The Chaos of Healing

[»Míríel«]

"Believe me, witch, my standards are much higher that yours I'm sure." A smirk flicked on his face as he looked at her like a piece of meat. "So he has been there for you when you need him the most? Are you saying Damion and Miriel haven't? Surely he can't be the saint you are describing, I actually know him as a little less perfect. Also if you think fights bring you closer together than I guess we are just getting to know each other better. Perhaps we can reach the relationship that you know claim to have with Neron. Then again this getting to know each other could just be getting to know each others weaknesses. Neron is fantastic at this game. He puts up a fuss, seems all disinterested and stoic but then, as soon as he finds out how to push your buttons, he strikes. Soon enough he's the most annoying person that you know. This keeps him in your head, always wondering if he's going to bug you today, or if he will be around the corner. As soon as he realizes he's on your mind he changes tactics, drastically. His tone becomes sweeter and he seems to care. I've seen it a thousand times." That long golden tail of his swung back and forth behind him as the smirk darkened. " Perhaps you are different, perhaps he really cares for you. But...." A sigh passed through him as he looked away for a moment. "It can only be shown through one thing. Jaedon." His eyes locked on hers, "Has he ever told you he has loved you? Not in action, in words." A smug look appeared on his face.

Neron trudged onward, pausing for a break. Somehow he had already made it there, but he was out of sight, out of mind and feeling like the dung of the earth. But all he heard were the last words of Ares, "Not in action, in words." Neron closed his eyes as he leaned against the rocks. Jaedon would probably growing angry or confused right about now. Ares had a way to annoy you, to twist things around until everything was confusing and distant. "I wonder what they are talking about..." The thought drifted through his foggy mind. Whatever it was he didn't really care at the moment. He had to get a handle on this pain, he needed to clear his head before he faced Ares because his ex-friend would trample all over him in this condition. Clenching his fists he slumped against the rock and concentrated. HE was very thankful for the shadows that cloaked him and the rocks that hid him from view.

Miriel smiled at him. "I saw you roll those blue eyes of yours mister. But most importantly," She pointed at him, "Don't lie to me." When Cecily's voice suddenly burst on the scene Miriel turned as her bright smile faded slightly to a warm one. "Hello Cecily. It's nice to see you. What are you doing on this beautiful day?" Miriel inched closer to Damion and interlocked her hand in his as she waited for an answer. Cecily was a strange one, but she had helped her get her memory back, or so she heard. So she had to be grateful.

Cecily showed her teeth to Damion. It was a way of her showing her displeasure, it was the fox in her. "Well someone is being rude today." Then looking at Miriel her mood changed to a sweeter tone, "Oh, I'm not doing much, just working on a new tea flavor. A beautiful thing might I add. Actually...why don't you come up to try some?" She frowned slightly at Damion, but continued to talk to Miriel, "You can bring grumpy pants with you." Turning on her toes she started up to her place. Then as if she had forgotten something she whirled around and faced them. "Oh, don't worry about this tea, it's purely healthy for you. A tad boring I might say, but it is tasty and if grumpy brings his frowny little face into my house," Cecily's amber eyes narrowed, "Then he might get a little bit of strange "sugar" slipped into his." Then turning again she headed back to the haunted looking ruins she called home.

Miriel shrugged her shoulders an turning to Damion smirked. "Well we have nothing else to do and I am a bit thirsty. What do you say?"

[saerwen]

"Miriel and Damion have always been ready to support me, but they hae never been the kind of people to give you a swift kick in the butt which is exactly what Neron did for me, and it worked," Jaedon knew that any other kind of response was going to be pointless. However, she also knew that if she tried to reply to any other questions that Ares posed she would get angry and probably attack him. However, her pondering was inevitable and so she trod down the path that led to anger. She couldn't stop herself because it was the thing that mattered to her most. She oculdn't push this thought aside.

When she replayed all of their moments together in her mind it become horrifyingly apparent that there was a possibility that Ares was right. The angel in Jaedons mind said, Neron would never be that cruel. Maybe he would have before hand but he has changed now. He has only ever cared for you. But no matter what the little angel said, the demon won out and persuaded her that Ares was right, that she was nothing to Neron. All of her hopes, her reason for living, her love, all of it was wasted on someone that wanted nothing more than to tear her heart apart and send her back to the depths that she had come from. Why did you ever try to leave that level that you have come from? You never even left! What hopes did you have for yourself? Did you picture yourself happily settled in a beautiful house with Neron on five children? Foolish girl, there is no hope for you. You were lost the second that you sold yourself to Fische. He turned you into a monster and a wretch. Don't linger in this state of regret any longer. Kill Ares and leave this place. You will be better off. Jaedon turned her back to Ares so that he couldn't see her grimace as she listened. It was painful, worse than any wound that she had ever received before. All that she had thought was hers and all that she had longed for was just a lie. She wanted to give into everything that she thought, but the weakness of her heart which was explained by her love for Neron caused her to prevent catastrophe. She wasn't going to kill Ares, and she wasn't going go back to where she had been, but she was going to leave and she was going to go and find some place to put her morbid skills to use. When she turned back around to Ares, some of the color had drained from her face and she looked like someone who was holding themselves back from everything that they longed for.

