Nightmares

[saerwen]

The crashing waves swept along the shore, the sea gulls cried mournfully from the air. In the distance, a boat could just barely be made out against the night sky thanks to its lights. It was probably a fishing boat filled with men trying to make a living. The water separated the boat quite a ways from the shore where little footprints were being washed away by the high tide. The moon was rising slowly into the sky, and the stars were popping out to play. The little ghost crabs were starting to scurry around in search of food, and it seemed like everything was as it should have been.

However, some small distance from the sandy shores, in a large Italian Villa, things were rather hectic. Little feet had been running through the corridors and halls, shuffling here and there. They would stop for a minute, and then get right back up again and run off. Giggling was heard in unison with stressed commands, creating a rather comical sight. The house was so large, it provided the perfect arena for hide and seek. If you were a skilled player, you would no doubt be able to hide for quite some time without being discovered.

Currently, the little feet were scampering over the cobblestone courtyard closer to the front of the house. They stopped behind a large rose bush that was intermingling with some vines. It was starting to grow up the burnt yellow, sandstone walls. Only moments later, some heavier footfalls were heard in the courtyard as well. The sound of heels scraping against the stones was unmistakable. Barely two seconds later, the little feet began their mad dash again.

The pair ran through the opened garden gate; through the garden, which was filled with all kinds of aroma, both sweet and strong; then out into the main part of the house. They managed to get all the way through the extensive kitchen, spotless living room, and open air dining area to the courtyard at the back of the house where a large fountain stood, sprouting water into the night air. It was then that the chase came to an end.

Even clad in high heels, Jaedon was still much faster than Miya. She had finally caught her child. Her arms wrapped around Miya's little frame in one giant swoop and picked her up. The game was over at last. It hadn't started as a game, but thanks to Miya's refusal to go to bed, it had turned into a chase right away. Jaedon was slightly vexed by now, after having told Miya multiple times that she needed to obey and go to bed and having those commands immediately ignored. Every night it was one battle or the other. Miya either didn't want to go to bed or didn't want to take a bath. Tonight it had been an even balance of both. Not only did Jaedon have to worry about Byren, she had to worry about Miya as well, and at times like this, Jaedon was very tempted to lose her hold on her anger. With her little girl resting on her hips, Jaedon marched back into the house.

Upon entering, she saw Byren sitting on the couch in the living room pouring over some book. This didn't help Jaedon's mood, "Byren, I told you to get in bed. You better'd be in there by the time I get done with your sister." Byren looked up at his mother and nodded in understanding. Glancing at the clock he figured he had five minutes. He continued to read.

Jaedon, on the other hand, was marching with Miya straight up to her bedroom. After scaling the stairs, Jaedon set Miya down on the ground and took her hand, walking towards one of the bedroom doors. Miya's room was right next to Jaedon and Neron's bedroom. When they had first bought the house, Jaedon had been a skeptic. She loved the design and the interior, but she was scared for the kids. At the top of the stairs, rod iron railing surrounded the open edge. She had always been scared that one of the kids would decide to try jumping or climbing or something ridiculous like that. Looking at her kids now, she still didn't put it past them, she just hoped that if that ever happened, she or Neron would be there to catch them or stop them.

Opening the door, Jaedon nudged Miya inside. The little girl was already in her petite, lacey nightgown, washed up and ready for bed, or at least, she had been, before they had started running. In the meantime, Miya had switched forms, run around, and gotten sweaty again. Jaedon was so tempted to make the girl take another bath, just as punishment for her disobedience, but Jaedon decided that would be more of a punishment for herself than for Miya. It wasn't worth it right now. Jaedon was so tired, she could have fallen over.

Now that they were both in here, Jaedon decided to take advantage of the moment. She grabbed Miya and sat her on the bed. It was a twin bed with a rod iron frame and decorative floral designs. Her bed spread was fluffy and colorful. It had various birds and butterflies of pink, green, and yellow on it, matching the bedroom walls and the painting of rose vines that sprinkled the walls. Jaedon had wanted Miya to have a nice room. Most of the other rooms in the house were well suited for adults, but for children, there was nothing exciting. So, both Miya and Byren's rooms looked a little out of place in the house, especially Byren's room. Jaedon cleared her head of those thoughts. That was just what boys liked she supposed.

Looking at Miya with a tired, yet serious face, Jaedon said, "Games are over. It's time for you to go to sleep. Now, I am going to tuck you in, Miya.If you get out of this bed after that, you will not enjoy the consequences. Do you understand me?"

Jaedon then channeled her energy in a different direction, Neron, would you go make sure Byren is in bed and tuck him in? I'll be there in a second, but I'm dealing with Miya right now.

Byren had already judged that his free time before bed was almost up, so he had started up the stairs to his bedroom. His room was on the other side of the stair case, across from Miya's. He was kind of glad for it too. It was comfortable that way. He could stay on his own and not be disturbed by her, but if she did want to come and find him at night, his room was easy to locate since it mirrored hers.

