Samaena, a Tekker, and a Coldblood . . .

[Jones]

gavin_coldblood* The earth still smelled so sweet. Felt so soft beneath his feet. The mildew grass brushed gently at his ankles, bringing up memories he'd long since stored into the depths of his mind. - Before him, the path ran straight and true, lost within the forest it wound itself in, but he knew it would curve eventually. The trees would thin out, and the trickle of a stream flowing into a lake would begin to reach his ears. The songs of the birds would silence. Worry and sadness would be washed away by a mist that came from a trail off to the right as it was passed.. It would stay with him. Cooling. Refreshing. .. And then the trail would open up. -c-

gavin_coldblood* His steps gave pause. His long black cloak would billow with the breeze that met him head on, letting it twirl around him; all seven feet of flesh and blood. Yellow hair, streaked with blue, fell around his face in long thin tendrils that reached down to his neck, surpassing hardened and rough-skinned cheeks, curling over a firm chin. Eyes, ice-blue, stared in wonder at the sight they beheld before them. - The grass was greener than it had ever been. Thick, and tall. Pure. The trees that encircled the haven had grown into giants. Their leaves thick and multi-colored into reds, yellows, and browns by the Fall season that had come upon them so suddenly. -c-

gavin_coldblood* The lake. The surface smooth. Calm. Its water clear and tempting to the weary traveler. Its shores thick with brush where once there was open sand.. As was given evidence by the sand that still covered the shore higher up the line. - Gavin almost fell to the temptation to leap into that cool water, and wipe away the dirt and grime his skin had compiled upon itself in the month-long journey it'd taken for him to arrive here. However, there was one more thing he had to see and to visit before he could refresh and clean himself up. -c-

gavin_coldblood* The Cabin. - It still stood. Empty and vine-covered. The wooden walls, and thatched roof his father and uncle had put together to make the place decades ago looked rotten and old, in long need of repair. Even his own work inside the one-room place had not kept nature at bay. - Gavin now stood in the doorway, looking in. Broken glass littered the floor. A bed, matressless, still sat in the corner. The cuboards and drawers were opened, as though some animal had rummaged through them. Probably the same thing that had broken the window.. And the screen on the door Gavin held open with a firm hand had long since been ripped to shreds. Claws, it seemed, from another animal? - Gavin sniffed, and strode further in, dropping the large backpack he'd carried over his shoulder onto the floor next to him. And he stood still.. smelling...watching.. taking in LightShadow Lake once more.

raylon_tekker* Memories lingered within this place he began to visit after so many years. Taunting visions of hopeless dreams and cemented desires paining him to no end, yet footsteps drove him forward without a care in the world. A smile, forever etched on to his face as a façade that told of many trials, decorated his face with so much ease that it would be sickening to those who truly had known him. What had he become now? A successful leader among his people, a worthy mate to the women of his lands, and an extremely powerful being yet none of that ever truly did matter. There were few that had managed to delve deep within the enigma that was his mind and even fewer that had managed to stay there after so long. One woman had been drilled and frozen within that pulsating heart of his and he recalled with lucid precision how he used to visit these very lands simply to gaze into her eyes once again.

raylon_tekker* The protection that had veiled this place so long ago did not matter to him any longer. The sad fact was that he had ascended to something far more sinister than he had hoped and yet still maintained a morality that kept him so vulnerable to hurt. Why was he even here again? What could have possibly possessed him to return to a place that held events that wounded him so deeply? He missed her...had missed her for years upon years yet he denied himself any closure. Closure meant setting her aside...meant setting things aside that would not be better off forgotten. She had catalyzed what he had become whether she knew it or not. The sight of the lake had him smile a bit wider and the far sight of the cabin made that smile even wider.

raylon_tekker* He wasn't expecting much from this visit, but the underlying hope of seeing someone or something that reminded him of her became fixated in the back of his mind. Was this land still inhabited? Or had it met the fate he surely held within the heart of the woman he sought?

gavin_coldblood* At least this place was still up right? - He had visited Ocean Whisper first. And all he had found was a charred pile of ruins being the only remnants of the cabin Sam had constructed, left. The Willow Woods had only been a field of stumps. The beach blackened. Even the boulder upon the beach.. his father's tombstone.. had been blackened and chipped by the destruction that had befallen the place. The edges of the water, tainted. --- Gavin had fled the terrible site, tears threatened to spill down his cheeks. So much pain and grief.. Such a history, lost in the terrible events that had taken place in his absence. - Was Sam still alive? Was Shi? Were the Fiends? Gavin could only hope. After having met her in what he thought had yet been another dream...along with Ryan..his uncle.. the only thing Gavin had was hope. -c-

