Dwelling of the Rain Pixie ( Newly Rebuilt! )

[Mac]

-he blinked, and took a while to answer her-

well....

-he looked to the side, at one of his wings, then looked back to her, before tilting his head-

Okay... but I can fly fast sometimes..

-he meant that as a joke-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she laughed. *

Hmph! You're not faster than me.

* she said this jokingly, winked at him, then took off into the air. she hovered and looked back at him. *

Come on, Mac!

[Mac]

-he blinked for a few seconds, before he spred his wings and then followed her into the air, acting a little cautious and uneasy about it-

...

-he flew up towards her, watching her to see if she was going to try and fly away or leave him in some other way-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she waited patiently as Mac finally flew up beside her. she could see that he was still wary. *

Relax, ok? Let's fly!

* she flew about a foot away from him, then looked back, she noticed that he hadn't moved, so she went back to him. *

Mac, I promised I wouldn't just go off and leave you. Come on now, hm?

* she was trying to encourage him to fly with her. *

[Mac]

-he waited a little for her to decide what to do, before he then began to follow wherever she decided to go.

Looking more like he was a very slow flyer and was trying to chase her than just followind her-

...

o.o

[Rain_Pixie]

Hmm, he's still not enjoying this. He's probably still thinking about that presence. There are wards around my Home, I would know if an intruder was here.

* she looked back at Mac, then had an idea. *

We're going a little slow, so why not speed things up?

* she stopped in the air, turned around, and gave Mac one of her biggest smiles, then... *

You can't catch me.

* with a laugh she turned and flew off at great speed. *

[frank]

Sarah, come now. Let's get out of this water before we take a chill and catch cold or worse. It's a nice day and the sun is warm with a nice warm breeze blowing.

And there's no one around to see your shining, sparkling beuaty. Except me, of course, but that's different.

*frank and Sarah stepped out of Pixie's magick pool and stood in the sun letting it warm them and the warm breeze dry them.*

*frank took it into his head that Shoden had been very quiet.*

*Sening out a thought, he contacted Shoden just to make sure all was well.*

'Shoden why don't you come and be with us? Let us ride upon your mighty back and feel your strength and hear your roaring unto heaven?'

dear frank, yes. Call your monster dragon beast that loves us so and let good shoden take us up once more. If he will.

Good frank, my brother, I'll be there shortly as soon as I've finished my meal of cattle, here.

'At your leisure, Shoden. We await your arivval within your good time.'

*frank told Sarah, even though he didn't to, that Shoden would be with them shortly.*

[Mac]

wha--

o_o

-he saw her grin, and then bolt off, and remembered what he'd said about being faster than her-

she really thinks I'm not fast... and she's trying to leave me..

Hey! Slow down!!

-he looked a little panicky, as he sped up trying to catch her back up. He didn't want to lose her-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she looked back and saw that Mac seemed a little worried about her being so far ahead. she was confused for a moment, then understanding flooded her. *

He didn't know I was joking. He really thought I was trying to leave him behind.

* she slowed down, then turned around and headed back to Mac. she looked a little sad; she had been enjoying flying freely through the air, and still wondered why Mac was acting so funny. she flew over to him. *

What's wrong, Mac? I was joking, didn't you know? I was trying to provoke you into chasing me so we would fly faster. But I'm sorry that I made you feel uncomfortable.

* she bowed. *

[Mac]

-he caught her up when she stopped, and had to listen and realise she hadn't been trying to lose him-

Oh....

-he felt guilty from keeping her from enjoying herself-

No.... I... I am sorry...

-he looked away for a moment, then looked back. He swallowed, blinked, then turned and suddenly bolted from her, stopping and turning a few seconds later and watching her, somewhat expectantly-

[Rain_Pixie]

It's all--

* she stopped and felt the gust of wind that came from Mac as he bolted past her. she opened her eyes and turned around, seeing him looking back at her. she smiled and took off with great speed towards Mac. when she reached him... *

I'm faster than you!

* then, she sped off toward the valleys, laughing. *

[Mac]

-when she came up besides him he turned and then bolted again, effectively trying to beat her-

You are not!

-he was keeping up close to her, so he had managed to forget about that 'worry' of being watched, and also began smiling as he tried to catch her back up-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she smiled as she saw him fly closer and closer. she quickly dove down toward the ground, and did a spiral. she came back up and shouted. *

If you're really fast, you can catch me!

* she sped off again, the valleys becoming a blur beneath her. *

[Mac]

=/

she is fast....

-he literally copied her movement through chasing her, following her everywhere she went, all the time keeping up behind her no matter where she went or if she tried to speed up and fly away from him-

if she goes any faster I'll show her...

[Rain_Pixie]

* she looked back, saw Mac still there, and gave him a huge grin. *

He's really good. I wonder...

* she pushed back a little in the air, then really took off with blinding speed. *

Let's see if he can keep up with me now.

* she shouted back to him: *

Come on! Is that the best you can do?

[frank]

*Shoden came streaking down from the sky, and landed as gently as gently as a butterfly. He didn't want to damage any of Pixie's home.*

My brother, frank and Lady Sarah, I am here. Come atop my back at you leisure and we'll fly the skies, again.

dear frank, Oh Good Shoden, thank you, thank you. dear frank, quickly now, let us together on good Shoden's back. And once again feel the wind in our hair, the clouds beneath our feet.

Thank you for coming so quickly, my brother. We all seem to be in a rush to feel you beneath us once more, flying your dragon skies.

*frank and Sarah, who had transformed into human size, climbed aboard Shoden's wing and settled onto his back, frank holding his lover faerie, and Shoden adjusting his rippling scales around them.*

*without a word, without a sound, they were borne aloft with a mighty down -beat of Shoden's out-stretched wings. Two more beats and they were high above the earth. Shoden still beating mightily--he wanted the dragon skies again, also.*

[Mac]

Damnit .... slow down already.

-he muttered an undercurse to himself, whilst trying to keep up with Pixie trying to speed away-

If she makes me fly any faster the only way I'll keep up with her is if I....

-he didn't really want to think about it, but he didn't want to lose her-

slow down... please... don't make me do that...

[Rain_Pixie]

* she felt a pang hit her in her heart. something was wrong. it felt like...distress. she thought about Mac. *

Something must be bothering him. It's not the same feeling that I felt before.

* she gradually began to slow down, no longer going at the blinding rate. the valley still passed in a blur beneath her. without warning, she zoomed back the other way, going past Mac. *

Let's see if he can still catch me.

* she realized that he did have a chance; that turn around had affected her speed. *

[Mac]

Wha--!!

-he panicked as he saw her coming towards her - in panicking about losing her he was slow on the uptake.

When she passed he attempted to turn, but tried too sharp a bank and ended up spinning to a dead halt-

Oh no...

Mistress Pixie!! Stop!!

-he attempted to set off again and catch her, but she was quite a distance away. He could feel himself getting nervous, beginning to dare himself to do what he didn't want to do...-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she shivered and slowed down. she finally stopped and turned back to Mac. *

I wonder what's wrong? He seems to be freaking out about something.

* she waited as Mac soon came up beside her. *

Is something wrong? I heard you tell me to stop.