"I am trying to ease this problem and you continue to spit in my face. I will leave you to yourself since you seem quite willing to stay this way. My best wishes for you Ares. Hopefully something will change your mind along your journey through life," with that, Jaedon began to walk away.

"How do you know that I was lying?" Damion protested in a shrill voice like a child trying to weasel their way out of trouble. He then just averted his eyes when Miriel replied so warmly to Cecily. How could she remain so calm?

"Forgive me, where are my manners?" Damion muttered under his breath. He knew that he was being short, but he was inclined to dislike this girl because of things that she had done in the past. At her underhanded threat to poison him he raised an eyebrow and muttered again, "What an incentive to come along."

However, when Miriel just gaily went along with the plan his jaw dropped, "Wait a minute, Miriel. You are telling me that you are fully willing to go and have 'tea' with someone that just threatened to kill me? Have you even-" he left off on his thought as he quickly shut his mouth and raised his hands in a slight sign of surrender. Then leaning over he whispered in Miriel's ear, "Shutting up now..."

[»Míríel«]

Ares couldn't help but grin when he saw that his words were working. Even though he was currently walking near the edge of death physically he still had the talent of persuasion. Her appearance when she turned around was most satisfactory. The goal of this whole thing was to tear Jaedon and Neron apart. Then, if all went according to plan Jaedon would revert to her own ways, proving Ares as right, and Neron would leave her. The spell between these two would be broken. "What's wrong Jaedon you look a bit pale. Did something I say bother you? Well though the truth hurts, I'm sure it will set you free, or so I've heard."

Neron's eyes flew open at these words. What had happened between Ares and Jaedon while he had been away? Was she alright? Had they fought? Pulling himself up he stifled a groan. His feet shuffled against the ground but he tried to put on a tough appearance. As he made it around the rock and facing Ares he spoke out in the strongest voice he could muster. "The truth only sets you free if it is the truth." Neron's black hair was matted against his forehead with sweat. Reaching up with shaking hands he brushed it aside and smirked at his friend. "Even though I don't know what you two were talking about, I doubt the credibility of your reasoning Ares. "

"Neron." Ares snarled and crouched down, ears flattened against his head and teeth showing. "Always popping up at the most inconvenient times. What brings you here?"

Neron leaned up against a rock, making it seem like he was being cocky, not weak. "To watch you of course. You know I was always the one watching over you."

"Fool, I was the one that watched over your sorry hide, not the other way around."

"Ah...that's right, forgive my memory, it seems to be failing me of late." Neron pushed his hair back once more, the sweaty strands kept falling into his eyes. "Now, refreash, or enlighten, my mind. What is going on here with you and Jaedon. She hasn't stole your heart now has she?"

Ares snarled, "That's not funny."

"I beg to differ." Neron smiled slightly. "You better watch out Ares, before long that heart of yours isn't going to function correctly when she is around you."

"Well Neron, perhaps but I seriously doubt that. she's not my type. What about you. Do you like her?"

Neron let out a little laugh that turned into something that resembled a cough. Glancing at Jaedon his eyes moved over her for a moment. "Her?" He turned to Ares, "Nah."

Miriel focused her eyes on Damion with a sly look. "I know a great many things Damion." Miriel was surprised at his apology to Cecily, but it was soon followed by bitterness. What was wrong with him today? Why was he on such bad terms with Cecily. "I am fully willing to go have "tea"" She turned to him and used her index and middle fingers to form quotation marks in the air. " With her. From what I understand she helped me with my memory, perhaps in an indirect way, but she helped non-the-less. Have you forgotten that already?" Miriel's eyebrows drew together in confusion. "What do you have against her?" When he mentioned shutting up she shook her head. Turning she made continued up toward Cecily's house. She didn't even notice the haunting look.

Cecily had already clambered up to her house. It was surprisingly light in the front of the house and then slowly receded into darkness. Running around frantically she cleared away her poison making tools and stoked the fire. Then she sprinted around murmuring to herself "Tea...where is that...tea...." Her child-like face was scrunched up in frustration. Then all of a sudden she paused, sniffed the air. Her eyes narrowed, "Found you." She walked over to a little silver jar and reaching in pulled out leaves. a minty fragrance filled the air. With a smile she threw it in a pot and put the tea over the fire.