The little boy walked through the door and over to the stairs that led to his bedroom. While Miya's room was flowery and girly, Byren's room had almost nothing on the walls for decoration. Instead, his walls were covered with shelves of books, and contraptions that he had made from various odd items around the house. Each item showed meticulous planning and careful placement. His bed and his desk were both on a raised platform, with storage space underneath both. His closet was actually under his bed, which he personally thought was really cool, but he would never tell anyone. Miya had been scared to get on his bed at first because it was so high up and so strange, but that stage of fright was over for him unfortunately.***

He tiptoed over to the bathroom and got a drink of water before returning to his bed. He reached over and smacked the light switch on the wall, plunging his room into darkness, save for little night lights that lit up the stairs and a small light on his desk. It gave just enough light to make walking through the room safe and to illuminate the bed.

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***(OOC NOTE: This is what I imagine for his room: st.houzz.com/simages/692289_0_3-2684-contemporary-bed-pillows.jpg )

[»Míríel«]

Miya black curls which had been properly groomed were beginning to frizz from the sweat. Even in their messy state they curled around her face, framing it with perfection. Her pale skin was flushed, bringing roses to her cheeks and lighting up her already bright eyes. Staring up at her mom with a pout on her lips she tried to look at cute as possible. "But Momma! I'm not tired yet." An impish grin came to her face, though she was trying to restrain it to maintain cuteness. "I think that bath gave me energy, you may want to stop it from now on." She giggled before diving under the covers.

Miya knew what her mother would say, and she knew that she would still have to take baths. Jaedon was very particular about looks sometimes. Still she couldn't resist teasing her mother, or being her usual playful self. Now she was burrowing around under her fluffy sheets, looking like a small lump in her bed. "RWAR!" She roared before popping out at the head of the bed. Now her hair was not only frizzy from sweat, but static as well. If the play wasn't stopped soon she would be sporting a wild sort of afro. "Oh! I forgot!" Her mood suddenly changed as she bounced on her bed over to Jaedon. Planting a kiss on JAedon's cheeck she smiled sweetly up at her mother, "I love you Mommy!" With a giggle she dove back into her sheets only to emerge with her head on her pillow and the fluffy cover pulled under her chin. She had surrendered to the terrible end of the day, sleep.

Usually Miya was never one to forget sleep. She just had an on/off switch that she would flip at random. Once her mind actually wrapped around the idea that her little body actually needed rest, or she just wore herself out so much that she couldn't refuse sleep's grasp, she would fall asleep. This could happen literally anywhere without warning. Although she had started to get better and warn her parents with her exhausted state, there had been many times that she would be found asleep outside, on the couch, on the steps usually in her true state. One time she had been found on top of the mantle above the fireplace.

"Momma" Miya's eyes widened, "Where is Brighty?" Brighty was a stuffed bear that Miya had become increasingly fond of. He was covered in soft, plush black fur with a cream colored belly¹. He almost never left her side when she was in the house. Many comical memories would surface with her carrying the bear around, while in her true form, like a mother carried pups. Because he was slightly bigger than she was, he would drag off to the side as she tripped over his arm or leg in attempt to get to where she would be going. In her human form he was dragged beside her, her chubby hands grasping on of his plush ones. Sometimes, in her true form, she would curl up next to him and fall asleep, her black fluff almost blending into his. Brighty was also the only thing that Miya groomed, and his black fur was always preened to perfection. Ever since she had seen him sitting on the toy shelf she had wanted him, and as a gift her parents had given him to her. Now she always brought him to bed.

She had taken him into the bath with her, demanding that she wouldn't take one without him. Now he lay, sopping wet, air-drying on the counter. In the heat of her game she had forgotten about him, and couldn't remember where he was last. "I can't sleep without him! He protects me from the monsters."

Neron had stretched his lean frame on one of the chairs on the back porch. He was in the shadows, off the the corner, reveling in the beauty of the night and the sound of the fountain. The chase that had gone on had been entertaining, and it had been hard to remain undetectable. Lucky for him Jaedon had been focusing on catching Miya, and Miya was intent of fleeing as fast as she could. Although Jaedon had seemed upset Neron knew that she loved the girl and her little antics. What a strange house it would be without their little beam of sunshine.

Just as he was stretching his hands behind his head he heard Jaedon's call. "Good luck." He shook his head before getting up and moving inside. Both he and Jaedon took turns putting the little rascal to bed. He didn't mind Miya's playfulness, and would sometimes wear her out before bringing her to bed. It seemed like Jaedon was the one getting worn out tonight. Taking a glance around the living room. It appeared that Byren had already moved on upstairs. With the sound of the flick of a light NEron walked upstairs. Through Miya's door he could hear giggles coming from her mouth as well as a query about Brighty's whereabouts. Putting his hand on Byren's door opened in and poked his head in. It took a second for his eyes to adjust. "Already in bed?" Neron moved through the door. Neron Smirked, though in the darkness you couldn't see it. "I believe your sister is giving your mother a run for her money." He climbed up the ladder a couple notches just so he could see over the top clearer. Resting his arm on the edge of the bed he looked down at his son. "Did you have a good time with Adelahn and Tryss?"

