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 Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 3:43 pm
::Surprises Come In All Shapes & Sizes Pt 2::
Co-Post with Eftemie, Talencia
Nearly an hour and a half later, Tempest finally ended the show. A wide grin on his face, he bowed to the audience and then bowed to Eftemie and Elana. Tapping both on the shoulder, Jace said, "You might as well follow me back to his dressing and prop room. I'm sure he'll be waiting on you both. That was an impressive new trick he did. And.. happy birthday, Elana."
Eftemie smiled, "Yes, happy birthday, Elana. I'm sorry about ruining your surprise for him. You should have had him to yourself tonight. And he'll want to take you home with him, so Moon and I will slip away when we get a chance and you will have him tonight."
She snickered suddenly. "Make sure he gets you a cake tomorrow and helps you celebrate properly."
Tempest ran the cold water over his face and hands in his dressing room. His jacket lay on the arm of the chair where he had tossed it aside. It got hot in the spotlights. More than people realized. He would definitely be able to handle the cool air on the walk to take Eftemie home. He suddenly frowned, he'd need to take Elana first.
Shaking his head, he sighed softly. "Two women and for the first time I'm not sure what to do with them." Someone was definitely having a good laugh at his expense. Somewhere.Talencia Elana trailed behind Efte and Jace. She still wasn't sure how shefelt about Efte and how much her brotehr seemed to be taken with her. And the woman was so confident! While clearly unintentionally, the woman made Elana feel young and foolish.
It didn't much help either that she'd made a fool of herself by getting so frosty with her at first. She sighed to herself and glanced at Tor. At least someone was having fun.Tor padded along next to Moon, talking excitedly. His little stub of a tail wagged wildly, and his wings fluttered every so often as he chattered. It was nice to have another aiko to talk to. Since devoting himself solely to Elana, he'd met very few of his kind.
"So you aren't the only aiko Eftemie has? Wow! That has got to be fantastic!" He romped a bit before settling back into walking next to the older cat. "And oooh, I really like those bands of yours! Maybe I should consider some." He and Moon continued walking, following Efte, with Elana still trailing behind. Tor didn't notice quite at that moment how mournful his human friend looked. He would soon, though. Moonshadow grinned. *There are three aiko there, but more critters than that. Eftemie is a sucker for someone in need. Yuri has wings but not like yours. He's demonic, but a cousin of mine so he'll behave. And his mate, Sable, is angelic. But then there's Pugnacious, Ataxis, Cera... well, too many to name, but they aren't aiko. Just other critters Eftemie lets live with her. Of course, some of her human friends live there too.*
Tempest glanced up when they entered. A grin widened across his face. "I'm glad you came, Eftemie."
She laughed. "Next time I'll leave Moonshadow at home so you don't see double."
He stared at her. "Brat." he growled, but laughed. "Elana! You really surprised me!" He moved hugging her tightly. "I'm really glad to see you. You are staying with me, right?"
Jace shut the door behind the girls and their felines. He'd never seen Tempest as he'd been tonight. For the first time in a long time, the man looked really happy. Talencia Elana's distant mood melted away in her brother's presence. She threw herself into his arms and hugged him tight. "Of course I am! Where else would I have to stay?" On impulse she glanced at Eftemie and raised her brows in a mock-question. "Unless you intended on putting me up tonight?" Her grin was genuine, though she was testing the waters. It was a concious attempt to get beyond her own rocky start with the woman. After all, if she meant this much to Tempest, she needed to honestly get to know her.Tor was interested to hear about the different creatures and other aiko that apparently all lived with this other woman. Inside the dressing room he sat himself down near her and slowly inched closer, his nose twitching. So many smells, and so many mysteries! He was nearly quivering to go explore the place. And he wanted to meet these other aiko! When Elana mentioned staying with Eftemie, his ears sprang forward and he sat up straighter, clearly eager for the idea. He wasn't intentionally avoiding Tempest, but this woman was more INERESTING to the deep blue aiko.
Moonshadow snorted loudly. *The more the merrier is usually the way it is around there. If she's not bringing home dragons or nimue, it's gwipples, and mikimoo.*
He hugged Elana tightly. "Such a brat for coming here all alone." he whispered. "I'd have been worried about you." He kept an arm around her for an extra moment, then he stopped on what his sister was saying.
"Wait a minute... " Tempest growled, blinking in surprise as much as amusement at his sister and Eftemie. "I haven't even seen her place except from the outside, and she's already inviting you to live there?! Geesh... "
"I guess if my sister is going to stay there, I'll just have to think about moving in myself." he smirked suddenly watching both girls. Talencia Elana looked from one to the other. Were they taking her seriously? She blinked a few times and glanced at Tor, who she was amazed looked eager about this too. A bit baffled, she shrugged a bit and offered a small smile. Suddenly the idea took root in her as well finally. It bloomed into a real smile and true delight. This might just be fun.
"Sure, all of us in one merry group!" She gave her brother a mock glare. "But no mushy stuff in my presence!" She flashed a teasing grin at Eftemie, then hitched her heavy dufflebag with all her worldly possessions in it a little higher on her shoulder. "But... could we decide and go? This is getting awfully heavy."Tor gave a happy yowl and flitted up in the air to zoom around the room excitedly. He was pretty sure they were going to end up at Moon's house now! Goofily he daintily put all four paws on Tempest's head and fluttered there, looking like he was some sort of weird, whirring hat. "Hurray!" he yowled again. What a ham.
"And you should be carrying that for your sister." she teased winking at Elana.
Moonshadow snorted heading for the door. If he didn't get them moving, they'd all stand there laughing. Several minutes later, they were outside and walking away from the club. A few milled around the cul de saq waiting on Tempest. Most tried to get him to reveal his secrets, but even as they asked, they knew he'd give them no answers. It's just the way it was.
"Not tonight." he said, shaking his head. Looking at Elana, he offered his hands for the bag. "I've got escort duty right now." Tempest's lips curled back into a wide grin. "I'll think about revealing one next time, since I'm dropping one from the show to keep the new one in."
Jace and his men made certain the group made it down the street. Eftemie smiled at the way he teased Elana. It was obvious the man doted on the younger sibling. But she wondered why the girl would take it upon herself to come there. At this time. And alone. Briefly. Then like all her serious thoughts, it flittered away on the breeze in her mind. Nothing seemed to remain long. Her uncle, Josesph Jaxton, stood silently wondering why she was not back yet. This was not the best time to be out during the day. It was worse at night. He scowled as he wrote the note. He'd tape it directly to the door so she couldn't miss it when she got back. "Yuri," he growled. "Make sure that Eftemie gets this so that she knows about the next three jobs Merith lined up for her. She's not been to the office all week. Where did that girl go anyhow?" *I'll make sure she gets it, Joe. She went to see a magic show a friend of hers is putting on at The Prospero.* the feline replied. "The Prospero? The only magician there is Tempest..." the man flinched. "Don't tell me she's seeing him..." *Alright. I won't tell you.* Yuri smirked, then flinched at the man's icy glare. "He's a womanizer from everything I've heard about him." he growled in sudden frustration. "and Effie.. well.. she's... Oh.. you know what I mean..." *Too trusting?* Yuri asked. *She's smarter than you think if you can keep her attention. Besides she has Moonshadow and the rest of us to help her. I don't think Tempest plans to give her any trouble. In fact, I'd say it's the opposite. She's going to be trouble for him. He left his hat with her earlier." Joseph blinked. "He what?" He'd been to the show once with a group of people. Tempest didn't leave his hat with anyone. It could just be a ploy. Just easily distracted her uncle and others said, giving excuses. Though all knew the real reason for it. Nothing was physically wrong with the girl. At least nothing had been found. He'd even talked her into going to a psychoanalyst at one point. After two or three visits, she'd simply stopped making the appointments. That's when he understood what was the true problem. Avoidance. One day she'd have to work it out. The only hope he had was that she didn't fall entirely apart when she did finally have to face it. Time would tell most figured. He supposed it was why he took care of her and worried so much. There really was noone else. Even the freelance artwork she did was through his office. A woman he hired specifically for Eftemie, made the appointments, showcased the artwork, and gave Eftemie a list of what was needed. She even banked the checks for the girl. All Eftemie had to do was the work as specified. "Bah! Someone still needs to pay attention. Remind her about the note." Putting the file on her desk, he taped the note to the door. "See that she gets it!" he reminded, marching away slightly disturbed by the news. He'd have to check in on her more often now. Or have Merith do it. The walk down the street was like a summer day. At least that's how she saw it. For the first time since the world had gone crazy, Eftemie didn't notice the litter or sirens or the lack of people on the street. Instead, a bright nightsky loomed overhead, sparkling down like faery dust creating a glittering wonderland. Anything to cover the dismal atmosphere everyone had been subjected to recently.
"This is it." she said stopping in front of the steps. "We'll take the elevator up."
Tempest nodded. "Her bag is getting heavy."
"Or we could make him walk up the stairs to the next floor, Elana, and take the elevator ourselves." Eftemie teased, winking at the other girl.
"What?!" Tempest grumbled, protesting. "I thought you liked me... Bratty as Elana gets sometimes. I just can't win." He pouted for a moment until Moonshadow snorted in amusement.
*That won't work, Tempest. She'd just laugh and get distracted by something else.* Talencia Elana had been trailing behind again, but this time not so morosely. She was mulling over how she was feeling about all this change in her life. She had left behind the terrible day-to-day world, and somehow gotten herself immersed in a sort of fairytale.
She was beginning to gather that Eftemie and Tempest didn't actually know each other that well, but whenever they looked at each other, Elana could see the sparkles that passed between their eyes like a heavenly beam, and how it tended to transform either or both of them into those visions of lore she had seen them as earlier. Very strange.
And where did SHE fit into this fairytale? She wasn't entirely sure, to be honest. She ratehr saw herself at the moment as a plain jane, perhaps like Cinderella was before she was transformed by her fairy godmother. Only she didn't have one. So she was still left with pondering her role.
She pulled out of her musings when they stopped, and she looked up at the imposing structure. This was home? She gave Eftemie a clearly dismayed look, but for some reason, looking at the woman reassured her that despite it's dreary outer shell, the place must be astonishing inside. So she smiled back at her teasing about making Tempest use the stairs.
"Nah, we wouldn't want to hurt his ego by making him prove he isn't as in shape as he used to be." She playfully poked her brother's belly and then skipped backwards out of reach. Yes, maybe this would work. She just wondered if her brother really was going to come stay here too?
Effie giggled as she opened the elevator cage once inside. "It's an old one, but my uncle works construction. He keeps everything in repair for me. I just couldn't give up this old building. My family used to use it and there's just some amazing woodworking her and I have all the space I could want. It just seemed a shame to let it be torn down when it was still a good building."
"Besides... my father loved this place and worked hard for it." she mused softly. "Sometimes I think I still hear his laughter in the hallways here."
Knowing suddenly by the expression on Tempest's face she was getting slightly maudlin, she blushed slightly and laughed.
"My father just loved this place. I used to slide down the hallways when I was a kid." she said, shrugging off the feeling as she pushed the button on the panel. The elevator began to rise.Talencia Once inside, Elana glanced around with wide eyes. To an average viewer, it might just appear to be a rather large home area. But to wondering eyes that could see, there were many small things here and there that made this living spcae far different from most she'd experienced.
Strangely glowing orbs sat on shelves. There were small fish bowls with who-knew-what floating in them, peering back at her. Two gryphon-like gargoyles perched on a high bookcase, staring down at her. She paused to look closer, for they were almost twins, save that one was predominantly purple, and the other ***** blue. Moving on, she peered under a table at a somewhat surly looking aiko with webbed wings. Right about then, she got dive-bombed.
"UUuuuuuunaaaaaaaaan!" was all she heard as she spun to find out what had swooped down to bop her on the head. She caught sight of a blur out of the corner of her eye, but by the time she looked, it had disappeared into the curtained balcony above. Blinking in surprise, she looked back at Eftemie. "What was that?" A giggle slipped free as Elana was more or less attacked by the little creature. Her lips twitched slightly as Tempest blinked and backed up.
"Just Unan. He's a mikimoo or so I've been told." she still snickered slightly as she explained to them. "I'm really not sure where they came from but they liven up the place. When they are little they love to roll in peanut butter and then sit on top of your head. I believe he's past that stage now, but he seems to like swooping down on others."The note from the door was in her hand still and she carefully placed it on the counter. But without looking. Yuri noted the action and moved out from under the table. *Effie, Joe was here. He left you a note after looking around to make sure things were alright.* the aiko said, stretching his wings slightly. *He wasn't too pleased that you were out this late at night. I think he's worried about you being here alone even if it is like a fort to get in. You did lock the bottom door, right? He said there is a file on your desk with the next work that Merith set up for you.* Moving over to Tor, Yuri tilted his head, studying the other aiko. *Hmm... can't say I've ever seen your breed of Aiko before. Interesting. Sable is around here somewhere.*
"Alright, Yuri. Remind me to look at it later. I'll need those commissions done soon most likely. Elana, I meant what I said. If you want a room, go find one. The loft is mine but there are about seven others down the hallway." she said, dropping her jacket on the table near the door with her keys. Always the same place so she'd be able to find it.
Tempest stared. "This.. isn't what I expected. I know you said you had it renovated via your uncle but... even a garden that's all enclosed. Although I don't think plants are doing well anywhere. Nothing is." He peeked in the doorway, quickly noting the leaves on the floor. "Your uncle has some imagination." Turning he glanced upwards. "A loft bedroom. Hmm... that's nice and keeps it open."
"How about I order us a pizza?" he suddenly said as his stomach growled slightly. A wide grin slowly slipped across his face.
"No phone, Tempest." she laughed. "I hate them. If I want to talk to someone, then I go see them."
"Then..." he stopped, frowning slightly.
"How about I fix us a pizza instead?" she said, her lips turning upwards.
*She did go to the store today.* Moon reminded. *And I imagine Joe brought the bulk of what she needed when he was here.* "I'll go make the pizzas," she laughed, shaking her head. "Go ahead and look around. I don't think there's anything that will give you trouble."
*Except maybe Ataxis.* Moon snorted.
"Where is he?" Effie asked, frowning.
*On your bed in the loft. Joe opened the door and Tax vanished quick upstairs.* Yuri snorted. She glanced upwards for a moment, then quietly slipped up the stairs peeking around the curtains to see. Ataxis was lying fast asleep in the center of her bed. A ghost of a smile slipped free as she watched him. For someone who made it plain he didn't like any of them, he sure found his way to the center of her bed alot. A few minutes later she was grabbing vegetables and other things from the fridge.
"I hope you like everything on your pizzas." she asked, yelling so her voice would carry.
Tempest said at exactly the same time Eftemie added, "Except anchovies!"
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 1:54 pm
::The Way Of Things Part Two::
Eftemie Solo She fixed a cup of tea slowly reading the portion of the book again. Twice she'd read it, but the meaning eluded her still.
Why was that?
She read it slowly the third time. Carefully she studied the words, trying to find what she knew was there. She'd done it once before. Or so she thought she remembered doing it once before. She sighed, her lips forming the phrases aloud.
___
"When beholding the tranquil beauty and brilliancy of the ocean's skin, one forgets the tiger heart that pants beneath it; and would not willingly remember that this velvet paw but conceals a remorseless fang." ~Herman Melville~
___
It was times like this that made her wonder why she was reading the book for the second time. She always stopped to stare at certain paragraphs trying to 'see' what was hidden in the words. At least until another distraction came alone and pulled her from it.
Her eyes gazed out the window the entire time, darting at the slightest noise. It was that point in the morning where it was not quite daylight but night was not really there either. Drab and dreary would have been a good description for the atmosphere she saw outside. But in truth it was not all that was there. At least not all that she felt.
Silent. Dark.
Forboding.
Not exactly in a visual way so much as something felt deep inside. Whatever it was permeated the air, the attitudes of everyone, smothering and eating away at the best in them. Many would choke.
She shuddered as a faint glimmer of morning sky tried to peek through but was thoroughly quashed an instant later. She smiled for that fraction of time upon seeing the faint gleam. Then the dark clouds hid it entirely in that brief second of sight.
She silently watched the man hurrying down the street, his coat pulled tightly about him as a scream sliced through the air in the distance. She jumped at the sound but he darted into a doorway, fumbling for keys. Then he quickly disappeared inside, shutting the door behind him.
One could but see the remorseless fang hiding beneath that sparkle of blue. Except her. It eluded her as all things of that nature did. The man seemed to know.
She shivered again. Not cold. Just a feeling of unease. Everyone was so jittery now. When would things ever be right again? People needed sunshine and blue skys. They needed laughter and warmth. Little of that could be seen in the shabby landscape of the city outside her windows. Her indoor garden suffered even with the constant care given to it. Each day more dead leaves were found on the floor and few of her plants bothered to blossom where they once had been prolific. It seemed a struggle just to live.
Once or twice she'd even watched the woods behind the warehouse, looking for something. Some sign of life, but the trees were strange, dark, twisted things reaching out as if to rip the very life they felt from any who approached. Once she'd felt safe walking the paths beneath their full green branches. Now she didn't approach even in daylight.
Worry for some of her absent friends slipped free for a moment, but then she was watching a leaf swirling in the wind. Distraction. It was a dead dry thing, crumbling as it fell to the ground, twisting, turning in the wind that blew swiftly down the street. But as with most things, out of sight- out of mind. Worry turned to watching lights come on, or talking distractedly to one of the creatures in her kitchen. Fixing more tea. Reading notes.
Sometimes the fang is one's own memory. Or perhaps the avoidance of sight.
*Don't forget the note from Joe.* Yuri murmurred sleepily stretching before curling back up on the floor in the corner.
She sighed, mumbling her acknowledgement. The slip of paper lay on the counter in front of her cup. It had been forgotten as she munched one of the muffins left over from the previous morning, she sighed. There was work to be done.
A few minutes later she flipped the file he'd left for her. Complete descriptions of what was necessary were included. Each one was marked and dated in red so that she'd be able to know what she needed to do.
Entirely distracted by what was before her, Effie forgot the occurrences outside her door.
Out of sight. Out of mind.
**Note** The quotation above comes directly from "Moby d**k, a book by Herman Melville. It is simply used in admiration and because it suited my purposes as irony in the story forming. It has not been used for profit, but my own entertainment.
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Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 10:30 am
::Roommates::(06.23.06)
Co-Post with ialtkaos, Talencia, Eftemie ialtkaos By the time the pizza was baked, Tempest had already decided that if his little sister wanted to remain here with Eftemie, then she could. He liked her more and more not just for the laughter which seemed to be constantly in his thoughts. He noticed the notes hanging around in various places and wondered slightly about that, but he figured whatever it was she'd tell him in time. He chuckled, shaking his head as he glanced around the room at the things she had on her art table. She was a decent artist. Several photos of landscapes and plants were scattered about on the table beside the one she used for drawing. They were arranged in a row as if she were making a scene from them. Flipping the top page back, he smiled at the first sketch. It was a conglomeration of the objects in the pictures. She'd laced them together in a shaded pencil sketch. On the table was a large piece of heavy paper. One glance told him that she was working on a painting as the background was partially finished already. He didn't entirely understand the mechanics of what she was doing but he could imagine what the results were going to be. He'd like to see it when it was finished. He watched Elana for a few minutes, then walked out into the edge of the garden. The pizza was smelled good and Effie was already slicing it up.
"She wasn't kidding when she said this place had been renovated. I'd never have thought something like this could be here." he said softly. "Would you really want to stay here with her, Elana? I.. don't have a problem with it. And one of us gets stuck on the couch at my apartment. At least until I find someplace bigger. I think... I think you'd be safe here too."
Talencia Elana had been peering at the two gargoyles, who she swore were peering back at her... but they couldn't be, could they? Just as she was standing on tippytoes to reach to touch one (and wasn't it's eyes following her hand?) her brother spoke to her.
Turning from the shelf, gryphonic gargoyles untouched, she moved to stand next to her brother. She slid her hand into his and leaned her head against his shoulder. She spoke softly, for his ears only.
"Tempest..." and she paused, lifting her eyes to smile at him from his shoulder. "I like the name, you know." She smiled more and nestled her head against him closer. "I think this is the place for me. It seems... right somehow. Though I can't put my finger on why." She paused to muse briefly on that. Why DID this place feel so... magical? There simply was no explination.
"But you are right. She is someone safe that I trust already, and she has plenty of room here. I know you'd give me your bed, and take the couch yourself, but that wouldn't be fair." Her fingers tightened in his. "As long as you don't mind, I do want to stay here. And maybe," she looked up at him again with a teasing smile, "Maybe you'll get invited to come live here too soon." She smirked more and gave his hand a last squeeze before slipping away to heft her bag.
"Efte, I'm going to go pick a room. Be right in when I find one!" With that, she padded down the hallway.She glanced through several of the larger rooms, making amusing faces at how they had been painted or decorated. Some of them clearly were occupied, although apparently the owner of the room was gone.
But when she came to the last room on the left, at the end of the hallway, she opened the door to an amazing sight. Inside, the walls were a lovely cheerful shade of spring green. For some it might have been considered a bit bright, but to Elana it was perfect. This unusual shade was complimented by deep royal plum accents. The spread on the bed was this color, with paler purple swirls twining across it like newly grown tendrils on some exotic plant. There was a very large, overstuffed chair done in deep plum, with similar swirls marking the sturdy upholstry. The curtains traded the deeper shade for the lighter color from the spread. And all around the top of the room, and around the window the chair stood by were deep green stenciled ivy vines. They twisted and draped as if the greenery actually grew there.
Last and most magical of all was a very large, very old wardrobe that someone had chosen to paint to match the room. The majority of it was the deep green of the stenciled ines, but those same vines twined across the doors and along the sides, but in the pale purple of the curtains.
