Finding Home

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Zizikitty

Zizikitty

Crazy Cat Lady
Original poster
FOLKLORE MEMBER
Invitation Status
  1. Looking for partners
Posting Speed
  1. 1-3 posts per day
  2. One post per day
  3. Multiple posts per week
Writing Levels
  1. Intermediate
  2. Adept
  3. Advanced
  4. Adaptable
Preferred Character Gender
  1. Male
  2. Female
Genres
Fantasy ANYTHING, magical/medieval fantasy, modern fantasy, future fantasy, high fantasy (mages and magic) sci-fi, horror, Flowing Romance (no love at first sight and nothing fluffy), vampires, werewolves, space odyssey, epic quest, adventure, combat, action, HUMOR <3, Anthro, World of Warcraft. Non-Human races.
Nothing but darkness surrounded the room, a thick mist hung in the air. Making visibility next to impossible. But a figured moved through the darkness, a woman in her twenties. Her skin a dark mocha brown, her thin delicate frame walking carefully in the darkness. Her already big round brown eyes were even wider, trying to see in front of her. A thin hand brushed her short cut spunky black hair from her face. Dressed in contemporary t-shirt and jeans, she paused a moment wrapping her arms around her. Her breath disturbed the mist around her face. Her brown eyes piercing through the darkness, looking.

She inhaled sharply to the deep smooth voice that echoed in the darkness. "Spots… I miss you baby. Come home…" His voice made her heart thunder in her chest as she wheeled around to face the sound. Her lips trembled as she saw something in the darkness. A tall muscular figure of a male. His short cut hair was a bit longer in the front and had a clear waviness to it. But his tall well built frame was something she knew by heart. A light shone just behind him in the darkness, making it hard to see his face. Her breath shuddered as tears welted in her eyes. "Ziear! My love! I'm here!" She called to him. With every ounce of strength she bolted forwards, using every fiber in her body to propel her towards her lost love. "Ziear! I'm here! I'm coming home baby!" Her ragged breath echoed in the darkness, her hands out stretch to him. Faster and faster she ran. Tears streaking down her cheeks as she kept calling his name. But he seemed only to get further away. Nearly hysterical she screamed his name.

Suddenly time slowed, her heart beats deathly slow in her ear drums and the light was so bright she had to close her eyes. She inhaled and for a fleeting moment, she smelled him. That faint smell of aged red wine and mahogany. Softly his voice whispered in her ear. Nothing like the ethereal echo that she first heard. But his voice whispering, sobbing in her ear. So real she could almost feel his breath and the tears on her skin. "I can't do this with out you. I miss you so much Micha…" Her loves broken voice tore away at her soul, her heart feeling as though it was being ripped out, piece by piece.

Shuddering gasps left the young Micha as she bolted from her bed in a sitting position. Clutching her blankets, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her watery brown eyes looked over the room. It was her dorm room at the Northdale Elvish Magi Academy on the continent of Olcoron. Her room holding two other beds. The stars twinkled brightly our side the slim windows. She looked down at her hands, smaller they were then in her dream. Her hands touching her round young fifteen year old face, she cries in her hands. As she cries an elf sits up sleepily and gasps looking over at the young human girl. "Oh Micha…." She says sweetly. The elf is as you would expect an elf to look. She is tall and lanky with long brunette silky hair that was braided. Her skin is pale but not too terribly pale. Her ears are long and slender and match her long elegant face. She throws the covers back and rushes to Micha's side, climbing on her bed next to her. She wraps her arms around her friend, trying to calm her by running her long elegant fingers through Micha short spunky black hair. "You had the dream again, didn't you?" She says sweetly. Micha nods her head 'yes' as she tried to collect herself. An irritated groan comes from the other bed. Another elf sits up in her bed. She crosses her arms in front of her. She is beautiful, much more beautiful then the brunette elf. Her skin is almost white and her hair is long, silky and white. Her grey eyes pierce through the darkness in a glare at the two.

"For the love of the gods. Not this again. Is it Lady Destiny's will I get no sleep!?" Her voice is beautiful, and quite seductive, even at her young age. The brunette elf glares at the silver haired elf. "Nostariel! Have you no sympathy? One would be blind to not see her torment from these dreams!" Her hazel eyes narrow on Nostariel, whom scoffs and turns away from them. "Rossarinya, you should know by now from our teachings as earth mages that nature knows no sympathy." Nostariel cuts her grey eyes over at Rossarinya and sneers at her. Rossarinya says something in elvish and Nostariel snaps her head at her and gasps appalled. Just as she was about to retort they hush from a small orb of light hovering above the door way. All three girls gasp and look ashamedly at the light with fear and respect. They all scramble to their feet to the sides of the beds. In a matter of seconds the light rains down and there standing before them is an elder male elf. His brown silky hair is streaked grey with age and is long but not as long as the girls. His skin tone is near the same as Rossarinya's and his gaunt face frowns at Nostariel. His crossed arms disappear into his elaborate green robes. "Master Aemornion!" All three girls gasped looking at their master.

"Nature will also protect her own, child." He says with furrowed brows at Nostariel. His voice is gentle but stern and wisdom seems to emanate from it. "Why do you shed tears, Micha?" The human looks up meekly and wipes the tears from her face. She has all but composed herself now. "I had the dream again…" She says quietly. Her voice is deep and soothing and even though it cracked from the tears, her voice has warmth. Their master sighs looking down. "Come with me child. You two, are to return to sleep." Micha looks over at Rossarinya timidly and she grabs a robe that lay draped over her bed. She wraps it over her night gown before she follows her master. "Master Aemornion, if I may. If these dreams torment her so, perhaps he is possessed by a demon." Nostariel says with sass in her voice. She glares at Micha but quickly grins. Demonic possession was an unfortunate possibility with mages due to their link to the elemental and spiritual realms.

Micha drops her jaw obviously appalled by the suggestion but Aemornion speaks before she can. "You will speak when spoken to, child and I did not give you permission to speak. Second you have not the proper education on demonic occult to make such a blasphemous accusation. For that you will clean the entire aviary in the morning without the aid of magic. Perhaps that will teach you to hold your tongue." Nostariel gasps and looks as though she were asked to do the most horrible thing ever conceived. Micha can't help but snicker at Nostariel as Aemornion puts his left arm behind her to guide her out of the room ahead of him. Once they leave Nostariel huffs throwing herself into the bed. Rossarinya giggles and climbs into her own bed.

They walk down the cold halls of the dormitory. The walls are made if granite and seem to keep raising above them in to the dark ceiling above while torches hover about six feet above the ground against the wall eliminating their way as they walk. The unending hallway was broken up only by more doorways to more rooms. Paintings of past mages adorn the walls. Under portraits are plaques of their names and a small description of what they were known for. They finally exit the girl's dormitory and began to pass the boys dormitory. Micha timidly and quietly follows Aemornion for quite some time before they exit the dormitory area. They walk into a common room that is lined with lush pillows. A warm fire crackles in the fire place.

Aemornion motions for Micha to sit as he slowly seats him self with a groan. Micha curls her knees against her body and she wraps her arms around them. "Tell me about the dream Micha." He says clasping his hands together softly. Micha looks into the fire longingly. Fire was not her element but it brought her much comfort. She sighed and listened to it crackle before she spoke. "It's the same dream… Over and over again… I'm running… I can hear him calling my name. Calling me out of the darkness… I see a light and I see him… No matter how fast I run… I never get close… until just before I wake…" She says solemnly. The elder elf nods softly, he had more questions but it was clear he needed to allow the little mage to calm down.

"I think a warm cup of green tea will do you some good." He said as with another groan he stands up. "Wait here, Micha." He said with a warm reply. She tried her best to smile at his thin features but she didn't feel much like smiling. She curled her hands around her knees, her water brown eyes sliding to the comforting warm fire. She gave a sigh, sniffling slightly, laying her head on her knees. Her eyes looking into the dancing flames. She allowed the crackling and burning sound to fill her senses. Aemornion left the room, leaving her alone for now.
 
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Home. Home. Home, where the cherryblossom trees bloom in the spring time and Fly nearing the Fall and young men toting carriages, asked whether one needed a ride, where the crisp clean air smelled high in abundance to the various Foods being prepared and where individuals, sworn in as protection, were known as Samurai or Sakura. Her home.

And the name? Simply Javalin, in the distant northbound country, how she longed to return there, to be able to see her mother and Father as Frequently as she did when a child...before discovering the element within her, the curse, as some in her homeland called it. No other resident to the elusive jade land held such a skill, the elders pressured her parents in sending her to this Academy, to better understand what lied inside her and possibly where it came From.

Vien Zema only wanted one thing: to go home and eat her Fried rice....so maybe two, she was the only one really counting at this point. She hated the Northdale Elvish Magi Academy with a passion...well not really...but Vien wanted to go home more, it was on the Olcoron continent, with no easy trek home, and also she hadn't made a single Friend being here, though, she developed a crush on one of the many instructors here. Master Aemornion, why? Well, she really didn't know other than him being kind to her when she tripped in the hall near the girls dormitory and he helped her up. Course, he was older than her sixteen years, and elvish, her parents would die should she tell them she held Feelings towards an older male, simply die. She was suppose to be here studying or at least trying.

Vien decided during dinner that she was going to do two things. Leave the Academy to go home, to see her parents, and also give Master Aemornion a love letter two months in the making. Everything she could not and would not tell him in person, other than mustering up a clumsy smile when he was near, would be in the letter. Anonymously.

Vien worked really hard on the letter too. Yes, she'd deliver it without putting a name to it, everything was planned in her head, the assigned instructions would tell the man to come to Javalin, hopefully by then, she'd be home, rested, in her best kimono and ready to declare her undying love with positive results. They could get married, after her parents gave their blessing.....probably not any time soon sooooo both she and Aemornion would marry in secret by the elders....oh, thinking about it gave her goosebumps. Vien didn't care how old he was. Age was a number, her heart beat love....or so she thought, also, their Future children? How would they turn out?

The teenager let out a squeal, her hands immediately came to her mouth to silence the noise which would've spread throughout the hallway and alert someone, at this hour, she should've been in bed like the rest, sleeping, For tomorrow, but she'd not be here. Tonight was her daring escape. Into the Forbidden love pool. Everything had to work alright.

Her hair is as dark as night, long, tied into two ponytails, nearly atop one another. The hair around her Forehead is parted in strains touching against her thin heart-shaped Face. At the moment, the white velvet hood to the otherwise robe covering her body, is drawn up, keeping that hair concealed. Vien's slight oval-shaped amber eyes reveal her mixed heritage unknown unless asked which she would happily tell anyone curious. Her skin is a chocolate brown.

A small wool satchel is draped over her shoulder, containing all which she may need on her trip, including that letter. Turning From the wall, Vien moves quietly, her white moccasins making little noise as she moved and stopped abruptly when the door to one of the girls rooms opened. Caught. Crap. What to do?

Vien's head whirled From side to side. She couldn't be discovered. Running to a side corner shrouded in darkness, the teen peeked over to see...him. Master Aemornion, in green no less, green robes. She sighed, her lips parting to expose white teeth and eyes crinkling up in her groundless school girl crush though real thought came to her when she wondered why he was about at such a time then she turned completely to see him with someone. A girl. Who? She had not a clue but the girl was Familiar. She'd seen her around, and at times with the tall white-haired boy silently walking at her side. Why was Master Aemornion with her now? Trouble? Or...or....

Vien gripped her satchel in shock. Maybe that girl liked Aemornion too!? No~~

Not when she had yet to execute her plan. Boo. She was going to Follow them. See what this matter was about. And that's what she did. In stealth. Down the cold halls of the dormitory where the granite wall raised above to the torch-lit ceiling making sure to keep to the hidden corners as not to raise suspicion. Really, she should've been sneaking her way out, all while putting the letter in the appropriate spot. Vien admired the paintings to past mages lining the walls, their names inscribed on plaques underneath, she wondered Faintly whether her name would ever be on one. Most likely not.

She was now coming to exit the girls dormitory and onward to that which belonged to the boys, no words passed between Aemornion or the girl as Vien could see. She abandoned another corner, holding her satchel bottom as she ran to catch up when they leave behind the dorm area completely coming to another place where, had she not sought out another corner, she'd encounter them with no real explanation to give....him. They go in a room together. Alone? Vien had to get in that room. As soon as they go in, she runs to the door, opened slightly, her ears trained on the voices inside unaware to the one with Frost blue eyes watching at a distance.

Vien: (Dream? I have dreams all the time. About Javalin.) She can hear the crackling to the Fire inside and knows it must be warm. It reminded her to her homeland so much. She paid attention. The girl....Micha...Aemornion called her...had a dream. About someone. It didn't make any sense to Vien, course because she was too busy obsessing about the Master. She did Feel sorry For Micha, the way she spoke, it sounded like she was sad about this dream.

Stretching a bit, Vien heard someone get up moving away, and she peeked, to her best ability in the room where she only saw Micha sitting, knees against her body, head resting on them. She looked so...lonely. Vien almost stepped in the room to talk to her had she not remembered why she was here to begin with. The letter. To run away. Vien turned slightly, a warm hand latched around her wrist alarming her into silence and almost a scream. She kept silent however. Her amber eyes came to reside on blue ones. Frost blue. The other him. The one she'd seen at Micha's side on numerous occasions. Silent to everyone and everything except Micha.


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Vien's eyes widened as she stared into the handsome and hairless Face belonging to Valeb Urono. It was his hand around her wrist. His white, gray hair came around his ears and neck undone. He didn't smile, it was a wonder whether he could. Tall he was. Around six Foot at seventeen. His attire was set to the night time but then it could be casual wear to go around the Academy in. To Vien, he looked, his head only turning at the crackling Fire in Aemornion's study. He then looked back at the nervous girl. She smiled bowing her head meaning no harm yet his suspicious look did not die or maybe he wasn't concerned For her as much as he was to the one sitting in the room. Micha.

It was Micha.

He'd been asleep too, nightmares all too Frequent, when waking by some chance. Needing air, he came to leave the boys dormitory when, opening back the door some, he saw Micha walking with Aemornion. This raised alarm in him. The way she looked, as though she'd been crying. It didn't bode well with Valeb. Her tears made him curse his own existence as not to be able to do anything to stop them. What Friend was he, to not hold a solution? Had it been that dream? Again? Concerned, he Followed, behind the clumsy girl he, more than often saw in the halls, tripping over her own Feet. She was a walking disaster and he knew why she was Following. One would have to be a damn Fool not to see she had a crush on the Instructor. Valeb was no Fool. He considered the notion pathetic but to each his own. Right now, he only cared about Micha. He released Vien's wrist. She gave him a shocked expression as he walked aside her without so much an apology.

Rude. Damn rude. Attack! Trying to jump on his back, the young man moved quickly aside casting a disapproving look at her as she stumbled into the room having a most elegant grace in her walk until......she took a slow motion nose-dive stumbling Forward looking at Micha, smiling. Uh oh. Vien tripped. She landed on her stomach. The satchel sliding From her body opening and all the contents inside spilling out, including the letter which went under Micha's seating.

".....Urhm...." Vien coughed. "Hi....." She smiled at Micha then was suddenly drawn to look at the Flames. "Wow~ oh...how did I get here?" Her eyes look throughout the room, she Flushes at Master Aemornion, doing whatever it is he is doing and she can't even speak beyond that.
 
Rules. Rules were meant to be broken. And that's exactly what a certain little mischievous girl had in mind. There was a new exhibit in the Northdale Elvish Magi Academy museum. So important that all the classes would be put on hold and a field trip was in order. Well Leiliana Mont Bue De Reyoe LaRoue thought that was pretty important. Bright green eyes pierced the darkness. Her pale freckled chubby face was cast even paler in the moon light. Her normally wild curly autumn red hair was braided into pig tails on either side of her head. She snuck through the halls, quite silently for someone so chatty.

But her first priority was to pick up an accomplice. And there was only one she could think of that would keep her secrets. The only one to do so for the troublesome sixteen year old. Having come to the Academy at the high dollar request of her wretched mother, Micha was the only 'sister' Leiliana felt like she had. After all, Micha didn't have any family.

Tiny delicate hands turned the latch to the door, freezing ice encased it so it would make no sound. Silently she opened the door, her hand cupped. Her element of water forming in her hand, prepared to toss it at Micha's bed. But only to find Micha not there. What? Where the hell was she? She narrowed her eyes in confusion. She closed the door silently and clenched her fists. The water dissipating from her hand. She was curious and for the most part annoyed. What if Micha went to check it out herself first?

Nah no way. Leiliana shook her head and walked down the hall silently. Micha was too goody goody to do bad all by herself. "Well poo. Guess ya be missin' dis adventure Mi-Mi." She huffed to herself. The little water mage was not one to waste a night out she decided to head to the museum by herself. She'd make Micha jealous by knowing about it before she did.

Micha hugged her knees as she sighed again. The dream, it was recurring and his voice always so real. And these memories, too bizarre and emotional to be memories of spirits gone by as the other elders suggested. No one believed her when she remembered something. When she told these dreams. Well her best friends Leiliana and Valeb did. Maybe not believed her but they never said she was possessed or slightly insane. These dreams and feelings. They had to be real. But to the logical person how could they be? Micha spoke of things like hover cars that used no magic to fly. Devices that held thousands of songs. And strange tasty delights like smores. No one in this magical realm of dragons and mages believed her. But in her heart she knew they were true.

She sniffled again, wiping a tear away as something abruptly caught her attention. She jerked her head towards the girl only slightly darker then her. She tumbled on the ground, the contents of her bag spilling out. Micha blinked. Then gasped as the girl spoke. What if she was hurt? The little earth mage got to her feet walking to the fallen girl. "Are you okay?" she said softly as she helped her to her feet.

Micha had been seated on a lush pillow on the floor, the letter was neatly tucked under the billowy fabric. Poking out just enough to be completely obvious. Big brown eyes looked up to meet Valeb and she gave half a smile. He towered over her five foot two inch lanky frame. But it was strangely comforting to her. Something about how his towering height. Something about his frown or sneer. The way he found her when she felt insecure. It reminded her of something that she could never quite place. He gave her a sense of comfort and feeling safe. Some reason she could see him wielding a huge great sword though she could never figure out why. Since he was a mage.

Once she was sure Vien was well, she abandoned her side to go to Valeb. Without hesitation she darted to the taller boy, wrapping her tiny frail arms around him. Burying her face into his clothing. A shuddering sigh left her as she held on to her friend. Her tension ebbing away. "I'm so glad to see you Valeb." She said meekly. A tear streaked down her cheek.

