A starlight melody (open)

[madelyn]

It was dark out. The stars were high in the sky. The light colored dots against the black sky. It was a beautiful night. No clouds and a crisp breeze. She sat gently on the balcony as she looked up at the most beautiful stars. It was a time when she was lonely and had no one to share with. Because her husband was indeed gone. His death had been a near two months ago and she sighed softly as she opened the case to her silver flute. All she wanted in life was to feel his arms around her one more time, to hear him say her name one last time. But at least she had her memories. She had all those days and times they had spent together and a huge photo album of their pictures together so that she would forever remember those days and never forget.

She was a small girl. Pregnate with twins and that mad her stomach rather large because she was far along in her pregnancy. She had til April, she would give birth then and she would give birth to Jonathan's legacy. It was something she did indeed look forward to because she had loved him with all her being and now she was alone, save for the two small beings that rested in her large stomach. She placed her hands on them gently rubbing as she picked up her flute and smiled.

Raising it to her lips her eyes closed, the violet blue depths now blind to the world as she played. Played to the heart of the night and the stars that hung above. She played to the beauty of the day and the times that she cherished. It was a beautiful song. Because her magic and her music were one those that heard the song would be filled with an intense love. Because she didn't play just to the night. She was serenading the love of her life, her angel, her Jonathan to sleep with her love song. One that would indeed make any heart bloom and blossom as if nothing could touch them. It was a song that would remind you of you have loved, had loved, and did love. It was a love song that surpassed the ages and her talent was not dry. She could play, and play well. And tonight, Madelyn Winters played from her heart.

[Jason]

Now that... That is a tune beyond the skill of others. it's magical in a very real way. Thought Jason who was sitting on the arch which made the doorway to the balcony. He had been half-asleep thinking about home and had not even noticed anyone come out. He had been feeling the first bit of homesickness. But when he heard that wonderful tune his feelings turned warm instead of sad as all he remembered were things back home that made him happy. His family and his last girlfriend Kristen. He listened as the tune went on and being a person of deep emotions it touched him very deeply.

He waited until it was over and looked down surprised to see the person who struck up this melody that reached him this was was in fact the girl he had met on new Year's Eve. Madelyn he believed her name was. He had left seeing that a close friend had come by figuring he wouldn't intrude on them. He slid down gracefully landing on his feet at the entrance to the balcony with a gentle thump. He had on his normal clothing. The red and yellow shirt with his jeans and sneakers. But as it was night and getting cold for his thin frame he had thrown on a long heavy white trench coat.

"That... You know I'm not even going to try and describe how beautiful that was Madelyn. I never really was touched by music like that before tonight." He said softly with a wistful smile. He knew at some point he would love to hear it again.

[Shin Daisuke]

A song… A beautiful melody floated through the air… Shin had only been at the academy a single day, meeting Jason earlier on and finding a friend in him. And now, this melody that sent his heart soaring into the heavens was playing on his ears like the sweetest of whispers from a goddess he had never met, yet somehow had known all his life. He looked down from his balcony, and spied a young woman with a flute, her face radiant, and her stomach containing the life of an unborn. Shin reached to his side and pulled out his deck, filling through his cards until he came to the one he wanted, and slipped the rest into the holster.

“Ril'qua'al” He whispered, and gently, his form changed. His eyes became a deep green, as that of a midsummer leaf, and his hair started to flow, as though to the rhythm of the melody. His skin changed its tone to a beautiful emerald colour, and in his hands appeared a flute similar to that of the girls. He saw Jason, the boy from earlier approached her, and commended her on the music she played. Shin climbed over his own balcony and slid down onto hers, landing gently on the edge of it, readying his flute. “Then how about a duet?” His voice was echoed a half second later by a melodic, serene voice.