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¹ images1.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Teddy-Bear-stuffed-animals-1100969_304_350.jpg

[saerwen]

Jaedon narrowed her eyes at her daughter, "Don't give me that cute face. It might work on your father, but not on me." Jaedon shook her head for emphasis. Upon Miya's bath comment, Jaedon raised her eyebrows as though shocked, "Really? Then perhaps we should just move your bath time to the morning. Then you would be energetic enough to help me in the garden pulling weeds, wouldn't you?" She then gave her daughter an equally impish grin, "Nice try, squirt."

As Miya dove under the sheets Jaedon let out a sigh. Her hair was going to be all knotted when she woke up in the morning and then there would be the inevitable weeping and gnashing of teeth when it came time to brush it. Jaedon never looked forward to that. However, it was rather comical to see Miya romping around under the sheets. Jaedon looked at her for a moment, having a strong urge to somewhat dog pile her daughter. It was the perfect time to--ah, there was her head. Too late. Instead of rough housing with her daughter she got a kiss on the cheek. Under the circumstances, that was much more preferable. Jaedon smiled at Miya as she crawled back under the sheets and replied, "I love you more."

A wince had to be smothered as Miya mentioned Brighty. Great, now she would demand that Brighty be brought to her. That poor bear had been tormented from the moment that it met Miya's arms, but it had definitely been loved as well. Jaedon nodded in understanding. She was about to get up and get the bear when something that her child said drew her attention.

"What do you mean by 'the monsters'?" Jaedon looked very concerned for a moment. Was this another clue about what had happened earlier that day? "What kind of monsters does he protect you from?"

Byren heard his father come walking through the door. He guessed now that his mother would be busier than usual with his sister. Byren was content though. He liked it when his father came to say goodnight. Byren saw Neron as the epitome of what he wanted to become when he grew up. He was, after all, more like Neron than Miya in regards to his physical appearance and powers. In character, Byren figured he was more like his mother, but Jaedon would have said he was an even balance of both.

Byren just nodded to his father's first question. A soft little huff came out of his mouth as he said plainly, "Doesn't she always? I wonder if Miya knows how ridiculous she looks, running around the house like that." He then thought for a moment and summarized, "Then again, she probably doesn't care about something like that."

His fathers second question drew a rather disgusted face from Byren. It was a cross between a pout and anger. He rolled his eyes and said, "It was boring. I would have had more fun watching the fish swim. And I don't like Tryss at all. She's so annoying." He paused for a moment and then looked very seriously at Neron, "Are all girls like that? Are they all annoying and hard to understand, father? I can understand Miya well, but I don't understand any of the others, even mother sometimes. You seem to understand mother, but how?" He shook his head, "They don't make sense."

[»Míríel«]

Miya's pout grew deeper at her mother's words. "I wish it worked on you." When Jaedon mentioned her being a squirt Miya let out another giggle. "You're silly Momma."

To the mention of JAedon loving her Miya just giggled again, "I love you mostest!" For miya ending est on the end of whatever word put her at the top in her book. After all who could beat mostest? Most couldn't possibly come close.

Miya pulled the covers around her closer at the mention of monsters. "I don't know where they come from, but Byren has assured me it is either the closet or under the bed. They...they are big.... and... scary.. with big teeth and claws!" Her voice got squeaky at the words claws. "They are always trying to get me. Sometimes I get scared and I do bad things to them, but they always come back." Her eyes got a haunted look. "Always." She was silent for a moment as a sort of sweat started to break out on her brow. A sudden switch came over her. "But Byren is strong and more importantly fluffy!" She giggled, "I'm always safe with him! He even chases them away if they try and get me during the day." She smiled. "Byren helps if I don't have Brighty." She wrinkled her nose, "I sneak into his room at night if I get scared." She giggled again, "I try and scare him!" Then she pouted. "But he always hears me..." Looking up she smiled at her mom. "Do you know where Brighty is?!" She looked around her room. "I love my room!"

Neron chuckled at Byren's statement about Miya. "No. She doesn't." He then shook his head. "Byren, I am afraid you will never understand them. Over the years you may think you do but then they do something strange and it ruins your formula. You see we are pretty simple, but women." He shook his head, "Are hopeless." Looking back at his son he continued, "Just be yourself and don't worry about it, then the girl will be herself. Only then you will have a shot." He smirked. As he began to tuck Byren in he continued, "Any other question's for your old man?"

[saerwen]

"Yes, well so are you," Jaedon replied when her daughter said she was silly. Jaedon could become rather childish if she was needed to do so, and even at normal times, she could have childish tendencies. She supposed it was the children that made her have those kinds of feelings, but she was very grateful for them. They made life fun.

"Miya, mostest is not a word," Jaedon corrected, "and even if it were, I still love you the most. I love you for forever and even longer than that. There is no one in the world that loves you more than I do, you got that?"