"Eh-hem." A stern voice commanded their attention as Master Aemornion returned with a tray. He set the tray down with the two cups and the tea cup down on the table next to the students. His slate blue eyes scolding the other two. Micha gasped and timidly stepped back from Valeb. Knowing he wasn't supposed to be here. The master magi's eyes laying on the scene of strewn letters. He moved forward, taking notice of Vien's usual petrified expression. His eyes moved to Valeb. "I know why you were out and about." He said deepening his tone. He moved to the pillow where Micha had been sitting. Kneeling to scoop up the varies items on the ground. Including the love letter meant for him. "But…" He said with a sigh as he stood, walking to the taller girl.

"What are you doing walking about at this hour?" His voice had a frown as he held the various items to Vien. The unmarked love letter on top. His eyes taking in the contents. It made him tilt his head disapprovingly. "Going somewhere?" He said softly looking to her.
 
Valeb did not nor wanted to understand why Vien had been Following both Micha and Master Aemornion but he could guess it had something to do with the latter, his only real concern was Micha, looking as though she was world's away From their own, troubled and it hurt him to know he could do nothing to ease that pain or come up with a solution. He could see within the room. The Fire burning and she sitting on a pillow, knees hugged. He shouldn't have been here by all aspects but caution was thrown to the wind.

"Micha..." Valeb's deep voice called out her name. He glanced over his shoulder when something did not Feel right. That other girl. Vien. She attempted to attack him but her timing was a bit delayed. He moved quickly, his hair bouncing a bit, Frost blue eyes darkening like the downward spiral to his lips, annoyance reached him and disapproval crossed his handsome Features. In the next moment, Vien was stumbling into the room having a elegant walk until she came tumbling down exposing both her presence and that to Valeb's whom lingered in the open door eying Micha.

Vien sighed. "...I'm okay. I think." She was still laying on her stomach, eyes looking at the dancing Flames, they drew back on Micha, the girl's kindness and being up instantly to come at her side. "I tripped...." No. She tried to attack Valeb and ended up in a blunder. Should she not gather her belongings? She Flushed at the letter, it's location.

Tucked under the pillow.

Oh no...this was not going according to plan at all. She screamed on the inside all while staring politely at Micha whose attention did not reside on her, rather, the young man with light blue eyes. Further into the room did he come, observing too. He took the hastened steps to stand over his best Friend, the Frown deepening at the wetness around her eyes. There was a smile there but....he wasn't convinced, something was wrong.

"I am okay. Really." Vien interrupted pushing up on her elbows glancing to where Master Aemornion resided, the heat swirling in her cheeks, she looked up and over at Micha moving to Valeb, were they merely Friends? The thought crossed her mind. Valeb brought his own long arms to encircle the one whom gave him purpose, he had to lean down some being taller than her. Her arms gave him warmth. His right hand came up sinking through her hair to massage the back all while drawing her close.

"You worried me." He responded to her in a whisper that she could only hear. He angled his hand to turn her head up, to look into her eyes. "No tears." Valeb moved that same hand around to her Face. One Finger wiped the water draining down her cheek. "I am here. Whatever pain you have, pass the burden to me, I will take it For you. I promise. Tell me what is wrong Micha....is it....the dream again?"

Vien's squeal silenced all conversation as did the stern voice belonging to Aemornion. Demanding their attention though he needed little effort From his admirer trying to sit up and at the same time gather her things. Valeb had little choice when Micha stepped out his embrace, his hand reached out taking her wrist gently, he remained at her side, his eyes on their Master. The elven man brought out tea clearly not expecting two more guests to be here at the late hour.

Valeb wasn't going anywhere, not until he knew Micha was alright, more precisely, that she went with him, so they could talk....Aemornion had other plans presumably. Urono's eyes narrowed some. He was brought to a silence, his hand still very much latched to her small wrist gently. Whether or not trouble Followed, he'd take it on, luckily that girl was here. Maybe she would be more Focused on. Vien stared dreamily into Aemornion's eyes, he had nice eyes....their children would have nice eyes too...

"I....I...." Vien was indeed petrified. She went to continue to gather up her things.

Valeb did not dispute the elder one's claim. Yes. He'd been out to seek Micha. Her needs were above his own.

"No!" Vien shouted uncharacteristically as she saw the other pick up her love letter. Not how she wanted it. Valeb's head turned slightly to Micha. "Are you alright?" He asked, still annoyed by Vien's outburst. The girl was running at the Instructor nearly bumping into him as she took up the contents.

"Errnnn...I. Uhm. See..." She couldn't stop staring at him. "I wanted to....I was....Oh no, going somewhere? I don't have anywhere to go...hehehe I wanted to get something to drink, I got lost. Thank you Master Aemornion For gathering my things together. I..." Vien peeked over her shoulder to see Valeb looking at her, Micha nearby to him. She had to deliver the letter, she had to. "Oh wow....look at this..." Her hands shakily held the letter. "This isn't mine, it is addressed to you. It has your name on it Master A..em...ornion. It must've been lying somewhere close by. Here...." She handed him the letter visibly petrified. Valeb's eyebrow raised. He understood in silent acknowledgment and gave nothing away by the emotionless mask he placed up except around Micha.

"I...think I am going back to my dorm room," Vien took a step back bowing her head to the other occupants in the room. "Have a nice night...with whatever you are doing...I am going to bed...to wake up early tomorrow, yes." She took another step back waving to both Valeb and Micha. Whirling around before Aemornion read the letter, the young student ran From the room having gathered all her items or so it seemed. She was out the open door without another word spoken or heard, she ended up not going the direction she intended, which was the way to leave the Academy before the letter was read and Master Aemornion discovered she was the one to whom wrote it but then again she wanted him to read it as long as she was at a great distance as it would not be logical to have her delayed in returning home late and him already there. Surely he'd run into her Father whom would chase him down with a bamboo sword or a real one, who knew. So Far, nothing was going according to her plans, Vien partially blamed Valeb then again, she should've departed earlier though there was the risk at being caught. She thought about this on her way back to the girl's dormitory, clutching her satchel tightly, head lowered while tugging at the hood, Foolishly cursing at the lies told to the Instructor, it was a wonder he didn't chase her down demanding the truth, though his expression, showed disapproval, he hated her now. They'd never get married. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.....eh? Nearly crossing a corner once back in the dormitory, she saw someone standing near the door entrance, someone else leaving too? Where? Maybe, an exit From here?

"Hey..." Vien called out in a loud so called whisper. "Whatcha doing there?" She couldn't quite make out Leiliana's Form.

"Master Aemornion..." Valeb spoke the elven man's name with natural respect. "I wish to remain with Micha, even as you both discuss what it is that you need to discuss." he still wasn't certain why they were together at this late hour either but luckily Vien's annoyance had gone. "I will walk her back to the girl's dormitory, when you are Finished. I can wait outside should this be private however." Frost blue eyes ran over Micha then their elder.
 
Aemornion walked in the room and frowned deeply. He watched the interaction before making his presence known to everyone. It would have been clear to even a blind man that Valeb held Micha in his heart more then just a friend. But Micha was far too naive to realize it.

His hand ran through her short black hair. Moving tenderly until he touched her cheek and pulled her face to meet his. Her soulful brown eyes looked into his as he told her no more tears. She tried to give him a smile. But a squeal caught her attention. She turned to see their master looking at them. She gasped and dropped her hands from around her friend, moving beside him.

Valeb's hand never let her go, instead he gently held her wrist. She wiggled her hand until she held his. Coiling her other arm around his one as she looked at Aemornion. "I know why you were out and about." He said deepening his tone. He moved to the pillow where Micha had been sitting. Kneeling to scoop up the varies items on the ground. Including the love letter meant for him. "But…" He said but her squeal started him.

His grey eyes widened and his pointed elven ears seemed to perk up as she bolt to him, snatching the letter from his hands. His frown deepened as he crossed his arms at her. "What are you doing walking about at this hour?" His voice had a frown as he eyed Vien. The unmarked love letter on top. His eyes taking in the satchel on her side. It made him tilt his head disapprovingly. "Going somewhere?" He said softly looking to her.

She stammered and stumbled over her words just as she stumbled when around him. Aemornion was an incredibly old elf. And his widsom told him the obvious. He was well aware of the girls crush on him, though not the full extent. He was sure it would pass eventually. She stammered on about some letter. Honestly the old elf hand't even noticed it had his name on it. He took in how petrified she was, the letter shivering in her hands.

He paused a moment, standing before her his slate grey eyes glancing between the letter and her. It was a tense moment before he unwrapped his hands from his green robes, a slender hand held out. Palm up he accepted the letter with out a word. It didn't quite click what the letter could be.

Once she said she was going back to her dorm room only then did Aemornion move. Placing the letter inside his robes. "I suggest you do. I would hate to think of what Ser Nymoria Crimsonblade would do if she found you lurking about." There was a fearful shudder from Micha from the mentioning of that name.

A beautiful elf in her own right but she was the one templar a student would never want to cross. Borderline insane with her visions of divine right and serving her Maker. She made it known she'd not hesitate to 'put an apostate down'.

Micha waved softly as she ran out the door. "That means you too." The master scolded to Valeb. He gave a worried sigh as he walked away a brief moment to bring a cup for the taller boy. "You know how harsh Ser Crimsonblade is. Good intentions or no. She'd not see it that way." He said motioning his hand for both to sit.

"Then she can just talk to me. Because Valeb is here for me." Micha said bravely. Aemornion just looked at Valeb a moment before a smile tugged at his thin lips. "I didn't think there'd be much sense in telling you to go to bed, Valeb. If Micha wishes you here then you may stay."

The answer came in the form of Micha tugging Valeb to sit beside her on the lush pillows. Once the boy was sitting, she curled up next to him. Seeking his comfort like a sister seeks her older brother. She glanced up into those frost blue eyes a fleeting moment as the elder groaned wearily as he sat down. He poured three cups of hot tea, giving a cup to both Micha and Valeb.

There was only the sound of crackling fire for what seemed like hours before Aemornion spoke. "Micha... These dreams... They are intensifying. This is the third time this week." His tone wasn't scolding, but worried. He looked at his star student with deep worry. Her brown eyes only looked at the cup. Holding it in both hands to soak in its warmth. She brings the cup to her face, inhaling the calming aromas. She nodded solemnly.

"It's like... He's calling for me." She said weakly. The elder nodded. "You say... This man you remeb-" But Micha cut him off quickly. "My husband." She corrected him. But simply a fifteen year old girl saying this was insane. She never had a kiss let alone a husband. She was raised in this very academy. Aemornion knew the school head masters didn't like her speaking like this.

He knew they said whispers of what Nostariel had said. There was worry she was possessed or had a demon whispering in her ear. But there was one thing that could disprove that. "Your husband... You say he says something before you wake. What does it sound like?"

Micha sat a moment. I can't do this with out you. I miss you so much Micha… The voice seemed to ring in her ears. She closed her eyes trying to will away the tears. "It um..." She bit her lip. "Sound like he's next to me... I can feel his cold breath... on my face." Her face strained to fight the tears but it was useless. Aemornion reached between the space the take the cup from her hands before it dropped to the ground. Once her hands were free she placed both hands over her face, trying to stop the tears that poured from her eyes.

Where the hell was Micha? It wasn't like her to wander off on her won like this. Not like she ever worried about that uppity templar bitch. Leiliana was convinced if that templar broke her vow to never have sex that she'd be right as rain. Not so up tight. She started to moved away from the door way when a voice caused her to shriek. Her hands flung out and a swirls of blue ice flowed around her hands as she prepared to defend herself.

"Oi! Ya tryin' ta give me a heart attack!?" She snapped angrily as she dropped her hands, the deadly blue ice dissipating. She walked to Vien, trying to see her face. "Whacha doin' walkin' round here dis late at night huh?" Her green eyes looked at the girl as she placed her hands on her hips. Then it dawned on her. The was the clumsy girl that Master Aemornion always ended up helping to her feet some way or another. Odd. Was she here to see the new exhibit in the museum too?
 
Valeb's hand reached out taking Micha's wrist gently, he remained at her side, his eyes on their Master momentarily. Only when Micha slinked her hand loose to hold his own did he glance down at her, her arm coiled around his other, the space between them signaled the closeness. He'd do anything to make sure she didn't cry or warranted to be sad but somehow he Felt in adequate, like he was letting her down and he did not know how he could make it better.

Urono would try nonetheless. Now the pressing matter seemed to be the rather annoying Vien, her presence here, and brazen behavior toward Aemornion, a Fool could tell she had some liking towards him, the young man wondered whether their instructor knew as well. Surely he did. Perhaps. Yes. Valeb had been out because one reason. Micha. Worried a great deal about her though he kept his emotions inward moreso than out, like Vien.

Vien panicked. Her breath hitched. Cheeks reddened, giving her away partially. She managed to gather up her things in the satchel, thanks in due part to the Instructor. "I...wanted something to drink. I got lost. Errrn thank you Master Aemornion For gathering my things together. I....oh wow....look at this..." Her hands shakily held the letter. "This isn't mine, it is....addressed to you. It has your name on it Master Aem...ornion...It must've been lying somewhere close by. Here." She handed the letter over petrified, she looked to his slate grey eyes, on her, and the letter, tense to say the least, Vien's heart raced out her chest wondering whether or not he would take the letter, maybe recognize her handwritting, would he read here? She sighed inward when he accepted the letter but decided she did not want to be here should he read it, she had to head back to her home, a Far distance to put between them as intended.

"I think....I am going back to my dorm room..." She took a step back bowing her head to the other occupants in the room. "Have a nice night with whatever you're doing, I'm going to bed, yes bed....to wake up early tomorrow morning." She took another step back. Like clockwork, her head turned back to the wise elven man, his voice making her heart thud in her chest, she imagined what it would be like when he professed his love. 'I love you Vien Zema. Marry me.'

'Oh yes Master-errn Aemornion, I will, I will marry you.'

And that Fantasy came crashing down when he mentioned Ser Nymoria Crimsonblade. Vien's expression darkened, Valeb Flinched, some.

"Ser....Nymoria Crimsonblade..." Vien gasped. Even the most hardened students turned tail at that name mentioned. The woman was an oni, in Vien's native language meaning, ogre. Vien whirled around waving to Micha and the silent Valeb, she ran From the room with her gathered items as well as that shattered pride, hoping that the Lady Crimsonblade was not around to catch her. She had to leave the Academy before Aemornion read the letter.

Valeb's head turned, he caught Vien's white clothing on the way out, he still remained at Micha's side, hand holding hers, he'd not leave, Crimsonblade or not. He shook his head to their Instructor. "I'm not leaving her side. Not now. Not ever, I will gladly take any punishment she deems Fit." Micha was the only one he Felt...welcomed around. Truly.

She did not judge him. He could be open with her.....and somewhere along the line it developed to something more, something he did not Fully understand and thought to gain some knowledge behind it, though, time always seemed pressed. He watched the Instructor motion with his hand to sit, Micha's bravery, her words, she didn't want him to leave, the silent one wondered whether he hindered her at times. His hand squeezed hers, his Fingers locking between her own to secure the bond, to Aemornion, the elder one smiled, while he remained emotionless, it was his nature, to kept certain people at a distance.

"Thank you Master." He acknowledged the other. "Micha." He moved at the tugging, lowering his body to sit beside her on the pillows, his long legs came tucked underneath his body, again, he looked down into soulful brown eyes staring up into his own, the girl's body curled up next to him, he kept his hand locked in hers. The Feeling he quite didn't understand crept back into him. He wanted to protect her.

"Micha...." Her name rolled on his tongue, he wanted to say more, he couldn't however. Silence overwhelmed him. Valeb brought his attention on the tea cup handed to him as well as the crackling Fire. He sipped some, it warmed his insides, made him think about Spearia, his own homeland, disgraced, solely due to his Father. A past he shared with no one, not even Micha. In the next moment, the boy set his tea cup down, the reason behind Micha's presence here would be explained.

The dreams.

Dreams were simply that were they not?

Valeb looked at his Friend in question. "......Third time?" She wasn't looking at him. He turned some more to seek her eyes, the explanation behind her words.

'It's like...He's calling for me.'

He. Him. That man.

Anger swirled in Valeb's heart. He said nothing.

'You say...this man you remeb-'

'My husband.'

Husband. Valeb's head turned, he looked down into his tea cup, the liquid, stilled until he touched it again and at the moment he wasn't thirsty any longer. Her dreams, Micha's, involved this man she referred to as a husband which others would consider insane but he believed her, he didn't know how but in his heart, Valeb believed her, and hated the one whom held not a name. This so called husband. Where the hell was he? Why was he not here protecting Micha? She shouldn't cry, have to long in the least and that is what made him angered. Husbands never abandoned their wives. Valeb's mother Salahe(Sa-tood at his side in every decision he made whether good or bad, they loved one another. He also didn't like to hear Micha talking like this either, let alone mentioning one not here. He was here, Valeb, he didn't plan on going anywhere unless she no longer wanted him at her side. The only way he would go.

'Your husband....You say he says something before you wake. What does it sound like?'

'It um sounds like he's next to me...I can feel his cold breath...on my face...'

She...

Valeb was lost in his thoughts, he broke them, once the conversation stopped, Aemornion took Micha's tea cup, and automatically her hands went to her Face, to shelter the tears. His blue eyes widened some. She cried. Was crying. He turned to Face her. Completely. She cried For her husband. One not here, why? He edged closer to her, his own hands slipping underneath hers, they held her Face, absorbed her tears. "Why do you cry For someone not here Micha?" Valeb was on his knees.

"He is not here but you cry, the tears you shed are like knives cutting through my Flesh....I cannot bear to see you cry, knowing there is nothing I can do to stop it. A husband does not leave his wife, their united bond is Forever onto Eternity, why would this relationship be established only to have him leave you alone to have these dreams? The longing? It makes no sense to me," The usually quiet young man was vocal, even in Aemnorion's presence because he didn't understand why she cried toward someone not here. "Where is he? He should be here, at your side, protecting you. That is where I would be...." His hands continued to hold her Face then eventually let go sinking down at his sides. "He is selfish....."

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

Vien sulked her way back to the girls dormitory remembering the way Master Aemornion looked at her. He hated her. They'd never get married nor have little ones now. Nearly crossing a corner once back in the dormitory, she saw someone standing near the door entrance, someone else leaving too? Where? Maybe an exit From here?

