RP #10 – Sekhmet. Posted on 8-28-06
Purrti was
concentrating on the practice dummy not paying attention to the world
around her, the image of the dummy became that of the Angel of
Lighting as she continued on. She did not see Lius or Vanim in the
room, she did not hear them talking all she could see was Anna being
taken. Several hours later, exhausted she slumped to the floor no
longer angry, she was cying. She didn't care if anyone else was in
the room or not, she felt helpless. She didn't understand why Vanim
had her go tell Deadin about Anna's capture until she looked into his
eyes, she saw the beast looking back at her as well, it was shocked
as much as Deadin was... She wanted to tell Deadin that Anna was in
love with him but she used up her courage telling him about Anna's
capture. She hit the floor with her clinced paw hard, leaving a dent
in the floor, she slowly got up to see if she could find Vanim or
someone to speak with.
She like the cursed elf and she didn't
want to hurt him, she wasn't sure just yet of the young elves, though
they had great potential. Her mind wondered back to her forest, she
wanted to know how her family was and if they were safe yet she had a
job... though she felt that she failed in part of it. Maybe Merrick
was a good person to talk to but she wasn't so sure, shrugging she
went to go find someone.
RP #11 – Dragoon Taryn. Posted on 8-28-06
As Regal and Ellyria dragged Merrick closer to Exire, an evil thought crossed Ellyria's mind. She grinned wickedly; she didn't usually like to be so mean, but Merrick seemed to be one of those guys that practically BEGGED to be picked on.
When they had become close enough to Exire to make a landing, Ellyria instead slammed on the breaks, making Merrick go flying forward. Then, for an added kick, she cut the rope that was attached to her Rheiard, and laughed hysterically as Merrick tumbled onto the surface and rolled around.
"Damn you woman!" she heard him shout.
"It... it wasn't me! The rope was faulty!" she managed to squeak out, too busy laughing.
Trying to calm herself, Ellyria went in for a landing, just as Regal was trying to fix Merrick's banged up body.
Ellyria leaned over Merrick. "Where does it hurt, kiddo?"
Merrick groaned. "Everywhere! Even my hair hurts!"
"Teehee! You'll be fine!" her attention immediately turned elsewhere. "Hey, did Yuan come back yet? Yuan! Where are you?" she shouted as she ran out of Merrick's sight.
After running around Exire, Ellyria found Deadin. "Deadin! Hey there!" she greeted him as she jumped towards him. "Do you know if Yuan came back yet?"
"No, not yet," the elf replied half-heartedly.
Deadin's mind was obviously elsewhere, and Ellyria didn't want to probe into his thoughts too deep. On the other hand, she was just too nosy.
"Worried about someone?"
Deadin shook his head, as if trying to get whatever it was off his mind. "It's just... nevermind, Ellyria. I don't want to trouble you with my thoughts."
Ellyria frowned slightly, then smiled. "Well, I don't know what it is, but if you're worried about someone, the best thing to do is check on them, right?" She slammed her fist into her open palm. "Speaking of, I'm going to go find Yuan! See you later Deadin!"
With a wave, Ellyria ran off to the edge of Exire to get on her Rheiard.
RP #12 – Dragoon Taryn. Posted on 8-28-06
Ellyria flew across the skies in her Rheiard, keeping an eye out for Yuan, or one of the Renegade bases. She didn't remember exactly where the bases were, but she knew one was in the icy region of Flanoir, and one was near Triet, or possibly Iselia. Regardless, she still looked everywhere, in case they had set up new bases.
As she flew over the Flanoir, she noticed that one of the small islands surrounding the main Flanoir continent seemed to be moving. Wait, it's not moving, she realized, There's people down there, moving around!
Carefully, Ellyria swung the Rheiard around and began descending towards the island. When she got closer, she recognized the uniforms that the men wore. They looked like Desians, but Ellyria knew they weren't. She had found one of the Renegade bases; and not only that, she recognized a man with aqua-blue hair.
"Ahha, I found you!" she exclaimed, speeding up as she descended.
When it seemed like she was going to crash, she leaped off the Rheiard, quickly putting it into her Wing Pack, and ran towards him.
"YUAN!" she shouted, pouncing on his back, wrapping her arms and legs around him, "I found you!"
Yuan almost fell over at the impact of Ellyria suddenly appearing, and jumping on him, of all things. "Ellyria! Don't appear out of nowhere!"
She giggled. "Oh, sorry! I was just happy that I found you!"
Suppressed laughter could be heard from the group of Renegades. Ellyria and Yuan both looked up to see most of the Renegades with grins or smirks on their faces.
"Hiya guys! Coming to fight the good fight with us, are you?" Ellyria cheered, pumping a fist in the air.
Yuan shifted uncomfortably. "Could you possibly, um, get off of me? What's wrong with you? Have you been drinking?"
Ellyria put her finger to her chin. "Well, now that you mention it, I did have a few potions when I was in Altamira..."
"That explains a lot," Yuan muttered, trying to peel Ellyria's legs off of his waist. "Come on, let go!"
"All right, all right!" Ellyria let go of Yuan, but forgot that he was still holding her legs, and she promptly fell backwards and landed on the ground. "Owwww..."
Yuan knelt down beside her. "Sorry, are you all right?"
"Of course I am! Say Yuan, you never mentioned you had a twin! He looks just like you!" Ellyria remarked, looking at him in awe.
Yuan sighed. "Looks like I'll be dragging you back to Exire," he told her as he picked her up.
"Yes! We're going flying! Me, Yuan, and his twin!" Ellyria giggled.
All Yuan could do was sigh.
RP #13 – Runaway Angel. Posted on 8-28-06
Nuis and Terra ran over o the edge, Terra forgetting her fear in curiosiy s to why Tesory had shouted Nuis' name in annoyance. She gasped.
"She's falling!" she screamed in horror as she saw Mallee hurtling towards the ground.
Nuis looked down. "Tesory!" he shouted. She looked up at him. "Did she jump again!" Tesory couldn't hear her answer, but it sounded lke Nuis did.
"Dam that girl!" he cursed. "Mallee!" he shouted down t the younger of the two girls. "When you get up here, there will be no mercy got it!"
Terra looked at him in alarm. "Your sister is hurtling to her death and you're THREATNING her! What kind of brother are you!" (YES I mix CAPS and italics together. Problem? SUE me)
He looked at her sadly. He just wouldn't be able to stand it if she hated him...
