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 Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 5:37 am
Log Entry #005A
Subject(s): 005
Well, well. It seems that 005 is now officially an adult and that her fears about becoming a colorless were unwarranted. She has been paired with the Earth element and will in the near future be sent to the city of Notuma. The same does not go for 006, I'm afraid. She was the only of her agegroup to be told she is staying in Nanedin. Such a pity that 005 with have no one to go with her to the Earth Elemental city. Not even her romance, 001. It will be interesting to see how the young couple deals with this rather significat dilema.
Log Entry End
Observer: Keetabirdy
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Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 5:39 am
The Waystation Selma set her bag on the bed she would be sleeping on while at the Waystation and looked around the room. It was sparsely furnished and decorated, but pleasant. She sighed and began taking the few items out of her bag and putting them in the bureau beside her bed, as she didn't know how long she would be staying. Her eyes fell on the towel and sandals in the bottom of the bag, and she thought about the bath house she had been told was located on the back of the property.
She glanced out her window and noticed a couple of people heading towards the bath house, towels in hand and made up her mind to head down as well. As she grabbed the necessary items, she wondered whether she would see any of her age mates down there and slipped out the door, heading towards the stairs.Having tossed her bag onto her bed, Niki wandered back downstairs. She wanted to watch some of the elementals work, especially some of the Air element. After all, she'd be learning all of that shortly, so she might as well observe some of it in action beforehand.
She still wasn't exactly thrilled to be travelling with Vincent to Telphe. And that they'd already left Parmida behind and she would soon be leaving Tali and Selma behind as well. They had all known each other all of their lives. And now they had to split? Sighing, Niki tried to turn her attention back to the elementals and off of such depressing thoughts.It was still fairly early but with how stressful the day had been, Tali didn't find it much amiss to go soak in a bath and think things over. The young man glanced at the pristine new blue clothing waiting for him before digging out his towel. It was a faded blue, with his name embroidered in gold on it. Wrapping the towel around his waist, 001 didn't even stop to consider that he would be going out in public with nothing but a towel on. Afterall, in the tower he simply shared a bathing room with the rest of the boys (not that it was used very often). Selma heard a door open down the hall, and turned her head slightly to see out of the corner of her eye, that a boy was coming out of his room, with only a towel around his waist. She turned her head away, blushing, before she was able to identify him as Tali. The Earth Elemental wasn't used to seeing a lot of revealed skin. The boys had never been permitted to wander the halls without a shirt on in the dormatories. Selma continued walking, keeping her gaze averted, and started down the stairs.
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Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 5:40 am
Dear Journal,
I write now from my new home (temporarily at least), the Waystation just outside Nandine. I was chosen to become an Earth Elemental! I'm so excited. I don't have to worry about being colorless anymore. There is one in my agegroup that was defined as colorless, however. Parmida. I really don't know how shes taking it. I haven't talked to her since. I hope she's ok....I wonder what she will do with her life from this point onward.
Vincent and Nikiana were chosen to become Air Elementals and Tali, Water. I guess there's no one in our age group with tendencies toward the fire element. With Tali and I now certainly going our seperate ways, there leaves the question of what do we do with what we have started? I don't want to loose him, but I know that maintaining a relationship across elements, let alone across the world can be difficult. I wonder if he cares about me enough to try and continue this once we leave?
I slipped a note under his door, asking him to meet me in the Earth Garden, so we can talk. I hope he comes...
Selma, 005
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Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 8:08 pm
Where do we go from here? Selma sat at the base of one of the big trees in the Earth garden inside Nanedin, where she and Tali had walked to before the testing process had begun. Now all of that was over, and soon she would be leaving for Notuma, the city of the Earth Elementals...and Tali for the the Water Elemental city, Ceiba. They had just started to get to know each other better, and Selma at least to become attached to Tali, and now they were going to be seperated.
Not knowing how much longer they had before they would be leaving for their respective cities, Selma had slipped a note under Tali's door asking him to meet her here. She didn't know when he would find it, or when he would be available, so she had said that she would wait all day for him if she needed to. The garden was peaceful and pleasant, and she had brought a book with her, so she didn't mind spending the day there. Every so often she would look up to see if he was coming, but, so far, no luck. Well...he would be there soon enough....right? It was strange to think that he was an adult now. Tali's hands reached up and traced the new tag feeling the crisp edges where there were once smooth grooves. 001 couldn't name the strange maelstorm of emotions inside him. Not all anyway. Joy danced along his veins that he had passed and become an elemental, but it was entwined equally with dissapointment and sorrow that not all their group had done as well.
And yet there was an empty gnawing hole that he just couldn't name. Everything was going to change. No more playing in the courtyard with his friends. Nothing. Perhaps if Taliesin had talked with more adults he would have found that everyone one of them had gone through the same thing, but alas the newly declared adult was not in the habit of asking advice.
The teen slowly walked through the city, not oblivious to the looks of envy and hate directed towards him by the colorless. It wasn't long before he ended up at the Earth garden. The dour look of thoughtfulness was replaced by a cheery smile.
"Hey Selma!" Selma quickly looked up from her book when she heard Tali call her name. Smiling, she marked the place in her book and set it aside before getting to her feet. She smoothed out the wrinkles and brushed the leaves from the green dress that marked her as an Earth Elemental, before she made her way over to Tali and gave him a hug.
"Hey Tali. How are you?" she studied his face as she asked him, wondering what he would say, and how he was feeling. Secretly she wondered if he was as concerned about the immenent seperation as she was.
"I'm glad you came....I think there are some things we should probably talk about...."she continued, her gaze dropping away from his for a moment. 001 hugged back, before sitting down on the grass. Uncomfortably he tugged on his new shirt, still stiff and uncomfortable.
"How are you?" the other new adult asked, studying his face. Tali glanced away, uneasily flushing. Why had he kissed her? Stupid, stupid, stupid.
"Ah.. Not sure really...And of course I'd come." "I thought you would come," Selma replied, "but you know how I worry...so a small part of me was concerned you wouldn't. Here you are though." She noticed herself beginning to ramble and cut herself off, smiling akwardly as she lowered herself back down to the ground next to him. Her cheeks colored slightly as she looked at Tali, thinking about the last time she had seen him.
