Post by Keaira O'Connell on Jan 3, 2008 13:57:42 GMT -5
Keaira eyes Zane looking for anything to determine whether he was believing, or even trusting her words. He had been honest with him. So much though that she knew he had to believe her. His options were limited, and she was not going to let him go without her permission. The moment that they had touched back by the lake Keaira had felt the same pull that she had experienced with Dien when they had bonded. She had known with that one touch that Dien had been replaced already.
She felt a little worried as Zane reminded her that she promised not to harm him. Keaira couldn’t help but wonder what it was that he was afraid to show her so much that he needed to remind her of her own words. Apprehension almost made her draw her hands away, but he clasped down on them just as she went to pull away. Keaira had already had her mind opened for the mental link that she knew would be established, so as soon as he touched her hands she felt the surge of mental activity as they exchanged memories. Her mind felt out of order, like chaos swarmed around her, pulling memories from different parts of her life, out of order, and simply streaming them to Zane. The more she poured in to him, the more she felt of his memories falling in to her.
It was late one night, and the pair sat in the gardens, he had his old wooden flute, and was playing softly for her. Keaira’s eyes were closed, as she thought hard about something. “It hurts so much, how can I stop it?” The girl threw open her eyes, an almost stood up in frustration. “I’ll never get this.” The man shook his head, and sighed. “My dear if you wish everything to work instantly, you will get nowhere. You must work for what you want, and you must desire it wholeheartedly. If you will not try you cannot succeeded. Do not let the thought of failure enter your mind or you will. Now try again. And Focus. Remember every action shall be reaped in the future. But if it will help, try this.” A bottle of liquid smoky silver was uncorked, a small sip, and she returned to her meditation.
Snippets’ of conversations rushed through her mind, “Karma isn’t just cause and effect, but it is the growth of your decisions.” “Now, now Alecto you can’t win me over with your charms. I’m not as easy as that grandfather of yours. Dum spiro spero. Translation?” "My day has been well, Fair Maiden, but could not compare to the grace of beauty that stands before me..."
The smell of cooking was evident in the air, it was late, she sat on the floor pouting a little, as a hand was reached down to help her stand. She reached up. Taking it and stumbled forward. Alessandro caught her, the pairs faces were inches apart. She couldn’t help but wonder what he was going to do. She liked him, but would he take advantage of the situation. Or was he more of a friend type?
The memory was gone, replaced with the always constant buzz of the thoughts around her. She was never alone. No matter how late it got, or how few people stayed at the castle. She always had the comfort of hearing the random things that were found at with in others minds.
A girl, her curly mahogany hair bounced around her face, as she danced on her grandfathers shoes. A porcline mask on her face glittered and silver. She giggled happily knowing that he would always be there for her.
The memories that had rushed by slowed, clearing in on a single one. It was a late night, much too late for a young girl to be out even with her grandfather. It had been a great day, filled with fun, and excitement. Movies, and dinner, a carnival with a treat called funnel cake; the night was better than any she had had. He was getting old but she knew that it was alright. He would always be her grandfather. They had ridden all of the small rides that the muggle carnival could offer, just enjoying the night. The joy that was steamed off of the girl seemed to be unending. They left the park her arms full. He had won her several new stuffed toys. And although they didn’t play back with you, and they wouldn’t dance on their own, she thought they were the cutes things ever. They walked slowly down the street, just enjoying the aftereffects of the night.
But the night could only be joyful for so long. As the sky darkened and the sounds of the carnival faded they continued onward. Her grandfather had intended to apprapate as soon as they reached a safe distance from the muggles. They held hands and laughed in to the night unaware that they were being followed.
“We’re almost their Alecto, are you ready?” He had whispered the words, as if it was a secret only for her. She nodded excitedly.
“One, Two, Th-” A loud bang pierced the evening air, as the two spun in place. And soon Keaira found that she was falling on to the ground, face first, the arm full of stuffed toys scattered about the ground. Her body seemed to have been tossed from its starting position with such a force that the landing knocked the wind out of her, and she rolled several times in the dirt before stopping. She was disorientated, as it barely registered that some one had roughly grabbed her, and almost lifted her completely off the ground.
