~Close Calls~ EL ^-^

[Elioenai]

Perhaps one day the young angel would figure out what all those emotions stirring inside of her really were, but El was not quite qualified, or even physically capable, of explaining those emotions. He would have smiled at her if he could. That blushing of hers did not help matters much, and that whacked out emotion-hopping would not make the demons take her seriously. How did she survive this long?

No such thing as a smart demon. If they were smart, they would not be searching, not with him around – but they did not know that, now did they? A dangerous glint flashed in his eye before he looked over to Juliet, her small form low to the ground behind the bushes. This was no time for watching them. She was thinking, and he contented himself with watching her, since he could hear the demons quite well with his ears without looking.

After she made her little signal with her finger, he quickly glanced around, listening and mentally checking the whereabouts of her attackers. One was a few meters away.

He stood nonchalantly and walked to the nearest demon like he was walking to an old acquaintance. The demon turned, surprise written on his face. Benefit of not sneaking up. All of a sudden, he swung his arm around the other’s head, gripped his chin, and jerked back around. A satisfying snap sounded before he let the demon slump to the ground, dead. At the sound of heavier footfalls and a few shouts coming in his direction, he slid into the shadow of a nearby tree, back to blending as before he had met this Juliet.

Kneeling, he placed a hand on the ground and closed his eye. Wildflowers. They used to grow here in this park. Stems began to sprout from the ground, buds beginning to form, then blooms. Deeper. He had to go deeper. The flowers began to flourish but in a formation, or a line, two lines, three. More like paths, each leading in another direction. With a low breath, he stood, the flowers having already reached beyond one’s sight. He quickly reached out to Juliet, pointing down one of the paths of flowers, then to another. He just wanted her to choose one. There was something eerie about them, something strange but enchanting. Magic.

The path he had chosen would cloak her from the demons’ senses, and if she moved quickly, she would seem only a glimmer, on not even that in the dark. Once, she might have been able to disappear on those paths, but his magic seemed to be fading. Go! The look in his eye said as much, gleaming from the shadows. The demons were coming closer. They would have to choose a path to find them. He was sure her father knew this trick, but it was all chance, whether he knew or not. Each path let away from the center of the park. She had to move now or they would see.

((Kind of random, but I thought flowers would be fun to play with. If you don't like it, I can always change it.))

[Juliet Yvein Vimir]

~Juliet Yvein Vimir~

put me to sleep, evil angel...
why can't i breathe, evil angel?
___________________________________________[/center]

The moment Juliet saw El stand-- she thought he was crazy; the look on her tiny face showed as much. Her eyes widdened as El move toward a demon as if the guy wasn't going to attack him at all. Even the demon seemed suprised as El walked to him. WHAT THE HELL!? Juliet yelled in her head. Suddenly, El grasped the Demon and twisted his head. Juliet looked away instantly. This was normal for her, seeing death was something that already hunted her dreams-- it was never something she wanted to see real and in front of her. It almost made her cry when she saw El fade into the shadows from the corner of her eye-- she had no comments on this.

The demons seemed to have heard what happened and continued their search more aggressivly. Juliet blinked as she watched her father pass them again. He looked like Juliet in some ways... looking at him made you realize she resembled more of her mother. His hair was the same pale blonde as Juliet's, and hung in waves to his shoulders. His eyes were the same color as Juliet's-- that glowing brilliant color of blue-- but his eyes were much more narrow than hers. However, Juliet didn't have that strong apperance like her father-- that regal elegance that made her jelaous because her brother was lucky enough to be born with the same features as their father. He looked around, taking out a picture from his jacket and breifly looking at it. Juliet's eyes narrowed as she caught a glimpse of her brother and his dirty blonde hair. A tear fell down her cheeks-- that picture was from when she was only 10 years old... Alex (her brother) had her on his back and their mother snapped a picture of them-- Alex was 15 at the time. A tear gently glided down Juliet's cheek-- hurt by this. Her small body was trembling and the skin looked pale white.