It had been when their Elements had been announced and he had leaned over and given her a kiss on the cheek as a kind of delayed part of his congratulations. Like the time when he had taken her hand before testing, it had been unexpected. But Selma had found that she was coming to like Tali's random bits of impulsiveness.
"We'll be seperated in a few days...." she said, not knowing what else to say, except begin on the topic for which she had asked him to come. She played with the hem of her skirt, so that she wouldn't have to look right at him as she continued.
"I don't want us to have to go to different places. I'm going to miss you so much...and I feel like what we might have here between us is only beginning," she said, the last few words fading out into a whisper. Selma surprised herself slightly with how bluntly she was speaking. Maybe it was because she knew there wasn't that much time left. Selma knew exactly how to throw Tali for a loop. Sure he had been expecting something like this, but without the advice of his matron, and no hints in his book, the adult was quite unprepared to answer.
"Well... uh.. I..I don't want to leave you and everyone else behind either. But.. we don't have much of a choice. I can write you and well..." 001 shrugged a bit uncomfortably, not sure what to say to make it all better.
Carefully Tali put his arm around Selma. "It'll work out," he said, but the confident note that used to be in his voice was tinged with uncertainty."Thank you Tali," she said, feeling a bit reassured. "It's good to know that the the anger and differences that have come between others, won't come between us."
"I still wish I knew what was to become of us...." she continued softly. "Are we going to be able to try and still care for each other as more than friends, like we do now, or is that going to have to change?" She didn't want to keep him from being happy if he found someone among his own Elementals that could fill that spot in his life. "I don't know..." Taliesin said slowly, thinking. Remembering something, a flush settled onto his cheeks as he considered his words. "I really like you Selma, and-" he admitted, "-I'm not too sure where it's going to go. But.. I don't mind finding out."She smiled and blushed in pleased embarassment. "I really like you too Tali. I....don't want to give up on us either, simply because we're going away. But it's not going to be easy...." she bit her bottom lip, thinking a moment before turning to look at him, her expression hopeful.
"I'm sure we'll find a way to make it work though." She squeezed his hand, and kissed him on the cheek. "I know we will," Tali replied, hugging her. He smiled at Selma. "Why don't we talk of happier things? Look how beautiful everything is today?"She smiled back, but gave him a curious look. For some reason, she sensed that there was something more behind his question.
"Alright, we can talk about something else....and, it is indeed beautiful. Is...there something in particular you had in mind, that you wanted to talk about?"Tali blinked a bit. "Not...really," mind blanking. He couldn't think of anything really important other than the elements but that was depressing and uncomfortable. "I'm going to miss the younger kids here.." He said thoughtfully, mind jumping from topic to topic."Yeah...but we may be seeing some of them again. You never know who will be chosen to join you, or me, or the others." She shrugged her shoulders a little.
"We all knew that we would leave the tower one day...even if we were not chosen to be an elemental...." She thought of Parmida and wondered what she would be doing with her life now.
Wanting to stop thinking about all of this, she did the first thing that came into her head, and kissed Tali on the lips."I know," Taliesin sighed, thoughts circling back to the the same old topic. Leaving. He shook his head, completely unprepared for what came next.
With a suddenness that took him by surprise Selma leaned forward planting a kiss on his lips. Jerking back in surprise, Tali jumped back to another kiss and put his hand to his lips. It was so different and so... the same. His stomach did flip flops and a cold knot grew.
"I..uh..." Tali stammered, face heating in a flush.Selma blushed too, more from her unusual boldness than the kiss itself, but after a second, she noticed a change in Tali's expression and that he brought a hand to his lips. Did she do something wrong....? Was she a bad kisser...?
"Are...are you ok Tali?" she asked tenetively.The deep red blush flooded across his face faster, brushing his ears and dissapearing down his neck. The young man nearly squirmed from the pressure. "I'm...okay..." He said, experimentally. As he said it though, the more it felt true.
It was a different kiss than before. Less confusing and far less demanding. A sort of smile drifted on his face. "I liked that..." He said, almost shyly.She chewed on her lower lip a moment, as he blushed further, taking a second to respond. His reply, seemed uncertain at first and she looked away, wondering what had gone wrong. Her matron said people liked doing that to each other...
After a moment though, she noticed that he started to smile, and she smiled back nervously. When he said he liked it, her smile turned into a full one, and she blushed, pleased that he wasn't upset by what happened.
"I'm glad...I liked it too..." she watched him, wondering if he would say, or do anything else, the back of her mind still curious at his initial reaction.The smile twitched larger but an apprehension grew. What was she looking at him like that for? What was he supposed to do now? Cautiously 001 leaned forward, brushing his lips against Selma's.
He pulled back a little. That wasn't quite right.. "I'm sorry....I don't really know...." Taliesin gestured vaugely, hinting at all sorts of thingsSelma smiled wider, trying not to laugh at his akward attempt. After all, she knew no better than he did.
"You don't need to appologize...it not like I know any better. I...I think we just kind of have to-" she paused, blushing, but her eyes twinkling a little with unexplored possibilites, "-to keep trying..." She shrugged a little and leaned in towards him, her eyes studying his.Slowly 001 grinned, leaning in as well. "Allright..." he murmmered.
(insert kissing here)
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Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 10:19 pm
I kissed him, a real kiss! And he kissed me back!
Dear journal,
I'm writing the entry for real this time. I was just so excited, I didn't know what else to say. I was surprised, to be sure, but its nice to know that he cares about me enough to kiss me, and to try continuing our relationship. I know it's going to be hard, but I think we can do it. I just hope we can keep developing this thing we have even more, while we're both still here. We don't know how much time we have. I only hope its enough.
Selma, 005
PS. Manelin asked me to help him practice his fighting this week. I'll try and find some time with him when he doesn't have classes.
