Mythical Haven discussion
Outside the Haven
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Soft Stream
Mira smiled at her and then adjusted herself on her dragon. "Good Jade. Now excuse me. I have to go find my host before I disappear from existance." She grinned
Mod
Mira saulted and then took off on her dragon, smiling a little at them.
Mod
Mira smiled and then told her dragon to go up and back to where they were.
Ilya sat by the base of a large tree off the banks of the stream. The sunlight filtered through the canopy and the woods soft melody created the prefect atmosphere for reading. He liked it here. Very few people came this far up the stream and yet, the area was still close enough to Haven to be safe. He liked it here very much. However, his peace was disturbed, not by his surroundings, but by the phantasms of his mind. Ilya didn't know why, but some reason they weren't leaving him alone today. Fingering the pages of the book he scoffed at his own weakness, disgusted at himself. 'Let it go Идиот.' He said out loud, trying to shake himself free from the memories and immerse himself in the book before him.
The words on the page were a sufficient distraction, but their hold soon wavered and Ilya once again found his mind wandering to darker places. Sighing, he gave up on finishing the page and re-placed the bookmark before snapping the book shut. Staring up at the sky, he sighed again, remembering the last time he had seen his family. It had been so long ago. His mothers tear streaked face flashed before his eyes, his fathers pleading voice echoing in his ears. Just memories, nothing more. Ilya reminded himself firmly, despite the haze of tears that occasionally clouded his vision before he blinked them away.
In less than a second Ilya was on his feet, crouched in a defensive position, one of his ever present copper daggers in his hand. It was only then that he truly registered who had managed to sneak up on him. His stance relaxed as confusion surfaced. It wasn't some soldier like he had expected but....a girl. No, a fairy! She was small with brown-red hair and worried green eyes, delicate wings fluttering behind her. Straightening up and hiding the dagger behind him to appear non-threatening, he called across to her. 'да?' He was still wary (he wasn't that stupid, who knows who she could be!), but in the off chance she was just a normal girl he didn't want to scare her. Ilya was not so warped as to not recognise kindness when he saw it.
((Russian! Russian! Not Bulgarian. And is Mira speaking in Russian too? Or English?)) Ilya was surprised when the girl responded in Russian, not English like he had expected. Was she a spy? An assassin? Or just someone who knew Russian. He tightened his grip on the dagger but did not act. He didn't have enough evidence to decide which reality was most likely. What threw him were her words and actions. She approached him carefully, slowly and clearly emphasising her movements so as not to frighten him. Not the movements of an assassin that's for sure. And....she apologised. Told him she would not hurt him. Knew he was upset! Who was this girl?! And what was with the bunny in her hands! Ilya stared at her a little longer before cautiously replying. 'I was upset.....not anymore. Who are you?'
((That's soo cool! And Russian works! No more google translate for the moment!)) Ilya was truly and utterly astounded. And he had no idea what to say. This girl, Mira, kept promising something that had not been offered to him for quite some time. She promised him no pain. No fear. Safety! It utterly confused him and yet, he found himself wishing he could believe it. When she mentioned his dagger he tightened his grip and stance, instinctively wanting to keep his weapon and the protection it offered. When she placed the bunny on the ground Ilya whipped the dagger to the front again before slowly letting it drop to his side once more. She held no fear of him! 'I.....Memories best left in the past.' He explained softly, relaxing a little as the little bunny nibbled on grass, completely at peace.
Ilya clenched his jaw at her words, scoffing slightly. Mira was right of course, memories SHOULD be good. In an ideal world. However this world was not ideal and he had very few memories he could look fondly upon. Strangely enough, he was actually contemplating telling her. Not everything obviously, but he was loosing his wariness of her and talking to her had made him feel marginally better. How strange! Mirroring her actions, Ilya sat cross-legged on the grass opposite her, eyes softer as he watched the bunny hoped closer to the fairy. He was silent for a time, organising his thoughts, before speaking. 'My name is Ilya. Ilya Mikhail Anatolievich.' Flipping the dagger in his hands, he twirled it around with unconscious ease as he thought of what more to say. 'You speak truly. However the memories that assail me today are ones no one should have to bear. Let alone someone like you. And yet...' Ilya hesitated, before making up his mind. 'You have shown me a kindness that I have not experienced for quite a time. So know this. Treasure your family, for life is darker without them.'