"Hey..." She called out loudly. "Whatcha doing there?" She didn't expect to be attacked, so when the culprit shrieked, Vien took a step back, even more when those hands Flung out and the swirling blue ice elemental Flowed, her own hands came up automatically. "No! What are you doing standing there suspiciously?" Vien blinked calming down a bit once the other girl lowered her guard enough to walk towards her, she'd seen her Face around, hanging with Micha and Valeb. Their Friend. She scowled. "I wasn't walking around..." Her Features calmed down some. "I was heading back to the girls dormitory....maybe...." She sighed. "I'm suppose to be running away to my homeland but I don't think that will work out now...." Vien clutched her satchel. "Master Aemornion hates me, I think Micha and Valeb do too, they were all looking at me as I left that room. I'm so stupid." She smacked her Face. "That does it, I'm leaving the Academy, there's no other choice....say....." She couldn't remember Leiliana's name at all. "What were you doing? Leaving too? We can go together."

1.
 
A flash of white clothing darted from the door as Vien left. Micha waved timidly, silently praying that the young nervous ball out not run into Ser Crimsonblade. She was hostile towards all the students, but was particularly keen to harass Micha. The young girl only assumed it was because of her dreams. A soft squeeze came to her hand and her worries seemed to be chased away. A soft smile came to her round faced features as she looked up to the taller boy. But she studied him only a moment before she realized he was tense. "That means you too." The master scolded to Valeb. He gave a worried sigh as he walked away a brief moment to bring a cup for the taller boy. "You know how harsh Ser Crimsonblade is. Good intentions or no. She'd not see it that way." He said motioning his hand for both to sit.

Micha smiled, her mocha skin almost blushing at his chivalry. He'd not be leaving her side. Not ever. A true friend through and through, so she thought. Always unaware of the boy's true feelings. Though Aemornion gave a look that was a bit more worried yet serious. He worried that a punishment from Lady Crimsonblade would be near fatal. "Then she can just talk to me. Because Valeb is here for me." Micha said bravely. Aemornion just looked at Valeb a moment before a smile tugged at his thin lips. It was clear that with Valeb at her side, Micha was just as brave. "I didn't think there'd be much sense in telling you to go to bed, Valeb. If Micha wishes you here then you may stay."

She only flashed her big brown eyes at Valeb as he said her name. Wordlessly she tugged him to the pillows, ushering him to sit beside her. Her answer was clear to the old elf. She didn't let his hand go, though it might have made tucking his lanky legs under him more difficult, she held on to the one thing that put her at ease. Once settled she curled up to him. Seeking his comfort like a sister seeks her older brother. She glanced up into those frost blue eyes a fleeting moment as the elder groaned wearily as he sat down. He poured three cups of hot tea, giving a cup to both Micha and Valeb. He said her name once more but once her soulful chocolate eyes looked to him he didn't say anything more. Micha wondered if it was important or if he didn't care to say it in Aemornion's presence.

They listened to the sounds of the fire for what seemed like forever. Micha noted how comforting the sound was, it's searing warmth, and blazing passion of how it consumed the fire wood. She stared off, captivated by the dancing flames before Aemornion broke the silence. "Micha... These dreams... They are intensifying. This is the third time this week." His tone wasn't scolding, but worried. He looked at his star student with deep worry. Her brown eyes only looked at the cup. Holding it in both hands to soak in its warmth. She brings the cup to her face, inhaling the calming aromas. She nodded solemnly.

"It's like... He's calling for me." She said weakly. The elder nodded. "You say... This man you remeb-" But Micha cut him off quickly. "My husband." She corrected him. But simply a fifteen year old girl saying this was insane. She never had a kiss let alone a husband. She was raised in this very academy. Aemornion knew the school head masters didn't like her speaking like this. She dodn't have to look at Valeb to feel his head move away from her. Did he believe her? He had to. This words, feelings and visions… they were real. In her heart she knew they were real.

In this time she'd known Valeb and Leiliana she'd never said his name. She knew it by heart, whispered it in her sleep and cried it into her pillow at night. But saying his name aloud brought such pain she didn't say it aloud. She closed her eyes, an image of his warm hazel eyes looked back at her from pale skin. "Your husband... You say he says something before you wake. What does it sound like?" the old elf continued, breaking the image in Micha's head. Her watery eyes looked up to him. Micha sat a moment. I can't do this with out you. I miss you so much Micha… The voice seemed to ring in her ears. She closed her eyes trying to will away the tears. "It um..." She bit her lip. "Sound like he's next to me... I can feel his cold breath... on my face." Her face strained to fight the tears but it was useless. Aemornion reached between the space the take the cup from her hands before it dropped to the ground. Once her hands were free she placed both hands over her face, trying to stop the tears that poured from her eyes.

Cold.

The description deeply worried Aemornion. Someone's breath shouldn't be cold, but warm. Cold almost made him think of a demon, but even their breath was said to be warm. Hot and sticky even. But not cold. But a ghost? A spirit would have chilled breath. This also worried him, if it was a spirit it could be trying to possess the young girl. Or tormenting her in some way. There was no easy or even close tangible answer, instead he just held her cup as he watched her and the boy.

Every time Micha closed her brown eyes she could see his hazel looking sorrowfully back at her. Her body felt so cold, so alone without him by her side. It was like a huge void bled a hole into her heart. A void where Ziear belonged. But he wasn't here… Hands came to her face as she cried, warm hands that brought her a small amount of comfort. His hands tried to turn her face to his but Micha hated it when she cried, her head turned away as she bit her lip. He was facing her now, and she'd not even taken notice when he turned this way. But it didn't matter much. She curled closer to him, burying her face into his neck. One arm curled around her own stomach while the other gripped the boy's shirt. She breathed him his smell trying to calm her senses. Valeb reminded her of maple… nothing like red wine and mahogany which always calmed her. But… Red wine and mahogany? What about this smell? Valebs voice brought her from her swimming thoughts.

Why does she cry for someone not here? The answer was in the question, so she thought. Because he wasn't here. She pulled away enough to glance at him. Her tears caused him pain? He had to be a true friend to feel this way. His words were true. A husband and wife united forever into eternity. But in the same sentence he attacked her beloved. "Leave me? No he didn't… He didn't leave me… He… He…" But as hard as she tried she could not remember. So many image flashed in her mind. Happy memories. Their wedding day, the birth of their first child. A night together on a beach. Playful tickle fights in their home. Passionate kisses in the shower. But none of these told her what happened. She pushed herself away from Valeb as he demanded to know where he was. A shuddering voice left her. "I don't know where he is! I don't know why he's not here… I don't know why I'm here and… he's not…" She cried, angered by the attack she leaned away from the one who always brought her comfort before. "I'm lost… or Ziear is lost… I…" she slipped his name aloud. Brown eyes opened as if looking for him but it was only the brown haired elf and the white haired boy.

"I know these are hard questions Micha but… Valeb does have a point. What happened to him?" The old elf spoke up above Micha's tears. The young girl took deep breaths and did her best to calm herself. Using the sleeve of her shirt to wipe away the tears. "What happened?" she said tearfully. Her mouth moved as if trying to speak but no words came. What did happen to him. Alarm set in and she jerked her head to the fire. "Ashes…" She said but no. Why did ashes make her think of the end. But now what end was it that she thought of. Not his, she could feel his pain. His sorrow. His anguish. He was still alive.

He is selfish…

Those words stung her like a viper. Her anger soaking in her veins like it's venom. Her brown eyes slid to the boy in a dangerous way. Though with Micha it didn't look overly threatening. Aemornion furrowed his brows as he felt the air around Micha crackle with invisible arcane energy. The small gnarled plant on his desk seemed to grow and reach for the young mage as if preparing for her to ask or it's aide. "Don'chu be talkin' bout him like that. Y'don't know him." She said in as a threatening tone as a small dark skinned girl could. Aemornion raised a brow at Micha and this new accent she some how produced. It was more elevated, with a strange twang that sounded much less educated then she really was. ((Aka Micha just sounded like a true ghetto black chick.)) This was new to him and he didn't quite understand it. Where did she get it from? It was from no province in Olcororn that he could place. Even more confusing since she had never left this academy since she arrived here as an orphaned infant. "I love ya like a brotha but don't… Talk about my man like that." She sassed back, popping her head once at Valeb, her lip quivering as tears still trickled down her face.

"Where… did you learn to talk like that?" The elder asked. He had to know. He sipped his tea as he watched her. Micha gave a shaky sigh as she sniffled and wiped away more tears. She gave him a curious look. "Talk like what?" She said not quite sure of what he was talking about. Now that she'd somewhat calmed down she was speaking like normal Micha. He opened his mouth to reply but just silenced himself. Tapping his chin in thought.

"Oi! Ya tryin' ta give me a heart attack!?" Leiliana retorted as she lowered her hands. The dangerous blue ice that surrounded them disappointed. "Me? Suspicious? Bollox." She wasn't standing around, looking into door way and… Well she was being a little creepy but that wasn't the point. So she thought to herself. She walked to Vien, trying to see her face. "Whacha doin' walkin' round here dis late at night huh?" Her green eyes looked at the girl as she placed her hands on her hips. Then it dawned on her. The was the clumsy girl that Master Aemornion always ended up helping to her feet some way or another. Odd. Either way she listened to the girl tell her side of the story. Saying she was returning but suddenly feeling comfortable enough to tell the truth. Why did Leiliana have that effect on people? Pulling the truth with out trying?

"Micha? Oh dove. Nope. Mi-Mi don' be hatin' no body. Don' think it be in her bones to hate. No dat Valeb boy… Hmph. Hims a hard book ta read." She said with a shrug. She brushed her wild autumn lock from her face. A warm smile crossed her face. "An… Why it matter iffen Aemornion don' like ya?" she said curiously. But this girl seemed as though her life was over. Plans to leave the academy and all. Did she tell the old elf of her passions? Perchance that's the reasoning behind her thinking they hate her? She shocked Leiliana by asking if she was leaving too. Even going as far as to ask her to come with. The pale freckle faced girl laughed and shook her head. "Oh no dove. Was goin' to the museum. Gots a new exhibit… Much as aye love t'run away… I kenne be leavin' me sista Micha. And she not be leaving." She tapped her fingers on her chin a moment. "Or she not leave without her big shadow."

"I-" But her words were quickly silenced from the soft distant clank of metal. Someone walking down the hall. The hair on the back of Leiliana's neck stood on end as her fear of which armored elf was walking their way. There was one uptight bitch the young mage would always try to avoid. "Oh snap! Dissa way!" She grabbed the girl without hesitation and dragged her into a nearby room as quietly as she could. Her heart pounded once more as she stood silently behind the closed door. The steps thudded closer and closer till there was a pause near the door. Leiliana couldn't take it, she peaked an eye out the thin crack. Her body relaxed as she realized it wasn't Lady Crimsonblade, but a paladin who name she couldn't place. The male elf gave a shrug and moved on none the wiser to the two girls hiding.

There was a huge sigh of relief from the red hair one. "Oi ya gonna git me in trouble… Wait… Did ya say ya say Mi-Mi? Whua… Wut happened? She okay?" It hit her, Vien had seen Micha. Said she looked at her. Leiliana's jittery mind place the pieces together as she realized she also said they were with Aemornion. Oh this did not bode well. Fear and worry fill her bright green eyes as she looked at Vien. Whom she couldn't quite remember her name at this moment.
 
Vien stared at Leiliana calming down a bit once the other girl lowered her guard enough to walk towards. Yes. She'd seen her around. Hanging with Valeb and Micha. Their Friend. She scowled. "I wasn't walkng around..." Her Features calmed down some more. "I was heading back to the dormitory...maybe." A sigh escaped her lips.

"Actually...I'm suppose to be running away back to my homeland but I don't think that will work out now." She clutched her satchel. "Master Aemornion hates me. I think Micha and Valeb do too, they were all looking at me strange when I left that room. I'm so stupid." Vien smacked her Face lowering her hand in order to look at the other girl when she spoke. Micha didn't hate anyone...she really didn't know why she said it, when back in the room, Vien Felt a serene calmness wash over her when looking into those brown eyes. Valeb on the other hand...he was as cold as ice, like his eyes. He probably despised her beyond the word.

"Valeb is a VERY hard book to read now that you mention it." She tapped her own cheek. "It is like...From what I have seen, he only comes alive when around Micha, everyone and everything else doesn't seem to matter. I may be reading too much into it but that is how I Feel...and Master Aemornion..." Her head shook From side to side, those cheeks burning on the inside, and her own eyes looking at Leiliana when the obvious questioned had been asked, why did it matter whether the Master did not like her. It was a matter to the whole world, Vien's world. She planned or hoped to marry him. Have his children, live in wedded bliss though she'd die before he did but still.

"I...I..." Vien's teeth chattered, eyes raced to seek out the best possible way in answering without giving away her wanting Aemornion as her beloved. "That does it....I'm leaving the Academy. There's no other choice...(quietly) it matters a lot whether he hates me...I...*grumble* *grumble....say...what were you doing? Leaving too? We can go together...what do you say?" Vien took a step Forward, her hand clutched the satchel tighter, she needed to get away. Curiously her head turned to the side, ears perked up at Leiliana's laugh. Vien Frowned.

"The museum? Exhibit? Oh..." The excitement drained out her Features. The other would not leave, especially at abandoning Micha whom wouldn't leave either nor without....'big shadow' Valeb. Seeing his eyes when she closed her own made Vien cringe, there was something about him. He was scary. "Yeah, why would Micha come...? She is happy here, with Valeb...I guess....I will be leaving alone." Vien shut her mouth quickly, she eyed Leilian at the sound to the metal clank, down the hallway. Someone coming. Could it be? Lady Crimsonbade? Anybody was Fear. Being caught up past dorm hours was punishment on it's own. What would they do? Vien's heart beat several times, her head whipped From side to side.

"Umph." She was seized by her arm, her hesitant Feet Followed her brain's tick to move and behind Leiliana did she go, quietly at that, into a room. She strained to see in the darkness brought on by the room and her closeness to the other had one thing in common, both's hearts gave a thud. Vien tried to see out but could not. "(Lady Crimsonblade?)" She shook. When the red-haired girl spoke, Vien held back some. "Me get you into trouble? You were already out and about....yeah...Micha. She is in Master Aemornion's room, with Valeb. I'm not sure what happened...Valeb was worried about her, I assume. They are still there." Vien straightened up. She pressed her back against the wall sighing. She stared at the other.

"You don't have to worry, Valeb was there, don't think he's going anywhere. You should go see here, to make sure she is alright, when Master Aemornion is not around...maybe I can Follow you to the exhibit then sneak out...we have to watch the hallways though. And my name is Vien." She smiled some thinking how close they came to being discovered. "My home is quite a distant, home to the sakura-Female protectors- and the samurai-male protectors- I miss it..."



Anger swirled in Valeb's heart. A hatred. Toward a being...no entity he'd heard mentioned. Her husband...

His head turned. He looked down into his tea cup, the liquid, stilled until he touched it again and at the moment, he was no longer thirsty. His anger caused him to be this way. Her dreams. Micha's dreams involved this man she referred to as a husband which others would consider to be insane but somehow he believed her, he did not know how but in his heart, he knew what she spoke was the truth. Micha never lied. This did not stop him From hating the one mentioned. This so called husband. Where in the hell was he? Wht was he not here protecting Micha? She should not cry, have to long in the least and that is whatmade him angered. Husbands never abandoned their wives, soulmates. His own mother stood at his Father's side in every decision he made whether good or bad, they loved one another. Valeb also didn't like to hear Micha talking like this either, let alone mentioning one not here.

He was here. He did not plan on going anywhere unless she no longer wanted him at her side, the only way he'd go.

His thoughts overwhelmed him. The conversation between Micha and Aemornion going in and out.

Cold breath on her Face.
Cold breath?
That...?
He had enough.

Lost he was in his thoughts, he broken them, once the conversation stopped. Master Aemornion took Micha's tea cup and automatically did her hands go to her Face to shelter the tears Valeb hated to see, his icy blue eyes widened some. She was crying. He hated to see her cry, let alone For a man not here. Why? He turned to Face her completely. She was crying For the husband not here. He edged closer, his hands slipping underneath hers, Valeb held her Face. Her tears washed upon those very same hands. His warmth radiated to her own, her closeness to him was enough to melt his hardened exterior and surface how he truly Felt, words, he'd not dare say aloud. "Why do you cry For someone not here Micha?" Valeb sat on his knees.

"He is not here but you cry, the tears shed like knives cutting into my Flesh. To see you cry is like my own being torn apart because I know there is nothing I can do to stop it." When she pulled away to look at him, icy blue eyes turned to look down in brown. "A husband does not leave his one, their united bond is Forever onto Eternity, why would this relationship be established only to have him leave you alone to have these dreams? The longing. It does not make sense to me." He paused, hearing her defend him, the wretch, Valeb chalked this so called husband up to be. He..what?

"He abandoned you. Where is he?" The boy looked around the room. "Certainly not here. He should be here, at your side, protecting you. That is where I would be. Hell nor high water could keep me From you," Valeb continued. "I would gladly endure torture throughout the years if it meant I could come back to you." She pushed away From and his hands slipped down From her Face sinking below. He restrained a snarl at her defending, the anger he did not know she had in her. "Ziear is lost? That is his name? He is selfish....." Lost. They both were lost?

Lost....

Lost to a dream.

Micha...

Valeb's attention resided back on Micha again, the look she gave him, he'd never seen it on her. It was dangerous. Malicious. Hate. Hate. His attack on her....one brought on the counterattack. He could not deny that For a second, his heart, waived. Emotion rushed into him. The surrounding air was thick, like something unexpected was to happen. He did not blink at the girl as some plant on their instructor's desk grew....grew and reached toward Micha? and words that could only be described as her defending Ziear came to be spoken.


"Micha." Valeb said sternly. She would attack him? Even Aemornion seemed....disturbed by hearing and seeing her act this way and again, the beat to his heart made him stop again. She loved him. Like a brother...but it was....him she would truly love. This was proven in her words. Love someone not here, the heavy tears made him bleed on the inside, Micha's tears, her quivering lip, he only wanted to see her happiness. That was his purpose....because. Valeb looked away emotionless.

"My apologies..." His Fists curled up, hair touching to his own Face ignoring the conversation between the curious elder male about the accent so to speak. "Don't cry anymore." He spoke quietly. "You should not cry...there comes a solution to every answer, it only awaits to be Found." Damn her husband...

His Fists clenched tighter. It did not make any sense. How could she have been married when she had not been with anyone outside the Academy? This was her home....no matter how the circumstances looked, Valeb believed her. It hurt him. The words she uttered, more than she would ever know yet he kept inside how he Felt, his icy blue eyes traveled toward the Fire, then Aemornion and Micha whom did not or was not aware how she talked moments ago. She hadn't a clue. Valeb overturned his hands uncurling them, his eyes ran over them, to the cuts on his palms, the red liquid easy to be absorbed by a napkin or two. He wasn't concerned about it, rather her.

