. He slipped out the CD half way just so he could take a peak at it. Relm had given him a gift...? He smiled to himself and slipped it back in. Just knowing that it was from Relm made him feel very happy, plus the band had good music so it was pretty nice.
He follwed Relm out, knowing that the mood might change now that the concert was over. It was sort of their way of avoiding all that had just happened he figured. Yes, he was very curious to some how of the things were even possible that happened, but... he was sort of afraid to ask about them since it seemed to bother Relm so much.
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Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 7:22 am
The former adventurer gulped heavily of the outdoor air as others leaving the bar and concert filtered around them, mostly dispersing in the night. One hand held the collar of her red coat, hung haphazardly but artistically over one shoulder. The other reached out the small distance between her and Elijah until her fingers just touched his. The moment Relm realized what she had subconsciously done she attempted to cover -smiling up at Elijah and indicating they walk along the side of the building where less of the leaving throngs were as if that were the reason she had touched his hand.
Which might have flown had she then drawn her hand away. Which she did not, leaving it near and gently touching as if on some level asking for it to be taken.
Away from the crowds nearing the corner of the pub/bar the artist cleared her throat softly. Relm gulped looking up at him, emotion playing in her green eyes though she gave a tough & cool facade otherwise. Relm was nervous. "Musician... I..."
The artist would be 'saved' in a sense for a while longer at least as a dark-skinned female raced around the corner and spotting them gave a huge sigh of relief followed by a wide smile. Her ringed tail swished happily behind her and she placed a hand on the wall, looking at them. "Oh good! I found you!" Dark eyes that had been one of the pairs keeping track of the two smiled warmly in relief. The saxophonist held out her hands in supplication. "Look... I really want to apologize for what happened in there tonight."
Earnesty and chagrin rolled together in the lemur's voice.
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:01 pm
Elijah frowned a little and looked over at the lemur girl who had spoken to him. What was Relm just about to say to him? Now it was going to be bugging him. Whatever it was it seemed serious too. It was probably about what happened early he figured, but that just made him even more curious.
"Apologize...?" He couldn't think of a reason why this girl would be apologizing. Wait, wasn't she one of the musicians? "About what? Oh... did you see what happened? Yeah... I don't get how that has anything to do with you..." He smiled. "You're one of the musicians right? That was a great show."
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:42 pm
The lermur's arrival startled Relm enough -who unusually enough was not ready for it- that fingers grazing Elijah's hand took it instead. At the same time... she breathed a sigh of relief before smiling brightly as if nothing in the world was wrong. And actually... holding Elijah's hand like that it almost was.
If she would let herself acknowledge that she was and that she liked it so. "Of course nothing's your fault. 'cept maybe too awesome a show."
The confident smile broadened, a well rehearsed act easy to fall into. In a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing, her fingers twined with gentle need for contact with the fingers of her friend's hand in hers.
A flush of pleasure warmed the dark skin. "Yeah I am... and thanks!" There were flickers in the girl's eyes that Relm could pick up on and mix with what they had seen of the band's interaction earlier as things not being entirely peachy backstage, now that the artist had turned her attention to this for the moment. It became even more apparent as the Lemur glanced down the building the way she had come -towards the stage door Relm remembered. Avoiding the awkwardness of trying to shake hands with a couple already holding hands and reached out one hand to each of their outside hands forming a circle between them.
"I'm Shontra. I should know it's not my fault but I feel responsible. All I can do is stay onstage and watch when it happens! It's horrible!" She looked honestly stricken, but calmed slightly at pressure from Relm's hand on hers. She looked less frantic. "It's in the music somehow..."
Clearly, things like this had happened before. The lemur's eyes looked to the dog anthro, a question within their troubled but kind depths. "She called you Musician?"
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:03 pm
Elijah was quite aware of Relm's hand. Very much aware. In fact he held hers back after hesitating a little. This time he couldn't bring himself to pretend he didn't notice. Besides, he had already thought of a few excuses if she questioned it. It kind of seemed like she wanted to hold hands anyway...
He just hoped the lemur wouldn't make any awkward comments about it.
He extended his free hand to shake the hand that was offered to him. "Nah, I understand. There’s nothing you could have done. It would be no good for you to suddenly jump off the stage or anything." Elijah didn't think there would be much she could have done about it anyway. That drunk had been sort of big if he remembered right. He smiled at the mention of his occupation. "Ah! So you heard that. Yup, that's me. I play guitar. Trying to make a band too. Relm here is helping me out. Oh, and I’m Elijah."
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Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 12:20 am
There was a look that implied how she appreciated the intention but that he could not possibly understand. Still... it made her smile sadly that he he made the effort. Seeing the thoughtful look on Relm's face... that they made an effort. Of course maybe she was wrong. Maybe they did understand.
Shontra did not have time tonight to find out.
"A band? Really? That's awesome!" Her enthusiastic exclamation was a little too loud and spotting people turn from the bar entrance and hearing noises from the band entrance the lemur winced visibly and tried to hide discretely with the pair blocking her from at least the leaving audience. A little. Which meant she moved more in front of the dog anthro as she smiled sheepishly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Elijah & Relm. I wish I could talk with you some more but..."
Her name echoed down the street from the stage door and the lemur winced. Apology touched her eyes as she looked back to the pair. "I've gotta run. Maybe I could reach you sometime...?"
She looked hopeful and beamed as Relm wordlessly handed her one of Elijah's cards. "Great! Thanks! I'll give a ring!"
Releasing their hands she ran off then turned and waved briefly. "By the way, you're an adorable couple!"