Delighted, she tossed her bag onto the bed and sighed blissfully. Yes, all it needed was a mosquito netting above the bed in the same pale purple, and it would be more than home. It would be a dream. She tossed herself after the bag to give the bed a few experimental bounces. Yup, just right, as she had suspected. This room had been meant for her and her alone! She sliced the pizza in wedges with the cutter quickly. Two should be more than enough with a salad on the side and ice cream for dessert. Picking up the platters, she put them in the center of the table.
Tempest watched her a moment, then asked, "Need some help?" He spotted the salad bowl, raising an eyebrow. "You didn't have to go all out with a meal, Effie. Pizza would have been enough."
She laughed. "You can get cups and something for us to drink. There should be sodas, juice, and milk in the fridge. And I like salad with my pizza believe it or not. And there's some vanilla ice cream in the freezer.... I think..." Suddenly she wasn't sure the ice cream was there and walked over to check. She began to laugh. "Yes, there is some there. I wasn't sure. It's on my list to buy more, but there's a half a container here yet."
Shrugging, she said, turning to watch him, "If I'm not late, I'm forgetting something."
His lips twitched upwards in amusement. "I saw the notes scattered around various places. I wondered... You were late that first day we met."
She sighed, nodding. "I get distracted easily and I forget unless I remind myself. Alot. There are worse things that could happen I suppose. My uncle has been trying to talk me into moving back in with he, but I want to stay here. They'd all have nowhere to go if I left. I can't do that to them or even the friends who come to stay here from time to time."
Tempest said, simply watching, "You really don't mind my sister staying here with you, do you? And you really don't know either of us."
She laughed. "I'd not have made the offer if I minded, Tempest. I like her already."
"Just her?" he asked, his lips turning upwards into a ghost of smile. "I'm hurt..."
"Oh stop pouting." she snickered but then began to laugh. "If I didn't like you, you'd not be here."Three days later little sister was firmly entrenched in her room and part of Eftemie's life. That was the best part of irony though. Tempest wanted to be there. His sister was. Nearly every day he was making some excuse to check on them. Three days after that, Tempest moved in. Eftemie snickered as she helped carry the boxes from Tempest's car to the elevator. She winked more than once at Elana who seemed as amused as she was. At first she'd hesitated, but then he was there more than he was at his apartment. It made sense to her anyhow. Besides she liked him and this gave her an excuse to know him better. In the meantime... Joe had gone to watch Tempest's show again-twice in fact since learning that he was seeing Eftemie. It bothered him on some level that the man had an attraction to his niece. She was far too trusting as Joe thought but nothing had ever happened to her. Of course there was always a first time, and the reasoning behind his appearance in the crowd of patrons at The Prospero. The first time he scrutinized the man's attitude as much as the things he said during the show and afterwards. When two women approached Tempest blatantly trying to pick him up, his eyes narrowed in consternation. Tempest refused saying he had other plans, walking away quickly. Without a backward glance at her. He didn't even seem to notice the other girls at all. Joe's eyes frowned as he stared keenly at the man. Something was slightly different about the man. Not only was his hat gone, his entire attitude was changed. The second visit, the show went smoothly. Afterwards, Tempest walked towards Jace.
"Hey, do me a favor. Distract those two girls over there. Effie and Elana are waiting on me for supper tonight and I'd rather not have to deal with them." he said, pointing at the girls approaching from the same direction.
Jace raised an eyebrow, grinning slightly. "That bad, huh?" he snorted, and then smirked. "I figured from the first time I saw her."
Tempest shrugged, his eyes distant for a moment as he thought about her green eyes. "What can I say? I'm crazy about her and those green eyes. They... sparkle. I love her laughter."
"As I said.. you have it bad." the man replied, his lips twitching upwards as he indicated two of the bouncers get in their way. "Better hurry and get out of here then." Glancing at Jace after Tempest left, Joe said absently, "I've been to the show a few times, but I've never seen Tempest turn a pretty girl away. Is he alright?" The man grinned slightly. "I think for the first time in a long time, he is. She's pretty, too, and has a good sense of humor. Even his little sister took an instant liking to the girl. And he's right.. her eyes do sparkle. They've even moved in with her." "What? How long have they known one another?" Joe asked, blinking in surprise. He was supposed to check on her in two days but he'd not expected this. "Oh. It's not what you think but just a couple weeks I think. Elana, Tempest's little sis, moved in the first night she met her. She's a sweet kid who just turned 18. I guess Tempest was always checking on her and from what I understand Effie's got the room and likes having them around. It might actually be safer for all three of them with him around. One never knows with the way of things nowadays." Jace explained without giving too much information. He didn't know the man, but his questions seemed innocent enough. "Ah.. I see. Yes, I suppose it would be safer for them." he frowned slightly. "As safe as it is for anyone now." He'd visit tomorrow and see what happened. Talencia When Tempest returned from his shower, Elana was sitting cross-legged on his bed. Unan bobbled above her head attentively. Not long after she had moved in, Unan had snuck closer to her and was soon charmed by the young woman's sweet nature. Elana had been delighted by the odd creature, and now was often seen giving him many affectionate cuddles. Unlike his father, Unan soaked in mushy stuff like that from his chosen human. In fact, he had gone so far as to now idolize the girl. Anything she touched became HIS, and he often stole things she had put down. She usually only laughed at him, though, and coaxed him to give them back.
Curled beside her on Tempest's bed was Tor, flutter wings laid to either side comfortably and his eyes closed. He was purring in a deep, humming thrum that was almost too low for the human ear to pick up. Elana herself was slowly stroking the cat's ears, but looked up when her brother entered the room.
"I want to be part of the show,"she stated immediately. She kept stroking Tor's ears, although his eyes had opened to regard his mistress' sibling. "I am bored with nothing to do now that I'm out of school. And I want to help you amaze people and make them laugh." She didn't say all this petulantly or belligerantly. She simply stated it as a fact. This was how she felt and this was her idea of what to do about it. ialtkaos His lips twitched upwards, curving wryly for a moment. He'd expected it when she had shown up as she had that night. She had always been fascinated by what he did.
"I figured." he smirked suddenly. "Any ideas on what you want to do? I already told Jace to expect it. I just wasn't sure when you'd say so." He continued toweling his hair dry. "Of course, Dad won't be happy when he finds out. I'm sure I'll be said to have corrupted you with my 'wild' ways even though...."
"Bah! I'm not worrying about it." he suddenly growled, shoving his feelings of frustration aside as he tossed the towel over the back of the nearby chair. Watching her a minute, he smiled, shrugging and sighing as he sat down on the bed. "Sorry, it bothers me still sometimes. So what do you want to do, brat?"Talencia She smiled at his indulgence and knowing her so well. He had always been able to know how she was feeling and what she was likely to do. Rather than finding it irritating or frustrating, it made her feel loved. He cared enough about her to pay attention and to anticipate her actions.
She stopped petting Tor, though, when he expressed the dark feelings they both shared about their father. A small frown creased her forehead and made her look older than she was. She didn't add anything to her brother's short tirade, though. He knew she understood. She heaved a great sigh and buried her fingers in Tor's fur. He shifted closer to her slightly in show of his support, and resumed his purring, which had stopped when she had stopped petting.
But all was well again when Tempest smiled. That was true every time. All it took was his smile, and it was like the sun breaking through the clouds. She chuckled to herself and beamed back at him.
"Oh, nothing specific. Just help you on stage." She resumed petting Tor and grinned as Unan suddenly decided Tempest'ssemi-damp hair would make a perfect spot to perch and fluff about on. "I just want to be a part of things. The magic is your department. I'll just be the pretty assistant." She flashed an almost alluring smile with a bat of her eyelashes, then laughed, spoiling the temptress look and returning her to her usual youthful and sweet-faced self. ialtkaos He looked upwards, tilting his head at the sudden nesting.
"I think he needs a perch." he commented dryly but was entirely amused by it. Then his grin widened as he thought about what she'd said. "You can help me set up the props and we'll see about getting you something special to wear. Then work you in tomorrow's show."
A sly mischievious look slipped into his eyes suddenly as he watched her. "And when you've decided what you want to do, I'll change my cards to include you. Tempest &.... well, whatever you want when we get to that point."
He suddenly laughed. "So what do you think, Tor? Do you want to dance for the audience?" he teased, reaching over the pet the aiko.Talencia Tor lazily closed his large jaws over Tempet's hand in gentle rebuke. Letting go with a rough lick, he raised his sleepy lids slowly to regard the young man in disdain. "The day I do a dance on stage is the day my hide graces the fireplace of some quirky millionare as a hearthrug." And with that he laid he closed his eyes and continued to purr for Elana.As any young lady would, Elana sat straight up at Tempest's mention of getting her something to wear. Her eyes sparkled for a moment while Tor rebuked her brother, her mind on one word.... SHOPPING! "Oh, I'll go get Efte and we'll go out to find me the perfect outfit!" She sprang off the bed with such energy that she earned an indignant look from the aiko, who nearly was bounced off the bed and onto the floor.
Elana darted out of Tempest's room, shouting for Eftemie. "We've gotta go shopping! I need an outfit so I can be in the show!" She didn't have to say WHICH show, since in this odd household, there only was ONE show. "Efte!" she continued, bolting into the area here her friend was painting.
She then came to a screeching halt and blinked at the unexpected presence of an older man. For a moment it looked as if she would bolt in the opposite driection in fright. But a glance at the other woman seemed to immediately calm her. Anyone that made Efte smile like that had to be okay... more than okay, most likely.
"Hello!" she said brightly, her fright forgotten and her demeanor instantly changed back to sunny. "I'm Elana!" Eftemie giggled as she turned at the sound of the excitement in Elana's voice. Joe blinked for a moment in surprise at the suddenness but then smiled.
"Elana, this is my Uncle Joe. Uncle Joe, this is Elana, Tempest's sister. He brought us some supplies again and... to check up on me to see if I was getting this done or not." she laughed. "So what's up?"
Joe shook his head. "Someone needs to keep you on track. Too many notes around here and it confuses me." he grinned, teasing his niece. Turning his attention back to Elana, he said "It's very nice to meet you, Elana. I'm the one to call when things need fixed around here. Or changed."
Tempest broke into laughter. "I'm guessing I made her day." he smirked, but then a thoughtful expression slipped into his eyes. "Although, I'm thinking I should be worried about the SHOPPING since I'm the one paying for it."
"What do you think, Tor? Should I be worried?" he asked as he moved to the mirror to finish getting ready for the day. "Unan, you need a perch that isn't my head, buddy." he said as he gently removed the small creature. Placing him on the table in front of him, he whispered, "I think Tor's fur is just what you need."When he was dressed, Tempest grinned. Effie and Elana would have fun for the day. Tor and Moon could go with them for protection and he could go check in with Jace and study his program for the show. He'd figure out where to add Elana in a few times and then after seeing how that went over, they'd add her in more. At that point, he'd ask her how she wanted to change the card. When he heard Effie laughing, he grinned as he walked into the room.
"Good morning." he said, then he noticed Joe, but only for an instant. His eyes shifted back to Eftemie and a slight twitch turned the corners of his mouth up at her amusement.
She laughed. "Uncle Joe, this is Tempest, Elana's big brother. He's living here too. Tempest, this is my Uncle Joe."
Joe stared at him a moment, but then nodded as he continued watching the man. Tempest only had eyes for Eftemie and he nearly laughed. He'd been worried but it was obvious and he was certain it had hit the man instantly. "Tempest, it's nice to meet you." he said in amusement. "Of course, you'd have to actually take your eyes off her to meet me."
"Huh?" Tempest blinked, suddenly understanding what the man had said to him. Then a slow flush crept up his neck to his face. Eftemie began snickering and soon was giggling out of control.
"Um... I....." he finally just growled at a loss for words, but turned back to watching her for an instant longer. Shaking his head, he sighed, "It's nice to meet you, Joe." and held his hand out as he turned to the man again, staring directly into the gaze aimed at him. With a grin on his face, he shrugged, "I like her laughter."
"I noticed." Joe commented, shaking his head. "Effie, if you get those packed up, I'll take them with me. Merith can get them in place and then all you have to worry about are the other two." She nodded, moving into the next room to begin packing things up. He watched Tempest and Elana and when he knew Effie was out of earshot, he said. "I knew you were here before I arrived today, and I wouldn't be a very good uncle if part of my trip wasn't to check on her. And you. She doesn't remember things like she should. I know some of that is avoidance, but that's for her to tell you. Just remind her to do things and she's almost too trusting sometimes, Tempest. I mean, she's had not trouble so far, but I worry about her. Not so much now that you are here, and after watching you." His lips twitched upwards slightly as he ran a hand through his thinning hair. "Just don't let her get hurt in any way." Tempest's expression had sobered quite a bit at the man's words, and he frowned slightly after glancing towards Joe, but then back to Eftemie.
"I don't plan on hurting her." he said softly. "I care alot about her. I wouldn't be here otherwise. Neither would Elana."
"I didn't mean you, Tempest. I can already see that you love her. It hit hard, didn't it?" Joe said softly, smiling in amusement. "Just look out for her. She's had it rough most of her life and I'd like her to stay happy even if she avoids. She tends to brood this time of year, but again that's for her to tell you." Tempest nodded, placing a smile back on his face as Eftemie returned to the room. A knock on the door suddenly echoed. Joe took the wrapped artwork from her, kissing her on the cheek. "Get those others done." he winked. "And that would be Charlie and Leo. Time for me to go because they are done unloading. It was very nice meeting both of you and if you need anything, Effie's got my number and address on the fridge." Then he was out the door before anything more could be said.
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Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:16 am
::The Shopping Trip::
(Finished 09.02.06)
Co-Post with Eftemie, Talencia, ialtkaos He watched Elana and Eftemie a moment. Then his lips twitched upwards, mischief in his eyes.
"Soooo..." he drawled out, raising an eyebrow. "What's it going to cost me for you two to go shopping for a costume for Elana? Two dollars? I think I could afford that."In the back of his mind though he was thinking over what Joe had said about Effie's life. He might have to see what he could find out when they were alone later. The man wasn't the type to hint at something if there wasn't something to hint about.
"And while you are gone, I think I will go talk to Jace about where I'm going to put her in the show. And work out some pay for her." he grinned. "She should have her own money, I guess...""]Eftemie laughed, shaking her head. "Just give her some and we'll see what we can do. Moon and Tor can go with us. I'm not entirely certain what we will find, but I think we should be able to find something. I... just really wish things would change back as they were."
Moonshadow walked to her side. *I don't see that happening for a long time, Effie. We will just have to do what we can until it does.*
She frowned, nodding at him. "Tempest, be careful going to the club. It's been getting worse in that direction. Elana and I aren't going too far from here and we'll be home before you are."Talencia Elana smiled delightedly. It would be such fun! But Eftemie's mention of the world outside their safe nest made her frown. She didn't want to think about that. She flatly refused, in fact. Stubbornly she set her jaw and acted like nothing had been said about it.
"I promise to be frugal, Tempest. You konw I'm good at that." She flashed him a gleaming grin and tossed her long braid over her shoulder. "Tor! C'mon, let's get going!" She gathered her backpack that she used for a purse these days and stuck a water bottle in the outside mesh pocket. "There, I"m ready when you are!" She patted the backpack to show that everything she needed was in it.Tor came padding out of the room. He tended to stay there, where the painted colors mostly remained vivid and bright. The dead garden visible through the huge floor to ceiling windows depressed him. He yawned as he turned the corner, letting Elana think he'd been sleeping. He understood her avoidance of seeing things as they really were, and didn't want to add any of the dark reality unless he had to.
"Alright, I'm coming. Though I'd rather take a cat nap about now." He padded over to them and gave Tempest's hand a lick in affectionate greeting before plopping his furry behind in front of Elana. Moon snorted. *You really don't think you are going anywhere without me do you?* His tail twitched in amusement as he sat up, scratching behind his ear with a paw. Yuri padded softly into the room. *Going? Going where? I'm up for stretching my wings a bit. I'll go too.* In extreme exaggeration, he acted as though it were hard to move them.
Effie snickered, her hands on her hips. "Oh stop it, Yuri. You can go." she smirked, her head tilting to stare at him. He didn't often ask to go with her, but she was amused that he thought she'd not allow him to.
Tempest shook his head. "I'm headed to the club to check Jace and the others. Then I'll be back." After hugging both girls, he walked from the building, a lift in his step as he thought about the delight in both faces. Elana needed some fun. This should do the trick.As Tempest went one direction, Eftemie, Elana, and the aiko went another. The felines were rather silent as they walked behind the two girls, watching the area. It was getting more and more desolate each day and it bothered them. So many of the creatures that were normally around had vanished long ago. Only a straggler here or there. Darker things watched, all three were certain of. But there was easier prey than them. Effie never even noticed, but continued talking excitedly to the girl at her side.
"So what do you think you want, Elana? I'm not entirely certain what we will find there but I'm betting we can come up with something and then adjust it to what you need." she laughed.Talencia Tor padded ahead of the girls, letting the other two aiko bring up the rear. Something about the air today was making his skin twitch. Little noises made him jump, and he took small and careful steps, keeping himself coiled for... something. He rolled an eye back at the girls, who were chattering animatedly. It was a wonder they didn't notice how the air felt charged with some evil. He supposed it was better that they didn't, but it really only served to make him more uneasy.Elana almost bounced as she walked along, firmly ignoring the dead trees that lined the streets and the desolateness of the atmosphere. They were out for some fun, and she wasn't going to let a bit of dead foliage ruin it.
"I was thinking something a little sparkly, but nothing flashy." She made a face. "I am not the skimpy, sequined type of assistant." She mused a moment and then continued with energy. "Perhaps some black pants... velvet perhaps... and a jewel-tone top, with draping sleeves and little sparkles on it?" She glanced at the older girl to see what she thought. "And a pair of black suede boots would top it off, but I don't think we'll get that lucky." She laughed lightly.
"And will you help me curl my hair for the performance? It tends to be so straight and boring." Again she made a face of dislike. She actually loved her hair, but she didn't feel it was presentable enough as-is for the show.
Moonshadow and Yuri watched every detail as they padded down the street. Every leaf that moved, every creak that echoed, they turned towards. Their eyes would narrow. In some places barracades were already in place shutting off doorways so that some buildings only had one way in and one way out. Eftemie never noticed. They did. And it was all suspect. Talencia Tor gusted a sigh of relief and a shudder of unease as they reached the second-hand store. A bell tinkled as he shoved the door open with his shoulder and glanced back at the others, wishing they would hustle it inside.Elana breezed in, ruffling Tor's fur fondly in thanks for holding the door open for them. Only after getting insde does she realize that a wind had been blowing outside. Supressing a shiver, she strides right up to the first rack. The walls are bare of the normal hooks and clothes, with only a thin selection on a few scattered racks around the room. She smiles reassuringly to a frightened-looking teenager behind the cash register.
She barked a laugh as one of the first things she comes across on the rack is a gaudily sequined tube top. "Look, Eftie, I told you they'd have something. What do you think?" She held it against herself and posed sexily, batting her eyelashes in a mock come-hither look. "It's just so ME, isn't it?"
Her lips twitched up in laughter as she watched Elana. "Silly. It's definitely you but you know what.. Tempest might get overly protective if you wore something like that to the club."
Yuri stood to one side, his wings tightly against his body for the moment. The shop wasn't huge but he didn't want to turn anything over. Moon stood to one side, sitting down and watching. Something just did not feel right.
"You might find something more likely over here, Elana." Eftemie pointed to a stack of darker clothing.Talencia Elana squealed in indignation and made as if to throw the offending garment at Eftemie. "It is NOT me!" She laughed and hung it back up before ambling over to paw through the pile Efte indicated. She did find some black pants that might fit her... they weren't velvet, of course, but they were of a soft material that drank in the light.
"Hmm...," she mused as she held them up against her more seriously than she had the shmutzy tube top. They seemed to be the right length, but weren't made for Elana's slender frame in the waist. She glanced up at her friend. "Is that something we can fix or not?"Tor, meanwhile, had let the door swing shut, but stayed there, looking out at the street. His fur prickled, and a line stood up along his back. Something was brewing. Something was coming. He could smell... something. It remained undefined, but crackled with ominous energy, like a looming stormcloud. The thought made him glance upwards at the brooding sky. It was always rankly clouded nowadays. It made him want to sag his mouth open as if he'd tasted something bitter and fetid.
Shifting his paws, his eyes returned to the empty street. Laughing she walked over to stand beside Elana. She studied the pants.
"I think so. If we removed the waistband, we can fix the pants and put it back on. I have a sewing machine, thread, and whatever else we might need. I'm sure we can figure something out, Elana."
She didn't seem to notice Tor, but Moonshadow and Yuri did. Yuri moved closer to where he was, but slowly keeping an eye on the girls. Moon remained where he was.
"Do you see anything else that you might be able to use? We can salvage trim or even change it to some extent." she asked moving towards another stack of dark clothing.Talencia Tor looked nervously at Yuri when he approached. He shifted his paws again uneasily, his wings staying utterly still upon his back. "There is something brewing out there. About to happen." He turned his eyes back out the window, searching for what he couldn't see. "Do you feel it, or am I just being jumpy?"Elana laid the pants over her arm and moved to a pile of brightly colored clothing. She sifted through the quickly, discarding anything too bright or too old. She chuckled at several ridiculous prints of huge flowers or clashing zigzags. She pulled out a knit top that was a couple shades brighter than emerald out and kept looking. Next to come was a lovely blouse of midnight blue. It was shimmery rather than sparkly, and had a faint purple hue to it's shimmer. But the neckline on it was uncomfortably low. She also pulled it out. The last thing she found on the very bottom of the pile was a deep ruby red blouse with dramatic, slashed long sleeves.