"...Where ever he is, we will Find him." He told her as though their instructor was no where in the room. "To ease this pain you have, we'll Find Ziear, so you can smile again." And with that Valeb was brought into silence. Pained silence." He climbed to his Feet moving to the Fireplace with his back to them both. "Instructor...when something Feels real so much so that you can touch and smell it, is this a memory or more?" Icy blue eyes stared into the dancing Flames. "Whatever the case, what she has spoken, I believe and wish to help in any way that I can. I will help you Micha." His eyes closed.

|What is this in my heart? This warmth....? I do not understand it...but....|

Valeb opened his eyes, he looked at Micha.

|I must do what I can For her...|
The blood had now dried in his hands.
 
Here was this girl just spilling information out to Leiliana like this was some confessional. Which reminded her she hadn't been in a while. Did that matter? She always believed it was bollux that one could just confess their sins to the Maker and then do so many hours of meditation to rid themselves of the spiritual burden. The silly templars and paladins had their own beliefs which even she noticed clashed with the beliefs of many magi. But that was besides the point. "Micha? Oh dove. Nope. Mi-Mi don' be hatin' no body. Don' think it be in her bones to hate. No dat Valeb boy… Hmph. Hims a hard book ta read." She said with a shrug. She brushed her wild autumn lock from her face. Vien couldn't have hit the nail on the head any better in Leiliana's eyes when she spoke about Valeb.

"Oi aye know right? Hims just dead to dey world till Mi-Mi comes around… Aye be thinkin' dat boy got a crush on her… But aye donno iffen Mi-Mi even sees it…" Her voice and mind wondered a moment. Her green eyes looking to the distant wall as she thought if Micha would ever see another boy besides the man she obsessed over. Valeb was a… nice? … Boy she assumed. Buthe was too terribly tall for Micha. Leiliana would have to find her a more suitable boyfriend. She looked back up to Vien. A warm smile crossed her face. "An… Why it matter iffen Aemornion don' like ya?" she said curiously. But this girl seemed as though her life was over. Plans to leave the academy and all. Did she tell the old elf of her passions? Perchance that's the reasoning behind her thinking they hate her?

She surprised the autumn hair girl by asking if she was leaving too. And apparently felt compelled to ask if she'd come with. The pale freckle faced girl laughed and shook her head. "Oh no dove. Was goin' to the museum. Gots a new exhibit… Much as aye love t'run away… I kenne be leavin' me sista Micha. And she not be leaving." She tapped her fingers on her chin a moment. "Or she not leave without her big shadow." Leiliana gave a knowing smile as she listened to Vien. "Mi-Mi not be as happy here as everyone thinks. I-" But her words were quickly silenced from the soft distant clank of metal. Someone walking down the hall. The hair on the back of Leiliana's neck stood on end as her fear of which armored elf was walking their way. There was one uptight bitch the young mage would always try to avoid. "Oh snap! Dissa way!" She grabbed the girl without hesitation and dragged her into a nearby room as quietly as she could.

Her heart thundered so loudly Leliana was worried it might burst from her chest. Timidly she poked her head to the crack in the door just enough to see out. Her body instantly relaxed. It wasn't Lady Crimsonblade but a male elf who's name should couldn't place. His silver-white hair giving almost a glow against the candle light as he looked around. He gave a shrug and moved on. None the wiser of the two girls behind the door. There was a huge sigh of relief from the red hair one. "Oi ya gonna git me in trouble… Wait… Did ya say ya say Mi-Mi? Whua… Wut happened? She okay?" It hit her, Vien had seen Micha. Said she looked at her saying quite comfortable in the room while she waited for the passing paladin to move on down the hall.

If she was with Valeb then she was safe enough but Master Aemornion? It only meant one thing. Another nightmare. This worried Leliana, very much so. She wasn't sure she believed Micha and her 'visions' but Micha believed they were real. Leiliana silently worried about tormenting spirits. "Vien! Well course aye remember ya name." Which of course she didn't remember but it was nice to now know it. Calling her 'um' or 'hey you' might get old after a while. "Yes! A new exhibit. Gotta be real special iffen all the students are going to see it." She remained quiet as she listened to Vien. Completely oblivious that the paladin had not passed by them completely when she had originally started to speak again. Since Leiliana didn't know what quiet was, it was easily heard by the male elf.

Slowly he crept, silently not allowing his plate armor to make a sound. An incredible feat for a paladin but this one was different. He had nearly mastered the art of sneaking, and not just to catch naughty students out of their dorms. His cool blue eyes peering at the door as he listen. Sneaking out to see the exhibit? Well that was boring. He frowned slightly, his strong facial features making it look more like a pout than anything. But the other spoke about leaving. Now that was a bit more interesting.

"Ya home sounds nice. Aye don't miss me home at all. Bloody nobles and their fancy snobbish ways. Neva go back iffen I could." Though Leiliana was whispering, the paladin was close enough to hear it all. His charming face poking around the wall and into the cracked door. Plainly visible by Vien. Leiliana was facing the other girl, and didn't see the elf causally nodding to their conversation. "Mum even threatened to find an arranged marriage for me. Ken you believe dat?" She rolled her eyes and flipped her hair behind her, nearly hitting the paladin in the face. He moved his face in time but went back to leaning on the door frame. "Mi-Mi says we should stay till we graduate… but… Aye donno…" Leliana was rambling now, and not looking at any reactions Vien might be having to the ease dropping elf behind her.

"Hey. If you leave, can you take me with you?" The paladin whispered behind her. His action so subtle that it didn't phase Leiliana. Besides she was on a roll now. "Sure ya ken come! Be one big… Oh…"By this time, dread settled on the girls face, making it paler. Her delicate hands to her mouth was her green eyes became even wider. The voice was not Vien's voice, who's face was probably riddle with panic. It could be possible that Vien recognized this Paladin as he was usually the one most lax about the rules. But Leiliana only remembered those whom were important to her. Slowly she turned her head. A huge sheepish grin upon her face. They had just been talking about leaving the academy. A huge no-no. She couldn't even fathom the consequences of these thoughts. He merely smiled a charming smile as he looked down at her. His cool blue eyes had a mischievous sparkle in them.

"Sir um… Sir paladin man elf sir…" She stammered, it was probably impolite not to know his name. But she was near panic at this point. "Duskriver. Sir Zevryyn Duskriver." He said in a suave tone, that grin still upon his face. He was bathing in the moment of catching these two trouble makers. "Yes! Sir Zevvyrens. We was… Just… Speaking hypothetically… We not really gonna leave… Right Vien?" She was dying, floundering at the moment, his damn grin only made it worse. Damn flirty elves. He was handsome to Leiliana but not so much so that she was captured by his smile. Only made more nervous about it. She was trying to use her own adorable charms on him but it wasn't working. At all. "So you weren't talking about seeing the new pile of bones they call an exhibit then escape the Academy after words?" He replied in a mocking curious tone.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Valeb hit Micha with a barrage of questions. Questions she didn't know the answer to. She did her best to remember but only happy memories came to mind. She pushed herself away from Valeb as he demanded to know where he was. A shuddering voice left her. "I don't know where he is! I don't know why he's not here… I don't know why I'm here and… he's not…" She cried, angered by the attack she leaned away from the one who always brought her comfort before. "I'm lost… or Ziear is lost… I…" she slipped his name aloud. Brown eyes opened as if looking for him but it was only the brown haired elf and the white haired boy. Alarm set in and she jerked her head to the fire. "Ashes…" It was the first thing that came to her mind as the old elf asked his question. She looked to the fire with watery eyes.

But once again Valeb changed her mood. Not only did he say her long love was selfish, but he called him by name. Those words stung her like a viper. Her anger soaking in her veins like it's venom. Her brown eyes slid to the boy in a dangerous way. Though with Micha it didn't look overly threatening. Aemornion furrowed his brows as he felt the air around Micha crackle with invisible arcane energy. The small gnarled plant on his desk seemed to grow and reach for the young mage as if preparing for her to ask or it's aide. "Don'chu be talkin' bout him like that. Y'don't know him." She said in as a threatening tone as a small dark skinned girl could. Aemornion raised a brow at Micha and this new accent she some how produced. It was more elevated, with a strange twang that sounded much less educated then she really was. "I love ya like a brotha but don't… Talk about my man like that." She sassed back, popping her head once at Valeb, her lip quivering as tears still trickled down her face.

"Where… did you learn to talk like that?" The elder asked. He had to know. He sipped his tea as he watched her. Micha gave a shaky sigh as she sniffled and wiped away more tears. She gave him a curious look. "Talk like what?" She said not quite sure of what he was talking about. Now that she'd somewhat calmed down she was speaking like normal Micha. He opened his mouth to reply but just silenced himself. Tapping his chin in thought. Micha curled her knees around herself, now quite upset with her protective shadow. With a shuddering sigh she laid her head on her knees, hiding her face from everyone. She lifted her head to Valeb's apologies. He spoke wisdom now, whether he was just saying it to soothe her or words from his heart she was unsure.

She never noticed his fists clenched, the blood drawn from the damage self inflicted. He said his name again, this time with no malice. Just hearing his name aloud made her shiver. Longing to be at his side once again yet, she knew not what happened to him. Aemornion was still tapping his chin as the boy stood. Sipping his own cup of tea as he asked his question. "I have many assumptions… But… None of them fit everything…" He admitted with a deep sigh. A soft warm smile flashed on his old face a moment. "But I can tell you there is no demonic possession here, Micha." He spoke gently. Finishing his tea he stood up with a weary groan. He paced to his desk, frowning slightly as the plant, having now grown this way, was still leaning towards the young mage. He set his cup down as Valeb finished his words to Micha. The little mage said nothing. She knew there was no demonic presence causing this heart ache. But she couldn't explain what was going on either. The elder elf mage remained quiet. Turning in place as his eyes drug the floor. He knew the head masters of the academy had been deliberating over the past few weeks over Micha's path. He'd heard whispers of them wanting to move her to work with the druids of the deep south in the swamps. It was a prestigious idea since druids were incredibly reclusive. Often keeping their tribes far from civilization. The opportunity to work with them would be something that only came once in a life time.

He looked back to Micha. Something told the old elf that she'd not go. Working with the druids meant she'd be working for the Council of Magi for the rest of her life. If she was what Aemornion suspected, nothing would keep her from finding her lost love. Possibly nothing could remove the young girl from her friends either. "I have much to think about." He said wearily. He walked to his desk, pulling reading glasses from his pocket and placed them upon his thin face. Then he pulled the grey quill from its place in the ink pot. Scribbling a bit of words onto it before he moved his finger over the parchment. A magic seal appeared, his seal. This was something that could not be forged or copied. He handed the note to Valeb. "Carry this letter with you. Should a paladin… or Ser Crimsonblade stop you, it will save you from punishment."

In elvish it reads: "I, Master Aemornion, needed to council the students Micha Babashi and Valeb Urono. Spare them from punishment as it was my will they are out past curfew."

"Take Micha straight to her room. And you return to your own right after." He said lowering his head so to look upon the two of them above his glasses. With those words Micha raised to her feet, curling her arm around herself. Her hand moved to brush her hair from her eyes, then wiped any remaining tears from her eyes. She glanced at her taller shadow before looking back to the elven elder. She was still sore about his words against her beloved so she didn't gravitate towards him right away. But she didn't exactly want to go right to bed after wards. She said nothing as she turned to walk out. Pausing to wait for Valeb.
 
The excitement drained From Vien, the other would not leave, especially not without Micha whom wouldn't leave either not leaving behind big silent shadow Valeb, there was something about him Vien did not like, whether it may have been his eyes, the way they looked at her. She cringed thinking about it. He was scary.

"Yeah, why would Micha come...? She is happy here, with Valeb and you...I guess....I will be leaving alone then..." Vien paid close attention to Leiliana's last statement. Micha was not as happy as everyone thought her to be. Not happy? She wondered why, that was how it seemed to her when she saw her in the halls or during lunch, class even. She wanted to ask more but the thought to shut her mouth quickly overshadowed that, she eyed Leiliana at what sounded like metal, the clanking noise it emitted, down the hallway. Oh, great, someone was coming, what else could possibly go wrong on this ill-timed venture? Who could it be? Lady Crimsonblade *shudder*? Anyone was Fear. Being caught up past dorm hours was punishment on it's own. What would she and Leiliana do? Vien's heart beat several times. Her head whipped From side to side. Think. Think. Think....

"Umph." Seized by her arm in urgency, her hesitant Feet obeyed her brain's tick to move behind Leliana, quietly into a nearby room. She strained to see in the darkness brought on by thr room and her closeness to the other had one thing in common: Both their hearts gave a thud. Vien tried to see out but could not. "(Lady Crimsonblade?)" Oh, man, they'd be scorched toast, the blackness smothered over the actual bread should that woman be the one out and about. Her teeth chattered, a sickening Feeling twisted her stomach in knots, and all the while she had thoughts about kissing Master Aemornion. At the wrong time too. She was shaking and daydreaming, that is, until the red-haired mage spoke. Vien's Aemornion image shattered in her mind, she held back some. "Me get you into trouble? Sure, blame the innocent one, I see what you are trying to do, you were already out and about anyway...hm? Yeah, Micha, she's in Master~Aemornion's room, with icy eyes. I'm not sure what happened to be honest, Valeb was worried about her, I assume. They are still there." Vien straightened up. She pressed her back agaisnt the wall sighing. She stared at Lei-Lei.

"You don't have to worry, Valeb was there...I wonder whether he's been called vegetable...." She shook her head. "He's not going anywhere, you should go see her, to make sure she is alright, when Master Aemornion is not around....maybe I can Follow you to the exhibit then sneak out." She rubbed her chin. "We'd have to watch the hallways though. And...." The young Sakura held her Finger up with a crooked smile. "My name is Vien. We almost were discovered back there, close one. By the way, my home is quite distant, home to the sakura, Female protectors and the samurai-male protectors. I miss it a lot...especially my mom..." Her brown eyes became deep in thought. "When I was younger, I'd play with my best Friends, Naichira and Ayim in the streets, my kimono would be hiked up....*sigh* I remember my mom yelling at me: 'Vien pull your kimono down, the whole street can see your business!'...*sigh* Oh...huh, what were we talking about...? Ahh...sure you remember my name...." Vien still smiled. "I guess...it may be cool to look at. Javalin is nice! You'd love it." She stopped chatting to hear out the other.

"Nobles? You don't ever want to go back? It's that bad?" Vien crossed her arms. She looked down a moment then back up. To the cracked door. To the charming, handsome Face, looking in. Vien's smile vanished instantly, her lips did a downward curve, arms dropped.

Vien: o.O.....o.o.....O.o....(o_0)......>.<......T.T.....

Gagagahagahagahagah....

The only thing Vien heard From Leiliana was arranged marriage. Everything else was gone in one ear and out the next, eyes on the paladin, elven at that, listening in, watching them. Her Finger was pointing behind the talking girl but it didn't seem to do any good.

"Uhmph....errn....agh. *Teeth chattering*"

Vien: Gaghagahagahagah....

The paladin asked a question, wanting to come with them, and Leiliana agreed not realizing that it was not Vien whom spoke. By now, both girls were in the panicked state, Vien stepped back when Leiliana may have turned around. Wait, Vien's eyes narrowed, as she looked at the paladin closely. She KNEW him. He was the other hot elf, she'd seen him around on many occasions, he wasn't strict with the rules like Lady Crimsonblade or others, and he had such awesome hair. Now that he was here, and she could actually see him, Vien thought he was cute too. More than cute.

But, of course, the situation at hand. More important.....

Damn, he was smiling...

Vien smiled too.

"Sir Zevryyn Duskriver." She said at the same time he did oblivious to Leiliana's panic, too much captured in that smile. Aemorn-who? "Huh?" She didn't even look at the other girl. "Right-we-are-not-going-to-leave.......you have beautiful eyes." She turned her head to the side. "I mean, she was speaking hypothethically....everyone speaks hypothetically....but but the exhibit sounds like a most interesting lesson to be viewed, strictly school wise..." Her bottom lip quivered, the more Zevryyn kept smiling, the more she realized she couldn't lie because in this very moment, Aemornion was replaced by none other than the paladin.

"Okay, okay, I was lying, I wanted to leave to go home, it's all me. Me. Me. Are you going to turn us in to Lady Crimsonblade? Please, please don't...I'll never get to see my home again. I'll do anything you want sir Duskriver, clean your boots." Vien dropped on her knees knocking the door? wide open now. She is near him, her satchel dropping, and her arm wrapped around his leg. The whole reason behind her leaving obliterated except For the Fact, the letter still existed. "Please don't turn us in, we're innocent, innocent." She is rubbing his leg which may have been covered by armor. Her eyebrow raised. She thought she Felt something underneath the armor. "What the hell is this...? What is underneath here....." She suddenly remembered he was the authoritive Figure and quickly jumped back to where Leiliana stood, her satchel contents spilled all over the Floor. "Please, please, please...." *is smiling* Wait, maybe he could take them to see the exhibit? Vien was nudging Leiliana to say something.


Valeb's attention resided on Micha again, the look she gave him, he'd never seen it before. It was one dangerous. Malicious. Hate. Hate. His attack on her brought on her own counterattack. He could not deny that in that moment, his heart waived. Emotion rushed into him. The surrounding air was thick, like something unexpected was to happen. He did not blink at the girl as some plant on their instructor's desk grew...grew and reached toward Micha and words that could only be described as her defending Ziear came to be spoken.

"Micha." Valeb said sternly. She would attack him? Even Aemornion seemed....disturbed by hearing and seeing her act this way and again, the beat to his heart made him stop again. She loved him. Like a brother...but it was....him she would truly love. This was proven in her words. Love someone not here, the heavy tears made him bleed on the inside, Micha's tears, her quivering lip, he only wanted to see her happiness. That was his purpose....because. Valeb looked away emotionless.

"My apologies..." His Fists curled up, hair touching to his own Face ignoring the conversation between the curious elder male about the accent so to speak. "Don't cry anymore." He spoke quietly. "You should not cry...there comes a solution to every answer, it only awaits to be Found." Damn her husband...


His Fists clenched tighter. It did not make any sense. How could she have been married when she had not been with anyone outside the Academy? This was her home....no matter how the circumstances looked, Valeb believed her. It hurt him.

The words she uttered, more than she would ever know yet he kept inside how he Felt, his icy blue eyes traveled toward the Fire, then Aemornion and Micha whom did not or was not aware how she talked moments ago. She hadn't a clue. Valeb overturned his hands uncurling them, his eyes ran over them, to the cuts on his palms, the red liquid easy to be absorbed by a napkin or two. He wasn't concerned about it, rather her.

