Meeting Anew (Ziare)

[Lanji Romano]

Lanji relaxed as he stood up from his char in his personal dormitory room to be honest these rooms were a little too comfortable if you asked Lanji. He shook his head as he considered his current surroundings. So this was Arcane Academy? The home of such as the priests called ‘blasphemous’ individuals. Lanji had so far found nothing wrong with a good deal of the students at the academy in fact given time he could probably grow to like them. Sure there was the fact that there were a few individuals that needed cleansed or burned at the stake like that Junpei fellow for his foul dark magic but, the Cross Defender operated on the laws of his hosts not the laws of the Order. He shook his head again as he considered just how out of touch he was with the Order right now. He couldn’t call on help even if he needed it so he would have to operate on his own prowess and that of Tacet’s and Fiat’s. The owl and the stallion were companions of Lanji and had been for a couple years now when he had first acquired them. Speaking of Tacet the snowy white owl was currently hooting softly as it fluttered over and landed on his gauntleted forearm. He gave a smile and gently caressed the soft feathers of the white owl. He of course caressing the feather after he removed the gauntlet that Tacet wasn’t on. He tossed the metal gauntlet onto his bed before he began the petting.

It was always pleasant to feel Tacet’s feathers under his touch and Tacet gave a small little noise of contentment in his mind. Yes he had a mental link with Fiat and Tacet, yet at the moment he could only get emotions out of them at the moment. The link was still building and in time he would probably be able to hear more out of them. Lanji’s fingers were still running through the soft feathers of the owl as he considered what he should do for the day. He had already thoroughly walked the Academy grounds so he had a detailed layout in his sub-conscious so he wouldn’t be lost when walking around the Academy. Perhaps he could just walk around or ‘hang out’ as some of the strange people here had called it. Why would he want to hang? It was a most strange set of words that had come out of the young man who had approached him the other day. And why would he want to go outside in pouring rain? The lad’s words had bewildered the Cross Defender who had always learned to take things in a literal defense. There was just no end to the strange words and ‘lingo’ that these people here spoke. Was it so hard to speak in proper words and with respectful tones? Lanji gave a sigh as he thought about it.

Still one can not deny that this place is overly comfortable…

It needs more...I am not sure what it needs but, something is amiss about this place…

Lanji removed his other gauntlet as Tacet moved to his shoulder and he put the gauntlets in a small bag at his suit. He was wearing his chain mail suit but, that was as light on armor as he would get. He just felt naked without a suit if armor weighing down on his shoulders and forcing him to shoulder the burden more. It felt strange and very odd.

Still perhaps I should go meet people and learn more of this place.

Acting on that thought Lanji made sure Tacet was comfortable on his shoulder before he left his room closing the door behind him and locking it as he began to walk down a hall.

[Ziare]

Ziare had not seen her dormitory room in sometime. And if felt odd opening the room and turning on the light. Everything was just as she had left it two months ago. Nothing move. Everything dusty she sighed. She was only here once more to change her clothes and get a shower. More and more the nurses in the hosptial wing were throwing her out telling her that just because she sat there watching didn't mean Jyo would wake any sooner than if she took care of herself.

Now Ziare for one thought they had to be lucid becuase something had to bring her beloved out of the coma he was in. However, much to her dismay nothing she did worked. She lived there basically these days. Reading and talking to him telling him stories of her child hood over and over again because someone had once said that it was good to talk to someone in a coma. A kind of life line if you will. So it had been some time since she had been in the small room she loved so much.

She closed the door behind her and Kaladra flew to her perch by the window and began to preen. Ziare smiled at how the bird instantly made herself at home. First thing was first for the blonde. A shower. Entering the small bathroom she discarded her clothing and spent the next thirty minutes washing her calf length platinum hair and herself thouroughly. The next half hour was spent drying the think mass of wet hair with a hair dryer as she really didn't want to wait the hours it would take for it to dry by itsself.