gavin_coldblood* Another glance was taken around the cabin. There wasn't much left. The counter, sink, cuboards, and the frame of a bed were the only things he could find. He looked into every nook and cranny of the single-room structure.. and finally stood straight, leaning backward to stretch, raising his arms high. He grunted, sniffed, and let his eyes gaze out the window over the sink. However, there was something else other than the lake and the trees to see. There was a figure, striding toward the cabin. -- Friend or foe? Gavin didn't know, and didn't care to take his chances the man would be friendly. Gavin crouched low and moved over to the backpack he had set aside. Groping with his hand, he retrieved the dagger from the pack's depths. Bare feet pressed against the wooden floor, and he moved up next to the door. -c-

gavin_coldblood* There he would lean on one knee, pressing against the wall beside the door, and wait.. His hair brushed to the sides of his face. His dagger readied. Gavin held his breath and waited, listening for the approaching being's footsteps to come up to the door.

raylon_tekker* Hope was such a fickle thing, capable of motivating those past even their own known strengths and also capable of completely decimating anyone in its wake. He knew that there was someone in the area, but in his own solidified indifference, did not bother to try and pinpoint their positioning. Was it arrogance? Highly doubtful, but it was easily clear that there was more to this regal-looking man than most could imagine. Silver effulgence shone so brightly that it practically acted as a beacon of his approaching form, evincing the fact that he was but inches away from this cabin he knew nothing of. The sight of it only managed to remind him of the haven he had once acquired when he had visited Sam so long ago. Had it not been for her, he would have withered away much like the memories and lives of his kin. <c>

raylon_tekker* Tawny flesh glistened and while it would have been interesting to simply thrust his form across the threshold of the building, all he did was simply knock. The warning knock was a lavishing gesture that was rare coming from someone like him, not because of the lack of manners, but because of the sudden drought of importance he saw within this place. Clean robes decorated his form and he held nothing more than his usual jewelled staff that now hovered aimlessly about him in a quiet mockery of its owner. His voice spilled out with dulcet tones and a vigor that seemed unexpected from his relaxed demeanor "Anyone here?" The simplicity of his questions had become habitual as of late and it was hopefully plain enough to prevent any kind of defensive move from whoever was in there. He was just a visitor...and nothing more. That realization alone stretched through so many memories.

gavin_coldblood* Perhaps it would look comical? At the knock and the words that followed from the knocker, Gavin would lean backward and sideways so that he was far enough away from the door to be safe, and also able to look through the shredded screen to lay his eyes upon the visitor. His ice blue eyes flared curiously at what seemingly appeared to be a man dressed in robes with a staff in hand. His hair fell about his face again, somewhat irritatingly, but Gavin ignored it for the moment as he came fully into the light, standing up on his feet. The dagger was still in his hand. A display more or less, to show the trespasser he was prepared for mischief. -c-

gavin_coldblood* "Yes? Can I help you, trespasser?" Gavin's tone was lilting and friendly, but beneath them was a foundation of mis-trust and guarded defense. He didn't take the pains to hide it, exactly. This newcomer was indeed a trespasser. A stranger, walking upon ground that had belonged to the Clan Apex, and then Kalinis Coldblood. Now it was his, he surmised.. realizing, as he stood there staring at Raylon, that he'd never considered that before. He'd rarely come here after his father's death, and hadn't exactly come to terms with what he might now own, that his father left behind.

raylon_tekker* This man before him could not help him one bit. How could a complete stranger restore a motivation that had long since been sapped from his form? Duty had been instilled into his heart and the restoration of his kingdom was already complete yet he still found himself leaving his post in search of what truly pleased him. Once again he was marred by hope, wounded by its manacles and restrained to a constant desire to see those he could not say he did not love. This heart, this rhythmic organ full of warmth, cached in so many people...so many events and yet only one person would forever be etched into its labyrinthine shell. Why had it been that this man who stood before him produced so many thoughts of her? It was not his place to even inquire and he was completely satisfied with the sudden recollection. <c>

raylon_tekker* Lips finally parted, eyes ignoring the dagger which lingered wearily within the man's hand "I dont believe you can. I'm simply wandering about." His voice was light and held a mellifluence once again that easily contrasted that lingering sadness that glazed his entire form. Gavin looked familiar...looked like someone he had encountered so many years ago, yet perhaps it was his mind playing tricks on him. It seemed as if everything tangible that would have reminded him of her was gone. Such pessimism was quickly ignored, though his optimism was not implemented just yet. Lingering on this sadness was yet another way he could allow those memories of her to manifest and clear it all away.