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Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 10:20 pm
005 V 008 Manelin eyed Selma warily. True, he had wanted to fight, but an adult wasn't what he had orginally intended. But, of course, there was no one else to fight, at least, no one who wanted to fight him. Besides, Selma most likely wouldn't mind either, as she would get to test her fighting skills once more without fatal results... Mmm... A punch might work, but he wanted to come out of this fight with as little damage as possible, so he'd wait to see what she did first before deciding. He justed hope he could either block or dodge well enoughSelma glanced at the boy in front of her, debating what move she should try. She felt a little bad fighting someone younger than herself, wondering whether it gave her an unfair advantage. Pursing her lips, she decided that she wouldn't go easy on him. He would never learn if he wasn't challenged, right?
Nodding her head, she decided on what she was going to do, and headed towards him, planning on tackling him. Her moving towards him was a good thing, right? Hopefully that meant she was ready to start. He got a punch ready, hoping he could manage to duck under her punch or sidestep her kick, depending on which on she did.
Manelin just barely scrambled out of the way of Selma's... tackle? as his fist came 'round, managing to connect somewhere as he got out of her way. He didn't know what else to call that move, tackle just came to mind. Where did she learn that move from? At least now he knew what she was doing when she started to move towards him like that. He readied another punch, wary now of the distance between them. Closer so she couldn't build up speed, or farther to have more time to react? He decided for middle ground, not too close, and not too far. She could still kick and punch, and he didn't want to be hit by those anymore then he wanted to be tackled... His naughty mind started to come up with images and feelings of what would happen if Selma managed to successfully tackle him and he blushed, taking an unguarded step back and shaking his head to clear such thoughts awaySelma felt Manelin's punch, as she flew by him, and she winced visibly. Now she remembered why she didn't like fighting so much....it hurt! She watched him as she prepared herself to attack again and saw when he was unguarded for a moment, taking the opportunity to attempt another tackle.
Selma smiled as she found herself sucessfully tackling Manelin to the ground. His fist, however, caught her again, and she thought that it had perhaps bruised a rib this time and she pressed her hand to the spot. She took a moment before getting up, still kind of leaning against the younger male.
As she got off of him, she allowed him to start to get up first, hoping to lash out with one of her feet, kicking his legs out from under him.Manelin found himself being slammed against the floor once more as Selma hurled herself into him. His poor arm felt like it was on fire, but that could be because it crumpled from trying to "support" Selma as they collapsed. He hissed softly to himself as Selma got off him and he quickly rolled to the side before coming to his feet. He didn't think he'd ever get the right moment for a kick, but still... At least he could still punch in the meantime. He'd just have to avoid those tackles!Selma swept her leg across the mat, but too late to have the desired effect of trying to knock Manelin down. At least Manelin didn't manage to attack her this round either. She finished getting to her feet and spun to gain momentum, hoping to sucessfully land a roundhouse kick to Manelin's midsection Hah! Manelin thought, Rolling away before you get up is good for your health! Unfortunately, he also only managed to get a partial punch off, missing Selma by a mile ((or whatever the Nanedin equal is...)). He was now back on his feet, blinking at Selma, trying very hard not to put naughty twists on what they were doing. He took a step back, then lunged forward, hoping to put his full weight behind this punch.Selma's kick missed, thowing her off balance and giving Manelin a perfect target. His punch hit true, and Selma began to wonder whether being older and more experienced was really giving her any advantage. This boy was certainly not giving any indication that he wasn't able to hold his own against her. He even appeared eager.....maybe too eager....
Grimacing slightly, Selma prepared herself to attempt another tackle, hoping that she would be able to hold her own against him.Manelin's fist slammed into Selma even as the rest of him somehow managed to duck under her kick. Later he'd wonder how he did it. Now, all he could think about was... well. Fighting Selma. Yes. Fighting Selma and getting some pratice in... in... fighting. Yes. He had the odd, random thought that it was easier being a kid then a teen and that it better not be even harder as an adult. He leapt back to gain some distance between them as soon as both his feet touched the ground at the same time then prepared to do a kick. In the gut would be best, more so if she decided it was time for another tackle. Keeping her skin from touching his would undoubtedly help keep his mind... well, from being anymore clouded then it already was. Otherwise he'd hit wherever he could. Selma leapt in the air towards Manelin thinking that she'd gotten him this time.....but oh was she wrong. Instead of her body making contact with his, his foot made contact with her gut. She dropped to her knees, trying to breathe, as the kick had knocked the wind out of her. She unconsiously put a hand on his knee for support, before quickly withdrawing it, blushing slightly, remembering that they were in the middle of a fight. With a slight grunt, she got to her feet and backed up a couple of paces, having decided to try tackling again. If she was going to keep missing like this, at least she should be trying the one that could potentially be more damaging?By all the elements... was the only thought running through his mind as he saw Selma charging towards him. His crazy brain did one of the weirdest things then; it made him fall backwards until his was on his back and brought his feet up in defence just as Selma reached him. She ran right into his feet, his feet level with her gut. She dropped to her knees, dragging his feet with her. His mind was just starting to kick in when she placed one hand on his knee for the quickest of seconds, yanking it away just moments after placing it there. Why was she on her knees again? ... Oh yeah... they were fighting, right? He scooted back several inches before quickly clambering to his feet, a blush threatening to cover... erm... everything. Uh, how did one fight again? His balance shifted on it's own, his body automatically preparing for a kick even as his mind was beating down his hormones...Selma felt Manelin's foot connect with her midsection again, but this time, she also managed to land on him, knocking him over. She rubbed the spot where his foot had hit twice now, and knew that it would be bruised later. Smirking slightly at her belated success, she got to her feet again, preparing to tackle once more. Manelin took the full force of Selma's tackle and landed on his back... again. He didn't even know he had hit Selma back, his mind was buzzing so loud. Oooo, this feels nice... Hey, why is Selma getting back up? gonk Oh yeah, we're fighting. Sigh. He rolled onto his stomach and pushed himself onto his knees, then stepped up until he was on his feet. Might as well prepare another kick. If he tried a punch, erm... it might not be a punch by the time it reached Selma... I wonder if Tali ever went through these... emotions... when he was around cute girls...Selma threw herself at Manelin once more, almost smiling when