"...Where ever he is, we will Find him." He told her as though their instructor was no where in the room. "To ease this pain you have, we'll Find Ziear, so you can smile again." And with that Valeb was brought into silence. Pained silence." He climbed to his Feet moving to the Fireplace with his back to them both. "Instructor...when something Feels real so much so that you can touch and smell it, is this a memory or more?" Icy blue eyes stared into the dancing Flames. "Whatever the case, what she has spoken, I believe and wish to help in any way that I can. I will help you Micha." His eyes closed.

In his own heart....lied warmth. A warmth which would never be returned to him, by her, no matter how much he resigned to do what he could For her, because.....

Valeb opened his eyes, he looked at Micha, she was lost in her thoughts, not about him, rather the one not here.

Why...?
Did she not see him?
And why had she been angry with him? He was here. He'd been here since coming to this Academy yet her heart belonged to another.

Aemornion spoke words that were lost on Valeb, he opened his hands to see the blood drying on them. His own blood.
No demonic possession...
Then what..?
She wasn't saying anything to him nor even looking at him.
Like in Spear.
His Father.
Valeb eyed the wall, words were kept hidden, his heart became solid. Words haunted his mind.

'Why do you care what they think? They are beneath you? Come home, you are welcomed here, you will not be judged.'

Go home...?
No. Never.

'Why? What are you trying to escape? Fate? You cannot...'

Valeb looked at Aemornion, the other was sending them away, to think his thoughts. Surely he was not simply rubbing this incident under the rug. The Academy always held their secrets, like Spearians. Valeb stood up, his arms were placed behind his back, he cast his gaze at the wall knowing danger could not trap Micha here, he'd stop it but was he destined to be drawn into the same madness which took his Father? Only when Aemornion motioned to Valeb with a letter did he take it, hearing the reasoning behind, so they'd not get in trouble. By this point, he didn't care what happened. He really never did honestly.

"Yes instructor..." Valeb pocketed the letter. He nodded turning, catching Micha moving, standing, moving away From him, angry still about his words. Was it not truth? How can you long to have someone who was not here? Hell would not keep Valeb away, nothing, no one. Not even death but this did not matter, Micha held Feelings toward another, he'd not call or consider her crazy but there was something wrong here....
She never noticed how he Felt. The reason why he spoke his words. The warmth in his otherwise cold heart. The name was easy to say by others but not by him. Valeb no longer could see Aemornion near his desk, his back was to the man, walking steadily to the door where Micha waited. He stopped, waiting to let her go First, both silent, each most likely with words to say to the other. The halls were empty, students appropriately in bed, as they should have been. Valeb walked alongside her, his eyes surveyed their path ahead, trying to see what should not be there.

"I meant my words," His voice is as it always was, cold, though warmth and Feeling are given to her. "I will help you Find him, to understand what is going on. You can remain mad at me, that won't change the words I spoke earlier, it is how I Felt, they cannot be taken back. No words, once spoken, can be taken back, I will apologize to you once more however, the distance you give me is alarming." He seemed to seek out the right word. "It bothers me. It is not what I want, to have you look upon me as they do." The taller boy stopped walking, he moved in a single turn to stand in Front of her, he looked down. "I'm sorry Micha, but have you ever considered how it makes me Feel when you cry? The tears you shed burden my heart heavily knowing no matter what words I may say, that however sturdy my embrace is, I cannot stop them. I cannot make you happy. That is all I've wanted in my existence, since coming here, to see you smile. When you are troubled it hurts me deeply, more than I'll tell you. Your happiness is my redemption because I came into this world cursed."


"Not many know about me, where I originated, I like it that way. To talk with only one person whom looks upon me as I matter, that is you. In my homeland, my Father went out on a search, For the keys to the world's power, what sustains it. He returned home plagued by madness, in what he saw. The madness made him kill his brother, my uncle, and many others. He was to have been executed but it was my mother whom helped him escape. Our homeland turned on us, called us traitors, tried to kill us as well."

Valeb sighed.

"...Will you look at me not as earlier but as though I matter, like you always do, it...gives me comfort. Keeps me Focused to not remember the past. It is all I need. I will not speak ill to the one you hold dear to your heart." The boy with the icy blue eyes moved back to Micha's side, staring ahead.

"I will take you anywhere you want to go."
Damn the consequences....
 
Like the arcane magic that flowed around him, Aemornion's mind was this way and that. Trying to figure out what was going on with Micha. He had heard whispers that Micha would go work with the druids, this he felt would help her. But he urged the council to keep her trio together. Leiliana and Valeb. They were her stability and her pillars of strength. This was not an outstanding proposition as it was common to keep familiar mages with one another. Someone they could feed off of for elemental stability. But the delicate matter of the druids complicated all of that. So reclusive and feral they often would retreat if something was to change. Aemornion's idea was frowned upon but they claimed they would take it into concideration. The Magi Council had been in deliberation over the young star mages fate the past weeks. His old eyes looked over the young students as his thought moved at the pace of a fast flowing river. Not demons, possibly spirits? But even those didn't fit properly. His eyes drug the floor as he paced the room. His weary eyes lingering over his book case.

He looked back to Micha. Something told the old elf that she'd not go. Working with the druids meant she'd be working for the Council of Magi for the rest of her life. If she was what Aemornion suspected, nothing would keep her from finding her lost love. Possibly nothing could remove the young girl from her friends either. "I have much to think about." He said wearily. He walked to his desk, pulling reading glasses from his pocket and placed them upon his thin face. Then he pulled the grey quill from its place in the ink pot. Scribbling a bit of words onto it before he moved his finger over the parchment. A magic seal appeared, his seal. This was something that could not be forged or copied. He handed the note to Valeb. "Carry this letter with you. Should a paladin… or Ser Crimsonblade stop you, it will save you from punishment."

"Take Micha straight to her room. And you return to your own right after." He said lowering his head so to look upon the two of them above his glasses. Micha made no words as she stood, curling an arm around her self. Her delicate hand moving to her face to wipe away any remaining tears as she turned to the door. She glanced at her taller shadow before looking back to the elven elder. She was still sore about his words against her beloved so she didn't gravitate towards him right away. But she didn't exactly want to go right to bed after wards. She said nothing as she turned to walk out. Pausing to wait for Valeb. The elder elf nodded to both students as they left. But his night wasn't over.

Aemornion had watched Micha grow. From an out going child with an inexplicable fear of crocodiles to the powerful healer she was becoming. It was a journey to watch her grow and he'd become closer to her then he should have. Treated her like a grand daughter or daughter than a true student. He worried for her. His eyes looked over the books on his book case. Endless his search had become to find what was wrong with Micha that he'd lost many nights sleep. It had in fact become a ritual to swing by her dorm room to make sure she was resting. It was why he was there in the first place. He allowed his magic to guide him. Closing his eyes and allowing himself to listen to the elements. This was what he resorted to when he could not find the right answer to anything. His eyes opened and the first thing he saw was an old dusty book. If he blinked he could miss it among rest of the similar looking books. But his element was telling him to pay closer attention to this unremarkable book.

His lithe hand reached out to pull the book from the shelf, reading the faded green lettering. "Ancient beliefs in death and the spirit realm…" He walked to his desk and began to casually flip through the pages. At the moment he was so obsessed with finding Micha's reason to be they way she was, that he forgot about Vien's love letter. He thumbed through the pages, his brow creased as he read numbly through the pages. Absentmindedly he reached into his robes to pull out a bit of candy from the inside pocket. "Whu? Oh the letter Vien dropped…" He said as his fingers wrapped around the paper. He groaned and rubbed his face as he dreaded what words could lie inside. He opened the letter and began to read…

~*~

Micha looked to Valeb as he spoke. He meant his words? Which ones she wondered. That ones that bled venom about her lost love? But even though his voice would sound cold and emotionless to everyone else, Micha felt warmth. Warmth that one would find in a field of snow with no wind. But it was enough for her to listen to him. He admitted that the distance she gave bothered him and it made her look away. She tried to remain firm but it hurt her deeply to push the only one she truly trusted away. Valeb was like her pillar, her dear friend and brother. He was right, his venomous words couldn't be taken back but that didn't make it any easier to swallow. She avoided looking at him to not allow herself to forgive him, well not yet at least.

But the taller boy quickly with one step moved in front of her. Stopping her in her tracks. The action was not aggressive or threatening at the least to her but rather pleading. She looked up to him, but after that action how could she not? She listened completely before she responded. He confessed on how much it hurt him to see her cry. She'd never thought about it that way. She supposed it hurt Leiliana the same way too, but she must not have been so out spoken about it. Still oblivious to Valeb's true feelings for her. "it… It hurts you to see me cry?" She questioned as his words made her breath choke in her throat, her happiness was his redemption. Her hands drew close together, holding each other nervously as she looked up at him. She could feel the tears for Valeb wanting to come but she pushed them back.

She felt a deep sense of guilt. Guilt that her emotions brought Valeb down too. All this time she treated Valeb as he presented himself to her. It wasn't in Micha's nature to judge someone by what they did. Rather who they were before her. Always seeing the better side of someone even through a fog of devastation and despair. The boy never spoke about his past, and Micha never thought to ask. But now she understood. She was his light in a world of darkness. Just like… Him? Was she the light in Ziear's darkness? She couldn't remember. Before Valeb could move to her side the small teen fell into him, an action from holding back. Wrapping her arms around his waist she buried her face into his robes. He had the smell of the cold tundra in the spring when all the flowers were in bloom for just a few short weeks.

Her embrace was that of comfort and soothing. A shuddering sigh escaped her. "I'm sorry Valeb… I… I didn't know it hurt you so…" Her hands griped his robes intending to not let go just yet. She shook her head against his chest. "You've told me a lot but… I still see you as I always have. You are not cursed." She said looking up to him, her strong grip releasing so to look at him. "Well… I mean I don't think you are… And if you are then we are cursed together." She said offering that warm soothing smile to him. "And… I can't stay mad at you. I just… get defensive is all…" She frowned a bit at her own actions. "This world… Is so foreign yet so familiar. I... I don't understand what's going on… But…"

"I want you with me. Always." She said sliding her face to meet his. "You are my light… In all of this. I guess… I need you… Like you need me." Micha curled her face into his robes once more before she tugged away from the hug to hold her friends hand. She tugged him along as she walked towards the dorms again. "I think I told you… Master Aemornion said something about the head masters thinking about having me work with the druids… It's an honor I guess but I don't want to be tied forever with the Academy. I need to find out… Who I am. Who I was. I can't explain it. But…" She looked to Valeb as she spoke. "I know I want you with me. Once this school season is over I plan to as to travel on my own instead of getting placed into a role of the Magi Council… It's… Your choice but… I'd like you to go with me." She admitted. Smiling softly as she looked up at him.
"I know being raised at the academy I am expected to follow the path they lay before me but… Their desire is not what Lady Destiny has for me. I know it to be true." She said looking back at Valeb as she walked.

~*~

"Noble be bad? … Neva met one did'ja?" The spunky red haired mage replied. She sighed in a drawl tone and rolled her eyes. "Prim, proper, stand straight, balance a book and…" She placed her hand on her hip now as she spoke with annoyance. "Neva speak outta term. Less you be horrid mum. Gotta have me hair just so. Dress spotless and perfect. Dat fake smile always plastered on me face. Bolluxs! Bloody child abuse it was." She groaned as she crossed her arms. Though Leiliana was whispering, the paladin was close enough to hear it all. His charming face poking around the wall and into the cracked door. Plainly visible by Vien. Leiliana was facing the other girl, and didn't see the elf causally nodding to their conversation. "Mum even threatened to find an arranged marriage for me. Ken you believe dat?" She rolled her eyes and flipped her hair behind her, nearly hitting the paladin in the face. He moved his face in time but went back to leaning on the door frame. "Mi-Mi says we should stay till we graduate… but… Aye donno…" Leliana was rambling now, and not looking at any reactions Vien might be having to the ease dropping elf behind her.

"Hey. If you leave, can you take me with you?" The paladin whispered behind her. His action so subtle that it didn't phase Leiliana. Besides she was on a roll now. "Sure ya ken come! Be one big… Oh…"By this time, dread settled on the girls face, making it paler. Her delicate hands to her mouth was her green eyes became even wider. It was only now that Leiliana realized that Vien was in a panic. Her face between horror and… Was that adoration in her tinted cheeks? No couldn't be. Slowly she turned her head. A huge sheepish grin upon her face. They had just been talking about leaving the academy. A huge no-no. She couldn't even fathom the consequences of these thoughts. He merely smiled a charming smile as he looked down at her. His cool blue eyes had a mischievous sparkle in them.

"Sir um… Sir paladin man elf sir…" She stammered, it was probably impolite not to know his name. But she was near panic at this point. "Duskriver. Sir Zevryyn Duskriver." He said in a suave tone, that grin still upon his face. He was bathing in the moment of catching these two trouble makers. "Yes! Sir Zevvyrens. We was… Just… Speaking hypothetically… We not really gonna leave… Right Vien?" She was dying, floundering at the moment, his damn grin only made it worse. Damn flirty elves. He was handsome to Leiliana but not so much so that she was captured by his smile. Only made more nervous about it. She was trying to use her own adorable charms on him but it wasn't working. At all. "So you weren't talking about seeing the new pile of bones they call an exhibit then escape the Academy after words?" He replied in a mocking curious tone.

Leiliana's mouth mpoved as she tried to speak but certain flow of words hit her ears behind her, as well as a confused cheeky grin on the elf's face. Did Vien just say he had beautiful eyes? Maybe she was just blurting out things in the heat of panic? Zevryyn gave a quiet chuckle as he raised his brow at the young girl. "That's very kind of you to say but…" He grinned a bit more. "Flattery will not get you far with me." He cooed in almost a flirtatious tone. This made Leiliana frown a little. "Oh s'not flattery dove. She just speakin' babble." She said trying to cover Vien's words. A sharp squeak slipped from Leiliana as Vien suddenly spilled her gut. Her little hands clasped her face as she listen. Did this girl not know how to lie!? She was blowing everything! This bumbling paladin would have let them go but nooooo probably not now. "Wut you doin'!?" She hissed as she gasped again as Vien dropped to her knees. Zevryyn raised both brows now as she watched the door get gently knocked wide open, he leaned away from the frame. What was she doing? He wondered.

His hands raised as she wrapped her arms around his leg, he simply stared at her a moment not sure of how to respond or act. Leiliana however was covering her face and groaning. "Look I'm sure ya don't need to get on ya knees! Eva heard of puppy eyes?" But the paladin started to regain composure he stood tall and waved his hand at Leiliana. "Er no no. Keep begging like this. It might work." He said with a cheek grin as he looked down at her. Oh if he was a dishonorable man, he could think of a few ways to have her bribe him to keep quiet. And damn it all for her being under aged. This made him pout a little inside. He was living up the moment when she started to rub his leg. A conscience chimed in and told him that Vien was still a child, or by law she was. And that simple thought twisted his gut, this almost felt dirty… "Whoa! Oookay!" Her hands were traveling a little too close to his manhood for him to keep a straight face. He backed away, tugging his leg out of her grasp. He resumed that cheeky suave grin as she stood up.

But this was melted by the scolding stare of the much smaller girl. Leiliana's eyes were wide. Staring at both of them, like a mother whom caught her teens in an inappropriate circumstance. "Wut is wrong wit you?! Kenne be molesting a paladin!" She said tugging Vien's shirt sleeve.

"Can't molest the willing…" Zevryyn mumbled as his cheeks threatened to blush. "Wut?!" Leiliana said snapping her head to the older elf, not quite sure what he said. Zevryyn straightened as if Leiliana was an angry nun and took on an authoritive pose. He cleared his throat before he spoke. "She does have a point. That wouldn't have looked right." He said as if that was what he mumbled before. Leiliana eyed him a moment, she swore that wasn't what he said but she wasn't going to argue. "Look. Aye wanna see the exhibit. She had other plans. So ya caught us both. We so bad." She said frowning. Zevryyn crossed his arms as he looked at Leiliana. Running away from the academy was a much better reason to sneak out. There was a method to that madness but being a delinquent nerd who wanted to sneak out? It didn't make sense to him.

"I can almost understand why she wants to leave but… Sneaking out past curfew to see a pile of bones? That's just sad… I'm just saying." He said with a shrug but his comment didn't deter the little one at all. In fact Leiliana's eyes widened when he mentioned 'bones'. "Oi bones? Wut-wut kinda bones? Gotta be somethin' important iffen all dey students are ta see em!" She said excitedly, her voice going louder. Zevryyn looked around and hushed her. "Seriously, it's a skeleton. Just a boring very dead skeleton. Not even worth the trouble you could have gotten into." But to his surprise Leiliana wasn't taking his hints. She became aggressive and sassy. "Listen 'ere pup. History is neva boring and dem bones obviously be very important. What are they? A… A drake? Maybe the bones of a long lost mage? Wut is it?" She snapped quickly.

Zevryyn sighed and rolled his eyes. "You this nerdy too?" He said to Vien, his tone suggesting that he didn't find it as interesting as Leiliana did. "Look. You could probably find every part on the black market. Except this one was like special or something. Something about he worked with the Magi Council. Which is pretty… I guess interesting considering he's a beast…" Leiliana was practically foaming at the mouth, dying to know the information. She smacked Zevryyn's arm which he recoiled from in shock. "Stop beatin' round dey bush an tell me what it is!"

"A draxon! It's just a really dead draxon. The most amazing part is that he has his teeth and horns… Obviously not poached." He stared at her like she'd lost her mind. "… Why is a dead draxon so fascinating?" He said watching Leiliana stare off in amazement.

Everyone knew the basics about these deadly chimera type beasts. Covered in thick fur they also had horns, spikes, thick plate like scales and wings of a dragon, tail of a wolf, head of a saber cat and upright body of a human but twice the height of one. Different species or breeds had variations on the theme but the most out standing was the beasts head. A pair of antelope like horns protruded from the head. A jaw that could open ninety degrees held a pair of massive canines that jutted from the bottom jaw like a boars tusks. Too savage and brutal to be considered a civil race they were treated as a beast race. Many tales surrounded these predatory creatures slaughtering people, live stalk and attacking villages at night. Often highly territorial it is said that if you sent foot on a draxons territory, regardless of the reasons, the beast will kill you. Most of the horrifying far flung tales were of the males but it's common knowledge that the females can be just as deadly. To capture a live draxon was a feat in it's own, thus they were highly sought after as gladiator or area fighters. But draxons also had many alchemical and smithing purposes. Their plates were as strong as a dragon but incredibly light weight. Making them great for agile warriors looking for that mobility edge. Although hollow their bones were like steel, making fine weapons. But their tusks and heart were also highly sought after for their property to be made into a strength enhancement potion. In fact many of the organs could be used in very powerful potions and elixirs. The market for draxon parts was a booming although deadly business. Since taking just one down was like taking on a full grown drake.