"Don't you get it!" He shouted angrily at her. "She JUMPED. She FLUNG herself off the Rheiard." He turned his attention to Mallee. "You can't fly!" he yelled down at her. Mallee apparently responded due to the look on Nuis' face.
"WHY YOU LITTLE!" he screamed, and flung himself off the edge. He expected to feel the wind tugging at his clothes and flowing through his hair, but all he could feel was a tugging on his right arm. He looked up. Terra was half-over the edge, holding nto Nuis with all of her might.
'She cares about me...' he thought happily. He almost smiled, but managed to push it back.
"What... is... up with... (gah!)... your family... (MAH you're heavy!) and... fall...ing!" Terra gasped.
A smile played in Nuis' eyes, which was about as close to a smile as he got nowadays. "I guess we just like the way it feels."
(please remind me to add in the couple of lines that go here)
With a grunt, Terra pulled him up onto the platform. Seconds later, an, obviously irritated, Tesory appeard, Mallee in hand.
Nuis glared at Mallee. "You scared Terra. Apologize Mallee."
Mallee bowed her head in shame. Terra watched sadly as tears dropped from her eyes to the ground.
"Mallee, that only works with your sister, Lord Kratos, and me. Speak up."
font size"1" "I'm sorry I scared you Terra." she whispered, just loud enough for Terra to hear.
Terra looked at her, bewildered. Nuis walked over to Tesory and placed his hand on her back. She nodded.
"Mallee, as punishment, you will not be allowed to leave Exire. Also, you will have to follow either Tesory, Terra, or I around until we deem you resonsible enough to not jump off of Rhieards." He looked twards the other two 16 year olds. "Is that alright with you girls?" They nodded. He sighed and bent down.
"Mallee, you KNOW why you can't fly. You endanger yourself and those around you. Do you understand?" Mallee nodded sadly. "Chin up," he said, and gave her an actual smile. Tesory seemed shocked, and Mallee was suddenly overjoyed beyond words. She hugged his neck as tightly as she could.
He stod up and picked her up. "I'll tkae her first. You two go have fun doing whatever i is you girls do."
Tesory nodded and grabbed Terra's hand, pulling her away. Nuis put Mallee down when he suddenly hard something strange coming from a supply house.
RP #14 – Sekhmet. Posted on 8-30-06
Anna remained sitting in the cell, as she leaned against the moldy wall in the dank celler of whereever she was. She wondered why she was as taken, what was about her that was would be important to whoever. She wondered if she was going to be used for something
RP #15 - Newtype06. Posted on 9-2-06
"And that is why I must go," Deadin said, staring across the table at Kratos and Lloyd. "Anna is a comrade and a friend, and I must go to her."
Kratos and Lloyd exchanged dubious glances. It was very out of character for Deadin to abandon business for personal reasons. As far as Lloyd could tell, Deadin hadn't even shown up for the sword lessons today. Lessons that Deadin was supposed to be teaching, instead of sitting here talking to the two swordsmen. Kratos, meanwhile, watched the Elf's eyes carefully. Something was different about them. Normally they were hard, focused, set upon the mission. Now, the Elf's eyes betrayed a sense of fear. However, the pale grey orbs still took up an air of ferocity and determination. A veneer of courage to spur on the Elf's heart.
Kratos leaned forward, his hand resting on his sword hilt.
"Take a fast Rheiard. Travel lightly. We will be ready when the two of you return." he said.
"Thank you, my old friend," Deadin sighed, clasping hands with his two comrades. "Look after the troops, especially the new ones. They have to learn quickly. War is upon us." With that, Deadin turned and left.
Shapeless figures passed by Deadin as he half-walked to the Northern Platform. The world was a blur, a random shifting of colors and forms. Deadin's mind was elsewhere. He would begin his search in Meltokio, where Anna was captured. Passing by the supply shed, Deadin felt it: The Beast. Like a thousand red ants crawling through his mind, The Beast tingled in anticipation. It knew that the next battle would be a wrathful, furious frenzy. The wild half of Deadin had been dormant lately, as if it knew it could profit from Deadin's reason as he guided their body through the current troubles. But Deadin knew that the moment the Beast joined him in the bloodlust would be the moment he would lose control.
Deadin clenched his teeth, redoubling his mental defenses, and kept walking.
Passing by Nuis, Tesory, Mallee, and Terra, Deadin gave them a quick nod. "I must leave on a mission, Lady Terra," Deadin said, giving them a curt nod. "I shall return shortly, I would hope." Deadin's glance drifted slightly over Nuis. "Watch over each other," the Elf said to no one in particular. "Kratos and Lloyd will be busy. It will be up to you to train each other. You" he said, indicating Tesory, "are an excellent swordsman. I leave the training sessions to you and your kin until I return."
The Grey Elf popped a wing pack, mounted a Rheiard, and took flight.
Anna got up off the cold stone floor. She had been here for days, as best she could tell. Meager meals and silent captors made for a grim existence. Suddenly, A door opened, and a figure stood silhouetted in the frame. Her eyes weakened by days in the darkness, the bright light blinded the purrdi for a moment. Anna jumped up as best she could, but the figure overpowered her quickly, pushing a dagger into her heart. As the light faded from her eyes--
Deadin snapped awake, screaming incoherently. He leapt up, raking a tree with his claws. His claws. Powerless in his sleeping state, Deadin's mind had already taken him to his hybrid form. Calming himself, Deadin slipped back into his true form. He would need all the control he could muster. He was heading into Meltokio, the scene of the crime. Even now, the Beast returned even stronger, the thousands of ants sprouting wings and stinging his mind as terrible hornets. Deadin focused on a mental image of Anna, and pressed on.
The Grey Elf stepped through the gate of Meltokio, trying to recount the last time he had been there. In the fifty years since his last visit, little had changed. The stores and merchants still bustled with activity, the slums still reeked of the poor and dispossessed, and the golden palaces still stood, pleasantly aloof from all that would disturb them.
It took Deadin the better part of the day to find him. A man, bent with age, leaning on a walking stick, stood across the street from one of the many convenience stores. The Elf stepped up to the old man, offering him his arm to ease the walking stick.
"How goes things, Xaviel?" Deadin said quietly. "How goes your city?"
Xaviel, the old man, let some of his white hair fall off his shoulders and across his chest. Deadin noticed the pointy ears. He had met Xaviel a long time ago, and had kept in contact with the Half-Elf since then.
