Welcome to Gaia! ::

He watched her eyes light up as she bit into the sugared lotus blossom and smiled warmly. It was true that he knew little of the world he was in now, but somehow he felt as if he belonged. His previous life became irrelevant now, and all that truly mattered was the here and now. He grimaced as she brought him back down to reality, and sighed. "Why care about my old world...I don't. Besides would it be so bad if I stayed here? You could show me more of your customs, and delicacies, and odd attire. There's so much in this world that's so new yet vaguely familiar...so I'm content with staying here if your content with having me..." he chided softly as he twiddled his thumbs. "I mean...it's not like I like you or anything...I just need someone more knowledgeable of this world, and who better than you right..." he said breaking the silence once more. He bit his bottom lip nervously knowing he shouldn't have acknowledged that he wanted nothing more, but to be next to this woman's side. He hoped his clumsy retort had dissuaded this fair skinned devil into looking more into it. If not for his hair which had fallen in front of his face, she'd probably see his complexion was now a beat red. He just quietly got up from the table, excusing himself for the meanwhile, and promised to Thenia that he would return shortly. He needed advice...and who better to get the advice from than Lanryel. In the recent days of his arrival it seemed as if she had all the answers. He was usually a reserved type of guy, who mostly felt out of place, but he seemed to open right up to her.

He was deep within a world of magnificence, and yet felt utterly lost. His mind was being torn asunder at all ends. He missed his home world, or as the natives would call it the Hume world, yet longed to remain in such a magical place. For some time in his old life he longed for a break from the old, an adventure to trump all menial tasks in his insignificant life, and now that he had it, he didn't know what exactly to do. He held on desperately to the few memories he had left of his old life, as if afraid of letting go and completely losing himself. His heart ached, but not of pain...no this was different, as if a large burden or decision laid upon his chest. He wanted nothing more but to stay in this world with Thenia, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of uncertainty. His mind was in a state of chaotic turmoil and he longed for the simplicity only Lanryel could offer through her soft spoken words. Her advice had always been so reassuring, and their little chats had become quite the delightful happenstance. It seemed she was quite the busy body within the palace yet she always seemed to make time for him. He even came to find out that the clothing he had worn was carefully hand-stitched by her. He paused upon hearing Lanryel voice in the distance, his ears perking upwards, straining to hear what she was saying, but to no avail. He rounded the corner entering the room where she sat, and smiled warmly as he made himself known. Gracefully walking to the chair adjacent to her, he sighed and gazed up at her with his ruby red eyes with a look of confusion and frustration worn heavily.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I could use a bit of advice...I don't know what to do with all of this...I mean it's all so much to take in after such a small amount of time. I'm confused, and feel almost rendered useless when it comes to matters such as these. A small part of me wishes to return back to my world, but the rest wishes to remain here and start anew...I want to stay here in this world with Thenia," he said brushing a few strands of hair from his face.

"I don't have anything else waiting for me back there except a shrewd life of responsibility..." he said giving off a throaty chuckle.

"Did you know I was to be married off to another noble house without so much of a say in it. I like it here, where the choices of how my life shall unfold is mine own, and where the people are as kind as as yourself Lady Lanryel."

As he spoke he felt as if he was being freed from such burdens that laid so heavily upon his chest yet, still something kept bothering him. Perhaps it was for the best. His thoughts were easily reflected due to his ears lifting and drooping in accordance to his mood. He chuckled as a memory from his past life shifted into his mind. He could remember sneaking out back from his lavish estate, to have a cigarette. His grandfather was a strict man in the Hume world, and was deeply against such things, calling them poison, but curiosity deemed that Shiro had to try it. He shook his head thankful of the few memories he had left of his grandfather. He ran both hands through his hair letting loose an exasperated sigh of frustration. Why couldn't life in general have a compass to point you in the right direction he kept thinking.

"Tell me Lanryel...what should I do?"

Shiro smiled lightly as he stood to his feet, his long white hair swayed softly as he approached Lanryel, and gave her a light hug in thanks. Honestly he had felt more at home here in their world than he could ever have felt back in the Hume world. He was no longer over-encumbered by such heavy thoughts, making his objectives all the more clearer. He rose staring softly at Lanryel and spoke softly.

"You know I never got to know my mother because she died in a car accident when I was younger, but if she was still alive...I'd want her to be just like you."