gavin_coldblood* 's eyes narrowed slightly before Gavin sniffed derisively and slipped the dagger into the belt that circled his waist and kept the cloak closed. The man didn't seem to be up to anything. And the other senses.. which made him something more.. infused deeply within his mind, told him to expect nothing. Danger was not here. Not yet, anyway. The TrueRaven within him gently settled, and Gavin breathed in deeply, ripping his gaze from Raylon's face and back to the backpack at his feet. He leaned down, letting the yellow hair streaked with blue fall around his face again, and he began to speak. -c-

gavin_coldblood* "Becareful where you wander in the future, stranger. You're trespassing, and most decent folk would attack you on sight. However, I'm far from decent, and I don't believe you're up to any mischief. You're free to wander where you like." Gavin continued to shuffle through the pack, relieving it of small scrimpets and objects. Folded papyrus. A small pouch of coins. A crystal figure shaped into the likeness of a rearing dragon, its jaws opened wide, its eyes flared open. There was also feathers, and an empty sack. These must've been what he was looking for because as soon as he found them, he set aside the pack and began to stuff the sack with the feathers.. creating what seemed to be a makeshift pillow. -c-

gavin_coldblood* "Have you traveled far?" Gavin piped up. He didn't remove his attention from the pillow he was making, but he felt awkward to let silence grow. The least he could do was talk to the man before he wandered off.(repost)

raylon_tekker* As soon as the man before him averted his positioning elsewhere, this tried and tired mage turned his back blatantly away from Gavin. It was easy to see that there was not even the slightest worry about anything the man was saying about his trespassing. Though his feet and his own regality did not warrant him any right upon this territory, it did not harm anyone to have a visitor now did it? This kind of mentality had been what initially motivated him to continue to wander around these parts so many times. Whatever lingered in place of the Ocean Whisper would not even phase the constant image of a place he had grown to love even though it was not his own. This entire area had tempered him, allowing him to fortify a certain mental strength that had been necessary for his survival. It was at this exact time that Havoc made his presence known, having remained quiet for some unknown reason <c>

raylon_tekker* <You do know who that whelp is over there right? He does not look familiar for nothing you idiot.> For now the deity's words were taken lightly before lips once again parted to allow him to speak. "I would assume you could say so though I have truly never left this area." He did doubt that Gavin would understand what he meant but he continued anyway. "You seem to have quite the living arrangement here..." Crossed arms pressed against his chest, and he waited for a response, though it was the lake that received most of his attention. The undulations upon the water caused him to smile...but why? It should be obvious by now.

gavin_coldblood* "Hah. That I do don't I? ...Truly, I've only just arrived here myself. This place was once a sight to behold. This cabin filled with the living. However, those who first took care of it walked away. My father was known to do that. Walk away from things. And so am I, I suppose.. I walked away from this place. Let it fall to its current state." Gavin sighed and let his eyes roam around the interior. Images flashing across his foggy gaze. Sam, his mother, smiling. Kalinis, his father, holding a baby swathed in red robes... And then another image; the wailing cries of a woman. Sam..standing outside the door, tears spilling from her eyes. -c-

gavin_coldblood* His father, walking with the baby in red robes in his arms. His back to him. --- "I suppose it's a Coldblood's warrant to walk away when things become difficult." Bitter words. Gavin thrust the pillow aside, now that he'd filled it to the brim with the feathers. He groped into the pack once more, and began to rummage again.

raylon_tekker* With each word uttered from the man within the cabin, a certain notion flickered within his mind, an imminent realization sure to manifest upon his face. An immediate response was given, the last comment producing a certain change in tone that suggested he now knew something. "Its a shame that it has been neglected for so long. Since you seem rather knowledgeable of these areas, do you recall seeing another cabin in the nearby vicinity or perhaps know of a woman who lived nearby?" The question was bold, but it had become infinitely clear that this man before him was somehow connected to everything. Assumptions were made but stored within his mind for the time being while he waited for the man to speak up, but the last question that would be presented would be the final attempt to clear this fog of uncertainty. <c>

raylon_tekker* "Before you answer those questions, what is your name?" It took such a simple question this long to be uttered from this man's lips? <Its about time you dope. I know you want to see her again...you sensitive bastard> Havoc was given a sharp psionic ousting for now. There was no need for his comical interventions while he waited for any responses.

samaena: To come full circle, for some was a frightening thing. For her however there was only anticipation. Breaths quickened as she approached the place, her heart raced and pounded so hard within her chest she felt she had to hold herself close. With every step taken closer…closer…the scent of the water was found, the sounds so familiar once upon a time, long ago were still there. She'd have smiled had he not felt her stomach turn and twist into a thousand knots. What had made her come this far? She felt so stupid creeping through the tall grasses. Rolling her eyes at herself as she only paused to breathe…breathe deep of the air and the place she had once called home. "This is it Shi" no more than a whispered exhale. "This is where it all began" oh she could remember so many things of this place. It was as though it happened only the day before…but she recalled the night Shi came to her. Joseph and his words of wisdom…the snow, Kalinis, the baby and she shook her head and closed her eyes as though she didn't want to see any more. The warning was whispered from within…the shifting of the fabric upon her flesh only calmed and soothed her troubled thoughts. -c-

samaena: Her attention drawn to the other side of the lake…an image she eventually opened her eyes to gaze upon. "Kal?" was she talking to herself? "No, of course not. I know" yes she appeared to be speaking to herself yet the listener was well hidden from view. Who was the other? Revelations denied herself, another shake of her head as the pack, she carried was lowered from her shoulder. It was much lighter now. Most of the crystal had gone now, life had been…an adventure. One she wasn't prepared to give up…no…not just yet. For now the familiarity of a home had her caught for the moment.