The closet was next. Clothing to be worn. She rubbed her eyes sleepily. Somehow, sitting in a chair.. holding Jyo's hand.. and her head resting just on the side of his bed.. was not the most restful sleep to get. However, it was the only place she could and would sleep. Despite their best efforts the nurses had yet to get her to spend a night in her room. She didn't think she could anyway. Too many memories of the times she had spent here with her love. The picture of their first real day as a couple .. two of them one on her desk of the both of them and one on her nightstand of just him. She picked up the white frame with the red hearts and smiled. It had been one of the happiest days of her life. She missed him. Yes, he was technically still there. But there was no conversation, no touch, no love in his eyes, just a body. His mind was elsewhere and she was not able as of yet to bring it back.

She wanted to cry. Yet... she had cried so much these past days that she didn't think she had moisture enough in her body to do so any longer. Two months. Forever. Eternity. This was what it felt for Ziare. She sighed again and put the picture back on her nightstand before moving to the closet. It wasn't cold today.. thankfully. As Ziare had been neglecting herself a bit to take care of Jyo she had lost a bit of weight and became cold easily these days.

So pulling down a pair of light colored jeans and a pastel pink collared button down shirt she moved back to her bed and began to dress. It didn't take long and the last button the second one to the top was place into the whole and Ziare brushed out her very long hair. Leaving it down as per usual she placed her white tennis shoes back on her feet and headed for the door. Kal sensing her movement flew over.

As a last thought as Kal alighted on her shoulder Ziare grabbed a book of poetry from her shelf and exited her room locking it behind her. Her long fingers deftly began to move through the pages as her eyes scanned them. The cool ice blue eyes she had were those that in an evil person could pierce the heart of the most brave. But in Ziare only kindness came from them. She was kind hearted and good natured. A country girl no less but she had settled into city life rather seemlessly.

Walking out into the hall way Ziare was ready to take a small walk around the academy when..

Stop!

Kaladra's voice in her mind made Ziare stop in midstep. She knew enough about her pheonix to know that when Kal said something she meant it else she didn't speak at all. Ziare looked up only to see that she had almost run into a Knight with an owl on his shoulder. She smiled gently as she let her ice blue but kind eyes meet his own beautiful eyes. That was the thing.. eyes foretold so much. Truly it was the eyes where so much emotion lived.

"Pardon me." she said with a slight bow in her soft and sweet voice. "I was a bit busy reading and not watching where I was going. Would have run right into you had it not been for Kaladra here."

Ziare smiled again at the man who looked to be somewhere near her own age as she closed the book and lifted a hand to stroke Kaladra's chest feathers. Kal cooed softly and let her own fire blue eyes look over the man and his familiar. Ziare brought her hand back down and extended it towards him.

"I do not believe I've had the pleasure. I am Ziare Langely." she said with another smile.

[Lanji Romano]

A phoenix was one of the rarest birds in the world and not even Lanji could argue that it was not a sign of god's work. Blessed birds of holy flame and rumored to have healing ability these birds only aligned themselves with masters that were pure of heart. To have a bird like that instantly meant that you were a good person and pure of heart and soul deep down. The birds had incredible perception and only trusted those who they read as a good person. It is said that a phoenix observed a potential owner before presenting themselves dramatically as a final test before the potential owner. Truly remarkable indeed if this woman was to have such a bird at her control. Lanji turned his brown ones into her deep blue ice eyes that held something he hadn’t seen in many of the eyes here at the academy. Not only did they hold pure and deep-felt kindness but, they were also eyes that held the experiences of one who has dedicated themselves to a particular ideal. Yet there was sadness in those eyes that he couldn’t help but, miss a tragedy must have befallen her. He decided that it would probably be best to act positive and confident for her benefit and give her another cheerful aspect. For just as a knight must fight in battle they must also do everything they could to help those that were around them be it physically or in this case with this beautiful woman emotionally.