El's movements caught her attention and she pulled herself back to reality. He was creating something? Flowers? Juliet seemed confused-- El sure did know how to do that to her. Then the wildflowers sprouted into three different paths. What the hell was he doing? Wouldn't they be smart enough to know these wild flowers weren't here before? El reached out to her, signaling something. Juliet's eyes narrowed in confusion but she looked at the paths-- he wanted her to pick one. She quickly thought this over-- her father knew her well enough to know she would choose the middle path. It was just like her to be in the middle... something she liked-- it made her feel safe. She shook her head figuring it would be foolish to pick the middle one. The demons where comming closer so Juliet bit her lip and quickly moved out without a sound, picking the one farthest to the left.

[Elioenai]

Elioenai watched her patiently, muscles relaxing and breaths evenly taken. His eye went from pleading to searching, glancing over the girl’s head from the shadows to watch for unwary demons. Then he returned his gaze to her. Confusion, again. Perhaps his techniques were a bit confusing, but in the end, they were usually successful. He thought a smile when she finally made her choice, going to the left. He watched her go, her form fading from sight as the path’s magic swallowed her. The magic was working better than he had first expected. Maybe it was not fading so quickly.

A demon jumped out, teeth bared and heading for El’s throat. He dodged to the side and faded down the middle path. A dog. Demon dog. Something like that. Since when? The creature was sniffing at the air, but before it could turn to the left to follow Juliet, he leaped forward into view and slammed his elbow into the giant mutt’s head. With hurried motions, he broke each leg, snapping them with kicks to the knees, or, well, what looked to be knees. He had never been too sure, but whatever they were, they were great spots for bone-breaking!

Don’t stop! he called out in his mind, hoping Juliet would not stop or return simply because she heard commotion behind her. Looking up from the still thrashing body, he met eyes with who he assumed was the young angel’s father. Don’t turn around!

“Where is she?”

He only stepped back onto the left path, magic cloaking him in invisibility. Then he ran after Juliet. Back there the girl’s father was stopping some demons from following and sending them down the middle path, and a few to the right. Maybe one or two to follow Elioenai, but they would be easily dealt with if they caught up. Just what he did expect. Why would he lead them to her? Of course. He would not. But that was why leading in her direction made sense. Probably why he sent those goons after him as a precaution.

((I am terrible at making up those types of scenes. . . . *sigh*))

[Juliet Yvein Vimir]

~Juliet Yvein Vimir~

put me to sleep, evil angel...
why can't i breathe, evil angel?
___________________________________________[/center]

Juliet ran quickly, suddenly hearing a thrashing sound-- something that sounded a bit dangerous. She stopped her running and looked behind her. Was El alright? She bit her lip, worry flooding her innocent face. How could she do this? How could she just leave him behind!? How could she just envolve him in her affairs? After all she just met the guy and already she had in in danger. It was a wonder why she didn't have any friends...

The Juliet heard her father's voice. He asked where Juliet was-- to El that seemed obvious. Juliet took a step toward them, wondering faintly what El's face would look like if she decided to be a hero and come back to help him. He'd probably be pissed-- if someone provides help for you don't ruin it by making it seem for nothing. Juliet turned away and closed her eyes, her hands clenched into a tight fist with her sharp nails drawing blood into her palms, "I'm sorry, El..." she whispered and continued her way through the path.

Then suddenlly something came up behind her. Juliet almost screamed but stopped short-- making a sound that seemed strange to her-- when she realized it was El. She looked very sorry for lingering in the path and turned away, continuing her way through before he could show her any irritation. Right now just wasn't the time. Juliet looked around-- completely confused. She had no clue where she was going. She turned to El, a pleading look in her eyes for him to lead her before they got caught. Behind them she could hear faint running-- who? Her father? Juliet blinked and didn't brother with having El lead-- she grabbed his hand and sprouted her wings, quickly lifting her small body off the ground and taking El with her as she flew with incredible speed. She somewhat glanced at El as if wishing he'd point somewhere.