"Okay, which of these suits what we want?" she mused aloud, setting them out side by side for her and Eftemie to examine. The teenage clerk still shifted nervously behind the counter, looking faintly wild-eyed. She cast a glance his way, puzzled. A brief look to the aiko showed they were nowhere near him, and not even looking at him much. Shrugging, she turned her attention back to the shirts. Talencia Across the street, hunched in the darkest of shadows cast by the sickened sky against the ruined buildings, malicious eyes watched the weaker beings, traipsing about behind the glass as if naught could happen to them. The emaciated form shuddered in a cackling giggle. Oh yes, they would learn differently. Both the two-leggers and their furred companions would learn to fear the Destruction that was upon them. He, trell, would see to it personally.
For now he bided his time, scrunched into this small crevice between concrete ballasts, licking his razor teeth in anticipation of the suffering and anguish that was to come. *No. Something is... wrong. Moon and I have both been feeling it since we left home.* he stated, his eyes narrowing slightly. *I just can't figure it out. They seem to be making choices quickly so maybe this is the only shop we will have to look for. Did you notice the barracades around some of the buildings? The people here are doing this.. like they are preparing for something or afraid. I'm really not sure what is going on but I think it's affecting everywhere.* The hackles on his back suddenly stood straight up. Yuri's eyes narrowed further as he scanned the street outside the shop. A few people were moving here and there, but it was nothing like the crowds their used to be. And very few vehicles. Why? Nothing made sense.
"Take what you like." she stated, teeth tugging her lower lip as she studied the garments. "Pieces of them would work together, but also on a black jacket as some trim? Perhaps we can talk Tempest into adding something to his also." She suddenly smirked. "It's worth a try... even if only to tease him with."
Her eyes sparkled slightly at the thought of him and she laughed. She loved to surprise him. His nearly violet eyes glowed when she did that. Talencia "Hmmm," Elana murmured to herself, setting aside the short sleeve knit top. "That isn't quite right. But this wth that, and change the sleeves....,"she trailed off and then nodded. "Let's see if we can find something to add to Tempest's outfit in this sort of red." She fingered the deep ruby of the one with slashed sleeves. "Maybe a sash?" She eyed the shirt again. "Could you make a sash from the front and back panels of this after we removed the sleeves?"Tor meanwhile was getting highly restless. He got up and padded over to Elana and bumped her lightly, leaning against her. "I want to go," he spoke soft and low, but with an urgent tone. "Let's go, please?" He raised pleading eyes to first Elana, then to Eftemie. Plotting against Tempest was fun with his sister, she decided as she studied the amount of fabric she would get from it.
"I'm sure it will work." she added, watching Tor for a moment. "We are almost finished, Tor.
Glancing towards Yuri, she watched him. He was staring out the window with an expression she'd never seen on him before. It was so serious that it surprised her as she gazed rather wide-eyed at him.
"Yuri?" she asked, frowning slightly.
*Effie, just hurry up. It's... just a feeling.* he stated softly without turning. Talencia Elana exchanged looks with Eftemie and turned for the counter. The teenager stood up straighter and clearly tried to look more composed than he felt as they approached him. While he swiftly tallied it up on the machine, she unslung the backpack from one shoulder and twisted it around to unzip the front pocket and pull out her wallet. She let the pack hang from one shoulder and offered the teen the allotted money. He stuffed the clothing in a plastic grocery bag and plopped it on the counter before ringing up the payment and handing her the change.
Hands full of wallet, change, and the bag, she thrust the bag at her friend. "i'm not a packmule, you know!" she quipped, slipping the change into her wallet and then zipping it into the front pocket of the backpack before slinging it back onto both shoulders. "Alright boys, we're ready." she called and threaded her way through the few tables and racks in the store, leaving Eftie to follow behind her.
The teen apparently had been waiting for this, for he practically pounced on a radio behind the counter and clicked it on. She glanced back to see him hunched over it, nearly wringing his hands. She paused to listen to see what was so nerve-wracking. A business-like voice spoke clearly from the tiny speaker."It has become apparent that the drought has caused all large farms in the state to shut down. I, your mayor, have made an effort to make up for this loss of incoming produce by increasing the amount grown by our in-city hydroponics gardens. Due to the increased need for water for these crops, I have been forced to divert a portion of the ciy's water supply to these facilities. In this time of need, I call upon the citizens of our good city to learn to conserve their water. To assist in this endeavor, I have enacted a rationing system, with a daily household allowance of water. I want to thank the citizens for their cooperation in this measure to keep our city thriving. Thank you."The teen looked up at them then with a wide-eyed mien of shock. Elana, who had stood with her hand on the door and Tor leaning mightily on the backs of her legs, shrugged at Eftie and pushed on out the door.
Glancing down at Moonshadow who was directly beside her, she laughed. Reaching down she patted his nose fondly for a moment. Yuri was already standing just outside the door. Halting a step behind Elana as the announcement hit the air, Effie frowned. She listened, but she was sure they'd have plenty of water. They always had. Oddly, she stared out the window hesitating behind Elana. People were coming out into the streets. Some were discussing, loudly about the water and where to get more. Three men began to argue to the right of them and she stared her attention caught. Then she shuddered slightly as two grabbed one another with the third trying to break it apart. She blinked in surprise as another group began walking down the street tossing things aside in an effort to see what they could find. *I think we need to leave now, Effie.* Moon urged from behind. *Now.* Talencia With slitted eyes trell watched as people began to come out and act almost as if he himself had pushed them to it. Men began to fight and shove in ire. And here came those two goody-goodies. Yes, he would teach them alright!
Timing himself just right, he waited for a twitchy looking woman to pass him, then he leaped out with a terrifying gibber, flashing his razor-edged teeth at her and rolling his eyes maniacally. She reacted perfectly.
With a terrified and urgent scream the woman turned and fled, her steps pattering down the middle of the street as she angled away for him... straight towards the corner market.
He then turned his vile gaze to the two men who were fighting and nudged them. They paused in their struggle and watched the woman who was now fleeing into the store.
"Look! She's going for water! Out of my way! My family is bigger than yours." And with that, the one man shoved the other to the ground and hustled past him, and past the girls, on to the corner market. The ther people on the street gave each other uneasy looks and began to edge and hurry the same direction. The man on the ground shouted in fury and clambered to his feet. "HEY YOU! My wife's pregant! She should come first!" And with that, he dove forward, shoving anyone aside who was in his way.
With a menacing cackle, trell watched as the two girls and thier kitty-cats cautiously begain to walk around the growing crowd heading for the store. He knew their home was beyond that store. He knew they'd have to brave the crowd. And he waited until they were in the middle of the street, withink the growing stream of people, before he acted again.
With a bizarre happy skip, he leapt out into the stream of people. He got squeals and frightened squawks as he shoved between legs and feet. At one point he stopped and looked up into a circle of fearful faces and smiled wickedly and announced in his scratchy voice, "That store has no more water, you know. But I know someone who has some." And with that he scurried through the crowd, making a beeline for the girls, who as yet were still edging through alright.
He didn't go all the way to them... he was no fool. Those aiko weren't entirely mushy poof-balls of love. He darted away again, out of sight. But the tide of panicked people who had taken him at his word were surging towards the girls still. Stupid, bleating sheep! Who would believe the word of an imp at times like these?
He scrambled up on the steps to an abandoned buidling nearby and watched as the scene he had set continued in perpetual motion. It wasn't long before some woman shrieked, "SHE has water!" and someone dove for the single bottle of water stuffed in the backpack. He loved it when stupid humans panicked and stopped using their brains. It made them SO much easier to manipulate!
Cackling, trell danced and spun in glee as the two girls were nearly blocked from view by the surge of terrified humanity. Talencia Elana could feel the air charged with fear as she and Eftemie began walking from the shop to their warehouse home. She normally would have dismissed it, but people were coming out of the nearby buildings and acting strange. At first she thought it was a good thing the men had sprinted for the store instead of fighting right near them.
But as other people caught wind of the idea that others were going to hoard water by buying it at the corner market, she realized that it had only made things worse. She clung close to her friend as more and more people began to head for the store. Her eyes were wide as they eased along, weaving through the moving people, arcing to go AROUND the crowd as much as possible.
The were now having to walk through the middle of the street thronged with people, and Elana was beginning to realize that the store must be overflowing with demanding people by now. But suddenly, from behind them, a surge of people no longer fearful, but in complete and blind panic caught up with them. Someone yelled something about having water... wait no, about HER having water! She only had time to gasp a breath before they surrounded her, tearing at her backpack and her clothes, even pulling on her arms to drag her towards them and away from others.
Complete terror gripped her. All she could think was to get away, but she couldn't! Hands clawed at and shoved her, and she struggled to keep on her feet. Instinct told her falling in this madcrush of people would be deadly. Uneasily she watched the crowd of people. All she wanted to do was get out of there. How had something so fun turned into...this? She didn't know and she didn't care at that instant. She just wanted to get all of them home and out of the way of this. A slight shiver ran through her as the people near her began running and pushing and shoving. She was clinging to Elana as much as the other girl was to her. Upon hearing the word 'Water', she blinked in surprise. Was that the cause of all this? Just because water was going to be rationed? Pushing and shoving in the store caused her to glance back for an instant as a fight broke out. The sound of windows being smashed made her flinch again. But then suddenly Elana was ripped from her and she was shoved to the side. Moon snarled causing two men to back up as they grabbed at Eftemie. One's eyes narrowed as he approached again.
"Let go!" she shouted as the man grabbed her arm at the wrist. Twisting, she aimed a kick at him just as Moonshadow sank his teeth into the fellow's arm.
Yuri didn't just snarl, he launched himself directly at him, claws ripping and slashing as his wings beat them back from Eftemie. He didn't hesitate. *Tor!* he snapped. "Do whatever you need to get to Elana! They won't stop! Moon, protect Effie! I need to help Tor! Don't move though! We have to do this together!* His claws and fangs extended, he lashed out, ripping and shredding whomever was in his way to make a path to the girl and Aiko. His eyes were furious, nearly glowing in rage, and he wasn't holding back. To get them out safely, he would do whatever it took. Talencia Tor has been crushed in with Elana, since he refused to move from her side. But now people were climbing ON him to get to HER! HE bagan to snarl and bite and claw to free himself while staying glued to Elana when he heard her cry out, and then Yuri yell to him. The cries and screams for water finally registered as well. One man got a good grip on the backpack and jerked back with all his might. Elana screamed and fell backwards, but managed to brace herself backwards across Tor's back.
"Turn around!" he yelled to her, and watched her fight to do so. Others had locked onto the backpack and well, nearly dragging her over Tor's back. His delicate wings were already crushed and bent, rendering him flightless. But he was not defenseless. He continued to slash legs and feet until she was turned towards him, hands brached against his shoulder and hip to keep from being dragged byond him.
"When I say, throw yourself backwards and off me." His voice was tight, and he braced to spin. "Go!" He felt her fling her negligible weight backwards, and in the half a moment where everything was suspended, he pivoted and reached both front paws, claws extended, towards his beloved mistress. Her eyes were already wide with fear, but for a moment, a flicker of fear of him, but before he reached her, it was gone. With both paws, he slashed at her shoulders, trying hard not to hurt her too badly, but having to be certain the straps of the pack were entirely cut.
The moment of suspension of motion ended as the backpack came loose from her. She toppled backwards, down under the feet of those behind her who still thought she had the water. The men behind Tor also toppled over, fighting over their dubious prize. As Elana was swallowed by bodies, Tor yowled for Yuri's help and began to tear into the pile of people hiding his dear friend. Yuri didn't hesitate when he heard Tor's call for help. He slashed outward, ripping and shredding with all four feet. At the moment he didn't care if any of these people were injured. It was their own selfishness that was causing this. Neighbors and friends didn't act like this. One man flinched as the claws ripped the length of his arm. He backed up, stumbling over two other people who had been knocked to the ground. His eyes widened as he watched the aiko lash out at another person. It was at that moment, he stared at what was really happening. And he'd been involved in it. Wrapping his shirttail around his arm, he headed for his home. This would do noone any good. Moonshadow clawed and bit two others as they moved towards he and Eftemie. Finally they moved away, bleeding and injured enough to make them understand they'd not reach her. Two more people went down with injuries as Yuri cleared a path to Elana and Tor. A snarl of fury with wings beating the air and his eyes fully enraged caused others to move away quickly as they continued to look around for water. And back away from him. *Tor? Elana?* he called looking for them. How much had they been injured? Could they answer him at all? ialtkaos Tempest walked silently down the street. A slight smile appeared on his face. He was really glad that Elana and Eftemie got along so well. It meant alot to him that they did. The first time they'd met, he'd wondered if they would. He was happy they did. The hat might have been a problem but they both wore it more than he did now and he grinned slightly as he continued moving. A sudden skittering to his right pulled his attention back. A rat stared back at him, wrinkling its nose as it held an insect in its paws. He raised an eyebrow but never stopped. His pace quickened slightly as he glanced around. Too much was changing. Barracades in front of doors. Only one or two shops even dared to open their doors. Sirens occurred but with less and less frequency. He wondered if perhaps even the police were fearful of coming out to do their jobs. At some point if things didn't change, he'd have to stop what he was doing. But he wanted people to have something. A distraction at best, but still it helped to keep some normalcy. Especially in times like these. Oddly he just had an odd feeling today. One of knowing something was going to happen but uncertain what it was. It wasn't a good feeling. At least that's not what he was feeling. For an instant he worried about Effie and Elana's safety. But they had three aikos with them. If nothing else, they would protect the girls from true harm. He stopped staring when he reached the parking lot of the club. Jace had added a couple barracades at the side doors. Scowling he began walking again. Things changed quickly in a couple days off.
"Jace?" he asked as he entered the club. Two of the bouncers were sitting nearby, glanced up at him, nodding before going back to what they were doing.
"I'm back here, Tempest." the man replied, standing up from behind the bar. Turning to the barkeep, he said, "I think there's five more bottles in the stockroom. Bring them up."
"What's with the barracades?" he asked. "Something happen while I was off?"
"Yeah. A near riot outside. It's the second one in two days." he shook his head. "I couldn't even tell you what started it. It was more than we could get under control and I finally just locked the doors and let the police deal with it. It took them an hour to get here. I guess there were three others to deal with at the same time. We just got lucky and there were only about 20 or so causing trouble."
"Damn! I'm sorry. If I'd have known, I'd have come to help." he frowned, sitting down.
"I know you would have, but by the time you'd have gotten here, it would have been over. Don't worry." he laughed. "We were fine. Having strong doors helped. You don't have a show tonight, so what brings you in?"
"Oh, um... I'm going to be adding Elana to the act. Just small stuff right now, but she really wants to help and it might be kind of nice if she is. You don't mind do you? You can take some of my pay and give it to her." He grinned widely watching for a reaction. "The girls are out shopping for something for her to wear now."
Jace laughed. "I wondered how long it would take. I'll add her to the show and see that she has a good pay. The crowd that watches your shows look for her and Eftemie part of the time. A few of the regulars have taken to teasing whichever one isn't wearing your hat." A smirk slipped onto his face. "I think they are as popular as you are. Probably moreso since they are both prettier."
"I noticed. Hey... wait a minute..." he replied, but then protested. Then he agreed, nodding his head. "They are prettier. Effie's been teasing me about my hair. I'm tempted to change it back."
"Change it back?" Jace asked in surprise. "How so?"
Tempest broke into laughter. "You didn't really think my hair was black, did you?"
"I never really thought about it because of the shade of your eyes." Jace blinked. "What color is it really?"
"Red." he replied, his lips twitching. "I'll have to change the feathers, but I'm not sure I want to change it yet. I'm still thinking."
"Red?" he laughed, shaking his head. "I'd never have suspected."
Tempest grinned, "Good. I'll be in the back if you need anything." As he turned, one of the bouncers turned the radio on.
"It has become apparent that the drought has caused all large farms in the state to shut down. I, your mayor, have made an effort to make up for this loss of incoming produce by increasing the amount grown by our in-city hydroponics gardens. Due to the increased need for water for these crops, I have been forced to divert a portion of the city's water supply to these facilities. In this time of need, I call upon the citizens of our good city to learn to conserve their water. To assist in this endeavor, I have enacted a rationing system, with a daily household allowance of water. I want to thank the citizens for their cooperation in this measure to keep our city thriving. Thank you."Tempest stopped turning around to watch Jace. The man flinched. "The price of my supplies just went up. Damn!" he growled.
"I'm sorry, Jace." Tempest said, running a hand through his hair as he held his hat in his hand. "I wish there was something I could do that would help. I really wish this would go away, but..."
"...but it's not going to. And the worst is still yet to come." he finished, sitting down on one of the barstools. How much longer would he be able to avoid what was coming?
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Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 10:02 pm
Talencia Elana toppled over backwards and was immediately swallowed by a mass of people. Most tried to charge right over her to get to her pack. Some tried to tug at her, as if she still had the precious water. Terrified, she curled into a ball, both shoulders stinging wildly from Tor's slashes. Someone got ahold of her braid and began to pull insistently.Tor watched his sweet mistress fall backwards and the crowd rush over her. Frightened for her and enraged by their actions, he roared and leapt forward. Startled, peopl scattered from his slashing claws. In a moment he was straddling Elna. The one holding her braid and pulling still had the look of madness in her eyes, clearly blinding her to the danger she was facing. She was chanting, "Give it to me, give it to me," over and over maniacally. When a show of fangs didn't disuade her, Tor was forced to sink those fangs into the woman's arm. The woman let go with a shriek and flailed about. Ignoring her, Tor quickly snatched the back of her shirt in his jaws and began to haul her along between his legs, like a jaguar with it's kill. He could see Yuri just ahead, and he strained mightily to get Elana to him.Elana's hands had been wrapped around her hair to prevent as much pain from it as she could, while occasionally kicking others who grasped at her. She just barely missed kicking Tor in the face as he lunged over her, shielding her. She quieted under him, letting him protect her. And almost immediately, the painful tugging on her braid stopped. Before she could take more than a couple painful breaths, her aiko friend was pulling her along like a cub. She let him drag her a short way before turned over and scrambling to her hands and knees. When he released her shirt, she shot up and ran past Yuri and threw herself at Efte, who was in a circle of calm amongst the chaos of the mob. Heedless of her still seeping shoulder wounds, she wrapped herself around her friend, trying to hold back her weeping. With only time for a few quick breaths, she turned to the aiko for the way out of the seething crowd. They weren't far from the edge that led to home.
Eftemie wrapped her arms around Elana. "Just hold on, Elana." she said. "We'll take care of things when we get home. Yuri, get us out of here. Now."
Yuri was still angry at this, but as Elana surged past him and to Eftemie, he nearly sighed in relief. Jumping towards them, his wings still slightly extended, he said, *Alright. Follow me.* Whirling he snarled at the last couple of people who quickly jumped to the side at the sight of bared fangs and claws. Moon glanced at Tor and then nodded.
"Let's go, Elana." Eftemie said softly, her arm around the girl as she quickly pulled her after Yuri. "We'll be safer at home." The bag was still wrapped tightly in one hand. "Moon, Tor, stay beside us."
She flinched several times as they hurried down the street. Several people were still fighting and shouting behind them. The sounds of windows breaking continued for some time. Moonshadow slipped back a pace or two behind them as they moved. He wanted to be certain noone was coming up behind. Yuri was moving swiftly down the street, but he made certain they were right behind him. There had been something back there that made this worse than it would have normally been, but he'd not been able to figure it. Just the strange scent that seemed to jump out at him. It was not a human odor either. Talencia Tor bounded past Yuri and then kept himself on Elana's other side, lending pyusical support to the young woman sa well as emotional. His poor crumpled wings were aching, but he disregarded his own discomfort, well aware of the injuries he had caused his own girl. He was inwardly struggling with slf-loathing over that. Surely he could have done it without hurting himself. Why couldn't he have been more careful? He was a lousy friend and protector. Miserably, he stayed close to Elana' free side, assssting them back home.Elana struggled on beside Eftemie, on the last dregs of her ability to cope. Terror, the bludgeoning she took from the crowd, and the blood loss were swiftly catching up with her. SHe sagged against her friend and braced a hand on Tor's back. Unaware of how he felt about what he'd done, she inwardly considered him her hero. Grateful for both of them, she leaned her head tiredly against Eftie's shoulder and fought the urge to close her eyes and sink into blissful unconciousness. It took several very long minutes to get to the steps in front of the loft. Effie glanced around as she helped Elana towards the door. Deciding nothing looked tampered with, Yuri stepped back out of the way, watching the street below. They were in the clear but some of the faint echoes indicated that it was not settling down. Still no sirens though and that made him gaze about them suspiciously. *Tor,* Yuri said softly without turning to look at the other aiko. Tor had been too quiet and he'd noted the injuries though he'd also known they were necessary. It was obvious that Tor had never been faced with a life or death situation before. Moon had once, but he and Sable had many times. *That was fast thinking on your part back there. You saved her by getting that pack off her and standing over her. It's some of what made them back off Elana. Good job.* Her hand shook slightly as she pulled her key out to unlock the front door. Thankfully there was no glass on the door, but too small windows. She could imagine someone throughing something through and trying to get in. Joe had made certain that noone could. At this moment, she was extremely glad.
As she shoved the door open to let them inside and to the elevator, she suddenly gasped as she remembered the bag and what it contained. "Tempest... he'd be out in this or... coming back!" She glanced at Elana worriedly.