gavin_coldblood* didn't even look up as the stranger proposed his questions. He was busy trying to find something to make a blanket out of, or something soft he'd be able to lay on the bed frame. However, the frustration he felt because of the difficulty he was having in finding anything lead him to think that sleeping outside would be the best course to take. Of course it was cold at night, with the fall season halfway done, and the winter coming right along, but the grass was still soft and thick. And his cloak was decent enough to withstand any drizzle that might occur. And if he had to...he could always come in later if there was a bigger storm..if there was going to be any storm at all... -c-

gavin_coldblood* debated all of this inside his head as he answered the stranger's question in an off-handish way. "Gavin. Gavin Coldblood. And yours?" ... Suddenly, his head picked up. His hands stopped moving. The pack, dropped. His senses whirled into a frenzy as he felt yet another being approaching. The TrueRaven within him... priests, of the Raven Foundation which had once let its powerful dominion grow and reach across the face of the Eden Realm, awakening. Adding to his senses. Enhancing his smell. The focus of his sight. The feeling of things against his skin. -c-

gavin_coldblood* Beyond the door, the walls of the cabin, near the lake.. approached someone. The power that radiated was so apparent. The air around them fluctuating, reverberating until it hit him. It seemed that there were two beings...but they moved as one. Radiated as one. Lived as one. His memory flailed, searching, analyzing, trying to think. The familiarity was there.. So close.. so close to touch. And he reached out.. invisible lines rushing between him and the outside. Searching. Smelling. Touching. Reaching. --- He was up on his feet, rushing past the stranger, leaping out the cabin door. His yellow hair streaked with blue... an effect which had taken so much time to occur. A blend of traits from mother and father.. fell around his face. Ice-blue eyes flared wise as they stared across the space between him and Sam. -c-

gavin_coldblood* Realization, and memory. ".....Sam....?" He whispered questioningly. Unbelievingly. His tongue fumbling inside his mouth. His lips parting slowly. Time itself seemed to slow. - There was no mistaking those saphire eyes.

[Jones]

raylon_tekker* Reverberant fury resonated within the artifact that juxtaposed itself beside this mage. That staff acted as if it knew what was going on but did nothing more than continue to mock its owner with its lack of action. A smooth visage fixated upon the man now, having shifted completely to face him once again but never entering the cabin itself. His entire form seemed ready...ready to attempt to traverse the lands that he had actually learned to admire without any fear. He idly wondered what had occurred to Femme and the house he helped build. It had been years since he had dabbled into any kind of technology and such marvels would perhaps never be recorded within the minds of those who witnessed them. The crimson insignias upon his robe began to vibrate once again, but these tacit displays of a certain imminent surprise failed to deliver their message. <c>

raylon_tekker* At the sound of the man's name, he was left with nothing but a dropped jaw before the man rushed by him as if there was something or someone that deserved much more attention. Did he sense it too? Yes, but he has been fooled many times before so his reaction was significantly lagging behind that of Gavin's. His form snapped around once again and he began to walk calmly over to where Gavin was situated. Would his eyes betray him again or was that outline of a female form enough to spark the largest smile he has had on that face of his for a long time? He would not attempt to decipher anything yet...for now he would allow this man he had known as a child not too long ago address the newcomer. The sight of Sam was always unmistakeable, but even though the desire to rush on over and embrace her magnified exponentially, he simply juxtaposed himself beside Gavin to his right. He had no right coming any closer to the woman unless the allowance was given...and oh how his body fidgeted in wait for that.

samaena* Well, well, well. Wonders would never cease or so it seemed. A half cocked smile, bright sapphire blue eyes gazed at the two men. Oh she knew them both but…it had been too long. Hadn't it? She merely stood where she was. The last she had seen and spoke to Gavin…things had not fared that well. The last time she had seen Raylon, had been different to say the least. "I don't want to" the slightest movement of her head as though she spoke to someone just behind her. Her whispered tone. "I don't know" - the truth of the matter was that Shi urged her to go and see Gavin. She'd hardly expected anyone to be here at all. Let alone Gavin and Raylon….why were they here? Her brow creased as she queried in her mind. The place was deserted, all over grown and the cabin was a wreck. It was rotten through. Why had she come? This was full circle…at times things needed to be faced…but why now? -c-<Repost for Gavin 1 of 2>

