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Okay, going to ask again . . . Sequal? |
Yesh! |
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75% |
[ 3 ] |
No want! |
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0% |
[ 0 ] |
Meh, dunno . . . |
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0% |
[ 0 ] |
Mah pineapple ate mah hamster. |
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25% |
[ 1 ] |
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Total Votes : 4 |
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:22 pm
Blaise explained to Eitan their situation. He was a bit upset about the fact that they all had to leave but understood it and supported it. He knew it was the right thing to do. While they spoke Eitan called for someone to get Nayati. Nayati came in all haste and joined them in their conversation.
He agreed as well, leaving was the best thing to do, and he gladly took position of overseer of the troops in line with Eitan. She promised them that she would be back and that if she needed help then they would be the first ones called to her side. She left Eitan's home and called all the Foresters to a central meeting place. Standing atop an elevated area Blaise watched nervously as the Foresters began gathering.
~ * ~
"Oh, yes," Annalise said politely, "Everything's fine. I just had a little interruption. But things are in order now."
Annalise stood ready to serve her master when he wished. She was very glad for his kindness, the way she was treated before she had come to this place was rather vulgar. She had quite a few scars to prove it. But she'd left her fair share of scars on other's in a way she could not describe. But this made others mistreat her more. Not here, though. They were all very kind to her, and accepted her.
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:42 pm
It didn't take long for Rosette and Chrono to explain the same news to Azmaria and Satella. The two of them agreed wholeheartedly to help and willingly wanted to lend their abilities to them. Azmaria was just happy to be traveling with them.
"We'll have to get stuff for them to fight with..." Satella said quietly to Chrono. Azmaria had Rosette distracted with her happy chatter.
"I know, we'll have to go there."
*~*~*
As if on cue, the large door behind the trio opened, and a tall, young man stood there with a rather sad look on his face. Things had not been easy on their master lately. He was rather stressed.
"Oh!" He said, peering down at Anna,"Impeccable timing my dear, I could really use some tea."
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:22 pm
Annalise curtsied to their master as he came in. She noticed his glum appearance and wondered what could have been wrong. She knew not to ask though, it was master's business and maser's busness only. If he wished to share then that was his decision.
“Yes sir.” Annalise said sweetly, “Would you like it as you usually do? The cook added a little bit of Chamomile in your tea today, sir. It will help to calm you.”
~ * ~
Blaise gazed out to all the Foresters as they finished gathering and all became silent. She tried to put as much together in her mind as she could, but she felt distracted because one person wasn’t there. Kaden was nowhere to be seen.
“Good day, Foresters. I trust everyone has recovered or is recovering well.” Blaise began, her voice ringing clear in the silence, “I have some unfortunate news to give to you today. The battle is over, but that was all it was. Only a battle. Now we fight a war. This war is more dangerous, more perilous than any of us could have ever imagined. We still must fight it.
“I know that there must be many rumors going around, many people saying things. But hear this . . . our newfound comrades are friend to us and mean no harm. We have found the Messiah; we can say this without a doubt now. But gifts come with circumstances and now we must face ours. We all have histories, some more gruesome than others. Even the Messiah has hers. And it is now that hers is beginning to haunt her. Days are becoming more dangerous. I regret to inform you that she cannot stay.
“I say this with regret as well. As she leaves, I follow. Being your leader is a privilege that I have taken. As a leader it is important for me to aid the Messiah because if I do this then I can find an end to this war, and bring peace. I can do what I set out to do as your Lieutenant; I will bring my people to peace and freedom. In my heart I do not want to leave, but in my mind I know it is right. We cannot let emotions sway rational thought. I do what is right, and I do it for all Foresters.
“You must have hope and faith in what I do, it is the only way we can succeed as a whole. Don’t give up on the world yet, for there is still goodness in its far corners. You may have to dig through soot, and ash, and the bodies of many dead, many battle’s killings to find it, but it’s there. Faith and hope can be given, but never let it be taken and you cannot be defeated. Stay strong and we’ll all get through this.
