Upon the Runite Stones

[Kaitou Haru]

The brisk winter’s wind surged through the valley which Haru traveled through. Slowly the snowflakes caught onto Haru’s jacket. While his eyes remained focused on the path ahead of him, the snow molded together into small pebble sized bits of ice and toppled off his shoulders. How long had he been walking through his valley? It felt like a whole day- but Haru knew it was only a few hours. His face remained content as he slumped against a tree and sat down, his concealed hands reaching for the cross around his neck. After holding it for a few seconds- he rose to his feet and climbed to the top of the tall evergreen. Under the snow covered branches his eyes squinted to see the end of the valley. Slowly his skin began turning a pale black. His clothes and jacket were covered by small silver tips emerging from his skin. As Haru balanced himself to the end of the branch, a fanned tail of feathers emerged from his backside. Holding his arms at his side, he took a headfirst dive towards the ground. The snow moved into the shape of a ramp. The teens body soared off the end, sending him flying into the air spiraling. The bits of wind around soon were unable to be seen as his feathers finished covering him. His face had a frame of silver feathers- his hair no longer there, only to be replaced by a crown of birds skin. Thrusting his arms out to the side, the spiral was broken. Beautiful wings took place of his arms. His feet were now talons with hellish curved claws. Mighty beats of his wings kept him soaring straight towards the valley’s end.

Eventually his time started to end for this miraculous flight. Pointing his talons towards the ground, he descended. Starting at the feet, the feathers tore off his skin, leaving the pale black skin that slowly became a pale cream color once again. The silver feathers fell freely in the air. Landing poised and correct, the silver feathers on Haru’s arms fell off as he kept walking. It was sickening watching the bones of the wing become his arms again for those who haven’t seen a chimera.

The wind died slowly as the next location in view was a small village. Popping the collar to his jacket, Haru walked down the path. The villagers were polite to him. They welcomed him, offering food or a place to stay. Little boys and girls ran around giggling as they threw snowball fights. One of the snowballs of the children hit a small girl in the face. She fell backward and started to cry. The waters cold sting left her skin rosy pink. Haru walked over to the little girl and stood her on her two feet. Still his face showed no feelings. He used his thumb to wipe away her tears. The girl sniffled and giggled that she received help from a kindhearted stranger.


Kindhearted......is no word for me....

He held out his hand to her. Some snow left the ground and settled into the palm of his hand, forming a perfect orb. The girl shrieked from shock. Never seeing this before, she was scared. The little boys she was playing with ran up to her, saw what was happening, and then joined her. Instantly the orb fell to the earth. Haru stood up and took a few steps back. A look of dismay came across his face. Their parents ran out with arms. The mothers held onto their children tightly, who’s frightened faces crying into their upper bosoms. They shouted and scolded him for scaring them. Studdered words of fear were easily seen in the mothers’ eyes. Haru again took a step back, only to have what felt like the barrel of a gun pressed against his back. Threats started to escape the angry fathers. Haru’s head lowered in shame. His shoulders trembled- holding back what he could say. He did not want to speak with them. As he stood there, insults filled the air from other villagers. They called him a freak for what he could do, and they too shunned him away. Fear of the unknown consumed their minds as they started to throw chunks of ice and snow at him. Each hit him on target. His jacket was baffled, and a few times Haru almost lost balance. An older man near his thirties threw one, and it smacked Haru’s forehead. Blood started to run and ran over his eye. His eyes were screwed shut full of angst as people formed a circle and pushed him around. Suddenly a gunshot broke the ruckus and caused silence. People gasped in horror as the blood on his forehead was no longer there. The wound was sealed closed by a thin sheet of ice, and the rest of the red ice was to his back, holding a bullet within the sheet of ice. The men dropped their arms in shock. Haru turned to the mens direction and opened his eyes. They were no longer the deep blue. With narrow pupils and the look of his mothers amber vampires eyes- he glared, and soon a sickening grin took over his face. His fangs showed, and then suddenly a hand reached for a man. He roughly yet delicately took the man by the collar, only to say one phrase,
“Do not judge what you have no knowledge about.”

Letting the man go, he pushed through the circle and kept walking. He saw the other end of the village within a few minutes, and was glad to get out of there. The crowd thinned out knowing the menace was gone, but a little voice called out to him. Turning with no expression yet again, his eyes now blue once more, his pupils widened in the sight of the little girl. She ran up to him, her gleeful smile there again. Reaching into her jacket pocket, she took out three broken pieces of red ice. She held them up to him. Kneeling down, the girl placed them in his hands. He stood up again, and put the ice pieces in his pocket. The little girl looked up with confusion.

“You don’t look like a bad person. Can you smile for me?” she peeped. Her little toddler body was shaking with fear of him. How? How was it she could ask for something like that? She resembled his sister....the only reason to fill out her plea. Kneeling down again, he stretched a hand towards her. The girl squeaked and covered her eyes- afraid of pain. Haru’s gloved hand landed on her head with reassurance. With question she looked up. A large grin from ear to ear spread across her face as she saw him looking down on her with the gentlest smile ever. The girl bid him goodbye, and watched him leave. Haru’s smile remained until he waved once and his back was to her. His footprints in the snow followed him until he reached the top of a small summit, only to look back at the village. The little girl still stood there- wishing him off until he was out of her sight. Turning back to the road, the face of his sister took over in his mind. The resemblance of giving second chances through innocence rang in his mind. Though she was an innocent girl- one who gave second chances,

he knew he could never return to that village ever again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was still another long and gruesome walk in the cold winter. Haru's eyes were gazing into the unknown once again as he trudged in the snow. Why couldn't he just make a path with his powers? Well, why should he? He felt the pounding thud of his pulse on the palms of his feet. Oh how he wished he could change.
No...Not yet....It's too soon...

He stopped in his tracks, recollecting the memories and knowledge of his sister. How much longer did he have to search? The thoughts of his dearest sister whirled within him. His mind was throbbing with stress as his gloved hands were held out in front of him. Two handfuls worth of snow clawed their way up into the air. Crack-Snap-Shing! The roughly made orbs of snow were soon seeping their way into Haru's soft silver hair. Pressing themselves against his scalp, a soothing relief of cold was delivered to his straining cranium. The eyes that were once distant now regained their lustful color. Heaving a long sigh, the black boots that encased Haru's feet kept moving.

Pain.....there was so much pain....

That last scene from the village nearly five hours ago completely wiped out Haru's state of being. The soft crunching of the snow was ceased when he realized he had stepped onto ruins of some kind. How beautiful they were. The purity of the snow encasing the torment of the past. He grew tired. Hands in his pockets, head held low, eyes slowly leaving focus once again. Rest called for him. No, he had to walk just a little farther. Slower and slow did his pace become. Smaller and smaller his stride became. Eventually the world started to play with him. Saltwater dripped from his eyes as he collapsed to his knees.

Shivers of pain and misery along with the winter's kiss surged his whole body thin and through. His heart felt like it was at his feet. His arms were draped at his side. Somehow his back remained straight as a board while his chin was to his chest. The drops of saltwater purged into the cold runeite stones beneath him. The designs carved into the stone wept with empathy as sections were still covered in snow. Excess water from his migraine remedy was absorbed disturbingly fast into his hair.

Trembling greatly, he continued his paused fall. He lie there on his stomach with the cold stones against his cheek. The cross around his neck was pressed to his neck as his blue eyes closed slightly. There were no sounds around. Dead silence was the best medicine for this moment in time. He could feel his consciousness slipping away. He struggled to stay awake- teeth gritting, hands in fists, muscles tense.

This fight was one sided. Slowly and reluctantly Haru closed his eyes. The tensity from his aching mind and body slowly dulled. Still as the runeite rocks yet trembling from the cold, Haru's mind drifted away.
The last feeling he had was the small weight of fresh powder gathering on top of him. The final thoughts before his dreamless slumber: ...I have endured more pain than most can imagine....so why do I collapse now?

Slowly Haru gathered strength to whisper words to himself before he completly lost the mental fight to his body's wishes,
"Dearest sister......I will still search..."

Then everything disappeared for him.

[:+: SnowBird :+:]

<sup>Her thoughts were suddenly disturbed by a strange new sound to the comfortable silence that surrounded the young elemental. Her silver curls bounced gently against her back as she turned her pallid face around to view behind her, beside her, and around her. She saw nothing--at first.

Her perch say upon a high wall that had not yet crumbled in the victory of time's slow decay. It was a high crest, once belonging to a mighty wall that spanned a vast courtyard--a terrapace of the city square, divulged by whatever peremeters were once here. She was curious, by the sound she heard--the gentle creak of shifting snow, packed and hardened, but not yet ice. It's fate she didn't know, and wrote it off as a shifting caused by the new layers which fell greedily from the sky to coat the frozen ground. The tranquility of the area was an aspect of the ruins which so adored--the quiet silence, so peaceful and yet mysterious in itself. It was an aura that surrounded the ancient stone--a presence that made it's beauty stand grandly beside the ominous standing of the mighty pillars. It was a breif home for her, as she called no place home and knew of no anchor to hold her down--yet, if she was forced to say. These ruins were as much her home as anywhere else, and she basked in their presence, and their winter beauty. Let spring come about, and the mountains would find a place in her heart.

But while Winter reigned, the whole world was her strength, and even the pits of fire could not fully conquer the chill.