She feels pure…

She must have been busy with something…

At her bow he returned his own gracefully even in armor it was graceful and unhindered having no trouble returning it. Years of practice had taught him that neat little trick that a deep and formal bow could be done in a chain mail suit like he was wearing. He came up and gave a warm smile at her apology and waved it off with a graceful and elegant gesture as he gave her a smile.

“It is of no trouble we all haft our moments when we art distracted by either our thoughts, elegant poetry in thine case, or a most excellent book,” Lanji’s tone was formal and graceful as his tongue rolled around the elegant archaic words. He could feel no dislike from Tacet so even if she had used Dark Magic he could feel that she used it for a just cause.

Most interesting indeed to have met her…

Again another warm smile at her introduction Ziare Langely a name he would have to remember himself. This was a most fortunate meeting to have met someone who sparked his curiosity such as she did. Ah it was his own little thing he liked being curious about things. He gently took her hand and raised it in the timeless matter kissing the back of it and beautiful court-like manner as he looked up into her gaze.

“Lanji Romano, a pleasure to meet thee.”

He looked up again as he let go of her hand his own bare hand right now reaching up and gently stroked the soft plumed feathers of Tacet who hooted softly as he observed this girl. Yes a most interesting girl indeed.
“I myself was about to do some wandering. I had only recently arrived at the academy.”

He gave another smile for her benefit.

[Ziare]

The man in front of her looked like a knight in every way. He had the armor and the maners even his language it seemed was fine tuned to the man he was either trying to be or actually was. Kaladra kept quiet as she was one who spoke when it was necessary and not otherwise. Ziare and her familiar had a mutual respect for one another. The trials she and Jyo had gone through together allowed Kal to bond with him in order to speak only with him but a much deeper bond was formed between Ziare and Kaladra. It had been a very difficult and painful challenge but in the end she had passed and had been rewarded with her best friend.

The kiss on the back of her hand made her smile gently. It also made her swallow back tears that the new student did not deserve to deal with. She recalled the first time she had met Jyo. The way he had done this very thing. Kissing the back of her hand. Opening doors for her. Pulling her chair out for her. He had been the first chivalrous person she had ever met and she missed him a great deal. She looked down at her book and closed it gently. She would read the poetry later when she read it to Jyo. That was why she had grabbed the book in the first place. To read to him. Perhaps one day soon she would be reading to him holding his hand as she did every night and he would squeeze it. She longed to feel his touch again.

"A pleasure, Sir Romano." she said softly as she let her hand fall back to her side gently.

She looked up into his eyes once more when he said he was planning to wander around the academy for a bit. She smiled warmly as she nodded hugging her book to her chest she let her pale fingers run over the closed pages. She knew the academy very well and she was definatly willing to show someone new around. Besides he at least seemed to be kind and she liked his demeanor. He could definatly become friends with him she enjoyed getting to know people but had not been woried about it in some time under her current situation.

"If you wouldn't mind the company, I would like to join you." she said with a smile as she looked up at him her ice blue eyes still saddened but that was not likely to change until her beloved woke once more. She could only hope and pray that it would be soon. She was lonely in a way that she had never been before.

[Lanji Romano]

Great sadness indeed has befallen her…

The way she gazes is one of saddened grief…

Her eyes on the verge of tears yet she stays strong…

She must at least speak on this matter.