(Lolz, sorry I don't really understand the flower thing-- so I'm trying to manage xD )

[Elioenai]

((Stay on path = Invisibility to Other People))

He caught up to her quickly. Had she stopped running? A low growl emitted from his throat when he saw her, but when she turned that pleading look to him, he hardly found the capacity to be irritated with her. Young, little angel, he thought to himself as he came up beside her. Soft one. It had been years since he had met one so . . . innocent in their actions and their thoughts. She was a strange creature, one he found himself oddly curious about. He was growing too soft, perhaps.

Then his hand was in hers, and he felt himself being lifted from the ground. First, there was alarm. Then confusion and misunderstanding. The path! They had to stay on the path! Right now they were barely grazing it, but if she dared go any higher. . . . With a strong jerk, he pulled her down, wrapping his arms around her small form in an effort to let her know she did not have to take wing, that she was perfectly safe here on the ground. His feet hit the ground hard, despite the low height they had flown above, but he easily went into a steady run. Pull your wings in, he mentally urged. It would do no good to have them open in the streets.

He held onto her firmly, quietly hoping she would not try to push away. The streets came into view ahead. An inn. . . . As he left the path and crossed the street, the path itself began to fade, along with the others, he presumed. He would have loved to let them survive, but not everyone could know he was here. Someone might know him. Might know who would pull such a trick and leave the flowers for the sake a beauty. He could not do it. Not here.

Hiding behind the first building – an inn, as he had correctly assumed – he listened for the passing steps of the followers. They were there, but the faded as they ran off down the street. It would not be long.

Elioenai carefully set her down on her own feet, a little apologetic in taking her up so suddenly and just carrying her. Some women had thought that he was disrespecting them, doing that, as if he doubted their strength. No. It was just something he was used to doing. Protecting. He softly knocked on the back door, and in mere moments, a plump young woman opened the door and stepped forward. At first, she frowned, but when her eyes alighted on Elioenai’s face, she smiled brightly. He knew now why he felt safer around this place.

“Come in quickly!” she ushered, glancing out behind them to see if someone had followed. “I will have a room prepared-“

Elioenai motioned for two, not thinking Juliet would feel comfortable in the same room. He could keep an ear open for any threats without being at her side, and the innkeeper and his wife would be sure to alert him of anything suspicious. But . . . why did he care? He was back to asking himself the question all over again. Maybe he wanted to protect someone again. To feel like he still had purpose in this world. At the same time, however, it was more dangerous for her to be around him than the other way around, whether the girl knew it yet or not.

Yes, he had done something like this before, but he had left the woman here, not stayed. She had been only a human, nothing that concerned the demons much then. Safe.

“Well, then, perhaps a meal?” She shut the door behind them, wiping her hands on her apron. She looked to Elioenai expectantly, but he only looked at Juliet. If she was hungry, he would eat with her, though not in the common room, of course. Mirian – the older woman – would know that. He blinked at the girl, visibly unaffected by the quick run. The only thing different about him was probably the look in his eye. Excitement? Worry? Confusion? It might have been hard for an onlooker to tell.

((Quick, but I could not think of much for them to do while just running. XD))

[Juliet Yvein Vimir]

~Juliet Yvein Vimir~

put me to sleep, evil angel...
why can't i breathe, evil angel?
___________________________________________[/center]

Juliet gasped, feeling her body jerk downward. For the moment she had the right mind to start screaming because she thought it was her father pulling her down. Her wings fluttered dramatically as if her suprised emotion made them emphisis on that. Juliet's bright blue eyes looked suprised as she suddenly found herself in his arms. She blinked a moment, not having time to say anything before El started running. They both got close to the street and Juliet quickly pulled her wings in-- knowing full well that it would be foolish to even have them OUT in this city. Reason be why she never had them out. Usually her wings only sprouted when she was suprised or scared.

El held her tightly aganist him, making her blush. She looked down, not bothering to push away or anything. Even doing this would slow them down so she figured to just stay put. The action didn't made her uneasy though. Honestly it made her feel safer, like when her brother carried her. Juliet thought back to the photo she saw her father pull out, the one with Alexander holding her on his back. For a moment, sorrow filled Juliet at this thought. She thought of El as her brother... like he was Alexander. Juliet absently looked up at El-- still running and still holding her tightly. She wondered if he was irritated because she seemed to weak or he was simply trying to protect her. It would be nice if it was to protect her, her life seemed so empty without Alex and that's who El reminded her of.