Sounds of audience coming up behind them, the shouting of the band leaders... and then she was gone.
"But we're n--..." Taking a step Relm held out a hand as if to push the other girl's words back and stopped, her words choking in her throat. She did not want to say that... even if it was true. And why is that, Artist? -haven't I told you to SHUT UP?!?
Relm turned back to Elijah, looking naturally over their joined hands with a look of 'uh-oh' on her face. "She thinks we're..."
Dammit. She could not say that either it seemed so Relm chuckled awkwardly.
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Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:39 pm
Great. Just great. The one thing he hadn't wanted the lemur girl to slip out she did. He couldn't be angry with her though. Now that he thought about it they probably did look... close...
He laughed nervously, not really sure what else he could do. It was hard to read what Relm thought about this. The one thing he could make clear was that there was something about it she must not like. "Ha.. ha... I wonder why that is? Jeez, a guy goes out to do something fun with a girl and everyone thinks it's a date. Uhm..." He stopped laughing. There was nothing really that funny about it. He was just glad his face wasn't turning red. She said they were a CUTE couple... So they were good together, huh? No, no, no he shouldn't think like that... "We can just settle that out next time we talk to her, no big deal...." He sighed. "No big deal at all..."
Now, he wanted to get back to what they were doing before. The curiosity was driving him insane. "You... you were saying something before?"
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Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 6:52 pm
"Yeah..." Relm said with a forced laugh her acting could not quite soften enough to make it sound natural. Something had fallen into the pit of her stomach like lead. 'No big deal' he had said. Part of her wanted to think Elijah's sigh before repeating meant something... but she was not about to let herself think it meant one thing over another.
Not when he reminded her she had something to tell him. Her often impish face went placid and the artist swallowed carefully as she nodded. Waiting for him to step beside her once more Relm fell easily into pace beside him before she started to speak.
"Remember when I said I was from another world, another reality?" Relm began, her alto voice slow and steady. She did not wait for Elijah to answer, the question really more rhetorical and intended merely to bring her friend's thoughts around to where she was going to begin. Her thumb moved back and forth in a soothing motion upon the back of his hand, calming Relm in the process. "I was born in the village of Thamasa, on a lone island forgotten by all but myths from the main continents. We were the descendants of the Mages... remembered only for the great war that had nearly destroyed the world."
Relm fidgeted slightly, a frown that did not seem to come from the tale she told marring her features. Something other than her tale was also causing her to be uncomfortable. "Even not known to still exist we were hated by the entire world. Hated for something that happened 1000 years ago."
She did not look at him, merely continued speaking in a voice which barely fluctuated though undercurrents of pain still remained. Pain and sadness Relm usually kept deeply hidden but were there nonetheless. "I was an orphan -at least so I thought until I was 11 when I figured out the rest of the story. My father left when I was so young I didn't remember him -my mom died not long after. That left me with Gramps -Strago- who wasn't really my grandpa. There weren't a lot of kids in Thamasa, so we all played together, but I was different. They knew it... and I knew it. It wasn't just my family. It was my art."
The artist gave a longer pause, her hand holding Elijah's stilling as she looked out into the dark night as if seeing through the magic of her painting into the past. "I was the only one who could use magic as I do, who could make paint come alive with my magical gift. I can make paint from magic itself, or put magic into existing paint. With a brush in my hand I can duplicate anyone, even control what I've pained and command them to use the original's skills and abilities. You saw back there some of that." Relm swung her free hand haphazardly behind her then with a frown lightly rubbed her own behind before continuing. "Even young and less worldly there was much I could do with magic and painting combined. The other villagers were impressed... but also feared it. Everything different is feared. I was already different. I became more different. Maybe I was smarter than the other kids. I learned things about life and the world no kid should know about -and I understood them. Maybe not on a personal level but where others were concerned I was spot on. The other kids never seemed to get why I wanted to learn so much. Thamasa was just too small. There wasn't excitement, nothing to fuel the imagination. My art... my magic... they were stagnating. I was bored. Fights with Gramps were at least stimulating."
"That all changed when they came, searching for the cave of the Espers. Or at least... parts of it did."
She went on to tell about Celles and Locke, Shadow and Interceptor and the others. Mostly she skimmed over the details of their adventures, saying that it really did not matter now -she was far from that world now, and not likely to ever go back. She told more on how she was the child, even after the wild boy joined them. It did not matter that she defeated Ultros by playing sweet and showing him that he was nothing but a silly octopus. How she had to mostly heal because she had the most magic power but she would also be the one most easily felled. When Shadow and Interceptor were gone... Relm felt like no one really wanted her to be there. She missed Interceptor -he was the only one to really make her feel loved.
After the world was ruined and the adventurers scattered it was worse. She was forced to paint... held captive to an esper trapped in her own painting somehow. Though she was glad when she was saved it irked the little artist something fierce that they came to find her only after finding Strago in a cult on top of a tower in Zozo. After all they had been through, she was only wanted to snap the old fool out of it? But she put on a brave face and did just that, giving her 'gramps' a full out piece of her mind in the process. She did miss him... and she was glad he was back to his usual grumpy and crotchety old self but she wished -just once- to be wanted and needed for herself. For what she could do and what she was. Being the only one able to snap Strago out of stupidity did not count.
Later... after the fight with Kefka when the tower was crumbling apart when Shadow had saved her... that was when Relm really was certain her suspicions were correct and that he was her father. But she did not care anymore really why he left her and her mother. She was angry with him. He should have stayed with them. Then mother would not have died, and she could always have played with Interceptor and then there would only have been the differences of her magic to alienate her from the other children.
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