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 Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:34 pm
Blood slicked his body, grotesque war paint on features too still and solemn to hold the vestiges of the battle he'd just endured. His body ached, muscles echoing the pulse of combat, but greater was the strain on his conscience.
He'd gone to aid the Earthens because of his own frustration. He'd lifted his sword, constantly tainted with the blood of thousands lost, and had struck down valiant soldiers. Were he a better master of the darker emotions, he would not have felt the vicious need for destruction, but though he had grown, he was not yet the man he needed to be.
Her simple presence could do this to him. Even after all this time.
Cupping water in his hands, he brought them to his face, splashing cool water over it. It mingled with the blood, turning pink and running down the length of his gloves, and he sighed.
How many more years would it take for him to atone for his sins?
Would he ever?
Should he even expect himself to?
Dropping his hands, he opened his eyes slowly, dismissing the thoughts even as they began to circle. If he had learned anything from Yysida, it was that he had grossly violated the natural order of life, and for that there could be no true penance. It would be best to simply continue as he had and attempt to make a small difference wherever he could.
Tipping his head back, his eyes traced the clouds, their unholy glow a sharp contrast to the tranquility of the small island and surrounding waters. In the distance, he could hear the gentle tones of a harp, as he sometimes did when the world quieted and he was alone with his thoughts. He had never pursued it, rather enjoying the mystery of where the music came from, but there was a part of him that was compelled to seek companionship this time.
Perhaps because he was feeling a little lost, and something that created music so beautiful could only be pure.
Tail curling behind him, he stepped into the water, only sinking to mid-calf as he moved toward the source of the noise. His sword remained at his side, arms crossed before him, and his expression was one of apathy despite his interest in the song.
Coming upon a dense gathering of trees, their trunks disappearing into deep waters, he reached out, resting one palm against rough bark and stepping atop a surfaced root. Around the bend, he could see a figure; a constellation, her fingers playing gently over the strings of a beautiful harp, head bent over it as music flowed.
The picture seemed too precious to be disturbed, and so he simply remained as he was, demonic eyes glowing from between the trees.
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:59 pm
Delicate notes hung in the air, several animals gathered around the rim of the small lake to listen to the sweet melody that floated throughout the nearby area. Often lonely for company, Rhyme's harp seemed to erase all emotions of loneliness when she played, her eyes closed, her mind completely enveloped into the unique melody created from her fingers.
When she opened her eyes, she was usually surprised at the gathering that flocked around her. It never ceased to surprise her, how animals could mysteriously show up without a sound. They most likely did make sounds, but Rhyme was too engaged to hear anything besides the notes in her hands. But her eyes remained closed for the moment, pale fingers pulling at strings to create a flow of melody. All of a sudden, an animal's scared whine at the appearance of Amiel, the scent of bloody heavy around the red figure. The whine interrupted the musical atmosphere, an unusual sound. What could cause such a sound? Ceasing in her harp playing, she peered into the dark shadows of the forest, trying to figure the cause of the panicked excitement amongst the animals.
".. Is.. anyone there?" The tentative question was placed, placing her harp down. "You're free to come out." With a life of her finger, crystal stones were placed in the water, creating a path of stepping stones towards the rock Rhyme was placed upon.
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 12:18 am
He hadn't intended to be noticed. Interestingly, the song itself had provided a certain level of companionship that sated his brief loneliness, and at its conclusion, he had thought to slip away. Something had kept him perched on the root, however, and now he had been addressed.
It would be a simple matter to leave, and he was tempted. After all, the female with delicate hands hadn't yet seen him, and if anything, his presence would spoil the peaceful mood. In such a beautiful place, his own frightful appearance would do little more than disrupt the tranquility.
Still, it wouldn't do to scare the constellation. He would simply step forward, identify himself, and make certain she knew he wished her no harm. Their residences seemed to be fairly close, if she did in fact live in this place, but that didn't mean he would make it a habit of appearing there.
At the sight of the stepping stones he frowned, but instead of ignoring them, he began to walk across them delicately. Light speared through the canopy of trees, creating patterns on the water and highlighting his curved horns. Despite himself, he found his tail curling toward his body, rubbing closely against his legs as he walked.
He paused a fair distance from her, expression still and voice grave when he spoke. "I did not intend to disturb you."
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 12:58 am
Rhyme shushed the animals with a few strings of her harp, the animals quieting down as she gave a smile to the new guest. The crimson constellation stepped forth from the shadows, light highlighting the male. The constellation certainly did stand out amongst the clear blue water and light green surroundings.
"I'm glad you decided to step out. It would have been a shame if our new guest didn't show himself." She stated cheerfully, as he walked forward. Rhyme didn't hide her curious eyes, placing her harp flat on her lap, as she surveyed him. "Dont worry about it. Why dont you sit and tell me why you came to this part of the forest?" She moved to the side of her seat on her rock, patting the large empty space next to her, offering the other a place to sit. A thought hit her as to why he had come, a troublesome thought. "Was my music too loud?" She asked, her fine sculpted eyebrows furrowing in concern, her voice tentatively asking, much like a child in trouble who didnt know why she was in trouble. Was the harp bothering other constellations living nearby? If so, perhaps Rhyme should try to quiet down?
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