Talencia Cackling gleefully, trell moved through the crowd, nudging here and scaring there, creating all sorts of fantastic havoc. He paused to nudge a man to snatch an ice cream out of a child's hand. The wailing child buried his face against his mother while the father, who was arguing with someone else nearby, turned around and slugged the guy as he fled.
Oh yes, it was wonderful to be evil! He skipped through the churning legs as people ran in different directions. Windows smashed and people screamed. A sudden blaring of a car horn got his attention, and he darted over to slash a tire as it sped by, people leaping out of it's way. Swerving due to the flattenend tire, it rammed into a powerpole with a highly satisfying SMASH.
Ah, but that had more of an effect than he'd intended. With malicious pleasure he watched as all the lights and electrically powered things down the street all clicked off, one by one. There was a moment of surprise from everyone, and then more panic came from within each inhabited building as people made leaps and assumptions. And he hadn't even needed to nudge them! Now they thought that electrical power was also being taken from them, and he spun and whirled in delight as the chaos grew. Yuri glanced down the road after watching Eftemie and Elana a moment. *I can fly, Efte. I'll go see if I can find him. You go on inside. Moon and Tor can stay with you. And keep the door locked.* he growled.
"Yuri, thank you." she said, suddenly hugging the aiko tightly. "Just be careful. I know a mob like that won't stop for anything."
He nodded, unfolding his wings. *Inside. I'm not leaving until I hear that door lock.* he stared at them all.
She laughed and followed Elana inside. Turning the key, she yelled, "Alright, now go."
He snorted, shaking his head, but went running to gain room for flight. A few seconds later he was aloft. No good would come of this day.
Turning to Elana, she unlocked the elevator gate. "Let's go. We need to take care of those wounds. I really hope... Tempest isn't out in that."
By the time they were upstairs, they could hear the violence still on the street. Efte glanced out the window twice jumping at noises even though they were distant enough they'd not be affected by them. The bag she dropped on the table.
"Elana, sit. I'm going to have to see the tops of your shoulders to see how badly you were injured. And you will want to wear something very soft on them for a bit I think." she said as she focused on getting the first aid items she had. White cloth, salve, and a cleansing solution were always in the cabinet. It was one of the things on her list that she checked weekly.
"I don't know much about medicine, but I think I can handle basic first aid." she said, winking at the girl as she tried to ease her about Tempest and what had happened. She didn't like it but there wasn't much she could do.
Talencia Elana sank down into the first chair, staring almost blindly into space. She was still in shock about what had happened. To her young and innocent mind, noone ever would have or should have acted in that way... mobs of pepole not thinking, only acting, sometimes to hurt one another. It stunned her into a walking stupor. It so far hadn't even dawned on her that her brother was in danger of the very same crowd, despite the fact that Eftemie had spoken of it.
She let her friend remove her shirt carefully and begin to clean the slashes on her shoulders. The stinging pain of the cleansing solution brought her out of herself somewhat, and she flinched. "That hurts." It was the first she had spoken since crying out for help when the mob had attacked her. Her eyes focused more as she turned her gaze to Eftie. She winced more. "It really hurts, actually." More aware, she gritted her teeth and turned her eyes, looking for something to distract her.Tor stood by her side the entire time, watching her anxiously. He had appreciated Yuri's reassurances, but he still felt guilty for inflicting these injuries on his beloved mistress. He leaned against her like a dog, keeping his soulful eyes trained on her face. He knew she'd retreated from what had happened, and only hoped that he hadn't made it worse with hurting her. Desperately he hoped she wasn't angry at him for it, and that her feelings hadn't been hurt. All he wanted, with all his furry being, was for her to be okay. His crumpled wing membranes didn't even matter right now. All that mattered was Elana. She knew the solution stung, but this was more than just the physical pain. A frown slipped onto her face as she watched the younger girl.
"You know, Elana, I don't think that they really meant to do that. People just weren't thinking. They are frightened." she said softly, her teeth tugged her lower lip as she glanced outside. "I'm sure in a day or two things will have settled down."
*I agree.* Moonshadow said, looking at Tor's wing. *One man seemed to come out of whatever had hold of him when he got bitten. He walked away. It will settle down. Effie, when you are done, you'll need to look at Tor's wing. It got... crunched...* Sable walked into the room. She tilted her head gazing at them a moment. *Where's Yuri? Didn't he come back with you?* she asked, padding softly forward. Noting the expressions on everyone, a bit of worry suddenly slid through her. *Effie, what happened?*
"He went after Tempest because I was worried about him, Sable. There was an announcement about water and people went crazy after a water bottle that Elana had. It's a mob outside and... it's just sad." she finished shaking her head as she applied the salve to the wounds. It would soothe away the irritation and pain as well as prevent infection.
*A mob?! And Yuri's out in that alone?!* Sable whirled, towards the door that allowed them access in and out. A moment later she was gone. Talencia Elana relaxed as the soothing salve was spread on, and her mind cleared entirely. Eftemie was right, of course. Things weren't nearly as bad as it had seemed out there... not for the long run, anyway. Right now, though... "Oh, but Tempest!" She cast her friend the first worried look since their encounter with the mob. "I wish I could do something!" She ducked her head instinctiely when they heard a window in a nearby building smash.
She sat still long enough for Eftemie to put bandages on her shoulders, and then she rose. "I... am going to go find something to wear. No sense in Tempest seeing me like this." Her averted eyes though clearly indicated that she was going to go escape to her room. "Will you take care of Tor's injury for me, please?" Her gaze rose then to meet her friend's eyes, and there was a clear need to go hide. She couldn't deal with anything more than she currently was dealing with, but she knew he needed to be provided for.Tor, who had had his head in her lap, drew back when she'd risen. He blinked at her sorrowfully, wishing he was of more comfort to her. His head sagged a bit when she sought the escape she did, without him. Perhaps he'd done wrong after all. Miserable, he leaned against Eftemie's legs.Elana might have been lost in her own swirl of emotions, but she did realize that Tor's heart was hurt by her retreating. She took the time to kneel in front of him and stroke his face lovingly. Just for him, she whispered softly, "When you feel better, love, come keep me company? I need you more than ever now." The hopeful look in his eyes nearly broke her heart, and she hugged his neck tightly for a moment before rising and disappearing swiftly down the hallway.
"I'll take care of him," she replied softly almost absently. It was obvious that Elana was hurting, but she was more worried about Tempest, Yuri, and Sable at the moment. They were still out in in that mess. Feeling Tor against her legs, she smiled sitting down on the floor beside him. She looked his wing over, wondering what she should do. It looked more bruised than anything to her. At least the discoloration that had formed indicated such. Touching it gently, she looked for anything that was an open injury, but when she found none, Effie patted him.
"It doesn't look like anything is broken, Tor. It's just pretty bruised. I'm not sure what I can do, but I have some salve that is a menthalatum and it should ease the pain in it. Pretty much the way it eases a tensed muscle. I'll be as gentle as I can but it needs to be massaged in. It might smell pretty strong, but it should help a little at least."Carefully, she massaged the ointment into the heavier portions of the wing which appeared to be where the bruise was. When he winced once or twice, she knew that it hurt and patted him.
"There, all done," she said moving back. "I'm sure it will be alright. Just be careful with it for the next few days. And try not to lay against anything. It's going to be tender."
She smiled hugging him for a moment. "You did extremely well out there. Yuri is used to fighting, and Moon has had to once or twice, but you acted very bravely to help her as you did. Now go keep her company, and I'll bring some tea in and a treat for you."
ialtkaos When the power suddenly went out, Tempest cursed just as the radio announced a mob. He flinched.
"Jace! The girls are out in that! I'm sure! I've gotta go!" and he turned running out the door in the direction he knew all this was happening. All he could think was that he needed to find Eftemie and Elana and get them home. He stopped after running flat out the first two blocks. Breathlessly he stared at the chaos in front of him. People were smashing windows if they were unbarracaded and throwing things at one another. Windows were smashed and doors shattered as rocks and various other things were thrown through them. Four men began grabbing merchandise from an electronics place that had been locked up, but once the windows and doors were broken, it was a free-for-all. Gasping for breath Tempest stared, wincing slightly. If the girls were in that mess, it wasn't good. All he could do was look for them as he made his way back to the loft. Hopefully they'd be there by the time he was. Hopefully. Talencia Elana stumbled into her her usually cheerful room and glanced about once. Then with a sudden sob, she threw herself on the bed and curled in a ball. She grabbed a tight hold on her favorite of her stuffed toys, a little black panther cub. Clinging for dear life to him, she muffled her sobs against his soft fabric. Tears streaming down her face, she finally let the horror and bsaic betrayal she'd felt by how all those people had acted. It tore at her heart and turned her soul to mourning.
For with her almost second sight, she hadn't seen panicked people. Her eyes had behled vicious, slavering creatures, bent on the destruction of others with a terrifying single-mindedness. She had seen a demonic light in the eyes of those who had shoved and pushed and tore at her with fingers that had changed into slashing claws. Curled in the relative safety of her room, she shuddered in revulsion and in pity. This wasn't how things were supposed to be!
After a time her sobs lsowed, and her tears dried to sticky stiffness on her cheeks. Her breath still came in gasps from time to time, but the main storm of emotion had passed now. She still lay, curled round the stuffed cub, but her muscles were beginning to relax. She conciously took deeper breaths, calming herself and letting all those feelings go as she did so. It didn't make what had happened any better, but it helped that she had let it out.
A faint splash made her stop breathing and blink in surprise. What was that? She lay carefully still, listening. There... sloshing? She sat up then, eyes wide, turning to gaze at her amphibian tank. She planned on getting some froggy pets, and had set up the tank in preperation for them. But she hadn't managed to find any yet! What was playing in the submerged area?
She approached cautiously. It looked like... a bug? It looked like it had wings, but it was using them to swim about, like that one insect that looked like it rowed on top of the water. For a moment she was mildly disgusted. A bug in the water? But as she leaned closer, she could see it was flipping around and literally playing in the water, as if it were more sentient than a bug.
Just then, the bug paused and almost seemed to be looking up at her... though she saw no eyes. And then... "BAD!" and she got a squirt of water in her face! Startled, she sprang backwards, dropping her stuffed cub on the floor. With a gasp she wiped the water off her face and stared at the tank and the bug that was merrily swimming about agani.
"Did it... no, couldn't have," she muttered to herself. She marched back over and leaned back over the tank. "No bugs allowed!" she told the swimming thing firmly, feeling foolish for doing so. The bug paused... "BAD BUG!" and squirted her again! Elana only leaned back then and wiped her face again.
"Yes, you ARE a bad bug!" Mildly irritated, Elana stood with her fists on her hips, glaring at the tank and the now submerged creature. It clearly had spoken to her, so it couldn't be a bug.
"Blud-blug," she heard it talking to itself, almost as if pleased.
"Bah." Elana threw up her hands in exasperation and flopped back on the bed, glaring at the tank. ialtkaos Shaking his head, he stared in silence wondering how to get through the enormous mess in front of him unscathed. Somehow, he knew he would not. All he could do was duck and run for cover. Several times people seemed to step back as if in wonder at themselves only to be drawn in again when some instant snapped them back much the way elastic springs back. Only this time it was in the wrong direction. Some seemed to be trying to fight their way free as Tempest was. When the girl just ahead of him was grabbed by two men who planned to haul her down the alleyway, he looked around for something to use on them. Before he could, they were jumped by four others and the girl took off down the street running blindly as she continued to cry in what looked as much like fear as relief. Tempest sighed, moving away and around a car that was wrecked. How he hoped the girls had made it home safely. ialtkaos
As two people fought, trell quickly tied their shoe laces together. With a gleeful grin, he danced away unnoticed. The next few were talking quietly at the side but he stopped to watch them a moment. They weren't doing anything so he slipped behind the man to the right.
An instant later, he smirked, tossing his voice out in comment. It seemed as if the man had said it. The second turned to him, suddenly yelling. A moment more and both were hitting one another with the third trying to prevent.
Smirking, trell hurried towards another person across the street. Suddenly he stopped when he saw the man. It was the one who'd been with her and the other girl earlier that day.
Snickering to himself, he moved towards him. He had plans.
Yuri drifted over the street as low as he possibly could without causing further panic. He'd covered nearly half the distance to the club when he caught sight of Tempest. A moment later, he landed in front of him, folding his wings back. *The girls are safe at the apartment, Tempest. We need to get out of here.* he said quickly snarling at three men breaking things to the side of them. Fangs bared, he warned them to remain back. They gazed at him beligerantly for a moment, soon turning away.
"Are they alright, Yuri?" he asked quickly, worry on his face. *Yes, but this is not the place to explain. We need to get off the street.* Yuri snarled causing several to move away.
Trell stopped suddenly, the smirk vanishing. One of those creatures was there again. His eyes narrowed in slight frustration. He'd protect him. What did he do now?
A wicked grin appeared sliding across the face of the imp. They might get out of there, but it most certainly would not be easy. Eftemie Trell smirked as he pushed some people on one side into breaking more. A window shattered from the box thrown through it.
Dancing to the other side before anyone noticed him, he whispered, "Water" just loud enough that several nearby could hear. Glancing around they caught sight of Tempest and Yuri.
"Let's see if they have some." one man growled already moving.
He cackled gleefully at the trouble he was causing.Tempest and Yuri blinked when several moved towards them. He didn't hesitate. And he didn't look back.
"Run, Yuri!" he yelled already moving down the street.
"Come back here!" "He's obviously got something to hide!" For nearly ten minutes they darted around and through the debris on the street. Dodging several people, Tempest dared to glance back. Once. He nearly tripped and fell. Out of breath as they turned the corner, Yuri growled as he saw an open doorway. *In here!* He didn't want to injure anyone unless he had to. Would he have to again? Tempest nodded, slamming the door shut behind them. Locking it quickly, he moved back further into the room. Windows had been boarded up long ago from what he could see. "Did you see where he went?" a voice snarled. "Just around this corner." The doorknob rattled slightly, but held firm. "Bah! They are long gone now!" Both Tempest and Yuri held their breath, waiting for them to move away. The sounds of things getting tossed around echoed for the next five minutes. Finally everything went quiet outside. Muted sounds still reached them, but easily were some distance away.
"Think it's safe out there, now?" Tempest asked, shaking his head. "Well, safe enough to get use home anyhow."
*Perhaps.* Yuri replied stepping towards the door. His ears perked upwards slightly as he listened for movement. *I believe so.* A moment later they were on the street again, moving quickly away from the area as they possibly could. Suddenly Sable landed in front of them, her jaws tight in irritation. *You left without me.* she growled. *No time for that, Sable.* Yuri growled back. *Let's get home and out of this mess.*
"I agree." Tempest said walking past her. He rubbed his arm, noting the pain. When his hand came away sticky, he glanced down. A hole and he'd been injured. It was bleeding freely but didn't appear to be life threatening.
Whatever had set these people off wasn't gone, and he wanted out of the middle of whatever was happening. He sighed in relief when he saw the building come in sight. Nothing had ever been as welcome as it was in that moment. He turned glancing back the way he had come. The mob of people were still moving that direction and destroying things. Shaking his head, he wondered if anything would ever be right again.
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Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 10:03 pm
::A Quiet Moment:: (New 07.09.06)
Eftemie Solo
Eftemie was sitting in the garden silently watching the street outside. Tempest knew she was brooding again. She'd done that alot more recently and he wasn't entirely certain why, but it seemed as if she were expecting something to happen. And disliking that it would. And after today's events, he knew she would. He scowled as he walked towards her, but quickly wiped the expression from his face when she glanced towards his footsteps. Instead he smiled, sitting down beside her and slipping an arm around her shoulders. He sat down so that his injured arm wouldn't be around her. It still hurt and he was certain it was going to be stiff for a few days.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Not really." she said softly.
"Sure there is." he said tilting her chin upwards to look in her eyes. "You've been quiet lately. And after today.... " He made certain by his expression that she understood he wasn't going to take no for an answer.
She shrugged, but then just sighed and leaned back against him. "It's just this time of year. I guess."
"Time of year?"
"My birthday is coming up and I just always feel sad this time of year." she said, frowning slightly. "I don't really want to talk about it, Tempest."
He watched her a moment, his frown deepening as it returned to his face. "Maybe you need to, Effie. Maybe you need to just say something about it. And your birthday?" He grinned slightly. Mischievously. "When is it?"
"Huh?" she blinked at the sudden change in tone. "It's in a couple weeks.. why?" Then she blinked again at his smirk. She stared at him confused for an instant. Then the thought was shoved from her mind by a sound outside on the street. Two men were outside fighting and yelling at one another. Then they went opposite directions. She shuddered slightly, causing him to tighten his arm around her more. She thought about what had happened that day. The mob. The strangeness of it all. Although it was the last thing she wanted to think about, her thoughts continued returning to the events. And the way everything seemed dark. Dreary. Dying. She frowned at the word, but knew it fit. It fit too well. What little news she had listened to spoke of wars in other places, rationing food and water, and the lessening of their lives in some way, shape, or form. Frankly she'd switched the radio and television off entirely. But after the event of today, she frowned wondering what was going on. They couldn't avoid forever. But she wanted to as long as she could. Could they avoid forever and just stay happy as they were? No. Most likely not. But she still didn't want to think about it. She shuddered again, resulting in Tempest pulling her closer. Her thoughts muddled slightly as she blinked in confusion torn between what was coming and what she wanted.
"Tell me, Effie. What's going on?" he scowled as watched her, ignoring the fight outside the window. At least as much as possible. He had already thought about talking to Joe about barracading some things.
"Oh.. it's just.. my mother died when I was born. It always seemed... awful to celebrate someone's death." she said absently. "My dad and I never had parties. He always gave me a gift or took me somewhere special, but other than that, we didn't celebrate. But with what happened today, it really doesn't matter. It somehow seems... inappropriate to even think about things like that. I usually visit my parents' graves and leave flowers, but I'm not even sure I'll be able to do that this time."
There was alot he didn't know about her. Having spoken to Joe about her distracted memory and the ease with which she was turned to the side, he'd never really thought of a cause or even what the rest of her life might have been like. Maybe he needed to know more, but it never occurred to him that he'd never taken the time to know any of the other women. He just knew he needed her and wanted her to smile.
"Tell me what your life was like growing up, Effie." he said suddenly, drawing her eyes back to him.
"I.. don't really.." she gazed at him, still frowning slightly.
How he hated that expression on her face. He wanted her to smile. And laugh.
"It's alright. I'd like to know." he said softly, brushing the hair from the side of her face.
She sighed, nodding as she leaned back again. Somehow she felt safe with him around. Maybe it wouldn't hurt her to talk to him. At least a little.
"My mother only lived long enough to see me and hear my name when my father gave it to me. My name.. Eftemie means Jewel. He said my eyes sparkled like a jewel but didn't want to name me that." she smiled, then laughed. "He always teased me how much I was like her and made sure I had pictures and stories about her. He was always so sad though he tried to hide it, but I could see that without her, the life was just gone from him. Even I couldn't make up for it, and I always knew that, though he tried to hide it. I think he was happiest here after that.. with me running wild down the hallways and interrupting office meetings as I did. Or playing a prank on someone in the offices."
"So he was alot like your Uncle Joe?"
"Uncle Joe?!" she snorted, shaking her head. "No. Uncle Joe is alot different than my father was. Uncle Joe was the one who kept things on track and in order. He kept them moving, but my dad... my father.. he... dreamed of the things that they could do. He was always making time for me no matter what he was in the middle of. He.. played.. I guess is what you'd say. He had fun except when he thought about mom and I don't think there was a day that went by that he didn't. He just loved her that much. When he died, I went to live with Uncle Joe. He tried to make up for them being gone. It just wasn't the same, but I love him for what he did give me."
He thought for a moment, face scrunching up as he contemplated the effect on her. He suspected she had been young and it might explain why she felt the need for this building so greatly as well as the need to laugh. She avoided the rest like the plague because it hurt and she just didn't want to cope with it. Maybe that was what he'd seen in her that day. A sparkle of laughter so strong it covered the pain deep inside. He knew that feeling all too well. His own father. Shoving his thoughts forcefully away from himself, Tempest watched her, his eyes gentle and warm.
"How old were you when he died, Effie?" he asked, his voice soft as he squeezed her shoulder.
She stared at him a moment, wonderingly, but then replied with a shrug. "10. I really don't want to talk about this, Tempest." she frowned, shoving the thoughts away. It always hurt whenever she thought about it. This was the last thing she wanted to do. "I think that I'm going to work on that painting awhile longer now. And no distractions." The last she smirked at him, laughing as she turned away. Suddenly he pulled her backwards after grabbing her wrist.
Planting a kiss on her lips he grinned. "Now you can go."
"And I think you should get rid of the black dye. I'd rather see the red." she smirked.
His eyes narrowed in slight amusement. "I'll think about it, but not promising anything."
"Just do it." she giggled, turning towards the table in the other room.
His eyes followed her from the room and watched her even afterwards as she sat at the table. He wasn't entirely certain but it was as if she'd simply turned it all off in some way. She had been really affected to lose her parents that way. He briefly wondered what he or Elana would have been like if the very same thing had happened to them. In a way it had. They were just older and though their father was still living, he was no less gone than if he had died. But maybe there was something he could do about Effie. Maybe. Then he sighed, pulling a black strand forward. Maybe he should go back to the red. He'd have to really think on it.
