Life's problems

[»Míríel«]

Music, how it can drift on breezes, dance with the sunshine, and glide across the water. Somehow just its presence can lighten the mood, or make it more serious. It is an element to life that adds depth and beauty, and it was an element that was gracing the Lagoon at the moment. Beautiful notes, rich and pure, sprang from the strings of a deep red violin. They were light and beautiful, delicate and yet thoughtful as the trills and notes were hit with perfection. It had been a while since any songs but laments had been sung by the little instrument, and now it seemed happy to be gracing the air with it's beautiful voice.

Violins are strange instruments. They are made from a variety of woods, yet seem to capture the flames of a fire on that wooden surface. Though the wood they are made of are thick, one could stare into the glossy surface for an enternity and not be wanting to something to admire. Also their voice is something to gap at. Upon that deep and high notes it can hit, one can soar into the sky or plunge into the waters of thought. Violins, a wonderful, beautiful, mysterious instrument.

The violin's master was a dark sort of man, black hair hung into his green eyes, contrasting against his pale white skin. Neron had a different look on his face, it was serious, yes, but it had a softness about it, a gentle glow of happiness that only reveals itself when his beloved instrument is in hand. Usually his eyes would close as he swayed to the music he created. It was a strange thing, but one could say that he and his instrument were one, it seemed a part of him when he played. Usually the music that filled the air was a representation of what he was thinking, today was no exception.

The light tones and soaring notes were his way of celebrating being free. He was out of Cecily's care, the sunlight on his face, the wind in the air had never felt so good. Now to be complete he wanted to play his violin, who had not had his touch in to long. The deeper undertones were reflecting his thoughts of all that had happened, Damion's hurt, his wounds, Miriel's condition, and Ares's death. Even though Ares had been wrong at the very end and Neron had killed him, he still mourned for his friend and remembered what Ares had been. Why did good things have to sour? It seemed like the world couldn't stand having something good in the world for too long. HE hoped that it had not tried to claim Miriel's goodness. Neron frowned slightly at the thought. What would happen if it did? What would Damion do, or would be be next? The music turned more rapid with NEron's thoughts, but stayed on the deeper side of pitch. Damion had already shown a dark side, what would happen if Miriel showed hers? ENOUGH! He pulled the bow quickly across the string and ended the song with a flourish. He would think no more on that matter. It would play out with time and he would watch. HIs green eyes peered out at the Lagoon. HIs violin was poised, waiting for another song, but with a shake of his head he lowered the instrument and gazed at it sorrowfully. "I has been to long since we were last together.." His eyes sparkled and a reflection of red was seen within as the violing shown like a ruby in the light.

A wince crossed his face as he tried to bend down to put the intrument in its case. He was still dealing with pain, his wounds, though healed enough to be free, still aches and hurt. Plus he tired easily, so Cecily advised him not to fly for a bit, and for once he agreed. So thinking better of putting the instrument away he straightened back up and continued to gaze at the blue waters. "It's a beautiful day..."

[saerwen]

Jaedon had been walking for some time. She had run away from everything in order to think. She had been having a rather rough day. It had been a few days since Miriel had killed Eventide and she wss beginning to worry, she hadn't seen her friend for a few days and she was starting to wonder if she should have gone after Miriel instead of leaving her be.

Miriel hadn't been to see Damion who was desperately in need of her company and he kept drilling Jaedon for her whereabouts. Jaedon hated that the only answer she oculd give him was, "I don't know."

Needless to say, her mind was a tattered mess. She was thinking too much and saying too little. There was no one to talk to, no one to hear her worries other than the dirt and a few flowers. When she made it into the lagoon though, she was graced with the most amazing sound in the world. Someone was playing a violin. By the emotional waves in the music Jaedon knew that it was Neron. She was glad that there was finally someone that she could talk to around. Neron would be able to help her and make her feel better...she hoped.

She wiated until he had put his violin away, watching as he winced on the way down.

"Yeah, it is a nice day," she said from behind him. She looked bit tired with slight circles under her eyes and her eyes were red, indicating that she had either been crying or that she had been rubbing her eyes a lot. The truth of the matter was that she had not been sleeping well. Her worry for Miriel and Damion had caused her to have restless nights. Last night she had not gotten a single bit of sleep. It was harsh and definitely starting to affect her.