[saerwen]

Jaedon saw Neron pop out from behind the rocks. SHe was not excited to see him anymore, and was not quite capable of looking him in the face. She felt like a fool. He had used her so cruelly and blatantly but she had never had the wit to catch it. Even though parts of her continued to argue that she wasn't to blame and that perhaps Neron really did care for her, everything within her commanded that she believe that he didn't care in the way that she wanted most. She wanted his love and his trust more than anything, but she had never stopped to consider whether she could trust him. Perhaps she had simply left it implied. She didn't know, and she didn't care.

The truth only sets you free if it's the truth. Jaedon stopped when she heard that, wondering if Neron was telling her that Ares had been lying. She wanted to believe that is what is meant, but she was wrong. It wasn't long before she heard Ares ask the question straight out. She held her breath and turned to look at Neron just as he looked at her. She instantly turned away and cursed herself for being so desperate. And when he said no, she cursed herself even more. It wasn't her way to play the part of the weakling. She gave Neron a vicious look and whirled around, leaving in a hurry. Her anger with him was rekindled and she knew that it would never die down.He had betrayed her trust.

"No, Miriel, I haven't forgotten that she is the one that helped you regain your memories, but one right doesn't make up for a few wrongs," Damion didn't mean to snap, he just stressed his point, "I am not in the mood to go and become friends with someone that sells weapons for sport and was nearly the death of Jaedon, as though she didn't have enough death to think about already!" Damion had discovered that Jaedon had tried to poison herself when he smelled a few drops of the potent liquid on her shirt. He had interrogated her until she had confessed to everything that had happened. He felt much gratitude towards Neron for his quick actions, even if he didn't mean to. "I have enough against her to be wary of her and if you would be wise to do the same."

[»Míríel«]

Neron's eyes softened as her let out a sigh. This time his eyes dropped for a moment and he ran his hand through his hair out of embarrassment, not annoyance, "Ares... I..." His eyes looked up at his past friend and the words slid out of his mouth like silk, "I love her." This was sad softly, and it was doubtful that Jaedon would ever hear it, especially since she was charging away. Due to his sickness her piercing look had gone unnoticed. Neron's eyes quickly changed from a soft glow to a blazing fire. "I don't know what you have done or what you are planing in that head of yours, but I must ask you to stop now."

Ares saw that he had miscalculated, Neron was truly in love with this girl. This made his rage all the more fierce. There was no hope for his friend now. It was no longer the curse of the witch that was blinding him, but rather his own love. "I can't do that Neron, not even for you. Now that I see your feelings are true I cannot even dream of being your friend once more. Since I have convinced your lover that you don't care for her I doubt you two will have a happy ending, you're welcome." Ares smirked.

The feeling of his heart sinking cause Neron to waver as the world spun around him. Steadying himself on a rock he managed to say, "What did you say?"

"It seems that I was lucky in guessing that you had never told her that you loved her. So I played on those fears. Now you are nothing but a worthless reptile in her eyes."

"You bloody...." Neron's fist tightened on the rock. "You know how important that four letter word is to me."

"Which is exactly how I knew you hadn't used it yet. What's wrong Neron? You aren't looking to good, did those rocks hurt you? Poor little baby."

Rage filled Neron's heart and his eyes flicked to reptilian. HE knew that if he attacked first that Ares would then unleash all his fury on him. Right now though, Neron didn't give a rip. Flashing a piercing glare at Ares fire leaped up at Are's feet. Ares let out a little roar but this opened him up to being able to attack Neron and that is exactly what he did. Letting out a full fledged roar this time he barreled into Neron. This cracked Neron's already fractured ribs and sent a roar of pain coming from him. Tears clouded his eyes as he tried to fight back, but it was useless. Neron was in his human form, a broken one at that, and Ares was twice his size. Ares gripped Neron on the sides with his claws diging in deep to his flesh around his hips. Bringing his head close to Neron Ares smirked. "Good luck getting out of this one. A little silver head angel gave me something she called tea to apply on my claws. She was very willing after I told her that I needed to put an end to some chaos in my life. I didn't use it in the past fight due to my concern for fairness and I was planning on using on your little girlfriend also. She didn't seem to be in the fighting mood today so I resorted to mental tactics. It all turned out for the better I suppose. This time you won't be walking away from this fight so easily. Now will you? See you in the other world."

Neron's eyes were filled with pain he felt himself growing cold. "You bloody, back stabbing-"

"Now now, don't let your last words be bad ones, it would be terrible to be remembered by them." Ares grinned viciously and then raised his head for the killing bite.

Cecily, seeing the teapot over the fire sniffed in delight as the minty scent slid over her senses. Looking at the entrance she was surprised to see that he guests hadn't arrived yet. "They must be out of shape...." She raised her eyebrow and skipping to the entrance managed to catch Damion's words. "Can't be trusted eh? Tell me. Can you trust a swords salesman? Yes!" She didn't wait for his answer, "Just because he makes and sells the swords doesn't hold him accountable for the death of innocent children or women. Thus my making of the poisons doesn't make me accountable for others deaths. I do not kill them, the person who puts it in the tea does. I don't rummage in others business either. How they use the poisons is up to them, not me." She narrowed her eyes are Damion and tapped her foot. Then like the flip of a light switch she smiled and tilted her head slightly. "Now are you slow pokes coming or not?" Once again, not waiting for an answer she turned and waltzed into her house.