Her smile at the acceptance of courtly grace was something he did not meet with his wise eyes for that was the way he saw. He saw her smile and at the same time he nearly saw her eyes spill crystalline tears. It was saddening to see such a beautiful woman in a grief like so. Lanji’s honor demanded that he strive to at least lessen her grief by having her speak of and express why she was so saddened. It would be a most honorable endeavor to help a lady such as her who’s beauty could rival the sun yet at the same time her grief must wounding even to the most tragic of play-wrights. He nodded to himself mentally as Tacet gave a small nudge of agreement on the mental scale. While he could not yet speak words with Tacet or Fiat mentally he knew they understood his words and thus he strived with what he had just decided. Lanji gave a gentle smile to her as he stood straight

“Please let us dispense with formalities Ziare. Neither of us art in a formal occasion and it would be most trying on the both of us to strive and speak in court-like manner. Especially when thine eyes carry a sad grief about thee and your pain is most obvious. Come with me we shalt go to the cafeteria and partake of tea so that thou may share thine pain so that it does not weigh on thine soul as heavily.”

His manner was kind and gentle and while still semi-formal it was obvious he was trying to make things easier on her by dispensing with formalities. He was pleased that she knew the correct term for which he was and said it so easily slipping into his idiom without much trouble. Still her grief right now was what he needed to help her with as he gently led her with him to the cafeteria. Despite the fact that he wore armor his movement was quiet and having no trouble in moving without making much noise. This quiet movement proving that Lanji was indeed a fully trained knight for only they could move in armor like it was a second skin. He gave a gentle smile to her a kind and gently smile as he walked with her and turned his attention to her. There was only so much that could be done with standing and Lanji had the feeling that it would be better to have her sit down before she shared her pain.

“Before you protest it is of no trouble. I was instructed in such ways by my mentor to listen to the pain of others and perhaps give guidance in the way of healing. It is a knight’s duty to aide others for as they aide others they prove themselves true to the code and worthy of God’s grace.”

He was well-spoken as he walked with her into the large cafeteria motioned her to a table to sit as he went to the lines and came back with a tray that had a couple cups full of steaming tea. A pot of tea, toasted bread on a plate, butter to lightly cover them and two glasses of ice water were on the tray as well. These he carried with an easy grace as he set them on the table. He poured Ziare a glass of tea before sitting down himself the relaxing aroma of the tea reaching her nostrils.

“What troubles thee dear lady?”

[Ziare]

Shocked that she had become an instant burden on the man before her, Ziare looked up into his eyes. She had not intended to let him see but it was hard not to let the sadness and grief consume her. One of the reasons she remained sane was Armenius and Kaladra. Armenius her bond summon who could speak into her mind as well as Kal and had been with her since she had awoken that day in the woods so long ago. She smiled weakly.

"I do not want to burden you, fair sir." she said softly as he began to lead her to the cafeteria.

She looked over at him and then looked back in the direction they were going. It seemed that at least he knew where the cafeteria was. So he wasn't that new. He had at least been there a day in order to know where the cafeteria was and though a day wasn't very long it was still more than enough to know a little about the academy. She reached up with her right hand and absently petted Kal's soft chest feathers the bird nuzzling into Ziare's long blonde hair gently. She may be a sorceror but she would give the knight next to her his due respect. She didn't believe in being so informal unless he insisted something about his demeanor screamed Sir Ramano not .. my ol' friend Lanji.

Into the cafeteria she stepped she looked around at the familiar room. She hadn't eaten here in a while. Preferring to just place an order from Jyo's bedside or not eating at all depending on her mood. She didn't do much during the day anymore anyway and the two people that she had cared for most outside Jyo; Talbot and Midnight, had left the academy and so she faced the coma alone. She wouldn't run from it. In fact if anything she was more dedicated. She wanted to be Jyo's side no matter what. Because he was her best friend and he was her soulmate. She sat down in the seat he had led her to and she watched him go.

He wants to help.

But I do not want to burden him. It is a burden that is too heavy for a new friend to bare.

Sharing can only lighten the burden. And I do not see where it adds to his. Perhaps in concern but there is nothing either of you can do to help your beloved.
Perhaps it will be good to tell someone.

Indeed.