"Troubled, Tainted One," Xaviel replied. He never missed an opportunity to mock Deadin, reminding the full-blooded elf of the discrimination Xaviel had to endure for almost four hundred years. "There have been many attacks by creatures that baffle the mind. Creatures that do not come from these lands…"
"Tarivians," Deadin grunted. "They are the new plague that infects this world. But onto other things. I require the skills of your organization."
"Tell me more," Xaviel whispered, genuinely interested.
"I need to learn the location of Anna Lea Iscon. She is part Purrdi, the Panther-folk that roam the forests. She was here, in the city, not long ago. I imagine that someone remembers seeing her."
"This may take some time, even with my particular…talents…" Xaviel mused.
"Name any price," Deadin stated flatly. "But get your informants onto it. She must be found immediately."
Xaviel nodded, deep in thought. That didn't stop him from sneaking one last comment.
"Getting soft, Tainted One? Saving damsels doesn't suit you. A Tainted Elf is much more suited to being a villain."
"Shut up, Xaviel, and get this done." Deadin snarled, a little more brutishly than he intended. Xaviel laughed. He had struck a cord, breaking the normally indestructible defenses that Deadin had put up.
"It will take me three days, at the least." Xaviel said. "I suggest you spend some time practicing. Since those 'Tarivians' attacked, the city has spent most of it's time scraping it's soldiers off the walls."
RP #16 - Sekhmet. Posted on 9-3-06
Vanim after talking with Mallie's brother and sister finally convinced them that Mallie for the time being should stay with her. After the first hour, Mallie had learned that the high priestess was not one to be triffled with, her magic held Mallie in supended animation while Vanim just merely shook her head then took her her chambers. Mallie thought the room that was mostly water was cool then she was dumped unceremonality on the dry area, as Vanim shifted to her merform entering the water.
Vanim: Mallie, if you want to learn magic you are going to have to listen to me.
Mallie: I.. I want to learn.
Vanim: Then you are going to have to learn focus and concentration otherwise, I can't train you. And trying to dive off the edge of this place is not the way... I wonder if they will let me take you with me to the ocean.
Mallie looks at
Vanim in confusion but lets her speech sink in as Vanim comes out of
the water. Vanim practice patience with the young half elf, treating
her as if she was a full elf. She was going to make sure that Mallie
focused her energized and her thoughts. She didn't want her to become
unfocused and accidently kill someone else or even herself.
After
several days, Mallie's inate powers slowly become focused, She
mediated with Vanim before the high priestess would be let her
practice any magic, let alone learn any spells. When she felt that
Mallie was ready, she showed her the smallest of spells and had her
practice that while she watched correcting Mallie's movements and
even how she pronounced a word.
When Vanim decided that Mallie
could return to her siblings Mallie knew quite a few spells and was
more focused. Mallie excitedly told Nuis and Tesory about what she
was doing and then collapsed in bed to get some much needed sleep as
she was excited to began the next day.
Vanim when Mallie was gone
worried about Ann but there was nothing she could do. Vanim felt she
needed to return to the ocean soon, she would have to take Mallie
with her, so she could learn the stronger spells and meet the ocean
elves, who didn't care if she was a half elf, as they saw it they
were half fish. She also whated to speak with her goddess in the
temple and her thoughts turned to Mallie's siblings and she wondered
if the young elves would like to go with her as well.
RP #17 - White Rose. Posted on 9-6-06
Another morning had creeped upon the sleeping sky city of Exire. Light broke through sun faded bedsheets covering windows inside of an abandoned house where Sheena and Zelos--for the time being--claimed as their home away from home. It wasn't much... certainly not at lavish as Zelos' mansion in Meltokio. And certainly not as cheerful and inviting as Sheena's hut in New Mizuho. But it was a fairly small, and relatively quaint aboad, made of stone, dirt, and moss. Inside, a deteriorating wooden table laced with small holes, ridges, and splintering pieces of wood sat in the corner of the house, and on opposite sides of the table, sat aged wooden stools... probably made of ancient gold Mahogany. A tree once native to Exire at one point in the town's deep and long history. The floor was nothing more than carved limestone. A well used woven burgandy rug hid only some patches of grasses and moss that grew through the cracks of the floor. There was a mid-sized bookshelf against one wall, and a wardrobe against another. Even the kitchen was small and simple. A sink, a set of cabinets, a tiny counter, and a stove. And two rather plain open windows near the door, and on the left side wall, brought in the only sources of heat and light. Whereas, the moss covered roof kept the house seasonal all year around. It was pretty much like this inside most of the smaller houses of Exire, save a few additional floors on one of the main buildings, and more windows.
As the gentle breezes blew against the makeshift curtains, the rays of the sun narrowed and widened in a continous pattern, touching the floor, the walls, and eventually reaching the sleeping couple. The roughly handcrafted wooden full size bed was barely enough to fit the two people, especially the rather tall redheaded male. This was made evident, as one of Zelos' feet was sticking plain out of the covers, and the other rested uncomfortably on the footboard of the bed. Sheena was resting her head on Zelos' chest, instead of the pillow... which had wound up on the floor. It couldn't be helped. Any further away from him, and she'd probably end up on the floor with the pillow. Zelos, who was lying on his back; grumbled, and covered his face, trying to block the light from his eyes. Turning over to his side a moment later, Sheena followed suit, slinking her arm loosely around her husband's bare waist. The sunlight filtering through the house was like a relentless ocean wave. It never faultered.
Opening his sleep deprived, and bloodshot eyes in anger, the swordsman turned his already cramped neck, trying hard to glare at the window... As if that was going to do anything at all. He was about to reach for his sword, sitting in it's sheath, and propped against the nightstand next to him, to hurl it at the window. Somehow thinking in a sleepless state, that this fruitless effort would do something about the light, his pursuit of killing the window stopped in its tracks. Sheena had greeted her love with a kiss to his cheek, followed by several to his neck. Zelos soon relaxed, and he sighed with contentment.
...Sheena Fujibayashi... the beautiful woman that stole his heart from the time they met each other in Meltokio as young kids. A woman of many talents, with a shy but sometimes hotheaded nature. And of course she had the body of a goddess... at least to him. She was unlike any female Zelos had ever met. And because of his stupid antics as a younger, more immature person, Sheena was the one girl in which he had a true and genuine love for--that he had almost lost any hope of ever being with... Vowing that he would change, Zelos finally won the ninja's heart nearly eight years ago, sealing the deal with a proposal that shocked everyone, including himself.