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Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:42 am
:: (Done as of 08.02.06) ::
::The Plot Thickens::
Eftemie Solo
The more he thought about it, the more it bothered him. Eftemie needed a happy birthday for once. He'd gotten a little more of the story out of her, but not much. Her father always had a birthday present for her and so did Joe but she had always refused birthday parties to prevent her father's feelings from being injured. On her eighth birthday her uncle had insisted on one and she had burst into tears, running to hide. Her father held her, but in the end, the party was left unattended. She just refused to celebrate something so obviously painful for everyone around her. A need to do something for her that day slipped into Tempest, getting stronger each day he watched her. Perhaps together he and Elana could come up with something. Perhaps if there was a way to make it turn to a celebration about her instead of the celebration of death that she saw. It could give her a happy day instead. A slim chance, but one he was willing to take to make her laugh. He wanted her happy and laughing. It's what she did best and the reason why he loved her. He hesitated, blinking in surprise as the thought slipped free. He really did. He loved Eftemie. It had sneaked up on him when he wasn't looking and bitten him. Hard. And he'd not even noticed until now. Shaking his head at himself, he sighed. Joe had said that but he'd never really defined it as love. Until now. He needed to talk to Joe and see what they could do. It was at that point he smelled breakfast cooking. The fragrances wafted down the hallway causing his stomach to rumble a little. He was wrong. Eftemie was up, but he still had time to talk to Elana. At least a few minutes. She smiled thinking about them as she put the food on. Sirens went off down the street again, causing her to flinch. She closed her eyes for a few moments. It was constantly getting worse and though she was trying to think of happier stuff, it was getting harder and harder each day. The skies were dark. People scurried about afraid, but they peeked out their windows, many of which were boarded up. It was getting bad outside and though most in the area were trying to ignore, how much longer could they really do so? The news was not what she wanted to hear and she seldom turned the television on. Even when they went shopping, Tempest, Elana, Moonshadow, Yuri, Tor, and she went. It just wasn't safe doing it alone as she once had. The sizzling of the bacon drew her atttention back as she heard a shutter banging in the breeze outside. The house across the street. She watched while the man reached out quickly after peering to see if anyone was around. Then he hurriedly opened the window, pulling it back and latching the shutter. He didn't take long before he disappeared entirely, shoving the curtains back into place. At one time she'd have peeked out and waved to him. Now she didn't. What was wrong with this world? But as the thoughts slid over her, the food cooking drew her attention back and she began humming. Out of sight. Out of mindAfter breakfast and talking to Eftemie and Elana for a few moments, Tempest slipped out the door taking Yuri with him. He needed to talk to two other people about helping him with something. Quite certain he could talk them into it, he strode down the street confidently. He never noticed the eyes following him or even the dark shape. Since the mobbing, few people came outside unless they needed something, and he shook his head. Maybe this would help everyone. IF he could get it to happen. He did love to put on a show, and this would be big if he could pull it off. But the things that had happened recently were affecting everyone. Even him. Several times a day, he'd slip downstairs to check doors and windows to make certain they were locked tightly. Trust was a fleeting shadow these days and he was no exception. Carefully, and silently, he and Yuri made their way to the club. Jace and two others were there. After greeting them, he turned to his friend. A few moments more of explanation and he grinned widely. Yuri was lying at the door silently listening, but remaining alert. "Are you crazy, Tempest?" Jace blinked, staring at him intensely. Shaking his head, he continued, "I don't think this will work. Just have a simple party and invite a few friends. It's safer."
"Come on, Jace. If we do this and get others involved, maybe it will help everyone. What can it hurt?""Tempest... that's alot of work. Do you know how many people it would take?" Both of the other men listening grinned widely as they said, "I'll help." Then laughing, they shrugged at Jace's annoyed expression.
"Joe will help us. So would his workers. I'm sure of it." Shoved a hand through his hair, he sighed. "I think it will help everyone. Not just Elana and Efte, but other families, too, Jace." "Alright already. I'll go with you to talk to Joe." he sighed, grabbing his jacket from the back of the chair. "The things you get me into. Keep an eye on the place and keep it closed." "Will do." both replied, smirking slightly as Tempest once more got his way.
"What are friends for, Jace?" he smirked, winking at Yuri who shook his head. Flexing his paws and wings slightly, he got to his feet to wait. Eftemie would definitely be surprised. Nearly two hours later, Joe, Jace, and Tempest discussed what they needed to do. His construction company's site would work as it was empty at the moment. Plenty of room for tents and parking. It was decided that Joe would take care of the power lines, parking, and any construction such as stages or tents that needed put up. Jace would get vendors for both food and games as well as extra carnival workers to wander the area keeping an eye on things. His bouncers would work well for that. He'd also take care of advertising. Tempest grinned slightly. That left the entertainers to him. The people he knew best. Over the next week, the carnival was set up, keeping everyone busy and distracted. Little notice was given to the state the world was in. As word spread, many began to relax a little. At least those in the area around Eftemie's home were pulling together in the hope that something was normal still. Perhaps the worst would go away. Perhaps it had run its course as people tried to move, shoving back and avoiding as much as they could. Perhaps.... Not likely.
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 8:11 am
::In The Comics::
Eftemie Solo
His hair. Did he really want to do this? He stopped just outside the salon door. Merely stared at it. Barely anyone was on the street but he'd been told this place was still open. If any were. Did he really want to do this? In the comic strips, this would be where an image of him standing just as he was appeared in the first frame. A bubble over his head would ask "Do I really want to do this?" The next frame, ironically, would have some flash of lines indicating magical poofness and a small devilish imp complete with red body, flaming wings, forked tail, and horns would appear sitting on his shoulder.
*Don't listen to her.* it said in a squeaky voice, huffing in attitude. *What does she know? Besides it's your hair.* It would continue to grumble, growl, and grin slyly as it tried to sway him its direction.
But then the next frame would show him hesitating as the imp continued its tirade as another poofness appeared, revealing a small haloed angelic creature.
*She loves you.* it would plead, *She knows what's best. Isn't her love worth your true self?* It would coax and continue in matyrdom whilst the devilish imp growled in sudden frustration.
Of course, the next frame it was a free-for-all as the halo was knocked ascant and the trident poked into the angelic's rear until it became a slap on the other cheek and a blatant knock-down-drag-them-out-brawl. At this point the poor fellow is standing in confusion, swaying sadly as he tries to go in all directions. At least in the comics it would. His lips twitched upwards as the images continued to fight pulling him in different directions in front of his mind's eye. Suddenly he caught sight of his reflection in the window in front of him while the cartoony images moved slightly to the side. They still bickered and fought but at a level he could ignore them more. What was it he saw there? More importantly what was it she saw in the image he was looking at? She teased him but she really didn't expect him to change it. Not because she said so. It was up to him and what he wanted and she put no demands on him Eftemie just accepted him, seeing beneath what others saw. Staring at his reflection, Tempest studied the man he saw. The black fedora tilted back, the long black hair, the two long black braids to the side. The black jacket. The black shirt and pants. Even black boots. His skin was slightly tanned but that only added to the darkness of the entire image. Red. Two red feathers jumped out at him suddenly at the ends of the braids. Why red? He continued to stare at those red feathers as the two cartoony beings continued to battle on his shoulder. The man staring back at him barely looked alive. Like an.. undertaker. He blinked.
"An undertaker..?" he mused, frowning. He'd taken up this guise immediately after that first arguement with his father. It had hurt. Tempest needed the dark image for the show, but perhaps not quite so dark. Maybe that was the point Eftemie was trying to make.
Was this what she saw? Someone barely alive and unable to see his true self? Was this what she saw and accepted? Suddenly he wondered. Was this what he wanted to give to her? He felt alive. When he was with her. And Elana. And putting on his show. That was what he needed most. Each lit his heart as a candle lit up the darkest room. His lips twitched upwards in amusement. Her eyes sparkled when she was surprised and when she laughed. That was what he needed most. That sparkle. Suddenly he laughed aloud.
"To hell with you both." he smirked to the two tussling causing both to stop and stare. "I'll please myself."
Of course, this would be the moment when both vanished, each one in a huff at being discounted, denied what they thought was theirs. At least in the comic strips. Instead and with a very wide grin, Tempest stepped into the salon, removing his hat. The dye was being removed. She'd be surprised. When he left the salon, a smile was firmly planted on his face though Tempest watched the area closely. After the mob, he didn't take his safety for granted. Shops were getting scarce and people who were willing to help even less. He'd tipped the girl extremely well for changing his hair back. And honestly if he'd not known her already, she'd have refused to do it. Eftemie's birthday was coming up and this was a good beginning of surprising her. She truly didn't expect him to redye his hair, but he kind of missed the red mop he grew. He shaved at least once a day to ensure that his whiskers didn't show up. Black hair and a red beard just didn't work. When he got to the door, the man snickered as he unlocked the double lock. Once inside he rechecked it before stepping towards the elevator. With a grin, he shoved his hat back in its usual rakish angle. He nearly laughed as he tossed the hat to the rack and quietly moved to see where Eftemie was. He didn't see Elana which meant she was most likely in her room. The sound of a chair scuffing backwards slightly as soft footsteps moved away snagged his attention. Eftemie was at her desk. Painting. Even though she had fewer to do, she still sketched or painted as often as she could. A frown flickered across his face as he silently watched her study the work on the desk. For an instant that's all he did. Then he quietly moved up behind her slipping his arms around her as he kissed her on the neck.
"What are you working on?" he asked softly, just holding her against him.
She laughed, leaning back against him. "Just something I wanted to do. I sketched the design a long time ago, but never had the time to do it. So..." she smirked turning around in his arms suddenly, "what have you....? OH MY GOD! You did it! You... I mean... "
Eftemie's eyes opened wide as she stared at him. Shocked by the coppery hair, her jaw dropped open. Then a slow smile crept across her face.
He raised an eyebrow. "Is it that bad?"
Laughter burst free fully as her lips curled upwards further. "No." she said softly reaching out to touch the hair at the side of his face, running her fingers through it for a moment. "I like it. I really like it. It fits, Tempest. It really fits you better than the other, though I was only teasing you just to tease. I didn't expect..."
"I didn't just change it for you, Efte. I changed it for me, too. I'd been thinking about it for awhile. I mainly changed it... " he stopped frowning.
"Why did you change it?" she suddenly felt that was important in some way.
"Because of my father and the things he said. I really don't want to go into them but I was trying to be someone else. That's who Tempest is- an image to prove to my father that I could be whatever I wanted to be. I just didn't see that Tempest really is who I am- at least deep down." he replied, frowning at himself and then smiled widely at her. "But since Elana is here and you are here now, I'm feeling much more like who I really am."
Her lips twitched upwards as she gazed at him silently for a moment. "I like you just as you are, Tempest." she said softly, slipping her arms around him tightly and just holding on. "I'm really glad you are here too." Her face was buried in his shoulder. "I don't know what I'd do if you weren't."
His arms tightened around her for a moment. Then he pushed her back, his fingers tilting her chin upwards. A thousand words were in their eyes as jade met violet. All said the same thing.
"I love you, Eftemie." he said softly, kissing her lips gently. "I have since that day you nearly knocked me down. Your laughter and green eyes haven't let go since. And if you did let me go, you'd find I'd still be holding onto you."
Her knees suddenly felt very weak as she stared into his eyes. The thought that she'd never felt like this about anyone before slid through her and she drew her breath in sharply for an instant. Something in her chest caught tightly and she knew that this had been the way her father and mother had been with one another. It had always been there within her father's eyes. And though she'd never seen her mother's face, she knew the feelings had been returned equally.
"Tempest, I love you." she said, kissing him again.
Pulling her tightly against him, he sighed. Everything he had ever wanted he had in that moment. Perhaps it would never end. Perhaps.
"So... you like the red hair, huh?" he suddenly grinned, teasing her. "I guess that means you'll dye yours now? For me?"
"Dye mine?!" she blinked stepping back to stare at him. "Why would I...? I mean.. my hair isn't dyed... it's.." With a growl she shoved him backwards onto the couch only to find herself pulled down with him. "Brat. I'm not dying mine, but I am keeping your hat now."
He smirked. "That was always yours, love, but you are mine instead."
"Yes. I will always be yours."
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 8:12 am
::Reflection::
Eftemie Solo She sat silently at the window. Tempest and Elana were in bed and it was the middle of the night. At least those hours when people seem to sleep the soundest and without dreams. Nothing had waken her. She'd been unable to go to sleep. The mob of people bothered her more than she'd first thought. It wasn't something she wanted to dwell over but to avoid. Yet when she least expected it, the feelings that she should think about it slipped down over her again. The world outside was not getting better. It was getting worse if the mob and increase in decay of the town were any indication. What could she really do about it? Did she even want to try? She and Elana had barely gotten free of the people who had suddenly gone insane around them. People who ripped, clawed, and lashed out trying to selfishly grab all they could for themselves. The worst part of it was they didn't recognize their own behavior for what it was. A shudder slipped through her leaving the small pebbly goosebumps on her arms. The hair stood up on the back of her neck and she curled her feet beneath her in the chair as the wind seemed to howl around the side of the window. The rustling of leaves on the street drifted up to her. Her ears suddenly focused on the clanking of a metal can rolling down the street caught in the same breeze. She glanced around the room, her eyes settling on the books in the shelf near her bed. The binding of one caught her eye and she slowly got to her feet. When she picked it up, she smiled suddenly. It was her diary. She rubbed the cover for a moment, smiling as she remembered the day she'd gotten it. Patterned like a green leafy patch, the book was done in shades of green. She had loved it when she first opened the package. Her father had smiled happily. It had made her eyes sparkle and he knew he'd pleased her. Sitting back down where she had been, she opened the covering. The first entry was the day of her birthday when her father had given it to her. She smiled, rereading it, but flinching slightly at the messy cursive of her handwriting. 
::Entry 1::
My dad gave me this book as a present today. I'm eight. He said mom had one that he'd give me someday. It contained some of the things she had written about all sorts of things they had done and what she thought about. I hugged him tightly. He still misses her. Today's my birthday and although we don't celebrate, I'm happy enough and I love him. I understand and it doesn't matter if noone else does.
The cover is green with leaves. It reminds me of a secret garden to hide away in. Someplace that's only mine. No path exists to get there except the one I know.
And when I step through, I see lush green vines surrounding a small alcove. Various slate pieces are in the ground providing a flooring through which moss and other small plants have grown. One small seat is carved from a tree trunk that is still rooted into the ground with a large rock beside it for a table. A hammock hangs to one side amidst the flowery vines I see. Tall and short flowers abound all around the area and butterflies drift on the light breeze. Sometimes I even see smiling faces in the leaves around me.
Noone sees it but I. Noone knows it's here.She smiled as she remembered that day. Her father had been sad but trying to smile for her. She'd not seen it then, not really, but as she reflected on her parent, she knew he had loved her a great deal even if he could only show her in small ways.
::Entry 21::
I got caught playing pranks in the offices today. Uncle Joe frowned, but Dad said to leave me alone and let me have my way. My uncle sighed and shooed me down the hallway and out of the meeting. I laughed and slid in my stocking feet on the waxed floor. It is almost like skating.
Eftemie read for awhile, eyes scanning the various entries she'd made. Some were short and some were longer. And she flinched because some were painful and she remembered all too clearly.
::Entry 30::
Today is my ninth birthday. And... nine years since... she died. Dad looks so sad still. I know he loves me and takes care of me, but I wish he had more than just me sometimes. He needs and he deserves more than just this.
We put flowers on her grave and told her we loved her, but it's never really enough.
Is it? For the one who dies giving you life?
Remembering the day her father and Uncle Joe had gotten into an argument over her birthday, she frowned. Joe thought she needed a party. And her father shook his head saying no. Joe planned one anyhow, but when she saw everyone there and they had yelled "Surprise!" at her, Eftemie had taken one look at them, burst into tears, and run. Her father only said softly that it was never his choice that she not have a party, but hers. Joe had misunderstood the objection. Then she read the next few entries, trying unsuccessfully not to cry. Her hand caressed the page as if she could wipe away what it said. A tear slid down her cheek landing on the back of her hand.
::Entry 37::
I have to go live with Uncle Joe.
My dad died yesterday.
::Entry 38::
It's hard living with them. They aren't mean or anything. Quite the opposite. I just.. It's just not the same. It was always Dad and I, but now it's not...
I have my own room and it's bigger than my other one. It has a huge window with white curtains. A big bed too with a matching dresser and desk. Two rows of bookshelves, but..
It's not my room.
But it'll do.
Closing the book silently, she decided she'd had enough for the night. There would be other nights to read it. Pulling her feet up beneath her again, she glanced out the window to watch the tin can rolling down the street again. Would anything ever be sunny again? She shivered as the wind howled past the window again. Perhaps she could avoid a little while longer. Maybe the solution was just around the corner.
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Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:43 am
::Impatience::
Eftemie Solo (New 09.02.06)
"Hurry up! Or we'll be late!"
Her lips twitched upwards at the impatience in his voice. She snickered as she continued to brush her hair.
"I'm always late." she smirked over her shoulder. "Besides, you SAID we had plenty of time."
"Well.." he scowled. ".. we do, but... " He stared at her as she began laughing again. Growling in frustration, he folded his arms, sulking. "Give me a break. I just.."
"Just what?" her lips twitched upwards in even more amusement at his attempt to sulk. Suddenly she snickered again as he stared at her. She just watched him, gazing into the violet eyes she loved so well. "You haven't forgotten, have you?"
"Huh?" he asked, sudden confusion flickering over his face. "Forgot? Forgot what? What are you talking about?"
Her lips turned upwards again as she tried to hold back her laughter rather unsuccessfully.
"It was a joke, Tempest. I'm the one who forgets things." she smirked suddenly, laughter bursting free.
He sighed, hanging his head.
"I never said it was a good one." she giggled as she slipped her arms around him. With a smile, she kissed him softly on the lips.
"Or... we could just stay here." she teased, raising an eyebrow as she slid her fingers into his hair.
"But.." he blinked in surprise. Then he stared at her a moment longer, pulling her closer. "Save that for later." he smirked suddenly. "But I will take another kiss because you may want to hit me afterwards." His arms tightened around her and then he stepped back, drawing his breath in.
"If we want to make it there, we'd better go. Now." his voice huskily reminded her.
A shiver ran through her at the love she saw in his eyes. Suddenly she smirked, hugging him tightly. When he held her and didn't move for several moments, her lips twitched upwards again. She felt the same way and didn't want to move, but his surprise depended on it.
"I love you, Tempest."
"I love you, Eftemie." he whispered in her ear, his breath warm.
She shivered slightly and then, "Are we late yet? I wouldn't want to be on time."
A low growl slipped free of his lips as he tugged her out the door.
"We are going to be... Let's go find Elana."
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:52 am
: biggrin ark Side Of The Moon::
Co-post with Eftemie, Talencia, ialtkaos (10.02.06) Glancing towards the entrance, Joe and Jace grinned widely. At first they'd thought few would come out for this. They'd been wrong in their expectations. Perhaps Tempest had been right in saying that people needed this. The masks and hats had actually been Tempest's idea. The children all smiled as they stared in awe at the feathers, beads, and flash of sequins on those handed to them. Clowns walking around made them laugh and point as showers of confetti were tossed into the air. "So when are they supposed to be here?" Jace asked again. "When they get here?" Joe smirked slightly. "I'm sure we will know when Tempest gets here with the girls. He's probably impatient right now." His lips turned upwards into a smile. "He's been like that since meeting her. I wonder who else he has invited to this. Let's hope nothing happens to ruin it for them." "Look at their faces." Joe whispered softly as several children walked past him, wearing masks and putting on strands of brightly colored beads. "I'd say those smiles are worth it." He and Jace made an entire circle around the carnival. Everyone was in place and people seemed to be enjoying themselves. Time would tell if good came of it. Talencia Elana had scampered ahead of Tempest and Efte as they had approached the carnival site. She was eager to plunge herself into the world of imagination that such things stimulated in her. She paused at the gate and considered the masks and hats that were being handed out. There were some very silly hats that made her laugh but did not suit her. There were a few overszed ones as well, but she dismissed them immediately.
The maks, though... they were another matter. Some were full-face masks, covering all but the person's eyes and ears. Several of them made her shudder and turn her eyes away immediately. She was sure they were meant to be mock-scary, but they creeped her out. Some had horns and evil grins, while others merely looked angry or positively crazy. Her eyes lingered on one ith an elongated nose and a spire from the forehead. A unicorn mask? How strange. But she turned away from it and the others made to appear to be animals, both real and mythic.
There wer also half-masks, that only covered the area around the eyes. These were mostly beaded and feathered with bright colors. The one that caught her eye was covered in silver sequins and mock diamonds. From the upper edge sprouted brilliantly green feathers that started small on the outer edges and grew to an arcing crest that extended from above the nose area. Similar green feathers spread from between the eyes to cover the human nose, giving the impression of a strange, feathered bird with an implied beak rather than a nose. Smiling, she pointed to it and nodded at the flashily dressed woman who was passing the feathery masks out.
Strapping her mask on, she proceeded into the carnival. The fake diamonds sparkled along the rims of the eyeholes, edging the world in tiny flashes of light, giving everything an aura of magic. This delighted her, and she began to skip along, her auburn braid slapping her back as she moved. The next stop was the bead merchant, who was almost literally throwing strings of beads at passersby. She stopped and considered the myriad colors, then quickly chose four strings of greens, two of blues, and three silvery. Lauhing, she strung them around her neck, the lightweight beads making it easy to wear so many at once.