[madelyn]

The song played out merrily into the night. Beauty it was that she played. The notes seemed to live inside her the only channel was the flute that lay gleaming in the cresent moon light. The moon was blue tonight, an odd color yet so beautiful the kind that seemed to make everything take on that near black and white experience. Madelyn sat on her balcony and her eyes were still closed unaware that someone was appreciating her tune, and feeling the emotions in the song that she played out to the man that had stolen her heart, and made her more whole in the long run.

When the song ended everything was silent for a moment. Even the wind seemed to give pause to the young girls song for a brief time as she waited and then opened her eyes. The most expressionistic and fiercly beautiful voilet blue eyes opened and looked into the night. Up into the sky staring at the star she had picked for Jonathan this night. She had been told some time ago, by a friend that when someone died they became a start and she believed that Jonathan was up there now, listening, his beautiful wings flapping as he knew that though she had moved on in life, she had never and would never forget him.

A voice from behind startled the young girl and she jumped. Her long blonde pony tail swayed softly as she turned around and saw the boy from the New Years party. If she remembered right his name was Jason. He said that he could not describe her music and she smiled softly as she nodded in thanks. Most didn't realize but for the most part the girl was a mute. Not speaking unless she had to, and there was rarely a time that was needed. Only those she had given complete trust to had ever heard her speak and that ammounted to three people in eleven years. Jonathan the first, Keiya the second, and most recently Lucian, her best friend.

She blushed at the compliment but suddenly someone came down onto her balcony and she was up out of her chair and across the balcony as far away as she could get. Her eyes wide with fear as she stared at the new arrival with the fierce green eyes that seemed to hold her for some reason. A flute.. it was in his hand shimmering in the moonlight like her own that was clasped hard in her hand. No she didn't go around hurting people with it, but she definatly didn't let anyone else touch it unless she had to. It was the first thing she had ever owned and it meant a great deal to her. The green boy asked for a duet. Luckily, for him, her favorite color was green. She swallowed audibly and nodded but stayed on her side of the balcony. She didn't trust either of them, the green one most of all.

She began to play. And this time she played her song of the forest. The one that not only made you think of the forests of home, or the forests here close by. But if done just right it made things grow. Even in winter the vines on the balcony came to life under her very song blooming into the most beautiful array of flowers as she waited for the newcomer to join in.

[Jason]

Jason tilted his head curiously at the lack of a verbal response. but then again it wasn't his place to truely expect one. He was about to comment again when someone showed up. Jason recognized him as Shin whom he had already met. Have gave a nod in return and then before he could say anything a duet was offered and Madelyn apparently accepted. He listend and one more memories flooded him. Running through the woods with his best friend as children. His times spent with Kristen out in the woods.

He looked down and saw the vines responding to the music. he reached out touching one and let it curl around his finger a bit before pulling his hand back. he contented himself to listen to what was played for the time being.
Music truely coming from the heart and soul. how interesting. He thought.

[Shin Daisuke]

Shin closed his eyes and listened to the tune she played. He was reminded of the green forests surrounding his home, and even the forest spirit in its card seemed to emanate an energy into Shin. This girls music was beyond good, but the muse he had summoned wasn’t about to just turn in because of that. He brought his own flute to his lips, and began to play the tune, combining his notes with her own, although his did not produce the same effect, the sound was soothing and played upon Shin’s ears as sweetly as a warm breeze in the summertime. His hair danced with the music, flowing as though both wind and water were commanding it in an orchestra of movement, played dutifully to the tune that was flying through the air.

He gently blew into the flute, matching note for not the song that she played, the muse Ril'qua'al pre-empting those that she had yet to play. The song flowed on for a good minute or two, before they both were brought to a crescendo, and the song faded into the blackness of the night. Shin smiled happily and opened his eyes. “Ril'qua'al says she has never in her life heard such music… And coming from a music muse, that’s a pretty good compliment” He said happily, gently holding his flute out. A green glow surrounded him slowly, and the changes in his body faded, transforming the flute into the muse’s card.