Miriel shook her head at Damion and then with a sigh shrugged. "She has a point. Listen, I don't know what you are going to do but I am going to be cordial to her. It would be wise to be on her side instead of against her. Believe me. You can stay out here, but I am in the mood for some tea." With that she turned and started heading toward the house. Soon enough she passed into the entrance and vanished from sight.

[saerwen]

Jaedon was found along the way that she really didn't have the stamina for walking quickly anywhere. She had dashed off at first, but now she was walking slowly, forcing herself not to look back. Her chest hurt like it hadn't in a long time. The last time that she had felt this was the night that her mother left her to die in that market. Abandonded, fooled, and abused...All feelings that started to build up bitter resentment. She paused in her steps and let her hand go up to her face. Her fingers slid over her lips, which now tingled with the memory of Neron's kiss. She felt one tear roll down her face. The pain in her chest was worse than ever now, her heart was breaking into pieces one little memory at a time.

Jaedon's memories were interrupted by the sound of Ares letting out a roar. Her head turned sharply back to the scene she had just left. Neron had used a fire spell on Ares. How could he have been so stupid? He was walking on thin ice as it was, one blow from Ares could put him past saving. She was about to run back when the evil that slept inside her told her otherwise. Why rescue him? Why do anything to help him? He did things worse to you than your mother ever did. Who cares if he dies? It's what he deserves. He's broken your heart in such a way that you will never recover from, which means he had practically sentenced you to death...Why not do the same for him? He never wanted your help anyway. Jaedon's tears flowed faster and faster. Her feet had been carrying her back to the scene of the fight, but now she was so close to just turning around. Right when she was going to, she heard Neron yell out in pain. Her eyes looked up to find him pinned to the ground with Ares' hulking form over him.

Shaking her head as the voice inside her continued to tell her to abandon the man that was ready to abandon her. She wasn't going to listen to herself this time. There was something that drove her to do the right thing. Neron pulled me from the darkest parts of my mind. I can only do the same for him by pulling him out of help. I can't keep killing people that harm me emotionally. The entire world would die then. It's time that I learned to forgive, and this is the start. As Ares raised his head to kill Neron, Jaedon's form slammed into him, ripping him off of Neron and pinning him to the ground again.

"I let you live last time, and this is how you reward my mercy? Do you know how hard it was for me to not kill you last time?" Jaedon smirked, "The one time that I try to do the right thing, I cast my pearls before swine...Not anymore." Her claws, which were at Ares' neck, ensuring that if he made a move Jaedon could kill him swiftly, now ensured that he would never try to move or hurt again. Slicing both ways, one paw to the left and the other to the right, Jaedon put her knowledge of murder to use, cutting through the soft fur and few muscles that protected Ares' throat from harm, she killed him. She looked at her victim for a moment. She had thought her killing days were over, but she now saw that she would never be rid of it. It was only a natural part of life. "Neron?" She heard herself ask. She then turned to survey the damage done to him.

Damion had to admit that Cecily had a good point, but poisons could only be used for one purpose: death. Although swords were an agent of death also, at least you could use them for self-defense if need be. It was twisted in his mind, and the more that he thought about it, he couldn't bring himself to come to terms with going in there. It was like there was some evil thing in there that was pushing him away. Something bad was happening, and even though he didn't know what it was, he was not going to go in there until he could be civil, or until he could figure out some reason to get Miriel away from her.

"Go ahead, I just need to think for a minute. I should be joining you in a moment," his usually bright eyes were dark and cloudy. It would have been obvious that something was on his mind and it was troubling him. "Would you be so kind as to give my apologies to Cecily. I don't know what is wrong, but I think it best I figure it out before I act in an unfair manner."

[»Míríel«]

Neron felt the weight on him ripped off. The vicious movement caused his jaw to clench tightly. Not a word came from his mouth for a while, he was beyond expressing pain in yells, he didn't have the energy to. Instead he let out a groan as tears streaked his face. It was the first time he had cried in a long time, probably when he had lost his mother. Neron shifted his weight from side to side slightly, yet every time he moved it just increased his pain. Another whimper like noise came from his lips. His sides were growing sticky with blood, the wounds them revealed by hist ripped shirt. The wounds weren't deep enough to be fatal but enough to cause a fair amount of bleeding. What was most concerning were the areas having a darkness to them that wasn't natural and could only be explained by poison.
"Neron?" The voice of Jaedon seemed far away, but he managed to face in her direction. "Jaedon...Jaedon..." He grimaced in pain and tried to curl up into a fetal position. Yet this movement was stopped by the barrier of pain. His eyes looked up at her in pain crazed eyes, glistening with tears. "Jaedon, I...I" HE was trying his hardest to tell her what was on his heart, she deserved to know, but he couldn't get the words out. SO he closed his eyes and clenched his jaw again, it was to much pain.