Just then, something caught her eye. At first itw as movement, but then it was gone, leaving her looking at another stall nearby. It was filled with baubles and nicknacks of all kinds. Fingering her beads thoughtfully, she drew near. As she scanned the makeshift shelves, she saw figurines, keychains, cups and glasses, as well as all manner of pointless dustgatherers. They generally weren't what she would desire, so she began to turn away. But some passing clowns and one very odd juggler were passing just then, and she got jostled into the corner of the booth's frame. The whole thing rocked slightly, with a few things teetering dangerously on the shaky shelves. One just on the edg eof her vision didn't just teeter, but actually toppled and plunged for the ground to her right. With a cry, she dove and caught it in both hands, cupping it safely. She straightened with an apologetic look to the booth owner. He was a dark man with an orange turban on his head, who gave her a mysteroius if slightly disgruntled look."It seems you have found yourself a treasure. I cannot sell it now, for it may have been damaged in the fall. You may take it." He waved at her dismissively an turned away towards another prospective customer.Astonished at being accused of having done damage to the bauble she held, while simotaneously being indignant that he would think she would want it, she merely stared at him with an open mouth for a moment. With an indignant sniff she finally turned her eyes to what she held in her hands.
It was a glass ball. It's curving sides were not smooth, though. They rippled, like ocean waves far out at sea. The colors in the glass reminded her of the ocean as well... blues and greens that rippled together and swirled as if... as if they were concealing something. Curious, she frowned at it and turned away from the booth, unconciously accepting the merchant's offer to let her have the "potentially damaged goods" for free. Thus it was that she did not see him glance at her with an almost wicked smile. He appeared pleased at her acceptance of the bauble. But then the grin was gone and he was bargaining with a man who'd seen the booth's near demise and was trying to obtain the same deal as Elana had gotten. Tempest laughed, drawing her towards the carnival. Excitement slid through him in anticipation of her reaction. He so hoped it was good, but considering the way she felt about birthdays, he didn't entirely count on it. It's why Jace and Joe were waiting on them at the front gate. Holding her hand, he grinned slightly. Her lips twitched upwards as she smiled in giddy wonder at the carnival. With all the things that had been happening of late and people were doing this for everyone. A warm happy feeling slipped free and she laughed, shaking her head. Tempest's grin broadened at the crowd of people in front of him, but his eyes quickly returned to her. Merely watching her was his favorite pastime. He knew the shape of her lips, having memorized her smile, but each time he saw it anew, a small thrill slipped through him leaving him shivering slightly. Adoringly he watched her gaze in surprise as she glimpsed something that excited her, long lashes light and feathery around the edges. Joe and Jace watched, waiting for them. A grin appeared on each man's face as they gazed at the younger two in front of them. Tempest wrapped his arms about her, kissing her on the cheek.
"Happy birthday, Eftemie." Tempest whispered in her ear as hugged her tightly.
She stared at them silently for a moment. "This isn't all for me, but did you three do this..? It's.. " her eyes scanned the area, "sooooo.. much..."
"We did it, after Tempest came to us with the idea." Joe nodded, laughing. "Happy birthday, Efte." Hugging her a moment, he whispered, "Have some fun tonight." "I'm glad we did though." Jace laughed as he hugged her soon after walking away with Joe. There were still things to check on.
"But so many... I don't see how this was accomplished in a short time." Her teeth tugged her lower lip for an instant.
"It just happened," he shrugged, hugging her again. "One volunteer knew another and it just kept going. Surprised?"
"Yes, I don't know what to say." she sighed and asked him, a sudden twinkle in her eye, "So what's first?"
"A mask?" he laughed, pulling her towards the table.
"Hmm..." she glanced around noting Elana not far away. Her lips twitched upwards as she watched her string several strands of beads around her neck. "A mask it is," she smirked, "And one for you also."
"But I don't need..." he began, frowning slightly.
"Of course you do. But mine first."
Glancing over the flashy pile of feathers, Efte sorted several she liked to one side. Of those she pushed one away that looked catlike. Not her preference in shape though it was in color. Pursing her lips, she frowned slightly in indecision. Tempest raised an eyebrow as he continued watching her in amusement. None of them really appealed to her. But all had something in common. Their color. All were hues of blue, light to deep purples, and a bit of silver.
"Can't make up your mind?" he asked his lips twitching upwards though he was trying hard not to laugh.
"No. I like them but..." she frowned, staring at the masks on the table.
"I think I have a solution. Can I have that special box under the table?" he asked turning to the girl standing there.
"Certainly." she said and a moment later a pale violet box was in the spot the masks had been. The size indicated that there could be no more than one or even two masks in it.
"I think this one is more you, Efte." he smiled removing the lid.
She gasped delight as she gazed at the ornament. Embedded in the mask portion, deep blue and violet glass beads gleamed sparkling as the light touched them. The edge looked as if it were delicate lace made of the same beads. The rich vibrant colors carried over into the feathers that climbed in a crescent over one side of the mask. The barest touch of silvery white dusted the feathers as if stars drifted in a midnight sky.
"Do you like it?" he asked softly.
"You had it made?" she asked, her fingers touching the feathers gently.
"Yes. Birthday present number one delivered, my Lady." he smirked, then his lips twitched into a broad grin. "And I have one to match. You didn't really think I'd stay out of the fun, did you?"
With a laugh, she hugged him tightly. Then she picked up the mask gently putting it on. Everything seemed to sparkle and she hoped it would never end. ialtkaos Placing the second box on the table, the girl laughed. "Enjoy your night," she said, turning her attention to the children at the side waiting impatiently for their masks. Adding a few more to the pile in front of them, she winked at the children when they glanced up at her. Tempest's mask was shades of burgundy, deep violet, a sable black, and gold. It seemed to suit him. Even though the top of it was covered in rather wild feathers. With a grin he put it on, slipping his arms around Effie afterwards.
"So now what?" he smirked, kissing her carefully on the jaw. He didn't want to mess up either mask.
Her eyes sparkled as she scanned the area. The flash of silver and gold mixed with a myriad of colors dazzled her. She didn't know where to begin.
"I don't know." she giggled. "There's so much..."
The man on stilts suddenly towered over them, looking down. He grinned bending over to hold out a red rose. His long green hair drapped down over them as she reached for it. She burst into giggling. With an exaggerated sigh, the fellow made a great showing of shoving it to the side. "It would not do to lose you in my hair, lassie. I do believe me wife would object if'n I carried you home with me. Even by accident." he winked at her.
Her smile sparkled wide as she giggled, turning slightly red. "I don't think that would do at all, good sir." With a curtsy, she took the rose. Then she blinked. It was real when all the others he held were made of silk. After as much of a bow as he could on stilts, he moved towards another couple wearing masks, a silken flower in his hand. Serena danced over to them, her brightly colored skirt and beads rustling as she whirled their way. "Beads, my Lady?" she asked laughing. The strands covered her arms, her neck, and even past her elbows. "Take what you wish. Silver and blue would go lovely with your mask, I think." Suddenly as if by magic a small blue box appeared in her hand. "Or perhaps you'd prefer this special treasure box? The color seems to be yours." Her eyes gleamed brightly as she winked at Tempest. The box covered nearly the entire palm of her hand.
"Take the box, Effie." he smirked. "The better prize is inside. I think..." Scratching his head as if confused, the man shrugged. "Perhaps not. I can't remember..."
Eftemie blinked staring at him and the girl who was having a great deal of trouble hiding her snickers.
"You can't remember...?" she asked in confusion. "Is this one of your presents? How can you not...?" Nevermind... I don't want to know." She suddenly sighed. How many had he gotten her? One was more than enough.
"I'll take the box." she said, reaching for it.
The girl laughed, handing it to her then pulled several strands of blue, silver, violet, and gold forward. Draping them over Effie's head, she laughed. "Have fun!" she said and then wandered off to pass the necklaces out. After another confused glance at Tempest, who was definitely smirking this time, she opened the box lid. On the cotton within lay a silver and glass beaded bracelet. The five large blue and deep violet beads were caged with silver spirals of wire and spaced between silver beads.
"Oh! It's beautiful, Tempest!" she gasped, taking it carefully out. "Put it on for me."
"Give me your wrist." he said, holding his hand out. A moment later he closed the clasp around her arm.
She laughed hugging him tightly. Suddenly kissing him, she stepped back smiling.
"Having fun?" he grinned, merely gazing at her. Joe would be glad if she was.
"So far. Thank you. This was... just what we all needed I think." she sighed, hugging him again.
"I'm glad. Birthdays should be fun, Effie." he replied, holding her hand. "Now where to? We still have lots to do, but perhaps something to drink first."
"Alright." Holding his hand tightly, she let him lead her through the crowd to a nearby vendor. As he ordered for them, she placed the empty box on the counter to adjust the beaded necklaces a bit.
It snickered to itself, but then giggled outright from beside her. A dark shadowy shape moved just out of sight around her. She was its target for the evening. And it giggled again.
The dark hand reached for the blue item she'd placed there after watching her a moment. This must be timed perfectly. And it always knew when.
Its hand darted forward, barely brushing hers as it took what was there. Then with a much louder giggle, it leaped back. Always in the corner of an eye and never truly seen. That was home.She watched some of the children scampering about playing and teasing one another. One was crying and the other was laughing. Sisters she decided after a moment more of watching. Hearing the giggles, she turned her head to the side to catch sight of whomever it was having such fun only to see noone there. Reaching back for the box, she suddenly stopped, jerking her attention back as a chill slipped through her hand as if someone had touched her with an icy palm. She shivered lightly for an instant, before frowning in confusion. The box was gone. Glancing down on the ground thinking she'd dropped it, she frowned that it was nowhere in sight. Leaning over the counter, she saw it had not slipped over either. Another giggle was heard to the opposite side and just before turning she thought she saw a leering face watching her in amusement. Again noone was there when she turned.
"Here." Tempest said as he held a cup out to her.
"Tempest, did you see put the box in your pocket?" she asked frowning, but taking the offered drink.
"Box? No. Why?" he asked, looking around.
"I was certain that I put it on the counter, but it's nowhere in sight now. Strange." she frowned sipping absently from the straw.
"I don't see it. It was empty and nothing special, Effie. You have the bracelet. That's what mattered. I'll buy you another box." he grinned suddenly.
"Another?" she stared at him in surprise. "Don't be silly. It doesn't matter."
He grinned widely, taking her empty hand. "So now where to?"
She laughed, tilting her head slightly in amusement. "Wherever you take me, good sir."
"That could get you into trouble." he smirked.
"Hm... I suppose it could. Let me rephrase that..." she smirked, the box entirely forgotten.
"Too late... Let's go." he laughed, pointing her in another direction. "That way."
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:53 am
::The Carnival Continues::
Eftemie Solo (Done as of 10.02.06) As they walked around the carnival, her eyes darted from place to place and person to person as she tried to take it all in. She'd laugh and then squeeze his hand tightly as she watched everyone around them. Most people were enjoying themselves and she was glad. Something had to help in this time. Several small shadows followed them. Her eyes gleamed nothing of them. One still carried the box, inspecting it every so often in amusement. She still didn't know. That's the way it liked the situation to be. A hapless victim who didn't know they were even a victim. As they passed the clowns, handfuls of confetti were tossed at the children. A flower squirted water into one father's face as another tossed an entire bucketful of what was thought to be water directly at Tempest and Eftemie. She jumped back with a yelp thinking that she was going to be soaked. When the small fluffy bits of paper hit her instead, she blinked in surprise. Then she began to giggle, shaking it out of her hair. The clown grinned widely. "Just a bit of a welcome, missy." he said, smiling widely. With a bow and a flourish, he turned away taking a fresh bucket of 'water' from his fellow clown, who then tripped accidentally spilling his second on three small children.
Still laughing, she growled at Tempest. "Did you set that up?"
"I'm not telling. And I'd not admit to it if I did." he smirked, turning her in the direction of fire eaters and sword swallowers. "Let's try over there and see what's going on. I never really got a chance to see what Joe and Jace set up for the rest of the carnival."
Tempest led her past the flaming sword swallowers smiling the entire while. She gasped in awe as much as disbelief when the man slid the weapon's blade down his throat. Then when he pulled it out, she clapped loudly in appreciation. To the right were two other men each performing as they glanced at one another. Ophir's eyes glowed brightly for an instant, then so did Traven's in response. Few noticed and those that did thought it was the glow of the flames reflected there. Stepping over to the side, Ophir and Traven grinned as three or four young fellows watched them closely. They only ever drew the attention of those who were fascinated. Not entirely in a good way. "It's almost too easy sometimes, brother." Ophir smirked to the other as he gazed at their faces holding their eyes. The crowd didn't seem to notice. "I know." Traven replied. "They should work." He grinned wickedly as his eyes gleamed. He could see the blank expressions already forming, settling down firmly. One in particular struggled, his steps stumbling as he continued moving to the side. Traven watched him closely as he himself moved closer to them. Fighting the suggestion was not allowed and he'd have to directly interfer to keep the hold on this one. Placing a hand on the man's shoulder, he caught his eyes, his own gleaming faintly red. "Are you alright?" he asked, the appearance of sympathy there. A wickedness appeared deep within as he squeezed the man's shoulder. There was more than one reason why he did so, but it would be apparent to noone but his brother. He grinned widely again. For an instant the fellow struggled more as Traven's visage appeared as that of evil. Though he could see it for an instant, he suddenly had no control. At first he could say nothing, still struggling, but his head nodded. A part of him began to understand that he had no control at all. It was as if another had taken him over. He paniced, grimacing inside and struggling more. But to no avail as his own lips parted in answer. "Yes. I am fine." he said, voice strangely flat. "I see. Come with me. There are things to do in the back." Traven replied, his lips curling upwards. He tasted it. The fear in the man. It was a smell he knew well and enjoyed with a great deal of satisfaction. In a few moments he'd have even more. "Yes. Things to do." he repeated, a hollowness there but unnoticed by those around them. His body moved of its own volition, following Traven and Ophir behind the curtain at the back. His eyes were still paniced and frightened but noone noticed. Noone noticed the strange reddish glow coming from the area behind the stage. Noone noticed the men who stood silently to one side until their bodies suddenly and silently collapsed dropping to the ground. None had even made a sound, but their eyes- their eyes knew something was very wrong. Someone needed to see them. Someone needed to hear them. Someone needed to. Noone did because not one word was uttered from their lips. No scream. No echo of breath. No whisper of sound whatsoever even as the glow brightened pulling an orb of light from each body. The brothers caressed and coaxed the balls of light to them. They preened as they glanced at one another. Then the change began. In a few moments each brother stood with a new sword in each hand. The blades gleamed brilliantly, well crafted and shining with light. With smirks they returned to the show. As Ophir and Kraven stepped forward, all four swords burst into flame. One could have sworn screams were heard. If anyone were listening. Noone was. Ophir and Kraven began swallowing the flaming blades as they had done before. Only this time, the swords vanished entirely. It was a good trick and both brothers laughed. Eftemie and Tempest watched the show for several moments, laughing as people came and went.
With a sigh, she said, "So what is next? I think I've seen enough of this, Tempest. Unless you want to try swallowing a flaming sword." She smirked slightly.
"NO!" he said quickly, then grinned. "I'm a magician, remember? I don't think this is my cup of tea."
She laughed taking his hand tightly. "Lead the way, sir. There's more to see," she stated as entirely unaware of what had taken place as the man at her side was. Ophir and Traven were definitely two of the best she'd seen perform their art.
The brothers smiled, gazing outwards to enthrall the crowd again. Sometimes it was just too easy. -- They wandered past several booths of items for sale. Souvenirs. Eftemie glanced at the one stand intently for a moment. A bag in various shades of violets and blues drew her attention. Picking it up, she smiled as she realized that it was actually transparent in places. The color moved as much as was contained within. Extremely unusual, but she wanted it.
"This is really pretty." she mused for a moment, then smiled wider. "It nearly matches my mask and bracelet, Tempest."
"Do you want it? I'll get it for you. I'm spoiling you tonight, remember?" Tempest laughed. "It does match well."
The vendor grinned widely. "Please consider it a gift, miss. It is obviously meant for you."
Tempest blinked in surprise. He'd not arranged this. "Are you certain? I can pay..."
"Please, no, sir. Some of these items are just meant for others. This one is meant for her I believe. Please accept it as a gift." He smiled, putting the item within a paper bag. It was meant for this girl.
Eftemie laughed, hugging the man suddenly who blinked in surprise but nodded. "Thank you."
Laughing Tempest took her hand. "Come on. This way. There's a trapeze show coming up and I think we are just in time."
"Trapeze?! Oh! Let's go!" she agreed, tugging him towards the large tent. "I want to see!"
Abigail was up next and Celine grinned slightly. It would not take much. A smirk slid over her face causing the green in her eyes to glow for a moment. The green was not entirely from the hue her eyes were naturally. It came from the feelings, the emotions she carried deep within. Much had been written of green-eyed monsters over the centuries. Most were benign, but in this instance, Jealousy was rearing her head once more demanding that which was owed to her. They had been laughing together. Didn't the other girl know that the man was hers? And only hers. It had not taken much- barely a few seconds after making certain noone else was around. A knife to weaken the ropes of the trapeze. With an innocent smile she watched from the sidelines. It wasn't murder afterall. She was protecting what was hers in defense and soon she'd not have to worry at all. For some time Celine stood silently watching the events that she carefully went over in her mind's eye. Payment for slights, injuries, and more to her way of thinking. Her thoughts mulled over the situation repeatedly, distracting her. When she felt the arms around her, the girl started in genuine surprise. Then she understood with a laugh. It was him. For a moment she leaned back against him as he kissed her neck. "I love you, Celine." he murmurred. "Will you marry me?" Her breath was drawn in sharply as she hesitated for a moment, then she turned slowly to stare into his eyes. "Yes!" she said, jumping at him, her arms around his neck. "I love you, too." "Good. After the show we will plan what, when, and anything else we need to." he grinned, just holding her. "And I have a ring for you, but you get it after the show. Since you can't wear it while working. I don't want to lose you to a fall because of a piece of jewelry." She laughed as she kissed him. "Neither would I. After works." With a sigh, she returned to watching the show. Abigail had lost. He really did love her. All those thoughts she'd been having of ensuring that faded away. Noone would ever know. Abigail swung gracefully from one trapeze to the next, causing the crowd to gasp in delight. Several more spins and twists followed before she landed safely on the ground. Celine smiled watching the girl. Afterall, thoughts were one thing. Actions another. She'd merely thought about killing her. -- Eftemie's eyes sparkled as she watched the show, her hand firmly in Tempest's. She watched the crowd around them and laughed. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
"Alright," she sighed, getting to her feet when the show was over. "I'm hungry, then we can see what else is happening."
"Hungry?" Tempest grinned. "I think I can handle that. What do you want to eat?"
"Not sure. What is there?" she asked, frowning.
"I guess we look." he said, kissing her quickly on the lips as he tugged her towards the exit. "I'm sure we will find something."
Wandering to the right of the trapeze tent, they passed the sideshow tent. He glanced at the opening, indicating to her.
"No. I don't like sideshows. I don't think it matters if there's a bearded lady or a boy who's features look like a monkey or other such things. People are people to me, Tempest." she scowled, shaking her head. "Let's just get some food right now."
Tempest watched her a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Food it is. And with no distractions." he smirked, slipping his arm around her. "It looks like there are hotdogs and BBQ over near the harem dancers."
She raised an eyebrow. "Harem dancers?" Her eyes narrowed. "You just want to watch scantily clad girls while you eat." Her accusation was teasing and he knew it.
A grin broke out on his face. "Of course. A meal and a show."
"Tempest!" she growled, hitting him on the arm, but then began to laugh.
"I still have you, Effie, but until you dance like that, I intend to look." he smirked.
"We'll see." she challenged, her eyes narrowed again as she watched him. Her lips twitched upwards. She suddenly wondered what he'd do if she really did learn to bellydance. She just might have to.
-- Exotic music drifted towards them and she laughed as several young scantily clad women stepped onto the stage. At least she assumed they were young. Their faces were hidden behind veils, and though flimsy and slightly transparent it was difficult to see the person behind the glits and shimmer. Nearly every man, young or old, gathered around. Even those walking by, stopped much to the dismay of their female companions. The expressions of some were curious but there were others that leered and smirked as they watched the dancers. She sighed, shaking her head as she munched the sandwich she was eating. The sparkle of jewelry caught her eyes a** he studied the gems. Several bracelets tinkled from around each wrist and ankel as well as strands around their necks. But what amazed her the most was the gem in the bellybuttons. Briefly she wondered if they had glued it there. It had to be uncomfortable if done so, but she must admit that the flash of color drew attention to that part of their anatomy whether it was needed or not. With this crowd, it was definitely unnecessary she decided as she glanced around once more. Tempest was no exception and she finally poked him in the rib with her elbow.
Growling slightly, she said, "I swear you would think every man here has never seen a half naked woman before." Her eyes were extremely amused as she reached up to push his jaw shut.
"It's not that, Effie." he chuckled sheepishly, running a hand through his hair. "We just never see so many with so little on all together.." He smirked slightly, slipping his arms around her. "I still say that you would look good like that. And if you learn, then I won't look at them."
She stared for a moment at the dancers, the movements of one in particular catching her attention. "I don't think I can move like that. How is THAT even possible? No way. I'm such a clutz...."
"You could always trip into my lap before you needed to do that." he grinned widely.
"What?!" she blinked, staring at him in surprise. He broke into laughter immediately, having deliberately baited her. "Grr... you..."
Stealing a quick kiss, he continued to grin. "It was worth a try."
Sighing, she said, "Alright. I'll think about it and at least look at the information."