She returned to her serenity, blanketted by the falling flakes and returned to her task at hand--the weaving of a fine cloth. It was a project she'd been working on for many months, and was only built in the image of a fine silk sash, but it's intricacy was far from complete. The stitching that she had begun seemed only a slim gold border--a frame that started at the sides and woves circles within the corners. But such circles held promise, and spoke tales of a larger design that was soon to come.

Yet, they would not come now. Aware of a suddenly twinkling of motion within the spectrum of her sight caught her attention as she turned her head to view it with astonishing speed. Her cautious eyes scanned the snow, searching for foe, but hoping to find nothing. Indeed, she was not so lucky. She saw him now, his presence difficult to read at the distance but in a struggle nonetheless. He did not appear visibly injured or wounded upon the flesh, but neither did he seem well. He staggered, pausing here and there, only to stagger on several more feet. At one point, she noticed the snow within his hair, and his determination to add more to the strange gathering. It was odd, but she'd seen stranger things in her short life-time.

Unwilling to give away her location to a conscious man--one whose intentions... whose motives... whose objectives... were mighty riddles to her--she watching curiously, but cautiously from her perch upon the wall, placing her project within the satchel at her hip and swinging her legs around slowly and with a graceful poise that dare say... should not attract to much attention. But she was not invisible... so it was not impossible that he should notice her in his staggerings.

Suddenly he fell. She held her breath; her eyes squinted seeing his lips move, but hearing no words she waited a moment or two... unsure of how to react. It went against her will and nature to leave him, but common sense did not hasten her descision.
She bit her lip and looked away, looked up to the sky--seeing only grey clouds and more oncommoning snow. In the dead of winter it was unlikely to stop. She sighed and made her descision.

Graceful, slim figure dropped with a frail agility to the snow below. The drifts were gentle, but her own grace and elegence saved her from injuries or soreness--her limbs bending easily on impact, as moment kept forward in a couple energized steps that left her solidly on the packed ground. Gathering her white cloak about her, she hugged herself warily, even though the bitterness of the cold did not affect, harm, or discomfort her. She was immune to its sting, but she did not feel the new stranger in her life shared such an ability. She could not leave him, because she could not bear to think him dead. Death was a strange thing for her, and she liked to avoid it when she could, and keep it bay when she might have the strength.

She closed the distance in sure, yet unsure steps--debating her choice of action with each print she left behind her. Sometimes she stopped, hesitant and looked back to her cleft where peace had once been. She knew stranger brought strange things with them; stories, sufferings, pains, prejudice, some could be trusted and some couldn't--some could even change your life and the whole direction of where you planned to go. Such contemplations led her stop, mere feet from where he'd fallen. He was out, his eyes closed, his body motionless. He appeared almost dead, but she knew better. Death never struck so quickly.

Finally she gathered her courage and brought herself to his side. White breeches found the snow with timid ease as she knelt cautiously beside him--prepared to leap away if he should suddenly awake. She prayed he wouldn't. An unconscious man she could handle, awake... well if he were awake that would depend upon him.

Looking at him, her gaze scanned his back for wounds, but found no fresh blood and saw no need to touch him to examine elsewhere. The snow would speak in red words if he were injured at all. Slowly and with a certain insecurity in her movements she pulled one slender hand from its gloved sheath and placed the back of her palm just before his nose. His breathing was shallow, but only represented that he was in pain. She assumed the body was reacting in the only way it knew how--sleep and repair. She knew the technique well.

However, in the dead of winter, up in the mountains--even the valleys--the snow would kill him and drop his body temperature before he could awake. She sighed and pulled her hand away, placing the glove back on her un-affected palms she brushed her silver tassles away from her eyes and reached into her bag--still unsure whether she had any right to help him.
But she knew what she had to do, even before she accepted the fact that she had to do it.
From the satchel she removed a small pouch. The herbs inside were strong, not in effect but in smell. She used them for remedial teas and drinks. It's potency and smell were good in elleviating the senses and revitalizings tired muscles and cells. It was the only medecine she carried with her, as it was universal and helped many ailments--even if it didn't cure them.
She placed the small bag between her index finger and thumb, and gently ground the material against itself within it's containment. The potent smell instantly released itself into the air, and she cleared her throat as it took her slightly by surprise. Placing it about a foot from his head, it laid their in the snow--where she let the wind, drift the scent towards him. She could not let him sleep. If he was not immune to the cold as she was, his body temperature would drop to quickly... Already she could feel and see the chill inside his skin, but his face was doused by... tears? Or sweat? She couldn't tell, but didn't care.
Unbeknown to her, if it was truly a migraine he had, the herbs she'd set out to help rouse him back to consciousness would also help elleviate some of the pain.

Leaving the herbs to their work, she distanced herself from him and looked hastily for wood. nothing was spared from the white powder, and she was forced to dig into the drift to find the degree--sodden and wet. Straining against her own nervous mind, she placed her hand over the twigs she had found and beckoned the water forth out to her. The wood screamed its dislike towards her as she stole from it the moist fluids, but the squelching sound was soon replaced with the cracking of dried wood, and only then did she now the time was set. Using a crushed pillar as a mantle, she cleared as best she could of snow--a futile attempt with the constant reinforcements the sky sent to keep it's claim--and placed the wood upon it. Sparking a flint--another provision inside her purse--to help ignite the dry kindling. After several attemps and an unsuccessful record, she finally caught a spark and breathed into it a life as she guarded it from the wind.

With the small blaze substantial, she abandoned it as her focus and turned a worried gaze back towards the man. It's a sad thing to say, but she was not worried for his life. She feared him. Men--she knew--were unpredictable. It wasn't that she didn't trust them... but in Algaësia... one can never fully trust a stranger at first glance. To do so is just unwise. She crouched near the fire and drew her knees to her chest, holding her arms around them defensively--waiting for him to rouse. Hoping for his sake... that he would.</sup>

[Kaitou Haru]

((OOC: I'm really sorry that I haven't posted in what has almost become a month. School finals are approaching so I'm being swamped with review packets and junk. But at long last I finally obtained muse! So...here it goes! ;D ))

The woman’s knowledge was far beyond correct- Haru would die if he did not awaken. In the real realm where he and the stranger dwelled, his mind was lost within his past. It all felt so real, yet Haru’s logic told him repetitively it was just a memory.

He heard his father snarling at the officials, defending his son with his life. The horrid image of his father’s claws disappearing into their chests and reappearing through their backside made his stomach churn. As this was happening, a small tug came from his left pant leg. With blood leaving his face pale and frightened, he slowly turned around. There she was. His mother clinging to what’s last of her life. She tried to speak, but only bubbles and gurgles escaped her throat along with coughs of blood. Keen hearing aided Haru in understanding her message. “You should die- you are a freak. Kill your sister. Rid our family of the shame you both have brought upon us!” Screams of horror escaped young Haru’s voice. He tore away from his mother’s grasp only to see his sister resisting being taken away. Standing there paralyzed with fear, saltwater poured from Haru’s eyes as he stood in the middle of all that was happening, helpless and innocent. What could he do? He loved his mother despite how she hated his freakish abilities. He could not save her in time.

The loyalty to his father begged him to aid him in battle, yet his father kept barking at him to worry about his kin and save her was unbearable. Suddenly his name was called. He turned to see his sister being pulled towards authorities by her golden yellow locks. Not knowing what came over him, Haru picked up the nearest weapon and ran towards her. A silver dagger was at hand- and was used to cut his sister's hair free from the mans grip. Oh how he hated doing that. Altering his sister’s appearance due to his own actions was the worst. That did not matter now. Hearing a faint yelp from her, she scrambled away to a corner and hid behind an old trunk.

His eyes flashed amber as he protectively slammed into the one who held his sister’s cut locks. Cries of pain escaped this older mans lips as the silver blade pierced his abdomen. Haru was uncontrollably fighting. This ceased once his arm was grabbed a hold of. Struggling to break free didn’t help as he was soon pinned to the floor, arms behind his back. He kicked his legs frantically, trying to break free. His sister cried his name as she was pulled away from her hiding place.

“Get away! Get away from my sister!” was repeated over and over again. No, they didn’t listen to a boy. The sight of seeing his sister being carried away as she reached over the mans shoulder for him was too much. He failed her. He could not protect her. A long shout of the word “No” came from Haru’s inner voice as he somehow broke free, frantically running for the door and his sister. This ceased in an instant. Grabbed by the back of his shirt to hold him, the butt of a gun was slammed into the rear of his head. Falling to his knees, everything started to fade away. Before he fell to the pain his head just received, he reached for his sister, his hand only inches away, and said he will find her again one day.

“I’ll wait! I’ll wait for you big brother! Don’t forget me!”
He kept muttering he promised as everything went black again until.....a strange scent overcame him. Wait...what is that?!

With some struggle, Haru’s eyes finally opened. His vision blurred, his eyes were affixed on the snow before him. What was so unusual was the color. It glistened with a dark yellow light...yet right next to it was a shadow. Looking up, he saw something, or someone he should say. A female with silver strands of hair that bounced into curls. She sat nearby, curled up around a small kindled fire. Haru knew he could not use any of his abilities with her nearby With shaking arms, Haru forced himself to sit up. He could not take the impact of that scent any longer. With a glove swiping past his eyes, his vision was clear and sharp once again. He looked left and right on the snow in front of him to see a small amount of.... crushed herbs?