"I see that Cecily has finally gotten rid of you," her voice was amazingly lackluster. It was filled with so much apathy that might have really thought that she was half asleep.

[»Míríel«]

Neron turned around at the sound of a familiar voice. "Well hello my little stalker. I was wondering where you were. " He smirked at her. When she said something about Cecily he looked at her with a " that-is-an-understatement" look. "More like kicked me out. Do you know what I found out? She was drugging me so she wouldn't have to deal with me." He looked offended though he was amused at the thought. Poor Cecily, she had become a bit to "popular" for her liking. "I wonder how I could be hard to deal with. Just imagine." Neron let a shadow of a smile come to his lips and he turned back to the lagoon.

"You know, I am quite glad that I am out of there though. It was starting to wear down on me." He sighed as his voice dropped slightly. All humor had dropped from his voice. "I think Cecily knew that for the rest of me to heal and not kill myself, or nearly kill myself again, I needed to be out, alone." He shrugged and very carefully laid the violin down in its case before turning back to her with one arm holding his side. "So what brings you here today?"

[saerwen]

Jaedon heard him call her little stalker and that reminded her of the rather offensive thing that Neron had done the other day. He had called Cecily "little witch". Now while Jaedon wasn't fond of that name, or at least she would never admit that she was, it messed with her mind. She had thought that it was special to her, and so she had taken it as a strange for of endearment. Hearing this other name made her wrinkle her nose slightly in disgust.

In a very whining and ridiculous tone, Jaedon said, "Do you really have to call me that?" She then began a rant a few moments later. She was on a soap box, she had come with it in hand, and now poor Neron was going to be her silent listener.

"I mean really, that it probably the most derisive, repulsive name that you have for me. It isn't flattering, it certainly doesn't display anything of my character. The only way that it fits is because I accidentally popped up around you so much. You also had your moments of popping up on me, so it really isn't a true or fair name."

She was whining and she knew it, but she was also stressed out. She wanted to go to sleep, she was missing her friends, and even though she knew Neron's general disposition, she had built her hopes up to thinking that he would act slightly different. She was disappointed in this area and the other problems were impossible to fix at the moment.

"Oh, maybe I should ask her for some of those drugs," Jaedon went back to her apathy, turning to it as a last resort.

When he asked what she was doing there she took a few steps forward, then plopped herself down on an incline, holding her chin in her hand, and placing her elbows on her knees. Her hair started blowing in her face because she had left it down, so she swept it out of the way, then replied very dismally, "Nothing. Absolutely nothing, and that it the whole freakin' problem." Jaedon was almost shocked by how manic-depressive she was getting around him.

[»Míríel«]

Neron looked steadily at Jaedon. "Someone's in a bad mood today." He smirked at her. "Yes, I do. I think it is an apt name. Being a stalker you are sneaky, silent, and on the hunt." He opened his eyes wide for a moment, " Now how being on the hunt applies to your character I haven't the slightest idea, I just hope that you aren't putting lizard on the menu." He smirked then continued, "Plus after our last talk I thought witch was ruled out, so stalker was my last resort. Is there something else you want me to call you? Right now whiny would apply."

Neron narrowed his eyes at her when she mentioned the drugs, it was a look of mock offense. HE really couldn't help being in a playful mood, he had escaped death and Cecily's clutches. Hopefully Jaedon wouldn't dampen his beautiful day.

"Nothing eh?" He walked over slowly and sat down beside her. " Is it wrong to come and see me for no reason?" He smirked again, " Besides stalking of course, but we have already discussed that." He looked down at her with mischief gleaming in his eyes.

[saerwen]

As Jaedon listened her eyes grew wider and wider. Was he really saying this? Was he really doing this to her? She had come here for comfort, not to be used as a plaything. It was outrageous. She shot up from where she was sitting after the lizard comment. She then started pacing. This was not how she had pictured spending her day. She couldn't listen to this.

