the thrill.

[x isabella.]

. r a i n a .

The sky was just beginning to darken, the sun was no longer seen but the sky still a rainbow of colors. A yellow orange color sat just on the horizon, while that faded into a deep blue. There weren’t any stars out yet, but Raina knew they’d be out soon. She waited for these moments in life, the beautiful ones. Right now she needed one, to cheer her up. So she sat there, in the middle of Rainberry Falls, on a rock. She could barely hear anything over the roar of the waterfall. Water rushed past the rock she sat cross-legged upon. For most others, being right here would be very dangerous. But for her, she was…safe. She knew that.

Raina bit her lip as she looked towards the sunset again. She and Erynion had watched the sunsets together… Her hand reached up and touched the blue topaz necklace he had given her, as a sign of his love for her. So much that love had been; he’d left her for another woman when she had a child. A child that would have only stayed with them for sixteen years. How selfish he was, but how much Raina loved him.

The naiad wasn’t normally like this. Normally, she was…different than this. Happy. Always seeing the good in others. But now, all she saw was faults, her own. Raina was so stupid to have been so oblivious to what Erynion was doing, she knew that. Why had seen been so careless? He left her because he wasn’t happy—why hadn’t he been happy? Why did he leave? Why?

Raina threw her head forward into her hands, her fingers raking through her long hair. She was surprised by the raw, hurt noise she let out afterwards. Standing up, she peered over the edge of the waterfall. It wasn’t a long fall. Raina knew she would be able to make it; for the river would protect her. She was a naiad, but she wasn’t going to jump. Though she yearned for the thrill, the adrenaline; her hair trailing behind her as she fell, and the splash as she touched the water. Maybe she should try; Raina thought after daydreaming about the thrill. It would override the state her heart was in, instead filling her with a great bliss. She didn’t want to feel like her heart was being torn apart again, but she didn’t know how to fix it.

She dangled one foot off the edge, still pondering.

[Miss Fifi]

Fiore...[/size]

Fiore breathed slowly as he took in the array of colors dancing together above his head. A trace of a smile crossed his pallid lips as he beheld the beautiful sight. Oh, what he would do to see this every evening, just staring up into the heavens above. The brilliant crimsons, subtle pinks, and gentle golds drew him in as the satchel he had been carrying slipped from his fingers. The sudden thunk against the grassy floor of the land beside the falls made him jolt as his fingers twitched, feeling nothing but air between them. Confused, he glanced down and saw the dusty brown satchel in a heap at his feet, the violet juice of the rainberries within beginning to stain the fabric.

Damn.

He suddenly felt a mental slap, making him shake his head in a swift movement.

You know I don't like that language from you, pet.

Oh. Right. She was still listening. Always listening. Before he let his feelings of anxiety seep through their mental connection, he hurriedly scooped up the bag with fumbling fingers and dumped out the now crushed berries. As the brilliant purple liquid oozed from the small vessel, he watched in fascination as the vibrant shade mixed with that of the dark green grass. He kneeled down and poked the mixture with interest, taking up a small dab of juice and bringing it to his lips. Fiore closed his eyes in satisfaction. So sweet. Looking down, he wiggled his index finger as he noticed the stain left behind.

The sudden eruption of painful noises nearly made Fiore jump out of his skin as he rose to his feet within a flash, his hands fists at his sides as he looked around. His breathing was heavy, panting almost, as he moved stealthily closer to the waters of the falls, ducking behind a rainberry bush.

Everything alright, dearie? He could hear her gentle coo in his mind.

Yes, milady, was his half-true response.

Hurry now. I hate being separated for so long.

Fiore's eyes narrowed as he barely made out a huge bush just a few feet away from him, bursting with some of the fullest and thickest rainberries he had ever seen. Licking his lips in anticipation he moved forward in a crouch and realized that a small stream of water leading to the falls was directly between him and the luscious berries. Horridly afraid of stepping in the cold liquid, Fiore stretched out on his toes and reached as far as his hand would go, just inches from the branches of the bushes. He stuck his tongue out in concentration, just before noticing out of the corner of his eye a slight and slender figure nearby. Fiore felt his body tense up as he realized she could surely see him from where he was standing. Unable to make himself move, he remained outstretched over the water, his eyes darting between her and the small vibrant berries.

Damn--I mean, darn.

[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[{Kaiji}]

[glow=red,2,300]Roland[/glow]

Roland walked out of the path he took to usually get here. Rainberry Falls. Home to the sweetest berries he'd ever tasted. He left Azrael at home today. Usually he would bring along his little, immortal kitten, but he was asleep so Roland left him to nap. His guitar hung across his back. Shiny and made of a beautiful golden colored wood.