“Remember these as my parting words. You can live a normal lifetime but in the end not be happy, then you can live a lifetime of terror and war and fight for what’s right and be happy in the fact that you’ve done something good. The society of Fugitive Foresters was created on the want for a better society and the determination to bring it. We have come into a new era. We are no longer a society with a want and a determination; we are one who has changed the world already. Our objective has changed and you can feel it. Dead are the days of the Fugitive Foresters, we are now a new people and have earned a new name. Crusaders we are and Crusaders we will stay until we have accomplished what we came into existence to accomplish. We are on a crusade for what is right and for peace . . . and we have completed stage one of this movement. Crusaders are we, Crusaders are we, and Crusaders we will remain! All for one and one for all, remain loyal to all and all will remain loyal to you. I remain loyal, no matter where I am. I say farewell to you all now, and I will return. Win or lose we Crusaders fight until the end.”
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:30 pm
Azmaria and Satella were busied with getting things ready for their departure now, none of them had manged to get to see Blaise's last speech to the foresters, or rather, the Crusaders. Rosette didn't know why Chrono needed to find such a high place to talk in private. There was no one in their room now, and that would have been fine. What did he have in mind? Chrono had found a perfect spot. One of the tallest buildings that was actually built into part of a large, blossoming tree. The moon was full and looked huge tonight, he couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening. For a while he just wanted to watch her. She looked so serene... almost heavenly in the way she gazed up at the moon. Her blue eyes reflected the moonlight brightly... those blue eyes, like bottomless pools. For once he wasn't looking at her as a friendly, outgoing girl, but as a woman. A very beautiful woman with a good heart, and a wonderful sense of hope for the future. It was that hope, and the determination to keep going and living that he really admired. She knew that she would die sooner than she should because of him, but she didn't give up. She wouldn't let that stop her. Wasn't that something really worth emulating? "It'll be sad to leave this place..." Rosette said after several moments of silence,"I liked it here. Peaceful, but that doesn't-" "Doesn't suit us?" Chrono finished. "Right-O." Rosette agreed, "So you'll finally tell me why you've been so shy around me? You were starting to hurt my feelings." Chrono reached up and touched the ring through the fabric of his shirt. Rosette thought he was touching the Medallion. "I'm not angry with you about what happened." "But you were afraid for a while." Chrono added sadly. "I thought I was going to die, that's one of the only things that scares me Chrono." "I know." "Look at me!" She said, grabbing his shoulders, "I could never fear you! We've been through too much for something like that to happen. I'm alive because of you!" "But you're dying for the same reason." "I'd rather die for you than anyone else." Chrono looked at her with wide eyes. He'd heard that phrase only once in his long life, and it brought tears to his eyes to hear her say that. Chrono wrapped his arms around Rosette's shoulder and pulled her into a tight hug. "And I'd do the same for you." Now it was Rosette's turn to be surprised. Chrono never... he'd never really hugged her like this before. Nor was he ever tall enough to do so. "Chrono, what's wrong?" Chrono moved away just enough to look her in the face. His eyes darted about, trying to think of what to do... "After what happened, I realized, how fragile you are..." "I'm not fragile!" "I realized how easily I could lose you." Chrono corrected. He reached down his collar and nimbly slipped the ring off the cord with one hand. Rosette stared at it was wide-eyed look. He couldn't tell if she would say yes or no at this point. "I never want to lose you. Rosette, you've given me my life back. When we were younger, you told me everyone has a purpose in life, and that I had to get out and find mine. I know what my purpose is, it's to be with you. My purpose is to never stop loving you..." Chrono took Rosette's hand in his and slipped the ring on her finger carefully. He still held onto her hand as he kneeled down on one knee. AT this point, Rosette had covered her mouth with one and couldn't stop the tears in her eyes from coming out full force. "Rosette Christopher. I've loved you since the moment I first laid eyes on you. I love you now and I always will, not matter what you say. Rosette, will you marry me?" Rosette made an odd sound, like she was about to start wailing or something. She pulled her hand out of Chrono and turned around. With her back to him, she took a few steps away. Chrono slowly rose to his feet, his heart caught in his throat. She didn't know what to say. She was appalled by the very idea of marriage... He was a demon, and now he was one with a shattered he- "YES!" Chrono looked up, just in time to see Rosette charge at him with her arms spread wide. She collided with him as she wrapped her arms around them, knocking him into a low tree branch before they both hit the ground. The next thing he knew, he was on his back with Rosette's lips forcefully pressed against his. He was nearly blinded by her hair, but could see colorful blossoms falling around them. He had to admit he liked this reaction. Chrono wrapped his own arms around Rosette's waist as they continued to kiss. The ring on Rosette's finger gleamed brightly and innocently in the moonlight. Down below, Satella and Azmaria heard Rosette's loud proclamation of Rosette's "yes!" and smiled to each other. Azmaria couldn't help but giggle wildly, while Satella sighed and murmured, "About time..."