((Wait! I don't know Mira's history. What's happened to her? Anything major I should know about? - Like forgetting her family for instance)). Ilya felt a strange mix of emotions when he saw her contemplating his words. He was pleased she had taken his advice, was sad he needed to offer it, and was worried because she looked a little lost, as if the words struck a chord that should not have been present in a girl like this. When she slowly said his name, he recognised the change in subject for what it was and flowed with it, pleased that neither of them would be dwelling on sad memories on this fine day. He almost smiled at the rare burst of happiness when she asked about the symbol under his eye. This girl had managed to chance upon the one important thing in his life. His alchemy was one of the only things that made him happy. Copper had always protected him, been there for him. It was his connection to his species and family. Mira seemed to be his own personal healer today. Ilya smiled and brushed a finger over the mark. 'It's half of the alchemic symbol for copper. The full symbol is on my back.' He said to her, before, in a rare show of trust, turned his back to her and lifted his shirt, baring the carving to the world.
((Ohh! Ok, that explains everything! Thanks!)) Pleased that Mira didn't seem scared or disgusted, quite the opposite actually, he pulled down his shirt and once again faced her. 'My family gave it to me when my powers developed and my element revealed itself. An initiation of sorts.' He said, remembering the day that his abilities manifested. The ghostly echo of his joy and his family's finally succeeded in pulling a small smile from him. Turns out there were one or two memories he could look fondly upon. Ilya was just about to ask Mira about her bunny when the fairy folded her wings against her arms and they sank into her skin. Ilya's eyes got wide, but that was the only sign of his shock. Ok, that was awesome. The fairy now looked completely human, only with strange sleeves or tattoos on her arms. Very interesting camouflage technique, he mused to himself. Hide in plain sight, will have to try that sometime. Pushing away his militaristic thoughts, he focused again on the question he had originally wanted to ask. 'Um...You're bunny is very well trained. How long have you had it?' Ilya had always found small talk like this awkward, but it was even harder now. Still, this girl had shown him kindness and no fear and she deserved his attempt at least.
Although Mira seemed slightly surprised and a little hesitant that it was her turn to talk, she didn't balk from it and answered his question. Now it was Ilya's turn to be confused and worried. The way she hugged her stomach spoke of an experience that scared her and that subsequently forced her to be connected to this surprisingly intelligent bunny. Ilya frowned and cocked his head to the side. 'Host?' He asked, trying to think about everything he knew about fairies and realising it was an embarrassingly pitiful amount.
Ilya listened without comment or outward expression, but inside a range of emotions swirled. He was sad that Mira had been through something like that and (strangely enough) felt left over concern for the girl, although he knew she was physically fine now. He was also amazed at the story, for it did seem quite unbelievable. Still, Ilya was good at knowing when someone was lying and Mira showed none of the signs. As amazing as it was, she was telling the truth. His attention wavered as the bunny hoped over to Ilya's side. He hesitated, but eventually held out a hand for the bunny to sniff. Most animals didn't like him, for they could smell the blood and copper that constantly surrounded him. Usually it didn't bother him but for some reason, knowing that this bunny held great sway in Mira's life (for obvious reasons), he wanted it to like him. Actually, he wanted Mira to like him to! Now that was astounding! Ilya didn't think he had ever 'bonded' to a person so quickly before. Very few people impressed him enough to even warrant his attention. It seems like this fairy had managed to do all that, and in such a short period of time to!