“Look what we ‘Ave ‘ere.” There was a dingy smell to the voice that was so close to her face. “A rich man and his ‘ittle girl. ‘And o’er the cash or we’ll kill ‘er.” There was something cold and solid placed against her head. Keaira was shaking with fear; she didn’t know what was going on but knew that it couldn’t be good.
“Please, let her go.” She heard the whispered voice of her grandfather as he struggled to say the words. His voice was cracked with pain, but she couldn’t see him. Fear pulled at her, the voices around her came to her ears and her mind. Images flashed by as she felt the intentions of group of men. They were not planning on letting her go, not for a while. She saw the way they thought of using her, images of her own broken body swam through her mind, leaving her nauseous.
The man who appeared to lead the small gang of me was holding Keaira. He scoffed, tightening his grip on her, and shaking her about a bit. “Old man you’ll do as we say or we’ll take your life, and keep the girl for a bit ‘O fun.” An evil grin appeared on the leaders face, as he licked his lips. "You know they’re so sweet at this age. Now where’s the cash!”
Her grandfather fumbled with his coat, pulling out a small bag, and she tossed it to the men. It jingled as it hit the ground by their feet. One of the lackeys swooped down and grabbed it, pulling out its contents. A bunch of Galleons fell from his hands. “Wha’s this? Where’s the real cash? This is just rubbish coins!” The bag was tossed to the ground and the galleons scattered. Then seconds later two loud bangs pierced the air and a small moan escaped her grandfathers’ lips, before Keaira's scream penetrated the still night air.
The man tossed her to the ground by her grandfathers’ body. He shuddered, breathing heavily. The men looked down at her his gun directed at the tiny frame that was Keaira. She draped her arms over her grandfathers’ body, burying her face in to his shoulders. The men hovered over her and pulled her off her grandfather. One of them held her down, while the leader decided it was time to have a bit of fun. Her shirt was torn almost completely off her, as the man was overtaken by a wild urge. But she was lucky. Sirens were heard approaching, and the man decided that this was not where he needed to be. As she lay there, scared and exposed, she looked over at her grandfather and a shot rung the air. Pain erupted in her left shoulder, she screamed, and looked at the men. Then again once more the loud crack of gunfire, but this time she did not feel the cold sting of a bullet hit her body, instead she felt a warm glow surround her. The air rippled, as the bullet seemed to impact an invisible barrier. The men looked puzzled, and then afraid, the sirens were closer, so they ran.
Keaira looked back at her grandfather; his wand was pointed at her, causing a barrier around her small body. His breathing was shallow, and slow. “Grandfather… lets go home.” She whispered, as the blood from her shoulder, started flowing down her chest. In her heart she knew that he wasn’t going to get up, but she couldn’t accept that just yet. There was blood pulsing out of his chest, so she tried to stop it. Pressing her hands to his chest trying to keep the blood from leaving his body, but not succeeding. “Alecto, be strong, and you’ll get through anything,” his voice was fading, as he stopped. “I’ve kept you… safe……say you will…be safe…” He struggled with the words.
She choked back her tears knowing that this was the last thing he would ever hear. “I’ll try”, was all she could manage before breaking down, convulsing with sobs. She pulled him close and breathed deep sobbing breathes, and held him as he smiled, nodded, and then moved no more. “No, no, GRANDFATHER!” she pleaded with the air, knowing that there was no way to bring him back. Sobbing and holding his unmoving body she allowed herself to be swallowed up in a darkness that enveloped her mind, and body. The profound feeling of being swallowed by something tangible enveloped her just before she lost herself in the encasing shell. Feelings of depression wracked her mind, loneliness, and an overpowering urge to give up all hope, and succumb to the dark, and lonely existence that teetered on the edge of her mind were ever constant. Surrounded by emptiness and despair she struggled to think of her family. They still loved her, she needed to pull away. When she finally awoke from the troubled sleep she was in a hospital. What remained of her family with her, praying for her to awake.
There was happiness and sadness fused in the air. She was alive and awake, her father and mother rushed to her side as she awoke. Hugging her, with tears falling down their faces. Her first words in 2 weeks came through a croaking throat… “Grandfather..?” Her mother looked away the tears that freshly welled up in her eyes told Keaira all she needed to hear. Her father turned around and held out a small brown package poorly wrapped. With a note attached to it. She picked up the note and saw her grandfathers’ handwriting. “For my little dark one, to help you in your evenings just tell it to ‘play’.” She didn’t have to open the package to know what her grandfathers’ final gift was. The meditation flute lay in her hands ready to be used, to help her overcome her grief, and to help her sink in to a state of meditation to clear her thoughts.
