Spirits of the Earth

Phoenix was a glassblower. Glass breaks easily. So, when he was about to finish something brilliant, it did something very expected: it broke.

Phoenix was not happy.

After a few hours of stalking around his home, seething and grumbling, tearing apart a letter that he didn't want to read any further and stubbing his toe, he decided to go for a walk. A very long walk.

He packed a few things, including a small lunch, and headed out of his home, locking the door tight. He headed out of Arca. He sat and ate lunch and hour after stopping, then continued, further and further. Soon enough, the city had gotten smaller and smaller. The land was as such so he could see for quite a long time in many directions, the only he could not see for what seemed to be forever were with some hills in the distance. Though, the grass was getting high where he was going. He had gone off the path, not wanting to deal with people. He soon found himself up to his thighs in tall grass. The flowers scattered about were very nice, but he didn't care about them at that time. He came to a river in some time, sitting on a dry spot of land. He munched absently on a bit of leftover from his previous lunch absently. He still had some snacks with him. He found himself calm now and settled into his thoughts.

Phoenix wouldn't have known it, but ever since he entered the long grass, he had a stalker. The long grass was the perfect place for someone like her to hide, stalking her prey. Not that she saw him as prey, he was much too large and probably powerful. Also, she didn't exactly care for the taste of humanoids. Actually, she didn't exactly care for hunting much at all. She wasn't bloodthirsty enough for hunting proper. Her brother had always been the hunter and provider, but her brother wasn't around anymore. Nisha had been reduced to a scavenger and begger, but she took it all in stride.

It had been the tantalizing smell of his food that drew her to follow him. Her body was lean when she was well-fed, but now she looked lanky and scrawny. Her fur was matted in places and fairly dirty. Her grey eyes were filled with a strange determination, though. When he left the tall grass to sit on a clear patch by the river she stopped short, staying in her hiding place and crouching down to watch him silently. Although it was really the food she was watching. Her long tail flickered as she contemplated how best to go about getting some scraps for herself.

The man continued to eat, his eyes fixed upon nothing. He took small bites of his food, chewing slowly. His thoughts were taking him to his sister, his mother, and finally, his father. What a bastard. Why did his mother ever make it with a demon? He couldn't figure that one out. He mumbled past his food.

Strangely to him, it felt like someone was watching him. He sat up a bit straighter, but didn't look around himself. That would be silly. He didn't want them to know he knew of their presence. Well, if there was actually someone there. Phoenix's eyes came to focus again, and he stared at the river. He wondered if they were behind him. Sighing, he came to the conclusion that he was simply paranoid. He threw a bit of the harder to eat parts over his shoulder just shy of the grass without a second glance and kept eating.

Nisha watched and waited patiently. She'd found that many times hunters would leave the less desirable scraps of their kills behind, and picnickers were quick to also simply toss aside what they themselves didn't want. As she watched the man, her patience finally paid off and her grey eyes zeroed in hungrily on the scrap he'd thrown within reach. Ah, but it was just outside the grass. Hrm, she could wait and see if he threw more and retrieve her prize once he was gone. She licked her lips hungrily and found her stomach too impatient to even wait that long.

Keeping one eye on Phoenix and the other on the food, she slowly and silently creeped forward just a little, stretching her neck and head out of the grass and carefully took it in her mouth. Fighting the urge to gobble it down right then and there she pulled her head back into the grass, trying to make as little sound as she could as she scarfed down her prize. Her brother would have looked at her in disgust, but since Gavin wasn't there to feed her, she had to make do with what she could get.

Phoenix was munching on his meal when he heard the grass stir slightly. Perhaps he had been correct. Despite himself, he turned, looking behind him casually. He furrowed his brow in confusion. He hadn't heard the scrap he tossed fall in the tall grass, but it was nowhere to be seen. He glanced up at the tall grass. Though the grass was very thick and hid whoever may be in there, he supposed it must be some animal. As his sense of smell was better that the average human's, he could tell something was there. He just didn't know what in the world it would be.

He turned back around, then got up. He shoved the last of his food in the bag on his lap and sat next to the river, dipping his feet in. He stared forward, away from where he tossed his scrap. He absently dipped a finger in the water, watching it go past his hand.

Nisha had crouched as far down as she could and froze as the man looked in her direction. Of course she was really good at hiding, so she didn't really expect for him to see her. That didn't keep her from relaxing slightly as he turned away. There was always that chance of being discovered.

Her ears drooped as he put the rest of the food away and moved to sit with his feet in the water. Now he was even further away! Her nose lifted in the air and sniffed. She knew he still had food, she had seen it! She could smell it still.

For a few moments she simply watched him, tail flickering as she puzzled the problem over in her head. He had food. She wanted that food. Nisha didn't think she could simply waltz over and take it from him. He was much bigger than she was, and she wasn't much of a fighter. There wasn't much else for it, though. She would have to approach him or leave to find another, easier, meal.

Creeping slowly out from her hiding place, her neck was stretched forward, her nose twitching as she zeroed in on his bag. If she got close enough maybe she could grab the bag and make a run for it. Hey, it was worth a shot.

Phoenix flicked his finger in the water to and fro absently. It was a strange thing for him to be actually calm, for once. He had his pants legs rolled up to his knees, and he noticed that they were damp anyway. He didn't really care. It was a mild day, not too hot but not cold either. The water was cool, flowing past him evenly.

His calm feeling was interrupted when he heard a quiet noise behind him, a noise that was barely even there. He was sure it was some sort of animal, for people weren't that quiet. Whatsoever. He listened, his hearing not as sharp as his smell or his eyes, but rather like that of a normal human. He didn't know what was behind him, but he knew it was there. He could almost feel it close to him. He quickly turned his head around, staring at whatever was there.

Phoenix stared at the animal for a moment, then tossed some food at it. What a scrawny creature. "Take it, eat it. I don't want more of this." He proceeded to toss the rest of the food near it. "Put some bulk on you, it will."