[Mac]

-he finally caught her up, and even then still looked panicky-

Please... do.. do not get so far away... I got.. nervous...

-he was still shaking about it, having being so close to a fateful decision, which he luckily hadn't made-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she looked back at him for a long moment. she could see that he was shaking and it worried her. she knew that something was...wrong...in a way. *

* she flew closer to Mac and put a hand on his shoulder. she could even feel him shaking. *

Mac, what's wrong? You were enjoying yourself and then...something happened. Do you want to tell me? And, I'm sorry for getting so far ahead of you.

Is he really ok?

[Mac]

-he simply blinked, looking a little uncontrollable in doing it, and eventually answered-

It.... is it... it is nothing... I just... do not want to be left alone here...

-he didn't dare tell her. He knew it would freak her out, and get him into trouble-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she looked at him, straight in the eye. she knew something was wrong, but couldn't figure out what. *

* she took her hand off his shoulder and nodded. *

We'll go at a slowe pace then.

* she lazily floated on the drafts, looking over at Mac to make sure he wouldn't freak out again. *

[Mac]

._.'

-he felt stupid for forcing her to fly slowly, but from how panicky he had felt when he had almost lost sight of her, it at least kept him calm, although a little bored from the lack of speed-

I am sorry...

-he hung his head whilst following her-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she looked over at him as he hung his head. she saw that he really felt bad about flying at a slow pace. she flew closer to him and hugged him around his neck. *

Don't worry about it, ok? I'll admit that I got a little carried away with the blinding speed, but you've got to try to relax.

* she let go and smiled at him. *

Want to try going at a faster pace? It doesn't have to be as fast as earlier, just enough to feel the wind on our faces.

[Mac]

If..... if you want..

-he blinked, looking a little confused as to why she would hug him even though he was, in effect, being a killjoy-

o.o;

[Rain_Pixie]

* she smiled at him. *

Come on, then.

* she flew a little faster, the wind blowing strands of her hair. she looked beside her and saw Mac flying at the same pace as she was. *

This isn't so bad, is it?

* she flew over and patted his shoulder. *

[Mac]

-he slowly shook his head-

N.... No..

-he still looked incredibly uneasy, even though he was right besides her-

I am an idiot..... -_-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she looked at Mac, a worried expression on her face. *

Is something bothering you? You know you can tell me, Mac.

* she rested her hand on his shoulder and waited for him to answer. *

He's extremely tense today...I hope I can help.

[Mac]

It..

-he fell silent for a few seconds, looking away from her; seeming to look at something else-

I want... to go down and land somewhere..

-he was going to tell her-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she nodded. *

Yes? Go on, I'm still listening.

* she was glad that Mac finally seemed to trust her enough to tell her what was on his mind. *

[Mac]

-he looked back at her, but didn't speak. He wanted to be on the ground first, before he said anything else to her-

[Rain_Pixie]

* Mac's eyes seemed to tell her what he wanted to do. with a nod, she gently floated down to the ground below. she was pushed a little by the air from Mac's wings. *

[Mac]

-he seemed to wait for her to descent first before he followed and landed, then sitting besides her, looking a little nervous as well as worried-

well....

-he was avoiding eye-contact with her whilst he attempted to find the words to explain to her what he wanted to say-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she looked up at him as she sat cross-legged on the ground. she was getting a little impatient, but didn't show it. the wind blow with a little more intensity, cooling them off. *

Come on Mac, go ahead and tell me.

* she gave him an encouraging nod. *

[Mac]

-he wasn't really looking at her, so he almost didn't see her nod. after a while he stopped looking down at her hands and looked up a little-

well...

-he still didn't know how to word it, although he began to try-

It is that...

-then, he looked away from her completely; looking down to the floor at his side-

I... I am evil..

[Rain_Pixie]

* she looked towards the distant valleys for a moment as his words sunk in. she kept her gaze where it was as she spoke. *

Are you calling yourself evil, or is it true?

* when she spoke the last word, her voice dwindled off into a whisper, and her gaze shifted to him. *

[Mac]

-he still didn't look at her; looking even further away to the side of her-

It....

-his voice had also fallen quiet-

It is the truth... I... I hail from what you call Hell...

[Rain_Pixie]

* she could hear the pain in his voice as he spoke. *

Did frank know about this? He probably did.

* she looked back towards the valleys again, thinking. *

I'm sorry if I offend you, but you don't seem evil to me. You wouldn't have been able to pass through into my Home if I didn't trust you.

[Mac]

.... because I never told you... so you did not know different..

-he refused to look at her-

I ... am evil... but only in what I am... I myself... have not been evil for a long time..

-he didn't know if that made sense to her or not - what he meant to say was he was dark-aligned but didn't enact evil deeds-

If... you longer chose to trust me.. I will leave your home..

[Rain_Pixie]

* she thought long and hard about what Mac said. the sun started getting lower and lower. it turned from afternoon to early evening. she got up and walked in front of Mac. she almost forced him to look her in the eyes. she smiled. *

I trust you, I really do. You stay here if you'd like.

* she looked into the sky and laughed in embarrassment. *

Is it that late already? I didn't realize until just now...

* she returned her gaze to Mac, waiting to see if he would say anything. as she waited, her thoughts turned to frank. *

I wonder if he's even still here. He may have gone back to his mountain with Shoden and Sarah.

[Mac]

-he made a half-attempt to re-evade her as she came around to look to him, but it didn't work-

you.... do not care about what I am..?

-he seemed surprised-

you do not care... I am evil?

[Rain_Pixie]

* she re-focused on him as he spoke to her. she seemed thoughtful as she answered him. *

You may be evil, but if you acted the part, I'm sure most of my Home would be burning or turned to dust by now. Also, you wouldn't have treated my sister, Elva, so kindly.

* she smiled and looked to the sky again. *

We ought to head back soon. I didn't realize how late it was until I noticed the sun.

[Mac]

-he blinked, before speaking again; however what he said was garbled as he was attempting to speak quickly, panicking, and he had to stop and calm down before what he said was understandable-

Mistress Pixie... you do not understand... I as what I am is evil but myself... I am not....

-he slowly took a step towards her-

What I mean is... ...

-he stopped, having to re-think the words to explain it with-

I.. I hide all of my evil within me... repressed... all of the evil... the hate... I hide it and that is why I may not seem evil but... sometimes that energy overcomes me... it is like I have an evil side of myself hiding...

-his voice had steadily become nervous throughout speaking to her-

I feel like this energy... it is trying to break free... when you were so far away from me I could feel it...

[Rain_Pixie]

* her expression turned serious as she listened to him. realization came over her. *

That's why you didn't want me to go so fast, to leave you behind...

* she looked up at him. *

I'm sorry, I didn't realize...

* she closed her eyes for a moment to gather her thoughts. *

How hard is it for you to control this evil?

* she spoke with her eyes still closed. *

[Mac]

I... I do not know..

-he made a small whine-

I can control it all of the time... it is my own energy... I am in control of whether I wish to be good.. or evil.. but sometimes it .. just escapes my control..

-he then looked back up, as he had averted his gaze to Pixie's feet-

It is like.. a different side to me... wishing to overpower who I am and take control over me... like I am the side of good.. and within me is a side of evil...