Daintily he reached for them, scooping up the snow it rested on in his cupped hands. If he spoke to this girl, would she revolt? He assumed the herbs were hers. There’s no telling, and Haru did not want to take the chance. He scuffled on his knees over to her, and placed the herbs a few inches from her without looking at her. Haru had his famous “expressionless and distant” face. He would not forgive himself for letting his sister being taken away. The youthful, optimistic, and emotional Kaito Haru Sanosuke that he was formally known as was shattered into a million pieces. Now he is locked away within the current Haru’s heart. Now expressionless, secretive, and mysterious, he keeps to himself, fearing to take any more pain than he already has. Yes, he is aware that there is no way to completely avoid emotional strain, but he will keep it at bay if there is a way to.

He moved himself away from her, just to also sit near the fire. Sitting curled up, his eyes were affixed on the fire. Steadily the snow still fell. He realised that he was covered in it from when he shut down. Instead of using his abilities to move it aside, he used his own hands. His jacket, a majority of his legs, and head were cleansed of the cold white powder. Eventually the fire would die out from the cold, and soon he and this girl would part ways to find shelter. Another thought occured to him. I should’ve known I would’ve died here if I did not wake up. That girl must’ve done something to help him.

She helped me rouse.....but is she an ally or enemy?

His body ached all over from his long traveling without proper rest. All of the muscles were sore, and bones were strained. Not speaking a word, the attention of his eyes slowly moved to the girl. She too had silver hair. How old was she....about his age? No, she was older. He was merely sixteen, she appeared to be of her twenties. She appeared to dislike his presence, that was a little obvious. Haru is not one for women in that stereotypical way, but he would admit to himself that he thought she was rather beautiful. But this wasn’t the time for those thoughts. Forcing them to the back of his mind, he thought about the present.

If he were to somehow befriend this person, would this slow him down from his journey to find his sister? He knew not to make personal connections since parting would just be too sad. Haru assumed he would see her again while he investigated this place called Algaësia. The question is, who will be the first of the two to speak?

[:+: SnowBird :+:]

<sup>The young woman kept her knees to her chest as her eyes stared with a glazed passion into the flames. They fury had built into a minimal fire, but she didn't know how long she could keep it alight with this continued snowfall. Her own innate ability would keep her afloat in such cold temperatures and constant snowdrop, but for the fire and the for the man... things could and were very different. With a sigh, she dropped her knees and layed them in a crossed pattern in front of her as she used a dried twig to stoke the blaze--her lips parted to blow gentle waves of encouragement over it.

It flared breifly, but soon settled down back into its wavering haze. Her attempt were futile. With a frustrated sigh she sat back in her comfortable position and looked aggressively towards the sky that continued to bombard the earth with the chronic white powder. However, her expression sudden changed as she heard movement off to the side.

Flicking her gaze in his direction, she watched him warily as he began to arouse. Her instincts were torn in this moment--to aid a fellow humanoid being, or heed her intellectual cautions. She stuck to the cautiousness and promised herself that she would come to his aid if he desperately needed it. It really was nothing against him... she didn't dislike him for any true reason except for the natural apprehension that comes with meeting a stranger out in the wild plains of Algaësia--realms where borders do not exist and people of all nationalities wander. Surely, she was not at fault for her well placed wariness? Still she hoped, she didn't seem too brisk or uncaring. She didn't intend to if she did.

She sat still, slightly rigid as he approached, her muscles tensed, but comfortable as he came near with the herbs. He placed them beside her and she stared at them a moment, before grabbing the small packet with slender fingers--clothed by the black gloves she dawned. She nodded her thanks breifly, but felt as if it was heard on deaf ears. For, as she study his face breifly, she found nothing there. No pain, no memory, no emotion at all. He seemed vacant, expressionless--as if the world had wiped him clean and left him empty, as if a part of him were lost.

Fading from his face, she noted his appearance now. His hair near identical in shade to her own, his skin also pale. But his eyes... they stood out with a vibrancy that demanded attention yet seemed to hide in mystery at the same time. It brought a curiousity upon her, that she couldn't explain or even understand in her own sense--just as it also pushed her away, warning her of dangers masked, dangers that she could not identify nor imagine. Suddenly they flicked forward and seemed to lock with her for less than a second's minute as she quickly averted them and focused on the fire once again, prodded it futily with the same dry twig--she tried to pretend as if she had not been staring and quickly cleared her throat, as a pale blush rose to her cheeks. To compensate she quickly offered, "I mean you no harm if you can say the same." Her eyes bearing intently into the yellow flames.

The tone was serious, though gentle--its briskness explained by her own uncertainties of the new aquaintance.
She raised her face to look at him, a more comfortable visage upon her features--slightly forced, but there nonetheless. She didn't want to appear rude, and she didn't want to seem uncomfortable. He didn't seem to show any risk towards her, and he didn't appear threatening. Did she really have any right to be nervous around him unless he gave her reason to be? No.
She sighed in a relaxed manner and a gently smile turned the corners of her mouth up slightly in miniciple degrees. It was a gentle polite smile, but a certain seriousness had not yet fled from it.
She let her pale, ice-blue eyes drift in order to find and meet his own blues. There was a stranger's concern in her orbs--a care that was fragile and easily wavered, but existant nonetheless and willing to help if help be needed. Nai wasn't one to judge or point fingers, therefore--even though his quiet, expressionless visage and dominant blue eyes were... different and unsettling--in referanced terms... she bore no predejuice and kept her impressions at bay where judgement could not be born.

"Are you alright?" She asked gently, cursing suddenly beneath her breath as the fire began to release black smoke--a sure sign that it was beginning to smolder.

She unfurled her legs so as to draw closer to the flame. Building up its embers, and drawing them close around one another so as to better melt and furnace the falling flakes. It would not be long before it died, but she wanted to keep it up as long as possible. She removed her gloves to allow more dextarity as she used the last of her dry sticks to stroke its fading wisps--thus revealing slender graceful fingers, pale... but not lacking in warmth--unaffected by the blue tinge of winter's cold and bitter kiss.
She discarded them at her side while she worked, but when he'd given up her attempts--satisfied that for now, the fire would continue for a little more--she returned them to her hands. Her silver, teal-tinged locks were speckled by the falling snow, and several flakes had found resting upon the lids of her lashes and the thin pallid skin upon her lips. Her slender figure comforted itself once again in a restful position as she resettled the white garments around her. She prefered the purity of the pale trestles and the only contrast were the black gloves and the sash around her waist which supported her satchel.

Left in the silence between them, the aprehension began to settle back in again, and she tried to brush it away as she realized...

Unsure, but feeling it necessary, she whispered gently across the space between them. Her voice slow and quiet. "I'm sorry, I've forgotten myself. I am Niemala." Her eyes did not return to his face. But her senses were far from ignoring him--quite the contrary.</sup>

[Kaitou Haru]

The small fire that was fighting the snow wouldn't last much longer at this rate. Although the color and depth of the flames were so captivating that Haru could barely keep his eyes off of it. The way the tops of the flares curled and flicked kept his eyes focused. What the girl, now known as Niemala had thought was correct...sort of. True, Haru could not withstand the cold as a human as she can, that is, if he knew she could. Yet she was unaware of his abilities. He would be cold, but he could make due if he had to.

The truth behind it was that Haru feared this woman in a way. As gentle as her voice sounded when she spoke, she was intimidating. Haru could see the situation they were basically in: Stuck in the snow while fearing another hoping nothing bad will happen. With the locked emotions inside, Haru reluctantly shunned the thought of friends from his mind. There was no time for that- His sister was more important. Hearing her take the herbs back sent the message of thanks to Haru as his eyes trailed to the snow that was on his boots. Half melted, half frozen; just like himself.

The girl’s blush that appeared on her cheeks was unnoticed by Haru- his mind fading into thoughts. The glow of the small fire caused all the glares on his leather gloves to shine a light orange. His silver hair was accented by it was well.
"I mean you no harm if you can say the same."
The sound of her voice snapped Haru out of his trance. His head jerked up from resting on his knees, and he slowly turned it in her direction. His expression remained the same the whole time. His gaze met hers, trying to comprehend if she was lying or not what felt like ten minutes; which was only ten seconds. His reply was a simple nod. He did not want to speak with her that easily. His normal strategy with others: Keep rather still, take in all of the information they say, speak little.

Now, it was Haru's turn to speak. Just nodding again would not be the best thing to do. Was it a threat if he did? No- but he knew better than to not give thanks to someone who saved his life. The question asked was "Are you alright?" No, he wasn't alright. With the messed up life he's endured, he was anything but alright compared to the average person. Physically speaking was the implied term of course.
"....I'll be alright. Thank you for awakening me." he said- a low tone that was just above a whisper. It sounded like expression was sucked out of his voice as well. There were hints though- he did not speak like an android. Quiet and subtle was all that was left in Haru's voice. Rarely does he smile, speak with enthusiasm, or even get into an in depth conversation.

It was such a burden to be unable to use his abilities. Then again, sometimes Haru was grateful for the pledge. Less people were there to judge him- kindhearted or not. As the silver-haired girl reached for the fire to tend to it, Haru kept an eye on her hands. He did not want her to burn them, it wouldn't be right. Her hands were nearly as pale as her white garments- yet her skin held a creamy look to them.

As the silence sat in again, he could sense her apprehension growing until she spoke again. Why was he being so cold and distant to her? The kindness she was showing was something he should be greatful for, yet his habit pushed her away.
"I'm sorry, I've forgotten myself. I am Niemala."
Hearing her name escape her lips, he repeated it to himself
"Niemala..."
He was hoping that would trigger something in his lost memory. Though the chance was slim to none, perhaps his sister shared the same name or something that sounded like it. Sadly nothing came to mind- But his name? What? Should he make one up as he did many times before he settled on his "stranger name"? His alias would be a better way to put it.
He looked up at the snow that fell upon his hair and face as he responded to her statement "...Kaitou...My name is Kaitou." Was said followed by a delicate and soft sigh.