They reached a building, Juliet didn't have time to figure out what building it was. EL on the other hand seemed full aware of his surroundings and gently set her down. Juliet stayed still, making sure she was steady before she moved. Once she was sure of this, she ajusted her stance and turned around, stumbling slightly. She gasped and blushed, looking back at El-- smiling that he hadn't noticed her small trip. He knocked on the back door of the building and in moments a plump woman answered the door. Juliet turned around and blinked slightly, a small smile gracing her lips as she looked at the woman-- who easily allowed El and Juliet inside.

"Well then, perhaps a mean?" The woman asked. El didn't answer her-- obviously, how could he? He merely looked to Juliet as if he was questioning her. Juliet didn't answer either, she was still a bit in shock of seeing her father. He hadn't found her in a good month. Finally Juliet nodded shyly, "S-Sure.... A Miso Stew, please?" Juliet's voice sounded very shy, the usual bell ringing that made her seem so tiny. She looked up to El, wondering if he was going to eat as well. He probably was, he didn't seem like the guy to just let Juliet eat and make her feel awakard when he wasn't.

For a brief moment, Juliet looked to the plump woman known as Mirian. The caring smile and motherly posture made Juliet feel sick. She remembered her own mother-- Alyss. The Angel COuncil killed Alyss when they found out she was having affairs with a warrior. Juliet found Mirian to be very motherly. She reminded her of Alyss and for a moment, Juliet moved closer to El and hid her face aganist the back of his arm-- somwhat hiding from her. The memories of Alyss filled Juliet to a mere unbearable point that she felt like crying. From here, she stayed quiet, not wanting El to hear her cry.

[Elioenai]

Mirian smiled her motherly smile and said, “Certainly, dear!” She did not appear to notice the way Juliet was acting, but Elioenai was quite aware. “Why don’t the two of you go to the dining room? I’ll be in momentarily!” Elioenai did not give Mirian the chance to push them out of the kitchen, instead putting his arm behind Juliet and nudging her out the door. It was unsettling to him to see her in such discomfort. But why? He had never really been uncomfortable here. Rather, he felt more secure, more at home.

He looked down at her and took her hand, gently squeezing it. His was . . . saddened . . . a little. Would he really decide to leave? Probably. He could not stay with her forever, like she was an assignment. He had never liked to think of them that way. Assignments. But they were. All of them. Even though he knew they had touched part of his angelic life somehow, enough to change his view of them – the humans, he meant – he could not help but realize that all they ever really were, were assignments.

Hand still gripping hers, he led her down the hallway. The wooden floor of the hall was silent, with no creaking to be heard. It was one thing he did not like about this place. You really had to listen to hear someone coming. They stopped at a door a few paces down the hall, and after pausing a moment to check for any suspicious sounds, he opened it. He was not surprised to find it dark, and he welcomed the warmth it offered. The fire must have recently been put out. He could still smell some hints of burned wood. Familiar.

I need to return home in the morning. He could not let his servants worry about him missing for too long. His helper would be on his toes, searching high and low, if he was not already.

After finding and lighting a candle – by means not shown – he set the candle in the middle of the table and turned to invite Juliet inside, hand outstretched. Right, he had let go for a few moments, to find the candle. He motioned to one of the chairs. Mirian would have their food up soon.

[Juliet Yvein Vimir]

~Juliet Yvein Vimir~


a whole new world, a whole new life
...so why am i still running...
___________________________________________

Juliet looked up to the woman as she egerly left to start cooking. El wrapped his arm around Juliet and gently pushed her toward the door; she left without hesitation, not wanting either of them to see her bothered eyes. She moved out into the hallway, looking around slightly confused. Then El was there in a short moment, his hand gripping hers as he lead her through the network of halls. She didn't falture when El squeezed her hand, it seemed that her emotions totally disappeared-- which really wasn't like her. Even with El hardly knowing her, the air around her seemed to be low-- the random workings of emotions that she expressed all strangly focused on one-- pain.