"If witch was ruled out it's your fault!" she was raising her voice. It wasn't to a yell yet, but it was close. But after he practically called her whiny, Jaedon whirled around at him, her eyes were changing slowly. Her beautiful shade of green was being covered with black. Her face had gone deathly pale. She was struggling so hard to keep her anger pent up inside her. Right now she wanted to attack him. She wanted to throttle him within an inch of his life. Her form was going to fade away soon. She could feel herself losing control by the second.

She turned away from him as she felt herself snap. The more that he spoke, the angrier she became, and there was no way to avoid it. Turning away from him meant that there was no target for her attack.

"You know Neron, I did come out here for something, and it certainly wasn't for this. It wasn't to see you either. I came out here because I couldn't sleep. Trust me, I would happily be in my warm bed right now, far away from you if I could be. The only problem is that I can't sleep! I am tired and I, being rather foolish, had expected to be able to come and talk to you, maybe ask you where Miriel is, because I haven't seen her for three days. She hasn't been to see Damion, who is probably going to die from the lack of her presence in the room. I cam e looking for some answers, but lo and behold, stupid me, this is what I get. You are completely incapable of being serious. You won't listen to anything unless it is for the making of a snide remark to bite the head off of whoever you are talking to. Usually I can find something inside of me to deal with your crap, but today is just not one of those days! I am fixing to snap, so instead of snapping here and now and possibly hurting you all over again, I am going to leave."

She was about to turn and walk away when she thought about something else to say. She was about to open her mouth when she decided against it. He wouldn't listen. What good would words do? None. He was a lost cause. So much for being able to depend on him. She had stayed still as she had told herself not to say anything, but the words seemed to want to roll off her tongue, She was frozen in a state of indecision.

[»Míríel«]

Neron raised an eyebrow at her reaction. She was off her rocker today, and had gone off the deep end. He let out a little sigh and stood up, wincing at the movement. Those eyes, her beautiful green eyes had turned jet black. Perhaps he had took it a bit far. Still on a normal day she would have either rolled with it or shown him that red face of anger he loved seeing.

As she ranted she probably didn't notice him coming closer, and closer. Despite her words hitting him and lashing at him like a barbed whip he couldn't help himself. Jaedon needed to be slowed down and calmed, and there was only way he knew how to do that without fighting. Reaching out he pulled her close. Since he was feeling so good, why not satisfy her for once. So bending his head he pressed his lips against hers. First it was rough, to make sure she didn't move away but he kissed her again softly, then again. He let one arm entwine around her, keeping her from pulling away, while the other ran over her shoulder and played with her hair. With another gentle kiss, which he let linger slightly, he pulled away and spoke, "So you want me to be serious. How is this for a change?" He looked down at her, green eyes glowing softly and his voice was gentle and deep. It was amazing, few would notice, but when Neron wanted it to be, he had a beautiful silky voice, the type that could calm a roaring storm. That was what he was counting on. Her still playing with her hair, enjoying the silk texture against his fingertips. "I am glad you came and sought me out. Forgive me for just wanting to have some fun." He smiled this time, no hint of a smirk. " Sometimes I believe confidence runs to my head, along with freedom. I believe the summer air has caused me to be a bit reckless." He sighed and looked away for a moment. "So you are worried about Damion, no Miriel, for through her is the key to Damion's well being." He shook his head slightly. " Damion has been pretty pitiful. Every time you came in he light up like a light bulb, expecting news, anything, but then when no good news came he would just sigh and be quiet. Cecily never seemed to bother him at those moments. She seems to have grown "fond" of him, if that is even possible." He looked down at Jaedon with a crooked grin, "Funny she never was fond of me when I was in her care." He twisted Jaedon's hair around his finger as the gleam of humor left his eye. "I can understand Damion though, if you hadn't come and seen me..." He let the sentence drift off as he narrowed his eyes in the distance. "I just don't know... I don't know how Damion can be patient and wait sometimes." He turned his attention to Jaedon once more, "I know I never could, me being the brash, impatient person I am." Once again he sobered. " As for Miriel..." He looked in her eyes for a moment before shifting his gaze to her hair, where he ran his fingers through the thick silky mass once more. "I am afraid I have no seen her. I'm guessing you haven't seen her at all either."