Nisha had tried to be as quiet as possible as she crept towards her goal. When he suddenly turned to face her, she stopped mid-step. For a moment she could only freeze in uncertainty. He didn't run and didn't attack, so she put her foot back down and settled back onto her haunches. The game was up, she'd lost, but at least he didn't seem angry about her presence.

Then he threw her some food and for a moment all she could do was look at it curiously. Once se decided that it wasn't some kind of a trick she was quick to pounce on it. Her long tail wagged happily as she ate the scraps as fast as she could. It was almost like she was afraid someone or something was going to take it from her. As she swallowed the last bit she sniffed the ground where he'd thrown the food, looking for anymore morsels.

When she didn't find any she walked over to Phoenix, sniffing him curiously now that she'd gotten what she'd wanted from him she could at least check him out, since he didn't seem hostile. Her long tail was still swaying slightly as she examined him.

Phoenix stared at this...strange...creature before him. He kept thinking about how...thin it was. Not healthily thin, but underfed. The animal snatched it up so quickly, as if it was starving. He wouldn't be surprised if it was. This idea confused him, as the area was full of game. He wondered why this animal wasn't hunting. Perhaps it had been too weak to get food. Maybe it wasn't a native animal and escaped from some trader who'd been feeding it badly. He related to this animal somehow. Something that didn't fit, either. He returned the curious look he was given. He wasn't sure what manner of creature he had been visited by. He wondered if the other knew he was strange as well.

"Uh, sorry I don't have more food for ya, friend." He stayed still, not wanting to be frightening. "But I think I could go get some more, if you want me to." He slowly stood up, looking down at his companion. "Come on, I'll get you something from my house." He started walking the way he'd came. He knew where he was going, as he took the same route a few times. He hoped she was following him. He wasn't normally the type to do things like this, but something made him want to help this new friend of his.

While he was staring at her she stared right back at him. Strange creature, he smelled funny. Not a human, they smelled much different than this one. As she sniffed at him she puzzled over what he could be. Well, for a little bit, anyway, once he started talking to her she tilted her head cutely to the side, ears perked up. Food? He wanted to get more food? And he wanted to share?! Aha! She liked this strange one! Her tail wagged furiously as he mentioned getting more food.

Nisha continued to look up at him as he rose to his feet and started walking. Like a little puppy, she followed him, practically prancing now. Perhaps it was a bit naive to follow him home, but she always was a bit on the trusting side. Not really a good trait to have, but what could she do? Besides, how bad could it be? He wanted to give her food!

Phoenix suppressed a chuckle as his new companion became incredibly excited at the mention of food. What an amusing creature. Her eyes were sparkling at the mention of food. Not much unlike any hound would. He was thinking about patting her on the head, but didn't want to get his hand bitten or something.

They continued until they reached the city borders. There, he turned to her and said, "Now, stay here. You hear? Stay in this place. There are people over where I live who...don't like animals." He jogged off.

Returning a few minutes later, he handed a chunk of meat to her. "Here. It's good, have it." He leaned against a tree while she ate it. Or rather, inhaled it.

"Sorry I don't have more." He slid down the trunk of the tree, sitting now. "What now?" He sighed and prodded at the earth near his feet. He was too irritated with his work still, and there wasn't much else to be done.

Nisha followed and obediantly sat and waited when she was told. She usually didn't come this close to towns. People meant food, yes, but they could also be terribly cruel. Never, ever had she actually ventured within the walls of a city. Her brother Gavin had gone into them frequently, though. Idly she wondered what had happened to him. He had always brought her food, but not anymore. She missed him terribly.

Her attention returned to the nice strange one as he came back. When he offered her the meat she snatched it happily and devoured it as quickly as she could. When you couldn't catch your own meals, and couldn't defend it against other scavengers, you ate when you could, as fast as you could. It was just standard nature.

When she finished Nisha licked her lips. It felt good to have a decently full belly for the first time in weeks. Not getting more food was probably good for her. Like most starved animals, she'd have probably ate herself sick if given the opportunity.

She watched him, her head once more tilted with perked ears in that adorable puppy way of hers. Her tail flickered as he asked a strange question. Slinking over on she laid down beside him and laid her chin on his leg, letting out a large and content sigh. A strange, strange one, yes, but he'd given her food, so that made him alright in her books.

Phoenix watched her as she came over to him and rested her head on his leg. He patted her on the head, and returned his hand to making patterns in the dust. He thought of his sister, who was nothing like him. Who could turn into a wolf. He sighed deeply. He wished he knew where she was. Though he would never admit it, he missed her. They had been with each other all the time when they were younger. Playing in the dirt and other silly child things.

He turned his gaze to his new friend. This creature had taken a liking to him...perhaps he would keep her around. If she wanted to stay, that is, for a little while. Not forever or anything. He figured there was no animal on the face of the earth that wanted to stay with a human forever. They were wild things.

Phoenix shifted a bit, irritated by the way his energy was being sapped by hiding his wings and tail. He nudged his companion to show her he was going to get up and did so. "Let's go a bit more in the forest. Don't want any people coming by and bothering us." He walked a bit into the forest away from the path. There he stopped and turned to her. "I hope I don't scare you." He let his wings and tail appear. It felt much better to be in this form. He sat down again, on a rock this time. His tail curled around him. He wondered why he was talking to this animal he had met, but it seemed like she understood somehow. "I don't even know what I am, but I guess it doesn't matter, huh." He frowned a bit.

Nisha might have been content to take a nap there, using the strange, kind human-thing as a pillow, she gave a light wag of her tail as he patted her on the head. She didn't mind getting petted by people. As long as they weren't yelling and throwing things. It made her sad when they did mean things like that to her.

Her eyes had closed by the time he nudged her, but she grudingly got up and looked at him curiously before following him into the trees. It confused her when he left the path. Didn't human-things like their strange little roads? There was even more puzzlement when he mentioned not wanting to scare her. For a moment she wondered if he really thought she could understand him. Most human-things assumed that she was nothing more than a dumb animal, but she liked this human-thing. He actually spoke to her.