samaena* Fidgeting where she stood, only raising a hand to tease away from her face the familiar yet irritating strands of blonde from her face. She merely offered a smile, soon followed by a shrug that said blatantly "I'm here" what more was there? However, she wasn't going back into that cabin. Nor was she going to rush in. Only fools did that and she had learned her lessons harder than most. Talk about awkward moments. <2 of 2>

gavin_coldblood* His heart thumped hard within his chest, and the sound it made almost drowned out everything else. His eyes couldn't keep from staring.. looking into Sam's, watching the hesitance and cautiousness. But there was recognition too, and that's all that was needed to spurn Gavin forth. A quick glance was given to the stranger before he began to walk toward Sam, his face turning back to her, and a smile spreading across his pale red lips. The icy hue of his gaze softened at the sight of her. "I didn't expect..." he began to say as he came near. However, the words were awkward and fumbled, and he stopped himself... taking a breath. That wasn't the way to start off was it? This was Sam! She deserved better than that. -c-

gavin_coldblood* stepped forward and began to slide his arms around her in an attempt to embrace. Whether she would meet him and complete it would remain to be seen. Words just did not seem enough at this point. How long had it been since she'd seen her? How many times in his dreams? The meeting they had held when Ryan was found had not carried out as it should've. The meeting then should've been warm.. friendly.. Afterall, how many years had Gavin lived on before that, thinking she and Shi dead? The meeting with Ryan had ruined that time they'd had to reunite. This time, it would go differently. -c-

gavin_coldblood* "I missed you mother," he'd whisper into her ear. The embrace would be filled with the warmth and love of the son she had raised. And the son who had missed her. The son who had filled out into a mix between Kalinis and his mother so much now. Even the streaks of blue had mixed its way into his hair.. And the icy blue of his eyes had indeed, survived the trip from Kal's blood into his.

raylon_tekker* Well, she was definitely there. There was no doubt about that. Seeing her again made him realize something rather quickly, and his smile simply widened. Sure, he perhaps did love her, but he had no true need or dependance of her. In a show of silent respect to that fact, his desire to embrace her ceased and a sudden pleasantry slid over his form. He was not one to rush in to anything either. <You know its about time you realized she is claimed you fool. Perhaps now you will stop bothering me with your idiocy and start listening to me once in a while> A small expulsion erupted from the cage of his throat, but he remained immobile and kept his arms crossed against his chest. Hesitation had nothing to do with the respect for this reunion he was witnessing. Silent observation seemed like the most preferrable option and once he complied he felt satisfied<c>

raylon_tekker* Satisfied that he once again was graced with the beauty of the woman before him, and satisfied with his reaction to it all. This moment proved to end whatever lingering torture had plagued him about her. With that genuine smile upon that tawny visage, he waited to allow them to converse and exchange affections. It was possible that he'd get his turn soon enough. <No one in their right mind would listen to your grumpy advice Havoc. Besides, I simply needed to see her again. Its not like I am going to attempt to claim her as my own. She is far too valuable to me to be thought of in that manner...> Havoc grumbled and let his host be. All that mattered now was enjoying this family reunion..

samaena* A mixture of relief and reassurance came over her as Gavin came to greet her. Wasn't this how it should have been? Every time? Still the gentle caresses upon her flesh eased and sought to soothe the tension within, there was nothing malicious about her, there wasn't a need. Her back was covered and the feeling of being well and truly safe was a rarity indeed. This was and had been worth coming back to. Her arms were soon enough wrapped around Gavin…he was no longer a little boy, knee high to a grasshopper but her embrace was still one full of the love only a Mother could give. "I missed you too" whispered softly back to the man who now resembled his Father. There was so much of Kal to see in him, in those blue eyes. Even the taint in his hair…which she eyes suspiciously for a moment as she eventually pulled away. There was another here she needed to greet. Reaching up to tug at a stray strand of Gavins hair she muttered "We'll have to get you some dye. Purple maybe like Femme's was." -c-

samaena* However, there was a broad grin as she left Gavin to muse over purple hair of his own. Approaching Raylon now. His folded arms across his chest were regarded and even commented on "Still so guarded?" a taunt really…but she paid no heed to his arms. Reaching out to pull them away. So she could press in close and offer in mind much the same greeting as Gavin had received.

gavin_coldblood* The touch she left with him was more than he could've hoped for. It washed over him like the tide once did over the Whisper.. Leaving him feeling light, safe, and refreshed. All the pains an aches fell away. The smile on his lips broadened. A chuckle almost escaped him when she mentioned turning the hair purple.. "Purple?" He rolled his eyes upward, making a vain attempt to study his hair closely so he could imagine what it might be like if it was purple... However, the meeting betweeen Sam and the stranger took his attention back and he looked at them quizically. She knew the stranger? How? Her words gave away the fact that she at least recognized him, if she did not know him well. -c-

gavin_coldblood* 's gaze became piercing as he studied the stranger a little more closely than before. Instead of searching for signs of danger from the man, he searched for characteristics that might shed light on who the stranger could be. He searched the eyes. The hair. The shape of his face. The stature of the man. Who could he be? ... It was not until he looked at the stranger altogether did he begin to recognize him. The way the stranger held himself.. guadily. It reminded him so much of Ra... --- Gavin's eyes widened once more as the name and the face of him clicked together. -- "...Raylon?..." he muttered softly, his mouth dropping open. - However, he kept his revelation guarded and to himself, allowing the two the same respect as...Raylon...had given them.