[saerwen]

Jaedon hadn't noticed Neron edging closer to her. She had not noticed anything but her own anger. She was so consumed by it that everything else around ehr had been just a back ground image. Neron hadn't even been that since she had been turned slightly away from him. However, she noticed when he grabbed her and especially when he kissed her. It was such a shock that Jaedon didn't know what to do at first.

What is going on here? Did he really just kiss me? Where the heck did that come from? By the time that she had gotten that far, and wanted to fight back he had already trapped her. She did try to push away, but she just couldn't get away. Darn him, since when did he get so good at this? So very good... Her thoughts trailed off as he continued to kiss her. She wasn't thinking about her problems anymore. She was so wrapped up in the feeling, that when it was over, had this dazed look plastered on her face that she couldn't seem to wipe away. When her mind started functioning again she listened to him, catching the last few things that he had said about Damion being patient and not knowing where Miriel was.

She let out a harsh sigh and tensed up. She could not deny that she had enjoyed the kiss, but it had also set something inside her to flames. She was angry that he had been so toward. She couldn't explain why she was getting angry so easily, but it might have been better for her to leave. Jaedon pulled away from Neron.

"Well, thank you for answering my question. I suppose that I don't have any reason to get angry now," she was so cold and indifferent one would have thought that she hadn't enjoyed it. However, she knew that the rather bewildered look that she had had stuck on her face after the kiss had been enough to show Neron what she had thought. It was the rebellious, evil, prideful side of her speaking now, "And whatever you do, don't ever do that to me again." She went and sat back down on the grass, staring ahead at the sky with a strange, glazed over look in her eyes.

[»Míríel«]

Neron treasured that look she gave him after he had kissed her. It was an expression of pure delight and happiness. That is something that doesn't happen very often. So he stored the image away in his mind, knowing that the sweetness in the air wouldn't last long. In fact it ended quite abruptly, sooner than Neron had cared to hope.

Jaedon pulled away, she had pulled away, really...just pulled away. He had a confused expression on his face when she did. She had just been happy, but then she switched. Woman. So he looked at her, with an unreadable expression, the one that could make one nervous. It was a mask he could slip over all to easily. Then the unreadable expression slipped slightly as her knit his brows together for a moment, letting his eyes roam over her now sitting figure. It was not a look of affection, or admiration, but only that of trying to understand.

Turning from her spoke in an emotionless tone, "Oh, don't worry about that Jaedon." Her name was icy on his tongue. "I don't repeat the same mistake twice. I'm glad to know that you find me signs of endearment repulsive to you, or at least force yourself to see them that way." He didn't face her, and his tone alone would tell her, if she was listening, that he was upset. Walking to his violin case he gazed at the reflective surface, it hypnotized him, calling him to stop. HE was about to leave, he really was. HE was going to get up and leave Jaedon to her own worries and bad temper. Something stopped him, perhaps it was the violin, perhaps it was something else, Neron didn't know. Snapping the lid sharply he stood up and whirled at her. His eyes were slightly snake like. "Enough of this Jaedon. Enough! You seem to be in the mood to cause unrest, to take out your anger on someone. So be it!" He felt a strange sort of anger. "I changed my ways but that wasn't enough for you. Well then perhaps this will be." He held up his arms in a exasperated way. His hands were beginning to look claw like. " Take your shot Jaedon. Just get it out of your system." His voice had turned to a sort of hiss.

[saerwen]

Jaedon was shocked by Neron's sudden change of emotions. She had been in such a daze, wandering off into her own little world that she had missed half of what Neron said. When she saw him start to change forms Jaedon was completely shocked. She had not meant to make him angry with her. In fact she couldn't even explain why she had acted that way to being with. She couldn't explain why she was the way that she was. It was like every part of her system was going haywire and rebelling against everything that she wanted. Perhaps it was a sort of self-punishment. She had not wanted to involve Neron in it also.

She looked at him speechless for a second and then let out a sigh. She ran her hands part of the way through her hair, stopping them so that they rested on top of her head and she rested her head on them. She slowly started to shake her head. She looked like she was on the brink of pulling her hair out.