When he took on wings and a tail, Nisha started. Her grey eyes regarded him strangely. Ah, he was one of those special human-things that could do neat tricks and look like something else. To Nisha, in the end, they were all still human-things. She watched him settle down on the rock and tilted her head to look at him. When he said he didn't know what he was she snorted and looked at herself, then looked back to him, as if to say 'yeah? And what do you think I am?'

Phoenix was sure she could understand him when she answered him with a gesture that made him smile a little. Well, at least he wasn't alone. In all honesty, he didn't have that many friends, or at least, real friends that didn't want things of him. It was nice to talk.  He was glad she wasn't afraid of him. Though he was used to being an object of fear, and sometimes enjoyed scaring the wits out of some people, it got tiring. He said, "Hey, at least I'm not alone in that." A tone of amusement was in his voice. "So, I suppose you're not from around here?"

He looked thoughtful for a moment. "And what's your name?" He wondered if she could reply, or simply listen. As a dragon, he couldn't speak, so he was curious.

Nisha gave him a toothy, wolfish grin as he spoke to her in his amused voice. Her tail swished slightly as she continued to look at him. Her head tilted to the side, he kept asking her questions! When he asked for her name her ears drooped and she began pacing back and forth in front of him, obviously frustrated.

Suddenly she stopped and her ears perked up as she eyed a twig nearby. Moving quickly she picked it up and placed it carefully in front of him, then darted to pick up another and another and another. Several sticks later she had crudely spelled out a word.

N-I-S-H-A

Phoenix couldn't help but remember when he tried to grin as a dragon once. It didn't work out in the least. She did a better job than him at it, then again, she was a wolf. Or something to that effect. All he knew was that she was a magical creature. He'd leave it at that.

Phoenix nodded. "Ah..hm...Nisha?" He smiled a bit. "Well hey there, Nisha. My name's Phoenix." He was impressed that she could spell her name out with sticks. Or spell her name at all. There were a lot of people around who probably couldn't spell their names. He couldn't help but wonder were a wolf learned to spell. But then again, he didn't really know what she was, but it didn't really matter.

"So, I guess you don't talk to people much. You're not missing out on a lot, trust me." He shook his head. "There's a lot of people out there who don't understand kinds of people like us, or...well, you know, not people, but you get what I mean." He sighed.

Nisha 'grinned' and wagged her tail as he introduced himself. Phoenix, that was an interesting name. Was he named after the great fire-birds that she'd heard about? She wished she could ask him, but that would take a lot of sticks! It didn't occur to her that there were human-things that could not read or spell. She had been taught when she was just a little child, her brother had learned too. Their father had insisted on it. Of course, that was back before their mother had gone insane and her father had disappeared. Now Gavin had disappeared too. It was an upsetting trend. First her father, then her brother. Both gone without a trace, a word, a note. Nothing.

Still, she didn't let it bother her too much. Things were what they were. They would both come back some day, and they could be a family and her father and brother would feed her and take care of her and she would take care of them and it would be like old times.

Nisha snapped out of her thoughts as he went on to talk to her some more. Her head tilted as it always did when she was listening carefully to something and thinking about it. Did he not like to talk to the human-things? He was a human-thing. A different kind of human-thing, for certain, but still quite human-thingish.

Her ears drooped slightly when he sighed. Looking down at her twigs she thought for a moment how best to communicate to him. She moved the twigs and fetched a few more, spelling two simple words: A-L-O-N-E  -  L-O-N-L-Y. Walking over to him she nudged him gently with her head.

"I guess both of us are both of those, huh. Alone and lonely." Her nudge brought a little smile to his face again and he patted her gently on the head. "But not right now, right? I mean, at least right now we can talk to each other." He looked into the trees, his eyes searching for something he knew wasn't going to appear.

"I guess I'll spare you from having to use more sticks, as that looks pretty tedious..." He shrugged a bit. "Anywho, I guess I'll say something about myself." He looked thoughtful. He'd never found anything about himself interesting, though others did. "Well, I guess I'll say something about my mother...she was pretty harsh when I was a kid, but I know she taught me all the stuff I need to know that way. The only thing she couldn't really teach me was how to deal with my father." He rolled his eyes. "My father is, all in all, rotten to the core. He makes a brilliant politician and he knows how to get things done in the way that benefits him the most." He glanced at Nisha. "I'm not boring you, am I?"

Nisha sat down beside him, looking up at him with her ears perked up, listening intently as he started talking. Sometimes it was good to talk, and if it would make Phoenix feel better to talk to her, then that was okay. He'd fed her, the least she could do was keep him company for a while, the poor human-thing seemed like he could really use the company. Come to think of it, she could probaby use the company too. How many days now had she been alone? No, no, it must be weeks now. Phoenix was the first one to talk to her since her brother left.

He talked about his mother and father and her ears drooped, her expression turning to one of sympathy. It was sad when people had bad parents. Her own father had been fairly loving and caring. Sure, her mother had always been a little insane, and her brother seemed to have inherited at least part of that insanity, but still...

When he asked if he was boring her she shook her head awkwardly. Human-things could shake their heads much better than she could.

Phoenix stayed silent for a moment, studying his companion. He shook his head slightly, frowning a bit. "Hey, don't you go feeling sorry for me. My mom isn't abusive or anything. And my dad is an ass, but at least they raised me well enough." His tone was stern, but not angry.

He looked up at the sky through the leaves. "My mother loves my little brother more than me, and he's only 8. It's kinda sad." He shook his head again and clicked his tongue.

Nisha's ears twitched more. She didn't feel sorry for him! Well...maybe just a little. She wished that he would be happy! She liked it when people she liked were happy, and she liked him. Oh course the majority of her liking was linked to the fact that he had given her food. Anyone that fed her was likable in her book.

When he mentioned his other loving his little brother more her ears and head fell. He'd told her not to feel sorry for him, but she couldn't help but get a tad depressed at that thought. Her parents had loved her brother more too. Oh where were her brother and father? Had they finally abandoned their burden? Were they together somewhere?

Sinking down to the ground beside him, Nisha's expression was sorrowful. If she could cry in this form, she might have done so. Usually she could keep up a cheerful exterior, but sometimes she couldn't help but think she'd been abandoned because her very existance was shameful and burdensome.