raylon_tekker* He held in a chuckle as he overheard her comment about purple hair. The most brief of memories slid through his mind about how Femme had been rather shocked at his abilities up on that tree. The grin that was presented after that short distraction made him reciprocate just the same. He had not crossed his arms in any kind of defense. He had never been more relaxed at this point, and in that comfort it was not hard for her to fit herself into his embrace. Would she feel the intense warmth that now constantly exuded from his form? Would she also sense that heart that beat so rapidly for her? There was no true need to have her realize anything for somehow he knew it was common knowledge that times change but their ability to indulge in moments like these would never be modified. Arms pressed her against him and his smooth cheek pressed against hers after offering the lightest of kisses upon it. "I've missed you, Sam" <c>

raylon_tekker* His admittance was louder than Gavin's had been as digits pressed against the small of her back to press her in just a bit closer before he loosened it all to let her step back when she was ready to. Silver hair continued to mingle with those dark follicles of his hair and he chuckled a bit before adding something "Your son there must have eaten quite alot to get that big so quickly now dont you think?" He'd make no attempt to lose contact with her and he'd make sure to stay near her while he waited for her soothing voice to grace his ears once again.

samaena* Never had she thought a simple hug could have felt so good. Warm, safe and truly given with everything in that one single moment. She missed nothing. In fact she wanted to remain within that warmth and she'd have stayed had it not been for the memory of a very upset Shi peering through the kitchen window. The children gathering around the cabin, orders barked and whistled abroad. In fact…the smallest chuckle escaped her. She had laughed before and she shouldn't have, but things ere different now and she did remain in Raylons arms far longer than any would have perhaps thought she might. Only rising on her toes to whisper by his ear. "Its been too long" simple words but they held much truth. A small kiss applied to Raylon's cheek as she settled back to squarely place her feet. Only smiling up and offering a single wink before she turned to look over Gavin. -c-

samaena* "Yeah. He's grown a lot" there was more to those words too. Gavin had far surpassed anything his Father could have been and she was proud. Sorry that Kal had missed it al but proud all the same to have been a guiding hand though his younger years. - There was much she'd avoid, even more she'd not speak of but rather than leave a lingering silence she looked between them both "Maybe one of you would like to tell me what you're doing back here?" was she annoyed? Far from it. Curious as to why they all had made it thus far at the same time. Fate really did play a cruel hand at times. <repost>

gavin_coldblood* Was there a flex of the muscles as they looked him over and discussed his growth? Oh yes. The smirk couldn't be suppressed, and he just happened to be stretching his arms...flexing the muscles so they'd show along his arms, raising them upward and over his head. When he returned to his ease, a chuckle was expelled, and he moved up to them. "Raylon." He said, holding his hand out toward the stranger turned old friend. The friendliness in his tone was genuine, as was the welcome handshake Raylon would feel if he took his hand. - After the greeting, he turned to Sam and began to answer her question. "I went to the Whisper in hopes of finding you and Shi there. But it's just ruins now.. Even father's rock is chipped from the destruction. I couldn't do much in the way of repairing it.." He sighed softly. -c-

gavin_coldblood* "When I got tired of looking throught he place to see if I could find anything left, I came here by way of the Falls. At least that was still intact..as well as this place. Whatever hit home either didn't know these two havens were here, or it didn't care. I arrived just before Raylon did.." he nodded toward him, then looked back at Sam. "Something is happening. I can feel it. The taverns have these notices..." He paused, his eyes glazing as he thought back to the many stops he'd taken on his journey, finding the magic notes. The words they contained. "I couldn't help but wonder and decided to seek you and Shi out.. If I couldn't find you, I'd come here for awhile. Maybe fix the place up.. Wait.. and then go search again."