El lead her down the hallway, and feeling safe with him she didn't pull her hand away from his nor did she bother to say a word. Juliet tried to focus her mind on something other than her mother-- but what? Juliet glanced at El's feet, confusion washing over her. There were wood floors they were walking on-- so why hadn't they made any noise? The building must of been wekk built. The idea of a quiet building made Juliet feel uneasy. As if to extend her worry, Juliet glanced around as if a demon would wisk her away from El forever. Her body trembled a bit, and she flinched suddenly to the slight pain of her wings pressing aganist the inside of her back. Her fear was getting the best of her-- not that it should, El was here....

Once they finally found the dinning room, Juliet frowned as El let her hand go and walked into the dark abyss of the room. She wrapped her arms around herself, waiting for El to do whatever he had to do while she waited for him at the door's opening. Then, as if out of nowhere, a flared light flickered at the middle of a table. The candle was a bit small, but enough to light a good part of the room so they could see. The flame danced across El's nearly sinister face-- some would be scared. But not Juliet. Sure, El's apperance was a bit sinister, and the way he held his hand out to her made her heart jump but she didn't fear him. In some ways she figured she'd never fear him after what he's done for her.

Juliet smiled a bit and walked over to him, seating herself easily where he stood. She was sure that Mirian would be up soon so Juliet figured she'd try to pass the time by attempting another emotionless conversation with El, "El... Are you alright?" she asked, her voice caring but still babyishly small. Her concern seemed a bit out of place since earlier she was the one nearly crying. But she got him into a situation that was not involvent to him. It made her feel terrible for making him risk his life to save her...

[Elioenai]

The eerie silence that had shrouded them caused Elioenai to feel slightly uneasy. Though he could see or hear nothing that would cause either of them harm, or so he thought, that sensation of fear, or the feeling that someone was there – all the time – was discomforting. Not too much to him, of course. He was too old to start worrying about death or pain. He had come so close so many times before that it only seemed natural that he should continue to face it again and again. Maybe he would offer what little comfort he could to this girl. It made sense in his mind, to comfort the younger.

But now, looking down at her, he could not just think of her as a youngling anymore. He had let himself get involved the moment he saved her at the lake, and now he was tied in one way or another. He wondered if she knew she was radiating with emotion. Human emotion. It was not uncommon for an angel to possess these emotions, especially when that angel lived on Earth, and he was no exception. No longer was he the impassive guardian who watched from a distance. No, now he was getting himself too close. Too involved.

Juliet’s soft smile picked up his mood a bit, his earlier irritation passing away, and her ringing voice was welcome to his ears. If he was not careful, that voice may begin to grow on him, if it had not already. She had that voice that few people could resist listening to, and fewer still who did not listen simply to hear its bell of a tone.

She asked him a question, and he stared back in reply. Alright? He rarely seemed to notice if he got cut anymore, which was starting to go badly for him. Raising both arms, he looked at each. Nothing. His hands were as clean as before, save for a small blood smear on the palm of his left hand. Probably from the mutt. It was not his blood, though. He looked back at her and lowered his arms, as if to say, frankly, he was unharmed. Your turn. He tilted his head a little to the left, still hiding his right eye, questioningly.

((You could have him randomly bleeding from a branch cut on his side or leg or something, maybe from when she suddenly picked him up. He would not notice. XD Doesn’t matter to me, though. I was trying to get this post up before I went to the dorms today.))

[Juliet Yvein Vimir]

~Juliet Yvein Vimir~

put me to sleep, evil angel...
why can't i breathe, evil angel?
___________________________________________[/center]

Juliet watched with a worried expression on her face as El eximined himself. When he gave her a questioning look, Juliet shook her head, getting up and gently brushing her hand across the side of El's neck. The cut itself was small, but the blood that came from it was the reason Juliet asked. The blood made the cut look so much larger-- so she worried. Juliet turned back slightly and grabbed a cloth she noticed on the table. She smiled to El and gently patted the blood on his neck away, glancing at the small wound, "It's just a small cut-- from a branch maybe?" her voice seemed confused as she considdered the possibilities of the cuts origins.

