Welcome to my world (Kiri)

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke was a little surprised at her explanation, but smiled none the less as she turned to walk down the hall. When she made the weak comment, Locke faltered for a minute.

Was she really stronger now? Had she ever really been weak? It was kind of hard to say, his view was not really unbiased. But as he moved to catch up to her, he found this budding confidence to be surprisingly enticing. He was lost in another world for a moment before her speaking snapped him out of it.

"Ah, yes of course." He said, snapping his head up. "There are plenty of animals around here that would love to meet you. I can't talk to them, but if I believe my dad I have a pretty good idea on their personalities. Most of them aren't grumpy old men like Lu was, he's getting on in years so he's not a big fan of conversation." Locke explained, moving for a side door that wouldn't take them back through the kitchen.

"In fact, I think one of the local Doe just had a fawn. If she's walking we might be able to see it."

[Kiri Honeywater]

She followed him happily almost bouncing with joy she was so excited to meet the knew animals. Then the hope to meet a new little baby fawn made her giddy. As soon as they were outside her eyes searched the air and surrounding trees for her other companion. There he was watching from a nearby tree branch. Smiling she lifted her hand and he flew to it instantly nipping at her fingers lovingly.

Her eyes scanned the area before turning back to Locke not wanting to approach the animals without his permission. Though it felt odd to her to feel the need to get permission to speak to animals. But this was his home, his land, and she would not step out of bounds. Even if her skinned burned to go find the fawn.

"So have any of the animals bonded with you?" Every animal in her sight seemed to be staring at her, or at least that's how it felt to her. Even if every fiber of her being screamed to introduce herself to every single one, to fade into the mist of them. But she didn't want to be rude to Locke and ignore him on the first day that they were there. She had plenty of time that she could spend with the animals.

[Locke F. Herald]

"Bonding? Nah, not really. I mean...sure my dad can talk to them, but I can't. So their plenty nice I suppose, but I really tend to leave them to their own devices." Locke explained, awkwardly.

He looked around the back yard and smiled for a bit at the menagerie of animals. Even he would notice that they were starting to cluster. Looking around a bit he could see a pair of rabbits, a fox peering from under a log, and all manners of birds and such from the branches. They approached closer, but dared not come too near. The whisperings of the critters Locke could not hear, and Kiri would hear only enough to know they were talking. Eventually a small bunny hopped out, looking up at the pair of them as it's nose twitched.

[red]"Heyyyy. You can talk, right? Are you one of those flying people?"[/red]

The rabbit seemed obviously interested in Kiri, and Locke could tell that they were communicating, so he stepped back and allowed Kiri to work her magic.

[Kiri Honeywater]

She met and talked to many of the animals there but there just seemed to be so many of them. After talking for a good twenty or so minutes she told them all she needed to pay attention to her boy friend. Some of them giggled, some told her not to leave, but she told them that she'd definitely be back later to talk some more. There was still some protests but she merely giggled and walked back over to where Locke was.

"Sorry, they are all super excited, weeell, I guess I am to." Fighting off more giggles she glanced back at the animals so excited to meet so many new friends. There were some different types of animals here that weren't home where she lived, so it was even more exciting. She would have to spend more time with them later but for now she wanted to spend time with Locke and maybe his family. Depending on what he wanted to do, but either way she was going to be with him.

"Thank you for letting me meet them. They're all so cute and friendly." Mikail had flown up to a tree while she'd mingled and now that she was done he kept looking at her. She knew he wanted to fly down and be on her arm again but she figured that they would be going inside, and she didn't know the police of animals inside. Sure she knew Star was allowed inside but did all the animals have that privilege?

Stepping forward she reached to grab hold of one of his hands in both of hers. "Can I tell you something? I haven't said it in a while...and I want to."

((sorry for making you wait...))

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke actually enjoyed watching Kiri be 'attacked' by the animals. Once they found her safe, they'd come out in droves to talk to her, and get her attention and affection. Perhaps they could sense some kind of kindred spirit? The Fae were enigmatic enough, nobody was ever quite sure how their aspects worked...and the Fae themselves were usually less then helpful on the matter. Looking at Kiri, Locke started to understand why. How do you explain something that, to you, had always been? She'd always had this connection to animals, so for her it was nothing out of the ordinary.

When she'd finished and came over to him, he smiled back at her. "I'm glad you're more relaxed now." He added, and when she took his hand he looked at her curiously until she spoke. He placed his other hand on hers, and smiled at her.