raylon_tekker* It had been too long indeed. Too long since he genuinely expressed this much affection and too long since he had been this close to a woman who deserved far more than what she has gotten. Standing beside Sam, not bothering to keep his distance as he managed to come as close as possible, he had hoped that Gavin would explain what they were doing there. The truth was, in fact, that his reason stemmed into territories that were best left unvoiced for the only thing that mattered was what had already been established. The memory of being watched within the kitchen did nothing to deter him now. He held enough strength to defend his own desires and no one would ever prevent him from realizing them. However, he was more than just the gentle and relaxed Raylon that had so easily fixated himself upon the cares of the woman beside him<c>

raylon_tekker* He was a king now though he never disclosed it. He was quite a formidable mage as well but things like these did not need to be disclosed when it felt so right to keep them to himself here. Gavin's hand was taken quickly and he gave him a firm handshake before he listened to the reasoning offered by him and then sadly knew he had to give his own. It was only right. First, however, he took note of those magic notes, not surprised at all by them but affected nonetheless. "I held pretty much the same goal as he did, though I guess mine was a bit more focused than his." He chuckled a bit at his own statement of truth, knowing he had only come here to see if Sam was still around or to simply reflect for an hour or two before returning to his own duties. "I see you're still as popular as usual aren't you Sam?"

samaena* It was all too much to bear and she released the laughter. It had been a sound missing for far too long. Gavin's explanation, Raylons admittance…it was funny really. "And you thought I'd be here? This place is dead, there's nothing for anyone here any more." There was no bitterness in her tone. Just factual and truthful. "I came to harvest more crystal. The ornaments I managed to take with me before Ocean Whisper changed hands only lasted so long and we still need to eat" her explanation was perhaps more creditable? Either way she didn't care. It was just so good to see them both, to not have to worry, to know she was safe. "It used to look much better than this" she reminisced as she glanced about the place. The lake had remained clear, the grasses and weeds had long since overtook anything that had resembled a flower patch or a garden, and still she didn't care. She had no plans of remaining her…then again. The brief thought flittered through her mind. Everyone had once known she lived here, those that counted knew she had moved on. Who'd think to come back and look for her here now? A place she had left behind so many moons ago? -c-

samaena* Gavin's query of the parchment had her raise a brow in his direction "So you plan to fight and take your chances for the Prize?" was he serious? She couldn't stop him of course but what if they had to face each other? That would truly be a test. "Did you find them too?" she turned her head to look squarely upon Raylon now. "Did you plan on taking part?" - Did it matter? Did she really want it anyway? The inner of her lower lip was caught between her teeth as she mused for a moment, deep in thought but that was all it was. Just a moment. "Popular?" she queried Raylon, again that spark of amusement lighting her eyes. "Hardly" no…not any more. She was free of Destruction now…she was…they were free to do as they pleased.

gavin_coldblood* 's brow arched in return. "Well..." In truth, he had considered it. Such an offer of power from the Ba'al's own domain..if not from the Ba'al himself.. Wasn't it worth vying for? Perhaps. So many things could be done with the power that could come with victory. So many problems taken care of. Maybe even death could be revoked... All such thoughts were pushed away in an instant when he realized he was leading himself on. How many clue did he need? He had been witness to too many of the Ba'al's dabbling fingers, and what chaos and pain could come to one's life when they involved themself with Destruction. -- He gazed at Sam sadly for a moment, and continued. "...no. I had considered it, but no. There are too many variables. Too many things to chance. I'm happy with the life I have. Power isn't all it's made out to be. I've got what I need." -c-

gavin_coldblood* The discovery of his heritage with the Raven Foundation, and the blood ties he held with Erias were enough for him. He was content with what abilities he had attained thus far. Did he really need anything more? Perhaps. But not at the moment. "I was only curious.. and a little worried. Nothing like this has ever happened? Such an offering from such a domain.. What could that prize be? And why would such contest be proposed now? I can't help but feel particularly disturbed by the whole idea.. There are many powers in the realms at large. And such an offer will bring many of them together and against each other.. I'm afraid even keeping myself uninvolved with the event, the results of it will still affect me."

[Jones]

raylon_tekker* He had not known of anywhere else to look for her. She was a rather elusive one if he did not use intrusive means to find her. He felt it rather rude to simply appear wherever she was before notifying her, and he had other matters that needed to be tended to before he even thought of searching for her again. Well, here he was before her, fates having dealt him what they thought was a cruel hand but he had learned very quickly that he can turn whatever they thrust his way into something beneficial. As manipulative as that was, he would be sure to maintain that manner of thinking. "I wont bother entering. My entry would pose a clear disadvantage to everyone else and your son if he had entered. Cant have your grown son losing in mid-battle and anything that has to do with that being is worthless in my eyes. I have met a few that wish to see him destroyed completely" <c>

raylon_tekker* Humor had sprouted cleanly out of that comment and those silver orbs stared directly at Gavin while he said it. Sunkissed flesh exuded practically tangible warmth that Sam would notice due to their proximity. A certain deity couldn't help but try and butt into Sam's mind with his own message, <I just couldn't keep this idiot away from you. I don't know what he sees in you but dont try anything funny. Btw, glad to see you again> What the hell was that? Havoc actually glad to see someone? He had his reasons. Havoc's knowledge of other deities and powerful beings has proven useful to him over the years. Turning to look at Sam, he spoke once again "If you are in need of any food or materials, I'd be glad to help. I've kind of been doing well for myself lately" That was the understatement of the day, but the offer had been set..and all he did was wait.