she saw that she was going to get him. Per usual though, his foot successfully made connection with her body, making her arm snap back painfully. As she got to her feet, she rotated her shoulder, trying to ease the muscle a bit before setting her jaw in determination and flying at him in a tackle once more. Manelin's foot made yet another successful hit on Selma, this time against her arm ((At least, that's where EE is thinking keeta said Manelin hit...)), snapping it back. If course, Selma also made another successful tackle on him, throwing him to the ground. He quickly got up once more, his body on auto-pilot, refusing to take orders from his hormone-crazed mind. The shifting reveiled a plan to... kick. Perhaps one of these times, he'd manage to use her own momentum against her.This time Manelin's "plan" of using Selma's momentum against her succeed. His kick redirected that momentum and sent her sprawling across the mat. She fell face forward, and lay there for a moment before getting back up. Why was she doing so poorly against him? Feeling a bit of resentment, she lashed out at him with her foot from her place on the mat.Manelin jerked as his foot kissed Selma's skin once more and she went sprawling. He staggered back a few steps, shaking his head to clear it, before going in again, intent on punching her... or at least getting his hands on her. If he has stopped to think about it, he might have gone with a kick instead, rather then getting slapped by Selma.Selma's foot missed it's target and instead she found herself on the recieving end of one of Manelin's punches....in a place she had really never exprected to be hit. She let out a slight shriek of protest before blushing and covering her chest. After a few seconds though, her eyes narrowed and she reached up to try and slap Manelin across the face. Manelin's aim was true and his hands made contact... in a place he would normally try to avoid hitting... Ooo... soft... was all his exited brain(s) could think. All conscious thought shut down. His hands stayed in place even after Selma tries to cover herself. A thought floated up (from way down under) that perhaps he should try squeezing, and try he did.Selma was about to make contact with Manelin's face, when she felt an odd sensation on her chest area and stopped her hand mid-swing....was he.... squeezing her breasts? He was! It took Selma about 30 seconds to react to the situation because she was in a state of shock. His pinching fingers finally brought her back to the real world, however, and she backpedaled away from him, redfaced. Glaring at him, she got to her feet with what dignity she could, and stormed across the mat towards him, intending on punching him in the face.Nice and warm and soft and... Awwww... was the only thought fluttering around in his now empty skull (his mind got so embarrassed, it went on vacation) when Selma abruptly backpedaled, getting herself out of range. He staggered to his feet and started after her, wanting that feeling again. So nice, so plesant... A kind of... buzzing sensation... all over... Oooo... and she was coming back! He failed to notice her balled-up fist preparing to break his nose.Selma swung wildly once more, missing her target again, but her forward momentum brought her once more within the range of Manelin's groping hands. Her face now equally red with anger as embarassment, she rose her knee in a hard jab (kick), to his own sensitive area. She was hoping to wake him up to the idea that what he was doing was not good for his health And contact! His glazed eyes roamed over her body as his hands continued what they were doing before. But he wanted more then his hands on her... He moved up closer to her, wanting to feel her all over...Selma's breath shortened slightly and she instinctively took a step back as she felt Manelin's hand's traveling and exploring more of her body. This caused her knee to move out of position and hit nothing except empty air. What was going on? Why couldn't she manage to hit him at least once and make him aware of what he was doing? Manelin wasn't really like this was he?
Selma lifted her arms and attempted to shove Manelin away from her, and break this spell he seemed to be under. This was becoming less and less of a fight....Yes. All Selma had to do was smack him across the face a good one or startle him in some other fashion and he'd "wake up." In the meantime... >>
Manelin stepped forward once more as Selma stepped back and continued his... "explorations". His thumbs finally got in the action, caressing and... and... Well... That sort of thing. Horizontal, was the insistent thought, must be horizontal. One foot lifted and went around behind to try and hook Selma's legs, yanking them out from under her.Selma felt her legs being pulled out from under her, just as she was about to shove Manelin away, and she and Manelin fell to the ground, Selma getting the wind knocked out of her. She was starting to get a little scared now. What was he thinking!?!? In deperation she tried another punch to the face. If only Tali would show up and rescue her....If Manelin could purr, he would be right about now. He had her where he wanted her. Or, at least, he had her where his... um, 'lower brain' wanted her. He hesitated for the smallest of moments, unsure of what to do next. There was a brief flicker in his eyes as his internal "angel" did battle with his internal "devil". Who was under him? Why were they under him? Where was he? Instinct brutally took over again and his hands started to roam...Her wish was his command...If only Tali knew it. He and Selma were supposed to meet for lunch and when the young woman didn't show...well Tali was getting worried. What if the Earth had already arrived and taken her? A knot had formed in his stomach at the thought.
Taliesin had asked around and finally found out that she was helping Manelin fight in the practice room. With a smile the young man sauntered in that direction. He hadn't seen Manelin practice in ages and he would love to Selma in action.
However, the action was not what was expected. Bursting in the room the scene that met his eyes incited fury. Manelin was lying on top of Selma with a very...dreamy look in his eyes. "MANELIN!" Tali roared in a fury, because Selma wouldn't do anything like that to him, and sprang towards the occupied teen.
He kept his shoulder low to the ground rushing his 'brother' in a football tackle. Selma saw Tali burst in and attempt to tackle Manelin and rescue her, but he missed. The momentary disctraction on Manelin's part was all she needed though, to get in a punch to the face. A moment later though, Manelin got off her and ran for the other side of the room. Selma sat there and curled up with her knees to her chest, the full weight of what almost happened and what did happen, finally hitting her"MANELIN!" The roar of a extremely familar voice saying his name sent shivers uf Manelin's spines and caused him to leap several inches off Selma before landing with an ungraceful thud on top of her again, whatever plans he may of had bolting out the window hand-in-hand with the nice feelings. Wild, terrifed, suddenly aware eyes landed first on an enraged Tali, then downward to see... Selma? Scared? And angry... What's going on here? He scarcely had time to ponder that before Selma punched him in the face, spinning his veiw to see... Tali charging at him. Oooh scorch it. I'm in for whatever-I-did-now! He quickly climbed to his feet and bolted for the other side of the room, fleeing before Tali's wrath.Not another word was said, even when Tali missed. He tucked his tackle into a roll, coming back up into a crouch on the other side of Manelin. Distantly Tali knew that this rage, blind and all consuming, would only detract him from the fight but somehow he couldn't bottle it back up.