Letting out another disgusted sigh, she tried to say she was sorry, hoping that it would come out right, "Neron, that's not what I meant. I just..." she dropped off. He had been very caring and even done something that he wouldn't normally do on a regular basis. He had been willing to admit that he was wrong and she had done nothing to deserve it or encourage it to ever happen again. She couldn't bring herself to look at him. She felt miserable.

She decided to do something that she would normally never do. It was so strange to even think about saying what she really felt, what she really thought, what was true, that she almost choked on the words as they came out.

"I didn't find it repulsive Neron, I actually really liked it. I wish that you would do it more often," even though she wasn't looking t him, her cheeks had gone furiously red. The truth was that it had made her heart race. It was still slightly increased from the exhilaration the kiss had brought.

"I didn't mean to come here and take everything out on you, I really didn't. I'm just worried and upset," she started fiddling with the grass next to her, ripping at it and studying it like it was unknown substance. Anything in order to keep her eyes off of him.

[»Míríel«]

Neron;s arms lowered, as the did so their shape, form and color returned to what would be normal of a humans. He sighed also and looked away from her, his eyes a stormy green. What else could she have meant? What she had said was perfectly clear. Still he stayed there, the least he could do was hear her out. The sun's warm embrace had turned cold for him, and his wounds were starting to act up again. Why did he feel like his one good day had shattered and was only going to get worse. He ran his hand through his hair, brushing away the black strands from his eyes.

It was then that Jaedon continued, saying something that blindsided Neron. She was telling the truth, not just the truth, but how she felt. He couldn't help but let his eyes shift toward her as his hand froze for a moment. Staring at her for a moment he let his hair fall back into the usual place, right above his eyes. Then he made his way over to her, slowly, but surely and eased himself to the ground. He couldn't help but gaze at her when she had the blush on her cheeks. He loved that look as much, if not more, than her angry look. Reaching out he placed his hand under her chin and lifted her gaze up at him. "I would do it more often if you let me understand you a bit more." He smiled slightly and looked down at her warmly, teasing her that he was going to give her another one. He didn't though. Instead he dropped his hand and let his gaze turn to the scenery about them. "You are here Jaedon, and you have already taken things out on me. So I guess a little more of this whining of yours, " He glanced at her with a smile to let her know he was joking, "Won't hurt me any." Then he placed his hand on top of hers, stopping the ripping motion from continuing. "I remember someone once told me not to kill plants, even grass." He slid his hand into hers for a moment and gave it a squeeze before slipping it out again and letting it fall beside him. HE didn't look at her, but continued to stare at the scenery, "Now, as Damion would say, 'Continue my dear.'""

[saerwen]

It was almost cruel how Neron teased her. He would have seen a rather longing look in her eyes, but she quickly covered it when let his had drop. Pink continued to stay on her face, there was no way that she was going to get rid of it now.

When he called it "whining" she opened her mouth to defend herself, but shut it so abruptly you could almost hear it. She herself had called it whining not to long ago. It was true, that was what she was doing, but that was all that she had. In place of her anger and her desire or need o kill something she had started whining. She would whine to her lunch, to the walls, to butterflies, but her favorite were the flowers. She loved to lay out in the field and whine all her complaints away for the flowers to hear. She felt thoroughly ashamed of herself, but it was the only thing that could satisfy her. If she didn't keep on whining then she would no doubt start killing things again, getting into trouble with the gangs in town, playing cards, getting into bar fights...all of the things that she used to do but had given up.

Well, what was left to do but unload her whole sob story to Neron as though he were one of those poor, unsuspecting flowers. It was such a harsh thing to do to the man, but he asked for it...

"Continue...you're asking for it. I have yet to explain that this is how I have been coping with not fighting. Not only am I cranky from that, I've also had maybe 4 hours of sleep for the past three night's combined. I am still trying to cope with killing Ares and watching Tarian afterwards, and no I am not explaining that to anyone, least of all you. Then Damion and Miriel got me really worried and then I saw Miriel kill someone. Now I am sitting here regretting not running after her and making sure she didn't do anything stupid. She was in such a frantic state that I thought she was going insane. Plus I have never seen her kill anyone before! I am gonna ring her freaking neck out when she gets back for leaving Damion all alone like this, 'cause I know that he won't do it himself." Jaedon found that she still had breath to spare, even after completing her rant. She was sort of impressed, sort of worried. Had she always been able to do that?

