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 Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:52 am
Picture of SanguineSanguine lounged in the moonlight in his favorite spot, a tree by his waterfall. The stars glittered in the sky, and the moon was full, sending a pale white light over the land. The leaves of the trees glistened a silver color, and waved in the light breeze. As always, Sanguine watched, watched the woods of the forest, the grasses of the meadows, those who wandered to bathe in the waters of his waterfall. He remained silent, only intervining where he saw fit. Tonight had been, for the most part, peaceful. Sanguine closed his eyes, not out of a need for sleep, but because he was enjoying the feel of the wind blowing through his hair, over his wings. But as the wind blew, Sanguine picked up a scent- quite a different one than that of his new beloved, Dresiedi. This scent was sweet, with a bit of sadness mingled in. Sanguine's crystal blue eyes opened and scanned the horizon for whoever it was that was giving off the scent.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 10:01 am
Jaquel wasn’t entirely sure what had brought her away from home this particular night, but even she couldn’t deny the beauty of the late hour. Soft moonlight illuminated the word, covering everything in a silvery glow as the breeze carried her along, tossing her hair about as though she were some plaything. Her mind, however, was far from the present.
It took a few moments for Jaquel to realize where she was headed, and a wave of sorrow crashed over her once the sound of the waterfall became audible. It wasn’t overwhelming, but it was enough. Enough to bring back certain feelings and memories that she’d tried very hard to bury over the years. Now they sprung up like stubborn weeds, determined to face the light.
’Foolishness,’ she scolded herself. ’…I should go back before…’ But it was already too late. The waterfall was in view, the roaring waters drowning out the feeble thought as she circled above the area a couple times. Thankfully, there seemed to be no one around, and the garnet-hued heartgem landed softly on the lush grass beside the waterfall, still poised to take flight again if she was wrong.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:42 am
Sanguine's eyes caught a glint in the starlight- A lone female heartgem flying towards the waterfall. With the way things had been recently around there, he thought it best to keep a silent eye on the garnet colored heartem. He silently borrowed energy from the wind, and levitated silently through the trees, closer to what he was seeing. The female looked upset, sad. And almost unsure of being there. Going against his better instinct, Sanguine landed without sound, and hid not far from where the heartgem was sitting. He would rather observe a little more first than interfere.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:58 am
Satisfied that there would be no interlopers, Jaquel straightened, worrying her lower lip slightly as her gaze went from the waterfall to a point somewhere hidden by the surrounding trees. Did she really want to go through with this? It had been so long, so why pick open a half-healed scab now?
No, this was something she needed to do. It had already been too long; she couldn’t remember the last time she’d visited this place of haunting memories. She squared her shoulders, resolutely passing through the first line of trees and disappearing into the shadows beyond. It wasn’t far, and she soon stopped several feet before a large tree that seemed out of place from the rest. Though it appeared normal for the most part, there was an air about it that indicated that not everything was not as it seemed.
“Home sweet home,” she murmured ironically. There was a mixture of bitterness and sarcasm in her words, her face a mask of pain. The crystals along her body seemed to slightly intensify in color as she gathered energy from the wind, the breeze dying significantly as it lent her the power she needed. In the small beams of moonlight that broke through the leafy canopy, her heart’s gem flickered dimly.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 12:14 pm
Sanguine follwed the female silently into the woods, and watched her approach the tree. It was a tree not so very far from the one he perched in every night to watch the stars play. But what was the significance of this one? He scoured his memory, searching his mind to try to remember if he had seen this particular heartgem by this tree before? And why was she calling it home? Whatever was going on, Sanguine was sure something was about to happen.
His eyes seemed to glow in the moonlight, and take on a different hue, from the light reflected in them by the glowing female's gem. A smile danced lightly over his features. It was almost time for him to make himself known, or decide that things were going to be okay, and he could return to his tree. In the deepest part of his heart, Sanguine hoped that what was about to happen was going to be something good. He felt his hand grip the tree he was nearest to in anticipation, and his heart gave a bit of a flutter. He waited to see what would happen next.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 12:28 pm
The air about the tree seemed to shimmer like waves of heat rising from the earth, the image of a healthy tree dissipating and revealing a stunted, almost dwarfed tree with gnarled branches that reached desperately towards the heavens. Many large areas were either black or gray, with strips of papery curled white bark hanging limply. A few feet in each direction, even the grass was colorless and dry, as though it was determined to live in spite of the energy that had been completely sapped.
Tears burned in Jaquel’s eyes, but she didn’t even blink, refusing to let them fall. Coming here had obviously been a bad choice, but she would start what she finished. It wasn’t fair for the earth to suffer, too, simply because it had been a bystander. It had no reason to be a memorial for something that should have been long forgotten.
Her gems dimmed notably, some turning a dim, almost gray hue as she gave a rather desolate sigh. Those who believed that time healed all wounds had never seen a place like this, she decided. When even nature was scarred, was there ever a way to be happy once again?