Each and every snowflake that landed on Haru's body slowly melted away due to his body's warmth and the small heat of the fire. The drops slid down and off of his jacket, yet were partially absorbed at the same time. The fine locks of hair that were rested on his shoulders were dampened and chunked together into thick strands. The stone area they were in....it gave Haru this chill that surged down his spine. It was getting to become too strong for him. It was like....someone, or something....was watching them. Maybe it was just his imagination, but who knows. His very tight gloves reached for the cross that hung on a heavy silver chain. Daintly he looked back to the fire- pressing the cold metal against his closed lips. The token of what's left of his family hung around his neck. In the few moments of silence, Haru begged that things would not turn against him with this woman. Though her hair was strikingly similar in color, he did not want conflict what so ever. For now, the concern of where to find shelter for Niemala would be the next priority if the fire was to go out.

[:+: SnowBird :+:]

<sup>She sat plain and simple, an elegant beauty--a dove of the snow--waiting for something, anything to prove to her that he was more than a stony face, more than silence. However, he didn't offer much.
His voice seemed just as distant and cold as the rest of his persona, and she felt inclined to draw away--daunted by the "lack of" that seemed to surround him. Yet, his curtesy remained and she was left confused.

Cold, but sincere? It seemed a contradiction in itself and the lack of malice that she half expected left it hard for her to abandon him as she felt was the wise decision. She was lacking in physical skills, and had a general frailty to her appearance that was far from daunting. She had only her magic to hold him at bay if he suddenly proved to be a much different sort of man.

She forced a chance smile at his thanks and nodded acceptingly. She had no regrets towards saving him--she had no right to let a life fade if it was in her power to effect its passing. Yet she didn't know if she wanted his company any more. He'd done so little to settle her aprehension and it certainly wasn't fading now...

until...

She offered her name, and heard him whisper it softly to himself. There seemed a lost hope in the voice as if trying to remember and bring to mind something lost or discarded. She sensed a gentleness in it, a warmth that lurked beneath the surface. There was more to him than he appeared, she accepted that now... and half of her apprehension drifted away as he paid due curtesy and provided his own calling.

Kaitou... it seemed far from a black name, and it was followed a sensitivy that whispered in the breath of a soft sigh--delicate and trailling, left for the wind to scatter into non-existance. But it went far from unnoticed.

She glanced suddenly to the fire that was once again dwindling, but lost the initiative to run to its aid. Instead, she grabbed a broken peice of the column behind her. It's shaft provided an elongated extension as she shifted the contents of the burning embers. It was running out of wood, and most of the charred stakes were now reduced to ash. She had no more wood, and did not trust the flame to give her time to find more.

She raised her eyes to look at him--peering out from behind white satin curtains that were soft and wet from the fall of the snow. Her skin, so pale and flawless showed a gentle reflection as she thought over her words and remembered his sense of gratitude from earlier.

Politely she abandoned the fire with a sense of failure and sat back upon her heels, watching as he gently raised a silver hued cross to his lips. His tenderness towards it, invoked a sense of sorrow in Niemala. Has he lost someone... a loss that makes him so cold? Does he hold himself back, or is this merely who he is--cold and distant. She couldn't know for certain, and this unbeknown sense left an unpredictability between them. Keeping one from trusting the other, as he offered little to her, and she dare not offer much else without some sort of promise.
How can one politely tell someone to leave? Did she even want him to leave? He was the first company she'd had for some time now, and though the air was tense and uncomfortable, the interaction was some excitement to a world that the winter elemental usually saw alone.

She was intriqued, but knew that the fire was dying and the snow would surely only fall harder as night came upon the hemisphere. Perhaps it was time to depart. She worried for him once again, as he'd already fallen once... would it happen again?
Considerately she offered, "The fire's close to death, have you anywhere to go? I cannot say I know of many sheltering abodes--save the ruins themselves."

She kept her eyes trained on the snow, taking in its calm serenity--breathing in its peace and tranquil standards. What was it like to be cold and expressionless? She slowly cleared her mind, curious to feel the space... but she quickly ceased and looked to the fire, letting its warmth fill her once again. Though an element of the cold, she could not fill herself with it. It left her empty and broken, a feeling a desolate apprehension that threaten to hunt and follow her as long as she held its stone. She could not bear such a cold demeenor, it was not her... it could never be her. She lived in winter, but she breathed in life.</sup>

[Kaitou Haru]

The white locks that bestowed his head only whipped violently as the winter's rush came about. He remained hunched over, holding his knees- wishing he didn't need to suffer. The silence that he had offered was filled with Niemala's polite questions. Haru could see that she merely showing respect.

He turned his head in her direction. His soft blue eyes met her's for a split second, then he faced forward again. Her eyes showed....hesitation? That wouldn't be right- Fear? Or was it just a heavy mixture of strong emotions and thoughts? He was a cold, stone faced man who held little to nothing dear. The life of a wanderer. But this young lady- quite the eye catcher. No, it was not her anatomy that he was curious about. Her spirit, personality, and warm voice allured him like bees to honey. He owed her a great debt- sadly, he could not think of a way to return it just yet.

As Niemala gingerly moved the remains of charred sticks and ash, Haru's eyes watched her closely. It appeared both of them had the correct assumption- this fire will not last long. He remained in his spot, using his abilities to subtly get the heavy collection of snowflakes off of his jacket. It was a cold burden leaving himself to be coated with fresh powder. Yes, he could have used his gloved hands, but he'd not wanted to move much and attract attention. Slowly the larger collection of flakes slid down his jacket subtlety and onto the cold ruins- Very subtle.

It's a strong fact- but Haru chooses not to remember new faces. From his years of searching he had learned memories of those you will never see again only cause grief. He wanted to forget this lady as soon as they parted ways--however, another part of him said no. Why? Why choose to remember Niemala? He was searching for some long and complex answer, realizing the real reason was so simple, yet so powerful: She saved his life and offered kindness.

It was hard for these two to trust one another. The uncertain vibes that was being radiated from both of them caused the other to hesitate. He brought the cross down and let it sit against his chest. From the corner of his eye he saw Niemala observe it. Taking he deep breath, he closed his eyes for about two seconds. As he exhaled, he let his eyes see light once again, but they were gloomy and half open.
"This cross...." he began, his eyes showing no happiness, "Is what is left of my family." Haru was trying so hard to create a sense of trust. Perhaps what he said was too strong. He could not stop there- better say all of a situation than half. "My parents are dead." He said quietly, putting horrendous amounts of effort into not showing any sorrow. "My sister was taken from me. I am searching for her." That was all she needed to know now- why the cross is so important.

Maybe it would be best if I was to leave her alone.....
It appeared Niemala didn't like is company. This was Haru's cue to get up and leave quietly- without a word spoken. The air was think and heavy with silence and little to no conversation. The angst Haru felt from spilling out the hardest time of his life was getting the best of him.

He was losing another fight against his own body. He did not want to show his feelings. They only get in the way... He could feel his eyes forcing themselves not to create tears. The grip on his knees grew tighter as he pulled himself closer to them. His head lowered itself, with his silver locks dangling over his eyes."The fire's close to death, have you anywhere to go? I cannot say I know of many sheltering abodes--save the ruins themselves."
The thought hadn't crossed Haru's mind until she had brought it up. He jerked his head up from where it was mere seconds ago. He didn't have anywhere to go. However, he did not want her to go out of her way for his well being. He quickly analyzed his situation. If he said yes, he might not find a suitable place- not to mention he is not in perfect health. If he said no, he would be putting Niemala in an awkward place. That wouldn't be right.

Soon he was able to lock his sorrowful emotions away. His voice became lonesome and depressing as when they first met. His complexion regained its stone-cold expressionless look. To be able to lock away such powerful emotional feeling takes a toll. For Haru, he has done this so often that it was normal.

He saw that Niemala was keeping her eyes affixed on the snow. With relief that she was not etching inside of him to see if he was sorrow-filled, Haru looked up towards the clouded grey sky. He watched the snowflakes fall. They landed upon his pale cream face and his smooth, flat, and straight silver hair. The clouds hovered above Algaësia with no signs of leaving soon. The thought of shelter came back to Haru's drifting mind. Where would he go? Did he even respond to Niemala's concerning question? Haru blinked a few times to regain focus on what was around him. "...You needn't worry about me. You should find shelter for yourself first.." His voice trailed as he looked back to the cloudy sky, secretly curious of Niemala's response.

[Talon]

I cannot live, I can't breathe
unless you do this with me
I cannot live, I can't breathe
unless you do this with me
I cannot live, I can't breathe
unless you do this with me

Coming...

I wanna have the same last dream again,
the one where I wake up and I'm alive.
Just as the four walls close me within,
my eyes are opened up with pure sunlight.
I'm the first to know,

Silver beak gleaming,
Red eyes glaring.
Fur tussled up,
Claws stretched and put.

I trotted gently through the snow. Blinding whiteness sretching too far for life. Rocks chipping my careful claws to dullness. I searched, I wasn't cold. I wasn't hot. I wasn't missing anything, but yet I searched. What for? I don't know. I didn't know, for all I do know, I'll never know. My mind can't comprehend. This vastness, too vast. Yet, where I came from, it wasn't vast enough. So, what did I want? What do I want? What will I want? A brother, a sister, a father, a mother. One of my own?