-he then looked away, quite suddenly, to the right-

maybe I should leave... if I become consumed by the energy of myself I will not be able to stop myself from destroying everything around me..

[Rain_Pixie]

* she opened her eyes and looked at Mac, even though he wasn't looking at her. she took a deep breath before speaking. *

Do you really want to go? Do you think it's the right choice?

* her voice had a hint of sadness in it. she took another deep breath and continued to look at him, waiting for an answer. *

[Mac]

I do not want to hurt you... or any of my friends.

-he still continued to look away from her-

[Rain_Pixie]

* the wind had stopped blowing hours ago. it still felt cool, since the sun was going down. *

* she looked down for a moment, letting his words sink in. *

...If you think...it's best.

If he's been controlling it all this time, why is he just now deciding to leave?

[Mac]

I just... do not want you to be hurt..

-he turned himself; not back to her, but around to look behind himself-

Please... if you could lead me from here back to where I know... then I will be able to leave.

[Rain_Pixie]

* she didn't move for a while, her eyes closed. if anyone had been watching her, they may have mistaken her for a living statue. *

Ok.

* she spoke the word in a whisper and opened her eyes. *

Turn around so you can follow me.

* she jumped into the air and hovered there, waiting for Mac. *

[Mac]

-slowly, he turned back, but didn't look directly at her. He was too embarrassed and upset with himself to do so. Just as slowly, he rose back into the air and then waited for her to move-

...

[Rain_Pixie]

* she turned around almost as soon as Mac got into the air. she took off at a reasonable pace, past the valleys and endless field. she knew Mac was behind her because she could hear the beat of his wings. *

We're almost there.

* she spoke louder so that he could hear her over the wind. they approached the illusion, and she paused for a moment. glancing back at Mac, she went through the illusion. she sat down on the other side in the meadow, waiting for Mac to fly through. *

[Mac]

-whenever she looked back to him, he would look to the side, completely avoiding eye-contact with her. he also didn't make any attempt to speak; he simply followed her until she reached the end of the illusion and disappeared through it-

....

-he paused at its edge for a moment, before he then followed through it and exited back into the meadow where she was. again, he refused to look directly at her, and didn't even land-

goodbye..

-he wanted to hear something from her before he left. it didn't matter what it was, he just wanted to hear her say one last thing to him-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she didn't even look up when he spoke. a pained expression was on her face. *

Why does he have to leave on these terms? It's such a bitter way to leave someone's Home...

* she sat on the ground not moving, until something inside her stirred. *

Get up! Say something to him. He's waiting, you can sense it. Now GET UP!

* she remained as she was, then slowly lifted her head up to look at him, doing her best to keep eye-contact. she didn't say anything for a minute, at a loss for words. finally... *

Goodbye, Mac.

* a melancholy smile spread across her face, and a few tears fell. *

Be safe.

[Mac]

-from when she spoke, there was a silence as the words she said remained around him even after she had spoken them.

then, he began to leave, taking slow steps away from her. he stopped, his wings spreading ready for flight, and then he looked back at her-

you too....

-then, he was gone, soaring away into the sky-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she stood there, watching Mac as he flew away. the tears continued on for a while until she wiped them away. she stood up, and flew past the tree houses, back to the front of her Home. *

What to do...

* she seated herself on her sunflower. a flute appeared in her hands. she raised it to her lips, and began to play a slow, sweet melody. within the white jasmine, Elva turned over, and smiled in her sleep. *

[Mac]

-something such as a day passed from when he had left.

From the silence from his departure, it seemed as if he would never return, but for some reason he became visible, travelling through the sky back towards the home, as if he was returning; like whatever had been troubling him had been quashed-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she stopped playing her flute, making a decision. the flute disappeared once she stopped playing. *

I'm going to change my Home around.

* she took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she exhaled. she remained quiet. the crescent moon on her cheek starting glowing. she slowly raised her arms. she began a series of motions with her arms, her fingers pulsing with magic. her Home began to change as she moved. *

* the earth shifted and rearranged itself. the trees surrounding her Home grew into a dense forest, able to trap unwelcome visitors in a labyrinth of branches. the tree houses grew farther apart and a little thicker. a birch tree, much taller than average, grew, serving as her new room. *

* the ground shifted again. a valley formed behind the birch tree. in the valley, a new lake formed with a waterfall cascading into it. a few tree houses grew around the lake. throughout her Home, little strange multi-colored flowers grew and bloomed. *

* the large area closer to the main tree houses expanded a little, then was filled with various items: a large, round table, chairs, various shields, incense, and books. *

* her gestures slowed down, and then stopped as the change was completed. she lowered her arms and opened her eyes. she smiled and gave a tired sigh. the change to her Home had taken a lot of energy out of her. she was satisfied with it. *

It seems that frank and the others have gone. I hope they're safe.

* she slowly walked over to the chairs by the round table and sat down. she took a stick of incense and lit it, the smell of an otherworld spice spreading through the air. *

Now I'll wait to see if more guests arrive.

[Mac]

-as he reapproached, he called at her, a calling roar moving through the air. upon reaching the central tree he began to circle it, seeming to find difficulty in getting closer to it, just hoping that he would have been seen, or heard-

[Rain_Pixie]

* she heard a dragon roar and looked around. as the call faded away, she looked up from the table towards the top of her birch tree. she saw Mac circling high above it. *

He's back! I wasn't expecting him to return so soon.

* she smiled and waved at him. *

Mac! Go ahead and land!

* she was happy to see him, but she was still tired from changing her Home, so she stayed seated where she was. *

[Mac]

-he descended a little lower, eventually descending to the level of her window. he didn't know whether to land outside, or find a way inside from the air-

[frank]

*frank felt the ground trembling and then saw the changes being made.*

*he suspected his sister was re-arranging things at Home.*

Sarah, we've been here much too long. Ignoring our sister has been rude. Quckly now, lets go to her, and let her know we're well and here.

Shoden, also. Lift us up my friend and take us to our Sister.

*Sarah covered herself again with faerie gauze, and helped frank dress himself as well.*

*Cape came floating over and Shoden lifted them all up and set them down close to Pixie's new arrangements.*

Dear Sister, forgive us, please. In your enchanted land we lost all track of time and space.

dear Pixie, yes please forgive me. I'm afraid I kept frank and Shoden over long at your magick pool.

*they looked at Mac and bowed with respect.*

Please Mac, you also forgive us our stay away? We lost track of time and place and people I'm afraid.

[Rain_Pixie]

Her smile grew wider when she saw frank, Lady angel faerie Sarah, and Brother Shoden. She hadn't been sure if the trio had left or not, but seeing them made her happy.

"Brother! Lady angel faerie Sarah! Brother Shoden! I'm glad to see all of you! No apologies necessary; I understand. I'm happy that you enjoyed my magic pool. It's still here whenever you would like to return to it, in the valley behind my birch tree."

Raine looked up and saw Mac lower to one of her top windows. She laughed a little and indicated the large area behind her with a wave of her hand.

"Mac! You can land behind me, there's enough room. Hurry, my friend!"

[Mac]

o.o;

-he didn't say anything, but very quickly he circled around to the larger window and entered.