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 10:50 am
((Hello))
The road cut through the fields of grain like a surgeons knife severs the flesh. The road was empty, alone, desolate, but used often. The stones stood rested upon the earth, their black body's cold even as the brilliant sun blazed down from the blue and clear sky high above. The wind played silent melody upon the grass all around and a subtle peace surrounded the area. A peace that began to grow uneasy on the Dragon Slayer Alrgern's mind. Algren rode upon a large black horse, his posture tall and erect as he and his small band moved without speaking or talking through this open land. Most of the troops were weary looking and sullen and most looked far older than they had when they had marched through here on their way to destroy the foresters. Algren himself was sullen, both arms wrapped in slings, his left eye covered in bandages and bruises and cuts coursed his body. He remembered the wall of water slamming into him, the water choking his nostrils and dragging him ar down stream, rocks cutting and breaking his body. He had survived. Somehow he had lived. He remembered nothing except for waking up and Gefton telling him victory was theirs. But somehow Algren doubted his companion's words. Their was something Gefton was not telling him. Something most of his pitiful few remaining troops would tell him. He had heard clips of conversation, of men claiming to have died only to come to life once more. Algren scoffed this but so many believed it. Algren had ordered the return home, his honor and reputation dashed and soarly beaten. His name would no longer carry the fear it once had. He had won, Gefton said, but at a heavy cost. Asmudius was believed dead and only two hundred of Dragon Slayer hopefuls marched around him now. And only have of those were his own. The rest were either Gefton's or Bane's. Some were even Blood's. Algren watched the world around him and watched a raven flying overhead. The bird looked down and then flew higher, taking Algren's thoughts with it. -------------------- The forest was still and dank, the waters that had flooded it still lingering in pools upon the earthy floor. No birds sang here and the shadows where ddep and dark. A single blur of color raced through this place. A fox, his red coat blazing, hunted a lizard, trying to catch his elusive prey. The chase was long and ended at the bank of the river, the water flowing deep and cold. The fox seized its pre and made ready to eat. But that is when the fox saw it. A body, a human one, was floating i the river. White hair flowed and snaked around the mans head, as wide, blank eyes stared up at the heaven. A deep blue scar rested over his heart. The fox coack it head to one side in confusion and then it heard the voices. Hundreds of voices. All laughing and cackling in glee. some voices were deep and some high, some male, some female. all were singin and as the fox looked on, he saw black smoke begin to pour out of the dead man's mouth. the fox began to step away as the smoke began to creat forms and ina moment a thousand figures stood on and around the river.