It always made Keaira cry when she thought of that night. It had started so wonderful and ended with such pain and suffering. As she felt the last bit of her memory fade away she pulled her hands away from Zee’s, and wiped away the tear that was sliding down her face. She knew that it wasn’t safe with him, and yet she would have to learn to trust him with all her emotions, and memories. Life was about to get far more interesting with her new elemental master being Zane Bishop. She let her mind organize itself, filing her memories, back where they belonged, and adding Zane’s to her own collection.
Keaira felt the joy that Zane felt in causing pain to others, the elf, the cat, and even his own mother. As his memories sped through her brain Keaira felt sick, horrified. Was she really expected to work side by side with someone capable of such things? Then she saw Dylan. Knowing who it was she wanted to pull away, and throw up. If D’rorah knew who it was she would kill him. It frustrated Keaira beyond all end to now that the forces of good had chosen someone so distinctly evil for their army. How would they work together, if the thoughts of his past were always looming over her mind, keeping her from truly trusting him? Only time could tell.
Keaira’s eyes swept Zane, what would he do with the knowledge she had already given him? Would she regret telling him that he was an elemental master? No, probably not. It was far more likely that he would regret his past actions. Actions that left Keaira with a bitter taste in her mouth. Her breakfast from earlier threatened to come up as she thought about what Zane had done to so many. His parents, Dylan, that poor cat… And then there was the revelation that he had told the headmistress Keaira’s identity. She sat in silence for several minutes. Attempting to decide what should be done with him. Keaira took a deep breath, and steadied herself for what she was about to address.
“Zane… Not only have you put yourself in great danger, but you’ve threatened the lives of the rest of us. Do you realize that you’re probably the reason for Dien Serlaen’s death? The reason that I was attacked. Then there is of course the matter of Dylan…”
Keaira stopped speaking; it was hard for her to remain calm as she addressed him. However, she had made a promise, and it was not a good idea to go about breaking promises. She shook her head and reached for her book bag, quickly she removed the metal combination lock, and held it in her hands. She tossed it up in the air and caught it. Her mind debated for a split second before she reacted. Keaira turned and gently tossed the lock towards Zee, knowing that his abilities would react for him if nothing else.
She felt a little worried as Zane reminded her that she promised not to harm him. Keaira couldn’t help but wonder what it was that he was afraid to show her so much that he needed to remind her of her own words. Apprehension almost made her draw her hands away, but he clasped down on them just as she went to pull away. Keaira had already had her mind opened for the mental link that she knew would be established, so as soon as he touched her hands she felt the surge of mental activity as they exchanged memories. Her mind felt out of order, like chaos swarmed around her, pulling memories from different parts of her life, out of order, and simply streaming them to Zane. The more she poured in to him, the more she felt of his memories falling in to her.
It was late one night, and the pair sat in the gardens, he had his old wooden flute, and was playing softly for her. Keaira’s eyes were closed, as she thought hard about something. “It hurts so much, how can I stop it?” The girl threw open her eyes, an almost stood up in frustration. “I’ll never get this.” The man shook his head, and sighed. “My dear if you wish everything to work instantly, you will get nowhere. You must work for what you want, and you must desire it wholeheartedly. If you will not try you cannot succeeded. Do not let the thought of failure enter your mind or you will. Now try again. And Focus. Remember every action shall be reaped in the future. But if it will help, try this.” A bottle of liquid smoky silver was uncorked, a small sip, and she returned to her meditation.
Snippets’ of conversations rushed through her mind, “Karma isn’t just cause and effect, but it is the growth of your decisions.” “Now, now Alecto you can’t win me over with your charms. I’m not as easy as that grandfather of yours. Dum spiro spero. Translation?” "My day has been well, Fair Maiden, but could not compare to the grace of beauty that stands before me..."
The smell of cooking was evident in the air, it was late, she sat on the floor pouting a little, as a hand was reached down to help her stand. She reached up. Taking it and stumbled forward. Alessandro caught her, the pairs faces were inches apart. She couldn’t help but wonder what he was going to do. She liked him, but would he take advantage of the situation. Or was he more of a friend type?