[»Míríel«]

Neron noticed the longing look in her eyes, it brought out a slight smirk as he tucked that memory away as well. Whenever he was in doubt of her liking or loving him, he would pull those out for his own private enjoyment. As she started talking he let her tidal waves of worries and problems wash over him. He had planned on just staring at the scenery the whole time, but she had to many interesting problems for him to avoid looking at her.

What had Tarian done? Neron looked quizzical, but he couldn't help having his curiosity aroused. By the look in her face and her words, he didn't dare to ask what it was. She wouldn't tell him anyways. He thought that nothing would top that but then she mentioned Miriel killing someone. His eyes widened slightly. When she had finished he let the air hang silent for a moment or two so she could gather her wits. "Miriel...killed someone?" Neron couldn't believe it, but then again after all that had happened he was starting to find it a bit easier to accept. "The only way she could have done that is if that person..." He shook his head, it had to be the person who started this whole mess, the illusionist Eventide. Nothing else fit. "And she hasn't been seen yet." Jaedon had mentioned her being in a frantic state and he didn't blame her for not following her. Jaedon and him both knew the precious value of time alone when out of sorts. He was starting to find out that though these times were valuable, if one gets stuck in that mire and no one pulls them out, only disaster will occur. "Perhaps it is time for you to go on the hunt again. How long ago was it that you saw Miriel?"

[saerwen]

Jaedon let out another sigh before answering, "Yes, she killed Eventide. I hadn't seen the girl more than once in my whole life, but who else would Miriel have had enough of a problem with in order to kill them," Jaedon looked down at her hands and began to wonder if Eventide had really been such a bad person or if she had jsut been trying to get revenge for something. However, she couldn't think of any reason that anyone would want to get revenge on either Damion or Miriel. She couldn't bring herself to believe that Miriel and Damion were at fault. They had enough on their shoulders already.

"I haven't seen her for three days. I tried finding her yesterday, but that was a useless effort. I have no idea where she went after that, and I have no idea as to where she might have run to. It's just not like Miriel to run away from things. She usually jsut faces them straight on, and if someone else is trying to run away she stops them. I have been on that end of the stick a few too many times," Jaedon stopped to give herself time to think before she started off again. She then lifted her head to the sky again and said in a very low voice, "I don't think that Damion will be able to stand it much longer if she doesn't come quickly. I can't tell him that I know where she is because that's a lie, but I can't bring myself to tell him why either. I know that either way it just makes him feel worse, and probably worry even more. He's never going to get better at this rate."

[»Míríel«]

Neron nodded at what Jaedon had said, that was exactly what he was thinking. Miriel wasn't the type person to get angry over nothing and she most definitely wasn't the person to kill some one without a serious offense. Hurting DAmion, or even better making Miriel hurt Damion for Eventide was just a thing that Neron could imagine would push Miriel over the edge. He couldn't help but wonder, once again, how such an innocent, pure creature like Miriel could do such a thing.

When Jaedon mentioned the days Neron nodded once again. "That has been a plenty long time for her to mull things over...Yes, I believe it is time for her to have a little visit. Personally I think you should do the duties. You have a qualm with her, and need to talk to her yourself. I don't think I should come in on such a delicate conversation. I have been known to mess such things up." He smiled at his understatement. "Damion would be ideal, but we both know that he is healing and wouldn't be able to.. Don't worry about Damion, he is upset about Miriel, heartbroken and confused, but he will pull through. He has a sort of love for that girl that he is always giving her excuses.Though if we don't find Miriel I believe those excuses will run out." HE sighed. "But we have no idea where she is. Let's see here." He half closed his eyes. Where would Miriel have gone? Breaker Isle and the Kiss were to far away. No, she would be close to Stone city, but not to close. The black woods were to dark for her and she wasn't here. Where would she be? Miriel liked being surrounded by beauty and she would probably want somewhere peaceful, unlike the turmoils in her heart. She would be seeking refuge from the world around that bashed against her. Barrier Cove.

Neron turned to Jaedon with glowing eyes. "Have you tried Barrier Cove yet?"