Ziare watched with her ice blue eyes as he brought the steaming tray to the table and sat it down pouring her a cup of the warm fluid. She smiled up at him before accepting the cup and watching him take his seat. He seemed so nice and so sincere that she was very curious about him in general. How he became a knight. What kind of magic he used to get here. As far as she was aware many religions considered magic sacriledge and if that was the case she was not the best person to be talking to. She was a summoner and The High Summoner of the Arcane Academy as summoning elements and summons was her only magic but she was very proficient at it.

"Well, it started two months ago really." she said softly as she took a sip of her tea and then set the cup down gently in it's saucer the gentle movement barely making a noise. "My beloved, Jyo, fell into a coma during the last Beast Revolution. I too seeing him struck down in such a way was in my own coma but only for a day. Waking I found him still in his coma and he has been such since then. It is hard for me. Not having him by my side. Most of the friends I once had have left the academy for reasons unknown and so I fight a battle alone. I spend so much time sitting beside his bed reading out loud to him the nurses make me leave to get a break. Like today. They made me leave. I'll go back in a few hours and do it again. It's why I grabbed the poetry book. A change of pace if you will."

As she explained everything she did not look up at him. She stared into her tea as if scrying but that was not her talent and it was not what she was doing. In fact, she was just trying not to cry. Trying to hold herself together for his and her benefit. Tears would not bring Jyo out of his coma any faster. Patience was what it would take and it was luckily something she had a lot of.

[Lanji Romano]

There were times when sometimes words of response weren’t necessary for the fact of the matter that they would only hinder a situation rather then benefit. One of these situations would be now as this exquisite young woman had reluctantly decided to share with him the source of her grief. The source of the tragic pain that filled her eyes and it was a heart-felt story that he in some ways could deeply understand on an innate level and in it he gained some perception. The man that she loved was in a coma-like state a state that not even the most powerful of healing magical arts could bring out of for that was a test of internal reserve and strength. Lanji understood what she was going through only to a degree he didn’t claim to be some psychologist or whatever the blasted over-paid twits were called and act like he knew everything. He did not he like her was merely mortal in the ultimate test known as life.

This was the pain that I felt.

I believe that I can help her in some ways.

At least lessen her pain.

He heard the gentle hoot from Tacet who fluttered onto the table and lightly picked at a piece of toast that he said aside for the owl. The owl had an exquisite plumage and seemed ethereal even in the lighting of the cafeteria. Tacet moved with a gentle grace as he continued to peck at the bread getting small bites. He set a small bowl of water off the tray near Tacet as he turned his attention to Ziare again. How to respond in kind without setting her off…

“I sense that Jyo would not want you to remain paralyzed in this grief or drive you to exhaustion. He would want you to maintain hope for him yet at the same time he would not want you crippled by this. Grief is something that we have to deal with on this world that we live in. It was one of the dark things that was released by the temptation of evil. While it is commendable that you stay at his side loyally he would not want you to wear yourself to exhaustion.”

He held up a calloused hand before she could speak.

“It is true that I do not know him however, you are going through the same panicked response that any loved one would give. You are wearing yourself out and you have the look of someone that while having lost weight has done it in an unhealthy fashion.”

He was honest and true as he gazed into her eyes with his own and took one of her hands gently squeezing it reassuringly. His voice had been kindly and compassionate a man who understood truly how much pain she was probably going through and didn’t criticize her but, at the same time showed concern. He patted her hand gently and he nodded at her phoenix as he gave his attention to her again his eyes holding her eyes.

“So the first thing that can be offered to help you get through this trial of life is friendship which I gladly offer if you are willing to accept. Everyone needs a friend when facing the trials of life. We are social creatures and feel the burdens of our souls more keenly when we do not have anyone to share it with.”

[Ziare]

He was right in the fact that he did not know her nor Jyo and therefore could only offer so much. She listened to what he had to say though becasue though she disagreed it didn't mean that she would ignore him. No he was an intriguing individual and she was already feeling guilty enough for not being at Jyo's side right this moment. For enjoying tea while IVs kept him alive. She didn't even want to be here at this moment. She wanted to be there. Holding his hand as she did every day letting him know she was there.