The memory was gone, replaced with the always constant buzz of the thoughts around her. She was never alone. No matter how late it got, or how few people stayed at the castle. She always had the comfort of hearing the random things that were found at with in others minds.
A girl, her curly mahogany hair bounced around her face, as she danced on her grandfathers shoes. A porcline mask on her face glittered and silver. She giggled happily knowing that he would always be there for her.
The memories that had rushed by slowed, clearing in on a single one. It was a late night, much too late for a young girl to be out even with her grandfather. It had been a great day, filled with fun, and excitement. Movies, and dinner, a carnival with a treat called funnel cake; the night was better than any she had had. He was getting old but she knew that it was alright. He would always be her grandfather. They had ridden all of the small rides that the muggle carnival could offer, just enjoying the night. The joy that was steamed off of the girl seemed to be unending. They left the park her arms full. He had won her several new stuffed toys. And although they didn’t play back with you, and they wouldn’t dance on their own, she thought they were the cutes things ever. They walked slowly down the street, just enjoying the aftereffects of the night.
But the night could only be joyful for so long. As the sky darkened and the sounds of the carnival faded they continued onward. Her grandfather had intended to apprapate as soon as they reached a safe distance from the muggles. They held hands and laughed in to the night unaware that they were being followed.
“We’re almost their Alecto, are you ready?” He had whispered the words, as if it was a secret only for her. She nodded excitedly.
“One, Two, Th-” A loud bang pierced the evening air, as the two spun in place. And soon Keaira found that she was falling on to the ground, face first, the arm full of stuffed toys scattered about the ground. Her body seemed to have been tossed from its starting position with such a force that the landing knocked the wind out of her, and she rolled several times in the dirt before stopping. She was disorientated, as it barely registered that some one had roughly grabbed her, and almost lifted her completely off the ground.
“Look what we ‘Ave ‘ere.” There was a dingy smell to the voice that was so close to her face. “A rich man and his ‘ittle girl. ‘And o’er the cash or we’ll kill ‘er.” There was something cold and solid placed against her head. Keaira was shaking with fear; she didn’t know what was going on but knew that it couldn’t be good.
“Please, let her go.” She heard the whispered voice of her grandfather as he struggled to say the words. His voice was cracked with pain, but she couldn’t see him. Fear pulled at her, the voices around her came to her ears and her mind. Images flashed by as she felt the intentions of group of men. They were not planning on letting her go, not for a while. She saw the way they thought of using her, images of her own broken body swam through her mind, leaving her nauseous.
The man who appeared to lead the small gang of me was holding Keaira. He scoffed, tightening his grip on her, and shaking her about a bit. “Old man you’ll do as we say or we’ll take your life, and keep the girl for a bit ‘O fun.” An evil grin appeared on the leaders face, as he licked his lips. "You know they’re so sweet at this age. Now where’s the cash!”
Her grandfather fumbled with his coat, pulling out a small bag, and she tossed it to the men. It jingled as it hit the ground by their feet. One of the lackeys swooped down and grabbed it, pulling out its contents. A bunch of Galleons fell from his hands. “Wha’s this? Where’s the real cash? This is just rubbish coins!” The bag was tossed to the ground and the galleons scattered. Then seconds later two loud bangs pierced the air and a small moan escaped her grandfathers’ lips, before Keaira's scream penetrated the still night air.
The man tossed her to the ground by her grandfathers’ body. He shuddered, breathing heavily. The men looked down at her his gun directed at the tiny frame that was Keaira. She draped her arms over her grandfathers’ body, burying her face in to his shoulders. The men hovered over her and pulled her off her grandfather. One of them held her down, while the leader decided it was time to have a bit of fun. Her shirt was torn almost completely off her, as the man was overtaken by a wild urge. But she was lucky. Sirens were heard approaching, and the man decided that this was not where he needed to be. As she lay there, scared and exposed, she looked over at her grandfather and a shot rung the air. Pain erupted in her left shoulder, she screamed, and looked at the men. Then again once more the loud crack of gunfire, but this time she did not feel the cold sting of a bullet hit her body, instead she felt a warm glow surround her. The air rippled, as the bullet seemed to impact an invisible barrier. The men looked puzzled, and then afraid, the sirens were closer, so they ran.