A smile spread across his face, and he brought his hand to her hand that was wrapped around him. Caressing it and her arm rather seductively, he pulled her hand up to his lips, and kissed it... drawing a heart with his tongue. ...It drove the summon absolutely crazy, and she blushed, practically butter in his hands. He turned around and faced her... lowering the blanket around them just a little, tempting the summoner. "Good morning, sexy." He said sweetly, though rather sleepily. Sheena eyes her casanova husband through half sleepy eyes... Such a master of his element. Her heart was racing inside of her chest... She blushed again, smiling contently. He cupped her cheek with his hand. "I missed you..." He said again, waking up just a little more. Laughing a little, she couldn't decide what to do with her hands. So, she just left them at her side. "Well yeah... I mean how things started out when you arrived and all, I think THAT was pretty obvious." Zelos grinned, and leaned close to her. His breath felt on her lips... "Oh. You mean like this?" The swordsman planted his lips upon hers, opening them slightly and preparing to make his move. She moaned slightly when his tongue met hers, only urging Zelos on. Their kiss soon deepened into a passionate embrace...
...Then came the knock at the door. What fine timing indeed.
Zelos' eyes became angered again, and he growled at the interruption, cursing a little under his breath. Sheena laughed. He was so cute when he got angry... which was pretty rare for him. She pushed him away playfully, after the knock was heard again. "Go get it Zelos." Zelos turned around and sat on the side of the bed. He cracked his neck, and scratched his chest. "Yeah yeah...I'm goin'." She smiled as she watched him bend over to reach for his pants that were at his feet. He slipped them on, and made his way over to the door, opening it and shielding himself from the light for a moment.
Standing outside the door was Terra, who was staring at a line of ants crawling up the front wall of the house. She was in the middle of mumbling to herself... In some kind of scientific theory about how ants could possibly exist this high up in the sky, when a hand tapped the girl's shoulder. Terra jumped a little and blushes, looking at the smirking red head. "Terra Irving... another professor Raine in the making." He chuckled with amusement. "So, what's up?" Terra was still blushing a little, seeing Zelos in nothing but his pants, and almost forgets why she had knocked on the door in the first place. ...Even at his age, her "uncle" was in great shape. He didn't even look his age. Terra cleared her throat, and then breaths before speaking. "I... well..." She starts to speak, rather nervously. Scratching the back of her head, she continues. "I need someone to talk to..."
Sheena calls from inside the house, and Terra looks at the door. "I wasn't bothering you... was I?" Zelos sighs a bit, but smiles at her. "Nah. We were just waking up when you knocked." Terra looks at him, then back at the door. "Oh... I just thought..." There was an akward moment of silence between the two. It was broken about a minute later when Sheena called for Zelos again. "Wait here. I'll be right back." Terra nods, and Zelos backs into the house, shutting the door softly.
"Zelos, was that Terra?" He nods. Sheena sits up, covering her body with the sheets, and speaks again with some concern. "Is something wrong? Is she okay?" He shrugs and reaches for his black tank top that sat bundled in a wad on the floor. "I don't know. But man... that kid has her mother written all over her. Modest as ever." Sheena laughs. "Well, you weren't exactly presentable." He smirks as he walks over to a small mirror sitting on the dresser. He puts on his shirt, then picks up his hair brush to comb through his long, firey red hair. "Well, you didn't exactly give me time to BE presentable." She stands up and walks over to him. Zelos startles for a second as the summoner wraps her arms around his waist, and playfully smacks his chest. "Shut up..." She says with a sigh. He glances over his shoulder as best as possible at her. "You alright hun?" He asks, getting a feeling that she wasn't. Sheena lays her head on his back, taking in the scent of his hair. "We just don't do this sort of thing very often... as much as we use to..." Her hold around him gets a little tighter. "The night after you came here was amazing. And just then... we were... before Terra showed up." She sighs with some frustration. "It's always one interruption, or distraction, or something else to take care of... we never seem to have any time together. ...Alone."
He smiles and turns around, placing his hands around her. "Look... I know it's been pretty hard for us over the years. You as chief and emissonary... Me, with whatever the king has me do in Meltokio or elsewhere..." He sighs, a bit frustrated. "And especially now, since these things came here, hell bent on taking over our planet. But, just like 20 years ago--" He cups her cheek. "We'll get through it." She pulls him closer. "And when this is all over... then what?" The suave red head brushes aside some of Sheena's hair, placing it behind her ear. "And then I'll make it up to you." He whispers softly, and seductively in her ear. She looks up at him, about to speak. He hushes her with a finger to her mouth. "No distractions... no interruptions. Just us. Like it use to be." He bends down some to kiss her. "I promise." She hugs him and he hugs her back. "I can't believe how much you've changed over the years... and all for--" He kisses her again, cutting her off. "You." He finishes for her, looking straight into her deep brown eyes. They hold each other closer, not wanting to let go. Tears well up in Sheena's eyes, and she smiles, letting some fall down her face. "...I love you, Zelos." He rests his chin on top of her head. "I love you too, baby."
Terra knocks softly once again, and the two separate. Sheena wipes her eyes, and sits down. "Go on..." Zelos stares at Sheena for a moment, taking in everything that happened, questioning whether to make up some excuse to have Terra go away. Sheena shakes her head, sensing the conflict swirling in his head. He sighs, then slowly turns to the door and begins towards it. "Hey... Get dressed, alright? Aside from the weird sky and all, it's pretty pleasant out right now." The summoner nods, and Zelos opens the door. Walking out, he closes the door behind him.
Outside, Terra was standing at the wall of the house with her arms crossed. ...In an all too familiar pose. Zelos smirks, looking at her. "Man... you know little angel, you remind me of Kratos when you do that. And frankly... it's creepy." She blushed a little, and glared at Zelos angrily. Being reminded of her grandpa, and being told it was creepy, didn't exactly sit well. "What took so long?" She snapped--her arms still crossed. She put her head down for a moment. "... Is Sheena ok? She didn't sound too happy..." Zelos blinked his eyes for a moment. "Whoa. Mood swing." He sighs and puts his hands up. "Women..." After a few seconds, and realization dawned on him, and he raises an eyebrow, and crossed his arms. "Wait... You eavesdropped?" Terra's eyes widen and she jumps. "No! I could hear some things though..." Her face flushes with embarrasement. "I'm sorry..." Zelos rolls his eyes and smirks again. "Wow. And there's your mom." He says with amusement. She blushes again, scratching her head. "Oh really? I...I'm sorry." The swordsman refrains from laughing, realizing more and more each day just how familiar Terra was to her entire family. "So anyway, what's troubling my little cutie?" Terra blushes AGAIN. "...Uncle Zelos..."