"You say what you need to, I'm not going anywhere." Locke said, a soft smile on his face.

[Kiri Honeywater]

"I'm glad I'm more relaxed too. Being all worried like that is tiring." Smiling she glanced back at the animals feeling almost drawn to them in some way that she'd never been toward people. And a part of her would never let her guard down around people ever again. But those thoughts were immediately shoved to the side not wanting to even think it near Locke. Some things were best that he never knew.

Still smiling she turned back to him as she took his hands in hers. "Well, the thing I needed to tell you is that. I love you, and you mean the world to me." Giggling she darted forward to peck a kiss on his cheek then let go and jumped backwards. She spun with her arms out, head tilted back, eyes closed, and an eruption of butterflies flew around her in a whirl. Her glamor added sparkles to the mix before she flopped to the ground laughing. "I feel soo much better!"

Kicking her feet and giggling she sighed finally feeling like her old self again. This would be the best summer she ever had and nothing about the past year would ruin it. She just wouldn't let it affect her. She was with him and she was safe, so there was no need to dwell on anything of the past. Because with him there it didn't exist.

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke had expected as much, but still felt his cheek burn slightly at the point of contact. But when she laughed loudly, throwing herself back with a full on glamor display, Locke was startled.

In all the time he'd known her, he'd never seen her use a glamor except when she was mad. That such a pure and innocent expression could come from this girl would seem obvious, but it was his first time seeing it. He stared in wonderment at the butterflies, which he knew were fake. They looked so real, and he could swear he could even hear their wings fluttering on the breeze. Locke pulled himself from his analytical stupor to look at the giggling girl on the ground, now back to her old self. He joined her on the grass, and lay next to her running a hand through her golden hair.

"Now this...this is the Kiri I remember." He said with a smile. For the first time in a long time, she was legitimately happy, not just pretending. "Just stay like this, it will be a perfect summer." He wanted to say something else, about what they could do or go to see. About what their was to do around here, but his eyes couldn't pull themselves from her.

Here she was. Not primped up, not in some scandalous outfit that Rae would have slapped her in. She was just Kiri, just a fairy child laying among the grass, flowers and animals, laughing and smiling under the golden sun. And here he was, next to her, sharing this moment with her.

Could perfection have a better definition?

[Kiri Honeywater]

Laying there with him she smiled as his hand went through her hair and she rolled over a bit to face him. Those eyes, that smile, everything about him made her heart soar. She couldn't believe that she was so very lucky to be with him at all let alone be with him like this. His words were like something from a poetry book or one of those lovey dovey romance novels her mother was always reading. How much she wished she could just stay like this forever with him beside her. To stay happy with her heart ready to burst through her chest simply staring at him.

"I want to stay like this too, and I'll do everything I can to make it a perfect summer." Kiri lifted her hand and brushed the back of her fingers along his cheeks. Smiling she kept staring at him as she ran her fingers through his beautiful blue hair and up to his adorable ears. "I love you ears. I love you hair and your eyes and your smile." Her cheeks reddened a bit before she rolled away to lay back on her back staring at the sky.

"Sorry, I guess I'm just full of love at the moment. Didn't mean to get to mushy." She dug her hands into the grass on either side of her eyes roaming the sky above them. A flash of movement to her left showed that Mikail was watching over them. Always someone watching over her now never left alone. Though if she were in trouble it wasn't like a raven could save her. Not that she needed saving, no, she was with Locke. The only thing she'd need saving from is getting lost in the moment. A bit cheesy to admit to herself but that's how it felt laying there with him. Everything she could ever dream for wrapped up in one sunlit backyard.

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke smiled at her, and chuckled softly as she looked away with red in her cheeks. He moved his hand over as she turned away, resting it with hers.

"There is no need to be embarrassed, I feel the same way." Locke said, turning to look at her once again. "I love your ears, I love your hair, I love your smile, I love your energy, and I love you Kiri." He said, maintaining his gaze straight with her. He wasn't going to look away, not from her. This was a slice of heaven here, and to share this tranquil moment alone and uninterrupted was something he'd desired for such a long time.

Truth be told, she wasn't the only one who had a desire for something that had last been visited long ago. Too long for his liking.

But as much as he desired to take her into his arms, pull her close, and fall into the sweet nothingness that overwhelmed him when they kissed, his body did not move to close that tiny distance. Instead he merely stared deep into her blue eyes, his thoughts slipping from him.