samaena* Gavin was right to worry, the Prize offered spoke of 'Godly' and that had to be worth fighting for. For some anyway. She was in for it and she would take part, come hell or high water. Shi was there to offer his own reassurances too. Never still upon her, always letting her know that he was there. Subtle whispers, gentle caresses. She merely nodded at Gavin "I wont stop you I you want to take part. I cant" and he'd have known then with that simple statement that she herself planned to play a part in it all. - Had she planned to stay away, she might have had something more to say on the matter but enough had been said on the matter. Hadn't it? Shifting her gaze back to Raylon she could only smirk. So typical of her. "I see. Too good now to dirty your hands on the likes of us?" of course she was taunting. Would she ever change? Too long in the tooth for that now, it made her who she was right? It had been along time since she could truly be Samaena. -c-

samaena* The features of her face changed though as she picked up that message from another. Her smile faded, her eyes widened with surprise and she could only stare at Raylon. Havoc? Glad to see her? She wasn't sure and had to glance behind her to make sure this wasn't some kind of trick. She knew it wasn't but the gesture was done all the same "Oh sure. Like I could do anything funny" the sweet and innocent smile came then, completely settled where she was and the people she was around. "As if I would" she turned to wink at Gavin and offer a cheeky grin before she looked back at Raylon…his offer of supplies and food…wonderful. "Looks like you're paying for dinner then" she was beaming, adoring every moment of being in good company, safe company. Bold enough to step toward Raylon and tuck her arm into his. "Escort a Lady would you?" she expected laughter but even if it only managed to raise a smile. She was content.

gavin_coldblood* stayed where he was, considering her words. If she didn't want to stop him.. Should he take part? Although there was the logical part of his mind deeming it unneccessary, and also, dubbing it an unneccessary risk of his life, taking part in the vying for the prize.. there was also the other side of that thinking. With the power, he could do so many things. And so many things needed doing. He could protect Sam and Shi. Protect their Fiends? Make a new Ocean Whisper.. A new home... - He was brought out of his thoughts when he watched Sam turn away and tuck her arm around Raylon's. The crystal she'd come for, as mentioned earlier, resurfaced something else he'd meant to remember. -c-

gavin_coldblood* "Hold a moment," he'd ask, as he bounded forward and ahead of them. Returning to the cabin, he slip back through the door and retrieve the crystal piece he'd set down on the floor. The Dragon. Fittingly named for the thing that reared its head back, maws opened wide to destroy the prey the frozen figure would never clamp its teeth into, or let its flames lick over. - He came back out and strode up to Sam, holding the beautiful sculpture before him. "Here. I found this in a city.. A place you and Shi must've traveled through. ...Too...uh'...given by the merchant." An abashed look passed across his face. Could sons get away with their mothers by telling the truth when thievery was involved? -c-

gavin_coldblood* took her free hand and placed the crystal figure into her palm, closing her fingers around it with his own. Its smoothness had been comforting. The salt smell was still a part of it. "Perhaps you can sell it again. Just don't go back to that city with it. Spardra...I think?" He shrugged, caring little if he'd gotten it right. "The merchant might not be happy if you tried selling it to him again. And you'd have to pull the blue stuff out on him right?" He grinned, his throat threatening to let a chuckle burst forth. "Ah..perhaps it'd be worth it then. But you'd sell it again for more, or the same as you did in a different place. I hope it helps?"

raylon_tekker* He looked at her and smiled at her first question, her teasing tones noticed and worthy of a quick response. "Well, I do love to keep clean." He brushed off against his robes in a gesticulation meant to spark a chuckle within his female companion. She hadn't changed much, and it was that consistency that he loved despite the few times he has seen her void of that special quality. It was simply how they always told each other. 'One's simplicity is another's complexity.' He couldn't get any simpler than how he was when he was around her. Blunt and straight to the point, watching her cleanly and simply shaking his head once she insinuated her participation in that event. If he entered, he could very well win the damn thing and then what? Tournaments and competitions meant nothing when he has seen and garnered so much over the last few years. As he saw Gavin, he gladly hooked Sam's arm and placed his other hand atop hers. He was going to say something but let Gavin finish his explanation and the presentation of that crystal.<c>

raylon_tekker* He was sure he had seen a few crystals like that elsewhere but it was not something he dwelled upon. Once Gavin was done and Sam inevitably answered, he would begin to speak again "I've never been disappointed when sharing a meal with you Sam....I know that much." He did not even need to get into the many memorable moments involving food and...well cream. He could not deny his want to touch far more than he was already touching right now, but he could also not deny what needed to be done and this is why he simply left it at that and waited for a few seconds before looking at Gavin. "I'm sure your stomach could withstand a meal or a two right?" He'd remain where he was until everyone was ready to leave...but where would they go?