His words were soft spoken yet to the point. He quickly left the room before Lanryel could put out another word, and hurried to rejoin Thenia with a renewed sense of purpose. They had stayed long enough here, and it was time for them to tread upon the road that lead to their destiny, and although he felt a bit of dismay that he would eventually have to return back to his world, his confidence did not sway. Who knows...along their journey they might even find a way for him to stay permanently. He was about to turn the corner to regroup with Thenia, but paused as he heard the king's voice. He sneered to himself lightly, but remained silent enough to listen in to the man's idol chatter. He smirked as their conversation reminded him of the many that he and Lanryel had, and quickly stepped past the corridor making himself known. His crimson red eyes glanced momentarily upon Thenia, then towards the king, a deep seething hatred burning within them. Honestly he didn't quite know why he had such feelings towards the man, but the longer he remained in their world, the more he felt that King Eshe was keeping something from them.

"Pardon the intrusion, but I believe Lanryel was looking for you Eshe..." he said stretching the truth slightly to be rid of Eshe for the meanwhile.

Dreams...he hadn't spoken much about the dreams he kept having night after night, as if someone was calling to him, someone he didn't know yet still seemed familiar kept calling out his name, pleading for help...telling him the truth was yet to be laid out. This man in his dreams had a strong voice, and his eyes were like his own...red and deep, full of thought. He could remember the dream like yesterday, unlike many of his others. Every single time he mustered up the courage to ask him who he was, he suddenly awakened.

"The time is near Shiro...the truth shall release us all from the binds that shackle us down..." echoed a voice within his head as he shot glances about the room, looking confused as he frantically searched with his eyes. Where was this voice coming from? Was he dreaming. He casually pinched the side of his leg feeling a small jolt of pain...nope definitely not dreaming. What was going on? Ignoring the voice he smiled softly as he looked back upon Thenia.

"Shall we go for a walk?"

It was funny how the world worked in these times. Despite the virtues and labors a person lived by, it was remarkable how low a person would go to protect his own kin. Years had gone by within this dank dungeon, without so much as a peep of light. Taking one's rations stopped becoming a punishment sometime ago, and even the jailers questioned as to why he was there. To think the Duke of a well known family of demons would find themselves rotting within a cell for his crimes. His name was Helios, and it had been nearly seventeen years since his incarceration...nearly seventeen years since he killed that woman and saved his son, and nearly seventeen years since he had seen his woman. Every morning upon passing another year there within his cell, a guard would come to him, and ask him..."So...do you regret what you have done," and every year he would answer..."I regret nothing." This year was different though. The morning came upon his eighteenth year, and no guard came to torture him with the same question he was left to ponder for what seemed like forever. He stirred in the darkness within his dark corner, his shackles loud metallic sound more prominent than the sound of scurrying vermin on the ground. He chuckled softly to himself as he sat there, his once bright glowing red eyes lacking their luster shone an odd gold. This year he had to try to reach out to her again. He had been storing all of his energy to at least make a stable telepathic link to her, so that he may meet her in her dreams, but it was funny how the world worked.

He had tried many times to meet Lanryel to no avail, and instead reached the mind of a young confused man. A man whose heart perhaps would see no further in justice to him, and perhaps a man who would grant him his freedom so that he can continue his mission in killing Eshe. He despised that man, and he was sure his actions in imprisoning him had cost him his son's life. Now all he had left to live for was cold simple revenge. He smirked as he thought back to when he, Eshe, and Lanryel were nothing but children, and gritted his teeth all the more. The past was truly a painful one to revisit. He grinned as he tried to shift his hands and neck slightly within the shackles clamped tightly against the wall. Tonight he would be free of these restraints, and free to do as he pleased...and first on the menu was Eshe...next was Marxes.

"No...death is far too good for someone like you...you will live...and you will suffer here at my own whim. But do not think I have no heart...for even we were once friends, and I shall do for you a favor, and protect Lanryel...but she shall never know of your sin...nor shall I further validate your existence..." were the exact words Eshe had spoken to him upon his capture...and he despised him all the more. He hated the man for taking the high road. It would had been enough had he shown more anger on the situation, but he just spoke there blankly...no emotion...nothing, and he looked down upon him as he was shackled to the wall.

"Lanryel!!!!!" He cried out in frustration as his words fell upon deaf ears. He had to see her.