He then stopped as soon as he had stepped foot inside, looking around and looking curious, but not daring to step any further inside-

[frank]

*frank smiled and took Sarah by the hand.*

"Shoden, stay here, if you don't mind. Sister's Home looks big enough, but may not hold us all that safely with your huge mass."

*Cape lifted frank and Sarah and set them down in front of Pixie.*

*frank gathered his sister in his arms and welcomed her anew with a fondness in his embrace.*

*Sarah, too, held Pixie closely as though drawing suport and comfort from another woman.*

*Shoden simply bellowed his delight at seeing his Dragon Sister once again, causing the skies to fill with flames like fireworks.*

"Well now. It seems that those two are more than pleased to find you both well and happy."

*Again frank greeted Mac and Sarah smiled a warm hello to her lover's Brother.*

[Rain_Pixie]

( ooc: In case anyone besides me is confused, this is where Pixie is: at a table, in the huge space in front of her birch tree house. Basically, I'm outside. I'm not trying to sound mean, but I got a little confused about where everyone was at. )

Raine expressed her love to frank and Lady angel faerie Sarah in the hugs she gave to them in turn. Her heart filled with joy when she saw the fireworks in the sky caused by Shoden. She fluttered her wings a little, and bubbles floated from her wings into the sky. Shoden's delight caused the bubbles to explode and land on him in a silvery dust; her way of showing her delight at seeing her Dragon Brother.

She looked over at Mac, who still seemed reluctant to enter her Home.

"Come on, Mac! Join us!"

[frank]

Hrmmmm. I see. Outside, you say? My ancient warlock's eyes must have been playing tricks on me. I could have sworn I saw you inside , Pixie sister.

No matter, no harm done. Look, see Shoden strutting proud ( as proudly as a dragon can strut) at the silver gifts of dust.

Yes, Mac. Come down and join us. Its been a while.

[Mac]

...

-somewhat tentatively, he stepped past where he had landed, slowly making his way towards Pixie.

for some reason, he gave frank a wide berth, almost taking a circle to avoid him, eventually reaching Pixie and sitting besides her, looking at her as if suggesting he wanted her to pet his nose or some other form of greeting-

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine smiled when she saw Shoden enjoying her gift, strutting proudly for others to see. She then noticed Mac making his way over. When he sat down, she reached over and petted his nose.

"Welcome back, Mac!"

Why is he avoiding frank?

[Mac]

-he smiled, slowly trying to rub his nose under her hand-

^_^

Mistress Pixie is happy...?

[frank]

*frank and Sarah sat down, out of the way, to not interfered with Mac's greeting Pixie.*

dear frank, why is Mac acting as if he doesn't want to come too close? I don't understand.

Neither do I Sarah, but it'll be all right, I'm sure.

*Shoden backed away a little bit, happy at the attention and still proud of his Dragon Sister's gifts.*

[Rain_Pixie]

She smiled.

"Yes, I'm happy. My friends and family have returned, and my Home has been changed; it's like a new beginning!"

Raine looked around and realized that none of her guests had any refreshments. She whispered a phrase in her own language so quick, no ordinary person or creature would've heard. Trays of otherworld delicacies appeared on the table, including spicy meats, sweet pastries, seasoned bread, and sauces. Flasks of a clear liquid appeared for everyone, including bigger flasks for Shoden and Mac.

"I call this drink Pixie Juice. It soothes the mind of whomever drinks it, providing a relaxed atmosphere."

She took a drink from her flask, looking content.

[frank]

"Pixie Juice? It must be good, if you would give it such a name."

frank drained about half his glass, it was so good.

Shoden sniffed at it and warmed it up to his own taste by softly blowing on it.

Sarah delicately held the Pixie Juice to her lips and sipped at the flask as if she was kissing it.

A deep sense of peace and well-being came over them, and Sarah snuggled in frank's lap.

"This is extraordinarily fine, Sister! Thank you." ^_^

[Rain_Pixie]

She smiled when she heard her Brother compliment her drink, and her smile grew as she saw Sarah and Shoden enjoying it as well. She turned to Mac.

"Go ahead, take a drink. It'll help you relax."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the confines of the white jasmine, Elva stirs. The petals open up delicately while Elva wakes up. She turns her head toward the window, and sees that her Sister has rearranged her Home. With a smile, Elva flies out of her flower, and down to the valley below. She flies to the lake, landing in the shallow water. Elva walks to and behind the gentle waterfall. With a wave of her hand, her clothes disappear. Hidden behind the waterfall, Elva begins to clean herself with her own bubbles, and the waterfall's mist.

[Mac]

um..

-he seemed taken aback by the hospitality from just returning. he stared at the offered drink, before sniffing it, but then slowly spoke-

I... please... do not be offended Mistress Pixie.. but I... I am not thirsty.

[Rain_Pixie]

She looked at him for a moment.

"You're not? Oh well, it's ok."

She smiled and with a wink, the flask disappeared. At the same time, whenever the flasks were empty of the tranquil drink, they were filled to the brim by a crystal teapot.

"You all may want some entertainment. I could sing, dance, or play. Or do all three. Or show you the things I've been working on from the Kingdom."

Raine waited patiently as her guests ate and drank, enjoying each other's company.

[frank]

"Sister, aren't we missing someone. One at least, maybe more?"

"But Elva, where is she?" I would fain lose her good spirits and delightful courtesies."

dear frank, you really are terrible. Teasing everyone that way. You know perfectly well, just as I do, that we've seen Elva go for a little bit of privacy behind the waterfall.

Please bring your thoughts and eyes back to me, or I'll think that you deliberately want to embarrass both of us, if not the ladies.

Forgive me sarah, you're right, of course.
"
"My apologies, Sister, for the tease. This drink has more in it than just a sense of well-being, I think. "

"A song would be good. A tinkling of crystal shards with the silver bells of hidden spaces, loved by all the faerieis."

"Or these things that you've been working on, what might they be?"

[Rain_Pixie]

"It's all right, frank. Elva will be here soon. As for my drink...maybe it's similar to a certain golden drink that a warlock gave out to everyone a few days ago?"

She smiled a knowing smile, then laughed.

"I'm joking, frank. Anywho, a song does seem good about now, but first I'll show you a few things I'm working on."

Raine reached over and picked up a shield. The shield was about a medium size, silver, and a delicate pattern could be seen weaving throughout the shield. The pattern seemed to only be halfway finished.

"This is one of the shields I got from our blacksmiths. They are the ones who completely make these shields, but so many shields can be a heavy burden. So in my spare time, I help them weave defensive magic into the shield. See the pattern? I haven't finished it yet."

When she put the shield down, she accidentally knocked a stack of papers over. She sighed and began picking them up.

"What I just knocked over is a pile of paperwork that I should be doing. Various treaties, research, campaign ideas, requests, just about anything. Paperwork doesn't mean much to us, but we do it to keep the peace."

Raine placed the paperwork back on the table. She picked up a sculpture of a butterfly resting on a group of jasmine.

"This is something I've been working on for fun. I'm trying to explore the arts and see what else I might be good at."

She laughed again.

[frank]

"Indeed, I remember that warlock well. As well as that never-ending nectar that seemed to make everyone feel so good."

frank studied the shields carefully and the patterns being woven.