[Kiri Honeywater]

She curled in toward him nestling her head on her arm as she gazed back at him. Lifting his hand to her lips she kissed his fingers then simply held it close. This was so peaceful laying here like this, so very peaceful, and she could feel her eyes closing. She just wasn't used to so much excitement in one day. It was amazingly fun and she loved it but boy was it tiring.

"This has got to be the most perfect day." The words came out in a mumble as she breathed in the sweet scent of grass, animals, and him. "Thank you for bringing me here, Locke. I'll have to find a...repay..." Still mumbling she curled in closer completely at peace, and utterly happy. It was so amazing that she could just be herself around him, and feel so comfortable around someone.

Love is an amazing thing.

"Can we stay like this forever?" Blinking her eyes open she gazed at him with wishful eyes. Kiri smiled softly before closing her eyes again knowing that forever didn't exist, but she could ask for it, wish for it. They were young they were supposed to dream and wish for things like that. Even if they knew better, there was no harm in pretending for at least a little while.

((gah...utter crap...sorry...if you wanna skip ahead or something that's cool with me...sorry it's so short >.<))

[Locke F. Herald]

And then Kiri was asleep, not even able to finish a sentence. She made one final remark, and gave him one last gaze of her cerulean orbs, before she fell into slumber without even receiving an answer. Locke felt his own eyes getting heavy, as he lay next to her. The soft breaths escaping from her lips as she clung to him so tenderly. It was like a scene from a dream.

But he knew there was no way his dreams could be as good as this.

-------------------------------

Sadly, such times do not last forever. And as the pair lay on the field of grass resting quietly, a messenger came to call.

Locke was roused out of his peaceful slumber by something nudging his arm. Peering through his eyelids, Locke turned his head from the vision of loveliness to see Star sitting on the grass next to them. He'd only come to bother them if his father was calling.

Locke turned back towards Kiri, sleeping so peacefully, and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

"You awake?" he asked, in a hushed whisper.

[Kiri Honeywater]

Her mind was slipping into sweet dreamland which just so happened to be a lot like awake land but with more glitter. She was snuggled up happy as could be when she felt something on her cheek, it was soft and warm, so she figured it was just Locke and ignored it. He could be loving all he wanted she was not going to wake up. If she woke up then her dream would end and- he was talking to her wasn't he?

Grumbling she rolled away from him curling into a ball tucking her head down to cover them with her hands. Didn't he see she was happy? That she really did not want to wake up? Well, he probably wouldn't wake her unless he had too, so she grumbled again fluttering her eyes open. "No...I'm not." After another few seconds laying there she figured there was no use fighting it and rolled back over.

"What's wrong? Why do we have to get up? I feel like I just got to sleep." Her voice was soft as she rubbed her eyes before stretching out trying to wake up. So tired, so often was she tired that at times it worried her. But today she wouldn't let it worry her she was going to be happy even if it killed her. Sitting up she glanced over at Star and smiled sweetly stretching out her hand for him. The bird was so beautiful she couldn't help it but at her actions she heard a highly unhappy raven calling from a nearby tree. Kiri rolled her eyes and ignored him he was just too protective.

She got to her feet and sighed then turned her big blue orbs to Locke. "Well, my handsome boy friend. What are we being woken for?" Grinning she tucked a stray hair behind her pointed ear as she awaited his answer.

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke grinned as Kiri groaned, turning away from him to huddle up in her blissful state. When she grumbled herself awake, Locke chuckled slightly.

"Boy, you are grumpy when you wake up." He joked. "And believe it or not, it's been over an hour. I'm going to assuming that we were called." He gestured to Star. "Because dinner is ready."

When she rose up above him, Locke moved to get up as well and stretched out. "That was an enjoyable nap, though." He remarked, deciding to leave it at that for the time being. No way was he going to tell her that he enjoyed it because he was sleeping next to an angel. Not like that would be happening on a routine basis.

That thought brought a small bit of color to Locke's face, and he turned towards the door quickly. "Well, I'm kind of curious as to what's for dinner. I haven't had vegetarian in a long while, but trust me, whatever is made will knock your socks off." He grinned when he turned to face her.

"My family is full of people with odd talents." He remarked, extending a hand to her. "Besides, a nice dinner sounds good doesn't it...eh?" Locke had been prepared to go inside, when he spied his mother bringing out a rather large bowl. She smiled at the pair of them and set the bowl on a large stone table in the yard.

[blue]"Oh, hello you two! Locke, can you help your father bring out the food?"[/blue]

Locke blinked once. "Uh, yeah sure Mom...but if we were going to eat out here, why did you call us?"