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 12:38 pm
Sanguine almost audibly gasped when the false facade of the tree was wiped away under the female's hand. What had caused this terrible malignancy in something that should have been so full of life. It made Sanguine ache to his very core. He loved this forest, as if it was his brother, an eternal life force, and knew almost every tree in its vicinity.
Without realizing it, Sanguine had moved from his secluded hiding place in the trees, and stepped into the clearing where the withered tree stood. He walked out slowly, his mouth agape, his eyes welling back with tears, his arm outstretched toward the tree, almost as if he wanted to will it back into life and health. The grasses almost blended with the pallor of his skin in the moonlight. "What evil has come to this place?" Sanguine murmured quietly, approaching the tree. He had almost completely forgotten the other heartgem nearby.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 12:55 pm
Jaquel steeled herself for what would happen once she touched the tree; what she would feel, the memories they shared that would surge to the surface…she took a deep breath and dared to step into the ring of toxic earth, only to freeze mid stride at the appearance of another gem, pale as the moon and agape at the horror before him. A strangled noise crept up her throat and lodged halfway as she took to the air a few feet above the surface. She had thought she was alone, and a protective air came over her at the intrusion. This was not the place for others: they were supposed to see the illusion, not the truth. The truth would only cause more pain and suffering.
Yet, oddly enough, his eyes were solely for the tree, arms outstretched as if he’d trade places with the tree without a second thought. It was almost as though she wasn’t there and, warily, she lowered herself to the ground once again, unsure of what she should do. It was obvious by his anguished expression that the heartgem was proving her right - the pain and suffering would continue. And yet, there was something different about him, as well. Part of her was curious to know what it was. Still, did she dare speak?
Well, it was her place, after all. At least, in Jaquel’s mind, it was. She took a hesitant step, then another, coming around the other side to always keep this newcomer in sight. She was not certain how he had managed to appear without her knowing, and she wasn’t keen on surprises at the moment. Even if his feeling for this area was evident, she didn’t trust him. Trust was not something freely given in her mind, but earned.
“Many things.” Her soft voice carried a deep sadness as she approached, looking up at the tree and still not touching it. “Many forgotten things.” She turned her crimson gaze on the other heartgem, her stance guarded as she waited for him to explain himself. It didn’t really occur to her that she should ask, nor that she introduce herself.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 1:11 pm
The voice, like the fluttering wings of a bird, snapped him back to reality. The trance that had caught him up seemed to vanish and he realized, with much embarrassment, that he had intruded. He turned to the heartgem who was now at his side. He made a slight bow, but no color came to his cheeks. "I apologize madam, for my intrusion. I didn't meant to interrupt whatever it was that you were doing. I just.... couldn't help but be drawn by the sadness that surrounds this tree." He looked at her, then up at the withered thing, as if making the connection.
He HAD intruded, and on what must have been a very personal moment. He chastised himself mentally, and debated turning and leaving. Instead, he offered his protection. "Pardon me again, milady. My name is Sanguine, and I live in these woods. They can be a very dangerous place at night, and as I saw you were travelling alone, I meant only to keep a stoic eye on you in the hope that you would be alright. As I seem to have embarassed myself and interrupted what you were doing, I will go." He turned, his eyes on the ground, knowing that even if he did leave, he wouldn't go very far. There was hurt here, in this place and with the connection between tree and creature.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 1:28 pm
Sanguine. She sampled the name in her mind, deciding that it seemed to fit him rather well. Jaquel blinked in mild surprise as he bowed to her, pale and full of mysterious grace. She nodded in return, looking away as his gaze went from her to the tree. Was the connection really that obvious?
“You may stay, if you like, Sanguine,” she said as he turned to go. “You need not go because of me.” She studied him for a moment, trying to remember his face and unable to do so. “You were here first, were you not? My business here is not likely to be long.” Almost as an afterthought, she added, “My name is Jaquel. Thank you for your chivalry.” She knew these woods could be dangerous all too well, and perhaps …perhaps some company would not be so bad for now. If it grew to be too much, she could always ask him to leave, and even if he refused, there was nothing to stop her from doing so.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 1:50 pm
"Jaquel..." He repeated. Yes, that seemed right, if not a bit merrier than the female seemed to be. Were all female heartgems this troubled, he wondered to himself, thinking of his beloved Dresiedi and her recent dilemma. He shook the thought from his mind, knowing it to be unfair. He turned to her, resting a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I live here in the forests, but that doesn't mean I would ever oust you or act as if the forests belong to me. They should be enjoyed by all. If you allow me, I will merely sit a little way off and observe, just for your safety. As I vowed, I will not interfere unless I think I must do so." He looked into her eyes, searching her young soul for a sign of acceptance.