"These are quite good, Sister. When done, they should provide powerful magic, indeed."

He noticed the subjects of some of the papers as he helped her pick them up, and his face darkened slightly, but didn't say a word.

He looked at the artowk, Raine was working on and quickly looked away. As if to gaze upon the Universal symbol of Infinite Love was too painful.

"The artwork is very good Sister. I have always loved a butterfly and you have captured the essence, also, of a faerie's wings. Like my Sarah's."

[Rain_Pixie]

"Thank you very much for the compliments, frank. I feel honored that you compared my sculpture to Sarah's wings."

She smiled, but she had noticed the slight dark look to her brother's face when he was helping her pick up the paperwork.

"We think paperwork is silly, but only because our veins run thick with magic. Our pacts and bonds are forged by something stronger than words on paper. However, many lands take the paperwork as seriously as we take our magic."

She petted Mac on his nose again.

"Are you all right, Mac? You've been quiet."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Behind the waterfall, Elva had cleaned her body. Now she was cleaning her wings with the gentle mist from the waterfall. She hummed quietly to herself, and blue and green dragonflies flew playfully around her, darting in and out of the mist.

[Mac]

uhm...

-he blinked a little, turning to look at her and frank-

Y.. yeah... I'm fine.. why do you ask?

-he seemed to gve frank more of an uncertain glare-

[Rain_Pixie]

Is he really all right? Something seems to be bothering him, and he's acting funny toward frank.

"Well, you've been quiet and didn't look at the shields or the sculpture."

As she waited for Mac to respond, she sent a thought to Shoden.

Dragon Brother! Do you need or want anything? I just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you. Just let me know.

[frank]

Sister, I am well. Concerned for the attitude of Mac and not knowing why his looks and movements are seeming distrustful. But 'tis no matter. In his own good time, I suppose....

frank began to play an ancient game of Globes, hoping this might bring a lighter mood about.

Reaching up, as though to catch smething, he closed his palm and brought it down. Opening it, a tiny globe appeared and floated in the breeze. Almost red, but not, almost heard, but not, smelling of the grapes, almost.

He reached up again and caught another one. This one, when released, looked almost green, but not,
almost like a bell but not, smelled of orange, almost.

Still again, he reached and found another one. When he brought this one down, the first two floated off--one to Raine, the other to Mac.

The third, when he opened his palm, floated up as yellow, almost , sounds of flutes, but not, and tasted of a wine, almost.

He looked at Raine Mac to join the game, explaining

"Catch a magic globe, it will have a color and a sound and taste. It will go to someone here, after you've caught the third one, for them to pop into their mouths like a tasty morsel.

Then the color, the real taste will come out, and you can tell us what they are.

Your globes are waiting."

His ears picked up in the distance, the tiny sounds of wings, and crystal droplets from a waterfall, along with the clear notes of faeriesong

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine gently caught the globe that looked almost green, but not, almost like a bell, but not, smelled of orange, almost.

"All right, Brother. I'll play."

She smiled, then looked over at Mac to see if he wanted to play too.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Elva finished cleaning her wings. The dragonflies had gone to play in the other regions of Raine's Home. Elva decided to join the others. As she walked out from behind the waterfall, a garment hung from a low tree branch, as if waiting for her. It was a white kirtle with lavender designs. Elva put it on, along with a pair of cloth, white boots. With a smile, she flew up from the valley and to the front yard where everyone was.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Raine looked up when she heard the sound of beating wings. She smiled when she saw Elva. Elva flew straight down to Raine and hugged her. Raine hugged her back, taking in her wonderful scent, orange blossoms.

"Elva! I'm glad to see that you're awake. Did you sleep well?"

{Yes, Raine. I thought it was about time for me to join everyone. I see that you've rearranged your Home, and it's lovely. Have you recovered from the energy you spent?}

"I'm recovering as we speak, Elva. But look, frank, Shoden, Lady angel faerie Sarah, and Mac are here."

Elva smiled at everyone.

{I'm glad to see that you all are still here.}

Elva went to frank and gently hugged him, her happiness shown in that one touch. She embraced Sarah and whispered something into her ear, something only the two of them knew from the night when they danced. She bowed deeply to Shoden, not sure if he would allow her to hug his neck. Then, she went to Mac, and gently petted his nose, before seating herself next to Raine.

[frank]

frank watched this miracle of a shining sprite approach and speak with a voice of sultry promises and total innocence.

In turn, he waited not showing impatience, for her greeting and her warm embrace.

He caught her smell, of freshly blooming orange blossoms, and was struck by the elegant beauty of the simple dress and boots.

enough to steal any man's soul if not his heart, he thought.

"Elva," was all that he could say, but his pleasure at holding her and seeing her well and beautiful was plain for all to see.

Shoden reached out a wing that she may touch it, if she wished. To feel the heat of the fires that burned within his dragon's body as well as soul. And that she may truly know the magick of a dragon's scales, with her touch. But more than touch, Shoden would not allow. As he allowed so very few of any world, dragon, human, pixie, elf or faerie to know him well enough.

"Elva, dear Elva, welcome back again." Sarah greeted this young sprite, as the two of them, holding and touching, and whispering maiden's secrets that brought a blush to both their cheeks.

[Mac]

o.o;

-he simply blinked, looking very confused about the globes, but at the same time not wanting to ask another explanation, in fear of looking stupid-

um...

-he hadn't answered Raine's question either, for the same reasons. He looked really lost, sat there and blinking-

o.o

[frank]

Noticing that Mac seemed really unsure about the globes, frank explained again.

"It's just a little game, Mac. It really doesn't have too many rules. And some of the things you can make up as you go along."

"Like this: for as many people as there are, that want to play, you make a globe appear."

"Close your fingers, then open your palm and a globe appears."

"The globe can really be filled with anything you want--or nothing."

"But it's more fun if it's filled with something. I get carried away and have complicated globes with sounds, and smells, and tastes."

"Like this: we have 5 people here now, Shoden doesn't count. You, Raine, Elva, Sarah, and me. I make a globe for each one of you, filled with something, and send one each to you, for you to catch."

"If a globe has a color, you just admire it. If it has a taste, you pop it in your mouth to taste it. If it has a sound, you just listen to whatever it might be."

"After each person catches their globe, they make globes appear for the others, telling what the globes might be: of sound, or smell, or touch."

"Then those globes get sent to each one of us, until everyone is catching globes, and making new ones, and sending them."

"It can go slow or fast, and be very complicated or simple. The idea is to have a different kind of game for fun."

"The globes don't last a very long time, just long enough to catch it and hear it, or taste it, or just admire it. Then they disappear."

"All the ones I made have already disapeared except for Raine's. That one I think she found all three things that it had, then it disappeared."

"We can start again, if anyone wants, or we can let it pass. It's just a simple little game, really."

"I apologize if this explanation was too long, or not necessary." ^^

frank looked around to see if anyone wanted to go anew or just to leave it be. Sarah didn't say a word, but waited, holding frank's hand.

[Mac]

uhm...

-he sort of understood, but was still clueless over it. He just decided to agree with him in some way-

okay...

-he blinked a few times, wondering what to do with these 'globes'.-

[frank]

......yeah, ......

okay, Mac. Don't worry about them.