[blue]She just smiled. "We hadn't seen you for a while, didn't want to interrupt you."[/blue]

And that was the cue for the color to flush right back into Locke's face.

[Kiri Honeywater]

She gave him a look when he called her grumpy a thought flashing through her mind that she'd show him what grumpy was. But it quickly faded finding it odd that such a snappy comment would even pop up in her usually chipper mind. Maybe she really was grumpy when she woke up she'd never thought she was before. "It certainly hadn't felt like an hour." Yawning as she stretched she followed his gesture to stare at the bird. So he was the reason she was awake. She glared at the bird until Locke's next words filtered through her sleep fogged brain.

"Enjoyable but far too short." Kiri pouted out her bottom lip then lifted her arms into the air stretching again. She furrowed her brows when she spotted some color in his cheeks but shrugged it off. He was probably just warm from laying in the sun so long. Her eyes went off in the direction of the house wondering what kind of dinner to expect. A part of her felt guilty for not helping make it, but if his mother had truly needed help surely she would have woken them up earlier. She started toward the house her stomach suddenly rumbling loudly as she thought of a dinner that would knock her socks off.

Seeing his mother she rushed over willing to help with the food, and just as she was about to say so Mrs. Herald spoke. She listened as the two exchanged words and was a tad confused why Locke was suddenly blushing. Frowning she glanced between the two of them trying to make it click in her head. "Interrupt what? We were taking a nap. It's just so peaceful out here I couldn't help it."

The young fairy smiled warmly hoping she wasn't sounding stupid as she said this. Why did Locke always have to know what was going on and she was always left confused? Interrupt, interrupt, what could his mother interrupt that she'd send a messenger out for? Nope, it wasn't clicking. There were lots of things that could be interrupted but none sprang to mind that would make Locke blush like that. Wait, blushing, gone for awhile, alone, um, I know this.

It clicked.

Her face flushed scarlet and she clapped her hands over her mouth. "Oh! Oh no! No! He-I- we- I mean. Oh deary, oh, um, M-Mrs. Herald we-I-he, never! She pointed at herself and at Locke then his mother then back at herself then Locke. "We've never, not even close, not, no, I-" Any minute now she was going to start hyperventilating. Flashes of images flew through her mind and she felt so ridiculously stupid.

Closing her eyes memories crashed to the forefront of her mind and she covered her face with her hands. She trembled and tears started falling. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I just need a minute. I-I-" Memories, images, faces, kept flashing before her mind's eye even if she tried to shove them away. Everything had been so perfect so beautiful why did she have to go and ruin it? He couldn't know, he could never know. She had to get control of herself. He could never find out. If he did he wouldn't love her anymore. He wouldn't-

No he'll never know. I need to fly away. I need to go. I have to. He can't know! Her wings appeared and she backed away from the perfect little family. "I'm sorry. I need to-I need to regain my-my what is that stupid word?!?" Biting her bottom lip hands jerking down in fists she took a deep breath. Chest heaving she stared wide eyed at the grass but not seeing it. All she saw were her memories; memories he could never know.

((sorry it's so flippin' long...))

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke chuckled softly as he saw the gears turning in Kiri's head, and finally click as her face flushed a deep crimson. With a grin he turned to her and was about to speak.

The chuckle was silenced instantly as the smile fell into fear. Something was wrong, something was very wrong. She wasn't embarrassed, she was in pain. What...What had happened?!

"K-Kiri!" Locke called out to her when her wings materialized. No! If she flew away, he'd never see her again! She'd fly right out of his life, and he'd have no way to chase after her. He reached out for her, to grab her hand, to hold onto her, if for no other reason then to ensure she couldn't leave him. But his hand was knocked away before it even got close enough to graze her skin.

[blue]The person knocking away Locke's hand had been Miranda, dropping the bowl she was carrying to the soft earth as she cleared the distance between them remarkably quickly. Instantly she had one hand on Kiri's shoulder, and the other on her wrist, checking her vitals. The heart rate was abnormal, if this continued she'd likely pass out. Before she could speak a word, though, the girl seemed to stabilize herself, slightly. Miranda stayed there, holding her shoulder gently. "Easy now...deep breaths. Just focus on breathing. In, count to five, then out." She instructed, maintaining a firm but soft grip on the child.[/blue]

Locke wanted to approach, wanted to go near, but he knew better. He knew enough about his parents past to know that his mother had worked some time as a medic, so this was her area of expertise.

With her gifts, it was the only thing that made sense. And so Locke watched, and waited, his face practically void of color.