Ilya smiled again as the bunny nuzzled his hand, seemingly unafraid of him. The way Mira had shifted positions to lie on her stomach showed that she too was unafraid, something that still baffled him. Any normal person would have run for the hills long ago, and yet here she was, in an very indefensible position, allowing the other half of her life force to sit beside an unknown man. It was incredible, and enough to finally calm his restless thoughts and emotions. Silence reigned, yet it was not awkward, it was pleasant, peaceful even. He found himself admiring her beautiful butterfly like wings, marvelling at the way the light shown through them to create intricate patterns on the grass underneath her. He even startled a little when she spoke, internally chastising himself for the lapse. 'No, I only arrived recently. A few weeks ago to be exact.' He said, wary of the direction this conversation could turn.
Ilya relaxed when she did not push the issue, smiling a little at the welcome (the very first he had received). He was embarrassed and annoyed at himself that his wariness could be read so easily (evident from her last sentence) and yet, did not mind it because it was Mira. He knew she would not judge him. He couldn't bring himself to tell her exactly where he had lived, but did tell her more than he had told anyone else. 'Russia for most of my life. Recently it's been all over. Have you lived anywhere outside of Haven?' He asked in return.
Ilya nodded, not surprised. She hadn't seemed like a travelled person but that didn't matter to him. She was safe here and it was nice in Haven, why shouldn't she stay. Russia on the other hand....he sighed. No matter what happened, he still loved his country. Like any place it had its good and its bad. It just so happened that he had experienced more of the bad than good. But Russia was his home and he could never abandon it or hate it. He wanted to share with her a little of his country (the good side at least) and so, after a moment to gather his thoughts, he spoke. 'Russia's cold. Much colder than here. Snow's a lot. It's rare to find places like this.' Here he gestured to their surroundings. 'But it's beautiful in its own way. Our cities are amazing. Architecture like you've never seen. Our dancers too. If you ever want to see a ballet done properly, go to Russia.' He said, images of his childhood flashing through his mind. 'I've not been here long. What's Haven like?' He asked, curious about what type of place he had settled in.
Ilya nodded, accepting the information easily. Interesting and unpredictable huh? At least his life won't be boring, that's for sure! 'Such is the way of the world. Every place has its good and its bad. You must focus on the good, lest the weight become to much.' Ilya didn't mind that Haven was that sort of place, he had lived in worse, but he didn't like that Mira seemed worried, almost scared, of these people. 'Mira, you needn't be worried. You know me now.' He said simply, promising to himself that, although he wasn't exactly good himself, he would protect Mira. ((Going to bed now. Talk tomorrow! Night!))
Ilya almost smiled again at her question. Where indeed! 'Officially? The hotel. Unofficially, I spend more of my nights out here, camped under the stars. I find the constant chatter of idiots at the hotel grating upon the ears. Out here however, it is peaceful.' He said, looking around the clearing. Last night he had camped about two miles east of this spot. It was during his morning run that he had found this spot and, after packing up his camp, he had been here since. Ilya turned his attention back to Mira, suddenly curious. 'Where do you live in Haven?' He asked, knowing the girl had been here her entire life so she must have a house somewhere.
Ilya kept his face neutral at her words, even though all he wanted to do was frown. She thinks? What....oh dear. He struggled to keep up his calm façade as he worked out the truth. The poor girl couldn't remember! That's why she had looked so lost earlier on. Ilya felt a swell of pity for her, knowing how hard it was to be away from your family. Although not remembering them at all may seem to be a blessing (less pain), he was sure it was hard in its own way. He didn't comment on it, knowing he had no right to demand answers when he himself was as secretive as they come. Ilya smiled at her chuckle, glad that (in a way), she wasn't completely alone. 'Must make for a warm bed.' He said lightly, easily imagining Mira surrounded by sleeping bunnies.
Ilya smiled again, glad that she didn't look as sad now. It was also interesting that she could talk to the bunnies. He did remember something about animal fairies being able to talk to all creatures, but he wasn't 100% sure. He would ask her later, but for now he had to think, she had just presented him with a pressing question. Ilya ducked his head as he thought. How long. Well, truth be told he didn't know. He wanted nothing more than to just leave this place and return to Russia, to be with his family again. However, he also knew it was impossible. As long as the military was out there, he (and his family) would never be safe. He couldn't risk going back, for both their sakes and so refused to even consider it. He thought briefly about the concept of destroying the soldiers and thus, ending the hunt, but he quickly discarded it (he was only one person after all). The answer was a uncertain one, but it was an answer regardless. 'As long as this place is safe, then I shall stay.'