Life ahead,
Past abed.
Time's awaiting,
Present betaking.

my dearest friends,
even if your hope has burned with time,
anything that's dead shall be re-grown,
and your vicious pain, your warning sign,
you will be fine.

Gone...

Hey, yo, here I am,
and here we go, life's waiting to begin.
Any type of love - it will be shown,
like every single tree reach for the sky.
If you're gonna fall,
I'll let you know,
that I will pick you up
like you for I,

Claws dug deep,
Paws and feet.
Wings aspread,
Tail afled.

My life. Oh my miserable, lonely life. Why was it me? Why do I even ask? Because I'm different. They called me a Gryffon. Whatever that was. A dragon, immortal, with a falcon, mortal. So, am I Mortal-im? How long will I live? Can I reproduce? Will I meet another of my own? No. I won't. I can't lie to myself. I can't lie. I can't. Can't lie, steal, or neglect. It's a curse. I can't be alone. I'll die. Destruction, that's all I'll ever be good for. To be someone's tool. A toy. Nothing. I don't exist. The breath escaping these lungs make no clouds. My wings don't need air currents. Lightning doesn't strike me, because I am nothing. And I can't die. I'm too scared. Or am I? Am I scared? Or am I being called? My life, oh my sweet, glorious life. What a treasure, to be the first of my kind.

Eyes on snow,
Fur in a flow.
A rough breeze,
To draw the sneeze.

like you for I,
I thought this thing,
I can't replace.
When everyone was working for this goal.
We're all the children left without a trace,
only to come back, as pure as gold,
To recite this all.

Let us leave. Now. Forever. We will never be lost, and never be found.

Hey, yo, here I am,
and here we go, life's waiting to begin.
Tonight,
hey, yo, here I am,

No snow.
No air.
Is it real?
Yes.
Am I real?
Yes.
Why ask?
For certainty.
Why be certain?
For good need.
Why?
Why not?
I will always win.
Always.
Because I never give up.
Never.
Here I go.
My life will now begin.

Now I saw it. Was it what I was searching for? Yes. Definitely. Two people. I don't know who, or even if they'll be kind. But now my search is over, my wings, folding inward as I climbed a gentle slope to present myself to them. Present like a great lion. A falcon. A dragon. I am different. And I am proud. Because now, I am no longer unique, to be just like everyone else. Now, I am beyond it all.

My life.
It is beginning.
Throw the rhymes away.
Throw the trash and fray.
Fray the very fabric,
The fabric of time.
This is me.
Like it or no,
Here I am.

and here we go, life's waiting to begin.
Tonight,
hey, yo, here I am,
and here we go, life's waiting to begin.

...Done

I cannot live, I can't breathe
unless you do this with me
I cannot live, I can't breathe
unless you do this with me
I cannot live, I can't breathe
unless you do this with me

[OOC: Disclaimer: Song used: The Adventure By Angels and Airwaves [beginning lyrics-top and bottom-tan]
[Black- short breakers in the post]
[Cadmium Lemon- song lyrics]
[White- poem section of 3rd person thoughts]
[burnt orange- paragraph of 1st person thoughts]

[:+: SnowBird :+:]

<sup>Niemala perked, once again, at the sound of his voice. This time it offered more than simply a name, and she sat patiently--eyes unjudging, face compassionate.
She could taste the sorrow behind the words, but could not see it within his eyes or his face. He hid it well; she prayed that it existed at all behind his mask.
She did not truly care that he hid himself or his emotions, though it would disturb her to realize that he had nothing to hide. The inhumane manner of such an empty soul was chilling to even consider. But she knew to assume such a thing was folly. The man before her was not hallow. There were signs that alerted her to this reality, and she was glad of it. It was comforting to know that the man she shared company with was capable of kind, sincere gestures.
Amazingly enough, she was almost glad to hear that his life was not void of suffering. It wasn't a malicious releif, but a truth. It helped her better understand him... though she would probably never know him deeply. It was his openness to explain that releived her of tension, and it was unfortunately obvious. She could not help it. She was not a fighter, she was not a soldier, or an agent of any warlike factor. She was merely a young immortal woman--almost a girl if you will. She could not hide such simple feelings, no matter how hard she may try. She didn't have anything to hide... no past, no secrets. It was her own life's tragedy, but she could remember nothing of her life before now. She didn't know her birthplace, her mother, her father, her siblings. She didn't know if they existed at all or if they were even alive still. All she had was herself, and it was one of the reason she was such a secluded soul--always wrapped within her own existance, unaware of those around her.
Kaitou was a shared company that she'd not had for several years now. That simple fact was one of the reasons that kept her lingering almost hoping that the moment would elongate and their convergence would not come to such a sudden end.

His honesty--if he were lying she was oblivious to the fact--eased her discomfort, and she let her eyes fall back into the snow. Offering a few gentle words that were in reality probably promiseless.
"I would help you find her if I could..."
she offered pleasantly as she had no life to anchor her down; yet honestly what could she rightfully or honestly do to help. She didn't know his sister. She didn't know much of anyone. She didn't even know him.

A breif silence seemed to fall back into place, and meanwhile, Niemala began to brush off the small collection of snow that had begun to build up upon her shoulder and within her lap. Just as she had finished with the last few clumps, she caught his voice ounce again. His words made him wonder yet again. He almost begun to seem harmless... his suggestion was seemingly selfless and Niemala couldn't hide her gentle, warm smile. It was now her time to share.

"You needn't worry. The cold does not effect me.." she paused about to offer another option the two might have, but her thoughts were quickly overruled by a sudden draw in her attention.

A few yards away, approaching carefully but comfortably, was a large predetory animal, that Niemala was not accustumed to seeing. It bore the general head of a raptor--bird of prey--yet strode with the prideful step of a feline. It's powerful forelegs bore sharp talons and its clamped wings promised a formidable agility. She was unsure why it came nearer and pondered as to exactly what it was. She'd heard tales of gryphons, but not all were good and she had never seen one. So, she was left to wonder whether the one that approached upon their temporary campsite was a tactically creature with the power to reason and predict, or if it was what some people believed... a simplistic beast run off instinct.
Her aprehensions showed as her eyes trailed from Kaitou's face to look beyond him, watching the gryphon's approach.
Her own natural reaction would have her reaching a higher ground, but all she did was delve within herself, considering her options and preparing her magics. A certain static seemed to surround her as she did so, a prelude to her own insecurities. But she would not act unless forced. She just didn't like it's appearance. It was intimidating, and she was not capable of defending herself from an attack at close range. Her body just wasn't built for it, and to be honest even though she was agile and rather versatile, she just wasn't smart enough to fight in close combat.

Warily she assessed the situation, praying and hoping that the new arrival came on friendly terms.</sup>

[Kaitou Haru]

It was simple, really. Just another person, another woman. However, the chances of ones eyes to be set upon meeting one who has the same colored locks, deep eyes, and serene persona made her worth the stay. The sorrow words he spoke tainted his tongue, making it difficult to think or speak again of anything positive. His mask was so strong, so thick, so hard to read. Haru knew that Niemala was one of few who had keen eyes for life-searching within another. She, along with few whom Haru had erased the names and moments from his memory, was able to get the slightest drop of life out of him- the signs that kept him alive within. It was hard to speak, hard to listen to anyone but himself, and hard to breathe knowing that someone was trying to open him up.

Yet . . . she kept his life, restored his health, and healed his sanity that was lost from being antisocial for so long.

It was only because she was accepting, for now. Haru noticed Niemala’s head perk up when he spoke again. Did she notice his sorrow building up, his eyes glistening with nonexistent tears? It was unknown to him at this time. Though...somehow, this young woman’s intent to slowly reach with her hands of soul to open him, chipping away at his mask sounded horrible at first. That was what comforted him though. Haru was not fond of how Niemala could partially read him, even if it was almost none. But the comfort of another soul, trying to melt away the icy cage that incased his warm, slow beating heart, made his mind at ease. Further information about himself would require a lot more effort to gather though.

"I would help you find her if I could..."
It made his eyes widen as he stared off into the snow. It was a lie, it had to be. Her words were so soft that they were like warm breezes in the summer. He didn’t move for a minute or so, trying to compensate. Those whom Haru met in his travels did not know of his past. They only knew his name and powers. With this one, it was different. In exchange for knowing his past, Haru mentally refused to expose his true chimeran abilities. Her words offered such kindness that it would make one give thanks many times before seeing another off. Haru was different. He willingly turned to Niemala, and looked at her eyes. His face was still emotionless, yet instead of being cold and rather...scornful looking, it was cold and hiding warmth while being content all at once.

Within that brief silence that followed, Haru spoke up. His face was the same as mentioned, however his voice showed more life. It was still dull, sounding like a tired, torn soul, yet the question was pure.
“Are your words only to ease my wounds?”

As Niemala mentioned the cold does not effect her body, it made Haru’s mind ponder.
This place known to me now as Algaësia, is rumored to have many people with their own abilities, such as myself......this must be one of hers.
Haru was as harmless as Niemala thought he was. That is, when he is himself. When his emotions override his containment, and things get hectic, which happens so rarely that those who witness it fear it, he loses his mind. Unable to be the man known as “Kaito.” However, Haru had taken note on the distance apart from their bodies, the positions they sat in, tones, and such. The observant eye was at work. The conclusion Haru came to was that she did not like him very much, or that he disliked men. This made him uneasy because he knew he was not going to hurt someone like her.