ARes felt her claws at his neck. He had been caught off guard, his mistake. The blood poured from him and he felt his life slip out with it. Knowing she could read minds he put out with his quickly fading strength, "He's poisoned, have fun trying to save him..." His gurgling laughter would have been broadcast to any mind readers and then it was gone. Darkness enveloped him and he continued on a journey which remains a mystery to all those who are living.

Miriel shook her head at Damion. Even though she understood his reasoning, she couldn't help but have some resentment at his stubborn prejudice against this girl. Miriel was never a girl who thought badly of others just because others said that these people were bad, she had to see or experience it herself. Cecily's dwelling was an eclectic place. dried plants and live plants scattered around on shelves and tables with all sorts of strange devices. A strange, yet wonderful scent filled it. Turning she saw Cecily motioning her to a seat. The tea kettle, now whistling at a high pitch, made speech impossible. The teakettle and the cups were the only thing normal it seemed.

Cecily quickly poured the tea into the cups as a minty scent wafted up. Then setting the kettle down she handed the cup to Miriel while she held one herself. Blowing delicately on the tea she gazed over the brim with cat-like eyes at Miriel. "I see you knight hasn't come into my swelling. HE doesn't like me does he? What a presumptuous fellow."
Miriel took the cup and shot a glance towards the doorway before turning back. "You know I really am so-"
"I'm used to it though." Cecily interrupted. "So don't worry about it my dear. Try the tea, it's delicious."

Tarian stood above the two living people on a tall rock. He was in his natural form, a skeletal horse, thin and wasted away. His head resembled that of a dragon and his skin was taunt and rough. Two bat-like wings sprouted from his back, the membrane was torn and ripped in some places giving him a haunted look. He was silent and unnoticed so far. The scent of blood and flesh had drawn him here and now he saw that this had been a place of killing and pain. His bright white eyes stared down at the two living ones in curiosity, though those light filled eyes were unreadable to those not used to his species.

[saerwen]

Jaedon had heard what Ares' last thoughts were. How vulgar to be thinking of another's death upon your own. She drew away from him quickly after that, now wondering what kind of sorcery he had used to poison Neron. She knew that it was not going to be easy to heal Neron, and Miriel was low on power. Her fear for Neron's life was now real and startling, but it only became more so when she saw how weak he was. He was crying, a sight that made Jaedon's heart run cold. It was so unlike him. He was really in trouble now.

Coming close to him she grabbed one of his hands. As he tried to speak she shook her head slightly, "Don't speak Neron, it will only make things worse. Just wait until we get you fixed up." Her eyes scanned over his broken form. She knew that his ribs were broken and the claw marks left by Ares were dripping with blood. Neron was going to die if she didn't get help soon, but Jaedon knew that, even though she was strong, she was too small to carry Neron's broken form to Miriel. She looked back to Neron to find that he had closed his eyes, trying to deal with the pain, "Hold on, Neron," she whispered softly, "I am gonna get you out of this. I just have to..." she turned and looked around. She became very protective of the broken form beside her. There was someone here, watching them, but she didn't know where, or who...She could just feel it. The hairs on the back of her neck were standing up. She then decided that she would give her love to hope.

"Is there anyone out there? CAN ANYONE HEAR ME? I NEED HELP!" she yelled at the cliffs, not sure what she was hoping for, but praying for it anyway. She continued to think about what she could do when she finally remembered. Looking back to Neron she shut her eyes tightly and began to use her powers. She was searching, looking for the minds of other people around her. Her limit was about 1 mile, and within that one mile she came into contact with the minds of animals. However, she did find one animal that seemed to be smarter than the rest. It was like her, a mythical animal. Please help me! Please! she begged it. She used all of the perssuasive powers that she possessed to call it.

Damion had sat down on a nearby pillar that had fallen down ages ago. However, his restless soul caused him to rise and start pacing again. This isn't right...What isn't right? What is plaguing me so? Why can't I go in there? Why can't I bring myself to be at least civil? I have never been this unforgiving before. What has happened to you, Damion? Then he realized something else that was amiss. It wasn't just his worries about Cecily, he was now worrying about Jaedon and Neron. They had been gone a long time and he was becoming worried about what had happened to them. Neron hadn't looked very good last time that he had seen them...What if he had collapsed and Jaedon couldn't help him? What if something had happened to Ares? His pacing grew more frantic as he continued to look constantly to where the two darker figures had disappeared.

"I shouldn't have sent him...He was too weak. Damion you fool, what were you thinking?"