That was his brother...abusing his..Selma. And the Water elemental would be damned if he just stood back.
The teen fled before the oncoming storm. And just be thankfull they were still in Nanedin or the storm would be very real. Tali stalked towards Manelin, lashing out with a kick.
"Don't you EVER treat a girl like that!" he shoutedManelin squeaked, his eyes growing as large as saucers as he saw his doom approaching. Fire and water did not mix. Half-trained fire against fully-trained, furious water, even in Nanedin, was not good. "Treat a girl like what?" he half-asked, half-squeaked, fully terrified and confused. Running was out of the question now. He attempted to dodge the kick, even bringing a swatting hand down to ward off damage.Selma remained where she was, half listening to and watching the goings on, on the other side of the room. She didn't feel like moving and, while a small part of her felt sorry for the trouble Manelin was about to get in, she also hoped that he learned something. All she really wanted now was to curl up in Tali's arms and be held by him. She didn't want to be left alone... "Like what?" Taliesin scoweled as Manelin protested, glancing over at Selma for a moment. It took him a moment to find an appropriate word.
"Molesting her," the water elemental spat. "If she doesn't want it. Don't do it."
The kick flew wide and Tali landed back in the ready position, throwing a punch at the teen. Selma got up and came behind Tali, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. Her expression was solemn and slightly distracted, but she tugged on his shoulder slightly as if to pull him away from the confused and frightened boy a few feet away.
"Tali...." she started quietly. "This won't help anything. It's...ok..... I'll....be ok. Don't hurt him....please?" She looked down and bit her lip, not having the courage to look at Manelin just now. She knew it would be a little while before she would be ok with him again.Manelin quickly took a step back and turned his head aside, trying very hard not to look at Selma either. He wasn't quite sure what happened, but he was fairly certain Tali would tear him to shreads if he so much as looked at Selma wrong now... What had he done? His cheeks were aflame with unknown shame. He was fairly certain he knew what "molest" was, but aren't you usually aware of doing that when it happens? He was so going to get chewed out by anyone and everyone who heard of this, but he didn't have the nerve to ask either Tali or Selma to keep this between them. Tali might feel furious enough to tell everyone he met just out of... spite? Duty? What would he do it out of? His mind churned with the weight of so many thoughts as he tried hard not to look threatening. Tali might just geld him if he did.Tali froze as Selma tugged on his arm. "Tali...." she started quietly. "This won't help anything. It's...ok..... I'll....be ok. Don't hurt him....please?" She begged.
Shaking her arm off the Elemental turned. "Fine," he ground out, the thinest of control over his emotions. For a moment he stared at Selma then sighed. "Come on... Let's get you out of here," 001 said, gently putting his arm around her.Selma was grateful for the comfort of Tali's arm around her, and she leaned her head on his shoulder as they left the gym. Now that she was safe, she felt her emotions starting to overcome her, but she vowed to keep them in check until she and Tali were somewhere more private. Manelin was blushing heavily as the two of them left. It took a moment for it to sink in, but when it did, he started to sink to the ground, shaking uncontrollably as he did. Tali was gone and he was still alive. "I'm sorry." He repeated softly under his breath, rocking himself as tears streamed down his face. He had... molested? Selma? Impossible. Yet... He quickly scrambled to his feet and bolted out of the room as if the full fury of water itself was behind him. He needed to say he was sorry to Selma and he had to find a way to make it up to her... and Tali...
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Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 10:22 pm
The aftermath Selma had found it more and more difficult not to break down as they made their way back to the Waystation. It was only the fact that Tali was there with his arm around her, that gave her the strength to continue. In her mind, she was playing the "fight" over and over again, even though it was the last thing she wanted to think on. She also pondered on what could or would have happened if Tali had not arrived when he did.
Finally, they made it through the doors and up the stairs to the room Selma was staying in for the duration of their time at the waystation. Soon after the door was closed, Selma let herself release the emotions she had been holding in this whole time and the tears began flowing down her cheeks.
"He....he...Tali...he almost" she stuttered, before sinking to the floor, her tears overcoming her ability to speak cohearantly. It was hard to shunt that anger aside on the walk back to the waystation, but he managed to focus on Selma. Everytime the young adult thought of his 'younger brother' a black fury descended.
Eventually the two made it back to the relative privacy of the waystation. Luckily no one else seemed to be around. Tali sank to the floor with her, tugging Selma into a tight hug. "He didn't. And won't." Traces of fury still hid in his voice as he hugged Selma to him.
Taking a deep breath Tali began to rub her back, letting Selma cry herself out. For several minutes, she sobbed into his shoulder, clinging to his blue robes, but eventually, her sobs mostly weakened into sniffles, and she wiped her eyes, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you Tali..." she said, whispering, her voice hoarse from crying. "I don't know what I would have done wi-without you..." she choked back another sob, trying to stop thinking about what had happened, not wanting to start crying uncontrolably again. "Shhhh.....It's okay.....You could have defended yourself if it hadn't been so unexpected." Gently he wiped at her face, drying the tear trails away. "I know you can take care of yourself. And even if you can't. I'll kill anyone that hurts you." Tali bit off the last part fiercly. Bending he planted a kiss on her forehead. "You're kinda important to me."The corners of Selma's lips turned up into a small smile at his gestures and words and she gave him a tight hug.
"You're very important to me too. I'm so glad I know you Tali." She paused for a moment, not sure whether it was what happened that spurred it, or if it was simply how she felt, but either way, it felt right to say it right now for some reason.
"I....I think I love you Tali..." she pulled back from the hug to look at his expression.It was not something he expected. Or was sure he knew how to handle. For a moment Taliesin simply stared at Selma, weighing her words. He could simply say he loved her too. Or not..