But on the other side of the coin was the hot political debate that draxons were not beasts, but closer to druids. A race. True sentient and civil, even having the ability to speak common. The Magi Council proved that a draxon could learn to read and even write. Could learn to be a civil being with thoughts of their own. The Magi Council was on the fore front of trying to appeal to the many races that they were not slaughtering beasts, but a race of people. Albeit barbaric race of people. Though as Zevryyn demonstrated, changing people's minds was a hard thing to do.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we had a few burglary attempts after the exhibit is officially open." He said casually. Leiliana grabbed his armor and shook him once. "My the goddess I want to see it!" The paladin stared at her in disbelief. She suddenly seemed to remember she was shaking an authority figure and let him go. "I mean… Please? Aye do what eva ya want too!" Zevryyn rolled his eyes and shrugged. "I guess if you really want to see the de- Erm…" Leiliana squealed and threw her arms around him but promptly let go. "Dead thing…"
 
'Why do you care what they think? They are beneath you. Come home, you are welcomed here, you'll not be judged here.'
Go home....? To Spear, the idea was insane as were the thoughts running through his mind. No. He couldn't. Never.

'Why? What are you trying to escape? Fate? You cannot.'
Valeb shook his head slightly as he now looked to Master Aemornion, the elder instructor was sending them away, to think his own thoughts, surely he wasn't simply sweeping this incident under the rug, even the white-haired youth pondered what happened with Micha, where her own Fate lied. He kept this hidden though, as the Academy always held their secrets, like Spearians. Valeb stood up, his arms were placed behind his back, he cast his gaze at the wall knowing danger could not trap Micha here, he'd stop it but was he destined to be drawn into the same madness which took his Father? Only when Aemornion motioned to Valeb with a letter, stamped with the other's magic seal, did he take it, hearing the reasoning behind it's importance. To protect he and Micha From any trouble by a paladin or Ser Crimsonblade. By this point, he didn't care what happened. In all honesty, he never did.
"Yes Instructor..." Valeb put the letter in his pocket giving a nod to his head turning, he caught Micha moving too, standing, away From him, angry still about his earlier words. Truth. How could one long to have someone who was not here? Hell would not keep him away, nothing, no one. Not even death but this did not matter. She held Feelings toward another, he'd not call or consider her crazy but there was something wrong here....and it hurt...deeply. She never noticed how he Felt. The 'reason' why he spoke his words. The warmth in his otherwise cold heart. The name was easy to say by others buyt not by him. Never by him. Valeb stole another look at Micha no longer being able to see Aemornion near his desk, his back was to the man, walking steadily to the door where she waited. Being raised as he was, he stopped completelely, he waited to let Micha go First, both silent, each most likelt with words to say to the other.
Plenty to say...
'The best antidote is silence...'


I......love you Master Aemornion. Me, Vien Zema, with every Fiber which holds my being together. My honor as a Javalin Sakura....
From the moment I First looked at you....
I bet you never expected to open a letter to read that now did you? My parents always taught me to write down my thoughts should something be on my mind, that way, I won't Forget them, and that is what I am doing. To you. Telling you what is in my heart. My soul. I love you. I wish to marry you under the cerulean skies to my homeland where the people there do not have any abilities other than the strength they're born with. Somehow I came to be born with one...
But you taught me it is okay, to be me.
Like my parents.
Aemornion.
I must be breaking so many rules, to even hold these Feelings inside let alone writing them down in a letter, I apologize, please do not be mad, maybe you should eat some candy, like the ones you always have in your pocket....which reminds me...I want some too.
You're totally older than me but~ age is a number, I'll be sixteen next year. The only people who might have a problem with this are my parents, my dad is going to be very angry, he may chase you down the streets with his sword....he has a big one at that...you better run too....I will calm him down. Tell him how I Feel, that I love you and maybe you might someday Feel the same about me. That would be another honor. To be married, to have children....oh, I'm blushing. Question though? Would they have your ears or mine, not that it matters, but that'll be so cool too~
Ahem...
I can't bear to Face you at the moment, that's why I am leaving the Academy, to return home, to Javalin where I will wait For you, to see whether you come For me and should you then I know it was meant to be. I was meant to be with you. It takes about Four days to reach there but I'll wait nonetheless, in my best kimono, which is a sunset color. I....love you Instructor. Very much. You are awesome, much nicer than Ser Crimsonblade, had it not been For you I'd surely be in trouble on more than one occasion.
Vien Zema loves Aemornion.
(^-^)
Forever.
And ever.

And on a most strange note, the letter ended with a descripted drawing to a land most likely being Vien's homeland, Javalin. The setting sun in the horizon over the Marah Mountains to a Fairly large township and the two people, hand in hand, were both the naive Sakura and what was suppose to be Aemornion.
How would the instructor take this seemed to be the lingering question...


The halls were empty, students appropriately in bed, as they should have been. Valeb walked alongside Micha, his eyes on their path ahead, trying to see what should not be there.
"I meant my words," His voice is as it always was, cold, though warmth and Feeling are given to her only. "I will help you Find him, to understand what is going on. You can remain mad at me, that won't change the words I spoke earlier, it is how I Felt, they cannot be taken back. No words, once spoken, can be taken back, I will apologize to you once more however, the distance you give me is....alarming." He seemed to seek out the right word. "It bothers me. It is not what I want, to have you look upon me as they do." The taller boy stopped walking, he moved in a single turn to stand in Front of her. He looked down to her looking away, still sore probably. She had no choice but to look up at him, their eyes meeting, his worldly icy blue ones burned into hers. "I'm sorry Micha, but have you ever considered how it makes me Feel when you cry? The tears you shed burden my heart heavily knowing no matter what words I may say, that however sturdy my embrace is, I cannot stop them.....yes...." He paused at her question.
"It does...with them I cannot make you happy. That is all I've ever wanted in my existence, since coming here, to see you smile. When you are troubled it hurts me deeply, more than I'll tell you. Your happiness is my redemption because I came into this world cursed." What was she thinking? His Face remained emotionless, eyes observed the smaller girl standing near him, she appeared Fragile to him, he could make out that she wanted to cry but that wasn't why he told her these things, Valeb did not want to hurt Micha much more than he already had, these were not his intentions..
"Not many know about me, where I originated, I like it that way. To talk with only one person whom looks upon me as I matter, that's you Micha. In my homeland, my Father went out on a search, For keys to the world's power, what sustains it. He returned home plagued by madness, in what he saw. The madness made him kill his brother, my uncle, and many others. He was to have been executed but it was my mother whom helped him escape. Our homeland turned on us, called us traitors, tried to kill us as well."
A place he could never return to....
"....Will you look at me not as earlier but as though I matter, like you always do, it gives me...comfort, keeps me Focused to not remember the past. It is all I need. From this night on I will not speak ill to the one you hold dear to your heart." Before the boy with icy blue eyes could even move, Micha Fell into him, her arms wrapped around his waist, he was the one to be caught surprised, his arms were open now, hanging out, though Valeb secured his own embrace on her, his chin tipping her head, eyes lowering slightly. To hold her made him Feel as though he had a renewed sense in living. She was so warm. His light in otherwise darkness. Valeb adored her and no one else, not even his parents, where ever they were. He had been about to take her where ever she needed and wanted to go, the consequences damned up to the river. His chest rose outward then inward, rather than talk, he let her, hearing her soothing voice associated with providing him the strength he needed. Micha did this For him which was why where ever she went, he'd Follow, no questions asked. He....
"Micha..." His hands ran up her shoulders, a hand brushed against her hair. She still saw him as before but he needed to look at her. At the statement, her saying he was not cursed, Valeb held her shoulders as she released him, they'd look at each other again. "....I apologize For telling you that....without a better explanation....." His breath held to her smile, that adoring smile weakening him and at the same time wanting to hold onto her, protect her From the world. His Micha....
Belonging to another as it seemed.
"You have every right to Feel as you do, my words came across hostile, without real thought as to how you might Feel. It won't happen again and yes...this world is....strange..death will never keep me From you." The youth told her. "As you've requested, at your side I shall be," He had to take care to his words, his actions, the pounding in his heart telling him that what he Felt was what he saw in some students towards others. He met her Face, hands open, gripping gently her shoulders hoping not to hurt her in any way. How could anyone leave her? The idea was repugnant. Her scent waffled in his nostrils to Further his hidden Feelings, being her protector.
"Always." The word slipped out his mouth. "You have me Micha." His heart pounded to her Face once more curling in his robes, he liked watching her, what she'd do. The embrace was broken shortly, they were side by side, Valeb's hand held by Micha's, his stare unwavering, there came a short hint to a smile creasing his lips to be with her like this, hearing the chirper tone in her voice yet he knew somewhere deep down, she was still thinking about earlier, the meaning behind her dreams and where this Ziear was. "Yes you did." He answered walking again.
"Something inside you yearns to know the truth, the reasoning behind things what are otherwise hidden away," Valeb looked ahead. "You should," He turned back to her. There is no discussion, I'll come with you. When concerning the Academy...I have no role here....it was where my mother placed me and has come back once. I am uncertain what has happened to her, my Father, they are not my Family, you are. My choice is to remain at your side, to go where you are. Remember, I said I would help you Find him, I meant that. We'll go together." The smile again....
"You should Follow your own path, not one set For you, do what you desire, not what the Academy wishes whether or not you were raised here, you have choices. This existence, it belongs to you and solely you, as soon as you start doing what others want you to do then you lose Focus on what really matters. I am proud of you, your accomplishments, to be able to work with the druids," Valeb looked at her. "I should have told you that sooner, regardless what happens, we will discover the answers to your questions. Together." His path was already set, to protect her. Valeb was content with that.
"And what are you two doing walking around at this untimely hour?"
Valeb's hand still held Micha's, he turned his head somewhat, pulling her on cure behind him, thinking that they were being attacked or some harm would come to her. He recognized the deep, nearly raspy voice belonging to another stern instructor. Eyr Domine. Both Valeb and the elven instructor were nearly the same height, though the latter stood a Foot taller, blonde hair was parted down the middle, Falling down against his broad Face and even down his back.
His pointed ears both held small silver hoop earrings in the lobes. Grayish blue thin eyes stared back at both teens, the man's muscular arms were crossed, his robes, a navy blue color hid the light armor underneath them. Disapproval read back at the two. Rather than answer, Valeb, still holding Micha's hand, reached with his other in his pocket to grab the letter Aemornion had given should such a circumstance as this one happen and unfortunately it did. Eyr was like others, always looking at Valeb with judging eyes. The instructor snatched the letter away not stupid enough to disregard the sacred seal which no student could Forge. His head cocked to the side, eyes on the held hands.
"This Academy is not For such the nature." He handed the letter back to Valeb.
Icy blue eyes burned dangerously.
"Did I say something Foreign?" Eyr's voice raised more. "Let her hand go. I can't imagine why Aemornion would condone this behavior let alone give a letter with his seal and Micha..." He shook his head in disapproval.
Valeb still held the girl's hand.
This made Eyr's Face darken.
"You have a problem with Following rules young man, it is no wonder, being where you come From....you didn't think the Academy would know? Spear...that accursed Kingdom, now I won't tell you again, let her hand go otherwise I'll make you. By Force." The instructor stepped Forward.
"No." Valeb replied calmly. They were all the same...
Spear....
Accursed.
The statement drew the other's Face to a grimace. He walked to Valeb looking down at the unrelenting boy. His gauntlet covered hand raised high. Micha's Friend pulled her behind him more, he and Eyr looked at one another.
The hand came down....


Vien: o.O...o.o....O.o....(o_0)......>.<.....T.T......
Gagahahagahagahagaha...
*Teeth chattering*
"Uhmph...errn...agh. Leiliana....gagahagaghaga."
The paladin asked his question, wanting to come with them, and the red-haired girl agreed soon realizing it was indeed not Vien whom spoke. By now, both girls were in the panicked state. Vien stepped back when Leiliana turned around. Vien's eyes narrowed as she looked at the paladin closely, not knowing that the letter she wrote to Aemornion was being read. She KNEW this paladin. He was the other hot elf, she'd seen him around on many occasions, he wasn't strict with the rules like Lady Crimsonblade or Eyr Domine or others, and he had such awesome hair. Now that he was here, and she could actually see him, Vien thought he was cute too. More than cute. Effing hot.
But, of course, the situation at hand. More important.
Damn, he was smiling.
Why the hell not? Vien smiled too, captured, by that charming smile and ignoring what was happening with Leiliana, the other girl's reactions. "Sir Zevryyn Duskriver." Vien said at the same time he did oblivious to Leiliana's panic, still too much captured in that smile. "Huh?" She didn't even look at her partner in crime. "Right-we-are-not-going-to-leave....you have beautiful eyes." She turned her head to the side. "I mean, she was speaking hypothetically, everyone speaks hypothetically but but the exhibit sounds like a most interesting lesson to be viewed, strictly school wise." Her bottom lip quivered, the more the paladin kept smiling, the more she realized she couldn't lie because in this very moment, Aemornion was replaced by none other than Zevryyn.
Vien's bottom lip continued to quiver as the paladin spoke to her in a tone most would consider Flirty. That's it. She loved him! Yes, love at First sight.....though....wasn't there someone else she had been Forgetting? *cough cough Aemornion*
"Yes," Vien agreed with Leiliana's assessment. "I'm speaking babble, it is a most common language among my people....I....I....okay, okay, I was lying! I wanted to go home, it's all me. Me. Me. Are you going to turn us into Lady Crimsonblade?! Please, please don't....I'll never get to see my home again. I'll do anything you want Sir Duskriver, clean your boots, no...no don't stop me." She responded the last to Leiliana. "This must be done...the truth~" She dropped to her knees knocking the door wide open. She is near Zevryyn, her satchel dropping, and her arm wrapped around his leg. The whole reason behind her leaving obliterated except For the Fact the letter she wrote still existed and was being read. "Please don't turn us in, we're innocent, innocent." She looked up, at both the paladin and Leiliana, they were saying something, she knew she should be listening, but she was too caught in the paladin, how old was he? Did he want to get married? Have children? Oh. Oh. Oh, her parents would have to approve, surely her Father would chase him down the street and in the end all would be well. "I'll do anything you want." The girl mummered. Words that should not have been spoken...
She is rubbing Zevryyn's leg when she thought she Felt something underneath the armor. "What the hell is this...? What is underneath here? Huh?" Vien innocently batted her eyes at the paladin as he backing away, had she done something wrong?
Oh crapola....but he was still smiling as she suddenly remembered he was the authoritive Figure and quickly jumped back to where the scolding Leiliana stared, was she mad? What happened? Her satchel contents spilled all over the Floor now. She had her own giddy smile gracing her Face as she nudged Leiliana to say something. "Molesting a paladin? Who? Me? I was rubbing his leg....there was something there...ermn...?" She blinked looking between them.
"Did you say something Sir DuskRIVER?" Vien's heart pounded, oh yes, she was in love, bound by unbreakable bounds. "But....but I didn't do anything...what did you have down there anyway?" She was oblivious, still, to everything slowing to a quiet as the exchange took place with the other two, Leiliana Finally admitting wanting to see the exhibit.
"A pile of bones?" Vien Frowned. "That's the exhibit?" She eyed the wide-eyed Leiliana, sharing Zevryyn's dry comment. "I thought it was....to be honest....I don't know what I thought it was..." She knelt to pick up her things. "History is boring..." She couldn't see the enthusiam that Leiliana had, maybe because in history class, she barely paid attention, her thoughts had been on...
Oh shit....
Aemornion....
The letter...
Zevryyn's question went unanswered as her own eyes widened. She had to get away. Now. Oh, this mess had grown to an even bigger mess.
Draxon?
"Draxon!" Vien had gathered up her things, she spoke a little too excitedly. "Those are the chimera like beasts...." She'd been paying attention in class. A little. "Yes! Let's go see it! Take us, away From here," She looked around to make sure no one was coming. "Let's go now, quickly." Now, the young girl looked to Leiliana, practically Falling all over the paladin, unable to resist his charm either but she gave her a scolding jealous stare as to say: "What are you doing molesting a paladin?" then those thoughts clouded with she shouldn't even be in love with Mr. Duskriver because she loved Aemornion and everything was messed up but the silver lining was they'd be able to see a draxon....
And she could make her escape....
Oh the shame.
Vien continued to stare at Leiliana when the other girl retreated back From wrapping her arms around Zevryyn. "What are you doing missy?" She promptly tapped her shoulder. "Molesting a paladin are we? To see the exhibit? Shame...shame...shame. Do I need to have a talk with you?" She smiled back at Zevryyn wincing some when there came a most loud strike, somewhere....
"What...was that?" Vien's brown eyes widened. "Lady Crimsonblade?"


The impact was enough to draw blood....
The strike.....bringing back Familiar memories to him. Valeb.
And even as he was assaulted by Instructor Eyr, his hand still held Micha's protectively. The only thing which turned was his Face, to the side, his eyes on the wall, his cheek riddled with blood which began to course down. He remained calm. The boy looked back to those accusatory grayish blue eyes rounded by surprise.
"Did you not hear me?" Eyr repeated angrily. He Felt his position gave him the right to think and act superior. That he could judge Valeb. "I asked you a question! Let her hand go!" The man's thunderous tone was loud now, etched in acid, malice the more the boy did not listen.



Supportive arms held a seven year old Valeb high. High enough to lean into a thin shoulder and the snow-white long hair draped against it. They were amongst the crowd, Fingers and words pointed at them. Words he did not truly understand though he had an idea why neighbors, Family, were so angry. It had something to do with his Father and the woman whom he leaned against, his mother, loved that man with every breath in her body. This made her not answer the hostile words directed at her nor shed a tear, rather her grip on his body secured tightly. With ice cold eyes, she stared above the crowd gathered well below ground, to the altar, where the naked man bound by rope was restrained. Her love.
Already had they attempted to break him through torture.
It did not work.
They'd try to kill him.
Valeb's mother, Salahe, eyed her son.
"We will run. You, I, and him. Never listen to what they say, it isn't true."
A horrid strike echoed in the air. The slain King's widow, a dark-haired woman, had striken Valeb's Father with her hand screaming her rage at him.
"We will run..." Salahe repeated.



"There is nothing you can do to me." Valeb answered Eyr, the memory pushed back to the deepest reaches in his mind. He squeezed Micha's hand to let her know he was alright, would be. Eyr had reached his own limit. He raised his hand to strike Valeb again, until the teens were no longer holding hands.
 