Like I saaid, it's just a little game for passing the time.

*the globes have all disappeared.*

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine and Elva looked between frank and Mac with a little unease. They weren't sure what to do now that the game of globes had been called off. When Shoden had extended his wing, Elva had politely shaken her head and bowed deeply. She felt that she wasn't worthy of touching Shoden's wing. The two sisters looked at each other, asking with their eyes: What do we do? Raine spoke.

"Please, let's not get awkward when we're glad to have you all back at my Home. Look, your flasks are filling themselves up again with Pixie Juice. Drink to your heart's content if you want. Earlier, Mac, I brought out a few things that I was working on from the Pixie Kingdom: a shield, paperwork, and a sculpture I was working on for fun. Didn't you notice?"

Raine was just a little disappointed that Mac hadn't noticed the things she had been working hard on, but didn't show it. A flask had appeared for Elva, and she took a sip of the Pixie Juice, her eyes becoming bright, and her mind growing calm.

[frank]

dear frank, it seems to have happened again. Every time you and he are in the same adventure, it doesn't matter where it is, or what the two of you are doing, there is always a constant tension and Mac behaves as if he'd rather not have you around.

I want to leave, dear frank. Now. I have seen this happen too many times, now, and I don't understand it.

But I can certainy feel it. If you are making Mac feel uncomfortble in some way, although I have no idea what that might be, then it's better if we don't stay.

No one will enjoy themselves like this.

Raine, Elva, we are going to leave. The three of us. Perhaps between you three and whoever else may come along to visit in your home, you may find things to do that are pleasant, and happy, and meaningful and where friends will treat others as friends.

Shoden is taking frank and me back to Mekelhorn. We'll be happy enough with things to do aplenty within our home.

*Sarah and frank let Shoden lift them up onto his back, and once he feels that they're settled, his mighty wings beat once, sending them up and up and on their way back to their own home.*

*just as Shoden lifts them away, frank sends a globe to Pixie and one to Elva.*

'These will last forever, unlike those of that silly little game that any child can play. Look at them carerfully. To hold them is to feel creation's warmth. To smell them is to know the primordial ooze, from which all men are made. To hear them is to know the sounds of Universal dust and wind, gathering to form new suns, new planets, new galaxies.

Treasure them or not, as you choose. Either way, if you find them to have value, they will last. If they are like a bauble or a trinket, their value will be but the tiny pop and burst of light as they disapear.

[Mac]

dude..... :swe:

It was part of a pre-planned rp thing I'm intending to try. ><))

-he blinked, watching as frank left, remaining sat where he was before blinking, and finally looking at Raine-

Uhm... you did?

-his head tilted, looking very confused. He hadn't noticed these things. He wasn't sure if it was right to ask to see them now, after the obvious embarrassment of not taking notice of them-

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine and Elva were stunned when frank, Sarah, and Shoden suddenly decided to leave. They got halfway out of their chairs, as if to stop them. But they sat down again when they saw the looks in their eyes. Elva's eyes were covered with a film of tears, and Raine wore a sad expression, but there was a faint hint of hurt in her eyes.

"frank, do you really think that Elva and I wouldn't treasure these globes? Do you think that we want to see them disappear?"

Raine shook her head as the hurt went away. She knew frank better than that. The film of tears disappeared from Elva's eyes, and the sisters smiled.

{We will always treasure these globes.}

"And we hope you all will visit again."

Elva became almost completely preoccupied with her globe. Raine had almost missed what Mac had said.

"Yes, Mac. I showed you all a shield I was working on. Since our blacksmith's have so much to do, sometimes I help out by weaving defensive magic into the shields. I also had a stack of paperwork on things like research, treaties, permission for things, etc. And the last thing I showed you was a sculpture that I was working on. You didn't notice anything?"

A hint of hurt returned to Raine's eyes. Elva shifted closer to her sister, holding the globe near her ears so that she could hear the sounds of Universal dust and wind, gathering to form new suns, new planets, and new galaxies.

[Mac]

Uhm..

-he blinked, still looking terribly confused, before his head would bow-

Forgive me, I'm sorry!

-he felt really stupid, having missed those things.-

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine looked at Mac for a moment before speaking again.

"You can stop bowing, Mac. It's all right."

To let him know it was really ok, she smiled. She gently cradled the globe frank had left her, letting it warm her hands. Elva's eyes were half-closed as she listened to her globe.

"Well, what would you like to do?"

frank, Sarah, and Shoden were still on her mind, but she tried her best to keep things from getting too awkward.

[Mac]

I don't...... I don't know..

-he kept his head hung, still feeling dumb. he took a glance across to one side, at the shields and things she had been working on-

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine noticed his glance, and a small smile crept across her face. She reached over to Mac and pulled his head up.

"I'm not mad, see?"

She placed the globe on her shoulder, and it gently hovered there, the sounds of Universal dust and wind playing in her ear.

"Well, we could explore, dance, or even just talk. I could even sing if you want to. You're the guest, so we'll do whatever you want to do."

Elva opened her eyes more and looked at Mac.

[Mac]

explore....?

-he blinked, seeming to sit up straight-

like ..... go somewhere else...?

[Rain_Pixie]

"Well, I meant explore around my Home. I'm sorry, but I'm still a little worn out from changing my Home, so I don't want to wander too far out, if you know what I mean. Do you want to explore? Or do something else?"

{Don't overdo it, Sister.}

Elva smiled and gave Raine's hand a quick squeeze. A measure of strength seemed to flow from her to Raine in that simple touch. Raine smiled at her little Sister.

"I won't."

[Mac]

Explore....

-he went silent, before almost jumping up, exclaiming-

Yes, explore! ^_^

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine smiled at Mac's enthusiasm. She slowly got out of her chair and walked toward Mac. She reached over and petted his neck.

"All right, let's explore!"

Elva smiled and got out of her chair too. She had set the orb on her shoulder, the sound it emitted growing softer until it played in the background of her person.

{I suggest we head toward the valley. There should be a lot of new things there since there wasn't a valley here before, Sister.}

"I think that sounds like a good idea, Elva. What about you Mac?"

[Mac]

-he simply jumped up and down again, still smiling-

^__^

I wonder how big it is....

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine smiled at Mac's enthusiasm.

"All right. To the valley we go!"

She turned around and started walking toward the valley, pausing to make sure that the others were following. Elva came up beside her with a smile.

{This is going to be fun! I was in the valley earlier this morning, but I didn't get a chance to fully explore it.}

"I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself, Elva. You too, Mac."

Raine felt the warmth from the globe spread across her shoulders. She looked at the sky for a moment, then continued walking.

[Mac]

^__^

-he happily followed after them, not really trying to catch up in order to speak to them, merely following-

valley, valley, valley.

^_^

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine looked back at Mac with a smile. She hadn't seen him look so happy. Elva noticed this too and gave Raine a friendly wink. Raine could only laugh.

"You're in a good mood, Mac! I'm glad."

{Me too. You don't look nervous at all!}

The pixie sisters smiled. They began walking the descent toward the valley. The hill gently sloped, and it emitted an air of peace, helped by the flowers, animals, even the air itself.

[Mac]

^_^

I am happy!