He smirked at her warning, knowing better than most how unsafe places could be. He wasn't looking for complete serenity, far from it. Just a place where a band of human soldiers would not be able to enter. Haven could be in the middle of a Civil War and Ilya would still stay there. As long as the barrier holds, he would stay. He disliked the shudder than ran through Mira, as if her mind was far away, in darker places. He may not mind living in rough places, but Mira was a gentle soul, a healer, and evidently hated it. He wished for her sake that Haven was nicer. Ilya actually laughed at her quickly added comment, the sound half amused and half self-depreciating. 'More than you know.' He said a little darkly, before smiling softly again, trying not to worry or scare the girl. Wait, idea!! With a more excited smile, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the lump of copper he had been playing with during his run. Within a second, the copper lump was floating in the air and with a twirl of his hand, separated and morphed into 6 glowing throwing knives, frozen in suspended animation.
Ilya laughed, pleased that she was intrigued and appreciative of his abilities and thus, more than happy to accommodate her curiosity. 'They are throwing knives and I can create them because I am an Alchemist. Sometimes known as Elementum, though not to be confused with Elementals. Do you know of the periodic table?' He asked, wanting to make sure she would know what he was talking about.
Ilya nodded sharply, having already expected this. She was a fairy and had hardly ever left Haven, he should be thankful she even knew the basics! Anyway, she didn't need to know much, only that when he spoke of elements he didn't mean air, water, earth and fire. 'That's alright. As long as you know what elements are.' He said with a smile before continuing. 'Alchemists have the ability to control a specific element from the periodic table - the elements that make up this world. My element is Copper.' Here he gestured to the floating knives, absently twisting their shapes into flowing lines and then merging them together to create a detailed little copper bunny. 'I can manipulate it as I see fit.' He finished before gently guiding the copper bunny over to Mira and placing it beside her as a gift.
Ilya smiled at her excited reaction, extremely pleased that she liked his gift and humbled by her clear amazement. Such a simple thing to him, yet it has given this girl joy. He nodded towards the bunny at her questioning gaze. 'It is yours now.' He stated simply. 'Copper is flexible and yet, once it has been given shape, strong and extremely durable. You will not break it, short of throwing it off a cliff.'
Ilya was again humbled by her repeated thanks. It was if the girl had never been given a gift before. He just smiled at her words, amused and pleased by her reactions. With a casual wave of his hand, tiny Russian letters appeared on the inside of the bunny's right ear. They read 'Property of Mira'.
Ilya's eyes got sad but his smile remained. 'You did more than you know. And why shouldn't I give gifts to a friend?' He said, sad that this kind soul did not know the worth of her actions. So very little people were willing to be truly kind to another, without thought of reward or payment. Mira was a four-leafed clover in a patch of nettles. And Ilya himself hadn't had the chance to make a proper friend in a very long time, for a friend was now what he considered her. She had done much for him without even knowing it, and he wanted to repay even a little of her kindness.
Ilya scowled darkly, annoyed that others would ignore and slight a girl who was undoubtedly better than them. His expression soften however as she chuckled softly and his remaining anger drained away at her soft, hesitant question. 'Greatly.' He answered, equally as soft, eyes sad. And yet, he was hopeful that this encounter would bring the girl some confidence she evidently lacked.
Ilya smiled as Mira beamed, pleased that the fairy was happy. He was just about to open his mouth to re-direct the conversation when she surprised him by leaning over and...hugging him! He knew that she would never hurt him but had no control over his body's subsequent reaction to the physical affection. Every one of his muscles got tense, his face frozen in pure shock. A million thoughts ran through his head, far to fast for him to decipher, but one screamed at him. She had hugged him!! Willingly!! And he hadn't gutted her!! What?!?!?!?! He blinked rapidly, trying to force his body to obey his commands again when he saw Mira confused expression. In a rush, he relaxed and he gave the girl a shy smile, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.