As Jaedon listened to Miya's description of the monsters, she frowned. Who would have thought that such a bright and cheerful girl as Miya could have such nightmares. It was obvious that these dreams terrified her completely. And even more importantly, it sounded as though it wasn't just a night time thing. She was mentioning the day as well. That wasn't generally normal for children, at least, she didn't think that it was. She knew that when she was little, she had had trouble with nightmares, but that was just because she didn't know how to control her telepathy. Plus she lived on the streets in an environment full of danger. Miya had neither excuse. It struck Jaedon strange as well, that Miya kept mentioning Byren, saying that he chased them away or fought them off. How exactly was Byren doing that, and why was he not telling either Jaedon or Neron about it? Byren had some explaining to do. Jaedon wanted to ask some more questions of Miya, but she realized that when putting her child to bed, if the girl was already having trouble with nightmares, asking her more about them wouldn't be helpful. She would just go to sleep thinking about them and probably have them again with such a good night conversation.

Jaedon nodded at Miya's question and answered, "Yes, you left him on the counter. I will go get him for you, but you have to promise me to stay in bed until I come back, okay?" Jaedon got up from the side of the bed where she had been sitting, and walked out of the room. As she walked down the stairs, Jaedon ran a hand through her long black tresses. She was starting to worry more and more about Miya. The little thing was so defenseless and so naive. Jaedon realized that she had just been raised in strange circumstances, but to see a child so weak was almost unbelievable to her. She knew that over time, Miya would find her strengths and weaknesses and learn to control them, but right now, she just seemed to stumble around so much, Jaedon wondered if there was really any hope for her little girl. And now with these nightmares, a dark cloud was beginning to shatter the completely sunny girl that Jaedon had thought was her daughter. Part of Jaedon wondered if Miya's normally shining disposition was because she didn't want Jaedon and Neron to worry. Byren did that it seemed. His whole character was a complete mystery to Jaedon because he hid behind his many masks. Was Miya doing the same thing? Was she really terrified on the inside and just to worried to show it. She hoped not. Having retrieved the bear, Jaedon made quick work of the stair and plodded back into Miya's room. She would be happy when the kids were asleep, and she could take off her shoes and finally relax.

As Byren listened to his father, he had his fears confirmed. He would never understand. Why was it that women had to be so complex, so special. Men realized that being simple was a nice and easy way to live. That way, they always got what they wanted. But women of course had to have everything in codes. Byren had figured out with Miya, if he wanted her to do something, he had to coax her and promise her stuff before she would agree.

"Yeah," Byren said thoughtfully Neron tucked him in, "why did you marry mother? If you can't ever understand her, what is the point of being married? Why would anyone get married to someone they will never fully understand?" And then another thought popped into his head, "And why do people call father's 'old men'? You're not old."

[»Míríel«]

"But I love you bunches too!" She pouted, "It's not fair! I want to love you the mostest!" She put a hand over her mouth, "I mean most." She nodded reluctantly to her mother demanding that she loved her the most. Then tilting her head she peered at her mother. Lowering her voice she whispered, "Does that mean you love me more that Daddy?"

When Jaedon left Miya waited until she couldn't hear her mother anymore. Then diving under the covers she hid. There was no mistaking where she was, unless the mattress somehow had a growth in the middle of it. Still the form was smaller than usual, on account that she had switched forms. A giggle of excitement passed her lips a couple times, there was no way she could contain her excitement.

Neron smiled, "You will understand as you grow older. There will be someone that you love more than anything else in the world. I believe I understand your mother to the extent of having similar backgrounds, no family, living on our own. We can help support each other and be there if we need something." He patted Byren. "Being alone is nice, but you grow tired of it. Sometimes you don't realize how much you long for a companion until you have one and then almost lose them. Your mother is my best friend, and she is a companion that I never want to be without. Getting married is just pledging yourself to that one person, saying no matter what you always have their back." He shook his head, "You mother and I balance each other out in a strange way. You would not have wanted to see us at first though, we were at each other throats every minute. " He thought for a minute before continuing. "You know as time go by I understand your mother more and more, it's like we are slowly becoming one person, having one mind. Though I won't always understand her, the mystery always helps." He smiled, "Mystery is always alluring." When Byren asked about why fathers are called old men he let out a deep laugh. "Because they are not as smart as you Byren."

[saerwen]

Jaedon couldn't help but grin at Miya's words before quietly whispering in her ear, "Even more than Daddy."

When Jaeodn returned with the bear, she simply shook her head and chuckled. The little lump under the covers was obvious. Even if she was smaller in size, she was still quite noticeable. Creeping through the door, across the floor, and over to the bed with expert stealth, Jaedon pounced onto the bed, grabbing Miya's little frame and trapping her and under the covers.

"My goodness, I think I've caught a mouse," Jaedon said as though she had no clue it was Miya. "Perhaps I should eat it. What do you think Brighty?" Jaedon addressed the still slightly wet stuffed bear that was laying on Miya's pillow. Jaedon then squeezed Miya around her rib cage. She was about to continue the antics when she looked at the clock. It was late. She had gone from angry at Miya for prolonging the inevitable bed time to playing with her and keeping the girl awake. She pulled her hands away and poked Miya. "Come on out, little mouse. Brighty is waiting for you. I think he is sleepy."