Some were giants, with four heads, others where snakes with masks of death for eyes and some looked human. The fox crouched as they began to speak “We're free! One exclaimed. “At last” Echoed another. Chant's began to ensue and ceclarations of war against the Emperor that had imprisioned them began to ring. Louder the booming frew until it was silnce by a single voice. An old man's voice, calm and collect. “Silence all of you.” An old, bearded man rose up from the mouth now and the air chilled. All the demons stared at this figure for a moment and then laughed. “How dare you tell us to be silent! You old fool. Who do you think you are?” The old man smiled. “I'm your father, fools.” Was all the old man said. Their was silence and then the old man spoke again. “Once I was whole. The old man chuckled” But then i was broken and you my children came to be. I am the father of all demon kind. It's tiome you and I became one again!” At this the demons all rushed the old man, waving dark weapons. The man seemed doomed. But suddenly, the old man raised his hands and the hands had mouth in the palms and the palms opened and the mouth began to suck the daemons in. The demons screamed and cried and the vortexes devoured them on and all. Soon only the old man floated above the body. The old man licked his lips as he looked down. “How delicious.” A pause “I apologize soul of Asmudius. You sleep now and must forever. I need this body and two minds share a body not well at all.” Then the old man turned to smoke once more and the smoke entered the body. The fox watched and then ran as the body suddenly came to life, the eyes glowing a dark yellow as the figure stood up, waist deep in the water that began to bubble and blacked as the figure walked its way to show. The trees around the man began to whither and after a moment die. The eyes of Asmudius looked around and after a moment they turned blue again. The trees stopped whithering and the waters turned blue again. The lips of Asmudius moved and spoke as a voice similar to Asmudisu' spoke. “Excellent. It seems all is well. Algren rides to the capitol and shall soon be Emperor due to the Emperor's soon to be untimely death.” The last word was hissed and a dark laugh began echoing through the forest as the body of Asmudius began to fade away to smoke and then disappearing in the wind.
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 10:50 am
((Yay, you're back!))
Blaise looked to Eitan and Nayati. They each smiled at her but she wouldn't smile back. It was so hard to leave her people. They cheered for her as she left, the understood why she needed to leave and they supported that. She was being supported by hundreds of people! How could this feel so right and feel so wrong all at the same time?
“Were here for you, Blaise.” Eitan said, putting a hand on her shoulder, “We'll be here. Come back soon?”
“As soon as I can, friend.” She sighed, trying not to cry, “As soon as I possibly can. Nayati, take care of them all. They trust you. They would follow you into any battle a hundred times and again even if they knew it was to certain death.”
“As they would for you.” Nayati smiled, “But I'm sure they'd have more fun doing it. You have always given them an enlightenment I could never. Travel well, and be safe.”
“You know me, I gotta get into some sort of trouble.”
“Yes . . . you always do.”
Blaise looked around and sighed deeply, “It's time to go. I have to find the others.”
“Where's Kaden?” Eitan asked, “He's usually attached to you at the hip.”
Blaise didn't say anything at first, then looked up stoically as she said, “I'm not sure if he's coming. He doesn't wasn't to abandon the troops. He doesn't understand that what we are doing isn't abandonment. He's got his heart in too deep.”
Eitan looked to her sadly and put his hand on her shoulder, “I'm sorry. He will soon see his mistake. Hopefully it's not too late by that time. Before you go, I have someone you need to meet. I have ordered him to stay with you and your group. He is a decent fighter, but still needs a bit of training; I was hoping you would do that. He's got no family and even volunteered for this. There's another elf as well, he mainly keeps track of the younger one, but he's a loyal and strong soldier. Meet Booker and Loque.”
Two elves stepped up to Eitan, one young and one more matured. Eitan pointed out that Booker, the younger and dark-haired one, was only Kaden’s age but often acted much younger. Loque, the older and light-haired one, kept Booker in line most of the time and was quite respectable. They would be of much help during the extent of their parting.
“I’d best be off.” Blaise said, saying her last goodbyes to Eitan and Nayati, “We’ve got a bit of a long road ahead. Eitan, do tell Eabha I said goodbye?”
“Of course, farewell Lieutenant.”
Blaise turned and motioned for Loque and Booker to follow. She wasn’t quite sure where Rosette and Chrono had gone off to but she had asked them to meet her at the central square where there stood a fountain. On the way she briefed the two elves in her company.