Ilya was still a little shocked so it took him a few seconds to gather his bearings and stutter out a response. 'No!! No! I......It's just....umm...I was a little surprised. No, shocked would be more accurate. I...well, I haven't experienced physical affection like that for quite some time. Years actually.' He said shyly, with a nervous and self-depreciating chuckle at the end.
Ilya smiled, almost beamed, at Mira's words. He could tell there was something darker in her thoughts, but he brushed it aside. She would address it when she felt they were both ready for it. For now, Ilya was revelling in the word friend. 'Yes, we are friends.' He said, grinning now. 'I haven't had a friend for quite some time. This is a very welcome development. Thank you.'
Ilya fingered the longest of his earrings bashfully, and yet, happy and content. She whispered the word that he had been replaying in his head, almost as if she had read his mind and subsequent astonishment. She couldn't could she? No, stop being ridiculous Ilya. You've taken leave of your senses! He scoffed to himself, then found himself watching his new friend, cataloguing her every movement. A thought from before came unbidden to his mind and deciding that the subject was a safe one, broached it. 'I meant to say before. You're wings are beautiful. And it's incredible that you can talk to animals!' He said, smiling as his eyes once again strayed to the fairy's intricate appendages.
'Yes.' He said simply, for he really did like Mira's wings. She seemed self-conscious about them, but Ilya didn't know why. Surely others had told her how pretty they were when the sun shone through them, illuminating patterns and colours otherwise hidden in shade. He was also amazed by the fairy's powers. Not only could she talk to animals and be understood, but they talked to her willingly and told her their problems. The trust that required showed once again the gentle kind soul that sat beside him. Ilya couldn't contain a blush and laugh at Mira's words. His family had once said the same thing and so had 'others', but never with such blatant awe and amazement. 'Thanks.' He said smiling, flicking a strand of red hair out of his eyes to hide his happy embarrassment. 'Alchemists are pretty scattered now-a-days, but you may have met one or two. I'm lucky, my element is common throughout the world. Others have control over an element that is hard to come by if at all. They mostly live as normal humans, barely aware of their own powers.' He said, remembering a distant cousin who could control Roentgenium (completely useless).
((Sorry, I have to go out now. Going to the cinema to see Dr Strange! Will post when I get back!))
((Sorry! Got home later than expected last night and been working all day today. Back now though!))Ilya smiled and blushed at Mira's compliment, unused to it. However, his smile turned into a confused frown at Mira's mumbled sentence. He didn't catch all of it, but he could figure the rest out and it just made him confused. Mira knew all of her powers, didn't she? Who was she talking about? Someone in Haven or just others in general? As he tried to work it out, Mira's little bunny walked over to him and placed her paws on his knee, effectively stopping any and all thoughts apart from, 'There is a bunny on my knee'. As Mira translated, his confusion lessened, though didn't disappear entirely and he gave the bunny a gentle smile (knowing it to be more intelligent than first assumed). 'Yes little one?' He asked the bunny.
Ilya smiled and chuckled at the demanding little bunny. 'As you wish little one.' He said before cautiously reaching out and, when the bunny didn't shy away, he started softly petting it. Ilya felt joy bubble up inside him as the bunny nuzzled closer, unused to being liked by animals. It was a welcome feeling. 'What's her name?' He asked, suddenly realising he didn't know.
Ilya frowned a little when Mira said the little one had no name. Everyone should have a name! He was pleased therefore when Mira asked the bunny. 'Blossom. Very pretty.' He said with a smile at the little creature. Ilya couldn't help but tense again when Blossom jumped up onto his lap, but quickly relaxed as it nuzzled into him to get comfortable. Continuing his soft petting ministrations, he raised his eyebrows and grinned when Mira explained that Blossom doesn't usually like people. It made him feel special, it made him feel, well, 'good'. In a way he hadn't felt in quite a while. 'I'm surprised she likes me of all people. Still.....Thank you for your trust Blossom. And you Mira. You have given me a gift that can not be repaid.'