Neron's words stirred Byren to a subject that he really liked to hear about. His parent's past. Looking expectantly at Neron, he asked, "What happened in yours and mother's past that made you so similar? What about your parents? Couldn't they support you if you needed help?" His eyes got bigger at the mention of Neron and Jaedon's earlier days, "You and Mother fought a lot?!" The idea was shocking to Byren. Sure his parents had their spats, but usually if one was cross, they just kept quiet and walked away. Later on, the quarrel was solved and things went back to normal. Thinking of them fighting was just strange. However, Byren's mind was pried away from the topic when Neron called him smart. If the lights had been up, Byren would have been about five shades darker. Neron had called him smart! That was all he needed to hear for the rest of the week to keep him satisfied.

[»Míríel«]

Miya whispered back to Jaedon, "Don't worry. I won't tell." She let out another characteristic giggle.

When her mother pounced on her and trapped her Miya let out a little shriek of glee. This shriek soon turned to uncontrollable laughter as her mother tickled her. Miya was extremely ticklish, something that added to her charm. IT was so easy to get her to laugh and if she ever was stuck in a bad mood a simple tickle would have her laughing again. When her mother mentioned that Brighty was sleepy she crawled out of the bed, shifting form as she went. By the time she emerged she was back in human form, knowing it would please her mother.

Miya's face was really serious as she looked at her mother. She even pursed her lips slightly. "Well, we can't have that! He needs his rest! We have a big day tomorrow! " It was as if she was about to take on the biggest mission of her life. "Don't worry Momma, I will help him!" Grabbing him she curled up in her bed and squeezed the life out of the little thing. Even the dampness of his fur didn't deter her.

Neron sighed at the question about his past. "We never had parents to support us. Both of our parents died when we were very young, about your age, if not a bit younger." Neron's eyes saddened greatly as his voice deepened, making the whole atmosphere more solemn. "We were all on our own."

Miya's grasp on the bear grew tighter. "Protect me from the monsters Brighty!" Her little voice could barely be heard because the words were so muffled.

Neron shook his head, clearing his thoughts. Miya relaxed in the other room, soon to be on the path of slumber. "Yes we fought a lot." Neron smiled at the memory. "You could say I was the thorn in your mothers side for a long time." HE let out a short laugh. "Probably still am." He shook his head, "Now if I don't get you tucked in I think it may spark another one." He finished tucking his son in. "Goodnight Byren. May your dreams be peaceful." With that he turned and walked out of the room, quietly shutting the door behind him. He paused for a moment. Everything from Miya's room was quiet. Had he and Byren been talking for that long? Shrugging he opened the door into Jaedon and his bedchamber and sat on the edge of the bed.

[saerwen]

With a small smile on her face, Jaedon watched as Miya crawled out from under the covers and grabbed Brighty. Yet again, the bear was tortured through constriction, but Jaedon was sure that if the bear could talk, it wouldn't mind. A shadow passed over Jaedon's face as Miya mentioned the monsters yet again. But, she was resolved not to bring it up again, hoping that it was simply a childish stage that would pass away with time. Jaedon tucked the sheets in securely around Miya and leaned down and kissed her forehead before slowly getting up from the bed. She walked over to the door and flicked the light switch off. The night light in the corner popped on in response to the darkness, and Jaedon took one last look at Miya's little form before whispering, "Goodnight, Miya. Sweet dreams."

Jaedon pulled the door closed behind her, but left a small crack. Something told her Miya would be making another escape from her bed tonight. Yet again, Jaedon felt the stress of the day along with the worry that had taken hold of her heart start to set in. What was going on in this house? She looked towards Byren's room and saw that the light was off already. Neron had completed his task in record time, but then again, considering that Byren had been his responsibility, it made a bit more sense.

Byren frowned as his father explained about their parents. Both sets of his grandparents had died while their children were still young? That was sad. Byren now understood why they were never mentioned. His face then became quizzical at Neron's jokes, "Thorn in her side?" His mind didn't quite understand what Neron was talking about when he said that he probably still was. It was probably something you got when you were in love. Byren almost made a face. Sure he loved his parents, but they were his parents, it was expected. He simply couldn't understand loving someone so much that you would want to live with them. As his father left the room, Byren turned over on his side and said softly, "Goodnight, Father."

She drug her feet across the floor, glad that her bedroom door was finally in sight and within reach. Upon entrance to their room, Jaedon shut the door behind her and proceeded to lean against it. A long sigh escaped her lips, and she stood there, looking at the floor for a moment before pulling herself upright again. She noticed that Neron was already there, sitting on the edge of the bed. She gave him a tired smile before walking over to their closet, anxious to remove her shoes which were currently killing her feet. She loved high heels, and she loved walking in them, but after wearing them all day pretty much, she was tired of them, and so were her feet.

"Did Byren give you any trouble?" she asked as she sat down in a plush chair next to their closet door and began to work on the buckles.