“Booker, Loque, until you have earned the right to call me by my name you will refer to me as Lieutenant or ma’am, is that clear?”
“Yes, Lieutenant.” Loque said.
Booker made a face and said, “Eh . . .”
“Yes?” Blaise inquired.
“Well . . . ma’am . . . you’re not really a ma’am are you? Aren’t you more of a . . . little miss?”
Blaise used her wind elementals and had Booker upside-down and suspended by his ankles in the blink of an eye. Turning to him she smiled.
“You will call me Lieutenant or ma’am, is that clear?”
Booker nodded quickly, “Yes ma’am. Could you please out me down, ma’am? All the blood is rushing to my head.”
Blaise flipped him right-side-up but didn’t put him on the ground before she dropped him. He fell in a heap near the fountain and scrambled to his feet. Loque couldn’t help but laugh.
“Well done, Lieutenant.” He chuckled.
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 11:25 am
(HINGE!!!!)
"Chamomile? Oh, you people spoil me." He chuckled, taking the tray from Anna, "Come in, my dear. There is someone here I'm sure you'd like to see. You can come in as well Fiore. I daresay you've been eager to see him again."
Jacob was sitting on the floor at the far end of the room. He detested sleeping in a bed, so he had a few pillows propped up against the wall for him to rest on. He looked like a mess. His bloodied clothes had already been taken care of without question, and he was drifting in and out of sleep while wearing crisp, white clothes.
His horns were gone now, disappearing in the place of the thick cotton bandages that were wrapped around his head. The veins near where they emerged and his eyes were easily vsible and pounding on the sides of his head. He looked dizzy, his eyes were unfocused.
"...Sis...?" He murmured, seeing Fiore. Fiore kneeled down in front of him and hugged him tightly around the shoulders. She'd been afraid, very afraid for his safety when she'd got wind of what he had to do. She was amazed he came back with his life after he showed up with his injuries. An entire wing! She thought he would die.
"...A..." Jacob began, looking to the man who'd let the two female servants in.
"Ah, You are to call me Bane here." The man said with a smile, "And don't worry, they can keep you company for now. I have recieved word that Algren will be returning soon wit the battle's survivors, I wish to greet him and the men on their arrival. I'd like to here what has happened."
---------------------------------
(I'm going to start putting in Satella's accent more heavily.)
Azmaria and Satella were already at the fountain, having been told so by Rosette and Chrono before they seemingly vanished on everyone.( whee )
"I vas vondering vhen you all vould show up. I was growing bored." She said, but she was still smiling. Azmaria was still doubled over in silent giggles. It was the only way she could think of to politely express her extreme excitement over what had happened. Seeing this, Satella spoke up again.
"AH, Chrono and Rosette shall be a tad bit late. I believe zhey had some... important business to handle. Zhey vill be here shortly, I hope."
Satella glanced around at them before stopping at Blaise.
"I see you vere quick to replace zhat boy, Kaden." She observed, "Is zhis all zhat will be coming? I can only carry so many."
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 11:46 am
Blaise frowned at Satella and folded her arms across her chest.
"They are not replacing Kaden." She said coldly, "They are coming to help."
Blaise paused for a moment then turned to Booker and Loque, "These two are Satella and Azmaria. They are close friends of Rosette and Chrono, whom you will hopefully be meeting soon. Once they get here we will be on our way." Then she looked to Satella and Azmaria, "This is Booker and Loque. They are two of Eitan's men. Booker is still in training and Loque is his overseer."
Now that the introductions were over, Blaise sat down on the wall of the fountain to wait for Rosette and Chrono.
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:17 pm
"Kaden is no vhere to be seen, and zhese two are here, I only assume vhat I see." Satella said airily. She glanced at the two new Elves and smiled.
"I am quite glad for zhe new company, however."
Azmaria scooted closer to Blaise to whisper something to her.
"He did it." She said quickly,"I heard Rosette say yes, too. I suppose someone might find them or we'll never get going..."