Laughing he tugged her quickly over to the table. She'd enjoy it more than she knew. Maybe he should sign Elana up as well. The grundgy little creature slipped inside the wagon when the girl was not looking. A smirk of malice creeped across his face and remained firmly planted there. She'd not even noticed as he had brushed against her ankle. She was so ignorant and stupid. Like most humans. With a quick tilt of his head, he glanced around for a place to start. It only took him a moment to decide. Machinery was his forte. At least the destruction of such. The smell of hot oil filled the air as the long strands of potatoes cooked. Noting the large metal salt and pepper shakers sitting beside the vat of bubbling liquid, he quickly removed the tops, scattering the seasonings not only into the oil but across the vegetables already cooked. He smirked as he moved quickly forward with the containers still in his hands. A quick flip of the temperature control as he passed by completed his plot. Soon enough there would be burning food and oil. The lids he tossed into the opening of the ice cream machine. The mixer inside spun constantly and with the lids there, it would not take long to jam. He could already hear the clinking as it hit them on each turn. Removing the nozzle from the fountain drink machine, he shoved it inside the ice machine nearby. Forcing it upwards as far as he could reach, he was quite certain that soon it would cause a strain and the appliance would begin to make noise. The ice cream machine began to clatter and shake loudly as the girl turned to stare at it, a frown on her face. The smell of burning gears began to fill the air as he stepped around the opposite side with a smirk firmly planted. But as she began to try to figure it out, the smoke from the oil began to fill the air. Two young men she had been talking to came inside to try to help her when suddently the ice machine began to shiver and shake and jump about. "What is going on?" she asked, nearly in tears as she hurried to turn down the oil. Snickering to himself with glee, the gremlin slipped from the wagon. She'd never known he was there. Noone had. Now he just needed to find another stupid human and more machinery. It was a good night to be a gremlin. As Eftemie studied the information, a dark hand slipped just beneath hers as she reached for a piece of paper she'd placed on the table. A chill suddenly slid through causing her to glance down. Something darted away, but as she glanced around her, there was nothing to be seen. The box was safely tucked away in the dark vest it wore and so too was the paper it just took. The creeper smirked silently to itself. It had chosen a good target for the night.
Shivering lightly, she asked with a frown, "Could you write down the address again for me? I seem to have misplaced it already."
"Sure." the girl stated with a smile, taking the pamphlet from Effie's hand. "I'll just write it on this. The classes are alot of fun and the people are friendly."
"I'll try I guess." she replied absently, entirely unsure.
Tempest smiled. "You are really going to?"
"Yes." she said, her lips twitching upwards suddenly as she watched him. "But I never said I was going to dance for you."
"What...?!" he blinked in surprise. "But..."
"That wasn't a condition, Tempest. You just said I should learn. Not that I should use it." She began to giggle. "I guess you'll just have to bribe me."
"But.." he began again.
She laughed, taking his hand. "Now, what's next?"
"Bribe you?! Wait a minute..." he growled as she suddenly tugged him in the opposite direction.
"I know. Cotton candy sounds good." she stated, then added with a smirk. "But not as a bribe."
"Brat." he growled.
"You did say you were spoiling me tonight."
He suddenly laughed as he followed her lead through the crowd. "I guess I did." She was having fun and for that he was thankful. They'd worry about tomorrow.. tomorrow.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:54 am
::Future & Fortune::
Eftemie Solo
::Intro to Lady Sinestra and Irdra, both servants to Lisana at a later point::
(New as of 10.17.06) She pulled Tempest towards the fortune-telling stand. It wasn't exactly a tent but long sheets of fabric hung over the place giving the impression of such. Her eyes sparkled as she watched him, raising an eyebrow.
"Fortune-telling? Don't tell me you believe in that stuff?" he growled slightly. He wasn't certain he believed or disbelieved it. "I'm not even sure where this woman came from."
"Why not do it for fun whether we believe it or not? I look at my horoscope sometimes out of curiosity. Don't you?" she smirked, watching him intently. "Don't tell me you don't. EVERYONE does at some point."
"You really are being a brat," he said, his eyes narrowing as he gazed back at her.
Laughing, she shrugged. "You said I could be. Sooooo... let's go." Without waiting for a reply, she tugged him beneath the folds of fabric with a smirk and a giggle.
Sinestra's assistant raised her eyes from where she stood, a sudden upwards curve to her lips in an otherwise modest and formal face. "I am Irdra. Are you here to see Lady Sinestra?" she asked quietly in amusement.
"Yes. I'm being a brat and making him come." Effie giggled, holding onto Tempest's arm tighter as he tried to back out the opening.
"I see." she replied, "This way please." Indicating the back where a center cet of curtains hung, she pulled them to the side. "Have a seat and she will be right with you."
"Effie..." he protested as she continued to tug him towards the seats. "I don't think..."
"Oh sit down, Tempest." she laughed, kissing him quickly. "It'll be fun. It's like solving a riddle or a puzzle of some sort. Most only tell you cryptic things. You should enjoy that."
He scowled. "I'm not so sure." but sighing, he knew he would not get out of it. In the end it would merely disappoint her and this was about her having fun for a change. Although he had noted several odd things happening in various places. Nothing he could put his finger on and say that something was up. But the feeling was there.
The curtains in front of them opened and a woman stepped forwards. Her gray eyes seemed ageless as she pushed aside long white dreadlocks that reached to her waist to watch them closely. Dressed in black with red and violet trim, she silently studied both Eftemie and Tempest, her earrings jangling slightly. Eftemie's eyes studied the earrings for a moment. They nearly sounded like music and almost as sweet as the windchimes she loved. With a smile, she nodded at the fortuneteller as the woman sat in front of them. Sinestra's fingers quickly shuffled a deck of cards that had seemingly appeared from nowhere. With a smile, she said softly. "I am Sinestra. Many call me a fortuneteller, but I merely reveal what is already there. Your names?" She glanced at Eftemie first as her hands continued moving and changing the cards.
"I'm Eftemie and this is Tempest."
"Tempest?" she repeated, then smiled directly at him. "Not entirely true though it represents who you think you are."
He scowled somewhat sulkily. "I hate my name, so I changed it."
Sinestra nodded, smiling. "What is in a name? A rose is just as sweet when called a daisy, and a thorn is just as prickly when called a rose."
Eftemie burst into laughter as Tempest shifted uncomfortably. Holding onto his hand, she squeezed it for a moment in amusement. He sighed, shaking his head.
"I suppose they are." he agreed.
Her hands had stopped upon the outburst of amusement from the girl. It was light and brilliant, like a jewel catching sunlight. Nimbly and deftly, she placed the cards in a pattern between them, facing her. For a moment, she stared in true surprise. Then she studied both in front of her once more. There was much ahead for these two, but they would weather as they were meant to do. Perhaps even becoming something greater or as great as they were now. Some believed the gods were returning. Others did not. Some avoided until directly faced with the truth. To this point, both had avoided finding what they needed in one another. That was about to end, but it was not a fact she could reveal. A glimpse was all she ever saw and then her interpretations were not entirely correct. All she could do was reveal a portion, lacing the rest and let them find the truth for themselves. Her voice was soft, gentle when she spoke after looking at the cards once more. Her eyes caught Eftemie's first, then those of Tempest's to ensure their attention was focused on her. The clear jade and violet sparkled together and Sinestra hesitated. Much was ahead of these two. And not all of it easy. Godly choices remained such and claimed whom they wished for reasonings and whims only they knew. Souls were forged with pain, sadness, and desire as well as love, friendship, and laughter. She could not reveal all she saw, but merely a portion. "Laughter claims that which it wants in happiness or sadness. Lifetimes can be lived in treasured moments, but only a rare few are blessed who see them for what they are." "Keep your treasures close to your heart and they will carry you through whatever is ahead. What you may think is lost may very well be found when least expected." "Enjoy each moment for what it is, child, and sadness will fade away. Trust in your laughter for a smile can shed light even on the darkest day." She reached out, patting Eftemie's hand for a moment, a somewhat sad smile on her face. This girl would see what she needed to see. With time. There was no need to tell her more.
"I have all I need right here." she laughed, her eyes sparkling as she caught Tempest's intense frown.
He glanced into her eyes, his lips suddenly twitching. "And a trial she is." he smirked back suddenly.
Sinstra stated, merely gazing at the girl in slight surprise. "In that case, you truly did not need words from me, but already knew what I said."
"I think so, but thank you." Effie smiled, suddenly tugging Tempest to his feet. "Perhaps we will meet you again."
"Perhaps, child of laughter. Perhaps we will." a genuine smile slipped onto her face and her ageless gray eyes watched closely caught by the sparkle in jade as the girl smirked at the young man again, pulling amusement from him. Perhaps she would return to see the results. It could be what she was looking for. __________________________ Tempest thought silently as they walked to another area. He wondered what the future would bring for he and Eftemie. At the moment, they were happy with what they had. But would it be enough to carry them through what was happening? He watched her silently, his lips curving upwards gently as he watched her excitement. The littlest things made her happy. One of his easiest coin tricks amused her merely because it was he who was doing it.
"Oh!" she said, her eyes lighting up even more than they had been. "A labrynth! Let's go in!"
"It's just walls of straw inside leading around crazily. A bunch of mirrors in the center that distort reflections, Effie." he replied. Nothing mysterious there or even exciting as far as he could see.
"You are supposed to humor me, Tempest." she smirked, watching him. "I want to go in, but with you. I bet it will be fun."
He sighed slightly, nodding. "Alright. Let's go in."
Raising an eyebrow as she watched him, she nearly changed her mind. He didn't seem to be enjoying this the way she was. What was wrong with him suddenly? He'd not wanted to go to the fortune-teller either. Just because something was said did not mean it was their future. Instead, she dug in. He'd have fun with the mirrors. She was certain.
"Oh, come on. I want to see what you look like." she laughed. Then she tugged him beneath the flap of the tent disappearing inside.
Terry entered the funhouse, pushing and shoving his buddies. Several times during the night he'd already made fun of them and continued to do so. Walking through the labrynth portion of the tent, he constantly snickered and poked fun. Laughter could be heard both behind and in front of them from others as they commented on something they saw in the mirrors scattered throughout the area. Strange and bizarre images appeared each time a person gazed into one of the reflective surfaces. Twice more Terry ridiculed his buddies' images as they rounded a corner in the very center. Glancing at his own reflection, he slowly turned as it became distorted changing from his normal appearance to that of a wrinkled mishapen, ugly fellow dressed in rags. His buddies laughed as they stared at the image, but then they gasped when they stared at him. Backing up slowly from him, they were horrified as he gazed back at them. "Man... what's wrong with you?" one asked. "Did you eat something you are allergic to?" "What are you talking about?" he asked, scowling which only made his face more mishapen than he already was. "Your face, man... it's different. Did you slip on a mask when we weren't looking?" his friend asked, reaching out to touch him. He flinched upon feeling real flesh. "That's no mask! What are you?" "Mask?" he blinked in surprise reaching up to touch his face. He turned to stare at the image in the mirror. What stared back at him was not him and yet, the eyes were his. Full of disbelief, but his own. "Creeper!" one said, pushing him away from them. "Stay away from me!" A moment more and they were yelling at him, pushing and shoving him to the side, ridiculing him. He backed up slowly trying to stay out of their reach. "Ugly!" "Weirdo!" "Do your parents know how ugly you are?" they asked heaping all the things they could think up his way. Just as he had been earlier. It all poured out from them and none thought to question the change in Terry. Finally he bolted out, trying to find his way out of the place as malicious laughter echoed behind him. Stumbling out into the crowd of people nearby, he flinched as screams sounded around him. Fingers pointed as others backed up. Malicious words slipped free of lips that formerly would have said nothing, but tried to be kind. Terry howled in pain as he turned in a circle as all stared at him laughing and pointing. Shoving his way through, he ran into the darkness thinking to flee what had transpired. He wanted to hide. He had nowhere to go. She laughed as she pulled him from mirror to mirror, gently lovingly teasing him with what she saw of both of them. Soon she had drawn him into amusement and joy at something so simple. They heard the yells of Terry and his buddies. Distantly. It mattered to neither of them as they found the mirror at the center of the maze. With a smirk she stepped forward. Her reflection shimmered slightly, changing. She laughed. It was her and yet not, but the same laughter, amusement, and joy was reflected there.
"I guess that could be an interesting costume at Halloween. I don't think it looks much like me." she commented, suddenly laughing again.
He grinned. "She looks somewhat like you. All sparkly and laughing. That's the way you look to me, Effie. Everything lights up when you laugh."
He slipped his arms around her, kissing her jaw as they stared at the reflection.
She giggled, saying, "You look the same, Tempest. I'd thought you'd have changed too."
"Me? Change?" he laughed, grinning widely. "Not hardly. I've always known exactly who I am even when others didn't."
"Good." she smirked. "I like you just as you are." Glancing around and then one last time at the image she saw. It was a memory worth keeping. "Let's go. Nothing else to see here."
Suddenly she was tugging him along again, her hand firmly in his. Neither noted the eyes in the mirror following them. Only what was meant to be revealed by the mirror ever was. Their future and fortune remained to be written.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:55 am
: biggrin SOM::
Co-post Eftemie, Thabara, Zero Dream(WIP)
Thabara  Nergal heard the carnival way before they reached the plaza it was held on, tunes from a dozen different sources melting one into another, and for a moment an expression of bewilderment and disbelief spread on the god's face.
So it is true indeed.
He had found it hard to believe when Ishum told him of the carnival being held in the outskirts of this town - mortals celebrating in the face of Destruction? Despite their world was ridden by wars and disasters, and continually ruined?
Yet there it was, spread right in front of them as they turned around the corner, just as the Aoide had described him with sparkling eyes.. An assemblage of colorful tents of varying shapes and sizes, brightly lit in the crimson light of the early dusk. Countless people visibly enjoying themselves, many of them hiding their faces behind beautiflully decorated masks. Jugglers, clowns, fire eaters, a stilt walker..
"Unbelievable," he murmured, shaking his head and then glancing sidewards at his companion. She, more than anything else, was the reason he had decided to seek out this event. Destruction's rule must be taking its toll on the gentle goddess, even if she rarely showed it, and it had seemed like this be just the right thing to bring a smile on her face..
His gaze lingered on her face just a little longer, but then veered back towards the entrance of the carnival, a set of tables where masks were given out to the visitors.
"Would you like a mask as well?" he asked. For the span of this evening he would try to simply enjoy himself, he decided. No brooding thoughts about Gaia, about Destruction's rule, about that scepter, about his past..Zero Dream  Echo, of course, had heard the music a few minutes before her companion did - she had kept quiet. She was a bit amazed by the fact that there was a carnival here, of all possible places, but did not seem quite as surprised. After all... She had seen the will of those mortals to survive... She had seen the will they held to live on as they had in the past, and to somehow manage some moments of happiness in between all the pain.
She had never seen a carnival before. Meanings only came from Zero's memory - why the tents where there, what those people where doing... She seemed too busy understanding all of this for her to notice the underworld's gaze...
Her attention finally shifted back to reality, and most importantly to him, once he spoke, leading the goddess to wander toward the table. "It would be a great idea." She answered with a smile, hands hovering over the lovely masks, not touching almost in fear that she could break them. One finally seemed to catch her fancy, one white with celtic-like black markings, with feathers and beads hanging from the side. "This one, perhaps ?"Eftemie  Eftemie watched him in extreme amusement as they walked past the labrynth tent a second time. He'd been passing up the game stalls though it was obvious he wanted to try something. Her eyes lit up, sparkling as she teased him unmercifully.
She laughed suddenly as he stopped before one of the games. In truth her expression was more of an amused smirk than anything else. She had known he would if she kept goading him. The stall contained several large milk bottles that one would throw a ball into. A list of rules hung to the side as well as rows of stuffed animals. Some were rather large.
"I'm not enough of a challenge?" she asked and then smirked. "I dare you."
"You don't think I can?" he replied, raising an eyebrow as he watched the twinkle in her gaze.
"Nope." she said her lips turning upwards into even more of a challenge. Mischief was definitely in her expression. "If you do, then I want that black and purple cat hanging there. The grinning cheshire one."
The boy in charge of the game grinned, then said, "You'll have to put seven into the bottles in a row to win that one. Not one miss in the middle." Even he saw amusement in this.
Tempest blinked in surprise. "Seven?! Has anyone done it yet?" He ran a hand through his hair, contemplating the logic of an attempt. She'd already made a choice. How could he possibly even think of disappointing her now?Thabara Nergal let his gaze drift across the carnival once more while Echo took her time to chose a mask. It was amazing how many people had gathered here, on this place, the sheer amount of them making him want to shy away from the masses, to hide in some dark, faraway corner where he'd have peace and quiet. However, this evening was not to be about him.
"It suits you," he complimented Music once she'd taken her pick. "Well, then I shall take.." His hand hovered over the assembly of masks while he looked for something that might catch his fancy. "..this one, I think." He carefully moved some of the masks aside to reveal a peculiar one, without fancy glitter, bead strings or feathers, but instead designed to look like a skull, crowned by fingerbones radiating from its edges like some sort of morbid halo. Whoever had crafted these masks, the underworld god mused, must not possess incredible skill, but a rather unique sense of humor as well. Some of the masks looked indeed very creepy.
"So. Is there anything in particular you would like to see? Or should we just wander about and see which wonders may cross our way?" Zero Dream On the flipside, Echo had no issue with crowds, or with the sounds. She was well used to them - even if it returned slowly to her, as Zero's shyness had offset her own ease a bit and knocked it down a few notches.
Echo watched on with a smile, having narrowed down which mask Nergal would chose, if any, in her mind to only a few. He had chosen one of those few, and she couldn't help but smile a bit. Not that it had been a particularly hard guess.
"Wandering would be fine for me..." She commented, while setting her mask in place. Eftemie The first three went into the bottles for Tempest. The next three he missed causing Eftemie to snicker at first and then laugh riotously. The boy beside them was finding a great deal of amusement in their actions.
"Let me see one of those balls." she giggled. Picking it up, she rolled it around in her hand. Then she held it out to him. "For luck." the girl suddenly smirked.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he took the ball back. Without aiming, he tossed it. The ball sank directly down into the opening. His jaw dropped open in surprise.
"Shall I pick up another?" she giggled as he paid the boy for more balls to throw.
"Grr.. That had nothing to do with it." he growled as amused as she was that it had actually gone in. "I'll take care of this and win that feline for you." Thabara This carnival held one clear advantage for the two deities - no one was giving them odd looks for their appearance as they strolled across the place. It felt good to Nergal to have no one asking why his skin was blue for a change. He spotted quite a few carnival-goers who bore rather odd skin colors themselves, painted with colorful ornaments or to look like animals. He even caught a glimpse at a pair of wings every now and then, though he couldn't tell if they were fake, or real.
His gaze lingered on the belly dancers for a while. Aislin.. His host had used to be a dancer, way back before her life had been tied to that of the demon brat. He'd meant to ask her to dance for him, just once, and he knew she had wished to dance for Kishara, just once. Another chance that was missed and would never be back..
His brooding was interrupted abruptly when a girl danced past them, tossing strings of colorful beads over Echo's head. "Sparkling jewelry for the Lady~!" she announced cheerfully. "And for the Gentleman as well! Or.." She grinned mischievously, and peered at the Underworld's slender figure and his pouty lips. "Perhaps it is another Lady?" She grabbed another few strings of glittering cheap beads and tossed them over Nergal's head while he was still speechless, his mouth half open as he tried to come up with a witty reply, and of course they got caught in the halo of bones surounding the mask.
The bead girl to broke into laughter, the long necklaces strung over her arm sparkling and glittering as she pointed at Nergal. "Now the good Lord is decorated like a christmas tree~!" She twirled on her feet once, and then bobbed a curtsy to the pair before she danced away, quickly vanishing in the masses.
"So disrespectful," Nergal muttered once he had somewhat regained his composure, and plucked at the colorful beads until they were all resting around his neck. Zero Dream Echo was taken by surprise by the invasion of beads on her person, but once the initial shock had faded, it took everything in her not to laugh at what happened afterward. No so much at the bead girl's comments, in fact she was just about to intervene until she saw Nergal's face and had to disguise a burst of laughter into a well placed cough, if only for his sake, since he was, of course, not finding it funny at all. It was a miracle that the Christmas tree comment didn't do her in.
"Truly..." She commented back, a vaguely amused smile still apparent on her features. "Those beads are not that bad, however..." She ran an hand into the strings for a moment, then peered curiously at one stand. "I dare say those plush toys are awfully cute." A little bit of Zero showing, maybe ? Eftemie She snickered as the next three balls dropped down into the opening on the top. The fourth one bounced wavering on the edge, but then rolled around the rim twice before spiralling down to disappear in the opening. Her giggles increased.
The fifth ball he missed causing her to break out in riotous laughter. With a growl, Tempest glared at the boy as he lined up seven more balls.
For nearly a hour, he stood tossing balls into the jug to the amusement of the girl next to him. As much as the boy in charge of the games. By this time they knew his name was Allen as well as the fact he had two sisters and three brothers and was a middle child.
Finally after concentrating intensely, Tempest got six balls in the jug. The boy snickered.
"Come on, Tempest. One more and that cat is hers." he smirked, standing to the side and pointing at the jar.
"Yeah, come on, Tempest, and that cat is mine." she repeated, a smirk on her face.
"You are such a brat."
"You did say you were spoiling me tonight, no?" Her lips twitched upwards even more as there was a definite increase in the sparkle in her eyes. She thought silently that she'd never had so much fun as she was having this night.
Tempest stared at her a moment. Then he leaned forward, stealing a quick kiss from her as Allen broke into laughter. Her face blushed intensely red causing her to swat him on the arm.
"For luck." he chuckled, tossing the ball at the jar without looking. Thabara "They suit you," he murmured, glad that his mask did probably well in hiding at least part of his embarassment. "Even if they are but trinkets." The beads were cold to the touch of his fingers - seemingly they were made of glass and not cheap plastic as he had first believed - and their colorful sparkle fitted Echo rather well. Better than any fine jewelry made from gold or silver would have, he thought.