"I don't know about love," he said quietly. "I'm not sure about anything. Becoming an elemental, being called an adult.. I can't tell what I'm feeling. I do know that I care about you, and there's no way someone will hurt you while I'm around. Like I said...You're very important." Finally he looked down at Selma, almost afraid of what his honesty had done.Selma looked a little taken aback at first, but then she started to nod slowly, and the small smile returned to her face, only with the tiniest hint of dissapointment.
"I...think I understand Tali..." she swallowed and closed her eyes, choosing her words carefully. "We're still growing up...and learning the ways of the world, trying to figure out what life has to offer. I-I can't ask that you decide on something like that.... I'm glad you care about me, still though... but I won't take back what I said about you...be-because I believe it to be true..."
She was blushing deeply, and her words had a nervous quality about them, but her eyes held a determined look, showing that she meant every word.Gently, 001 tilted her head up. Just as gently, he gave her a kiss. "Then thank you," Tali replied. "It's a precious gift." Selma kissed him back, and smiled wider at the words that followed. While the recent event was still present in her mind, she forced herself to push it back for the moment, to be dealt with at a later time. She did not want to let it spoil some of her last precious time with Tali, until who knew when.
Noticing that she had kind of messed up his hair, when she had been using him as a crying shoulder, she reached over and gently brushed a stray lock of hair behind his ear. The red-head let her fingers linger on his face, caressing it, her eyes studying it, as if memorizing how he looked, even though she already knew.Tali shivered at the gently touch before flashing Selma a grin. "What?" he teased gently. "Do I have something growing on my face?" Selma smiled and then responded her voice and expression slightly wistful as she looked at him.
"No...I just want to remember you, as you are now...before whatever happens to us in the near future happens." She shrugged. "I guess its a little silly.""Hey...The future isn't necessarily bad," Tali chided softly. "And even if I look different, I'm still me. Maybe I'll fall in love with someone else, or maybe you will. Maybe we'll end this war and live in a castle by the sea with twenty kids! Don't worry about the future. We can't change it. All we can do is change the now."
Taliesin watched Selma carefully.She cuddled up to him, laying her head on his shoulder.
"Hmm...yes, you're right. I guess I worry too much. I've been doing that a lot lately. Everything is changing and we're powerless to stop it...even though it is the now....I mean the change isn't all bad...I just like how things are now...." Tali snaked an arm around Selma, slowly stroking it up and down her back. "Things now are nice.." Tali admitted. "But," the teen leaned down to Selma, eyes dancing. "The future can always get better." He moved the few centimeters between them to give Selma one of his new and improved kisses(TM)! "See?" Selma kissed him back, holding the kiss for a while, before breaking away, grinning.
"Indeed it can get better," she said slightly breathlessly, studying his eyes. She turned her body to face him more directly, and wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning in for another kissWith a widening grin, Tali comlied with the unspoken request....
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Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:08 am
Perspectives Later, Selma lay next to Tali on the bed, her head on his chest and her hand resting on his stomach. She had...surprised herself with what she had been willing and wanted to do, expecially with what had happened with Manelin earlier. But then again, maybe it was because of it....or maybe it was because soon, she knew she would be seperated from Tali for an indefinate amount of time. She felt that, although she hadn't intended for them to do this, she was happy that she had been able to share this with him.Selma may have been complacent, but inside Tali's head thoughts, emotions, and the Elements only knew what else was going on. Part of him was pleased, content and generally in a good mood. But part of him was fretting. Things hadn't gone at all like the book has said and parts of it had been down right embarrassing. Idly, the young man stroked Selma's hair, matted as it was, as the two lay there. After a few minutes, Selma turned her head and body so that she could look at Tali, proping her chin on her hand. She studied him for a moment, her expression and body relaxed.
"You ok Tali?" she asked, giving him a slight smile. "You're quiet...."
Her mind was mostly free of confusion and worries. Before today, she had still been in the dark as to the finer details of what it was that adults sometimes did together. She had a faint idea, but she hadn't read things as in depth as Tali had. For the most part, she had just gone on instinct, so she didn't have any real expectations or things to be embarassed about.
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Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 2:10 pm
Dear journal....
...I have...a lot to talk about. I fought with Manelin, like he asked, but I don't think things turned out like either of us planned. Things started out normal...but suddenly, Manelin started acting strange. He touched me in places that he shouldn't have. I tried to get him to stop, but because I was so flustered, I couldn't seem to do anything about it. He knocked me over, and laid on top of me, touching me all over. It was...horrible...I don't want to think about what might have happened if Tali hadn't shown up when he did.
When Tali got there, Manelin seemed to snap out of it. I think maybe, for some reason, he didn't know what he was doing. I really hope that's true. I...don't want to think that he's the kind of person he seemed to be that afternoon. Regardless...I think as far as this goes, it's good that I'm leaving soon. I don't know if I can face him right now.
Tali helped me back to the Waystation afterwards. I don't think I would have made it on my own...I cried...a lot... and he held and comforted me until I calmed down. He said that he would always protect me. I'm so glad he was there with me and that I know him.
I...told him that I love him. And what's strange, is that, I don't know if I really understood what adults mean by love, but I think this is what I feel for him. I can't explain it...but I think it's true. He...didn't tell me he loved me back. It was disapointing, but I understood. We're still figuring out who we are and I have no right to tell him who he is or should be.
We kissed again...and did ...more. I guess you would say. I don't think either of us were planning on it. It just kind of happened. I don't know what I was expecting, if I was expecting anything, but in general, I liked it. Tali didn't seem to like it quite as much, but maybe that will change in the future.
Selma, 005
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Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 2:11 pm
The Representatives Arrive Several days after the new adults had arrived at the waystation, there was a commotion downstairs in the evening. The guides from the cities had finally arrived, bringing some news of the three cities with them. The three men talked with the Stationmaster for a few moments, who sent word to the four adults that they would be leaving in the morning and to be ready.
That next morning, the three guides were waiting outside of the Postmaster's office for their charge, or charges in the case of the Air elemental. Each had a small bag of mail slung over a shoulder. As soon as the four new adults had joined up with their guides, the group headed outside, splitting up almost immediately to travel to their own cities.