“I think your music’s beautiful too” He added with a warm smile, his eyes gently cradling the young girl as he slipped the card into the deck on his right hip. “Such an interesting place… So much magic, such beautiful buildings, and now music that makes even the world around it dance to the tune… I think I like it here” He said to both Jason and the girl, his smile becoming more happy go lucky.

[madelyn]

When the man that was green began to play with her it seemed to make her want to play even better. But she held it back. Her songs had recently become more powerful and what she longed to do was to just let go and play to the forest and see the world around them bloom but it was not the case. She held back the magic since it was a private show and she wasn't one to show off nor one that liked to call attention to herself. Instead she just enjoyed her time here with these students.

The song ended and she left her eyes closed for a moment like she always did. If she sang her songs had more power but for now because she didn't like to speak she played her flute which was almost equally potent. It was then that her violet blue eyes opened and she smiled brightly at the boy across the way. He told her that a muse, thought that she played beautifully and she blushed deeply the red coloring her pale cheeks as she looked at him. He was nice, it seemed. But the thing that meant the most to her was when he transformed into a normal boy.

At first she thought it was strange and she pulled back a bit. But when he began talking to her he locked eyes with her. Such kind eyes. Kind like she had not seen since Keiya. Whom had disappeared and she missed dearly. Locking eyes with him. Her own eyes carressing back. She stepped forward. He knew how to speak through his eyes as much as his words and to a silent girl whose eyes spoke before her words it meant the world to her when she could find someone that understood her. She blushed softly as she slowly as if in a daze walked over to him her eyes never once breaking from his. Her eyes questioning, asking, who he was and why he was here. Why did he know her own language. How had he learned to speak with his eyes. She stood in front of him looking up gently as she cocked her head to the side as if completing the question.

Jason was for the moment forgotten. Because he didnt have the right, language so to speak. He was nice enough, but this boy, had something special and she was attracted to it.

[Jason]

Jason looked over when the music stopped. He saw the way the two of them looked at each other and much like on New Years he had the familiar feelings of being left out. He had the feeling that they weren't ignoring him on purpose really. He just didn;t seem to fit in. it was similar to the rest of the Academy. He liked it here and was happy. But he was the only one he knew of that had no magical background except for a couple weeks ago. Jason tool the time to look out at the stars and think for a while while Madelyn and Shin had their moment. Had he been interested in either of them in other ways except as friends he would have probably been feeling pretty bad right now.

But then Jason was one to understand how others felt. It wasn't a magical thing. he just could pick up on the mood of others and he knew he really didn't fit into this situation. Jason walked over to the edge of the Balconey putting his hands on the railing and looking out over the Academy. He raised his right hand letting some of his mana manafest in a soft green aura around his hand.
Just to think. I's not even been a month since I learned about magic. Now I'm seeing all forms. Even magic in music. Such powers here. I didn't think there could be such a variety. How could I even start to match up with others when my powers are so... basic. He thought. He wasn't really depressed at all. It was just the calmness and the music relaly got him thinking tonight.

[Shin Daisuke]

As the girl slowly approached Shin, he let his eyes fall in line with her own. She was a very fragile looking girl, and though she spoke no words, she had much to say. They questioned him, wished of his answers… Her head turned to the side and Shin reacted in a slow, gentle manner. His hand rose and he placed a single finger over his lips, then gently moving it forward and placing it on hers, barely touching her soft pale skin. “I can communicate with the spirits of the world, and I can read the soul of mankind… Words mean little on that level, and so to me, your intentions are as clear as the night sky.” He removed his finger, placing his hand against the railing he was sitting on.

His eyes told a tale of beauty and serenity. His own soul was quiet and tranquil, and he let her know this. There was no fear to be had this night, no sorrow or worry. Shin let her know that he wished her a pleasant night, and, with his smile, gave a gentle condolence for the man to whom she played. “Your children are lucky” He said simply, his eyes not diverting from her own.