The change in Niemala’s eyes made Haru look further into them. What? Did he do something wrong? No, this time, the sudden change in outlook was not his doing. However these eyes were not set on him, but what lied beyond. His face now back to the normal, distant and emotionless face, turned with his head to see what the gaze was locked on.
A creature was approaching. Assuming, Niemala was not very comfortable with it. It’s coating bored a beautiful shade of blue, its eyes a deep crimson. Its stride was proud and bold, yet confined and bashful. Haru was aware that gryphons existed, however his eyes have never come across one. A small mental note was made: to attempt to take on the traits of this creature while using his chimeran abilities. That would be a feat worth the time, however would be hard.

There was no time to expand on that thought. A creature was approaching, and the two of them did not know if it was friend or foe. If Haru was on his own, he would spend more time analyzing this creature, then deciding to attack or flee. At this given time and place, his mind told him to not leave Niemala’s side. Clearly she was uneasy, and so was he to be honest. A total stranger sitting with him, soon to be accompanied by a mythological beast. What if those two were allied? What if a fight broke out and Niemala took him out when his back was turned?
Two blinks of his eyes ridded him of the treason that this ally could never have. A fight was not needed now, nor was placing this stranger in danger.

Haru turned back to Niemala, his eyes open like a book if one was to take note.
You’ve saved my life, and if needed I will save yours
Brushing the snow from him one last time, he slowly rose from his place. Poised and positioned, standing with arms at his side, Haru looked towards the beast. It looked like a predator, but showed no signs of attacking. This could not be underestimated. Haru’s eyes turned to the beast, leaving Niemala out of his sight. The stone face he had remained, yet his eyes narrowed towards the beast: analyzation. Friend or foe, attack or flee, or something else? The squint in Haru’s eyes was not only to see what was co ming, but as a subtle sign for the blue-like beast to not try anything smart on them. Haru did not know that Niemala possessed any abilities, but for now he had a debt to repay.

That feeling of being uneasy settled deep in Haru’s stomach. As a predator it was huge, with glaring red eyes as deep as crimson blood. Its fur was ruffled and tussled. It was probably cold. Yet its claws were stretched out and its beak gleamed in the small rays of sun. It looked so strong and could have the strength to kill. Haru was quietly thinking if he should expose any of his abilities or not. He quickly decided not to unless Niemala was in danger.

Blue eyes gave the beast a second look. This creature did not have the look of killing flaming it its eyes, but instead the look of search much like his own. The search for something dear. Haru’s heartbeat increased a little at this realizing fact. As he searched for his sister, this beast must be searching for something as well. However when this beast revealed its spectacular wings Haru almost changed his face from stone cold to a look of awe. They were powerful and strong, yet graceful and beautiful. He took note that if he was to need to fly once again he would try to use those wings with his own abilities than his falcon wings.

What was Haru to do? Fight or defend, survive or sacrifice?
Again he quickly serveyed the area, seeing that there were many stones and ruins for Niemala to hide behind if she was unable to defend herself. That gave Haru an ease of mind. He noted where he stood- upon snow. The beast stood on snow as well, however the snow was spotted with chunks of ruin and flooring of the stones.
Haru knew one thing he had to do- inform Niemala. He spoke again, not facing her yet his voice carried to her ears.
“If this creature lunges, I want you to flee.”

[Talon]

Talon scanned everything, crimson as a rose eyes not missing a thing. He watched as the two humans talked on, and quickly, frightened ever-so-slightly, noticing him. He flexed his claws but did not rest a gaze on the two-leggers. His black talons, giving him his name, were etching through the snow, finding rocks near the bottom, and scratching them. The noise was small, and very high-pitched, so Talon could hear it easily. This sound actually pleased the Gryffin. It allowed him the knowledge that his dealy claws would make a fast kill.

He had stretched out his wings, now he beat them up and down two times, knocking off any extra snow. He lifted them high overhead, using the muscles near his shoulder blades and feeling the easy flexations of everything. One thing that this beast loved to do was admire, and since he could admire no others of his kind, he was forced to admire himself. And since he could admire no other kinds, as many were too frightened to stay near him, he was forced even harder to admire his own body. Normally this may lead to self-love of an overture, conceit, and overly-full pride, but Talon was not permitted to do many things that would allow that build up, so therefore, he simply admired his own prison, his own home, his cage, jail, cell, walls, and the things that made everything do as he bid them to.

He looked over the slope, and stopped beating his wings. He stopped clawing the rock, and instead, he simply wagged his tail. His lion-like tail was a toy for himself, and that was his best friend. Since Talon had no others of his kind, he could never play, he was strictly raised by himself and mother-nature, and everything he did, and everything he does, will mold his own life-clay, right now he is wanting of love, though he doesn't know what it is. He only understand famine, territory, greed, and pride, none of which are his personality, all of which he has suffered from. A stiff breeze picked up, blowing small amounts of the powdery snow into his face, but he welcomed the coolness.

After that stiff breeze, a gentler wind blew, throwing more top-snow into his face, landing on his thick fur that did not melt. His feathered wings were opened, yet from their angle they did not catch the wind, and once it died down, Talon did something much more cat-like than any of his other bloodlines. He leaned forward, shook all over and stretched, long claws extending even further, the fur on his spine bristling even higher as he once more allowed his colors to show instead of the bothersome white snow.

Finally, Talon looked into the small dip and crevice that now contained the two landwalkers. He looked each of them carefully over, first the female, then the male. The woman's hair seemed like a silvery sheen of Talon's own silvery/blue fur. Her blue and grey eyes appeared to reflect the Gryffins own coat back into his large red eyes, her skin seemed creamy and unuasual for humans caught in a cold snowy day. The male however was quite tall, about as tall, maybe half a foot shorter than Talon himself. His blue eyes were darker than anything blue on Talon, but they were captivating, and quite mysterious. Talon could tell he was not quite human, there was something more about him.

Now Talon was curious, he attempted to shove it down, not wishing to abuse his very limited powers, and he did not even think of trying to read either of their minds. Suddenly the male spoke to the female, as both were now standing, "If this creature lunges, I want you to flee." Hah! As if he would even dream of eating a human, they had ways of getting back at anything that tried to eat them- as he'd noticed when watching falcons, lions, and even dragons get slayed for eating one. Though he processed that thought quickly, he'd jumped at the sound of the male's voice. So they could talk, eh? Well, now he could understand them, and they, him. Talon's fluffed up fur lay flat again as he one last time lifted his wings before pulling them in and tucking them next to his body. He took two paces forward, then remembered the words issued by the man.

"Do not worry, dear friends. I am not here for food, I am merely searching for something." He said, and he was sure he looked quite funny with his beak moving ever so little and his tongue articulating the words understandibly, but certainly clumsily. "You have been frighened by me, but for no need, my name is Talon, and I am a Gryffin. I do believe I am the first of my kind, or, if anything, sadly, the last of my kind." Talon sat down and then lay, showing, if they would doubt him, that he was truthful. He had encountered such things as lies, and most certainly any creature was capable of it, every creature but Talon. He'd attempted to lie once, and he had been devastated by guilt- unable to eat or drink until he admitted to it.


[Enjoy, hopefully my muse sufficed Don't worry thought, if I end up being grounded, just continue without me...I don't/won't mind...]

[:+: SnowBird :+:]

Niemala had heard him question--inquiring about the genuity of her previous statement--her offer to help. She looked at him sternly but gently--the one glance where she seemed to assert herself.
^{"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it."} she stated briskly.
Stubbornly, she felt slightly insulted. Yet, his words did make her ponder--almost second-guessing herself. Did she really mean it?
Her face faded into a ponderous abyss as she looked away from him and her eyes faded into the snow--looking beyond it, thoughtfully, absently.
In these brief few moments before the griffon's arrival, she wondered at the genuity of her words. She had meant it, she would help him if she could... she just didn't know how well she could help him.
With a sigh she added apologetically, meeting his gaze softly: ^{"I would help you if I could. It's just..."} she paused, wondering if her inability to help was all that much better as not really wanting to help at all, ^{"I just don't really know how to."}

It was with those words that her gaze suddenly drifted to the Griffon and the present situation took hold.

She stood with Kaitou and warily watched the griffon advance. His words filtered back to comfortingly--“If this creature lunges, I want you to flee.”
She did not answer him, did not nod, did not shake her head. She was undecided. He didn't know of her abilities--whether she was a fighter or a runner. Honestly, she was most probably neither. She knew she wasn't fully capapble of holding her own in a close combat fight, but from a distance she was more formidable than most. Her magical abilities were extensive, honed and developed by a determined mind--and in the midst of her greatest element (the throws of winter) she was fully capable of causing harm or even death if need-be.
Preferably though, she'd probably rather run. But she wasn't going to leave Kaitou. Sure, she didn't know his abilities either, but nonetheless, she wasn't just going to leave him...

He moved his attention back to the new stranger. She stayed put and mentally prepared herself for whatever was to come. The sense that surrounded her was static and tense as she held herself coiled--ready to react in an instant.
Luckily, there was no need to fight and no need to flee... if the griffon spoke truth, which it was probably safe to assume. Didn't rumor have it that griffon's were bearers of truth, incapable of lies and preventing a lie out of the mouths of those around them...? Nonetheless, his soothing words of reassurance did not fully settle her. Before her was a predetor that was designed to kill. She did not share the same awe as Kaitou did. Her awe was a mild fear.