Thenia listened silently to his response as she tried to understand what he meant. It had to be hard to be losing one's memories, both good and bad, especially when there was no one around that he was familiar with. She could only hope that he was growing comfortable around her as he appeared to be. If nothing else, he did keep coming back to her and he was beginning to smile again. It was a wonderful smile that made her want to smile too, though Thenia didn't really know why other than the fact that his smile was more welcoming than her father's.

His moment of hesitation had been lost upon the young demoness as she examined the flowers, however when his mood changed she couldn't help but look up at him again with obvious confusion. Had they been doing too much for him too fast since his injury? Perhaps he should have been resting more. Whatever the reason she simply nodded and rose to her feet to give him a proper goodbye.

That was when he completely threw her off balance. The hug was fine, Thenia realized it was a sign of comfort so she wouldn't worry that something else was wrong. She wouldn't have realized it anyway as his general demeanor was sort of aloof. However as he embraced her she felt the unmistakable touch of his lips upon her flesh as he hurriedly left her with a kiss. "Y-yes Shiro..." she managed to mutter as he disappeared thankful that he had because her own face turned a bright shade of crimson and she turned away.

What had that been for? Slowly she brought up her hand to touch her cheek where she could have sworn she still felt the pressure of Shiro upon her. It was warm both from her blushing and from the kiss. A sudden fluttering of her heart made her legs start to tremble and she had to seek refuge on a nearby bench before she fell over. Thenia couldn't explain the feeling that were turning through her if she tried never having experienced it before, yet it was frightening and exhilarating all at the same time. Perhaps she was just thrown off by his action, nervous even...or maybe it was something more.

Thenia looked up at the sky as if searching for an answer. That day it seemed a little bleaker than she remembered it being since their arrival in the Elven Kingdom though it didn't appear to be worth too much concern. It wasn't anything like she remembered the day she pulled Shiro through the portal with her. However she remembered when she was younger Marxes had told her that if she looked to the sky and asked the heavens to answer her deepest, most inmost questions that she may be granted assurance. "If there is a way for me to best serve Shiro, as I repay my debt for the trouble I have caused, please make it clear to me..." she thought hoping that maybe it would do some good. "And help me to understand what these strange feelings I have for Shiro appear to be..."

Finally Lanryel realized that she had been making a scene for too long and she pulled back embarrassed and chuckled to try and cover up her tears. "I must look like an awful mess." the woman mused, wiping her eyes. Eshe shook his head and smiled.

"You are beautiful as always, my dear friend." he said softly, raising her chin with one hand to looking her in the eyes. Lanyrel gazed at the pale blue eyes of the elven king and remembered the many times she had looked at them and felt like they were digging into her very soul. It was almost ethereal in some respects and she was always in awe. Eshe had always had that effect on her since they first met when they were both much younger.

In Lanryel's childhood, she too had lived in the Hume world with a relatively normal life. At least as normal as the daughter of the CEO of a major corporation and a world renowned collector and anthropologist who was left to be raised by the maids and butler in their home. She did not have many friends outside of her home, having been home schooled by private tutors and with their home out in the countryside, yet she loved the family servants as if they were her parents. One day, she had been out playing in the yard of their estate with a few of the maids who had been charged to watch her when she had seen her first creature from Heil.

It had been similar to a cat or at least that was the best way to describe it. Looking back now she should have been tipped off by the purple fur and the three tails of the animal known as a Brae, but youth could distort the world around a child very easily if they were inspired so easily by new things. The young Lanryel followed the Brae into the woods beyond their land and followed the creature through a small rift between the two worlds and wound up in Heil. Where she appeared was at the very edge of the same forest Thenia and Shiro first emerged from and nearly right before the Elven royal family as they enjoyed a picnic beyond the Kingdom's wall.

Eshe had been there with his parents and they had both found a new friend in each other that day. The late elven king knew that Lanryel could not stay in Heil, but gave her an enchanted locket that would allow her to connect with Eshe and return to Heil when she truly needed to the most. She carried that locket with her everywhere and the two practically grew up together. True to his father's words the locket was not a free pass into the other world but over the years she had been allowed to see Eshe in person about twice a year - including the day just before her birthday.

In turn once they were a little older that was how she met Helios. The closer Eshe got to taking over the kingdom, the demon had been called in to be his adviser to keep up with the peace Eshe's father had established with the former demon king. The three were close friends, and eventually Lanyrel and Helios became so much more. Lovers across the borders of two different worlds but somehow it worked. Once she became pregnant however she had to explain to her parents where she had been going over all of those years. Strangely enough they understood and even surprised her with their extensive knowledge of Heil.

