Dreaming and Resting (Clifftown)

[»Míríel«]

A speck of light flickered in the darkness than another seemed to join it. The two specks of light danced around each other and seemed to give hope to all. "Daddy! There is another one! Oh how I love fireflies!" The sound of a young girls voice echoed in the darkness as a larger light came into view. "Yes, there is another one. Why don't you go an catch it for me." A deeper voice rang out as the giggle of the young girl followed the answer. Now they were close enough to see. The young girl was probably only around six. Her blond hair hung from her head like gold and her aquamarine eyes gleamed with happiness. The girl took her hand out of her fathers before running to the two fireflies. Sad eyes watched her as a tall and strong looking man watched his daughter. His eyes were the same color as hers. A color that reminded you of the clearest sea on a sunny day. Many had said that the girl took after her fathers looks, though she had her mothers light hair, her facial structure and her eyes looked just like her fathers, but with a more feminine look.

The girl came bouncing back to her father with her fist clenched tightly, not letting the little bug escape to freedom. "Daddy, look I got one! See look![/color]" With that the girl opened her hand and proudly showed her father the little bug. But as soon as her hand opened the bug took its chance to escape and flew off into the darkness.

The man looked down into his daughters eyes that were tearing up in frustration. His large strong hand wiped a tear before gently turning his daughters face to look up at him. "Let it go daughter... After all the firefly's home is here, free. Sometimes.. Sometimes you have to let what you want to hold on to forever. You must let it go and do what it was made for. The firefly was made to make light in dark places. [/color]

"Just like you were made to make light in dark places daddy?" The girl looked up at her fathers face and was surprised to see tears rolling down his face. "Daddy, what is wrong?![/color]"

Yes, just like me.." He squatted down and looked into his daughterss eyes as he held her by the shoulders. "Just like the firefly, you must let me go and make light in this world. You must let me get rid of the darkness that seems to have infected this world...Through a man whose life is only to live to create death..."

"But Daddy, when will you be back! You won't be gone for long will you?!"[/color]

" I don't know..... I don't know..Promise me you will a good girl....listen to what your mother says." He wrapped his daughter in a giant bear hug to hide the tears that were freshly rolling down his cheek. "But most of all.. Don't forget me, Miriel, don't forget me.[/color]"[/size]


Miriel's eyes shot open as she realized that tears had fallen from her cheeks. Wiping them with her slender finer she sighed at the memory. That had been the last day before her father had left her. He had left during the night to join in the guardian wars and never returned. Miriel had never forgotten her father at all, and she knew she never would. It was only after her fathers death did she realize how he had neglected his duties for her. He had always been a family guy, and could never stand to be away from his family for to long.

Closing her eyes for a moment she replayed the whole thing back in her head. The times had been so happy then, so careless and free. Then she sat up with a jolt as the words of her father replayed in her head. "Just like the firefly, you must let me go and make light in this world. You must let me get rid of the darkness that seems to have infected this world...Through a man whose life is only to live to create death..."

A connection clicked in her head as she whispered, "Axel... that's who he was talking about..." She played back in her head the memory and she was sure of it. So Axel had killed her father, or Raphael had. Anger filed her heart but then all of a sudden dissolved, "But that was his job... he doesn't seem to be wanting death..he just seems to be misunderstood." She shook her head, she had only seen Axel a couple times, and only once recently. "Perhaps there is something I don't know about" she thought to herself when suddenly Calanon snorted and pawed the ground. "Oh go on Calanon.. there isn't anyone here..." Or so she thought.

[raphael]

Raphael stood facing the rocky waters, the fierce wind buffeting his hair. This place brought back many memories, some joyous, and some painful. The one thing that stood out most in his mind was Axel. Axel, such a strange, misunderstood force he was...
He bit his lip and turned his back to the wind. It was stinging his face. The smell of sea salt was fresh in his senses. He felt a bit guilty, going off like that after failing miserably to pull the Firefly Ruins together. Something about that just made him feel like taking a break. It was not only a drain on him physically, but emotionally as well. The feeling of complete uselessness was always tugging at the corner of his mind. There was so much he couldn't do, especially on his own. He couldn't push Axel to do much more, either. He knew the man was scarred in many senses.

Sighing, he closed his eyes as the wind carressed his face and tugged at his pointed ears. Pushing Axel to do more than he had to was a cruel thing. He knew he was near his breaking point; when it would come was another question entirely. This world had so much behind it, so much that Axel didn't or just didn't want to understand. Stubbornness was certainly one of his most dominant qualities. Just thinking about that dark man brought up many conflicting thoughts: his motives, what to make of his actions, and whether to feel pity or hate towards all that was Axel.

[»Míríel«]

Calanon let out another snort and nudged Miriel roughly on the shoulder, bringing her out of the pit of memories. Looking up she pushed His long nose away gently and lifted herself off the ground where she had lain. The wind, it was so refreshing here. It seemed to blow away all your worries so that you could just think.