The swordsman blinked his eyes several times taken aback at the word uncle. He placed his hand on her head, ruffling her hair some. "Heh. You haven't called me that in a few years, kiddo." He smiles at her. "Glad to see you haven't forgotten about the rest of us." Terra smacks his arm lightly. "...I haven't." She begins to walk over to a small tree, growing by the edge of the nearby cliff at which Zelos' temporary house sat. She kneeled down, and gripped the grass below her with tightly formed fists...seemingly afraid to get any closer to the ledge. Zelos watched her with concern as her body started to tremble a little. He scratched his chin and tilted his head, opening his mouth to speak, but hesitating. Finally walking over to her, he sits down next to her. Situating himself by bringing one knee up to his chest, stretching the other, and supporting himself with his hands and arms, the swordsman stares out at the sky with Terra. Gentle winds blow across the grasses of Exire in a wave, rustling flora all around, before flowing through Terra and Zelos' hair, lifting strands and waving them around like streaming ribbons. And then there was silence... Save for distant conversations of those who happened to be up, the music of whatever birds could live aboard Exire, and the calls of various bugs. Zelos glances over at her a few minutes later, before sprawling out in the grass placing his hands behind his head and yawning. "Anytime, kid..." He says, now staring at a passing cloud above him.
Several minutes passed without much activity... well, with the exception of two elven siblings hiding nearby...
"Nuis, where are you going? We just met her!" Tesory said with a whisper, as Nuis inched ever closer to the edge of the wall, as the two older elves, Tesory and Nuis, hid along the side of Zelos and Sheena's temporary home. "You'll get caught! They'll think you're up to something!" Nuis quickly turned to his sister and silenced her. "I... I just want to talk to her. That's all." Tesory smirks. "Then why are you so afraid? Just go up to her. She won't bite you." Nuis blushes. "...There are those other humans around her." Tesory sighs and shrugs. "And your point is?" Nuis startles, searching for a reason. "...I just don't like them. That's all. I'll try to talk to her when they leave." He silences them again. "Just be quiet for now! Don't make a sound, okay?" Tesory sighs, patting Nuis on his back. "Fine... I'll play along with your silly game dear brother. I'll be quiet." She says with a light chuckle.
The door of the house opened then shut. The sound of light footsteps crunching the grass and the rattle of something balancing on a tray were heard. Nuis and Tesory startled, but relaxed soon after as the ninja passed them by. Sheena approached the two and sat down next to Zelos, carefully placing the tray on the ground. Zelos' eyes shift to her and he smiles. "Hey guys." The ninja says, lifting a steaming cup up off the tray and blowing on it. Terra looks at what's in the three cups. "Tea?" She asks curiously. Sheena smiles. "Herbal. Made with an herb called orange ginger. It grows around my village." Sheena hands Terra a cup, and she smells it, showing a peculiar face a moment later. "Weird..." Sheena hands Zelos a cup. "It takes some getting use to." She says, lifting her own cup up, to drink. Zelos nudges Terra in the elbow. "Usually, only adults drink this. It's really sort of a bittersweet energy booster, and packs a punch when you need to wake up." He takes a careful sip and sets it down. "I hated this stuff when Sheena first let me try it. I spat it right out..." Sheena laughs. "Yeah, you did. Right all over my grandpa!" She laughs again, and Zelos looks at her with a smirk. "I couldn't help it if his big head was in the way, and that stuff tasted like cigar ash." Sheena puts her cup down and glares at Zelos. "What! You..." He plants a kiss on her. "I what?" She blushes as she catches Terra looking at them smiling. "You... you..." She sighs. "...You win..." They laugh and Zelos puts his arm around her shoulders. "You know, your dear grandfather made me wash his floor after that. Said I wasn't respectful of tradition, or his face, or something." Sheena stifles another chuckle and takes another sip, placing it back down on the tray afterwards. Terra puts her cup down and shoves it away from her. "Um... I'll pass... Sorry aunt Sheena..."
Sheena looks at Terra a little suprised. "Wow... I haven't heard that one in a while." Terra stares down at the grass again... "I'm sorry..." She apologized for the fourth time in less than twenty minutes. Zelos places his cup on the tray and wraps his other arm over Terra's shoulders, pulling her close. "You don't have to apologize for everything, Terra. We get enough of that from your mom as it is." He says with a chuckle. "Just talk already... what's going on?" Terra brings her knees up to her chest and sighs. "I... I'm just... I..." Sheena moves away from Zelos and sits down next to Terra, looking at her. "You're scared." Terra startles. "No! I'm..." Sheena rubs her back. "It's okay to be scared. We all are, even if we don't want to admit it..." Tears well up in Terra's eyes and she sniffles. "How can you two be scared? You can fight! I'm just in the way..." She buries her head in her knees. "I can't fight like everyone here... And I'm no good with magic, even though Aaron taught me some things..."
Zelos nearly chokes with suprise. Meanwhile, Nuis and Tesory look on in total disbelief, with their jaws practically to the floor. "Aaron did what, now!" Zelos almost yelled. Sheena looked just as suprised, and both stare at her inquisitivly... Her eyes move between the two several times. "...He... he taught me magic..." She said quietly. The couple exchanged confused glances, as did Nuis and Tesory, then eye her again. "But you need an exsphere or a cruxis crystal..." Sheena says pointing to her exphere mounted to her hand, and Zelos' cruxis crystal situated upon his chest. "Not to mention, you need to be of elvish blood..." His eyes widen, and he stares at Sheena. "The Iselia-Triet Militia! Of course!" Sheena tilts her head at him, a bit confused. Nuis and Tesory look on, equally as confused. Zelos starts to speak again after a few moments. "They've developed this substance that's been worked on for years, which, when injected into the bloodstream, can supposidly make a human able to use magic without the need of an exsphere or a cruxis crystal. Kind of like what the Renegades gave to me back when they first learned that I was the Chosen..." He pauses to scratch his head. "Yuan told me that him and Kratos had worked on something similar for centuries. It was fully tested since Kratos already had it coursing through him, and it was free of any harmful effects. So, I agreed to it." Sheena reverts her gaze to him, very perplexed. "So... if you were able to use your abilities because of this stuff, then why the need for the cruxis crystal?" Zelos looks back at her. "Remember babe, Chosen were considered marters just 20 years ago. To protect us until we reached our final destination, any possible side effects of our abilities would've needed to be held at bay. Exspheres and Cruxis Crystal both act as a barrier since humans CAN'T learn magic, as much as the military wants to try to believe it. It's genetically impossible. We lack the gene that elves and half-elves possess. If we tried and actually succeeded somehow, it would most likely kill us. We'd either explode from any kind of electric spell, burn from fire, or drown... Kratos and I are only able to use our abilities since we already possessed cruxis crystals, and had this stuff in us."