"I do not wear myself into exhaustian. I sleep there nightly. I eat. I take generally good care of myself. But I cannot abandon nor leave him. I don't want him to wake alone or think that I wasn't there. I want him to know that through everything I never lost faith.. never gave up hope. Every night I pray that the next day I'll be able to see those beautiful emerald eyes filled with the passion and love that they once held. It hurts to see him so lifeless. To see him as though he were sleeping but every day never knowing if he will indeed wake up. I want to be there when he wakes and I want to be there when he needs me because love above all is important to me. Magic even takes a back seat to Jyo. Everything is behind Jyo. He is my life." she said looking up at him with passion blazing in her eyes as she took her hand away from his.

"You misunderstand. I do not speak of love lightly. I do not say it to him just for grins. I say it because with my entire being.. with everything I am I love that man lying in a coma. I am not giving up. I will be there for better or for worse. If he wakes I will be there to celebrate the moment to enjoy it with him and to help him recover even more. If the worse happens I will be there to say goodbye and I will be there to let him know that I will see him when my own time comes. Love, is an emotion I do not give to just anyone. Devotion, it is what he deserves." she said as she finished her speel Armenius amening her in her mind.

If anything, Ziare was devoted to Jyo in a way that was both endearing and overwhelming. She wanted to be there. She needed to be there. He was the love of her life and she had never been happier than when she had met him. They had gone through so much together. Finding out about her adoption. Going on the treck to get Kal. Camping and meeting Ember. So many memories. The fireworks on her first night and the way they clicked that first day. The times they skipped class together just to spend the entire day doing whatever they felt like. The way Jyo showed her around the city and the way he helped her settle in. Taking her shopping and the way he looked at her. The way he held her and the way he ran his fingers through the long hair he loved so much.

"I may not have said my vows yet but that does not mean I do not already follow them." she said softly as she took a sip of her tea as Kal nuzzled into her one blue eye watching the man across the table. Only Kal and Armenius would understand for Kal had given Jyo a gift once. The gift of showing him exactly how Ziare felt when she was with him.

[Lanji Romano]

"I did not question thine devotion to your love. For it is most obvious the way that thou speaks of him in a most devoted and fufilled manner. Yet at the same I must point out that thou art worrying oversomuch. If he is truly as devoted to thee as thou art to him he shalt come back to the light of consciousness through the grace and glory of the all-merciful. Thou must realize that I did not question thine love or your devotion to him. Seeing thine eyes even for a single moment when thou speaks of him is as much conversation as thine impassioned words that you had just spoke only a few minutes ago. It is most pleasent to see such wonderful love and devotion and I hope the heavens bless thine union when the day comes that you truly join him through sacred vows. Yet at the same time as a friend I should not like to see thee worrying yourself to much. He shalt come back and the moment he does you may rush to his side and give him your warmth and love and see his passion filled eyes once more."

Lanji leaned back in his seat as he gently stroked the soft feathers of Tacet he not wearing his gauntlets right now as he studied this young woman before him. His gaze kindly and full of the wisdom of years of study and advice from those around him that he listened to. There was only so much that could be done it would be most interesting to see how whether or not this man would come back or not. Still he knew that he would have to show this young woman that she needed to do other activities as well to keep her body and mind healthy and prepared. While it was respectful and heart-warming to see such devotion such devotion also took a toll a deep one when the lover for whom all that devotion went to was not awake. It was the way of the world for they were humans and they had to deal with that. Tacet hooted softly and flapped his wings to strech them for a moment.

"I am merely suggesting that thou try something else to help relax thine mind so that thou art more refreshed when you see his smiling face when he awakens. You haft waited for him these past couple months and shown thine devotion if he loves thee as much as thou claims then he will not be affected by a few moments of wait when you return to his side if he awakens when you are not there. I am merely suggesthing that thou try something to refresh thine mind and hence be in better spirits when you see his gaze on yours once more."