[»Míríel«]

Neron shook his head when she told him not to speak, he had to tell her something, he had to. "NO...Jaedon, Jaedon." He was starting to go into shock, his eyes were wide and he muttered her name over and over. His voice was barely above a whisper. Sweat dripping strands of hair fell around his eyes, hiding those windows to his soul from view. It was a good thing for you would be bale to see everything he was experiencing in them, the pain, the worry, the madness. His vision was starting to darken slightly.

Tarian heard her voice in his head. Obviously these humans were more powerful than they seemed. "Which you knew of course." It was time to make new acquaintances, more than likely they would both be able to see him due to their experience to death. People who knew death had a certain scent to them, an air. It was almost like seeing something die made you closer to death and gave you a better understanding of life.
The girl below was getting more frantic than ever. Tarian didn't blame her, the poor chap she was by was dreadful looking. Pining his wings to his side he leaped from the rock toward the two, then spreading his wings he landed about 20 feet behind her.

Neron saw something behind Jaedon's shoulder, it looked like an agent of death. He stopped saying Jaedon's name and the tears stopped flowing for a moment. "Death...death..."

Tarian walked closer, the sound of his hooves against the sandy ground was hard to hear, but every once in a while his hoof would hit a stone from the ruins or a rock. Those large wings of his were folded neatly, like a blanket, behind him. HE stopped a couple of feet away from her, he had moved a bit to the side so he wouldn't appear to be stalking the girl. Fixing a glowing white eye on her he dipped his head slightly. "You called Ma'am?" HIs eyes turned to the dark figure on the ground. "Rest easy chap, I am not death itself, you are safe from those dark hands, well for now anyways."

Miriel stared into the slightly green liquid. What is Damion was right, what if this liquid was poisoned? Cecily wouldn't do that to her, would she? "You got yourself into this and if you are going to trust her you have to trust her fully, not with half a heart." With a sigh she took a sip of the tea. IT was very refreshing. The minty flavor seemed to dance down your throat soothing and cooling away your fears on the way down. "Oh, it's delicious." When she looked up Cecily had a smirk on her face.

"Of course it is! I made it after all!" Cecily's smirk turned to a grin. "You see most people tend to burn the leaves on water that is to hot, or they seep it for to long, tea making is a tricky buisness. Leaves not picked at the right time can hinder the flavor as well. But I won't weigh you down with all these details, though I am glad you liked it. Actually I'm glad you tried it. Most people change their mind as soon as they are about to take the first sip."

This caused Miriel to take a glance toward the doorway once more. Damion still hadn't entered. What was bothering him so much? Usually he would have cooled down by now, wouldn't he? Something else must be bothering him.

[saerwen]

"Dang it, Neron, are you going to use up every last bit of your life to tell me one thing that you could tell me later on when life and death isn't an issue? Now be quiet and try to calm down!" she wasn't angry with Neron but she did want to get the point across that she was serious. She was frazzled and grasping for a way to help Neron, but the strange black surrounding his wounds told her that there was nothing that she alone could do.

When Neron started calling out "death" in an almost crazed manner Jaedon felt helpless. This couldn't be the last for Neron. If it was, she would never forgive herself. She couldn't let him go, she wouldn't let him go! She was so deep in worry for Neron that she hadn't heard Tarian walking up behind her. When he called to her she jumped and her worry filled eyes became protective and untrusting again. She saw the frightening image that had haunted Neron. Is this what she had called to help? She was worried that she had done something for the worse, not for the better, which was something that Neron didn't have time for.

His calming and soothing words to Neron calmed her fears instantly, regardless of what she had previously thought. It was surprising to hear such a dark figure speak so softly, but it was good news for her. Her distrusting glare died away and changed to thankfulness instantly. Her protectiveness was still very evident though.

"Please, I can't carry him. I need to get him to my friend's they can help him." it was now that Jaedon stopped to consider exactly who she would take Neron to. He was poisoned...Who could get rid of that poison...? Cecily's image jumped into her mind right away. "It shouldn't be far." her voice had been weak with concern but now that she knew what she was going to do, she became strong and determined. Nothing was going to stop her from saving Neron.

Damion was now certain that something had gone awry. He dashed inside the little house that Miriel was now in and found her form instantly. In an anxious manner he queried, "Has Jaedon tried to contact you? They aren't back yet."

[»Míríel«]

After Jaedon's harsh words Neron clenched his jaw shut again. It had brought some of his sanity back, though this flicker of control faded quickly. His eyes were starting to grow distant.