The Air elemental, with Nikiana and Vincent in tow, headed for an air ship. The ships were commonly used to get to and from Telphe. The elemental in control shifted the winds to guide the ship where it needed to go.
The Water elemental and Taliesin headed for a nearby river, where a boat awaited them. This was the common way to get to and from Ceiba, for the elemental controlling it could speed and slow the currents as needed.
Selma and the Earth elemental just headed into the woods. Shortly, they came upon a very large tree and the Earth elemental laid his hand upon it for a moment. The tree began to stir and a branch moved down so that the two could climb up onto it. Here was their ride into Notuma. It was a rather teary goodbye, at least as far as Tali was concerned. Not only did tears stream from his eyes, the very heavens wept with him. As soon as the guides arrived it slowly started to drizzle, despite clear skies. By the time they actually had to split up, well it wasn't quite a downpour. But a steady rain pounded the ground churning up dirt into mud.
With a fierce hug Tali whispered to Selma. "I'll write often. Promise." A quick peck and he turned to Niki, giving her a hug as well. Awkwardly the young man faced Vincent. He hesitated weighing options, before giving his age-mate a *very* quick hug. A heavy hand dropped down on Tali's shoulder as pulling him away from the group. A dry water elemental stood there. "Get a hold of yourself boy. You've got to control your powers now. Else we'll never get home." A scowl darkened Tali's new teacher's face. "And first things first. Control you're emotions." A matching scowl danced on Tali's face, though he did try his best to calm down. Slowly the rain slowed to a mere misting and his teacher nodded. "Let's go," the man said brusquly, propelling him towards the river bank. Briefly Tali turned around and waved at the group, as each of them were taken away by the Elementals. Nikiana's eyes were dry, of tears at least, but her stomach was doing some flip-flopping about. She was both excited and nervous. And a bit upset, too. After all, she was leaving her good friend Tali behind. And Selma, though Niki hadn't gotten to know the girl as well as she had Tali. And she was getting to travel with Vincent. Wonderful.
She glanced at the man wearing the yellow robes to match her own new ones. The man's robes were hemmed in black, unlike Niki and Vincent's own white. So the man was a teacher.
As they walked out into the rain, a wind picked up for a few moments before dieing down. It continued to pick up and die down during the group's farewells. Niki hugged Tali and waved at Selma as the group split up. The man glanced at his two charges. "Alright. You guys have got to calm down, or else I'll have a hard time getting us home." Niki glanced up at the man, realising he was talking about the unreliable winds at the moment. "Oh..." She took in a deep breath, trying to settle her stomach and her emotions. Slowly the wind died down to just a steady gentle breeze. The man raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "Much better. Let's get going."Selma hardly noticed the rain as she hugged Tali goodbye. She laid her head on his shoulder for a moment, silent tears running down her cheeks. What if she never saw him again? When he told her he would write, she tried to smile and nodded.
"I will too," she whispered, returning the peck on the cheek. With one last hug, she turned away from him, not having the courage to look at him anymore. She moved on to Niki and Vincent, giving them each a hug, before facing her teacher. Silently, he indicated that she should follow him into the woods, and she sighed resignedly, before making her way after him.
Once within the forest, she found herself calmed slightly by the growing things around her, but shortly after entering, her teacher cleared his throat and indicated the ground by her feet. The grass and nearby plants were starting to look slightly wilted. "Best get a hold on yourself, miss," he said matter of factly, before walking a few more paces and placing his hand on the tree that would take them to Notuma.
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Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 2:12 pm
Log Entry #006A
Subject(s): 005, 001
Things certainly don't cease to be interesting around here. Since I last wrote, 005 has been through several, what I would qualify as, "life changing" experiences.
A few days ago, she started sparing with the now teenage 008 and ended up getting herself in a very uncomfortable position. As we are not allowed to interfere in the lives of our subjects, I could not stop him. If 001 had not stepped in when he did, things might have gotten much worse than they did.
What doesn't make sense to me, is that after leaving the scene and returning to the Waystation, 005 ended up losing it anyways, but instead to 001. I am rather shocked that after an ordeal like that, she was interested in anything remotely sexual. As it is, it happened, though not without some complications. 001 seemed to have a few problems getting started. The event seemed to have caused some minor akwardness between the pair.
Today, the events continued, when the representatives from the various elements arrived to pick up their respective students. 005 and 001's goodbye was tearful, 001's water element abilities drenching the four of them and their teachers in a downpour. Not too long after, they went their seperate ways, 005 riding in the branches of a tree, with her instructor, on the way to Notuma.
I will report more soon. No doubt 005 will be getting into some interesting prediciments in the coming days.
Log Entry End
Observer: Keetabirdy
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Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 2:13 pm
Journey to Notuma The two rode along, the giant tree striding through forest. "The first lesson," Selma's new teacher pipped up. "Is control. You're emotions are very dangerous right now, because you don't know how to control your powers yet. Soon you won't have to worry about your emotions interfereing with your powers."
The tree continued to stride as they were walking, listening quietly to the conversation.
"When the plants wilted and you controlled your emotions to stop it. How did that feel?Selma found herself distracted away from the sad thoughts of leaving Tali and Nanedin by the amazing sights and experiences around her. For all the ways she imagined that she would be traveling to Notuma, sitting in a walking tree wasn't one of them. Would she have the power to do this someday? The scenery changed from time to time as they traveled, passing a stream, and then an open meadow with a few deer in the middle of it, who acted as though a tree moving in this manner was nothing out of the ordinary.
She was so completely engrossed in her surroundings that she didn't notice her teacher was speaking to her for several seconds. She did, however, manage to catch his question.
"When the plants wilted and you controlled your emotions to stop it. How did that feel?"
Selma turned to look at him, her expression thoughtful and a little sad. After a moment, she spoke quietly.
"I guess I'm not sure what you mean, sir."Her new teacher sighed. "Well.. Every elemental can control their powers. Since emotions influence your powers by controling them you can control your powers. But there is a difference between the two. Eventually you will learn to control just your powers."