Lanji sipped at his tea again and easily shifted despite the small rustle of his metal armor and carefully leaned back some more.

[Ziare]

Ziare sipped her tea as she watched Mr. Knight explain further what he had meant earlier. Yes, she was very devoted to Jyo. It was in her every move her every thought. He was the love of her life and it killed her not to be able to talk to him like she used to. She wasn't trying to down his beliefs or his ideas but it was apparent at least from her stand point that the one he loved if he had ever fallen in love had not been unconscious for two months.

"I understand that you are trying to help me. I really do. I just.. cannot leave him. It's hard enough to be away from him for the little I am. If I were to do something else to spend even more time away for him I would worry myself sick. If what you are worried about is my health then I fear to tell you I amd doing as best as I can right now. I appreciate your concern." she said softly as she took a sip of her tea looking down into the dark liquid her fingers randomly drumming on the table.

"I'd like to change the subject now.. because this is only making me worry more. It was hard enough to leave him for the time I have.. I really don't want to dwell on the fact that I have." she said softly as she let her hand hold up her head her long blonde hair falling across her shoulder.

"Tell me a bit about yourself, Sir Ramano." she said softly as she looked up at him her blue eyes holding back so many tears as she just longed to forget a few minutes of the pain her heart felt.

[Lanji Romano]

Lanji nodded as he listened to the young woman in front of him and drummed his fingers lightly against his tea cup as he listened politely and attentively for several moments. Truly this girl was going through a grevious and trialing period something that he would have to aide to better help her disposition and drive on getting through this. He gave her a warm and kindly smile when he heard her ask about him but, made a mental note to have her relax on the Sir part. True he was a knight but, formality was not necessary everywhere especially when he was not in his armor as he relaxed in his seat some more and considered what to tell her for a few momemts. The order had sent him here to show that the Church had it's own style of magic and was not to be treated as insignificant. There was a more malign note to it but, he chose not to think about it.

"It is just Lanji. This is a non-formal setting Ziare and I would not want thee constrained with troublesome formality. For with formality it is harder to be a friend."

He gave a smile at her and considered her question again.

"I am a knight as you say I was trained by Baron Zackerie Vestos a most intelligent knight who trained me in the arts of swordsmanship, etiquette, chivalry, and riding. My magic was taught to me through him as well since he and I are of similar magical ability. He is more like an adoptive father to me them my mentor as I lived with him during most of my training. I lived in Italy all my life and did quite a bit of riding to explore the areas around the place I lived. The countryside is always a beautiful place to ride. My ability in the magical realm rely on defensive and healing magics for the most part."

He sipped his tea and set it down.

"And what of you? Why not tell me a bit of yourself? And as an additional question what is your magical talent?"

[Ziare]

Ziare listened to his story and tried to put thoughts of her love behind her for a few moments and just relax. Truly that was a taxing thing to ask of the girl. She was definatly so used to focusing on Jyo for the last two months it was hard for her to focus on anything else. Right now though listening to the story she was able to just concentrate on that and that alone.

When he asked her about herself she was unsure of what to say because some of it if she elaborated at all could get rather lengthy. But he was worth some of the information after all he was trying to be a friend.

"Let's see. I grew up in a small country town of Rosewood, England. It's one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone else and you walk everywhere unless you are lucky enough to have a horse. There with my two sisters and three brothers I grew up in a small little house. My powers awoke one day when my older sister and I were out in the woods and it was odd because no one ever in my family looked like me nor had magic. Everyone has brown hair and brown eyes but I am platinum blonde with ice blue eyes." she said with a smile.

"I found out recently I was born in that house but by a different mother. My mother Zarina died giving birth to me after sustaining injuries from an attack of some sort. So I was raised by my family as their own and I never knew any different. Until I stumbled upon it on a recent visit home. I came here to learn and become better at my magic. I like it here. So many friendly people and I can go home and visit when I need to." she said softly.