Phoenix was startled from his pessimistic thoughts as he looked down at her obviously sorrowful face. He looked frustrated for a moment at himself, then remained silent, appearing to be in thought. What had he done? Now he just tossed his own depressing thoughts at this poor, nice creature he had just met and made her depressed. He felt like he had just kicked a puppy. He almost grumbled that his father would do that without remorse. That...puppy-kicking...jerk.

He frantically thought about what could help cheer her up. What made him happy? Money? No, that would be completely useless for a wolf. Alcohol-...no. Of course that would be stupid. Women? Clearly not. He grunted, and tried his best to make her feel better. He had gotten his mother's genes, and words were not his thing.

He placed a hand on her head and patted her gently. "Uh...I'm sorry. Don't be...sad." He shook his head, trying to find comforting words. "Sorry that I'm an idiot, but...well, You look so...sad. I'm sorry...for...I'm just...sorry."

Nisha let out a sigh as he patted her on the head and tried, miserably, to find comforting words. It was sweet that he tried, and she felt guilty for making him feel bad. It wasn't his fault that her family was gone and she didn't know why.

Well, now she had to make him feel better! Crawling up, she wiggled her way into his lap, snuggling up against him. Human-things liked to snuggle with soft puppy-things, didn't they? She wasn't technically a puppy-thing, but she wasn't huge in bulk, just lanky.

Her tail wagged as she nuzzled under his chin, trying to cheer him up. They should be happy! No saddness! She had a full belly, that was reason enough to cheer! Whining softly she wiggled and squirmed and tried to exhibit happy puppy behaviors.

Phoenix had closed his eyes in frustration when he felt Nisha climbing onto his lap and opened his eyes, squinting curiously at her. He'd perhaps petted a dog before, but they usually didn't like him enough to be near to him for very long.

Phoenix let out a small chuckle. He wondered how in the world his horrible mish-mash of apology had come out in a good way, but it appeared to have made her happy. He scratched her behind her ears, smiling. "I guess we're good at making each other feel better, huh?"

Just that she had made him feel bad had been enough. Nisha didn't need a fancy poetic speech to bring her out of a momentary funk. She liked being happy! Being sad all the time was no fun, and it wasn't productive at all. At least he didn't try to push her out of his lap. Her tongue lolled out to the side as she tilted her head into the scratches behind her ear, the wolfy grin back on her face.

When he said that they were good at making each other feel better her tail wagged vigorously. Yes! Yes! She wished she could talk to him freely. Still, her excited agreement was hard to miss as her tail swished about. Then she turned her head and licked his cheek. Only once, just for good measure. She wasn't about to get all slobbery and drooly on him like a common dog, but one lick wouldn't hurt!

Phoenix's smile faded into an expression of contentment. It was strange for him to smile. It happened very rarely, in fact. Smirking, of course, but not smiling. The way her tongue hung out of her mouth on the side amused him.

He was not completely surprised to be licked on the face, though he made a noise similar to "Pffft" and wiped it on his sleeve. He smirked, shaking his head and chuckling. He figured it was her way of giving him a hug, or something like that. He felt as if she were a person, she would burst out into a flurry of speech and excitement.

"Ha, thanks." He turned his head to the sky, sighing a bit when he regarded the time. "The sun's almost setting already. What's with that? It still seems like midday to me!" He looked puzzled. "How long have we been out here?"

Nisha has a very happy puppy at that moment. She wasn't alone. Her belly was full. And best of all, her new friend seemed to be happy too! That grin spread over her face again to his reaction to being licked. For a moment she'd been worried that maybe he would get mad at her for it, but he didn't seem to mind too bad.

When he looked to the sky she tilted her head and looked too, her tail swishing more idly now as he asked her a bunch of questions regarding the time. How was she supposed to know? It would be night soon, though. Which reminded her, what moon phase were they going into tonight? It was a serious question with serious implications.

Turning back to look at him she wagged her tail some more. Oh, it should be the new moon! She could choose to be able to actually talk to Phoenix! Wouldn't that be grand? He seemed like a nice human-thing, and she hadn't actually spoken with someone in weeks. As soon as the moon rose clearly in the sky, she could make the choice. She would be stuck like that until the full moon, however.

Phoenix knew nothing of his companion's strange shape shifting power much like his own, and assumed her to simply be a very smart creature that happened to look as she did. With the intelligence of a human and the look of a dog.

He realized it would be silly to expect an answer, and shrugged that off. He also realized that he should probably be heading back to his home. He wouldn't want thieves breaking into his home and stealing his valuable glass pieces. Or anything else for that matter.

"I should be going home..." He sighed and scratched her behind the ears one final time, nudging her gently off and getting up. His wings disappeared along with his tail in a moment. "It was great talking to you, Nisha." He patted her on the head. "I promise I'll bring you something to eat sometime, probably tomorrow. And then we can talk more and stuff." He sighed. "Too bad you can't talk to me too, though." He shrugged. "Eh, I guess it's ok. Anyway, see you around, friend." He offered a small smile and a nod of his head, then he hurried off into the forest, into the town, where the neon rays of sunset bathed the streets.

At his home, he packed his work things away and went to sleep early, for once, without a drink. He would take a break tomorrow.

Nisha had not protested to being nudged out of his lap. It had been nice to cuddle up to someone, but she wasn't so naive as to think it could last forever. Her ears perked up as she watched him leave. He gave her assurances that he would come back, with food. Her ears drooped as he said he wished that she could talk to him too. Well, that pretty much made up her mind. She would choose to be a human thing so she could talk to Phoenix. She could always change back when the moon was full.

She sat on her haunches and watched him leave. Soon she could no longer hear him, and the sun was still setting. Her ears flickered back and forth, indecision on her. She would be a human-thing, for Phoenix, for a little while...but did she wait here for him to come back? It probably wasn't the best option, but she decided to follow him. Her nose stuck to the ground she picked up his scent and trotted to the city walls. Hunching down, she crept into the town. Her eyes looked about wildly the whole time, it was harder to track him here!