He smiled as he thought of the taste of the berries. His eyes flashing the golden color of his true form in delight. He stood still once he saw someone trying to get some berries from his favorite bush. 'There's enough for both of us' He thought with a smile 'but why isn't he moving...?' Roland looked at him strangely.

[x isabella.]

. r a i n a .

A splash in the water caused Raina to suddenly turn her head. One the other side of the river, by a second stream, a man stood, their hand stretched towards a rainberry bush. She hadn't noticed the tears running down her face until that moment. Quickly, she wiped them away and jumped down into the water. The quick current threatened to pull her away, to push her off the edge of the waterfall she'd been about to jump off of. However, she submerged under the water and swam to the bank and climbed up. She was now soaked, but water didn't annoy her--she loved it.

Raina strode towards him, on the opposite side of the stream he was reaching across. She stopped next to the bush and stared at him, if just for him. He was beautiful, she could see that. But his face seemed to almost sink in on itself, creating a slightly dead look. She wondered how someone could look like that, so... dead.

The naiad quickly realized what he was trying to get. She crouched down next to the bush and pulled out a hollow basket from underneath. It was well hidden; she had situated it under the bush so she could easily collect rainberries. Raina grabbed several handfuls of the berries and dropped them into the basket, so fast it looked as though she was an expert at berry picking.

She then held the basket out towards the man, a small smile on her face. The strange man seemed to have cured her for the time-being, Raina only wished it would last.

"Are you afraid of water?" Raina asked, her voice smooth, but slightly shaky. It was then that she noticed a second man, further behind the one she held the basket out to. Her head titled sideways when she saw the guitar he held. Curiosity overwhelmed her as her smile widened, and she motioned for the second man to come closer.

[Miss Fifi]

Fiore...[/size]

With a start Fiore ripped his hand back and held it up against his chest as he turned to face this stranger, taking small steps backward. His legs were shaking as he realized the position of the girl was forcing him to grow closer and closer to the water. With wide eyes he just stared at the basket she held, unsure what to do. He had watched her zip around and gather the small round fruits, much faster than even he at his vampiric speed could manage.

That only made him all the more anxious.

He swallowed hard as his eyes fixated on the ground, biting his lip as he tried to force out words. It had been some time since he had spoken out loud. Most of his communication with his mistress was mental. She felt it was safer that way. He was never fond of talking anyway; voices were always too loud. Even as her soft tone hit his ears he winced, not only at the sound but at her question. Bodies of water were an object of terror for Fiore. His mistress was extremely disdainful of them, so he figured they must be something truly awful. He had never learned the function called "swimming", and was rather curious as to how one could actually move through the waves. But never would he dare to try.

Fiore licked his lips once more as he brought his feet together and stood there awkwardly, his eyes darting everywhere except over the figure in front of him. He finally made a small sound, then started to say, "Ye-" He made a face at the sound of his voice. It was much deeper than he had remembered.

"Yes... Yes," he said, finally confident in his answer. His eyes drifted over to the small stream for just a moment, the roar of the waterfall a distant sound.

"Um.." he mumbled as he tentatively reached out and took the basket from her small hands. "Ah.. Thank... you?" he said hesitantly, not used to the expression. Very little formality was expressed between his mistress and he; she talked to him as if he were a small child.

When he saw her motioning to something behind him, he whipped around and stared at another stranger, another man, standing behind him.

This day was just getting worse and worse.

[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[{Kaiji}]

[glow=red,2,300]Roland[/glow]

Roland tilted his head. 'Why does she want me to come over?' He thought. He shrugged and walked over. "Uh... Hi." He said, smiling and putting his hand up in a wave. His eye flicked over to the other man. He looked like he was dying, if not already dead. Yet, Roland could tell that others would consider him attractive. 'Weird...' He thought, making sure his face didn't reflect his thoughts. He kept himself at least a foot away from the water out of habit. Once he was wet, it was a constant annoyance. One of the worst.

[x isabella.]

. r a i n a .

Raina smiled when he took the basket. She loved to help people, even when she thought things were ridiculous--like his fear of water. The thought of someone being afraid of it didn't sound right in her head. Water was her sanctuary, the one thing she absolutely could not live without. And what was worse, the other man obviously didn't like it either!

"How...how could you not like water? Come, swim with me, I'll show you how wonderful it is." Raina spoke, her words smooth and directed towards both the men. She wanted to show them just how great the water was, the river she called her home.

[Miss Fifi]

Fiore...[/size]

Fiore's eyes widened in shock as she suggested going into the blue depths. He fiddled with his hands as his grip on the basket of berries grew tighter and tighter. He took another step back from her and shook his head vigorously, his pale green eyes now boring directly into her blue-violet ones. She looked so innocent, so happy, so... alive.