"As for my magic, I'm a summoner. I summon beings from the different elements." she looked at him and nodded and summoned with thought alone her light element Noxanna. The fairy flew around the table by them her wings carrying her every where she was made of light and pure light alone yet you could still see her features. "This is Noxanna my light summon. Each summon has their properties but I am bonded by birth to one, my fire summon Armenius. I'd have to summon him outside there are too many tables and Armenius is huge as he grows not only with my emotions but with my skill."

[Lanji Romano]

So she was from England now that was rather interesting since he had been to England during one particular training trip to test his navigation ability. He smiled at Ziare as he listened to her speak of her home with slight excitement but, he could tell that she was fairly interested in her home and that she still loved it. That was good to know while this Academy was truly a sanctuary in a way it was not a true home for most of the students here for home was where you were raised during your younger years. Where England was Ziare's homeland, Italy was his own and he could perfectly see and understand. What did catch his interest however, was that her magic came to her and spontanity.

Is magic directly related to a person's maturity then?

I will have to bring that question up to the Abbot when I go back to visit Vactician City.

It would be an interesting study.

Lanji continued listening although by then Ziare was done speaking and he listened as she summoned one of her creatures. It was a faery-like creature that one would expect to emerge from a faery tale not the forbidden arts of magic-users. Was all magic directly related to hell then? Most interesting indeed he'd have to note that in his journal as he listened to her and nodded. She had even more spells? Hrmmmm.

"Well I must say my magic isn't nearly as impressive but, I have a few unique spells myself that probably wouldn't be seen here."

He concentrated his energy for a moment and a tower shield of brilliant and pure holy energy shimmered to his side for a moment. He let it stay up for several moments before he dispelled the energy so he wouldn't waste it.

"So would you be willing to perhaps show me around the city? It feels like a true maze."

[Ziare]

With a thought and nothing more the fairy disappeared and Noxanna was no more. It really didn't cost Ziare that much to cast nor keep the summons hence why she could keep so many at once. That was really all she could do was summon beings and they themselves had magic.

She looked over at Lanji as he described his own magic vaguely and she nodded and gave him another smile. She liked learning about other magics because she found them so very interesting. She looked up as he asked her to show him around the city.

"Sure, it would be my pleasure. What exactly are you looking for?" she asked.

She and Jyo had done a lot of exploring of the city in the time that they had been together and she knew it very well so she thought. She always seemed to be able to find what she needed when she needed it. She stood up gently and Kal took off flying back down the hallways going towards the dorms once move.

"Shall we, then?"

[Lanji Romano]

"Hrmmm I'm a rather avid book reader so knowing a good bookstore is something that I'd rather like to know. Then mayhap a nice place to go for eating out every once in awhile since I rather like the setting of some restaurants and the possible socialization. Hrmmmm just mostly getting to know the study I wouldn't like to stay on the Academy grounds all the time. Tis a good chance to explore and not only have a knowledge of the area nay tis also a good way to meet new people. After all if I will be staying for awhile then I must be able to find my way around. Even as a knight I could never stay in one place I always liked moving around and exploring the area until I was satisfied or my energy used."

Lanji said with a small smile as he too stood and whispered something to Tacet. The owl hooted softly and took off on silent wings before gently fluttering away. Tacet himself was heading back to the dorms as Lanji turned his attention to Zaire and gave a small and relaxing smile at her. He pushed his chair up neatly as he walked with her out of the cafeteria. It was most fortunate to have met her indeed since she seemed like a rather good person. This was something that was very benificial as he was learning that not everyone was a blasphemy of God some were just born into it. Fate simply decided them that way and if they still believed in the Almighty then all was well in the world.

We shalt see where this all goes.

"I am at thine merciful generosity then as I have no clue where to go in this city."