After a moment, Juliet merely gave up and set the cloth down. She turned back to him and rested her hand on his neck. The touch was soft and gentle, and Juliet came closer-- almost as if she was going to kiss him. However, Juliet did no such thing. Her eyes weren't looking at him, but where her hand way. There was still a small smile on her lips as her hand glowed slightly; the runes tattooed on her wrists glowing and shimering beautifully. For a moment it seemed like Juliet's skin turned whitter... glowing slightly and glittering silver. After a moment she pulled her hand away, the soft glowing of her skin fading to the original pale color, "There we go." she said a bit babyish, "All better." it seemed she healed the wound.

Juliet sat back down and rested her hands easily on the surface of the table, she flashed El another smile and let her eyes wander over her arms. It seemed there were only a few cuts across them-- possibly from when she and El were hidden in the bushes. However, her cuts weren't large enough to waste energy on healing them. They would be fine within a few minutes.

[Elioenai]

He had to restrain himself from swatting her hand away, as was his usual reaction to someone putting their hands near him, his face and neck in particular. He did not know what he had expected, but for some reason, it had not been the warm, soft touch which he now received. Unfamiliar as it was, he did not find himself wanting to retreat. Instead, he simply allowed it, ignoring the crying out of his mind, of how he was letting his guard down, a dangerous thing to do in Divinous, even if here in the inn.

Branches appear to be out to get me lately, he mused humorously, a glimmer shining in his eye at the thought. It did not hurt. Why did she worry about something so insignificant as his wound? It was too small to worry about for one such as him. A hundred such cuts would not bring him much greater pain. He put his hand on the table and held onto it, afraid he would unwillingly lash out at the touch she gave. Such a small thing as her might not be able to stand it, but then, even he had been wrong about size before and had long since learned not to underestimate his opponent. Of course, she was no opponent. Not yet. Hopefully never.

A shiver ran down his spine when she began to heal him, the feeling of magic like liquid fire in his veins. Cold liquid fire. He tensed, but . . . it felt amazing. Rarely had he ever been healed by someone else. It was really unnecessary. The sensation one received in healing, well, it was like no other. Though it did not surmount love, or so he had heard, he figured it came very close.

She is beautiful. It was hard to believe this little girl was older than perhaps 13, judging from her size, but there was something about her that spoke the truth vibrantly.

As soon as the feeling came, it went, along with her warm touch, so different from how cold he often felt. It was almost missed.

He removed his hand from the table and reached out with both hands to touch her arms, and with barely a brush of his fingers, the scratches seemed to vanish. Quickly, he retracted his hands, as if he thought he had done some violation of code. No.

A knock came at the door, and servants entered, placing the trays of food on the table and then exiting without a word. He sometimes wondered what Mirian did to keep them so quiet. He had expected her to be up with them, but perhaps she had other guests to attend to.

[Juliet Yvein Vimir]

~Juliet Yvein Vimir~

Mother... looking at me, tell me what do you see?
...Yes, I've lost my mind...
Daddy... looking at me-- will I ever be free?
...Have I crossed the line...
___________________________________________[/center]

Juliet watched silently as El brushed his finger across the cuts on her arms. She smiled at this, liking that he somewhat cared for her health like she cared for his. It was nice to be healed by someone else. Lately Juliet was always running, never having time to befriend anyone really. El seemed like he would be a wonderful friend... but to Juliet he felt like a brother as well. Someone she was growing to love-- like she loved her brother Alexander. Though, at some points in her time with him, she felt a bit of a crush growing as well-- like with his fingers across her arms, or when he broke her fall back at the bushes. Juliet knew better than to presue that type of relationship, expically in her current situation-- besides, El was MUCH MUCH tolder than her... she was only 16. A VERY young angel since some angels were in their thousands as well. Juliet was literally sixteen years old so in some ways... she was a child after all.