She spent much time going back and forth, criss-crossing, slinking through shadows trying to avoid people. The sun disappeared and the moon rose up high. In terror she ran through the streets, she would have to choose soon! What if she couldn't find him in time? Finally she hit upon his familiar scent again and followed it to a house door. Relief flooded through her as she carefully found a window and with a little ingenuity, managed to sneak herself inside.

Creeping quietly through the house she found Phoenix sleeping in his bed. It was the right house! Moving back through the house she moved to a window, letting the moonlight pour in over her. She made her choice, for better, or worse. A few agonizing and bone-cracking minutes later and she huddled, shivering on the floor. Oh jumping jackrabbits! It was cold without fur! It had been at least a couple years since she had taken this form, and she felt horribly disoriented and clumsy.

Phoenix slept hard for most of the night, but was forced into a lighter sleep when there were noises outside and inside. He grumbled things in his sleep, turning every which way. He was completely oblivious to the fact that there was someone else in his room. Phoenix was, for the better or worse, mostly a heavy sleeper. Then, someone outside, probably a drunk, was crashing about and stirring up quite the noise. Before the person was silenced, he woke up, sitting up and peering out the window sleepily. How annoying.

Then Phoenix became aware of a noise inside his own room. A soft noise. Something was in his room. Someone?
He flicked his gaze to the corner of the room.

"What-"

Phoenix jumped back, almost slamming into the wall. What? Who was that? He didn't know that person. A girl? Why was she here? Who in the world was she? And why...
He turned away, his face turning red but covered by the darkness in the night. He thrust his blanket to her, looking as little as possible. "Please cover yourself, miss. And may I ask why you're in my house?" He wasn't particularly angry, he was just more than confused, still sleepy, and not particularly cautious of the small woman who had somehow come into his house.

Nisha had been trying to get her senses sorted out for several minutes. Already she missed her keen nose, ears, and night-eyes. Mostly, she just huddled there, shivering and trying to keep her teeth from chattering at the unaccustomed chill the air put on her bare skin. Suddenly there was noise outside, she shrank back slightly. Phoenix had been sleeping peacefully, and she'd been content to leave him that way, but the noise had woken him.

Her lips curved into a frown as he jumped back away from her. She hadn't meant to frighten him! Of course...he wasn't expecting the wolf Nisha, let alone the girl Nisha. Yeah, not the best, thought-out plan she'd ever had. He thrust his blanket at her. She stared at it for several moments, before tentatively reaching out to take it and pull it around herself. Ah, at least that was a little better! Although, she didn't understand...oh! She looked down at herself, she was naked. Right, humans were particular about wearing those clothes things. She...didn't have any clothes. Oh dear. Yes, definitely not her most intelligent plan!

"Oh...I'm s-s-sorry, Ph-ph-pheonix!" Oh my, talking was a little hard, she had not done it in so long! Still, she tried hard to steady her voice. "I...I f-f-followed you home. You wanted to t-t-talk to me, b-b-but I c-c-couldn't sp-sp-speak." Ugh! The stuttering was awful! "It's...N-n-nisha!"

Phoenix stared at Nisha for a moment blankly, trying to gather his thoughts. It was a bit easier to think about the situation when she had donned the blanket. So, Nisha was like him in a way? Able to change forms? That definitely made things different. And it explained a lot. At least it made him a bit calmer now, knowing that he actually sort of knew the woman sitting on his floor.

"Oh...Nisha! I see. Uh...sorry for throwing a blanket at your face." He turned, searching through his clothes in a drawer. He thrust a shirt that was probably much too big too her, and figured his pants wouldn't be of any use, considering how tall he was. She'd just be tripping over them. and the shirt would probably be like a dress for her, considering the fact that it was big on him.

"So, I don't mean to be rude, but...why are you here? I don't mind you visiting or anything, but why so late...? And why at night?"

Nisha was thoroughly embaressed now. It wasn't because of her lack of clothes, just at how poorly this had all been planned out. Which was really to say, not at all. She hadn't thought anything through! Well, it was too late now to take any of it back, she was here and would just have to make the best of the situation, if it could be salvaged, that was.

When he offerred her a shirt she hesitantly took it with a mumbled thanks, taking a moment to figure out how to get it on, she hadn't dressed herself in years! Pulling it over her head and down to pool around her hips, it would probably almost reach her knees if she were standing. She pulled the blanket back around her, though. She was still cold, it felt weird not to have her fur, it kept her so nice and warm in comparison.

Her face flushed and she looked away as he asked her questions about why she was there. "Oh, I-I'm so s-s-sorry! I didn't really think it through, but..." She pointed out the window, to the sky. "It is a new moon. I can only change on the new and full moons. I had to do it tonight or I would have had to wait for the next opportunity to turn so that I could talk to you..."

Nisha shifted uneasily where she was on the floor. "I followed you home because...well...if I had changed out there...well..." She played with the blanket that was wrapped around her. If she had transformed out there she'd be sitting, freezing and naked, in the middle of the woods, as a human-thing. "...I'm sorry..."

Phoenix looked away as she put the shirt on, waiting until she was clothed to turn his head back. She didn't seem to mind whether he looked or not, but it mattered to him to at least try to be a gentleman. He was pleased that it was long enough to be decent. Fortunately, it was short-sleeved, so she wouldn't have much a problem with that.

He wasn't particularly sleepy now, having gone to bed rather early. He listened to her answer, studying her. "Ah, I see..." He shook his head. He hoped he didn't sound too much like a jerk earlier. He felt like he should be more understanding, considering he probably wouldn't want to change to human form in the middle of a forest and stand there naked, either. Especially since it wasn't that hot outside in the night.

"Oh...It's okay, you don't need to apologize. I mean, you just wanted to talk to me..." He stood there, pondering the situation for a moment. "Well, first, I'll get you something warm to drink...wait here. You can sit on the bed if you'd like." He hurried off, down to his kitchen, then back over with some tea. It had a berry flavour, and was in a thick cup with a handle. He had cup as well.

"So, we might as well talk. What did you want to talk about, anyway?"