Terra's eyes widen. "Aaron never told me all this... He told me it was safe... I wouldn't of agreed otherwise. I'm not that naive. And besides, I hate needles..." Terra shudders, and Zelos sighs, looks at Sheena then at Terra again. "Your dad never give you an expshere, did he Terra?" Terra shakes her head slowly. "No..." Zelos's lips furl with anger, and the swordsman growls, instantly rising to his feet. "Dammit Aaron! What the hell was that idiot thinking! It must of been an order from his commander..." He curses. "I don't know where that son of a bitch commander gets off, using kids in his experiements!" Terra and Sheena rise, and look at him with worry. He was pissed. "Zelos, what is it?" Sheena asks. "Unlike what Yuan and Kratos gave me, that other crap the military thinks so highly of, isn't proven..." He starts quietly, pausing to breath. "I was there, helping them research the developement of it about six years ago. It was never finalized, since over half of the people that got injected with it experienced all kinds of negative side effects. Some people even died... Thousands of vials were destroyed, and the project started over a year later with funding from Meltokio..." Terra stares at him with disgust. "They came to me and asked me for finances, but I wouldn't do it... not after what I saw..." Sheena nods. "Oh yeah... so that's why those soliders kept hounding us for money..." She looked at Zelos with a raised eye. "I was wondering why you spent so much time in Sybak that one year... I knew you were involved in something, but the details of what the military told me were fuzzy and incomplete. Not even the Mizuho information network could gather me helpful information." Zelos nods. "Yeah... The whole project was top secret, and on high security notice. I was told by the military higher ups to keep my mouth shut, on the threat of New Mizuho. So... I did." She shakes her head, and stares at him angerily. "I can't believe you kept this from me... We could've stopped it all from happening... Zelos grabs her hands. "And risk you or our entire village? I wasn't about to start a war, when there was already one brewing. New Mizuho would've been wiped off the map faster than was, now. Our militia wouldn't of stood half a chance against the might of Iselia-Triet's army."
Sheena sighs, and stares out across Exire, spotting Kratos talking something over with Lloyd, and Colette hanging something out to dry, on a clothesline. "...Yeah. I suppose so. Still..." She pauses to breath. "Where was Lloyd or Colette when Terra was injected with this stuff!" They never would've agreed to this... they might've gone after the commander himself!" Terra's eyes lock onto the ground. "My parents let Deadin and Kratos train me... and that's when Aaron showed up..." She rubs her arm where she was injected. "He went back to his base and came back later with that stuff he gave me." She shakes her head again. "Grandpa asked Aaron the same things you guys are wondering... side effects, is it safe?... all that." Zelos laughs. "And of course Aaron denied all of that, didn't he?" She nods. Zelos crosses his arms, and begins to chuckle. "Man. This is rich. It's a damn military cover up. And whether or not Aaron is in on it, or just as naive as Kratos was... I SAW the results of that sh. It shouldn't of been given to anyone. Period." Terra's eyes narrow, welding up with tears, and she sits down again, bringing her knees to her chest. "My parents don't have any idea what I did..." She wipes some tears away, and snivels. "I... I'm afraid to say anything to anyone, or show anybody what I can do... What if something happens to me later on!" She says with a shaky and scared voice.
Sheena huddles close to Zelos and he holds her. "Zelos..." She says, just as scared as Terra. Zelos looks out at the sky, and watches as a migrating flock of birds pass beneth Exire. "We'll have to tell Lloyd and Colette sometime or another." He directs his eyes to her. "In the meantime, we'll just have to monitor her. When Raine comes, I'll tell her what's happened. Just in case... you know... we need her." Sheena's fists ball together and her lip furls. "Dammit all... why do people further insist on diving into things they don't understand!" Zelos sighs, regaining some of his composure. "Elves and Half-elves have understood nature for their entire exsistance. It's us humans that seem to always create this kind of mess, isn't it?" Terra snivels again, bringing her head up to look out at the sky. "The weakness of curiosity... the weakness of power... and greed. We all want what benefits us best. People want civility and peace, but it's always within arms length... In all of our time on Symphonia, from what I've learned about the history of the world, war always seems to be the only answer. ...And yet, it solves nothing at all." The couple raise eyebrows and stare at Terra with mouths slightly ajar. "Well, that was a rather intellegent view on things. And the complete truth." Sheena says. Zelos smirks. "Well, I can see her brain didn't come from Lloyd. ...Fortunately." They all laugh, but then Terra sighs again, with worry. "Will I be okay uncle Zelos?" Zelos and Sheena exchange concerned looks, then sit down on either side of Terra. "That's what I'm hoping for, kid." Sheena puts an arm around Terra's shoulders. "We'll keep you as safe as we can, alright? First sign of anything suspicious, and you're going straight to the professor. You hear me?" Terra nods. "...Alright."
Hearing far more than they needed to, Tesory pulls Nuis away from the side of the house, and behind a tree at the corner of it. "What in hell was all that! Who is this Aaron kid, and what did this military do to our friend?" Tesory says with a slightly raised, but moderatly calm voice. Nuis was pissed... His eyes flared with anger, and his fists were tightly balled together. "They forced this on her... Those wretched human dogs!" He said, hitting his hand against the tree, tearing up his knuckles but not even flinching. "I can't believe they'd do that to their own kind, and then have the audacity to inflict the same to a young maiden who wasn't even apart of their war! It's blasphemy!" Tesory lays a hand on her shaking brother's shoulder. "Calm yourself Nuis... you're getting too worked up." He swats her hand away and kicks the tree. "Of course I am! She didn't want that! Those military pigs and that Aaron kid may end up hurting her, or worse..." Tesory smiles and brings her hand up to his chin, moving his face to hers. "There's nothing we can do about this now. The best thing you can do for Terra, is just to protect her... okay?" Nuis sighs with frustration, slightly relaxing his body. "...Yeah. Sure." She closes her eyes and smiles, opening them up a moment later. "So... you still gonna talk to her?" Nuis startles once again, and blushes. "Sh...shut up Tesory! I don't know..."
