The Tale of the Ugly Troll (cont. Part II)

[GameGurl25]

"Aeriah...don't you think I've been through alot already? Here I am, I survived. I survived watching my parents being murdered...brutally...I survived living with total strangers...living without my brother..whom I dearly miss...for four years...I survived telportation through to this strange land....I survived cold weather....and I can survive whatever else fate throws in my direction. I have never and will never give up easily."

Jena folded her arms, but despite her toughness a tear began to form in the corner of her eye

[ 11-30-2004, 02:09 PM: Message edited by: GameGurl25 ]

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

Without another word, the elf quietly embraced the girl, pulling her close into his soft, yet strong arms, his slender-almost-gaunt form betraying a power that Jena did not expect. When she looked into his eyes, she could almost picture him as royalty - he would have made a handsome prince in another time, another life, perhaps. Perhaps, he would be still be able to be one in this life. But even picturing him as one did not change the fact that, Aeriah was Aeriah, and he was still the elf she knew, and no matter what he said to her, it would not change that fact, and she could not see him as anything other then the elf she knew. His kind smile, his warm eyes, his genuine laughter... all of this fitted and suited him so well, and yet, so did the image of a prince. Perhaps...perhaps he could be both. Perhaps, he would choose another path in life. Aeriah's own eyes remained mysterious and he said little on the matter, content to hold her close, soothe her hair and in his own way, seek her comfort by merely holding her.

[GameGurl25]

Jena leaned in close to Aeriah. “Do not deny yourself….the pleasures and riches of this world, Aeriah. And when I say riches, I am not referring to the physical items of this world. While those are nice, the real riches are the love, comfort, and support of friends, and those that love you and care for you. Do not ignore or try to hide your feelings: savor each and every moment, and do not continue to dwell on the past, or the future. Live for the moment and enjoy your life, no matter what curves you are thrown. I love you, and no matter what happens, I always will, even…. if it is…… impossible to be together….."

Jena glanced up at Aeriah, curious as to his reaction.

[ 11-30-2004, 02:36 PM: Message edited by: GameGurl25 ]

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

Very softly, Aeriah replied, "And I, I live for the future - for a better one, for all, not just myself. In my heart of hearts, I honestly wish for the best for others; for good to trumiph in this world, and for people to live happily and in peace. However, I am realistic enough to know that this will never happen, for - " he smiled sadly, "'human nature' is such that only though conflict and strife can a race evolve. Constant warfare and fighting..."

Aeriah spoke with a wisdom beyond his years, "And yet, I wonder if it was always that way... as to denying myself? To give in to one's own desires over others is selfish, Jena. To put oneself first over the need of others, who need whatever it is more then you is... not the right way to go about things, yet neither, do I think, that one should neglect ones own self. A balance in all things, and yet, love is the greatest gift anyone could ever give. Understand that I do not want power, regardless of what I may have been, but gifts are there to be used, and we are all gifted with abilities. To waste them would be a crime, nay, a sin. I will do what I believe is right, even at the expense of myself..." Smiling even more sadly, the elf paused, looked into her eyes and asked, "And yet, you still wish to be with me?"

[GameGurl25]

"....most definately..." was all Jena could say.

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

“I… there is something else, as well, dear Jena,” Aeriah whispered, “Even for you… I… would remain free of a relationship until I retain my memory… I do not want to commit myself to another, if… if I already have someone. Please say you understand? Even in ignorance, adultery is a crime… if indeed, I am married.” Smiling to soften his words, he whispered, “And if I am not, or am free from such matters, your heart will be the first I shall turn to; to this, I give you my word, sealed by my pledge…” His pledge was to lean down and kiss her softly on her lips, his own barely touching hers, so slight was it. His breath, she could definitely feel, however, warm and moist, and suddenly, there were unshed tears in his eyes, the elf appearing more noble then any she’d ever seen. So noble… and tragic. His honour, his sense of duty, his own sense of righteousness, would permit nothing less.

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OOC: Edit: forgot a "font color"

[ 11-30-2004, 03:09 PM: Message edited by: Calaethis Dragonsbane ]

[GameGurl25]

Gazing gently at Aeriah, Jena smiled. “I would expect no less. I was right about you, Aeriah…you are noble, generous, and gentle. Perhaps after all this is over, we can sort out our relationship. I am always here for you as a friend, especially in a time of need. My heart will be yours for the taking, if you wish it, Aeriah. All you will need to do is ask.”