Plush toys? A bit surprised he took a closer look at the stall Echo had pointed out. "It seems to be a game of sorts," he mused after he had watched the couple trying their luck at it for a little while. "It does not look too hard - would you like to give it a try?" Zero Dream "I do rather like them..." The goddess let the glass beads roll on and trough her fingers idly. It wasn't surprising - Echo took fondness to even the simplest things, most which some would never expect a goddess to really care about.
"Sure, why not ?" She began going this way then, watching Tempest and Eftemie from afar as they made their way. Truth was, Echo had a weakness for cute, fluffy things... and Zero had given her a love for stuffed animals. Hopefully she had a good aim tonight... Eftemie
The boy broke into amusement at the sudden and intense red on her face. It was obvious they cared alot for one another. Otherwise Tempest wouldn't have stood here for so long and spending so much simply because she wanted the cheshire cat.
Eftemie gasped when he tossed it without looking. He had six in already. Her mouth dropped open as she watched it head past the jug. It WOULD miss. She barely had time to register the thought before Allen's hand snaked out to catch it and shove it into the jug. It bounced for a moment in the bottom then lay still.
She blinked in surprise turning slightly to note that Tempest had not looked yet to see the result. A finger to his lips, Allen smirked and winked at her.
"It looks like you win, Tempest." he grinned, reaching upwards to pull down the purple and black feline from the shelf. "I mean you do, Eftemie. Here's your prize."
"I had no doubt that I would, Allen." Tempest replied, his lips twitching upwards in amusement as he watched the sparkle in her eyes as she took the soft feline and hugged it to her.
((*sigh* I think I'm going to have to sketch Eftemie holding that silly cat now. And Tempest with a smirk on his face watcing her.)) Thabara (( *stabs her malfunctioning mouse for closing the browser window with the half-written reply, STABSTABSTABSTABSTAB!!* )) Nergal followed after her, a bit concerned he might lose sight of the gentle goddess. It would be hard to find her again if she were to disappear among all those people, each of them looking different but in a way very much alike with their glittering, phantastic masks..
They arrived at the stall just in time to watch Tempest 'win' his price for the young lady at his side. For a moment Nergal was just about to bluntly point out the ball boy had cheated, but he bit it back once he noticed she apparently didn't mind but rather seemed merely amused and content to cradle that oversized, oddly colored plush cat (cheshire cat, a half-buried remnant of his host's memories whispered) in her arms.
"Excuse me," he asked, directed to the boy who was in charge of the stall, "how much is it to try?" He had some Gaian currency with him, but he had no idea how much it actually was worth. Normally he would have ignored the couple next to themselves, but for some reason his attention was drawn back to them, accompanied by the strange tingling sensation of something-- someone familiar being close. He would have brushed it off, but the last time he'd had that feeling - when he'd encountered that Were friend of Gaia's - that person had turned out to be a chosen one, a host.. Zero Dream Likewise, the lady kept stopping to look behind her, just to make sure Nergal was still following - in a crowd like this, it would take even her a long time to manage to pick up his voice among all the others...
Once they got there, she gave the couple a polite wave. "Nice catch." She told the lady with a wink. Weither she was talking about the plush or Tempest was debatable, and only Echo really knew for sure. Right now, in this festival, among all those laughs and fun, she felt more like being the 15 years old that was slowly becoming part of her own mind and soul than the goddess she was in reality. Not that she saw it as a bad thing, of course. Eftemie
She giggled softly, holding the feline as Tempest moved to the side out of the way so that Nergal and Echo could get closer. He picked up her hand holding it firmly in his.
"Thank you. I think it was as much fun teasing him as actually getting the plushie." Eftemie laughed. "Actually more fun teasing him." she suddenly smirked.
She gazed at Nergal's mask a moment. Her eyes took in the way it was created as much as the color. Being an artist, she tended to notice specifics. Not meaning to stare, Eftemie didn't realize she still was doing so until Tempest tugged her hand.
"You are staring, Efte." he said softly, shaking his head in amusement. He winked at Allen. The boy nodded in amusement. Tempest had already told him when he planned the carnival to let people win things as he wanted.
She blinked, her mouth opening in apology. "Oh! I'm sorry! I just really like his mask. It's different than the other ones. I was looking at the detail and thinking it would make a nice painting with some of the other things from the carnival later."
Allen smiled nodding to Nergal and Echo. "It's just 10 gold a ball. If you get seven balls in a row into the jar, she gets her choice."
Thabara "You are an artist then? If you would like a closer look.." Nergal hesitated for a moment, but then pulled off his mask and held it out for the young woman to see. "I am surprised that items of such quality would be given out for free," he admitted, "and I certainly did not expect to find anything death-themed among the masks on such a cheerful event. However.. it does fit me rather well." His lips curled up in a smirk for a moment, as if he had just told a secret joke of which only he knew the punchline. "If I may ask - do you know the reason for which this carnival is held? Surely there must be some sort of special occasion..?"
10 gold, that wasn't much.. "Feel free to try," he said, nodding to Echo, the thought that he could give it a go as well not even remotely crossing his mind. The god of the Underworld played no games. "I shall pay for you." Certainly it couldn't be this hard, could it? Although the young man's grin as he lined up the balls planted a first seed of doubt.. Zero Dream Echo simply listened as the two talked, and then was surprised once she was told that she could try. "Oh, uh..." She hesitated for a moment - her aim wasn't legendary. In fact, it had a tendency of being terrible. "Allright..." She said softly, stepping forward.
The goddess studied the balls for a moment before taking one in her hand, twirling it a bit before she finally threw it. She had clearly aimed for the jar, but the ball went spinning to the right, almost knocking it off the table when it hit the rim. Echo very clearly went red-faced at her blunder. Eftemie Eftemie blinked then smiled widely. Taking it carefully, she looked it over closely.
"Yes, I'm an artist. I'm Eftemie, and this is Tempest. Noone famous or anything. Just watercolors for people who want them to match the rooms they redecorate." she replied, shrugging. "I work for my uncle's construction company. Well, he's not done much lately with things the way they are."
Tempest studied the mask as Eftemie did. He wondered if the bonecarver with the animals was the one who had made it. Quite possibly he decided. Then he grinned widely.
"The carnival started as a small party for someone's birthday," he smirked, staring pointedly at Eftemie, though he winked at Nergal. "But when we set it up, it just sort of escalated and we had all sorts of volunteers. People needed some fun I guess. Alot of the magicians and volunteers are people I know. The rest just sort of showed up."
"This is a beautiful mask. Almost looks carved of... ivory or... maybe bone. Hmmm... " Eftemie said holding it out carefully to Nergal.
"It might have been made by the bone carver. Poltros. He's got three hounds in the back that are unusual and some other animals. He's been carving bracelets, necklaces, and pins. I've never seen anyone as quick as he is." Tempest replied. "We are planning of working our way back there if you are interested."
Allen smiled and winked at Echo. "Tempest missed 87 balls before he got seven in a row. I know you can beat that." Thabara "I am pleased to meet you," Nergal acknowledged Efte's introduction with a polite nod. "I am Nergal, and this is Echo." It felt very strange to not add their titles to the introduction as he would have usually done. "She is an artist as well," he added after a small pause, feeling the need to add at least something. "A most gifted musician." He smiled at Echo affectionately, just in time to see her miss, and raised a curious brow. Surely it couldn't be that hard?
"A bone carver?" Nergal looked up in surprise as he took back the mask. Gently he ran his fingers over the smooth, carved surface. Yes, it was actual bone, he should have noticed this earlier. No wonder then, that it had drawn his attention.. He nodded. "I think I would very much like to meet him." The mention of three hounds struck a chord deep within, there was something achingly familiar about it. And Poltros, wasn't that a Greek name?
He turned his attention back to Echo just in time to catch Allen's comment. 87 misses? It really couldn't be that hard could it? "Of course she can beat that," he claimed solemnly. She was a goddess after all. Zero Dream Echo was loosely keeping attention to the conversation as she threw another ball, which missed even more pathetically than the first. "And thanks the gods for be being a musician, because I am afraid my aim would lead me nowhere." Echo gave a silly grin. It was relatively easy for her to pass as a mortal, with her overall attitude, and it was even easier with her host's consciousness and personality hovering and slowly merging with her own. "I would be very interested to see your creations eventually, miss. I am afraid my walls are a bit bare." She said with a warm smile. "I've been looking into remeding that for awhile."
Taking another ball, she threw it almost carelessly and watched it tumble cleanly in the jar, an eyebrow raising in surprise. Eftemie
Eftemie laughed, saying, "That's one, Echo. Only 6 more. I know you can beat Tempest." She smirked slightly as he growled at her.
He slipped his arms around Efte, as he winked at Allen. The boy would know to help out if he felt like it. This was about having fun. Not the money made from the carnival.
His lips twitched as Eftemie hugged the plush cheshire to her. He was quite certain it would end up on her bed. She sometimes went for the oddest things.
"I'm sure that you can beat me, Echo." he grinned encouragingly.
Thabara "Perhaps if you imagine it to be an instrument.." Nergal suggested, gently touching Echo's shoulder for a moment and granting her one of his rare smiles. "Then it would simply be a matter of how to repeat the specific tune from just now, would it not? Like tuning your guitar before you play a song. And even if it does not work," he shrugged, a sharp pain in his left shoulder reminding him that it hadn't fully healed yet, "it is only a game."
He casually leaned against the counter, glancing at the going-ons of the Carnival with slightly narrowed eyes. Something was off about this event, though he couldn't point a finger on what exactly, and he wondered if anyone else but him noticed. Zero Dream "Perhaps it might be so." Echo acknowledged the death god with a soft nod. Nergal always managed to make her see things from a different angle than she would do at first... But if the goddess noticed something odd about the event, she showed nothing of it.
Another ball was thrown, winding up swirling on the rim for a moment - all it took was a slight poke at one of the tablelegs from Allen in order to make it fall into it, making one of the gentle goddess' eyebrow raise. "Well, that was different..." Eftemie Both Eftemie and Tempest snickered slightly. Echo would get the plushie she wanted just as Eftemie had. Most would before the night was over although Allen would have some help later.
"That's two." she said, smiling widely. "That's already faster than Tempest." A smirk slid onto her face as she winked at Echo. She knew that would tease a reply from him.
Even behind the mask it wasn't hard to see his eyes narrow as he glanced sideways at her.
"Hmpft.. all that matters is that you got your cat." Tempest grumbled slightly, but good-naturedly at her taunt. "I didn't see you tossing the balls."
"I did." she snorted, then broke into laughter again. "It was the lucky one and dropped directly down into the bottle."
"She's right, Tempest." Allen grinned. "But I'm positive Echo can do much better. She's already gotten two in much faster than you did."
"I just can't win tonight." Tempest muttered, but hugged her tighter. This night was as much fun as he'd hoped it to be. He was amused at the way the night was turning out and hoped everyone was having as much fun as they were.
Thabara Poltros watched lazily as the youths continued to tease the hounds, poking them with sticks they had gathered outside, and tossing rocks and empty beer cans into the cage. Every time one of the huge black dogs snarled and snapped at them, they'd whoop and roar with laughter. Poltros let them be, calmly finishing up another of the bone beads, carving its shape swiftly without even having to look at it. He'd warned them once, if kids weren't brought up to listen to what their elders said nowadays, he was not the one to be blamed for what would happen inevitably. "Hey pops," one of them yelled and pointed with his beer can towards the filthy old animal keeper, "how comes there are ******** dogs in that cage? I mean, dogs, for chrissake." He swayed slightly and spat on the ground, a deed which was rewarded with loud hooting from his 'friends'. "Ain't there supposed to be something special in there? Like, uh.." He licked his lips and looked somewhat dumbfounded for a moment. "Lions!" one of his buddies helped him out. The others laughed. "Yeah, lions! Or.. bears! Or.. a crocodile or something! But not a ******** poodle!" The teen emptied his can and then tossed it into the cage - the very same moment Poltros had finished his bead and let it plummet into the bucket to let it join the others he'd already done today - hitting one of the hounds smackdab on the nose. "This one I devote to you, Lord Hades," Poltros sneered, his grin revealing several bad teeth, "wherever you may be." His words remained unheard in the overall laughter and hurrah, but it died down quickly when they noticed something was strange about the dog. "H-h-hey pops," the one who was apparently their leader finally said, the sound of his voice seeming a little bit panicky. "How comes you dogs have so many eyes?" "I wouldn't know," Poltros replied innocently, "but didn't you say there was something special supposed to be in the cage?" There was a dangerous glow to the viscous black pools of his eyes as he watched how the boy stopped closer to the cage. Big mistake here, but curiosity always seemed to get the better of them when all their instincts should scream at them to run. "May be a special breed. Failed genetic experiment. Who knows?" He shrugged and reached for the next bone. "Yeah, like, uh, radiation or something.." The kid laughed, but none of his friends joined in, so he felt compelled to make another step towards the cage. Thick iron bars between him and the strange multi-eyed beast.. He was safe, there was nothing which could possibly happen to him, right? Wrong. The hound he'd hit (which didn't look much like a normal dog now that he thought about it, what with all the horns and spikes and eyes all over its body) jumped at him, and at same time it sort of distorted and stretched, it's head suddenly being thin enough to pass through the space between the iron bars. The other two howled, an eerie sound, fit to make the blood freeze in your veins. The youth let out a surprised yelp, but his fear had him frozen on the spot and the alcohol slowed down any instinctive reactions which might have possibly saved him. And then the beast had dug it's fangs (there were several rows of them, like in a shark's mouth) into his shoulder and forcefully pulled him into the cage, accompanied by the sickening sound of crunching bones as the space between the bars was of course much to small for a fully grown human to pass through. In no time all three of the hounds were over him, tearing the snarky youth apart and swallowing his limbs whole. His buddies watched wide-eyed, then the first of them toppled over and vomited. Seconds later they were gone, running like hell was on their heels, their panicked screams remaining unheard in the loud cheer and music of the carnival. One of the hounds burbed, heaved, and finally spat out a large bone, free from the flesh which had covered it mere moments before. The beast bore its teeth at Poltros, but it seemed to be more of a grin than a threat, especially since it kept wagging its tail.. Thabara 'This one I devote to you, Lord Hades, wherever you may be.' Nergal's head jerked up, eyes wide with surprise, but there was no one present who could possibly have spoken these words. Instead there was an odd feeling tingling down his spine, not quite unlike what he had felt when Endenis had sworn him fealty. An eerie howl was to be heard in the distance, and the sound of it was so hauntingly familiar he instinctively gripped Echo's arm without thinking. If it was to offer her protection, or to steady himself, he could not tell.
"I.. am sorry," he said lamely, realizing that Echo as well as the young couple eyed him clearly worried, "it is nothing.. I just thought I heard.. something." He shook his head and glanced over his shoulder at the jars, since Echo had been about to throw her next ball. He'd probably made her mi--
--no, apparently it had mysteriously made it right into the jar while she was still distracted, he noticed, raising a brow at Allen's innocent face.
"It is nothing," he repeated.(( Zero, feel free to have Echo thrown some more balls during the time of the Poltros post, if you want to fast-forward. n_~ And she may or may not have heard some panicked screams in the distance.. rolleyes )) Zero Dream Echo was just about to throw another ball, but then she suddenly stopped, tilting her head in what would eventually prove to be the general direction of Poltros, the youths, and of the scene that had just unfolded itself. She had thought she had heard something very faint, but... perhaps it was only her imagination. The carnival was home of many sound and voice - perhaps her hearing had been sightly thrown off.
But no, she could have bet... ...no matter.
Finally, her attention returned to the task at hand, and, slowly, ball after ball found their way into the jar, sometimes on their own, sometimes with Allen's help. The goddess never really seemed to notice, especially now that it was the last ball and she needed to concentrate... Quote: Still holding onto the plushie, Eftemie watched, her lips twitching upwards. The fun of the carnival was unexpected but not unwanted and even though this was the first birthday she'd truly celebrated, she'd not have denied Tempest his fun in planning it and surprising her.
Who knew what the evening would bring but she was truly happy for now. And that's all that mattered to her as she encouraged Echo again.
"One more, Echo. I know you can do it. And it's much faster than Tempest." she winked at Allen as he snickered.
"Most definitely." the boy stated. "But then Tempest isn't as pretty as you and Eftemie are, Echo. He needed to work for it more."
Tempest blinked staring at the boy and then broke into laughter as he flirted with both girls.
"Better be careful, Allen. You flirt too often and you might get into woman trouble. I know all too well." he grinned in amusement at the boy as he thought about before he'd met Eftemie. "I have the proper one now." he added, kissing her on the cheek.
Thabara
Only one more ball..
Even Nergal was starting to get infected with the overall good mood and excitement, at least that seemed the only possible explanation for what he did next. "Wait," he said to Echo suddenly, before she could throw the ball, hastily fumbling with the clasp of the necklace he always wore, the one with the bone charm. Thankfully it was a simple hook and eye clasp he was dealing with, so he was able to undo it even though his left hand and arm were still stiff and hurting from the long forced disuse.
"It is a charm," he explained embarassedly as he laid the leather cord around her neck instead, "for luck." Zero Dream ((I think I just died with cute. Oh, Nergal. <3)) Nergal had stopped her just in time, as she was just about to throw the last ball. She was quick to stop herself, however, and reached to help him, but he had managed to unclasp it himself by the time she had reached out for it.
The mask only barely hid the faint blush that took residence on her cheeks as she felt his hands brush her skin, setting the necklace in place. Most people would have considered the god's touch to be cold - Echo could agree, but she actually didn't mind that much.
"Thank you." She said with a smile, before again concentrating and throwing that one last ball, which made it straight into the jar. Echo gave a silly grin then, hopping once for effect, seeming more like a young girl that a goddess. "I did it ! The charm really helped~" She again, gave a silly smile - the kind of smile that made people met. Echo was definitively in the mood of the carnival. "Hmmm..." She pondered, leaning to peer at the plushes. "Which one should I chose ?~"Eftemie Eftemie laughed, a faint glimmer in her eye. It was obvious that Nergal and Echo liked one another alot. Somehow she thought they fit together.
"And best of all you beat Tempest, Echo." she giggled slightly as he began to growl under his breath. Turning to him she whispered softly, "I'm glad you set up the carnival, Tempest. Everyone seems to be having fun and I think that's what they all needed. I know I did."
His arm tightened around her as he smiled. "We aim to please, my Lady. There is still alot to see yet though. And Joe, Jace, and Elana put as much thought into this as I did."
Thabara It was silly to feel this rush of satisfaction when Echo hit her mark - the charm had nothing to do with it, he told himself, such things held no power anymore with Lady Luck gone like so many others of their kind. He returned her smile nonetheless, peering at the plush prizes together with her, idly wondering which one she'd pick. There was quite a selection to choose from - bunnies, dogs, cats, birds, snakes.. and an octopus even. Who would want a plush octopus?
She'd probably go for one of the cats, he mused, since she seemed to be fond of them. "This one, maybe?" Nergal pointed at a deep blue one, embroidered with golden stars. "It looks a little like Vertigo."
He half-turned towards Tempest with a smile. Echo was obviously enjoying herself, and that inevitably raised his mood as well. "Since you had part in planning all this," he said, making a motion with his right which encompassed all of the carnival, "is there any particular attraction you would recommend for us to go and see?" The animal tent was still on top of his list, since the mention of the bone carver had made him rather curious, but a quick sidewards glance at Echo gave away that his query was about attractions that she might like. Zero Dream "Oh, that's true, I hadn't even noticed it..." The goddess commented, peeking over the counter. "Ill have this one then, please ?"
Echo was quick to hug her plush prize as Allen gave it to her, pondering for a moment as she noticed Nergal's glance. Of course, his own interest did not go unnoticed to the goddess. They had been living together for a bit, after all. "Hmmm... Didn't you two mention a bone carver sometime back ? I am sure we would both appreciate seeing his work..." Eftemie Allen handed the feline over with a smile to Echo. Then he noted the smaller one that looked similar. With a grin, he held it out to Nergal.
"Here. Since it was your necklace that made the difference it's only fitting that you should have one too." he smirked widely.
Tempest nodded to Nergal indicating several places. "There's a fortuneteller over there and a labrynth of mirrors inside the tent. Magicians, flame eaters, and dancers that direction. And I think there is a wandering minstrel somewhere around also. Playing a lute and singing."
"Poltros," he added, "our bone carver. He and his hounds are back this way. He's working on a few things that he has been giving out at random. He's not the most pleasant sort but he volunteered to help and to bring his three hounds. Just make sure not to put any appendages into the cages. They look pretty fierce, but his work is amazing."
"We can go there next." Eftemie said, agreeing when Tempest silently asked. "We've been to the fortuneteller already, Echo. You both should visit her later. Lady Sinestra is a very interesting woman. Palest grey eyes I've ever seen though I think she was finding amusement in Tempest being uncomfortable as she told our fortune."
Thabara Nergal was too perplexed to refuse the plush kitten offered to him, so he wordlessly accepted it, hoping this one wouldn't spawn a bodyless hand and drive poor Vertigo nuts with its antics like the other one had done. "Thank you," he said, thinking of showing his gratitude a little belatedly.
He listened quitly but with interest as Tempest recounted the Carnival's attractions. Most of it didn't spark his interest, though he asumed Echo might find otherwise.
"Let us pay a visit to the bone carver then," he agreed, wondering what exactly might qualify that man as being 'not the most pleasant sort'. "And after that.. I will leave it up to you." He nodded friendly at Echo, indicating that he was open to pretty much everything as long as she would enjoy it. The minstrel, he guessed, and possibly the fortune teller too.
He followed after the young couple leading the way, his hand soon finding Echo's and grasping it gently when he feared to lose sight of her in the crowd. It seemed the logical thing to do, so he thought nothing of it.
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