She was right. While the two had stopped kissing, they'd yet to get off the ground. Chrono didn't move because, well, he could have he wanted to, but he REALLY didn't want to.
"Hey Chrono?" Rosette began, her voice sounding very... happy.
"Yes?"
"We're engaged."
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:21 pm
Blaise looked down to Azmaria and gave her a small smile, "I'm glad." She really was, even if she didn't sound it. "I'm sure either you or Satella should go look. I don't knoiw where they were in the first place. Plus, I want to wait here just in case . . ."
Blaise let her voice trail off. She desperately wanted to finish her sentence, just in case Kaden might come. But if she did then she would know that he wasn't there and there really was the possibility that he wouldn't show, and she might not ever see him again.
~ * ~
Annalise stood silently, unsure of what to do. She wasn't fairly aquainted with Jacob, just knew who he was more of. He seemed very injured and in desperate need of rest. What could have made him like this?
"Shall I go back to the kitchens and get more tea, sir?" she asked her master politely, "I'm sure it might help him, sir."
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:30 pm
Azmaria shook her head before giving her a small push.
"They're at that tree with the big blossom on it, at the top; above our room. I'll come with you." She said, standing up and smoothing out her skirt.
"You can't just sit here and expect things to come to you. Someimtes you have to go out and find them yourself before they're gone for good."
To Satella and the other, they probably thought they meant Rosette and Chrono, but Blaise knew what she meant and why she looked so sad.
"Come on! It'll give us a chance to talk, we haven't had that chance yet."
*~*~*~*~*~*
"Yeah, more tea would be nice, peppermint for Jacob, my dear." Bane told her quietly, "And something light to eat. Soup and bread should be good."
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:37 pm
Blaise sighed and nodded a little before turning to the two elves in her command.
"I'll be right back. Stay here." she ordered them. Loque nodded and gave a salute while Booker just shrugged. As soon as Blaise turned around Loque hit Booker on the back of the head.
Blaise began heading for where Azmaria said Crono and Rosette were. She didn't look to the younger girl as she spoke, "So what did you intend to talk to me about?"
~ * ~
"Yes sir." Annalise replied quietly then scurried out. She went directly back to the kitchens and told the cook the order. Giving a grumble the cook went to making what she had been asked to and in a matter of minutes it was ready. This load was rather larger than the last, but Anna could manage. She took the trays and returned quickly.
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:51 pm
"Well, I dont want you to be so sad just when we're leaving. I can guess why, I'm a clever girl. It's Kaden, is it not?" She asked, patiently,"I'm guessing he might be against us going? Does he not trust us, or Rosette and Chrono?"
~*~
Jacob gave Anna a small smile as she returned with his food. At the time, Fiore was carefully smoothing out his messy hair. He seemed a bit more relaxed.
"I'm sorry I... didn't bring you anything this time, Anna. C... Can you forgive me just this once?" He asked her, almost playfully.
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:02 pm
"No . . . he doesn't have a problem with them." Blaise said coldly, "His problem is with me. He feels like I'm abandoning my people. He feels like I'm abandoning him. He doesn't see that I'm trying to protect them all. But, fine, it doesn't matter anyways. It's better that he not come. I don't want him getting hurt."
~ * ~
Annalise gave Jacob a small smile and delicately touched his hand, "Of course . . . but you've never had to bring me anything. It's not something expected of you."
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 3:42 pm
"But if you leave him here, he will never be happy, especially if you can't come back for some reason. The same goes for you. I can see you won't be happy without him." Azmaria told her, patting her arm,"I've lost a lot, and I regret a lot too. People as young as us shouldn't hve to bear that. HAve you tried talking to him? No one can stress the point and ask him to come better than you can. Besides, he's very clever and could be useful. He saved you from the demon before."
*~*
Jacob moved his hand and ruffled the neatly brushed hair on her head.
"You're a sweet girl, Anna. I'll tell you a story later." He paused as Fiore gave him a spponful of soup. He smiled gratefully after eating it.
"I'll tell you a story about some interest people I've met."
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