There was a difference between not minding nakedness and not minding being looked at. Nisha didn't have a problem with nudity, she spent most of her time with only fur to cover her, but had Phoenix been actively checking her out she might have become slightly uncomfortable. Then again, there was a difference between looking and checking someone out, too. It was complicated all around.

Her head tilted as he mentioned getting her something warm to drink, and she was secrely glad for the few moments he was gone. It would have been terribly embarrassing to have him watch her clumsily walk to the bed and sit down awkwardly. Oh dear, she wasn't used to her human legs at all, she'd been all wobbly and extremely ungraceful. How did they balance with just two legs?!

She had made sure that the shirt he'd lended her was covering her enough to be modest for his human understandings, and she had the blanket still wrapped around her for extra coverage. The last thing she wanted to do was make him uncomfortable. When he brought her the cup of tea she smiled brightly, taking it somewhat awkwardly, grasping it firmly in both hands for fear of accidentally dropping it.

"Thanks for the tea...and uh..." Well she hadn't thought the talking thing out much either, but at least she was starting to talk more like a normal person. Nisha hoped she'd get used to the rest of her humanness as well, the quicker the better. "I really hadn't thought that far...I wasn't even sure I would be able to find you. I just...well...I haven't had anyone to talk in weeks, and I was lonely...and you were lonely...I just wanted to keep you company." She shrugged uncomfortably and took an awkward sip of her tea.

Phoenix nodded to her as she thanked him. He hoped she liked it. He had supposed it wasn't too bad, but he'd drink anything. He was glad she seemed warm and content enough. He noted the way she gripped the cup and wondered if it had been a long time since she had last been a human. He supposed so. Well, he knew how that was like.

He was a bit startled by her answer. It sounded so...nice of her. Of course she wanted to be in his house because he had food and drink, not to mention clothing, but it just seemed so nice of her. It was very difficult for him to wrap his mind around someone with pure motivations for anything. And it was almost impossible for him to wrap his mind around someone just wanting to talk to him. Either because they or he was lonely.

"Well, alright. Thanks." He shifted his position, looking down at his hands. "Well, that's...I'm glad I'm able to make you less lonely, I guess..." He looked out the window. "So, where's your home? I'm guessing you don't live around here."

By the third sip, Nisha was getting the hang of drinking like a human again. It was good. This had been a very ill-conceived idea. She was being a burden, just like she always was. Her hands squeezed around the cup until it hurt, then she relaxed her grip. There wasn't much she could do about it now. At least he was kind enough to put up with her...for the moment. Even her own father and brother had gotten sick of her. Phoenix would too, but at least it was comforting to have his company while it lasted.

Her face was flushed and she stared down at the cup in her hands, not really wanting to look at Phoenix right now. She felt a little ashamed of herself. This had been stupid, she shouldn't have come. At least as an animal, out in the woods, she couldn't be as much of a bother to anyone. His question caught her off-guard. "H-home? Oh, uh..."

She fidgetted slightly, keeping her head down. "Well, I don't really have a home. My father and brother and me...we just sort of travelled, never staying in one place too long. Safer that way...Then one day...father didn't come back. So it was just Gavin and me. And then...one day Gavin didn't come back..." She shruged her shoulders uncomfortably.

Phoenix frowned. Well, he had assumed she had some home of a sort. He knew what it was like to be homeless, though. And he figured he might as well be considered fatherless as well. It's not like he helped with anything. He was a demon; 'help' was not in his vocabulary unless it had something in it for him. He and his sister had split off a while ago, but he couldn't compare it to her disappearing.

There was a short silence as he gathered his thoughts. She looked uncomfortable...he hoped he hadn't said anything wrong. "We don't have to talk about stuff like that if you don't want to. But I didn't have much for myself for a while either." There was a somewhat complicated and shady story about how he got a nice little home in Serendipity, but that wasn't going to come up in conversation. He hoped not.

"So, I...well, don't think you're bothering me or anything. You're not. And if you want stuff, ask for stuff. Not that many people can do my trade, so yeah, perks to that. And I like you. Well, cause you listen nice and stuff." He sighed. "Well, you know. Anyway, is there anything you want to know about me?"

Nisha had never really thought of herself as homeless. What did an animal need with four walls and a roof? Sure, they had occupied caves sometimes, but mostly they roamed and lived and were free. It had never been a bad life, until she found herself alone. She wasn't strong enough to take down prey herself. Not signifigant prey. Even rabbits were impossible. She could have easily ran down and overpowered them, if not for her frail condition.

She shook her head and looked up at him with a smile. He was so nice to her. "It's nice for you to say that. I know that it is not true, though. I am a bother to everyone. A person that cannot fend for themself is useless and burdensome...I think that is why my father and brother did not come back."

Her expression was one of both sadness and resignation. What good was a wolf that could not hunt? What good was...whatever she was. They had always pointed that out, that she was not a real wolf. Not like them. This subject was kind of depressing. "Well, you said your trade, what is your trade?"

Phoenix saw those without a place to stay as homeless, because he was human most of the time. He didn't have much an opportunity to become anything else. He had a job that needed to be worked at, and there wasn't much he could do as a dragon. He'd probably get caught be some Adelans or something ridiculous like that.

Phoenix furrowed his brow. Of course they didn't leave because of that. He would hate himself for his entire life if he left his sister to be alone when she really needed helping. Though, he couldn't say anything for fathers.

He was glad to change subjects. "Oh, well, my trade? I make things of glass. I have a resistance to heat, so I suppose that helps." He shrugged.

Whether it was true or not was irrelevent. It was what Nisha felt sometimes, and that was all that really mattered. Neither her father nor brother were around to dispel such fears, and so it was only allowed to fester within her. Still, she managed to keep herself from spiraling into a deep depression, and in general, she didn't let such thoughs cloud her mind. They would come back eventually! She just had to keep telling herself that.

When he mentioned that he was a glass maker she perked up. Nisha had seen glass before, not a lot of it, but she'd seen some! It was a curious material, and she'd always wondered how it was made into shapes when it was so very fragile. Fragile...like her!

"A glass maker? That is very neat! Glass can be so pretty, but how does one make it into shapes? Isn't that hard?" Yay for a much less depressing subject!