"My chivalry is my gift. I'm from a much different time, and my years may not show on my face, but I will be forever making up the wrong I have done in the past." His eyes saddened a little, but he offered a solemn nod to Jaquel and turned, walking a few paces away, and sitting indian-style, almost in meditation. He watched with glassy eyes as the moon shone over the young heartgem and the malignant tree.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 2:22 pm
Almost reflexively, Jaquel stiffened at the other heartgem’s touch, secretly hoping she hadn’t upset him. It was far from intentional, and after a few moments, she found herself able to relax once again. How long had it been since someone had actually touched her, or offered her help while still giving her the space she required? The latter was certainly a first, and one that surprised her. Other heartgems usually reacted in one extreme or the other, but it was almost as though this particular one - Sanguine, she reminded herself - understood.
“Thank you,” she said simply, grateful for his presence and easy-going nature. She raised a brow at his mention of a different time, but did not press the matter. She could see sadness in him, as well, and wondered at the possible connection between the two of them. Finding another who suffered such pain, for whatever reason, had an odd way of leaving its mark.
She waited as he took a seat, serenely watching the world from the shadows beneath another tree outside the devastated radius. She gave a tired sigh and turned her attention back to the task at hand, her head bowed momentarily as his words drifted over her memory.
“Make up for the wrongs,” she murmured. “If only it were as easy to do as to speak of it.” She shook her head and continued towards the tree. Enough procrastinating.
With a slight hesitation, she closed her eyes and gently placed a single hand against the rotting tree trunk. For several moments, the world seemed to hold its breath, Sanguine’s presence adding a new flavor to the air. Her eyes squeezed shut at the sudden surge of memories that filled her heart and mind, both her own and those of the tree. The pain and sorrow of watching its children suffer, the desire to do something about it and knowing its purpose would not allow it to change. The horrified silence, the slow recovery, the parting of ways…the visits that slowly grew further and further apart until they were no more. There was only an endless waiting.
Until now.
“I’m sorry,” Jaquel whispered, tears streaming down her face as she looked at the tree. The guilt she felt almost wrenched her heart in two. It seemed that no matter what she did, she was causing it more pain.
The other heartgem was, for the moment, utterly forgotten.
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Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 6:57 am
Sanguine had seen many things in his time- but nothing that compared to what transpired between Jaquel and the tree. It was almost as if they had a relationship with each other, had known each other their whole lives. From his spot underneath another tree, Sanguine could feel the energy flowing between tree and heartgem, almost as if there was a slight electrical charge in the air.
He sat stoically, watching, a bit of worry washing over his features. He saw Jaquel's expression change from calm and concentration, to pain, to remembrance, to agony. And his heart could not help but empathize with her. What a strong being- to confront her past and the devastation that had been left by it.
Sanguine wanted more than anything to help her- to soothe her heart and make her feel better. But that was not his place- his heart belonged to Dresiedi now. But that didn't mean he could not show compassion and care to another. He wanted so badly to ease this horrific pain that he knew Jaquel must be feeling, but he kept himself still, waiting in the silence for a que- something to trigger him to show him she was not okay alone. He waited.
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Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 9:40 am
Though she’d never admit it aloud, Jaquel was surprised at how long she was able to remain standing under the barrage of shared memories. Even more surprising were the occasional flickers of content she would receive, as though even the tree were trying to tell her that not everything had been so painful. But those brief moments were quickly swept away in the currents of time. A sense of dread welled up inside her as the images turned to more recent times, but a she found herself unable to pry her hand away.
’I don’t want this.’ She knew what was coming next, but the thought seemed to echo in the hallows of her mind. Still, if she disliked having to carry the weight, it wasn’t fair to leave others with it, too. A person couldn’t always get what they wanted.
A shout echoed from the depths of her mind, and for a few moments, it was like watching the world from above. Words spurred her into action faster than she’d ever imagined, and it still wasn’t enough. Her heart raced with an echo of adrenaline, leaving the heartgem complete unaware of her body swaying before she simply slumped to the forest floor in a half daze, ears ringing.
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Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 6:38 pm
Sanguine watched as Jaquel continued to concentrate on the tree, but things began to feel a little different. The aura around the surrounding area soon turned from the dusty aura of memories, to a much more alarming one. Sanguine knew something was going wrong even before Jaquel lost consciousness. He was up from his spot at to her side just as she blacked out.
"Oh no... Jaquel..." He whispered, gently patting her on the cheek, cradling her body, rubbing her arms. "Jaquel, come back to the light..." If her state did not improve before long... He may have to do something he hadn't done in many many years, and didn't plan on doing unless he had no other choice. Her heart was still racing, he could feel her pulse, and his eyes began to turn a reddish hue.
"Oh no..." He said to himself this time. "... Not now, not when she needs me." He fought back his hunger- something he had lots of practice with. It was time to concentrate on waking Jaquel. He continued to hold Jaquel close to him and rock back and forth, rubbing her arms and the warmth that he knew he didn't give back into her. Only time would tell whether or not she would be alright.
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