He suddenly felt self-conscious, feeling the attention of this girl falling onto him. His fingers brushed the surface of the bow tied around his neck, a large ruby set right in the middle. It was the only splash of color on his otherwise monochromatic appearance. The mistress had always heeded him to never draw attention to himself, which, is about the exact opposite of what he had just done here. Fiore knew she would scold him, but those thoughts would have to be pushed aside. She was still listening, still sensing his emotions.

With that thought he took another step backward, nearing closer and closer to the edge of the overhang of the waters below. "I... I have to.." he started, his words coming out in a jumbled mess. Suddenly the heel of his foot caught on the edge of the ground, and he could feel the mist from the raging waters below showering his face. In a panic he yanked his foot back and cantered backward, bumping into the girl in the process. He glanced over his shoulder and felt his face redden as he realized what he had done. Instantly he took a huge step away from her and hung his head down, like he was preparing to be struck. "I'm sorry..!" he squeaked, his voice breaking.

[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[{Kaiji}]

[glow=red,2,300]Roland[/glow]

Roland's just about slapped himself. 'It's just like a bath, stupid! Just take the clothes off first.' He thought. He took his guitar and set it on some moss, against a tree. His eyes went to the other guy. He didn't want to swim. Actually, he looked like he was afraid. Like he was about to be hit. Roland walked over and looked at him, concerned. "You alright?" He asked.

[x isabella.]

. r a i n a .

Raina hadn't expected him to decline her offer. She had always gotten her way, so when he backed away, she was blown away. Her face dropped, her expressive eyes becoming sad.

She'd never seen anyone quite like Fiore, so helpless and...awkward. He intrigued her. Confusion etched her features as he bumped into her, then jumped away as if she were poisonous. Her mouth hung slightly open, not knowing what to say.

"What...I-It's fine. You didn't hurt me..." Raina whispered, unable to make her voice any higher. Her hands reached up to her mouth, covering it, and her blue-violet eyes were wide as she softly stared at him, wondering just what made him like this.

She watched as the other man went over and asked if he was alright. Raina realized then she didn't know anyone's names, but she wasn't about to ask when he was like this.

[Miss Fifi]

Fiore...[/size]

Fiore just stared at her with his eyes glued open, like a frightened dear, for a few moments longer. Realizing she was not planning on retaliating, he relaxed his shoulders and let his eyes drift closed. His choking grip on the basket relaxed as did his shaking limbs. He looked down at the ground and shook his head slowly, releasing a light sound, almost like that of laughter. Fiore looked back up at her for a moment then shifted his gaze back down, too embarrassed to look her in the eye.

"I... I'm sorry.. It's just--I--" He stopped, unable to find the words to explain what he was feeling. Subconsciously he began to gnaw on his fingernail, trying to avoid her confused and questioning look. He couldn't tell her. He couldn't tell anyone. She wouldn't allow it. She would punish him. He wasn't even supposed to be having this much contact with the outside world. Oh, if she only knew...

Only knew what, pet? he heard her, her voice possessing a slight edge that he knew only too well.

Quickly erasing all of those thoughts from his head, he dismissed her suspicion by saying, How good these look up close. It's... marvelous.

He could hear her steely laughter, but still he felt in that laughter a sense of distrust. This was not going well for him.

"I-I really must be going... Thank you again...Um.." he stopped, not knowing what to call her.

[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[{Kaiji}]

[glow=red,2,300]Roland[/glow]

Roland stood there for a moment. He sighed, 'I'm being ignored... Aren't I?' He thought. His eyes narrowed for a second in annoyance. He hopped over to the bush of rainberries and filled his small bag. "Sorry to cut this short, but I must go. My cat is at home by himself. He's quite the little troublemaker." He said, smiling. He hopped back across the stream and grabbed his guitar. "I bid you a fond farewell." He said with a bow. Then he leapt away into the woods, careful not to let his guitar get caught on anything.

[x isabella.]

. r a i n a .

The naiad didn't remember the last time she'd been people and been in contact with them, before this. She'd always rushed to the depths of the river, not wanting to bother anyone. But for some reason, this boy intrigued her. Perhaps it was because she had been so sad, so hurt, at the moment when she saw him. Raina had probably just wanted someone to cheer her up, in the back of her mind.

"Goodbye, safe trip..." Raina murmured to the man as he left. She didn't want anyone to leave, not so soon after meeting them. She just couldn't let this one leave, the one that interested her so. So many questions roamed through her head, such as why he acted like this. What could have hurt this man so much, that he was so...different?