[»Míríel«]

Neron smiled at Jaedon as she walked in. She looked exhausted. Being a parent could be hard at times, but there were many days that made it worth it. Still the toll it took on you was obvious. When she asked baout him having any trouble Neron just shook his head. "Not at all, he was basically an angel tonight, as always. How was Miya? Let me guess a breeze?" He had a soft but playful smile on his face as he said these words. He knew that Jaedon was tired, so he wasn't going to push with his playfulness to much. More than likely she had run all of hers out with Miya. "Is she feeling better?"

They had both had a scare with Miya, earlier in the day. She had freaked out for no apparent reason and turned into a wild animal almost. THen, like always, she snapped out of it and bounced around like nothing was the problem. It was more disconcerting than relieving. Miya had always had little "episodes" as they called it, but as she got older they were continually getting worse. The strange thing was, there was no apparent rhyme or reason to her outbreaks. She would just get quiet and then go wild. It was beginning to worry the two parents, and they were at their wits end figuring it out. Hopefully tonight, they would be able to compare notes and make some grounds on this unusual case.

[saerwen]

Jaedon just smirked at Neron. She wasn't even going to try competing with his wit tonight. She spoke in a rather dull voice that betrayed her sarcasm, "Yeah, completely easy. It was a miracle." She pulled one shoe off successfully and began working on the other.

"She is feeling fine, but she still won't let on about anything that scared her," Jaedon looked at the floor before shaking her head and saying, "I just don't get it Neron. She is so happy all of the time and then all of a sudden she turns into a banshee. Five seconds later she pops back and acts as though nothing happened." Pulling her other shoe off, she picked up the pair and walked into the closet, and placed them back on the shelf in their proper place. Jaedon had to admit that Byren probably got his OCD habits from her. She had a proper place for everything, and if something was mixed up, turned around, or even slightly off kilter, she had to fix it right away. It was like staring at a painting on the wall that was hanging sideways. She had to straighten it or she would go crazy.

Emerging from the closet, Jaedon looked at Neron for a moment as though she had something on her mind that she wanted to mention, but she didn't say anything. She then marched off into the bathroom. A few minutes later, with her hair tied up in a rather ridiculous bun, sprigs of hair shooting from all angles, she poked her head out, toothbrush in hand, and asked very abruptly between some foamy toothpaste, "Did you get anything out of Byren? I think that little sprite knows more than he is letting on."

She took a step towards Neron and explained her reasoning between breaks to brush her teeth, more for her own purposes, so that she could think through the information than anything. "Miya said that she has nightmares, and that if she gets scared she gets in bed with Byren. She said that he would 'fight off the monsters'." Jaedon used her free hands pointer and middle fingers to display the quotes in the air, "What does that even mean?" She shrugged her shoulders. "How can he fight off something that isn't really there?" She walked back into the bathroom. After rinsing her mouth she stepped back out, and looked at Neron, her head slightly cocked to the side, "Isn't it normal for kids to have nightmares? Why are we freaking out if it is normal? She just seems like such a happy kid, it seems almost impossible that she could even be capable of having bad dreams." Jaedon hadn't realized how much she had rambled on. Her entire thought process for the day had come out in slightly summarized form for Neron's poor ears to be exposed to. She came over and crawled onto the bed, eventually just falling flat onto the mattress and staring at the ceiling.

[»Míríel«]

Neron nodded, "That sounds about right.

Neron just sat on the bed and watched her as she began her questioning. As she headed off to the shower Neron just called after her, glad he was basically ready for bed to begin with, "I'm as clueless as you." Barely could he get the words out of his mouth she poked her head out and spouted all sorts of theories and bludgeoned him with questions. When she stopped and fell flat on the mattress he just let silence reign in the room for a bit. Neron was a man of few words unless, like now, longer streams of words were called for, and with so many questions floating around in his head and being asked of him he had to let the air clear before he would even attempt to answer. But before he did he had to do some sort of smart answer. "So this is what it feels like..." He was refferring to he endless stream of questions. He had always been notorious for them.

Laying down on the bed as well he over to her and propped his head up with his hand. "I didn't get anything from Byren. All he told me is that he didn't like Tryss." He shook his head. "I didn't ask about the rest." He sighed before rolling onto his back as well and joining her gaze at the ceiling. " As for the rest, it doesn't make sense. I never had nightmares like she is when I was younger. She's having them in the day. That is what I don't understand. It's like she goes into a trance or something and becomes possessed. That is not normal. " Even in bed he ran his hand through his hair, a clear signal that he was pondering something. "I mean I have heard of kids getting scared and running to their parents, but then they are fine. Miya almost avoids us." He let his hand fall on his forehead. "I just don't understand." He smirked slightly, "I was hoping that it was just a girl thing, but now that is apparent that it is not." His voice had been playful but it then returned to serious. "Did you ever have any nightmares when you were young?"

[saerwen]

After her stream of questions and Neron's silence, Jaedon was beginning to wonder if he had just started to ignore her half way through. She turned to look at him and met with his smart little remark. She paused for a moment, but in the end, she still couldn't figure out what he had meant. What what feels like? she wanted to ask, but she had already asked him enough questions.