The teacher turned to look at Selma with a critical eye. "How fast and how well you learn will reflect your status among us. If you are lucky you will be permitted to join the military and aide us. Learn quickly," he admonished.Selma listened quietly to what her teacher had to say about controling her powers, nodding to show that she understood. When he spoke about joining the military, however, she widened her eyes a bit in surprise before turning away a moment. When she turned back to look at him, she spoke softly and evenly.
"I will do my best to learn well and quickly. However...I have no interest in being in the military....sir."For a moment the man stared at her. Suddenly he bent over laughing. Slowly one of the tree's branches moved to waggle at the man, as if scolding him.
Bit by bit his laughter died down. "Nonsense," the teacher said. "The military has the comfortable life. No chores, no farming, just being served until their sent out. You'll change you mind in time." He waved, dismissing the matter.
"Now, let's try some exercises." Reaching inside his jacket the man pulled out a drawstring packet. Nimbly his fingers undid the ties, pulling it open and taking out a seed.
"Take this and focus on joy. As you do, try to find the edge of your power and your emotions."Selma felt herself unnerved by the man's laughter. She blushed as he laughed, but she held her head up high, not retracting her statement. So he thought a desire to avoid the military, despite a less comfortable lifestyle was rediculous did he? If this was the case, and his entire personality was similar, Selma did not hold high hopes for getting along with the man. She would respect him as was required a student to a teacher, but she knew that she might not ever learn to respect his person. When he insisted that she would change her mind, she internally yelled a defiant "No!", but for his benefit, she forced herself to smile at him and concentrate on the task he was asking of her.
She held the seed in her palm, trying to push aside her thoughts of irritation and come up with something joyful. Her brow furrowed slightly as she concentrated. She couldn't think of many joyful things at the moment.... having to leave Tali and Nanedin and all... Tali.... She sighed and smiled slightly, remembering their first "date," when Tali had taken her to the the Earth Garden. She smiled a little wider, when she realized that this memory would serve her purposes of joy. She looked at the seed in her hand once again, trying to focus on it and the memory at the same time. After a moment, she closed her eyes, searching for the power she knew was there, however elusive.
As she sat there, quiety, she met almost a kind of resistance inside her that she had never really explored before. Internally, she kind of poked at it, trying to keep her thoughts on the happy memory.For a long moment nothing happened. Slowly a small pale root began to crack open the seed, splitting aside the covers. Faster now the plant began to grow, throwing out thin hair-like roots that entangled Selma's hands.
"Hold that. Find where your power and your emotion meets. Explore your joy."Selma's eyes flew open when he spoke and she felt the roots of the rapidly growing plant winding themselves around her hand and arm. The sight of the plant enveloping her arm, however, startled her, and she lost her concentration, despite her teachers words, the memory and the power fading from her grasp for the moment. She stared in shock at what she had done with her first intentional use of her powers and looked up at her teacher, her mouth slightly agape.
After a few seconds, she looked back down and reached out with her other hand, touching the plant, as if to confirm its existance. The teacher nodded. "Good job. Practice every day until you can learn to do grab your energy without having to manipulate your emotions." I will, sir." Selma said, nodding, and fiddled with the plant in her hand. As she examined it, a small part of her could feel its need for nutrients and water.
"Sir....? What shall I do with it?" she asked, indicating the plant wrapped around her hand and arm.
"Won't it die if we don't plant it soon?""Toss it to the side, it'll dig into the soil. We always use fairly resistant plants to teach the first lesson." her teacher said carelessly. A few branches rubbed together nearby as the tree began to slow down.
Ahead the forest spread out. Huge trees, massive enough to fit three or four stories in them spread out their limbs, casting a soft shadow over the forest floor. Natural looking holes in the trunks created windows and doors into the trees. The ground slowly sloped upwards to a form a large mound that the forest was centered on.
Gently the tree let them down. Selma's teacher grinned at it. "Thanks Arthur. I'll see you around!" The tree simply moved off into the forest, blending in. "Come on, I'll show you to the students tree." Selma let her fingers run over the leaves once more, before disentangling the plant from her arm and letting it drop to the side as her teacher instructed. As soon as she had let go of the plant, her attention was immediately drawn to the changing scenery and the increasing size of the trees.
Soon, they had arrived at their destination and she opened her eyes a bit wider in surprise as her teacher said goodbye to the tree and called it by name. Feeling like she would be rude if she didn't say anything, she gave a halfhearted wave and spoke softly, her voice a bit confused.
"Bye....Arthur...."
She turned when her teacher addressed her and followed after him, watching Arthur as he moved into the forest.
"Student's tree?"The man nodded. "You'll be the only one in there for now, but the students all live in one tree. It's easier to keep an eye on them there than having them run all over the place.""I'm to be alone?" Selma asked, a hint of concern in her voice. She had never truely been alone before. Even though she had her own room. her matron and/or classmates were always near-by....
"There's no other students right now...at all?" Suddenly the big grove of trees seemed a bit intimidating to the new Earth Elemental. "Nope!" The man said cheerfully, oblivious to Selma's dismay. "You're really lucky, you get to choose any room you want. No fighting for the bathroom." He practically sighed with envy. "Anyway, go ahead and get settled, I'll meet you back here after lunch for your next lesson."Selma nodded and looked at the tree that stood before her, having to lean her head a ways back to see the top of it. With a sigh, she stepped inside, and headed up the stairs occasionally stopping to look closer at an area where the grain of the wood took on an interesting shape. Soon, she encountered some rooms, and after passing a few, she found one with a view she liked and set her few belongings on the bed.
"Lucky, am I?" she muttered to herself. She knew that she would miss Tali and her friends, but she had been hoping on making some new friends. The lack of other people made her feel sorely alone and miss them even more.
Trying not to dwell on a situation she could not change, Selma quickly unpacked her few belongings. Noticing that there would still be a bit of time before lunch, she sat down to write a letter to Tali and write in her journal. Maybe the little book would help her sort out her thoughts a bit better.
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