Raina shook her head, tears threatening to fall. She always tried her hardest not to cry. Her mother had said tears were for the weak, and it was true: Raina was weak, and she knew that. She bit the inside of her lip hard, trying to keep in the tears. Why did she cry so much?

"Please, don't leave! I get so lonely here, no one ever visits..." Raina told him quietly, reaching out to just barely touch his hand. Her fingers skimmed the skin on his soft hand. Raina then realized what she was doing, and yanked it back with wide eyes. She could still feel the sting behind her eyes. She didn't hate much, but this was one feeling she did.

"I'm Raina." She added, looking down then up at his eyes. Eyes that were a stunning light green...

[Miss Fifi]

Fiore...[/size]

Fiore was taken aback as he could see the girl's face begin to crinkle up, as if she were about to release tears. He hated tears. They made him feel so guilty, regardless of the reason behind him. The mistress loved to shed tears whenever he was being resistant. It made him feel bloody awful to say the least, and that's exactly why did she did it. So when this girl began to cry, he held out his hand a bit, as if to comfort her, but he was far too frightened to touch her. When she pleaded for him to stay, her voice so soft and gentle, he was almost tempted to assure her he would never leave. This place was completely fascinating, after all.

Don't dilly-dally.

That's right. Don't dilly-dally.

He started to turn to leave before she could have the chance to cry, not wanting to carry the guilt of knowing he made this stranger so distraught. Fiore had only cried once in his life, and his mistress had beat him severely for it. Silent strength, she had told him over and over. Silent strength.

That all changed when he felt her skin brush his.

He thrust his hand back and leaned away from her, looking at her with gaping eyes. He hated being touched. He hated the thought of being touched. Being touched always meant something unpleasant, something painful. Fiore had been told she was the only one allowed to touch him. Anyone else would leave a mark on his soul.

Fiore cleared his throat again anxiously as she whispered her name, then felt her eyes on her. A heavy feeling in his stomach made him wince slightly. He couldn't look away from her. His breath caught in his throat. His knees felt like jelly beneath him.

What is this...?

An almost genuine smile came to his face as he began to reply softly, "I'm Fi-"

Then he realized what he was about to do. Suddenly slapping himself out of it, his head shook once as he snatched up the basket and the stained satchel, dumping the berries into the soft bag. If the mistress had seen the basket she would have known for sure. He had spoken to someone.

"I-I'm fi.. fine! I have to... I have to go..." he sputtered out breathlessly before placing the basket on the ground in front of her, then turning away as fast as lightning and speeding away from the falls, never looking back.

Because once you look back, you never go forward again.

When he had been sprinting at full speed for a least a few miles, his legs finally gave out under him and he collapsed onto the grassy floor. He was quite a distance from the falls but could still hear the rushing water ever so slightly. Panting like a dying dog, he lied on his stomach and sprawled out against the cool grass, his fingers running through it as he tried to slow his racing heart.

What did she want from me...?

What did who want from you? he heard her remark angrily.

Worst mistake he could have ever made.

[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[x isabella.]

. r a i n a .

No. The thought echoed Raina's mind, pounding against her skull. He had been about to stay, she could tell that. Something was telling him not to, but what could that be? Raina didn't know, nor did she want to find out. Just thinking about something that strong made her shudder.

She couldn't help what came next--tears began to run down her face. Raina made a choked sound as wiped away the tears. How could someone run away from me? Her mind cried. Raina bit her lip, hard enough that she felt blood in her mouth. With a gasp, Raina wiped the blood away with her hand.

The water was calling her. Raina fell the pull of the current, even though she wasn't even in the river. Quickly, she rushed towards it and dove in. Her thinking was always best done in the river.

Go after him. You know you want to, Her mind told her. Raina didn't have to question it. She knew it was what she wanted to do, and being her, what she she could. Climbing out of the water, she looked around for clues as to which way she went.

Raina used the little disturbances in the wood to find her way. A piece of thread on a bush, where he may have brushed up against it. A half-eaten nut on the ground where a squirrel had been startled. To find these little things, you had to be trained to see them quickly before they were gone. It was something Raina had taught herself.

And so, using the small clues, Raina found her way to the man. By the time she reached him, her bare feet had begun to hurt, but it wasn't something she minded. The man was lying on his stomach in the grass. She stopped several yards away from him and pondered her next move. Raina didn't want to startle him, but then again, she knew it probably couldn't be avoided.

Raina moved around in the trees so she would come out facing him, not his back. She slowly walked towards him, and stopped about two feet away from his head. "Fi?" Her voice, soft as ever, used the name he had begun to say. "Why did you run away?" Raina's voice was slightly shaky; it sounded as though she'd been crying, and she had. She winced when she heard it, for she hadn't wanted to seem weak. Too late.