Jaedon chuckled, "How could he not like Tryss? I would have thought he would get along better with her than with Adelahn. At least Tryss will fight back." Byren was someone that could appreciate wit and intelligence, even if it was directed against him. He would always respect someone with a strong mind. Jaedon had initially thought that Tryss and Byren would get along well because Tryss seemed to be a bit more confident, a bit more of a fighter than Adelahn. Perhaps they clashed too much.

As she listened to Neron, Jaedon couldn't help but agree. It was disturbing that Miya's visions followed her even in the day time. That was not normal for kids. Perhaps she just thoughts about it so much that it felt like she was reliving her dreams from the night before. But if that were true, shouldn't it have been easier to pull her out of those dark memories? Neron was right, it was more than just nightmares coming to life in the day for Miya. Something caused her to relive those dark scenes with a strange vividness, so much so that she even rejected Neron and Jaedon's help. Why was it that Byren was the only one that seemed to be able to reach her when she was like that? What did he do to help her, and more important, why wasn't he telling Jaedon and Neron about what was happening? Did he not understand that it was worrisome to his parents to see Miya so distressed?

Jaedon swatted playfully at Neron with her hand, "She's not old enough to be having girl things happen yet. We have a few more years until that dreadful age."

Jaedon answered in shock, "You never had nightmares when you were little?" She had propped herself up on her arm and was looking at Neron, a very confused look on her face. "I had nightmares all of the time, even when I got older," she said solemnly, "But they weren't all necessarily nightmares. Most of the time it was because I couldn't control my telepathy and so I would get tidbits of people's thoughts mixed into my head while I was sleep. Sometimes I would see things happening from the person's point of view from over five miles away." A shiver ran down Jaedon's back at the memories, but she shook it off, "Miya doesn't have that excuse though. And when I did have regular nightmares, the things I saw weren't enough to scare me like she was scared earlier today." It seemed that the missing pieces of the puzzle all lied with Byren and Miya, and neither wanted to fess up. Jaedon just sighed as she pulled a throw pillow out from under her head and threw it on the floor. She was ready to go to sleep. After ripping the covers back on her side, Jaedon snuggled down into the silky sheets, glad that her body had already begun to get them warm up.

She looked at Neron and in a hesitating voice said, "I am almost to the point of getting some help. What do you think?"

[»Míríel«]

Neron shook his head as a slight smile played on his lips. "Perhaps that is the reason." Byren had his reasons, and Neron could see one of those being that Tryss's character not being to his liking. Although she had fight, Neron couldn't see her wanting to keep one going. She was Miriel and Damion's child after all. Neron had never thought of Byren liking any of Miriel's children. To be honest he hadn't given it any thought at all, he had just thought that the children would play not become best of friends.. He raised an eyebrow as a thought came to his head. Turning to Jaedon he let the thought have voice. "You aren't planning anything between them are you?"

Neron looked at JAedon with wide eyes as relief flooded his eyes, "Thank the stars."

Neron thought about her question for a bit. "I didn't say that, but I never had anything close to Miya's. Really my nightmares didn't start happening until the black dragon took over." He looked back up at the ceiling. He had still been a young dragon then, not even full grown yet. He stood by the body of his mother. The change from green scales to black had been brutal, he could feel his old self being torn away from him as his heart seemed to be ripped to pieces. The pain, being to much for his little system had caused him to pass out, only to wake up black, and under the wing of his dead mother.

Miya's grasp on her bear grew tighter as she began to whimper quietly. She could sense a great pain in her chest as the world around her seemed very dim. Taking a look around she found herself in the forest. Although she wanted to continue looking around her eyes were forced to look at the thing beside her. IT was hard to see. the world was so dark. It didn't take long to find out why, she had been under a wing. As the harsh sunlight blinded her for a moment she say by her the fallen form of a blue dragon. Unconsciously tears streamed down her pudgy little face as her heart was still breaking by just looking at the dragon.

Neron pushed the thoughts to the side as he turned his mind to adressing the rest of Jaedon's queries, as well as raising his own. "She is a strange one. What happened today..." He sighed, "Was worrisome." His arms were still covered in scratches that had been dealt by his daughter. He paused for a moment before continuing. "What were your nightmares like? Did you experience anything close to how bad Miya's were? I can't imagine hearing others thoughts. "

When she asked about getting someone to help he just stayed quiet. To have someone help would admit that they could not help their own children. It was almost admitting failure. That would be a hard thing for him to stomach, and he imagined Jaedon was thinking the same thoughts. The fact that she even suggested it told him that she was at her own wits ends with their child. Who would have thought that Miya was giving them the most amount of worry. IF he had to have put money on the child who he had thought would have given Jaedon and him stomach ulcuers, he would have pushed all of his on Byren. Sure Byren was a saint when it came to obeying orders and he was much more mature than Miya but the way his thoughts were ever deepening was something that could cause problems. Neron could never tell what was going on in that childs head. Sure, he loved the kid to death, but there was something dark about him, something that was probably inherited from his mother and father. With a sigh Neron reached over to his wife and pulled her close to him. Resting his chin on the top of her head he reached his arm behind her hear and undid her bun. Neron loved playing with Jaedon's hair. IT was so silky to the touch and the heir just curled around his fingers as he ran them through her hair. Tilting his head down he planted his lips gently on the top of her head before sighing. "I think that is a ever growing possibility. Who would you take her to though?"