Absentmindedly Aemornion reached into his robes to pull out a bit of candy from the inside pocket. "Whu? Oh the letter Vien dropped…" He said as his fingers wrapped around the paper. He groaned and rubbed his face as he dreaded what words could lie inside. He opened the letter and began to read… It was as he feared. He sighed, cringed and groaned as he read over the letter. Vien was confessing her love for the elder and apparently trying to leave the academy. The second part he was not so much worried about. The elven academy floated aloft chucks of land that sat over a huge lush crater. Nearest land was more than five miles away. They would need either a flying spell which she would not know at such a young age, a steed with the ability to fly which none were kept on the floating grounds, or a bridge geode. A apple sized gem that held magic arcane energy which was used to power the hovering stone platforms that were used to cross to the land. A bridge geode would be impossible to obtain. Since only the general of the templars and his two captains held such gems. One of which was Captain Lady Crimsonblade.

The more pressing matter was her confession. Marriage? And even worse thought… Children? Aemornion shuddered at the though and placed the letter on the desk. "Oh dear Vien… I don't even know how best to deal with this…" he'd had students swoon over him before, all of which were ignored. But never had one given him a letter. "Perhaps a spell or charm…" One that would change Vien's look towards the elder. He scrunched his nose at the picture, tilting his head curiously. No ignoring her was not an option. He sighed as he wearily stood and walked to the fire place. The letter was refolded and he tapped it in his hands. No this would need a direct approach. What was he even to say? Should he cast a memory spell and mold her mind into forgetting about her crush for him? That might work but if she truly and honestly loved him… them a spell like that would only work for so long before she developed feelings for him… again. "Urgh Vien…" He groan in annoyance. "Well first thing is first." He tossed the letter into the fire, the flames hungrily reducing the paper to ash. "If Lady Crimsonblade finds this Vien will be in much trouble." Destroying the evidence was his first priority.

But was she really leaving? He couldn't take a chance. If Lady Crimsonblade caught the young woman she might make an example of her. He had to find Vien before she did something really stupid. He took the glasses from his brow and placed them in his pocket, taking a deep breathe before he clasped his hands together. Instantly he transformed into a white light which sped from the room with incredible speed.

~*~

The silver haired boy spoke to her. So silent to everyone else he only spilled his heart to her. She was too naïve to fully understand what he truly meant with his words. That his passion went beyond friendship. A realization hit the dark skinned girl. She was his light in an otherwise dark world. Just like… Him? Was she the light in Ziear's darkness? She couldn't remember. Before Valeb could move to her side the small teen fell into him, an action from holding back. Wrapping her arms around his waist she buried her face into his robes. He had the smell of the cold tundra in the spring when all the flowers were in bloom for just a few short weeks. Her embrace was comforting and soothing, her small hands gripping his robes as a sign she was not ready for him to try and pull her away. A shuttering sigh escaped her. "I'm sorry Valeb… I… I didn't know it hurt you so…" She shook her head against his chest. His own arms coming around her enveloping her in a warm embrace. He reminded her so much of someone but she could never place it. But it was his honest comfort that she grew to associate with just Valeb. "You've told me a lot but… I still see you as I always have. You are not cursed." She said looking up to him, her strong grip releasing so to look at him. "Well… I mean I don't think you are… And if you are then we are cursed together." She said offering that warm soothing smile to him.

She pulled away to look at him, his hands coming to rest upon her shoulders. "And… I can't stay mad at you. I just… get defensive is all…" She frowned a bit at her own actions. "This world… Is so foreign yet so familiar. I... I don't understand what's going on… But…" She sighed looking briefly away before looking at him again. "I want you with me. Always." She said sliding her face to meet his. "You are my light… In all of this. I guess… I need you… Like you need me." Her smile waned if only just slightly as he apologized yet again. Claiming that not even death would keep her from him. She looked up at him curiously. That was a weird thing for a friend to promise. Maybe he saw her more than a friend? He must see her as a sister, she decided. "Well hopefully it wont come to that." She replied in her chipper tone though it was under lying with worry.

When he finally agreed she gave a bright smile to his words. Micha curled her face into his robes once more before she tugged away from the hug to hold her friends hand. She tugged him along as she walked towards the dorms again. "Good. It's settled then. When this class season is over in a few months we'll strike out on our own path. Oh! We have to invite Leiliana. She will just be upset if we don't invite her along." She said swaying their clasped hands. Her words tried to sound like things were back to normal but in all honesty what was said still held weight in her mind, but she'd not hold that over him. "I think I told you… Master Aemornion said something about the head masters thinking about having me work with the druids… It's an honor I guess but I don't want to be tied forever with the Academy. I need to find out… Who I am. Who I was. I can't explain it. But…" She looked to Valeb as she spoke. "I know I want you with me. Once this school season is over I plan to as to travel on my own instead of getting placed into a role of the Magi Council… It's… Your choice but… I'd like you to go with me." She admitted. Smiling softly as she looked up at him. "I know being raised at the academy I am expected to follow the path they lay before me but… Their desire is not what Lady Destiny has for me. I know it to be true." She said looking back at Valeb as she walked. She nodded as she looked to him. "Yes, something in me needs to know the truth." She replied to him.

She looked to him as he confessed that he felt like he had no family, only her. But he had a mother and father. She briefly wondered if it was better to never know your parents rather than have them dislike you. But the thought was fleeting and she quickly thought back to the moment at hand. She blushed slightly as he said he was proud of her. But she quickly albeit softly corrected him. "Well I haven't gotten to work with the druids yet. The headmasters are still in deliberation over that." She said with a sigh. She looked at him as he spoke, a smile touching her face. She nodded once. "Together." She agreed. But her smile shot away when a voice came from the darkness, a surprised gasp jumping from her as she coiled closer to Valeb for protection. She willingly followed his guidance behind him. Peeking around his arm to see whom was talking to them. "Master Eyr!" She gasped. Oh she didn't know which was worse, being caught by a paladin patrolling or Master Eyr.

She was glad that Valeb thought quickly and handed over the letter. "Our apologies Master Eyr. We are returning from Master Aemornion's office." She said softly although loud enough for them to hear. She gasped again when the letter was snatched, a frown of disapproval upon her face when he did so. She knew the elder was a bitter stern elf. Not in the least kind like Master Aemornion, nor did he seem to have the other elder's patience. His words came harsh and at first Micha didn't understand. "Huh?" She said softly in confusion. Not such nature? What did he mean? What was he looking at? Her eyes followed his and it hit her. Their hand holding, did it look like something else? But instead of dropping Valeb's hand, she held on tighter. She shook her head as she tried to explain herself. "Oh! N-No! This isn't what it looks like Master Eyr!" She stood tall behind Valeb as she tried to calm the angry elder. Micha gasped and her brows furrowed slightly as he spoke down to Valeb. The nerve! He had no right to say that to him.

The implications that Eyr was implying made her blush. Romantic relationships were forbidden within the academy's halls. It was a punishable offense, not only with detentions but possible lashings and the students being ripped apart. Placed at different ends of the academy or even placed at another facility all together. Valeb gave a one word reply, she cupped her hand to her mouth as she looked between the two. Stepping a little more behind him but still able to see Eyr. She gasped and pleaded with the elder. "No! Don't'!" But his gauntlet covered hand came down across her friend's face anyways.

Micha's voice yelped in fear and shock as the elder elf struck her friend, wincing at the last moment as he was struck. Tears threatened to come but she held them back as she trembled behind Valeb. She understood Valeb was trying to protect her but she absolutely could not allow him to take another hit like that. She didn't care what the cause. Her hand tightened on his as she saw the hand raise again. No she couldn't allow him to be hit again. Micha ripped her hand from Valeb's, her lithe frame moving quickly between the two men. Both hands thrust out and instantly a pinkish purple transparent shield formed in front of Valeb and her. The arcane shield covered both of them completely, the elder's hand would hit the surface of the shield and react as if he was hitting a hard immovable wall. Micha and Valeb would be unharmed. As for the Eyr, it would depend how hard he tried to his Valeb if he was hurt or not. "Leave him alone!" She said in a loud defiant but firm voice.

~*~

Leiliana's mouth moved as she tried to speak but certain flow of words hit her ears behind her, as well as a confused cheeky grin on the elf's face. Did Vien just say he had beautiful eyes? Maybe she was just blurting out things in the heat of panic? Zevryyn gave a quiet chuckle as he raised his brow at the young girl. "That's very kind of you to say but…" He grinned a bit more. "Flattery will not get you far with me." He cooed in almost a flirtatious tone. This made Leiliana frown a little. "Oh s'not flattery dove. She just speakin' babble." She said trying to cover Vien's words. Zevryyn retained that charming smile as Vien said babble was the common tongue spoken between her people. "Is it now?" He cooed in a deep tone curiously. He raised his brow as she dropped to her knees, spilling her guts. Ah always worked like a charm. Zevryyn was sure his smile could woo one of the old croney headmasters if he felt in inclination to flirt with something so ancient. "Wut you doin'!?" She hissed as she gasped again as Vien dropped to her knees. Zevryyn raised both brows now as she watched the door get gently knocked wide open, he leaned away from the frame. What was she doing? He wondered.

His hands raised as she wrapped her arms around his leg, he simply stared at her a moment not sure of how to respond or act. Leiliana however was covering her face and groaning. "Look I'm sure ya don't need to get on ya knees! Eva heard of puppy eyes?" But the paladin started to regain composure he stood tall and waved his hand at Leiliana. "Er no no. Keep begging like this. It might work." He said with a cheeky grin as he looked down at her. Thinking of naughty ways she could bribe him to keep quiet. His face turned a bit more than flirty as she said she'd do anything he wanted. In that voice, looking up at him. But damn his conscience, he was a paladin and she was a student. Under age at that. This made a pout threaten his lips as he looked at her. Under aged. That simple thought made him feel almost like a pervert, dirty. He was sure the Maker was scowling at this very moment. He thoughts interrupted as her hands moved up his leg.

"Whoa! Oookay!" Her hands were traveling a little too close to his manhood for him to keep a straight face. He backed away, tugging his leg out of her grasp. "That's something I'm sure your too young for me to explain… or show you." He resumed that cheeky suave grin as she stood up. But this was melted by the scolding stare of the much smaller girl. Leiliana's eyes were wide. Staring at both of them, like a mother whom caught her teens in an inappropriate circumstance. "Wut is wrong wit you?! Kenne be molesting a paladin!" She said tugging Vien's shirt sleeve. Her contents spilled from her satchel and even though Mother Leiliana was scolding them, he dropped down to help collect them for her. Muttering under his breath. "Can't molest the willing…" He almost blushed as he handed back her items. He was a little surprised when she pushed the issue of finding 'something' under his armor. Oh how he nearly winced at the thought. So naïve and so clearly attracted to him. Remember the light. Remember your duties as a paladin. These are your charges so to speak. He repeated these things in his mind. "Let's forget about what's in my pants for now." … Till your older, he thought to himself. Zevryyn straightened as if Leiliana was an angry nun and took on an authoritive pose. He cleared his throat before he spoke. "She does have a point. That wouldn't have looked right." He said as if that was what he mumbled before. Leiliana eyed him a moment, she swore that wasn't what he said but she wasn't going to argue. "Look. Aye wanna see the exhibit. She had other plans. So ya caught us both. We so bad." She said frowning. Zevryyn crossed his arms as he looked at Leiliana.

Zevryyn revealed the exhibit they were all to see was a set of bones. Leiliana was overly excited about this while the paladin was not convinced. "Yea… A pile of bones." He replied to Vien. "Noooo not just any bones! Gotta be special bones!" Leiliana butt in excitedly, her voice going louder. Zevryyn looked around and hushed her. "Seriously, it's a skeleton. Just a boring very dead skeleton. Not even worth the trouble you could have gotten into." But to his surprise Leiliana wasn't taking his hints. She became aggressive and sassy. "Listen 'ere pup. History is neva boring and dem bones obviously be very important. What are they? A… A drake? Maybe the bones of a long lost mage? Wut is it?" She snapped quickly.

Zevryyn sighed and rolled his eyes. "You this nerdy too?" He said to Vien, his tone suggesting that he didn't find it as interesting as Leiliana did. He nodded along with Vien, happy she didn not have this insane enthusiasm for dead things as her friend. Cute and smart, he liked Vien more and more. No! She was just a student, he couldn't be thinking impure thoughts like that. He and Leiliana were oblivious to Vien's realization that she had left a love letter with Master Aemornion. Instead the red haired mage coaxed the information from the paladin. The exhibit was a Draxon. Beast? Or persecuted race of people? Depended on who you spoke to. "Yes a draxon. I for one am not looking forward to it's official opening. It's just sitting there in the open. Just waiting like an open invitation for some idiot bandit to try and steal it." He groaned.

He and Leiliana were a bit thrown off when Vien seemed so eager to leave. Whatever it suited the little mage but Zevryyn didn't move right away. Leiliana grabbed his armor and shook him once. "By the goddess I want to see it!" The paladin stared at her in disbelief. She suddenly seemed to remember she was shaking an authority figure and let him go. "I mean… Please? Aye do what eva ya want too!" Zevryyn rolled his eyes and shrugged. "I guess if you really want to see the de- Erm…" Leiliana squealed and threw her arms around him. "Dead thing…" A both wonderous and very naughty thought popped in the elf's mind. Him. Vien and Leiliana. In a room alone where no one would interrupt them. Impure thoughts! Urgh he scolded himself. Leiliana let the paladin go when she was accused of molesting him. Her freckled face turning bright red and gasping for words.

"Aye was not! Just got excited an' was givin' hims a hug to t'thank hims." She said crossing her arms across her chest. She looked over at Zevryyn, whom held a smug expression on his face. "Wipe dat smirk off ya face." She snapped. As if he was suddenly a young one back in the orphanage being scolded by a nun, his expression dropped. A loud crack drew everyone's attention. Followed by Micha's shriek. "Stay here." Zevryyn commanded as he grabbed the hilt of his sword and bolted off towards the sound. But was Leiliana going to do as told? "Das Mi-Mi!" She exclaimed as she bolted off after the paladin. Leiliana feared the worst. Yes, Lady Crimsonblade. The tyrant templar captain could have found Micha and Valeb. What would she do to them? She didn't want to think about it.

Zevryyn came upon little Micha casting a shield to protect Valeb and her. Eyr struck the shield before Zevryyn could not stop him. "Halt!" He commanded of the teacher. As a paladin he was of only slightly higher ranking than any master that taught on the academy grounds. But that didn't necessarily mean all the teachers listened to him. Aemornion was one such teacher but he never crossed the paladin's bad side either. "What's going on here? Drop the shield." He said to Micha. But to his surprise the little dark skinned mage wielded a stare that put Leiliana's to shame. She clearly didn't like his tone with her. "No! Not till he stops hitting Valeb!" Zevryyn paused a moment and dropped his grip on his sword, walking between the group. His hand gently moving Eyr away. "Happy now? Drop the shield. Please." His voice dropping with respect as he pleaded with Micha. She eyed the elder a moment before she dropped the shield, her hands going to her side as the pinkish purple shield dissipated and sizzled away.

Leiliana skidded to a halt behind a pillar, eyeing the situation with deep worry in her face. "Oh no! What's going on?" She whispered more to herself than to anyone else. Master Eyr. Number one jerk in the place. Leiliana was sure if him and Lady Crimsonblade entertained each other for a night the whole academy would be a better place. She dared not go into the elder elf's vision for fear of his wrath. Maybe Zevryyn would handle this?

"We weren't doing anything! We're leaving Master Aemornion's office, headed back to our room when he stopped us! We were just walking!" Micha exclaimed. Zevryyn looked to the other elf to listen to his explaination as to why he was striking the students. The only thing he could think of was Vien was back talking the elder. Because the two of them alone? Micha making out? No that was never going to happen, not anytime soon anyways.
 