Tarian had sensed her insecurity and her protective nature over the man laying their, the two must be in a relationship of some sort. " No worries there, my young one. Though I may have a slender figure these bones are much stouter and tougher than you may think. Taking a couple steps closer to the man he lowered his head. Neron seemed agitated by his presence. "Son, you must be still. I wish I could help with the pain but the poison is to deep in your system. If I relaxed you...you would never wake back up. Now don't get your drawers in a wad, I am going to look you over." With a nod he inspected NEron's wounds. "Shattered ribs, bruised organs no doubt by the discoloring and bruising around his chest. Claw marks with black edges." His emotionless eyes stared for a moment before he moved back to the man. "Listen, you must lay still. What is going to happen next is going to hurt. stay with me. don't fall asleep, whatever you do, don't fall asleep." He saw the boy's eyes looking at the girl. They were definitely in a relationship of some sort. Lowering his head back down he said in a quiet voice, one that Jaedon would probably be able to pick up and whispered, "If you care for the girl you will do what she says. You will try your hardest to stay awake."

Neron nodded slightly in a feverish way.

Tarian turned to Jaedon. "I can take you to someone. I don't know where your friends are but I doubt they will be able to help. That wound has a strong poison in it and it's gotten into his blood stream. If he doesn't get help now, he won't make it. I know someone nearby who deals with herbs and those sorts of stuff and she will be able to help us. I was heading her way anyways so this will not be an inconvenience to me at all. First, you have to get him up. I need something. Force him up if you have to." Turning from her he made his way toward the fallen lion. The sweet smell of blood came to his nostrils and it made his stomach gurgle. He was hungry and he needed nourishment before he continued on the journey with them. Carrying one person wasn't a problem, but two fully grown people, he needed energy. So he bowed his head and ate.

Neron had quieted slightly, the evil looking horse had called him son. That was something he hadn't been called in a long time. A long time. For some reason those words called him and he trusted in this dark horse. He would be ok, he would be ok. The world was growing dark though, the edges of his sight was fading. "Jaedon?" He only said her name once this time, his voice was very weak.

Miriel was surprised when Damion came rushing in. She nearly dropped the teacup when he asked if Jaedon had contacted her. "NO...no she hasn't why?? Did she contact you?" Her eyes widened as everything clicked in her head, they hadn't returned, it was late. "Oh my heavens, what if something happened?! What if..." She set the tea cup down and steadied herself. "No, they have to be fine, they have to be. They are just taking their time talking to Ares...right?" Yet she knew that what she was saying wasn't correct, the emptiness in her soul, which she was just aware of, had returned. Something was wrong.

CEcily poured another cup while the drama was commencing. Then when it had stopped she handed it out to Damion, "would you like some mint tea?" SHe smiled slightly before tilting her head in a comforting manner, "There is nothing you can do, what has happened has happened. You're friends will be fine. Jaedon will take care of things."

[saerwen]

Jaedon listened in silence. She hoped that the dark one knew what he was talking about, and she hoped even harder that his friend knew how to help Neron. They only had time enough to take him to one person. She turned to Neron and heard him call her name softly one last time. It was heart wrenching to hear him so broken. She prayed that she would be able to hear him call her name again, but some feeling inside her said that that was the last time she would hear his voice.

A rather disturbing sound roused her from this despair...Flesh was being ripped from bone. Jaedon's eyes widened. Her form stiffened and as she looked at Neron's dark eyes he probably would have been able to see that she was alarmed. However, not wanting him to get into a fuss, she pushed all feeling of disgust away...She ate flesh anyway, sometimes she had taken a bite out of her victims since she was starving. It was natural...yes, natural. She tried to convince herself that it was fine.

"Neron, don't move. Let me pick you up." She rose from her kneeling position beside him and got behind him. Her thin, long arms slipped very gently under his shoulders. "Don't you dare try and help yourself up even though this is going to hurt," she whispered in his ear as a final warning. After ensuring that she had a good firm grasp on him, she lifted his body to where he was in a sitting position. When She had accomplished this, she kept on arm around his shoulders and the other across this chest, ensuring that he was steady. She would be there to comfort and support him for as long as he needed it, that much she was sure of. Even though he had used her and she was angry, she wouldn't stop loving him.

Looking to Tarian she spoke, "I've got him up, we best go now." When Tarian came back, Jaedon would finish lifting Neron up to his feet, but she wouldn't put him through that pain until it was absolutely necessary. He was in enough pain like this as it was.

"No, she didn't. Her range is only a little ways. They are probably too far away," Damion was slightly upset. "They can't have been talking with Ares' all this time." When Cecily offered him tea his eyes became dull, "Thank you, but I am not in the mood for tea now," he probably came across as a little cold, but anyone that knew him well would have been able to tell that it was mainly from stress. When she spoke of Jaedon taking care of things Damion became angry. "Jaedon was the one that started this whole mess. She won't fix it. She never fixes her problems," then in a softer manner he had second thoughts about his angry outburst, "However, I do know that she will make sure that Neron is safe. She cares too much for him not too."

[»Míríel«]

Neron let out a sort of gurgling noise when she raised him up to a sitting position. Even her supportive touch awakened his ribs and they screamed in agony. His eyes clouded as he fought against the darkness of unconsciousness. He wanted to lay back down, he wanted to go to sleep. Sleep would cover over his pain and he would be safe from it, it would be his safe heaven. Neron knew he couldn't, he just couldn't. It would let JAedon down, it would let the flying horse down. That horse had called him son, he was a nice horse...yes, a nice horse.