Besides the point, she apprehensively relaxed and watched the beast approach cautiously. She cursed herself for being so intimidated and uncomfortable with something that didn't seem to intend harm, but can one ever truly choose their discomforts and natural impulses...?
To her, the new arrival was built like a predetor--a creature fully equiped to effectively kill--and in such a case it was dangerous, and it was better to avoid it than interact with it.

Yet, the last few words the griffon--Talon--offered visibly relaxed her nerves. Hearing him speak in a verbal tongue and the tone he used, the expression in his eyes and words... it all made him seem almost human--much more complicated than a simple beast.
She scolded herself as she felt a sullen pity for the beast, and glanced quickly towards Kaitou... the two... they were almost similiar. Kaitou was looking for someone, and so was this beast.

Suddenl Niemala felt excluded, as if her simple existance was no longer meaningful--as if her life was purposeless. Here were two beings who had a plot in life... a goal to reach towards. And where was she...? She wasn't headed anywhere. She repeated life the same--blowing about the world like a leaf that had submitted to the travels of the wind. She was without sail.
Sullenly she seemed to deflate and she dropped herself back to the ruin which had been her previous seat. She did not raise her eyes, nor observe the new beast, Talon. Instead she used a stick and stirred the contents of the fire--now extinguished save for a few trailing wisps of ashen smoke.
A sense of self-loathing filled her heart. Was her life always going to be this way--unsociable wanderings, endless seasons. She needed direction... It was time to take a risk.
Suddenly a flare of determination filled her eyes as she dropped the stirring stick and looked back at the other two--now curious about the situation.

Hopefully, Kaitou would let her help him find her sister.

[Talon]

OOC: Hope you don't mind Haru, but, I'm not sure how much longer ill be grounded after this, so, I'm just going to get it over with...;]

BIC:

~"If there is no one beside you...I will follow you into the dark"~

Talon watched the human woman, at first, she appeared somewhat nervous, but, once he had finished his speech, she had gone back to the firepit, and what was left of a surely warm fire. The large bird continued to sit, but resumed his rock scratching, flexing his long claws and making etches in the black rocks below.

He tugged his wings further into his body, making sure he, or they, don't freeze in the sure-to-come cold air blasts. For now though, the slight breezes continued to make fun of the beast, powdered snow constantly being brushed into his face.

He lowered his ears, and crossed his front legs, still making sure that he did not move too much. Talon wished desperately that a harvest moon might rise tonight, but, he was grateful it would not. He could tell from the woman's slight indecision and nervousness that she felt bad about something. And he wondered simply more what it was.

His long tail curving under his wings to come close to his head, Talon watched the male. "I desperately pray you believe me. As it is a terrible thing for one to lie." He said, articulating every word clearly but for 'desperately', in which he had an issue with his p. 'Humans, must love this language, but, it is merely the fact that I exclude lips. What a blast this is. Now, will they kill me, or will they continue on their way?' Talon asked himself, mainly looking at his tail as he did so until he flipped the tip of it.

Silly bird, lion. What a risible, preposterous beast. Stop looking at the tail. There's other people here. Talon looked back at the humans. The woman had an air of greatness but confusion, the man, a strong will and a way to get to his goal. The beast, simple thing, lucky to have found possible companions should he not get speared in the side nor have his esophagus ripped out. Not likely.

His blue and green fur was now very thick, and risen against the blasting cold. Blasting, at least, for one not prepared for the gentle breezes of a -10 degree Celsius atmosphere. It was cold. Very cold. Talon attempted to focus on the cold, then on conserving his body heat, letting him ignore anymore snow flurries flicking and aiming to punch out his eyes with their minority effect and majority population.

Now the gryffin returned his red gaze to the humans below. "I wish to ask of you, Sir, Ma'am, where the two of you may possibly be headed for. And, if, perhaps, your caravan can have enough capacity for one of my kind?" He asked quietly, trying again not to scare them too much. He prayed they would accept him, possibly seeing him as a powerful asset. He had plenty of heat to keep them both warm without a fire, he could hunt for them all, fly them over danger or obstacles, and, well, any power they know Talon to have, and perhaps he may...no, he wouldn't tell them his power, it was too great a cost.

[Kaitou Haru]

((Yes yes, I know, this post is huge- but I had to make something up for replying to three posts! XD not to mention I had a muse explosion))

The cold wind soon became noting to Haru’s skin. Numbness without the harsh burn and sting of frostbite had enclosed itself to every nerve and every strand of hair. The flakes of snow that were violently pushed about by the winter surges smacked themselves in Haru’s direction, yet his eyes did not blink upon their impact with his face. The only sound heard was the howl of the wind, and the last pops of the fire. His mind could feel Niemala’s eyes casting their look upon him, their look being gentle at first yet stern with truth and reason.
She really meant it?
She would try to assist in the search for his sister? It was unheard of to Haru. Someone....cared about his situation? Somebody....was showing him emotion? The emotion that wouldn’t result in his death or being alone? It made his heart skip a beat, but at the same time he could feel traces of emotion running through him. He was surprised at most, for when Niemala offered herself to aid his eyes grew wide as he still kept his glance on the snow. He turned to her, now meeting her glance and hearing a soft sigh. Her apologetic words shot Haru through the chest- something that hasn’t happened to him in years.

How could he accept her help? His task required his sister to see his face and recall whom he is. She did not have his face. Yet appreciation shimmered in his distant eyes. Someone who could see inside of Haru like Niemala could realize that. What else burdened him was his secret: being a chimera. A secret that he was shunned for, that he refused to tell anybody under any circumstances. His powers as well were strange- the ice manipulation and being a chimera. He decided to keep these facts to himself. He was going to say something that came across kind to accept Niemala’s offer, yet the stranger’s appearance distracted him. As the large beast came closer, Haru’s senses told him that Niemala was still beside him. He was ready to shoo her off...well, because isn’t that what a guy is supposed to do? Make sure the woman stays safe? However Niemala’s distinct features of silver hair like his own made Haru think twice: she’d probably have something hidden beneath her sleeve.

The large beast of blue approached with a strong stride. Haru’s dark blue gaze locked to those of crimson. The small itch of th black talons scratching the stones set of a chain of analyzation within Haru’s mind. The pitch of the scratch meant the claws were sharp, belonging to a predator. This means their deaths could be swift if this beast was prolonged to attack. As the gryffin came closer and pridefully made its way down the crevice more, the wings once again took to air and beat themselves. The snow that was grasping onto the feathers was shunned from its color. Awe once again struck Haru’s mind. The wings were strong and glistened with the snowflakes that could still hold themselves upon the feathers. As the creature took steps forward, Haru was mentally preparing to defend himself. However that idea came to a halt when it spoke. No harm is intended for Niemala and myself....but this creature is one I’ve never lay eyes upon. The gryffin’s beak was barely moving. For a split second Haru thought that it was telekinesis, yet, such an ability from a gryffin seemed rather uncanny. With a focus in his vision, Haru could see the that the beast spoke with his body and voice- as what humans do. However...Haru was not a human, and he was unsure if Niemala was one herself. “Trust nobody for the all will come back...Trust nobody for they will use you....Lock yourself, hide your emotions....Do not let them see who you really are.” The dying words of his father kept ringing in Haru’s thought-clouded mind.

Yet the thought of this gryffin who now introduced himself as Talon was the last of his kind, maybe the first- it was a thought that Haru was accustomed to. Being alone was nothing new. If he searched so dearly to find someone who was like himself, he would not need to speak to Haru and Niemala. Clearly they were not gryffins. Clearly they were nothing like him. Haru noticed Niemala turned to him and back to Talon. Perhaps she saw something he did not. None the less, Haru still did not trust this beast after its plight for them to believe. However the beast took its place in the snow. It lied down calmly, muscles relaxed and nothing was tense but its crimson eyes. Its gaze was sharp like a blade as it met its own in Haru’s, dulled like a worn knife, reflecting what was sent at it back to its caster. However Haru’s head jerked upward in the slightest way, looking at Niemala from the corner of his eyes- she held fear inside. Concern swam through Haru like a current. She held fear, but why? Is it because Haru is accustomed to not feeling emotions that there was nothing he could conjure? It was a question he couldn’t ask or answer.

As Niemala took her leave to what remained of the fire, Haru did not move. His gaze was still locked with Talon. His mind raced until it collapsed with a result. Haru had to trust Talon. It was a disgusting and disturbing thought for Haru- to expose himself to pain or betrayal. One of the only reasons he was set on this was to keep his comrade safe. The hybrid of a bird and lion lied down and gently crossed his front legs to show peace. Haru returned the favor. They were only few feet apart in distance. Haru soon took a seat on the cold stones and snow, his legs also crossed and hands resting upon them. Haru remembered what Niemala had said to him. He means no harm to them if Haru and her can mean the same.

His mask remained tightly fastened across his face. Showing nothing, hiding everything. Yet to say he hid everything was a lie. He showed sorrow, emptiness, and tension. The sorrow was permanently burned into his eyes- forever to have a look of loneliness, hopelessness, and doubt. The emptiness from being alone, forcing everyone and everything around him to leave him shunned, to always have fear cast upon him for who he was, what he would do. The tension was uncommon. He faced a new element and new faces who spoke words to him that none have ever done before. He was uncomfortable with the girl being able to read his eyes and mind- he felt exposed and felt like a target to have misery thrown upon. Yet something assured him that she would not use that to her advantage. It was as if she had a fear of her own- perhaps a fear of Haru himself.