Phoenix perked up a little at the conversation about glass. He liked his work very much. "Well, thanks. It is pretty interesting. But, it's also pretty complicated." At the back of his mind, he wondered why his father had even known anything about glass. He was a born politician, what did he have to do with glass? "You can make it into different shapes in a few ways. You can use air to shape it, and you can use molds." He pondered the last question for a moment. "Well, yeah, it's kinda hard. Glass is fragile and all, so it's hard not to break it a lot. I accidentally broke something this morning in fact."

Nisha listened with rapt attention. It was easy to see the curisoity and fascination in her face and eyes, which were like an open book. Wow, it was so interesting! She had so many questions, how could you shape glass with air? And molds? Was glass not always solid? So it wasn't carved like ivory?

Surpressing her instinctive curious questions, she focused on the fact that he said he'd broken something. "Oh dear, how terrible. Working with such a delicate material, it must get frustrating when you break something. Still, I bet you're good at glass making!" She beamed encouragingly at him. Nisha had al the faith in the world that he was excellent at his craft.

"I guess I'm okay at it...and yeah, it does get irritating after a while." He looked over at her, able to see fine enough due to the light of the bright full moon coming in through the window. He studied her face for a moment, the smile she was giving him. It was like she thought he was the best glass maker in the whole of Serendipity. That and the compliment caused him to blush slightly. He turned his head away from her, running a hand through his messy hair. "Don't think I'm that great. I mean, I break stuff a lot. And there's better people."

He honestly wondered why she trusted him so much to go to his house at a late hour. She had just met him that day. Also, she was so friendly. Phoenix wasn't used to it at all. It made him cautious. Did she want something? Well, of course she wanted food and she didn't have a place to stay. But, why was she so trusting of him? He couldn't wrap his mind around her ways.

Ah, he was blushing again. Nisha tilted her head to the side, watching him curiously. Her lips were still formed into that slightly silly smile as she watched him almost expectantly. Although, it quickly broke into a slight frown as he down-played his abilities. "Aww, don't be like that! I'm sure you're great!"

She was beaming again. It was so nice to have someone to talk to! Until she'd run into Phoenix and started communicating with him, she hadn't even realized just how lonely she was. After a moment she blinked owlishly and looked out the window. Oh yeah, it was really late, wasn't it? "Ah, I'm so sorry, Phoenix. I really didn't think before coming here. It is late, and I am being a bother. You were sleeping. Maybe I should go."

Ah, she had no money, and no clothes, and she was not a wolf now. Walking through the streets at night, naked, as a human-thing girl was highly unappealing. Sure, she was wearing one of Phoenix's shirts right now, but she couldn't just take it, she had no way of paying him back for it. She frowned, her face a mask of puzzled anxiety as she tried to think of how exactly to go about fixing the mess she'd made. All because of being a little lonely. Pah! She was so useless.

Phoenix frowned when she mentioned leaving. Though he lived in a nicer part of town, really, that was a bad idea. She could get attacked out there. Or taken into shady businesses. Or-Well, why did he care? He just met her. She could fend for herself, hadn't she been doing that before? He looked back at her. Then again, she couldn't really do much for herself, could she? His eyes studied her features carefully. He didn't want her to go out there and go get herself killed or something. Or the unlucky fate that met many young women who traveled about at night. She didn't even have proper clothes!

"Hey, it's alright. You can stay here for now." He hoped he didn't sound...shady. He really just wanted her not to go out and get hurt. He couldn't help but care, she'd been very friendly to him. "Go, sleep in the bed. I'll sleep downstairs." He sighed. "And don't try to convince me to kick you out. I won't. Good night, Nisha..." Without another word, he went out of the room, down the small stairs and into his living room, where he sat on a large chair. He was definitely bad at talking, he knew that. He fell asleep almost immediately, sprawled out on the chair.

Nisha didn't really expect Phoenix to care, and she wasn't afraid of the things he was afraid of, not at all. She was too naive to realize how much danger she would be in. Her greatest concern was getting caught by other people naked and getting in trouble for not wearing clothes. Human-things were particular about stuff like that, after all!

When he told her she could stay there for now, she stared at him with huge grey eyes. Stay? But...this was his house! A visit was one thing, but to stay? It felt so...intrusive...to her. Her mouth flew open to protest sleeping in his bed, but she clicked it shut again as he seemed not to be willing to accept no for an answer. Now she really felt awful. Here she was being a bother, and he was giving up his own bed!

Settling down onto it, she felt strange. Sleeping in beds was just...strange! The last time she had slept in a bed...no, she couldn't remember that far back. A nice soft patch of dirt, or leaves, that was a decent bed in her opinion. This was...downright luxurous in comparison. For around an hour she laid there, curled up in the blanket, tossing and turning this way and that. The bed was beyond comfortable, but it felt so wrong to be in it, when Phoenix was off somewhere else in the house.

Finally she got up, and crept as quietly as she could, blanket still pulled around her. When she found Phoenix in the living room, sprawled out in a chair she smiled at his sleeping form. He was such a nice man. Pausing a moment, she took the blanket from around her shoulders and gently covered him with it. There! Much better! Now he wouldn't get cold. Curling up on the floor beside Phoenix's chair, she put herself into as tight of a ball that her human form would allow for, and finally managed to fall asleep.

Sunlight streamed through the window when Phoenix woke up, casting its beams on the dusty interior of the house. He yawned, stretching out his arms wide, then took note of the blanket lying on him, and the girl sleeping on the floor next to his chair. For a moment, he simply stared at her sleeping there, wondering what in the world was going on. Though, in a matter of seconds the gears in his mind began turning once again, and he remembered. He looked back to the blanket and back to her, a worried expression crossing his features. Wasn't she cold down there? He stood up out of his chair quietly, gently placing the blanket on her.

He began to walk away, but stopped and looked back at her for a moment, then back forward. He scratched his head. What was he doing? Would he be taking care of mewling kittens now, too? Adopting little bunny rabbits? He shook his head. Stupid him. He had enough problems of his own. He sighed softly and walked out of his house quietly, returning a bit later with a dress he figured would fit her. He hoped that she wouldn't question where he had gotten it. He'd pretended that he had a family member with a birthday. Sadly. He laid it next to her and sat on a chair on the other side of the room, sipping tea.