That was the first time they had really connected and from then on it was as if her parents and her had renewed an entire lifetime. With their blessings Lanryel finally settled in Heil with the intent of starting a whole new life with Helios and their soon to be born son. All until Marxes stepped into the picture and ruined their right to a peaceful existence. Suddenly Lanryel shook her head and snapped back from her thoughts realizing she had been zoning out. "Sorry, I'm just a little tired." she offered sheepishly, unsure of if Eshe had even noticed to which he simply replied that he would let her rest and hoped to see her later that evening at dinner. As he excused himself after making certain she was alright and helping her to her feet once more she returned to her room and settled down on her bed.

Something was pulling at her that she hadn't felt for a while and she curled up trying to fight away the pain. It was loneliness of having lost her beloved and having her son not even know her as his own. She had never quite realized why Helios had disappeared and the not knowing was the worst part...sighing heavily she buried her head in her pillow and tried to fall asleep. However, that pulling didn't go away. Rather it began to get stronger and a strange sense that a familiar aura was approaching was beginning to peak her interest. What or who was it?

There was a scent that she hadn't smelled in what seemed like an eternity yet the memory of it had never left her. That was the first thing that caused her to stir again, lifting her head slightly from her pillow as that thing she had sensed came so close she could almost taste it. Had she heard the door open again? No it had been too quiet that she must have imagined it.

Any of the careful footsteps made were concealed by the sound of her heart beating in her chest as her nerves began to get the best of her. She felt as if something was watching her and after the vulnerable experience Lanryel had just had with Eshe she was not in the right place to be anxious like this. Slowly she pulled herself up into a semi-reclined position and looked around. For all she could tell she was utterly alone.

"Pull yourself together dear, you're going to go crazy..." she scolded herself running a hand through her hair. The voice that spoke from the silence caused her heart to stop in her chest and she froze completely. Lanryel knew that specific tone all to well and to top it off it uttered the nickname only two people from Heil ever called her.

Wheeling around she looked around frantically trying to pinpoint the source. Could it really be him? There, in the darkness, two deep red eyes glanced back at her searching her rooms for her until they settled on her own. If Shiro had known her nickname the woman might have believed it could have been him but she instantly knew better. Tears instantly began to well up in her eyes and without a word she rose from her bed and moved slowly towards the one man she had thought she had lost forever nearly two decades prior.

"Helo, is it really you?' Lanryel asked as her voice began to tremble and she worried it would fail her. She reached out to him hoping that it wasn't a hallucination; that would be a cruel, mean trick to be played on her. If only he would take her hand and become real to her again after having been denied the truth of her loved one's disappearance for so many years. Lanryel just needed to see his face...

Lanryel gasped as from the darkness emerged the face of her beloved Helios that had painfully haunted her dreams endlessly. The face she had longed to see for some time. He looked very much the same as she remembered but his beautiful horns were missing and he appeared to have been kept from the sun for too long. As he took her hand and pulled her close to him her body ached for his touch and the familiar scent of him that even his time in the dungeon could not completely take away.

She ran her hands along his back eagerly but gently, nearly crying out as she felt the raised scars from his torture. What had happened to her dear one? As he spoke he seemed almost frantic and she desperately tired to understand his speech. "Helo, what are you talking about? Escaped?" There was suddenly anger and vengeance in his voice, as he spoke of suffering and revenge. As he said Eshe's name her eyes widened and she pulled back slightly in his arms to try and look him straight in those bright eyes of his.

"What do you mean Helios? Eshe told me you had left in the middle of the night eighteen years ago because you had gone back to deal with Marxes. I thought you might have been..." her voice trailed off as painful memories of Marxes' power and his ruthlessness returned to her. She had for some time thought that they had fought and Marxes had killed Helios but deperately wanted to believe he was still alive.

Now here he was and he was cursing their friend, the man who had given her refuge for all this time. "How could you say such things about your best friend?" Lanryel asked with a shaking voice, getting the sudden feeling she wasn't going to like his response. What had really happened to Helios? Had she been kept in the dark about something even worse? In the end her heart knew that whatever he told her would inevitably be what she believed.

As she waited for a reply she reached a hand up and caressed his face and brushed his hair aside. Tears began to fall as Lanryel looked upon all of the damage someone or something had done to him and all she wanted to do in that moment was wipe away whatever haunted him and make him hers again.