-he tilted his head, watching them-

^_^;;

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine looked back at Mac and smiled.

"Any particular reason as to why you're so happy?"

{Sister! You're not teasing him, are you?}

"No, Elva. I'm just curious. I know that you don't have to have a specific reason to be happy, but sometimes you do."

A light blush covered Elva's face when she heard Raine's words. Her gaze drifted to the ground, then met Raine's again.

{Sorry for the outburst.}

"Don't apologize; it's all right."

Raine smiled at her little sister, then turned back to Mac.

"Sorry for getting off track, but would you mind answering my question?"

[Mac]

^_^?

-he slowed down slightly, tilting his head, seeming to take a long while in his answer-

Because.... I like exploring.

^_^;

[Rain_Pixie]

"Ahh, great!"

Raine laughed, sounding like a trilling bird. Elva smiled at Raine. They continued down the slope, soon getting to the bottom of the valley. A wide lake lay before them, tree houses were scattered on the other shore, and the waterfall created a calming mist. It was simply beautiful.

Raine could only smile and breathe in the gentle air. Elva had her eyes closed, listening to the waterfall, though the orb on her shoulder wasn't forgotten.

Raine turned to Mac.

"What do you think?"

[Mac]

-he had stopped, sat, and was just staring out, really not paying them attention. for all that mattered, they could have gone and left him and he wouldn't have noticed-

o.o

wow..

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine noticed Mac's expression and laughed, Elva joining her. The sisters laughed for a good while, then smiled.

"Beautiful, isn't it? Come on! We can't explore just by standing here!"

{Right, Sister. Lets go, Mac!}

Elva gently pulled Mac along while Raine led the way to the shores of the lake.

[Mac]

o.o;;

-for a moment, he didn't realise that he was being tugged, and seemed to just let them lead him about-

uh...?

-when he realised, he managed to stop, looking at first confused, but then excited again, trying to catch back up-

^_^;;

[Rain_Pixie]

Elva laughed happily as she caught up to Raine along with Mac. Raine had reached the shores of the lake and was waving them over.

"Do you see anything under the water, Elva?"

{Not from here. I can see the bottom, but it looks like there aren't any underwater caves.}

"Aww, oh well."

Raine climbed up a pile of rocks, eventually standing on a big boulder. She looked around, trying to spot anything that would spark her curiosity.

"Elva, Mac! Do you two see anything down there?"

{I thought I saw something, but it was just another guest house.}

[Mac]

o.o?

-he just followed, still a little zoned out and not really knowing what he was being asked to do-

uhm...?

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine continued looking around from the rock until she saw a narrow gap between a few guest houses. The gap was dark, but she thought she saw something shining in the distance. With a smile, she jumped down to Elva and Mac.

"I think I spotted something interesting over there."

She pointed east to the gap in the trees.

{It does look tempting. I say we go.}

"All right!"

Raine ran ahead, leaving Elva and Mac behind. Elva stood for a moment before laughing at her sister's enthusiasm.

{Come on, Sir Mac. We don't want Raine to forget about us back here, do we?}

Elva soon took off after Raine, a smile on her face.

[Mac]

o.o

I.... guess... o.o

-he padded after them, blinking a few times, still looking clueless-

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine looked back at the two and stopped, waving vigorously.

"Just a little farther! Come on, slowpokes!"

{You're the one who left us behind, remember?}

Elva just shook her head, smiling.

{It looks like Sister's found a place to explore, Sir Mac.}

[Mac]

where...?

-he blinked a few times, a little confused as to why she was calling him 'Sir Mac'.-

O.o

[Mac]

um....

you can call me what you want...

-he blinked several times, following her at her pace-

O.o;

[Rain_Pixie]

Elva noticed this and looked at back, her hands behind her back.

{Would you prefer for me to call you Mac instead of Sir Mac? I admit that the latter seems a bit formal.}

She smiled in innocence. Raine put her hands on her hips as she waited for the other two to join her.

"Almost there!"

[Rain_Pixie]

Elva smiled.

{All right. Mac it is, then!}

They finally reached Raine who was grinning.

"Take a look!"

Before them was what appeared to be a large cave. A few gems shimmered in the faint light they received, but beyond them was darkness. Raine's grin got bigger.

"Ready to explore?"

{You're on. What about you, Mac?}

[Mac]

it's dark.

o.o

-that's all he said or did. he was quite surprised by how dark it was-

[frank]

*just as they nearly entered the cave, the globes which Raine and Elva were carrying on their shoulders, began to hum and vibrate loudly. *

*they also began to shoot out streaks of light and seemed to dance on both the maiden's shoulders.

*Almost as if they had become happy and playful, again.*

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine and Elva paused and watched the globe on the other's shoulder. They were captivated by the gentle light that the globes released. A small smile worked it's way across Raine's face. Elva looked at her sister.

{ Sister? Is something going to happen? }

"Yes, Elva. I sense that something is going to happen soon."

Raine turned and looked at Mac.

"Do you still want to explore? I wouldn't mind taking a look around this cave, but if you don't like the dark, I won't go in. Remember, you are a guest here, and as hostess, I should make sure that you are comfortable with what we do."

Elva watched the gentle light from the globes, noticing how they seemed to melt away the darkness of the cave, making it seem a little friendlier.

[frank]

Suddenly, without any warning, after the exploring party had entered the cave a short way, the globes went flying off into the darkness and around a bend.

They heard the sounds of laughter and squeals, like those of playful children, then the globes came whizzing back, almost hitting Raine and Elva.

They were behaving very curiously and seemed to be jumping up and down, and got behind the maidens and seemed to push against their backs, as though urging them into the cave.

Then again flying around in front and darting back to around the bend, then racing back once more.

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine and Elva were surprised when the globes took off on their own. They were even more surprised when the globes came speeding back, managing to get out of the way. The two pixies recognized the wants of the globes.

"We should follow them."

{Yes!}

The sisters each took hold of Mac and began running after the playful globes, making sure that they weren't dragging Mac.

[frank]

As they fully entered the cave, the walls began to glow and threw of a sparkling light. Like a countless number of tiny suns, all different colored, set into the cavern walls and floor and ceiling, combining their rays to give off a soft, warm light.

The deeper they entered, the more excited the globes seemed to become until they reached the bend.

Sounds of pipes were heard, as only one warlock writer could make them sound.

Rounding the bend, the globes seemed to almost hug Raine and Elva for there sat frank. With Shoden, of course.

Sitting on Cape, that ever constant flask of wine, and his protecting dragon brother. As if they bleonged there, had been there all the time, and looking as if they had been patiently waiting for Elva, Raine, and Mac.

frank smiled at the three and called the globes to him. Speaking in low tones, some foreign tongue, stroking them at the same time, they calmed down, just rubbed agianst him, and went back to Raine and Elva.

"Sister, the fair Elva, and stalwart Mac, greetings to you three."

"I hope I haven't intruded upon anuything here, but Shoden and I grew weary of each other's company, so I though we should re-visit this fine Home and, if necessary, apologize for my rude behavior when last we were together."

"Forgive me, please. I was angry at other things and, unwisely, threw that anger at my friends."

"Please say it's a thing forgotten. Or if it isn't, what I can do to make it right?"