Turning to Calanon she went over to stroke his velvety coat, but he danced away from her and snorted. "What are you doing Calanon? Is something wrong?" The horse backed up from her again and motioned with his head to the side. Curious Miriel walked toward him once again, and he stayed still, but because he had moved he had revealed a lone figure off in the distance. Peering toward the figure it took her a moment to realize who it was. "What is he doing here?" She murmured to her companion, who in answer shoved he toward him.

As her feet carried her close to Raphael she began to see his reflective expression and stopped, not knowing if she should disrupt him. After all he probably had a lot on his mind. After a moments thought she started to turn away.

[raphael]

Raphael was drawn out of his thoughts at the sound of a horse. He turned his head slowly, his eyes narrowed against the light of the sun. He caught the sight of bright blonde hair, and the body of a muscular black horse. He smirked and called out, "Enjoying the view?" He began to take a few paces toward her, not willing to leave the seaside just yet. It seemed odd that she would be here, heaven knows where she was traveling. Then again, it must have been a strange sight to see him there, after everything that had occurred between them not too long ago. He had taken a liking to Miriel; she reminded him greatly of his deceased wife. Something about her disposition and strong will seemed so familiar.

[»Míríel«]

Miriel returned a smirk and replied, "Yes, very much so. There is something so freeing about this place. I can't describe it. Though sometimes I just want to be carried away with the wind and fly like the birds, free and careless to everything." She looked at Raphael. "Don't you agree?"

Calanon, jealous of not being greeted trotted forward and snorted as he nudged Raphael. "Don't mind him, he's really just a big teddy bear...not to say he doesn't have his fierce moments." The picture of Axel being pushed into the swamp ran through her head, creating a bright smile on her face. "So what bring you out here Raphael?" All of the things that she had been mulling over in her head after she had woken up from her dream she pushed aside. "I need see what they are like through clear eyes, not eyes that are tinted with hate.[/size]"

[raphael]

Raphael smiled softly and answered, his voice being carried off by the wind, "Oh, how wonderful that would be.." He thought of what had occurred not too long ago, when he had failed to maintain that one little bird. Such a small creature gave him such a large feeling of regret. He chuckled lightly and padded over to the horse, rubbing his nose. "My apologies, friend. Calanon, is it?"

He saw her smile, not quite sure what she was thinking about. He was jolted out of his thoughts at her question. Sighing, he replied, "I don't quite know what I'm doing out here. Often times, the wind just seems to carry your dark thoughts away with its carefree nature. I suppose I was seeking that.." Thoughts of Axel were certainly dark thoughts. He wished to have no more of them, have no more of his attention and worry focused on that man, but it was so difficult to pull away from what was the ugly truth.

[»Míríel«]

"Yes that is why I have come here for." Her smile faded for a fleeting moment. Yes, that is why she came here, one reason was so she could dodge firefly ruins, but the other...the other was to blow the memories that always crowded her head when she got near them. She was running away from memories.. "How weak of me." She thought.

But soon that smile returned, though not as bright as before. "One time my father told me that it was his job to make light in darkness, just like fireflies do when night is thickest. Perhaps it sounds childish, for he told me when I was very young. But still it gives you something to think about." Miriel smiled at Raphael, though the smile had a slight hint of sadness to it.

Calanon nickered as Raphael touched him. There was something in the man's touch that gave him a sense of well being and life, but his horse brain didn't know why. Closing his eyes he pushed against him playfully before turning to Miriel. His eyes seemed to say, "I like this one, so much better than the two leg who can fly."

[raphael]

Raphael looked at her with a different eye. "You don't say..." He felt like an imbecile for not noticing it before. He smirked playfully when Calnon nudged him, but his mind was in a different place. Her face, her disposition, her power. All of it was so familiar, and yet he hadn't recognized it until now. What can I say to her, or should I say anything at all? He wrestled with his options, finally deciding to keep silent until a better time came along.

"I don't consider it childish, but it is quite an accurate metaphor.." The Firefly Ruins. Even if they weren't truly fireflies, they still played the same part. Bringing light in the darkest hours. Even though his inner conciense was warning him to say nothing, he asked casually, "Did your father ever discuss his line of work with you?" He thought this was the best approach, subtle yet to the point.

[»Míríel«]

Miriel looked out at the sea for what seemed like forever. Her aqua eyes grew thoughtful as she sifted through memories. "His line of work.. You mean as a guardian I suppose. Not very much. I heard my mother and him talking in whispered tones. Though I do remember hearing about it when they got into a fight about him going and fighting. " She glanced at him and then looked back toward the seas." It wasn't until later when I found that he had neglected his duties to see me grow up. But no he didn't really talk to much about it. I was still a child when he died. Guess he didn't want me worrying about the things of the world before I could handle it I suppose. "

The sadness left her eyes as she tilted her head to look straight into Raphael's eyes. "Why do you ask? Is there something he should have told me?"