Tarian had filled himself, the rest would be for the birds. That carcass was fresh, just the way he liked it. He had just finished when the girl's voice called out to him. "I'm comming, Ma'am, I'm not a useless knob you know." heading over there he positioned himself by her, "Now, be careful, I wish I could assist you, but you look like a strong girl. Just remember that we are trying to keep him out of the most pain possible. " He turned his reptilian head toward her, "No pressure of course." His voice was smooth with humor. "Now, up he goes." Pulling his wings back to allow more room he was careful that neither would be nicked by the sharp spines that he used as finger like stakes.

Neron looked at Jaedon with wide eyes of growing delirium, "You didn't understand...you didn't hear....Jaedon..." His head tilted back slightly as he groaned in agony. "Jaedon I..." HIs voice faded, " you..." It was like he was tryign to say something but the word wasn't coming out, he didn't have the energy. "I..."

"That's enough chap, simmer down. You can apologize later. You will need all your strength for this jolly little ride eh? Now be a good chap and brace yourself. This next movement is going to be a doozy." Tarian's voice was gentle and coaxing, almost fatherly.


Miriel felt her stomach drop. "You're right...it's been to long. What should we do??"

Cecily glanced from one another and she set down the tea she offered Damion. 'Jaedon, I am sure, will do her best to protect Neron, he will be fine. Jaedon isn't the type girl to let someone like him just die in her arms. She would probably figure out a way to sprout wings to get him here if need be." She sat down on her seat and crossing her legs she smoothed out the fabric. "Besides, if something has happened it has already happened there is nothing you can do now but wait. Plus by the time you found them it would be to late to do anything anyways. You will hear from them...very soon I believe." A mysterious, knowing grin came to her lips.

[saerwen]

Jaedon hadn't meant to sound snappy, but she was in a hurry to get Neron help. She was worried. However, she did notice that she was continually being addressed as Ma'am and it was getting on her nerves. This guy sounded as old as Damion, if not older. "My name is Jaedon," she said absent-mindedly as she tightened her grasp on Neron and after rising herself, she Pulled Neron straight up and over to the horse. "Sorry if that was a little rough," she whispered as she used all of her strength to pull Neron further up. After a little more maneuvering, Neron was safely on the back of his dark steed.

Jaedon backed away a little in order to give clearance of flight, but she felt herself ache to hold Neron again. She wasn't ready to let him go. She was scared to leave him, scared that he would die while she wasn't there. That she wouldn't see him ever again, alive in this life time. This reality came crashing into, as though it could knock her off her feet. Well Jaedon, you might ahve gotten your way. You killed Ares to protect Neron. You wanted to do the right thing instead of the wrong thing. You wanted a second chance for saving your parents from your own wrath, but in the end, you neglect could almost be as bad as your actions. At least your parents didn't have to suffer anything. She had thought of this a way to turn from what she had done to her mother and father, killing them because of the empty feelings that she had had. She had been emptied emotionally by Neron, and she had almost done the same thing to him that she had to her parents. Now Neron was paying the price for her cold hearted hesitation. If she had never left then none of this could have happened. Neron would still be alright. She shook her head slightly and took another step back, almost scared to go near Neron now, afraid of what she might see.

"I don't know. I thought of going and looking for them, but as Cecily has already pointed out, that wouldn't help." Damion gave Cecily an very angry stare. "For some reason you sound like you know something that we don't, and I am anxious to know if that suspicion holds any truth." He wasn't angry, but he was eying Cecily with a gaze that told her he wasn't going to stand for any lies. "You wouldn't happen to know something would you?"

[»Míríel«]

Tarian nodded to her when Neron was on his back. "Don't back away Ma-, erm, Jadeon, THis bloke is going to need to to keep him on my back. He's worse than drunk right now." He pulled his wings back a bit, revealing enough room for JAedon on his back. It would be a tight fit, but she would fit. "Don't worry about speed, I move faster than lightning, your weight will only make a slight difference in my speed.

Neron was starting to give up. The pain was to much, the darkness to strong. Even though he was on the horse, he could barely stay there. The back of the beast was bony to say in the least. His wounds on his sides were still bleeding slightly, though they seemed to be stopping, the blood more black than before. His fists grasped weakly on the mane of the horse as he started to slouch forward.

"He needs you Jaedon." Tarian pawed at the ground in impatience.

CEcily felt Damion and Miriel's stare on her. She stirred her tea slowly and thoughtfully. HEr words were measured and well thought out, " I do know that a friend should be in the area. IF there is any smell of fresh flesh, he will be drawn to it." A smirk was seen. "Don't worry though, he's the very gentle sort of fellow.