"My Sarah begs forgiveness, but she wanted to stay back at Mekelhorn and see to this and that--whatever it is that angel faeries must see to when making a place their home. She'll join us when she's done."

Again, frank smiled the warmest greeting at the three, couldn't help but take note of how independant and even more radiant Elva had become. Even Shoden snorted a wisp of sulfur smoke as he curled his upper lip in what he thought passed for a human smile.

[Mac]

O.o;

-he was somewhat bemused by the odd behaviour of the globe objects, and remained silent, more-or-less allowing Raine and Elva to transport him through the cave wherever they were headed.

He seemed even more bemused when it turned out frank was there. He just sat, his head tilted, really not knowing what to say or do-

[frank]

"Well, hello there, Mac!"

frank greeted his old friend.

"Still travelling in good and comesome company, I see."

giving Raine and Elva a warlock's wink.


"I expect Shoden will rouse his lazy scales shortly and will properly greet you three."

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine and Elva stopped once they rounded the bend, surprise on their faces. They took tentative steps toward frank and Shoden, as if afraid they would suddenly disappear. When they heard frank speak, their faces lit up.

Elva ran up to frank and hugged him, a big smile on her face. She also looked at Shoden, her face almost glowing from happiness. Raine simply took a few steps forward, but she knew that her Brother and Shoden could see her joy in her eyes.

Raine gently petted her globe as it returned to her. She watched as Mac approached frank and waited before speaking.

"Brother, I'm glad to see you. Don't worry about your leaving, ok? It's forgotten."

She looked over at Shoden.

"I'm glad to see you too, Dragon Brother. I've missed you, along with frank."

Elva finally released frank and looked up at him, a hand to the necklace that he, Sarah, and Shoden had given her so long ago.

{Welcome back, frank! Welcome back, Master Shoden!}

[frank]

frank was more than pleased to see them all.

And, again, more than pleased to hold the warm and shapely Elva in his arms.

He sensed her pleasure, saw her smile, and more perhaps. And noted sure, that she still wore the gift from long ago.

this filled his heart with gladness, to know that he was honored in this way.

At last they had to let the other go, more from decorum, he thought, than anything else.

"Elva, I have missed your fair beauty and lilting voice and am more than pleased that the thoughts in my head have become reality."

"My Little Sister...." was all that frank could say. but he knew that between them a bond had formed such that words were almost useless. He saw the joy in her eyes, and reurned the compliment, equally.

Shoden finally decided to rouse himself and properly greeted these friends of new and old by extending a wing tip out as if to touch and to be touched.

He sent a thought of welcome to each one.

"Cape, hang yourself up somewhere. Don't just bob around behind me like that. I'm not going anywhere. They aren't either. At least not immediately"

frank gently teased Cape in his own way, but Cape did remove itself from hovering like a protective mother bird around them all.

"Forgive Cape, please. Sometimes I think it really is more alive than we give it credit for."

[Rain_Pixie]

"Of course it is. I'm glad to see you too, Cape. And Brother, please let Sarah know that it's all right, and I'll see her if and when she decides to come back for a visit."

Raine sent a welcoming thought back to Shoden, and she gazed up at his wing tip. Barely acknowledging her actions, she reached up and lightly ran her fingers against a smooth scale. In that brief touch, she felt Shoden's dragon-fire within, and it fueled her own spirit. In that moment, a confident roar erupted inside her. Raine simply smiled.

Elva's face turned pink when she heard frank's words. She smiled up at him, her hand also briefly resting on the circlet of gold that frank had given her, made by the faeries of the moon. All she could say was:

{ And I've missed you, frank. }

Suddenly, Raine felt all the energy that she had spent within the last few days. The fact that she hadn't slept within those days didn't help either. She almost sank to her knees, but caught herself. Elva was immediately at her sister's side. She looked at Raine for a moment.

{ Raine, you should rest. I'm the only one who's gone to bed. Now it's your turn. }

Elva, seeing Raine about to protest, gave her a gentle push toward the entrance of the cave. Raine was tired, and she did have things that needed to be finished soon. All the same, she looked back at frank, Shoden, Elva, and Mac, wanting to make sure that they would be all right in her absence.

[frank]

"Yes, you should rest, Sister."

"The cave looks like a safe enough place for you to shelter and recover your energies."

"Shoden and I will go looking for that waterfall and pool which gave Sarah such delight."

"There is no reason why she shouldn't be here, at my side and Shoden's, where she's always been and where she belongs."

"She is on her way, now, to join me shortly."

"Elva and Mac may join as they please."

No sooner had he finished speaking, than frank's faeirie lover apeared, sending a thought of greeting to Raine, and Elva, and to Mac.

Once again, wrapped in his embrace of love, she bid good Shoden to lift them up and carry them to the magick pool she so well remembered.

dear frank, my love, thank you.

[Rain_Pixie]

Raine bowed to Sarah as she entered the cave, and gave her a warm smile of greeting, as did Elva. Raine mulled over frank's words, then nodded to him.

"All right. Take care of my Sister, frank."

With a wink, she flew out of the cave and through the valley of tree houses. She used almost the rest of her energy to fly out of the valley, up her birch tree, and through the open window to her room.

Waiting for her was a black morning glory, it's dark blue center exposed. Raine sat on the window sill, stroking the miniature tree from Mars that frank had given her when he first visited her Home. She slowly put her feet on the floor, walked over to, and climbed inside her morning glory. The petals curled gently around her, enveloping her in peaceful darkness.

---------------------------------------
Another smile crept over Elva's face as she sensed her Sister finally resting. She turned to look at frank, Mac, Sarah, and Shoden, her cheeks turning a light red. This was her first time playing hostess by herself.

{My honored guests, what would you like to do? Perhaps take a stroll around the valley, or visit the magic pool. Or maybe you're hungry and would like some lunch?}

[Rain_Pixie]

(ooc: Aw'right, now that this place is up and running again, I think it's about time I whipped up another intro to accommodate for the changes in my characters.)

The sky is adorned with hues of red and orange that chase away the gentle shades of lavender as the sun rises. The forest is bathed in awakening sunlight, and breathes in the warmth of another day. The creatures that dwell within and under the branches are still resting, waiting for the sun to drift over their closed lids as a sign to wake. Various birds, hidden among the shifting leaves call out into the morning, trilling so sweet like the shining dew on the grass below.

At the heart of the forest stands a behemoth of a tree, curiously and solely rooted in a patch of red-tan sand. Its wide auburn leaves and equal flowers rested on thick branches that twisted out and toward the sky, like fingers trying to touch the heavens.

Out of seemingly nowhere, a figure appears on one of the branches, near the trunk, outlined by the golden light of the sun. Though mostly in shadow, the light allows one to see a few features of the mysterious specimen. Hair tumbles down a back in dark waves, bangs shielding eyes as gray as storm clouds, vibrant with awareness. Mocha skin basks in the sun's rays.

One blink, and the figure is gone again. Those who know the forest know that the figure has simply moved, and wasn't an illusion caused by the ethereal appearance dawn always gave said forest. Show respect, they say, for the Guardian is always watching. She is kind, if short of temper, and will allow you to pass through her domain without incident; even care for you. But beware her wrath should you pose a threat to the other inhabitants.