[madelyn]

Surprise flitted across her face as she looked at the man in front of her. He touched his lips and then her own. Normally she wouldn't let anyone touch her that she had just met. But this boy. There was something different about him. Almost an instant trust and she couldn't understand what it was. But he explained and she listened her eyes growing wide when he told her that he could see her soul. Communicate with her that way. She smiled brightly. Something that could read her clearly was indeed a god send. Many times messages got mixed up and it was hard, harder than one might imagine to read eyes.

He told her that her children were lucky and she blushed. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know why they were lucky and she continued to look at him softly. She said nothing but as a sign of trust her hand reached out gently and touched his hair. Tucking the soft lengths behind his ear. It was one of her favorite things to do, she had always done it with Jonathan. She smiled softly as they were connecting faster than she had ever connected with someone.

Pulling her hand back softly and slowly she looked into his eyes. He was gentle and kind. She could see that. It was there, the purity of his soul. The trust and the softness that he had within him. Her heart seemed.. to melt a bit. Like it hadn't done since Jonathan. The walls softened as she looked at him. How were her children lucky and why was it so easy to be close to someone she just met. It was in her eyes these questions as she looked up at him.

[Shin Daisuke]

Shin smiled a warm and comforting smile as she tucked his hair behind his ear. It felt nice having her do such a simple thing, and he did not question why, he simply accepted her gentle gesture. Her very soul was filled with questions. “Because they are yours” He said simply in response to the first ponderance she gave. And then, a somewhat more difficult question was made apparent. Why was it so easy for her to accept him? Why did she feel so at ease? His head slanted to one side a moment as he wondered just this.

“I guess, because I’ve given you something you lack. Someone who knows just what your heart feels.” He gently touched her small hand, sliding his under it and gently holding it up between them. “Your soul is a wounded one, betrayed by those you trusted, and now you have lost one very dear to yourself… You fear much, but I am not the evil from your past… And something inside you senses it” He told her carefully, his thumb gently caressing the back of her hand. “You trust me because I know your purity, and would never harm it” He added, a final statement of truth to answer her.

He could feel her tender hand in his own, and noticed not only the size difference, but also the different feeling contained in it. His hand was gentle, yet strong. But hers felt just as frail and precious as she looked. She was a pure spirit, terrified that the world would soil her. He understood this, and found it a beautiful thing.

[madelyn]

He answered her first question and a smile crossed her face. She looked into his eyes and she blushed a bit. He was complimenting her and he didn't even know her, not really at all. But that didn't matter. He didn't know her name and that didn't matter either. Her eyes couldn't leave his. There was something about him that made her trust him. Made her want to be with him even more now. To touch him gently to be his friend and get to know everything she could about him her eyes searched him curiously.

He reached down and took her hand. Gently her hand closed around his gently. It was almost an impulse. She couldn't explain it but she was locked in his eyes. She took a step forward her flute still in one of her hands. His hand, his thumb, gently stroking the back of her own. It felt amazing. It felt as though it was speaking right to her soul. He told her that she knew deep down they were both pure and she nodded softly. He was right. She could read it in his eyes and he could read it in her soul. He was someone, that she could just connect with him. It was.. almost scary.

"Madelyn." she whispered ever so softly.

Her name. She wanted him to know her name. She needed him to see that she trusted him. She never spoke. Not really but she wanted to know him. Wanted to know more about him. Her thumb stroked the back of his hand. She was close now, closer than before her eyes still not leaving his. In a way she was scared of how close they were getting already. But in another way she was completely intruiged by what they had found so suddenly. His eyes and hers they needed no words. She smiled softly at him asking his name. Asking about him she wanted to know about him. She wanted to know everything. Everything.