Jena smiled as she saw her first snowflake ever. It’s perfect design, it’s perfect, unique shape, landed right in the palm of Jena’s hand.

“Look, Aeriah, this is a sign. If for nothing else telling us to head back to camp where we must rest and relax before the journey to the top of a mountain.”

The beautiful human female seemed to glow…as if she were an angel. Her wavy ringlets bounced nicely, and her sky blue eyes glimmered with promise. Smiling, Jena pointed to the sky which was about to burst pure whiteness. Grinning from ear to ear, Jena eagerly pointed towards the sky, and watched. Sighing deeply, believing in her heart that this first snowflake, the first one she had ever seen in her entire life, which she happened to share with Aeriah, had meant more than either of them knew.

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

A smile lighting up his face, his glass-greens warm, enchanting and a beautiful soft pastel shade that he reserved only for her, Aeriah nodded, bowed, and offered her his arm, murmuring “my dear lady Jena?” Escorting her back to the camp, a dreamy look had entered his eyes as he thought of long distant things, but of what, none could be sure.

As he led her back to the camp, the elf remained silent, but it was not an unpleasant one, and his manners, as always, were considerate and exquisite. Gently, he bade the girl sit down within the tent, suggesting she curl up in the furs for warmth and visited the brook for water. Returning, he heated it, and made hot drinks for the entire group, and warmed rocks in the flames, wrapped them up and placed them within his tent, upon the fur blankets, for Jena's warmth. It was something he would have done regardless, but his actions were the proof of his kindness, if any were needed at all.

Once he had finished, Aeriah remained outside, just staring off distantly at the veiled mountain peak, leaving Kyr with Jena.

Kyr said little, preferring to snuggle up with the girl, or, just in the furs, depending on the girl's preference. Aeriah seemed to be waiting for the others to return and rest, suddenly not quite so impatient to continue their quest...

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OOC: Since it has been requested I wait a while for various people to interact, I'll let you guys do that. Just yell when you want me to advance it.

[GameGurl25]

Jena snuggled tightly in the warm furs, cuddling the little pixie carefully, making sure she didn't disturb her or accidently roll on top of her. Jena's thoughts eventually lead to dreams: dreams she had never had...for these ones were actually pleasant. Jena sleapt peacefully, and she had no intention of waking until the break of dawn, when the party would be ready to move on...


OOC: end of my postings too until the party contiues or someone wakes Jena up

[ 11-30-2004, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: GameGurl25 ]

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

OOC: You lot have had at least two days, if not three or more, to post - and you still haven't. I'm moving this on now.
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Morning came, dawn breaking through the trees and a fine misty haze settled over the land, shrouding it silvery moisture, the dew cool and damp under the brief rays of sun that shone through the few breaks within the clouds, hanging overhead, still low and heavy with the promise of rain. Dark and grey, they loomed ominously, a stunning contrast to the bright yellow beams that fell through in patches, warming whatever was under them. In a way, it was eerie, in another, quite, quite beautiful. Nature had a strange beauty about it sometimes, and the weather was the strangest of all. The forest seemed greener then ever, and silken spider-webs strung from leaves, dewy teardrops hanging from them. Today was the loveliest the party had encountered, despite the mountain’s storm-clouds. The river close by flowed as swiftly as ever, the gushing melody of the water pouring down from the mountain musical and harmonious to their ears. A thin glazing of frost covered the forest floor, sparkling in the sun, heat rising from the earth, betraying just how chilly the dawn was. The briefest of snowflakes drifted down, and settled upon the tents, before melting under the light of the heavens…


Within their tent, Aeriah stirred, muttering under his breath and stretching, annoyed that he would have to soon be up. The warmth of the blankets was appealing, inviting, and now, more then ever, he did not wish to leave. Sometime during the night, it had turned cold, and unconsciously, both the elf and the human had snuggled together for warmth, both wrapped up in their thick fur blankets, warmed by each other and the heated rocks Aeriah had warmed. Kyr slept undisturbed within her master’s pack still, and no doubt the little pixie would not be pleased to be up. Groaning, the elf gently shook Jena awake and whispered in her ear, “It’s time to ascend the mountain…”