[saerwen]

A michievouus smile crept across Jaedon's lips, "Not really planning, but the thought did cross my mind. After all, we're already practically family. Why not solidify it?" Jaedon had thought about Byren and one of Miriel's girls. The only thing was that Damion was so overprotective and Byren was already showing signs of being a sneaky little trouble maker. If Byren did anything, Damion would kill him. Jaedon couldn't really say that she wouldn't agree with Damion's actions, but there was a part of her that said it wasn't worth risking their good relationship for possibly marrying her son off to one of Damion's darlings.

Jaedon nodded at Neron's words. That made sense. Up until the time when Neron's parents were killed, he had the life every kid could dream of. His parents loved and cared for him and he loved them just as much. Miya was in the same situation, but her parents were still alive and well, and diligently watching over her.

A dark shadow crossed Jaedon's face as Neron asked her about her nightmares. They were not something that Jaedon liked to remember. They were all dark and all terrifying in their own respect. She looked at the covers of the bed, studying the patterns, thinking quietly, remembering. After a few moments of quiet she said, "I don't know what Miya is seeing, but if it is anything like what I saw through my powers, I pity her. In fact, I would do anything to stop them. No child should have to see things like that." Her muscles tightened a little and she clenched her jaw shut. Looking up she, her green eyes betrayed how much the memories still haunted her, "I could see things from miles away. Every time I shut my eyes it was something else. Some other person in need of help, but whenever I tried, I couldn't do anything. It was so vivid because I truly was seeing what they were seeing and feeling what they were feeling. I could smell the liquor and smoke, I could feel them shaking with fear, I could hear the cars rushing past, and--" she paused, "--And I could feel the bullets, blades..." Her words dropped off. She looked back down at the comforter on her bed before shaking her head and giving a bitter laugh, "As if sleeping in the gutter wasn't bad enough, I couldn't even sleep in peace."

Jaedon was silent for a long time after that, pictures of her past swept by in a fury. the flashing lights of the city and cars as they raced by. The smell of garbage cans, smoke, liquor, and other waste filled her nose. She could hear low voices talking about a drug deal or some other shady business. Between the images that swept past she remembered a specific vision that she had had while asleep. It was in a dark alleyway, a young boy, one that she had seen earlier that week and helped find food, was standing under the barrel of a gun, shrinking in fear. He was crying and pleading with the gunman to not kill him. He said that he would do anything just so long as he could live. But alas, as soon as the gunman had the desired item from the boy, the young one became a liability. Jaedon had remembered feeling the bullet rush through her stomach. It was the first time she had ever felt that kind of pain before. But more haunting than that, it was the first time that she had ever felt someones life force passing away. It was like watching a shining light flicker out, like the wind had simply become too strong for it to last. All hope, all passion, all memory died away and all that was left was a blank, black slate with nothing but a name scribbled into it, like a grave marker. The boy had died as Jaedon had pleaded with him to run, to hide, to do anything that might save his life. But he couldn't hear her.

"It's not the hearing part that kills you, its the feeling part. The mind is the source of all emotions, all feelings, all pain. And if you are naive and don't know how to control it, the pain is all that you get," Jaedon summarized. She looked up, a sort of ironic smile on her face, "Once I learned to control my abilities, it wasn't so bad. Instead of dreaming about people that were alive and being killed, I just dreamed of people that I had already killed. But as I said, Miya has neither excuse, so that won't explain anything."

Jaedon willingly scooted closer to Neron, resting her head on his chest. She could heart his heart beating due to her hunting senses. Normally that would have been an appealing dinner bell to her, but since it was Neron, it was more like a soft drum, rhythmically humming her to sleep. She closed her eyes as she listened, feeling her stress run away like a scared mouse. As Neron undid her hair, Jaedon let out a sigh and snuggled a little closer to him, pulling her arms closer to her body and his. It might have seemed a little selfish, but Jaedon was a cold-natured person, and Neron was practically fire itself. He was a good heater.

And then it came down to it...answering the question. Jaedon had been hesitant to mention it because the person that she had in mind didn't really have the best track record with Neron. She almost winced as he asked her who she was thinking of. Jaedon scrunched her nose for a minute, physically preparing herself for the worst answer she could imagine Neron giving. Then taking in a sharp breath she looked up to him and said in a sheepish voice, "Don't kill me, it's not my ideal fix either, but currently it's the best one I can think of..." She bit her lips for a minute before spitting it out very quickly, "I was thinking of taking her to Aeryn Cel." Here it comes. He is gonna think I've gone mental. Jaedon told herself.