Keaira looked back at her grandfather; his wand was pointed at her, causing a barrier around her small body. His breathing was shallow, and slow. “Grandfather… lets go home.” She whispered, as the blood from her shoulder, started flowing down her chest. In her heart she knew that he wasn’t going to get up, but she couldn’t accept that just yet. There was blood pulsing out of his chest, so she tried to stop it. Pressing her hands to his chest trying to keep the blood from leaving his body, but not succeeding. “Alecto, be strong, and you’ll get through anything,” his voice was fading, as he stopped. “I’ve kept you… safe……say you will…be safe…” He struggled with the words.
She choked back her tears knowing that this was the last thing he would ever hear. “I’ll try”, was all she could manage before breaking down, convulsing with sobs. She pulled him close and breathed deep sobbing breathes, and held him as he smiled, nodded, and then moved no more. “No, no, GRANDFATHER!” she pleaded with the air, knowing that there was no way to bring him back. Sobbing and holding his unmoving body she allowed herself to be swallowed up in a darkness that enveloped her mind, and body. The profound feeling of being swallowed by something tangible enveloped her just before she lost herself in the encasing shell. Feelings of depression wracked her mind, loneliness, and an overpowering urge to give up all hope, and succumb to the dark, and lonely existence that teetered on the edge of her mind were ever constant. Surrounded by emptiness and despair she struggled to think of her family. They still loved her, she needed to pull away. When she finally awoke from the troubled sleep she was in a hospital. What remained of her family with her, praying for her to awake.
There was happiness and sadness fused in the air. She was alive and awake, her father and mother rushed to her side as she awoke. Hugging her, with tears falling down their faces. Her first words in 2 weeks came through a croaking throat… “Grandfather..?” Her mother looked away the tears that freshly welled up in her eyes told Keaira all she needed to hear. Her father turned around and held out a small brown package poorly wrapped. With a note attached to it. She picked up the note and saw her grandfathers’ handwriting. “For my little dark one, to help you in your evenings just tell it to ‘play’.” She didn’t have to open the package to know what her grandfathers’ final gift was. The meditation flute lay in her hands ready to be used, to help her overcome her grief, and to help her sink in to a state of meditation to clear her thoughts.
It always made Keaira cry when she thought of that night. It had started so wonderful and ended with such pain and suffering. As she felt the last bit of her memory fade away she pulled her hands away from Zee’s, and wiped away the tear that was sliding down her face. She knew that it wasn’t safe with him, and yet she would have to learn to trust him with all her emotions, and memories. Life was about to get far more interesting with her new elemental master being Zane Bishop. She let her mind organize itself, filing her memories, back where they belonged, and adding Zane’s to her own collection.
Keaira felt the joy that Zane felt in causing pain to others, the elf, the cat, and even his own mother. As his memories sped through her brain Keaira felt sick, horrified. Was she really expected to work side by side with someone capable of such things? Then she saw Dylan. Knowing who it was she wanted to pull away, and throw up. If D’rorah knew who it was she would kill him. It frustrated Keaira beyond all end to now that the forces of good had chosen someone so distinctly evil for their army. How would they work together, if the thoughts of his past were always looming over her mind, keeping her from truly trusting him? Only time could tell.
Keaira’s eyes swept Zane, what would he do with the knowledge she had already given him? Would she regret telling him that he was an elemental master? No, probably not. It was far more likely that he would regret his past actions. Actions that left Keaira with a bitter taste in her mouth. Her breakfast from earlier threatened to come up as she thought about what Zane had done to so many. His parents, Dylan, that poor cat… And then there was the revelation that he had told the headmistress Keaira’s identity. She sat in silence for several minutes. Attempting to decide what should be done with him. Keaira took a deep breath, and steadied herself for what she was about to address.
“Zane… Not only have you put yourself in great danger, but you’ve threatened the lives of the rest of us. Do you realize that you’re probably the reason for Dien Serlaen’s death? The reason that I was attacked. Then there is of course the matter of Dylan…”
Keaira stopped speaking; it was hard for her to remain calm as she addressed him. However, she had made a promise, and it was not a good idea to go about breaking promises. She shook her head and reached for her book bag, quickly she removed the metal combination lock, and held it in her hands. She tossed it up in the air and caught it. Her mind debated for a split second before she reacted. Keaira turned and gently tossed the lock towards Zee, knowing that his abilities would react for him if nothing else.