After sitting with Terra for a little while, Zelos told her that him and Sheena needed to finish getting ready. Sheena asked if she was going to be okay, and Terra nodded slowly, but with a hint of uncertainty behind it. They couldn't blame her. Not even they knew what, if anything, was going to happen. They just hoped that something could be done, or that luck was on their side. Zelos handed Terra one of his hankerchiefs he kept in his pocket, and she wiped her eyes. The piece of cloth smelt pretty fragrant, and this got Terra to laugh a little. After getting a pat on the back by Zelos, and a hug from Sheena, the couple left Terra and slinked back into the house to further prepare for the day.
And so, Terra continued to stare out over Exire as she sat on the ground, with her knees drawn to her chest. Many questions now filled her mind, as did doubt that she never had before. She hated to, but now she questioned Aaron Sage. ...Her best friend in the entire world. At least, that's what she wanted to believe. Why had this been done to her? And why, of all people, was Aaron the one that carried it out? A war she suddenly found herself somehow involved in. An ancient man from 4,000 years ago who she found out was her grandfather of all things. A freak encounter with an elven-wolf who turned out to be not only a friend, but a willing teacher... And now, she had been practically forced to learn something through a potentially harmful, or fatal substance.
...Life had suddenly gotten very complicated for the young Irving.
RP #18 - Lord Yuan. Posted on 9-6-06
"Damnit!" Merrick whispered. He had been eavesdropping on Terra's conversation with Zelos and Sheena. "I know, I shouldn't have listened in, but I wanted to learn more about her, maybe get to know her a little bit so I'd stop making an ass of myself, but to find this out? I want to be there for her, but what can I do? I can't change the past, I can't predict the future, and this isn't the time for singing..."
Merrick emerged from his hiding spot and began to pace. "Humans can't use magic? I don't understand, then. How can my sword's magic be used at my will, now that I know how to release it's power? No, now's not the time to think about me! I'm not the one that could die!"
He looked over at her. She was barely 10 feet away, yet as he talked to himself, she didn't seem to hear him. "I guess the only thing I can do is to be there for her..." he took a step towards her. "Damnit, I can't, not after yesterday!"
Merrick had remembered when wood was needed for various purposes, so the two of them went down to the Iselia Forest to get some. He was stupid enough to say "Nice axe, wanna latch onto my shaft?" and wasn't sure if now was a good time to talk to her, seeing how she might still be a little upset with him.
Merrick sighed, and turned to see the house Zelos and Sheena had walked back into. Being the important people they were, Merrick knew of the legends of Zelos's debauchery. After a moment of thought, he realized that him and Zelos weren't so different, and since Terra trusted Zelos, he probably could too.
Another knock at the couple's door. Sheena groaned. "What's with this place this morning? Zelos, go get it." Zelos sighed.
"Again?" Zelos opened the door to see someone he didn't know, and therefore, shouldn't be disturning him. If he hadn't already been awake, he might have been mad, but he decided to be nice... for now. "Can I help you?"
"You're Zelos, right? We need to talk..." in a whisper, he added "... it's about Terra."
Or, at least, Merrick thought it was a whisper. Apparently, Sheena heard him too. She hurried over to the door and said, "Come in, then."
"So, what about Terra?" Zelos asked, genuinely worried about the youngest of the Irvings. After what they just talked about, he was hoping it wasn't more bad news. Once glance at Sheena was enough for him to see that she was thinking the same thing.
"Um, well I kinda overheard the talk you had with her, and..."
"You eavesdropped?" Sheena asked.
"I didn't have any ill intent!" he said in a rush. "It's just that, well, I want to do something to help, but I don't know what. My first thought was that since I'm one of the younger ones here, around her age, I could at least be moral support, but then I remembered the other day, when..."
He told them everything, from his stupid perverted axe comment to why he was eavesdropping. Sheena frowned, but then started to laugh.
"Sorry, I'm not laughing at you!" she told him, "It's just that I remember that exact same line from a certain someone I wound up marrying..." Zelos started laughing too, and Merrick could hear him mumble something along the lines of 'She remembered that?'
"So, kid, it sounds like you really like Terra. Well, see, the first thing is to be there for her when she needs you." Zelos told him. "And if you want to do that, that's more important than one cheesy line going wrong!"
"Or at least it is to some women." Sheena added.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks..." Merrick replied, as he left. He knew only one thing he could do right now. He walked over beside her and sat down, looking across the same sky. She looked over at him, and said "Hi" quite normally.
Merrick wasn't sure how to begin, so he just said, "I heard you talking to Zelos and Sheena, and..."
"And what?" Terra asked, "What can you do that they can't? What are you going to do, tell my parents? Just leave me alone!"
"... No. I won't tell your parents, and I won't leave until I finish saying what I have to say. I'll tell you what I can do that they can't. They have lives, responsibilities, obligations, you know? I don't. They can be busy. I'm never busy. If you ever need me, I'm there, okay? Either to talk to, or even just a shoulder to lean on. I don't want you to feel alone, because you're not..."
"I sure feel really alone right now." she said, "I don't know what's going to happen to me."
"I can't change the past, and I can't see the future..." Merrick said, using the lines he'd basically been rehearsing earlier, "But I CAN affect the present. Right now, you're in no immediate risk, right? Well, if anything does start to happen, I'll be the first one to throw myself into the fray in finding a way to save you, okay?"
... no answer.
Merrick sighed. "Besides, I didn't just come here to talk about that. There's nothing better to do in times like this than to keep your mind off things. Look over at that cloud, doesn't it look like a dragon?"
"Thanks," she told him, as she looked up again, "Just don't start singing again, I don't want to draw attention this way."
"No prob, sometimes, it helps not being the center of attention." Merrick hesitated. "Aaron was that guy who helped me in the forest, right? I don't believe that he did this of his own free will, either. If you ask me, he had false information. Maybe he thought it was 100 safe."
"Maybe..."
"Sorry, I started talk about that thing I said we wouldn't talk about again, didn't I?"
Meanwhile, back inside the house, Sheena came to a realisation. "I hope the Professor doesn't try to dissect her like she wanted to do to Corrine..."