Ilya smiled at the girl, once again stumped by her pure hearted kindness. After a beat of silence, his ears caught the trill of a song and for a moment he believed a bird was in the tree above him. Then he realised it was Mira. She must have memorised many bird songs, being as surrounded and connected to nature as she was. With that thought brought another one. Deciding that he must have the question answered and who better to answer it than Mira, he looked up and caught her eye, pining her in place with his light red eyes. 'I was wondering. What are fairies like? I know next to nothing about your species and I find that quite disgraceful. Actually, I don't know much about any of the races here in the Haven. Would you mind sharing with me what you know?'
Ilya just hummed and nodded, memorising all these fairies and subconsciously extrapolating their possible powers, strength level, weaknesses etc. 'What other beings live in Haven?' He asked, knowing that this place will have many powerful people of dubious moral standard (not like he's any better) and that it would be beneficial to know more about them than they know of him.
Ilya knew most of those names but some he didn't. He would have to do some research into them soon. He laughed a little at Mira's admission, shaking his head. 'No no. It is I who should be sorry. I asked you an impossible question.' He said, scoffing at his own elementary mistake. His expression soon turned from one of happiness to sheer embarrassment as his stomach growled and made his hunger clear. Ducking his head so his red bangs covered his eyes he laughed a little, blushing furiously. 'I guess it is a little later than I thought. How about some lunch?'
Ilya picked up Blossom and placed her on the ground before he too uncrossed his legs and stood up gracefully. Stretching a little he watched as Mira meekly suggested where to go for food. Further in huh? Well, he needed to venture into the town eventually, he couldn't live out here forever. And at least with Mira there he has no chance of getting lost...so be it then. 'I do not mind. Let me grab my book and we can go.' He said to the girl, quickly stepping back to the base of the tree where he had left his book before returning to Mira's side. 'Lead the way.' He said with a smile, book tucked under one arm and a small copper ball clenched in his fist.
Ilya chuckled at Blossom's attempt to get him to pick her up again then looked back up at Mira. The mall?....oh! The shopping centre! He didn't know that the American word could be changed into Russian; he had never heard it before. Ilya thought for a second, absently brushing his long red bangs from his eyes and fingering his drop earrings. The alchemist had been hoping for somewhere less crowded but if that was the only place to get food then so be it. 'The mall it is then.' He said with a nod. ((The mall is its own thread I'm assuming. Should we go there?
And sorry I didn't respond until now. Was at work today. Going to bed now cause I'm exhausted but will respond in the morning. Talk soon!))
Ilya smiled and nodded, jogging a little to catch up with her as she fluttered her wings. Side by side, they left their little clearing by the stream, headed in the direction of the town. ((You can post first!))
Dante smirked, seeing the girl use magic with ease. "Hmph.... strong." He smirked. "And she has a holy weapon...." He sighed and continued to watch. He had fled, feeling the strong presence of the Holy blade, Excalibur. It was the greatest demon slaying sword in the world. "Though it might be fun to see what else she can do... before I do anything dumb."
He sighed as a spike flew at him. He held his hand out, reinforcing his hand with dark magic. The spike hit it and he smiled. "Well now is a good time." He threw the spike at her, not really aiming, just throwing it in the direct vicinity of her. He stepped out, the darm magic receeding from his hand slowly. "So you are the one who bested Miloh? Interesting."
"True, though His father is waiting. " He sighed. "You seem strong... and even bested one of the best Demon assassins. I am impressed. Though... I am on a different level than Satan's children... I trained both of the whelps.... I am one of the oldest Demon. I am an Elder. And I have come to test... Excalibur."
"Dante. And if you survive... proving yourself worthy... I will buy you lunch with tea." He smiled non-chalantly. "So... let us begin." He drew his sword. It looked like a normal longsword. "I also have a sword. It's name is Punishment." He smirked. "Don't let it touch you. So, just swords... or do you think you can take me when I use my magic?"
He smiled and held out his hand. "Pain." He channeled his magic into her sword arm, attempting to inflict critical pain in her hand and arm. "You should be less prideful... especially dealing with a threat that you have no idea the power."
I guess I could." Jade pouted. "Mkay."