The servants came in and set Juliet's Miso soup infront of her. They also had one for El. Juliet semed happily to them. She LOVED Miso soup, her mother had made it all the time before she was killed. Juliet glanced at El and tilted her head to the side, "You look bothered, El..." she said softly, picking up a spoon and letting it lightly glide into the bowl. She swayed the spoon absently through the soup as she waited for it to cool-- also waiting for El to answer in some form.

[Elioenai]

Elioenai. No. Shaitan. Enemy. Adversary. He was not meant for this anymore.

Not a second after the first group of servants had left, another group came in with cups and two pitchers, one of water and the other of red wine. He wondered if Juliet had ever had the drink before. Humans had gotten drunk off the substance before. Still did, as he saw in many an inn. But, he found it did not affect him in the same way. It was calming.

Worth.

He looked away from Juliet, suddenly ashamed of himself. Why, he did not understand. These feelings came and went, and when they came, they went deep inside of him, gripping his heart with iron fists. A pain swelled in his chest. This was a reminder of what he was not. Worth. Worthy. Unworthy. Damned.

He blinked as he looked at the soup before him. His arms began to shake with the desire to throw it across the room. Violence. This was not him! He was not violent! He hated it! This world. These human tendencies. They were killing him inside, torturing him. He wanted to run but knew he had nowhere to go. Fear. For a split second he was afraid he would never be near his creator again. Separated.

One might not understand the thoughts going through his mind when nothing displayed on his face. Just nothing. Even his eyes had taken on their emptiness again.

He had no answer for Juliet. No response to her words. Bothered. Tormented! But, not wanting to let her see the extent of his . . . damage, he forced his shaking to stop, picked up the spoon, and began to stir it a little. He lifted some to his lips, taking in its smell. It was warm. How long had he been caged in his mind?

Beginning to eat, and rather slowly, he tried to ignore the pain inside of him and took the time to consider how he had never tried this soup before. It tasted . . . excellent. It was not his favorite, but it was good. Juliet had good taste.

[Juliet Yvein Vimir]

~Juliet Yvein Vimir~

Mother... looking at me, tell me what do you see?
...Yes, I've lost my mind...
Daddy... looking at me-- will I ever be free?
...Have I crossed the line...
___________________________________________[/center]

Juliet eyed the red wine curiously when El decided not to answer her. That was quite alright, sure he seemed bothered and that made her feel strange but if it was a matter hae needed to deal with himself then that would have been alright... she just met him after all. Besides, her interest was suddenly drawn to the wine. Juliet shyly tilted her head to the side and grabbed the bottle, "Red Wine..." she muttered thinking about the biblical story of water changing to wine. Juliet thought about how wine was even described-- she didn't know. Until know she would of never known it existec. Shyly, she opened the bottle and poured herself a glass. She also poured one for El-- Just in case he wanted some. Juliet then glanced at her glass for a long moment and brought the glass to her lips. She paused a moment to take in the scent, her nose wrinkling slightly not liking how it smelled. She took a small sip then and instantly set her glass down, "Ugh!" she gasped, not meaning to say that out loud. She blushed and glanced at El shyly, giggling at herself, "I'll um.. stick to the water."

[Elioenai]

When he heard the wine being poured, he glanced back over at Juliet. She really had not tasted it before. The way she looked at it, and then smelled it, was enough to tell him that. Her mumbling also told him she was thinking about it. Too much, perhaps. Wine was not exactly the drink meant to taste immensely great.

He accepted the glass, letting the spoon rest in the bowl, but instead of taking a sip himself, he watched Juliet. Suddenly his anxiety had disappeared, and amusement had taken its place. Though a hint of pain still rattled in his chest, he was able to let himself be amused. It was really hard not to be, anyway, when Juliet was tasting something so many considered an adult drink for the first time. Her reaction was much of what he expected. He had not liked it at first either. Still did not much care for the taste, but red wine was better than others.

Lifting the glass to his lips, he took a small sip, savoring the slightly bitter taste as it glided across his tongue and then down his throat. He took another sip again and swallowed, before turning back to the soup. The glass made a knocking sound as it touched the table’s wooden surface. He was getting tired, it seemed.