[Miss Fifi]

Raphael listened to her with a solemn expression on his face. Should he inform her of how his passing came? He felt it was best not to, at least not now. Shaking his head slowly, he replied, "Your father most likely told you what he felt was enough." He stood in silence, not knowing what else to say. Ever since the day, he had never felt this guilt. Somehow, facing his daughter gave him that awful feeling. It was as if he wanted to pour out all he had to confess to her, even though she hadn't wanted him to.

I'm beginning to understand how Axel feels... He thought worriedly. Taking another's life is a simple thing, when it's the spur of the moment. The after effects, however, stayed with you for quite some time, even forever. Axel had done most of the slaying during the Wars, but he had had his own contribution. He suddenly felt sick to his stomach. Just thinking about it made him ill.

Raphael held a hand to his forehead and winced slightly, trying to keep the nausea at bay. He couldn't understand why it was making him so upset now, after all these years. But five years ago, I wasn't facing his daughter, he thought.

[»Míríel«]

" That's what I think. He was a good man. He always did what his heart lead him to do.. though that was sometimes his downfall. But he was a good man, despite his views on some things." She looked out at the sea for another moment before turning to Raphael. She nearly jumped back at what she saw. He seemed to be a slight pale color like he was sick. "Are you alright Raphael?! I didn't say anything to upset you did I?" Her expression was worried and sorrowful. What had she done now?

[raphael]

Raphael looked at Miriel worriedly as she questioned him about his health. He tried to shake it off, but the feeling just would not leave him. It was going to pour out on its own, whether he liked it or not. Trying to smile as to not frighten her, he huffed, "I'll be just a moment..." He walked casually over to a sharp rock that was jutting out of the bumpy grounds of the cliffs. Ducking behind it, he let his stomach settle itself, took a few moments just in case, then came walking back in the same casual matter.

"Sorry about that," he apologized with a sheepish expression on his face. Even if his stomach had rid itself of the nauseating feeling, it was still there at the edge of his mind. He didn't know if he could be here with Miriel much longer without confessing to her what he knew. "Perhaps... Perhaps I should be going.." He wanted to escape this situation as soon as possible.

[»Míríel«]

Her eyes followed the figure of Raphael as he went behind a jutted rock. A confused look spread across her face as she shifted her gaze to the sea with her arms crossed. Even though she had only seen Raphael a few times she knew that the way he was acting wasn't normal. A sigh passed her lips as she continued staring out at the sea. "Always bad luck for you. I wonder what is making Raphael so sick. Is there something he's sorry for or is it I just caught him at a bad time."

As Raphael walked toward her with a slightly relieved, yet taunt expression and told her that he better be going her expression didn't change. But she looked deep into his eyes, searching for a reason. There were signs of guilt in his eyes, signs or sorrow. "He might just be sorry for what he did.." " well then, I guess I better head off too." She smiled sweetly. "hopefully the next time we meet you will be feeling better."

Stepping into a stirrup she swung up onto the back of Calanon, who seemed agitated at leaving so soon. Turning her back to Rapaheal she pulled out a a sheet of paper and pen writing simply, "

My Father did what he thought was best for his family, and you did what you thought was best for the world. I still miss his smile and warm arms that would hold me, letting me pour my fears onto his strong shoulders. But knowing that he died doing was he thought best is what comforts me. Do not hold regret for doing what you did, just think of the future and how you will fix it. Only look at the past to avoid making the same mistakes.
May the stars shine on your path
-Miriel

[/size]

Holding it loosely in her left hand she waved with her right and galloped off. The note slipped from her hand, and carried by the wind landed at Raphael's feet. A smile crossed her lips as her figure disappeared into the distance.

[raphael]

Raphael watched her fleeting figure, the powerful horse galloping smoothly across the rocky plains. A small sigh escaped his lips, her patience over the top of his head. His eyes caught her writing on a small slip of paper. As it floated gracefully on the currents of the wind, Raphael directed the wind toward his hand, and the note landed in it within its own accord. Preparing for whatever it was she had held to the written word, he held it in both hands and read each word.

Burying his face in his hands, his body shook slightly. She doesn't understand. The art of killing... A choke rose in his throat for a moment. It is so much more excruciating to take when you are the one meant to preserve life.. His face was covered with a cold sweat, his breathing uneven and strained. He collapsed against the ground, not having the will to stand.

"How do you do it... How.." he gasped, looking up to the hazy skies. He laid back against the rough ground, comfort one of his least concerns. The paper slipped from his fingers, traveling off into the distance. He felt weak. Much weaker than he ever had in his time. He suddenly had the desire to see his own family, even if it was basically forbidden. He had to ensure his daughter's safety. This meeting had shaken him up to this point. He rose silently, and glanced in the direction of his home. He still felt a bit woozy, but he held it at bay as he padded back to the grassy plains, in the opposite direction of the cliffs.