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"And what are you two doing walking around at this untimely hour?"​
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Valeb's hand still held onto Micha's, his head turned some, pulling her on cue behind him with the thought they were being attacked or harm would come to her. It was worse. To a degree. He recognized the deep, nearly raspy voice belonging to an instructor quite stern.​
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Eyr Domine.​
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Both he and the elven instructor were nearly the same height, though Eyr stood a Foot taller. Blonde hair was parted down the middle, falling down against his broad face and even his back.​
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His pointed ears both held small silver hoop earrings in the lobes. Grayish blue thin eyes stared back at both teens, the man's muscular arms were crossed, his robes, a navy blue color hid the light armor underneath them. Disapproval read back at the two. Rather than answer, Valeb, still holding Micha's hand, reached with his other in his pocket to grab the letter Aemornion had given should such a circumstance as this one happen and unfortunately it did. Eyr was like others, always looking at Valeb with judging eyes. The instructor snatched the letter away not stupid enough to disregard the sacred seal which no student could Forge. His head cocked to the side, eyes on the held hands.​
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"This Academy is not for Fornication, for such nature." He handed the letter back to Valeb, icy blue eyes glaring dangerously. He assumed the two were on their way or had committed the vile act of lust. How dare they brazenly walk about hand in hand. It made him disgusted, even more so that Valeb still held Micha's hand and the girl tried to reason nothing went on. "Did I say something Foreign? I can't imagine Aemornion would condone this behavior, ket alone give a letter with his seal, and you young lady..." Eyr stared at the peeking Micha, he shook his head with disapproval. "There are certain rules one must Follow when at the Academy, enough Micha," The elder one waved his hand. "I know what this is. What you were two were doing, playing upon Aemornion's good Faith to engage in illicit acts. You both should be ashamed."​
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Valeb's own hand tightened in Micha's .​
He'd not let go, no matter what the other said, the insults. Both he and Micha knew the truth, it would somehow come to light.​
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Eyr's Face darkened.​
"Did you not hear what I said?" He seemed to ignore Micha, presently, his hatred brewing on Valeb. "You have a problem with rules I can see, it is no wonder, considering where you come From."​
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Valeb continued to look at him, wordless at the moment.​
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"You didn't think the Academy would Find out did you? Spear, that accursed Kingdom, your own people are known to have turned against one another. Now I won't tell you again, let her hand go otherwise I will make you, by Force." Eyr stepped Forward.​
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"No." Valeb responded in a calm manner. They were all the same...​
Eyr reminded him to the people in Spear, how they treated his Father and mother, even him. He'd not bow down to them nor let go to Micha's hand because that would mean giving in to the lies. It meant going against his duty as her Friend, her protector, and everything he Felt.​
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"No?!" Eyr grimaced. "You insolent little..." Walking to Valeb, he looked down at the unrelenting boy. His gauntlet covered hand raised high, he and the Spearian boy looked at one another with the latter pulling Micha behind him more as to tell her it would be okay. That hand came down despite Micha​
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s protests. Valeb's head turned as he was slapped, the impact enough to draw his own blood. It stung.​
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The blue-eyed boy wanted to tell her.....​
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That it would be alright, rather he take the punishment, because should she be the one, there would be no way to quell the anger sure to arise at her hurt.​
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The Academy would suffer....​
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"Did you not hear me boy!?" Eyr's voice thundered. "Let her hand go! This instant!"​
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"No," The calm Valeb replied. Memories pushed at the back of his mind in a time involving his Father. "There is nothing you can do to me."​
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"Ugh.." Eyr held back at the statement. He'd reach his own limit now, teeth clenched down, pure hatred spewed in the other's Face, beyond what should've been there. No, there was something deeper there, to cause this. The instructor raised his hand, intent on damaging Valeb more severely. He heard nothing, saw nothing, other than Spear.​
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Valeb reacted. His hair whipped the moment his head moved, tranquility abandoned him, icy blue eyes retreated down to Micha's hand, ripping away. He assumed it to be due to Eyr. Anger Flowed through his body now but....​
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No.​
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Micha moved on her own.​
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The action lowered Instructor Eyr's hand, the elder man scowled, eyes on the girl now separating them. "Move girl, before I-" His eyes widened slightly. What happened? Even Valeb seemed surprised at the pinkish purple shield forming around both he and his Friend. A protection. Eyr slammed his hand to the shield drawing it back in annoyance. The vibration through the gauntlet hurt to a degree. ​
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"Micha..." Valeb glanced at his Friend. "Thank you...thank you. I thought, he had hurt you." Whispered words only she could hear. "I Felt myself go somewhere dark, at the thought, he brought harm to you."​
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"Be quiet, you both!" Eyr screamed. His eyes darted to Micha's. "Disobedience, From you, I can say I'm surprised. Don't think you will be protected." He brought both Fists against the shield to hit it.​
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"You'll not touch her!" Valeb shouted.​
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"Errnn...." Vien seemed to come back to her senses. Her brown eyes widened when she heard the loud strike Followed by a shriek. She Froze, instantly thinking about Lady Crimsonblade, that perhaps someone had been caught. It could've easily been her. "Tell me you heard that..." She eyed Zevryyn as well as Leiliana, her Face drawing into a pout when the paladin told them to stay here. Why? Was it dangerous? She didn't like how he grabbed the hilt of his sword. It must be dangerous. "Okay lover, we'll stay here." Vien nodded standing sentinel style, that is, until Leiliana mentioned Mi Mi and bolted behind the paladin.​
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"Micha?" The girl had crossed her arms looking around, she was alone now, seeing both Leiliana and Zevryyn going towards the source rather than away....​
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Should she go too?​
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Maybe to look a little.​
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"Wait For me!" Vien ran, after them.​
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"Let down the shield!" Eyr commanded Micha. "Now!" It seemed that no matter his commands, the girl would not do as she was told, she was intent on protecting Valeb whom looked at the warrior elf having appeared. This infuriated him to no end. He raised his Fists, he once more struck the shield, but at the same time the paladin arrived, unexpectedly, Eyr's eyes resided on cool blue ones. He grimaced, knowing Zevryyn's reputation, and the ranking higher than his own. He, at the pressing time, did not care. Eyr drew back turning with all his hatred at Zevryyn. "You dare tell me to halt?! When I am exacting my authority over these children, when you know nothing concerning the matter?" He sounded like he wanted to say more, a whole slew. ​
​
"Do not talk to her!" He angrily spat out though, the latter part of Zevryyn's words raised his eyebrow, to see whether the young one would, drop the shield. She didn't of course. "You see...drop the shield Micha!" Eyr stepped Forward intent to hitting it again. "No reason or listening, this is not what the Academy teaches! I will do more to him should you not listen!" His eyes widened. To be moved away. "You..." He could say nothing more, the paladin's interference served to make his authority seem like nothing, he returned a look at Valeb, the boy still resided to be calm despite the moment earlier. This made him more angry. He looked at Micha as she looked to him letting the shield down once being asked by Zevryyn.​
​
"Dammit..." Vien heard voices, she'd missed the entire thing, she was running, to the source, seeing Leiliana hiding behind a pillar. She did the same, back pressed to it, listening. Hearing the Familiar voices talking. She'd recognized Micha, Zevryyn, and Valeb, even Eyr...yes...he had a reputation For being a jackass, cute, but a jackass. Rather him than Lady Crimsonblade, that woman scared her through and through. Her teeth chattered just thinking about it. Maybe Eyr was in love with Lady Crimsonblade and did not know how to express it....​
​
A scary thought indeed.​
​
Her stomach rumbled, she was hungry, and distracted From everything so easily.​
​
​
Eyr's crossed his arms over his chest. He was not interested in hearing Micha's explanation. "I don't care whether you were headed to watch a Flea take a leak, you should not be in the halls at this hour!" He screamed not looking at Zevryyn. "You do not walk the hallways as you were, it leaves the notion to be open you were up to no good and that is exactly what I think you were doing. Frolicking around with hands held! It is indecent! And not listening to my authority is punishable by Force, that is why I hit him, he would not let go to her hand."​
​
"Asshole..." Vien muttered.​
​
"What was that?" Eyr looked around suspiciously, especially at the paladin. ​
​
Valeb turned his head, slightly, toward the pillars. Others were here. He'd not sat anything on the matter though. He Focused back on Eyr. "As she said, we were not doing anything. We had already discussed this with Master Aemornion, he gave us the letter. You wanted to show your authority by bringing violence against me....it was something more and never again will you talk to Micha as you have."​
​
Eyr nearly rushed upon the boy, had the paladin not been there. "Insolence! You dare speak to me as you have, your better?!"​
​
"I dare do so." Valeb stood to shield Micha again. His head bowed in respect to the paladin. "I only want to walk her back to her room, he held no reasoning to listen to me nor her. He gave disregard to the Master's letter." The retrieved document was handed over to Zevryyn, Eyrs on the other hand pushed away From the one beside him.​
​
"You would take their side, over mine?" He questioned. "You have no right to even be here, to challenge my word! I should inform Lady Crimsonblade."​
​
What a total douchebag, Vien thought, so to understand this. Valeb was escorting Micha to her room when they came across Eyr whom thought they were engaging in something unseemly, now he was trying to act like a big bad wolf. Oh, she wished she wished she had something to not only eat but to throw at him. This wasn't cool. Maybe an apple. She could eat it then throw the core at him. Yeah. She disliked people being unfair to one another, especially instructors. Valeb may have been a weirdo but he wasn't a bad weirdo, just a silent one and hearing Zevryyn be so instructorish-like, turned her own. It was decided. She loved the paladin, wanted to marry and have his children too. First, she'd have to talk to her parents about it, try to get her Father not to chase him down the street. ​
​
Wait….didn't she love someone else…?​
Naa, only the paladin.​
And she didn't like how Eyr acted towards him.​
​
​
"I know all about you Sir Duskriver," Eyr jabbed an accusatory Finger at his better. "The whispers. You have about much say in this Academy as a whore does!" Now his attention resided elsewhere, not on Valeb and Micha.​
​
Vien seethed. She whirled From the pillar, tripping, landing Flat, her bag slipping. The sound was enough to be heard. Eyr's head turned. "What in the hell….another student?! What the hell goes on in this Academy at night?"​
​
"Ooh…" Vien sneezed.​
​
The ground around Eyr began to cave, the mean instructor staggered surprised, he jumped to the side in a manner rather clumsy, taking a miss-step. He tripped too. He slid, Falling, where he collided with the wall knocking himself out cold.​
​
Problem solved…​
​

"Hi…" Vien waved innocently.
 
The situation was hot like fire and the normally care free paladin had to do everything to keep control. Micha curled close to her tall friend while he also did his best to stand between her and the infuriated teacher. Zevryyn did his best to read over the letter as quickly as possible and he came to the conclusion that it was genuine. No one, well not a student at least could forge the head master's seal. He quickly held his hand out to stop Eyr, though a smile ghosted his lips when Vien called the man an 'asshole'. "Okay, okay. You, just take a step back." He said to Eyr. Then looking back to Valeb. "And your comments are not helping." Said to the boy after he said Eyr would never hurt Micha. He looked back at the teacher. "Look I don't see the big idea, Amoronion sealed this document. Their obviously not off getting freaky in the store room or something…"


Freaky?! The very thought of becoming intimate with Valeb made her blush, as there was only one man whom held her heart. Tho no one but her believed he existed. Zevryyn sighed in annoyance as he crossed his strong arms across his chest. "Choose their word against yours? No I'm actually following Amornion's word! He'd not seal this letter without reason!" He said in a stern tone. But that name made him pause, his arms to uncross and to pause. Crimsonblade. She was constantly on his rear to straighten up and fulfill his role as a paladin. But she was also really up tight, not to mention viciously strict. "Now hold on, I think even she'd recognize Amornions seal! And I do have authority over you!" He retorted. The bit about the head templar was most likely wrong but that didn't stop Zevryyn from saying it.


The paladin raised his brow as Eyr threw accusations irrelevant to the situation at him. "Huh? Oh." He laughed actually, rolling his eyes and waving his hand flippantly. "You just jealous that I'm getting all the action." He replied smoothly, no doubt infuriating the elder. Micha gashed and covered her mouth. Shocked that the supposedly righteous paladin just said that. She obviously hadn't been around Zevryyn enough. But then the tension rose even further as that clumsy Vien tumbled from behind the pillar. Cool blue eyes looked up and he signed, placing his hand over his face. He could help Micha and Valeb out of this. But he couldn't easily explain what Leiliana and Vien were doing out.


"Vien?" Micha said curiously as she looked back. With out thinking Leiliana rushed to Vien's side trying to help her up. Suddenly pausing when both Eyr and Zevryyn looked at them both. "Oh!" She squeaked dropping Vien. "I uh er I was sleep walkin'!" She told her terrible lie. Zevryyn groaned and shook his head. "Leiliana! What are you guys-" But her words didn't finish before there was a rumble at their feet. Suddenly a hole caved in under the irritable teacher and he slipped and fell, hitting his head with a loud crack. Micha gasped and just stared in shock, covering her face a moment before peeking through her fingers. "M-Master Eyr?" She said tentatively.


"Master Eyr!" Zevryyn said as he rushed to check the man. He was out cold. "Dat not me!" Leiliana yelled much louder than she should have. "Shh! Quiet all of you! Are you trying to get me in trouble?!" Zevryyn said looking back at the other two girls. "I can't believe… Wait who did that!?" He said looking at the four mages. "Not me. Wata be my element." Leiliana was quick to clear her name, but that didn't stop her from walking over. Sticking her tongue out at the comatose Eyr. "But who cares. Hims a jerk. You okay Mi-Mi?" She said walking to Micha whom lowered her hands and nodded. "Yes… Maybe we should leave before he wakes up?" the small mocha skinned girl said.


The paladin was obviously appalled by the thought. "Leave him?! Micha I'm surprised that just came from you." He said scolding her at first. The girl just shrugged innocently. "Yea we better leave before he does wake up." Zevryyn said scooping up all the student into a group before he herded them on. Micha turned to Valeb, looking deep into his eyes a fleeting moment. "Valeb… You… Are you hurt?" She said looking at his face for bruises. "I was so worried when he hit you…" Her voice dropped a bit with sadness.
 
"Asshole." Vien muttered.

"What was that?" Eyr demanded, his suspicious eyes residing on the paladin thinking him to have been the one in saying the rather, in his opinion, vulger language. "Are you trying to tell me what I should be doing? How dare you! You, you..." The Freaky comment stifled a greater frown on his face, though, a faint moment brought an image of Lady Crimsonblade to his mind. Odd.

"We would never do anything as such," Valeb spoke calmly, his anger subsiding, still present. "Both Micha and I respect the Academy too much as well as each other to engage in acts...." His head turned slightly, toward the pillars sensing others here. He'd not say anything about it unless the situation brought harm on the one he protected but deep down he knew it wouldn't.

"Shut the hell up!" Eyr screamed. "Pure insolence. I can see what being a 'Spearian' has done to your manners, you dare speak to me like that? Your better?!"

Valeb merely brought his frost blue eyes in challenge toward the teacher to infuriate a loud scoff from deep in his throat. Eyr focused on Zevryyn now, that rage reaching a boiling point.

"I know all about you Sir Duskriver," An accustory finger pointed at the other. "The whispers. You have about much say in this Academy as a whore does!" What he didn't expect was the response received. "Jealous?" His Face darkened. "I'll have you know that I-" Pausing, he looked at the two students in front of him, their expressions blank, well at least Valeb. The teacher finished, more quietly, furious. "I'll have you know my personal business concerns you not! I believe in being a one man woman..."

Valeb's eyes narrowed.

Vien let out a giggle. Stupid ass, she thought, edging forward to hear.

"I mean," Eyr corrected. "A one woman man, ahem. You cannot say my reputation has notches in it now can you, sleazy dog-" His attention is elsewhere, not on Valeb and Micha rather Vien as she whirled away from the pillar, seething angrily. No one messed with her paladin, no way. The girl however tripped landing flat. The bag she carried with her slipped slipping all the contents. "What in the hell...? Another student?!" The deplorable elven man raged on. "What goes on in this Academy at night?! Debauchery?! This is all your doing!"

Idiot, Valeb sighed on the inside, his eyes on the grounded Vien.

"Hi Micha," The clumsy girl waved estatically. She pouted at Valeb uttering his name low and shot an award winning smile to Zevryyn but Eyr, he got a less than stellar look. "You suck, you suck, you suck!"

"Vien?" Eyr held back. He knew her reputation around the Academy, being a klutz. Didn't explain what she was doing up so late nor....

Yet another student?!

Angrily, he saw Leiliana, the accented red head, rushing at her side. Four students roaming the halls accompanied by the paladin. Pure sexual deviance, he considered it, they all were up to no good. It was his duty, his divine duty to bring them all before Lady Crimsonblade to make sure everyone involved suffered. "Be quiet girl," He snapped at Vien. "You shut that lying mouth Leiliana, could you not have told something more concrete? Sleep walking? Honestly." A wicked smile crossed his lips to turn at the groaning paladin. "Prepare to be thrown from this very Academy, I always knew you were a lax bastard, wait until Lady Crimsonblade hears about this. There's no land far enough for you to go where her punishment won't reach."

Vien, being helped by Leiliana, thanking her quickly, shouted. "He's not a bastard! You are! I never liked you because you always walked the halls like you have something stuck in your ass!"

Again Valeb sighed, this time openly.

Eyr growled. "I'm going to teach you some manners young lady. I know where you are from as well, Javalin, half-bred."

"Don't call me a half-bred! I'm mixed, get it right...ah...ah...ACHOO~"

Vien sneezed.

The ground around the nasty teacher began to cave. The mean instructor staggered, his eyes on the girl, surprise slowly filled his features as her element involuntarily made itself known. He jumped to the side in a most clumsy manner taking a wrong step. He tripped as well, sliding, falling where he soon collided with the wall knocking himself out cold. Crap.

He didn't move.

Vien, wide-eyed, examined Eyr at the distance. "I didn't do it, Leiliana didn't either..." The red head's yell drowned out her words. Smiling at the paladin, Vien secretly pointed to her partner nodding her head to put the blame on her.

"You did it." Valeb replied, to the girl from Javalin.

"I...I..."

The white haired boy, parting sides with Micha, knelt near Eyr. Vien came over, more closer to Zevryyn than anything. "Water? I'm quite thirsty after all this to be honest. I could use some water."

"He's dreaming." Valeb spoke strangely, his head tilting to the side, a hand pressed to Eyr's forehead. "Having nightmares..."

"How do you know that?" Vien crept closer to the paladin, her arm weaving between his. "I'm scared." Little liar, she just wanted to be closer to the handsome elf but wasn't she in love with someone else? Who? Who? "Really, I didn't knock him out." Her quiet words came out in a purr. Her element was Earth. The ability to move the ground at will, manipulate it, become one with it. A curse some considered in Javalin while her doting parents thought it to be a blessing. Sometimes it came revealed at bad times, this being one of them. "I have no idea what Valeb is talking about either...but I like you a lot...." She drew closer to him. "I think I love you, we should run away together, to my homeland, where we can tell my parents. Do you think our babies will have pointy ears too? Can I touch your ears?" She nodded her head to Micha. "Yeah, yeah, what she says, leave him."

Valeb rose when hearing Micha's suggestion and the paladin's scold. "I agree, with her." He stared at Micha, a small smile tugging at his lips, oblivion to Vien's lust for the paladin taking a backburner. He moved to join the group as Zevryyn herded them up and away.

"Lady Crimsonblade," A crooked smile formed on Eyr's lips. "I've always wanted to tell you, I fancy the knickers you wear. I wonder what you would look like without them on. Let me have a peek, just one...ooh ooh....why my lady...you look absolutely ravishing. Can I have a touch, just one....one.....ahhh...such a noble leg you have."

A Fist knocked to Eyr's Face ending the embarrassing blunder. He awoke to a blurry face hovering close to him.

"Lady Crimsonblade?


"No moron," The masculine voice thundered. Another instructor, one deemed cool by most students around the Academy. Rhoni, a youthful looking elf though he was rather old. His walnut brown hair was messy all except for what had been kept in a ponytail draped down his back. Silver thin eyes looked upon the one clearly in a vunerable state. "Eyr, contain yourself, what happened to you?"

"...Rhoni?" Eyr blinked, his vision still blurred. "...I...don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? Were you attacked? (Not surprised there...)"

"No." Eyr's anger was completely gone. "I was on my way to...."

"See Lady Crimsonblade?"

"No..."

"You can't tell me you weren't, heard you talking about her in your sleep. Did you trip or something?"

"I don't know."

"Oh brother," Rhoni stood, he slapped a hand over the other's wrist helping him up. Silver eyes didn't miss the opened ground nearby, there was more at work here but it was late and Eyr wasn't a like in his book. "I'll take you to your room."

"Do you think...I can have some tea please?"

"......"

Vien still held onto the paladin, keeping up with him. "Are we going to see the bones?" She asked him, curious. Her head turned to Valeb and Micha. "We're going to see bones, I think, right Leiliana?" Valeb ignored her.

"I am alright." He assured Micha. "I've been through worse, you need not worry. See." His face was bruised but nothing which wouldn't heal within time. "Spear is filled with many like Eyr, his words they have no merit with me. My only concern was you, protecting you. No one will hurt you, I swear, don't be sad Micha, besides, we should be worry about that." He pointed to Vien hanging all over Zevryyn. "The girl is a walking, talking, accident waiting to happen."

"You smell nice Zevryyn." Vien inhaled. "I love you~"​
 
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