[glow=black,2,300]"I desperately pray you believe me. As it is a terrible thing for one to lie." [/glow]Haru did not move his body. He just absorbed the words. A terrible thing to lie....that would bring a strenuous pain on ones emotions and mentality. That pain was non existent to Haru. Lies? Would that hurt him? Probably not, considering that he watched the slaughter of his parents in front of his very eyes, seen his sister taken away from him, left unconscious to die alone in his home that was soiled with blood, having everyone of the Chimeran lands shun him and dismiss him from sanctuary. Lies would be equivalent to a poke on the head
A terrible thing....for one to lie....
“I do not understand the pain of a lie. The only pain I’ve felt was given to me by the cold skeletal hands of death itself." Such dark words...such horrible dark words were the only things that had escaped Haru’s mind through lips. It was quietly hushed to himself, being careful that none of the two could hear, especially Niemala. She already knew enough about him. No more irrelevance was needed to be said. Actually, the gryffin didn’t need to know anything either. He was a stranger, despite the fact they knew how he was dubbed.

The cold air that was mentioned before- the way Haru’s body was numbing to its sting, was a sign of illness again. Earlier, when he had passed out, it was from mental strain and exhaustion. Sleep and repair. It was coming upon him again. Though Niemala had spared him the coffin of snow that was going to embed him and drag his lifeless shell to hell, he was not at full potential. There was something about Niemala that brewed questions in Haru’s mind. She clearly was not typical, there was more to this silver-locked lady. She was creamy colored, and perfectly fine. This beast, Talon, a gryffin, would probably remain warm due to the feathers and fur that encased him. Yet that headache he had began pounding on his cranium. Paler than he was a good time ago, he could feel the beats of his heart increasing, pumping the blood faster to keep him warm. His gloves and jacket were clearly not warming his
body any longer. However, he had not any special traits that were given off to the two who were his company. Haru could easily have the same warmth as Talon, yet he refused to show it. Recalling that tears were streaming form his eyes before he passed out- what had made him so sad?.....life itself. It was just unfair.

What was that? Did....that gryffin just ask if he could accompany him? Why would a beast who was perfectly capable of being on its own want to accompany a man who was alone for his whole life...who was also perfectly capable on his own? Was there a reason for him to? That would not be the question. Haru now had two people who wished to accompany him. His burden was one he was forced to carry alone. Neither Talon or Niemala knew how long he had been alone. He would always say no to anyone who tried to help, escaping anyone who tried to follow him for aid, shunning every living being out of his life. What was making this decision so hard to make? Was it because they were not human (unless Niemala was and Haru was foolish to not realize it)? Was it that Talon had mentioned being alone....that he had a clue of what pain he was in? Or was it because he was in debt to Niemala?

With a look at Talon, Haru’s expression requested for Talon to remain where he was. Haru rose from where he stood- the snow fell from him without hesitation, another sneaky move with his ice abilities. He blinked at Talon, a sign he shall return with answer. First off, Haru needed to decide if Niemala was trustworthy. It was not that hard of a decision. She was a formidable ally to have- the debt he owed her must be repaid somehow. He turned to where Niemala was, positioned in front of the dying embers and ash that were being poked with a stick. He had faulted a step as he approached- his vision slightly blurred. Still, he calmly took to his knees beside her.
“I am in debt to you with my life...” he said quietly to her, he looking straight at her.
“...you spoke of sacrificing time to aid in searching for my sister...” he continued, now looking at the ground, his hands now fists as they rested in his jacket pockets
“...If it shall satisfy you, I shall allow it. However, this burden I must carry alone. I will not let you feel the pain I have endured for my searches time, nor shall I let you be consumed with the determination to succeed.”
An expression was shown on Haru’s face as his eyes narrowed with a hard gaze at the snow, it was similar to the feeling of being uneasy.
“ It is something I am not used to. Another presence will be nearby.”And now he turned to her, his face now expressionless again,
“I know I can trust you.” however, that statement was a little false, however Haru was unaware that would technically be a lie. He also could not fully trust anybody but himself- yet this girl was able to read his eyes, she had something that others didn’t: compassion. He removed hand from his pocket and subtly pointed in Talon’s direction.
“This creature wishes to accompany us as well. I do not know what response I should say. I believe that a new companion should aid in consideration.”

That was Haru’s way of saying that since he and Niemala would now be traveling, she had a right to decide. Yet this creature was kind. It showed no harm within, and no intention to disturb things. Haru would Actually not mind it being around- as long as it wont erupt at him with zillions of questions. He knew that if Talon were to accompany, Haru would be the quiet one of the three. He knew that eventually his powers would be revealed, and that soon they would know all about him. It was a risk. Niemala took a risk by saving him- not knowing what would come of her if he arose (and thankfully he did). Talon had risked as well, speaking to creatures whom were unlike his own, not knowing if they were going to slit his throat out of fear. It was Haru’s turn. Letting a select two into his life- the closest anyone has been for a long time.
“I trust your decision, Niemala.”Taking to his feet again, he walked back to where Talon was remaining. With another stagger in his steps, he took the cross that was slung upon his neck and gripped it for a moments time. He released it as he came to where he once was: face to face with a gryffin. Haru had kept him waiting for a good five or ten minutes. He took his seat once more, not looking at the griffin crimson eyes. They intimidated him in a way. The color was beautiful, yet Haru decided to look at the snow near its talons.

“I have no response to what you request.” he said lowly. He intended no harm to come upon Talon’s emotions if he were to be denied by Niemala. He knew that Niemala was clever and wise, after all, she pulled him back to life by using only the scent of crushed herbs.
"I ask of you to wait where you remain. I shall do the same."
It was uncommon for Haru to speak this much to another living creature. As he looked at the snow, he could feel his mind slipping ever so slightly. His head pounded even harder, his heartbeat echoed through his half frozen body. He had been in the snow and embraced by the cold for a days worth of time. He could feel the red ice that was upon his forehead beginning to melt, from a cut not so long ago that was given to him by a man who feared his differences in comparison. His vision shifted between blurred and clear. It did not run down his skin, yet the ice was not cold and dry as it was earlier on. The weakening of his ice proves he grew tired and weaker. Yet this did not worry him for he knew that in the presence of two others, one who just recently was accepted into his life, his chances of death were lowered by a few percent.

He wished for Niemala to hurry with her decision as moments passed on that felt like forever. He hoped that once this matter was accounted for, he could retire to stones and hide within as shelter for warmth. Yet only time could decide that. No, not only time. The trust and doubt Haru had for both Talon and Niemala proved to be another factor. This was going to be a time when Haru was undecided. He was not in control of his life by a hundred percent any longer. It concerned him, and yet his mask remained so tightly fastened that all but one could not see through.

[Talon]

Talon now decided that he had been speaking far too much. He was growing tired, after having not slept in so long, and so, as he watched Haru again, his blue gaze more intense than his face that seemed never to move, not even for a quickly ungaurded thought. The gryffin watched him closely, the scrutiny hidden behind what must seem a simple intense stare of oddly and seemingly demonically colored eyes. Yet, here the hybrid lay, watching, hoping he could sense more about these two unincapacitated beings, realising that there was much he could learn if only there were a Harvest Moon about. Yet, of course, he could still very well learn nothing from them on the same night he could learn everything. He'd been alone, he had learned his abilities, he had accepted truths to demolish the souls of others, and he had learned what he was.

The cat-like ears were lain back, yet still positioned to catch any lingering mutters from either of the humans, yet, he could barely make out the mumble that escaped the male. Fully disguised in a pit of despair that drained from nowhere but his pitifully dwelling eyes. All he could fully make out was, "I do not understand...death itself." A lingering voice spoke at the discovery of this truth, or, presumable truth, as his body sensed a complete falseity in these lyrics, "Do not press nor interfere with those that do not will themselves a better life." Despite the nagging uncertainty, Talon's own heart felt like it froze, stopping completely as he realised something that had never been discovered by him before. The fact that he could not, would not, help someone. The saddest truths were, it was drastically obvious the human wanted no help, he kept his face too straight, he held himself up far too often for it to be of a truthful pride, and he talked far too little to earn himself his own trusts. Not only that, but also, these were the first he had encountered in his life not wishing to kill him, splitting him open to learn about him, or simply just for an unknown rivalry that did not belong the gryffin himself, but to the one encompassing the ability to incapacitate one for fear of nothing.

As he gathered his thoughts, Haru had traveled to Niemala, whom he had learned the name of Niemala's now by his ending lyrics, strown off his capable tongue with hints of nothing more than meager blandness in emotions, possibly realization, and also, possibly, an idea of hope, yet Talon himself could barely detect these until he found his eyes. The deep blue pits that now refrained from watching anything but the snow next to his own black claws were wells of his past, all buried deeply enough that the hybrid could see nothing, unless despair was not the shield, but instead, a ploy or a truth to that which Haru would not allow himself to argue.

Talon had not moved, he had merely lain his head down upon his massive paws, much larger even than the humans' own heads. As he realised once more that the male had been speaking to him, he caught only his last two sentences, but realised that he contained no answer for the anxious question. Quickly, Talon caught onto exactly why he had been acting weaker than before, and he gazed at the man, a boy, possibly still, and eyed his chest as his ears picked up the faint drumming that was much faster than Niemala's calmingly smooth and rythmical drums. His heart was beating far too fast to prove perfect health in the body larger than some that pumped at that pace. Talon knew he would need to speak up just before the boy could faint. "He's sick." Talon announced, simply and clearly, so Niemala could hear and understand whenever she could get away. However, Talon could not respect his wish and not move. "I apologise, However, I must part. I have a journey of my own, to find something, anything like me. Perhaps then, perhaps then I can be happy."