[Shin Daisuke]

Her voice was so soft, it was almost as though a mist had gently blown past, leaving only a lingering memory of its sound. Her name was Madelyn… A beautiful name, and one that Shin committed to memory instantly. “My name is Shin…” He told her slowly. “And thank you” He whispered, referring to her trusting him enough to speak. He could tell that she wasn’t the type to ever use words. It wasn’t who she was… But he understood this, and the fact that she spoke to him made him feel as though she truly felt a comfort within him.

She closed the gap between them even more, and Shin felt her thumb caressing the back of his own hand. He also noticed the tight grip she had on her flute, realizing that it must be a very special object to her, far beyond that of a simple utility for her magic. His eyes softened, and he let her know that she was safe now. Her knuckles whitened as she gripped the instrument, and he wondered if it was subconscious. He stayed his hand however, not wishing to threaten her flute by trying to touch her other hand.

Her eyes yearned to learn everything about him, and his smile became very calming and soft. “In due time Madelyn… Such tale’s are best saved for when time is inconsequential, and we can become lost in that which we cherish as our fondest memories” He told her gently. “For now… If you feel you trust me enough…” He slowly slid down from his perch, and stood upon the ground with her. Slowly, he slid his arms over hers, and he took her into a careful, warm hug.

“The language of the soul speaks not only through the eyes, but through all the senses…” His hand carefully caressed her back. “Touch is one of the most intimate expressions of this” He spoke slowly and with a warmth to his voice that would make anyone feel at home. “Trust in me, oh pure soul. Trust in me, oh Madelyn.” He spoke in a poetic tongue as he let her become lost to her senses.

[madelyn]

His name was Shin. A name that sounded Japanese in origin. She smiled. Liking the name. He seemed so sweet that she was trusting in him completely. There was something about him and his soul that seemed to call to her as if she was under a spell her mind was foggy she couldn't think at all. Nothing at all. She blushed as he told her that he wouldn't give her his story just yet. That he would tell her though, just not yet. Later, when the time was right he would tell her.

She nodded softly and he slid off the railing. He came to her telling her that there was something a bit more important. His arms rose and let go of her hand. Running up her arms he moved in and hugged the smaller thin girl. She tensed at first listening to his voice. She sighed softly as she moved into him and hugged him back. Her hand gently sat her flute down on the table close by releasing her tight grip. She blushed softly as she hugged him back. His hands stroked her back and she relaxed in his arms. She listened to him as he asked her to trust him and she nodded softly.

Most didn't understand how much could be expressed through touch. Few did. But right now, he did. He seemed to understand her like no one since Jonathan. It was amazing that she had met him at all that this chance meeting had givent them something to bond with. Her hand didn't stroke his back. But it gripped his shirt softly and gently. She closed her eyes softly trusting him completly. Her other hand rose, and took her hair from it's pony tail letting the wind play with it's long platinium blonde lengths. She sighed softly as she stood there in his arms.

I want to know you. She said through her touch and her sigh. I.. trust you.

[Shin Daisuke]

Shin felt her grip his shirt, and knew her answer. He rose one hand and softly stroked her hair, like a father would to comfort his daughter. ‘Thank you’ He told her silently. He had arrived at the academy, alone and unsure of how he would survive in such a place… But now he knew that he had a purpose. And not just something he had been told to do by everyone. This was something he wanted to do. Something he decided of his own will. He would look after this girl and her children…

Slowly, he broke away from the hug, and he smiled at her, repeating her own act and gently brushing her hair behind her ear. “You’re quite stunning in the moonlight” He said genuinely, smiling as he did so, now leaning back against the railing again. His eyes drew upwards for the first time in a while and he saw Jason looking out across the courtyard, lost in thought. He looked back to Madelyn and spoke softly. “He’s not a bad guy. He’s just lived a different life” He told her, his eyes saying that she shouldn’t worry about him. He would not ask that she trust him, for Shin knew that it was not something she could give easily. But he did wish her not to fear him, or be too nervous with him. “Give it time… I’m sure you’ll see he’s a nice guy” He said with a kind wink.