RP #19 - Newtype06. Posted on 9-6-06
Exactly three days had passed since Xaviel and his "associates" had begun their search, and Deadin was beginning to get agitated. For the last three days, the Elf had remained in the sewers under the city, sharpening his skill and getting warmed up for the fight to come. And besides, if the Beast decided to emerge, Deadin's exposure to innocents would be limited. Very few "innocents" prowled the sewers of Meltokio. The Beast was still prowling around, and Deadin could barely keep his hands steady. His vicious alter ego only needed the smell of blood to unlock itself and send Deadin into the far corners of the subconscious.
The world had been silent, save for the constant dripping of the pipes and the occasional squeal of a hungry rat. In fact, when Deadin heard the footsteps, he first wrote them off as a reechoing of his own. But when the Elf stopped moving, and still heard the increasingly loud cadence of the footsteps. The Elf hid himself amongst the shadows, awaiting this new guest.
A young lad, maybe in his teens, emerged from one of the tunnels. Deadin did not relax. Age meant nothing, as he was well aware. Poison, hidden weapons, and possible reinforcements could make any foe dangerous. The boy stopped where Deadin had been practicing, looking around intently.
"Deadin Draugdu," the lad said calmly. "I bring word from Xaviel, Chieftain of the Black Talon thieves' guild. We have found your friend. Or at least, we know the direction where they fled. The Creature fled to the northeast."
"That puts them towards Ozette, Heimdall, Altamira, anywhere!" Deadin shouted, stepping out from the darkness.
"Indeed," the boy replied, nodding towards the newly emerged elf, taking his dramatic entrance in stride. "But none of our operatives in Ozette and Altamira reported seeing the creatures fly over their lands."
"That means…" Deadin whispered…
"They stopped near Heimdall." the boy finished.
Inconsequential, Deadin thought. I must be ready to do anything to save my friends. I must not fear my past. It has been one hundred and seventy years. They will not remember me.
"Thank you, my boy," Deadin said, stepping up to the young man and dropping a small coin pouch into his hand. "For your services, and give my regards to Xaviel."
"I have one last message from Xaviel, Master Draugdu," the boy said, his air of calmness and professionalism dropping slightly. "He said 'Go, and prove me wrong, Tainted One. If we meet again, I will tell tales of the wisdom, integrity, and honour of Deadin Draugdu, a shining example of the Elvenkind.' "
Deadin nodded gruffly, turned on his heel, and left the boy.
Three Hours Later
The sun was setting on Heimdall, Village of the Elves. Ecthgow, Captain of the Guard, watched as a single figure stepped forward from the increasing darkness of Ymir. His face was obscured, hidden by a cloak he pulled close around him. A pair of swords, one an intricate masterpiece and the other a simple old blade, lay slung around his hips. The figure moved with a flow and determination that came naturally only to a seasoned warrior. Ecthgow felt his hands wrap a little more tightly around his spear. This character could mean trouble. Yet, the lightness and grace of his step suggested an Elven heritage…
The cloaked figure stopped a respectable distance away from Ecthgow, holding both his hands out from under his cloak and gesturing that he was not holding a hidden weapon. Ecthgow held his spear at the ready, stepping closer to the stranger.
"State you name, and reason for entering Heimdall," Ecthgow said politely.
"My name is Aust Terinius Fabilsire, the son of Vare Fabilsire." Aust said, bowing deeply and pulling his hood back. Ecthgow smiled, and returned the gesture. Aust was distinguished looking, a grey haired elf with a strong beard and piercing green eyes. His face was strong, pointed, and conveyed a sense of authority.
"I haven't heard of that family," Ecthgow said, nevertheless appearing courteous and affable.
"Few have," Aust said. "That is why I have been journeying, in hopes of heightening my family's name. Our family has little, and I have been adventuring for many years to change that. May I enter? I am quite tired."
Ecthgow looked Aust over, curious about his appearance. An elf from such a meager family would not carry such beautiful weapons, nor would he have the regal and powerful appearance that this elf possessed. Still, he would not deny a fellow elf access for appearing honorable, even if it seemed to conflict with his story.
"Enter, friend," Ecthgow said, sliding his spear into a more relaxed position. "And I must say, if only all our brothers were as adventurous you, then we would have an even greater legacy than our simple village."
"A thousand fold, at least!" Aust replied, stepping past Ecthgow. "Our brothers would be known in every city, in every hamlet!" Aust clapped his hands, rubbing them together in anticipation. Ecthgow failed to notice that the Elf couldn't keep his hands steady, and that the move was merely a ploy to force them still.
Aust walked slowly through Heimdall, as if in a daze, as if he had not been there in an age. Walking forward, the Elf stepped into the Heimdall Inn, placing a small bag of gald on the counter.
"A room, alone, please," Aust said, making sure that the innkeeper understood him.
Aust took the room key, entered, and flopped down on the bed. Aust shuddered violently as his beard retracted back into his face. His incredibly sharp, pointed features lessened, and the points on his teeth rounded off slightly. He tried to take his cloak off, incapable of keeping his hands steady. He fumbled with the brooch for a moment, before finally giving up and relinquishing himself to sleep. Transforming into the Hybrid was difficult, but mimicking just some of its symptoms, such as the grey facial hair, was nigh impossible.
Deadin fell asleep.
RP #20 - Sekhmet. Posted on 9-7-06
After speaking
with Kratos and Lloyd regarding returning to the ocean for about a
week, Vanim spoke with Mallie and her siblings in regards to going to
the ocean. It took awhile for them to understand that Mallie would be
watched at all times not just by her but by the entire military that
was when the city was over the ocean was traveling with them and that
she wouldn't drown while with her. About 2 days later, Mallie and
Vanim took a Rheiard to the spot near the ocean, then Vanim dived in
and floated waiting for Mallie to dive it as well.
Several hours
later they were about 5 fathoms below the surface, Vanim was telling
the young elf about creatures of the deep. As they drove deeper,
Vanim keep Mallie close by her side as they approuched the underwater
city.
Mallie was in awe of all the merfolk that was around the
merchildren.
In the palace, Vanim told the king while holding
Mallie, so she wouldn't float up while figuring out how to swim in
place, as she explained the situation above the ocean. The king
looked at the young elf and called for the nanny to take her to his
children so she could enjoy herself and learn to swim without help
and so he could talk without trying to reframe from laughing.