Nisha was exhausted and once she'd passed out, well, it would be like trying to wake the dead. Even when Phoenix woke up and put the blanket over her she didn't even stir. There was nothing but darkness, no dreams, nothing. How much time had passed? Hours, days, weeks...Nisha wouldn't have known. Oh yes, awake she could put on quite the show, couldn't she? So chipper, so pleasant. It was such a lie. Not that she was a good, sweet person, that was true enough, but she acted like everything was alright. It wasn't.

Phoenix came back and laid the dress near her. Nisha didn't even know that he left, let alone that he returned. Her naturally pale skin was ashen now, had he touched her, he'd have realized her skin was like ice to the touch and her breathing shallow. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest, the beat irregular and faltering. Had she been conscious her lungs would have felt on fire and there'd have been a agonizing tightness in her chest.

Phoenix had been thinking his thoughts, not thinking of the girl sleeping on the floor. He was wondering why she hadn't awoken yet. It was almost noon. Carefully, he stepped over to her, nudging her. He glimpsed her skin, frowning deeply at its color and pulled the blanket off.

"What...? Nisha!"

He nudged her again, then seized her arm in his hand. It was much too cold. For a moment he just sat, staring at her, thinking she was dead, but he saw in a moment that she was breathing. Barely, it seemed. He shook her gently, an expression of worry on his face. "Nisha, Nisha, wake up." She didn't wake, and he became panicked. What had he done? Was it his fault? Would she die? He picked her up gently but quickly and left the house, the blanket draped on her. He didn't care if he was carrying a woman wearing a shirt through the city to a doctor. At least he knew where one was, considering he had his own problems and knew where the healing mage was around.

When she awoke, she would be on a low table, lying on a blanket. The healing mage was in the corner. He was a man a bit older than Phoenix, perhaps about in his late twenties. The small room was full of warm colours, and there were things scattered about.

It was a dark place, that place that Nisha visited sometimes. Not on purpose, mind you, but she couldn't help it. Father and Mother had cried a lot, the first time it had happened, when the blood mage they knew had explained that Nisha was a very, very sick baby, and that the chances of her living to adulthood were slim without a miracle. Of course, she didn't remember any of that, her brother had told her about it when she was older. Her father didn't like to talk about it. Her father didn't even like to talk about her. He seemed to very withdrawn her entire life, perhaps hoping not to get too attached to a child destined to die.

Well, Nisha had managed to hang on this long. Yes, sometimes she would have an episode, like now, but she always managed to pull out of it eventually. Sometimes it took hours for her to regain consciousness, usually Gavin's worried face would be hovering near her as her eyes opened again, and he would cling to her and cry in relief. Oh how she wished Gavin were there now. She didn't know how long she was out, but with the healer's help, her heart returned to a normal, steady, if slightly off, rhythm, and her lungs began to work properly, sucking in deeper breaths as her skin returned to a more alive color.

Slowly she became aware, her chest ached, her head throbbed, and she was lying on a flat, hard surface. Slowly her eyes flickered open, they looked dull and lost as she looked slowly around, her face thoroughly confused. After a moment she realized there was a man in the corner, that she didn't know and she jumped up with a shout. At least, she tried to. Her limbs felt heavy and she could barely move, the scream was little more than a hoarse whimper. Where was she? What happened? Where was Gavin?

The man in the corner flinched when she jumped up. "Don't be afraid. I was the one who healed you." He stood, giving her space by staying in the corner. "Please try to relax, it would be better for the both of us. You're in my office, and you'll be free to go in a few short minutes, okay?" He sat back down. "Before you ask, might as well tell you that your friend, or whoever, Phoenix, brought you here when you 'passed out'. He'll return in a few minutes."

Nisha had relaxed back onto the table, there wasn't much else she could do, really. It freaked her out a little, to be in this strange place, inside a town, or city...whatever they called this silly assorment of homes and shops. She listened to the doctor speak, mind pondering his words. Phoenix? Oh yes! Now she remembered. Oh dear, what a bother she was being. Really, it had been a terrible idea to visit him. She should have stayed out in the forest, where she couldn't cause trouble for anyone.

Well, she would be sure to return to the woods just as soon as she could. She'd give Phoenix back his shirt just as soon as she could, too. There was a sinking feeling when she realized that she had no way to pay for this doctor visit. How was she ever going to repay Phoenix for all that he had done for her? Feeling fairly miserable about herself, she rolled onto her side and curled up, pulling the blanket around her. She didn't want to see Phoenix right now, she was too ashamed of the trouble she was being.

"Did...did you tell him? About my heart?"

"Hm?" He looked at her curiously. He knew Phoenix well, and he knew his problems well. So when he had carried someone in, a woman at that, it was somewhat mind-boggling. Last time he checked, Phoenix didn't have any lady-friends. Or friends in general, besides him. Phoenix couldn't even count him as a friend, really, with all his nagging.

"Eh, no. I just said something like you had a past sickness that came to haunt you, pretty much, also said it wouldn't happen again much." He shrugged. "I figured that it wasn't his business." He looked over toward the window, high on the ceiling and small. "And I'll tell you this, so you don't feel bad; I give a discount to Phoenix when he comes here, since he comes so often, and I suppose I'll make you a discount too. You don't have to pay me anything."

A past sickness to haunt her, that sounded fairly on the ball there, actually. Well, there wasn't much she could really do about the fact that it had happened. Sure, she felt bad about it, but what could she do? It wasn't as if she had planned on her heart to flip out on her. Hopefully he wasn't too mad about how much she had inconvienced him.

Feeling slightly steadier, she rolled up into a sitting position, blanket wrapped around her as she looked at the doctor curiously as he spoke to her. "Don't...have to pay? I must find some way to repay Phoenix for everything he's done for me. He's been so kind. Although...is he really here that much? He seems so healthy!" What could possibly send Phoenix to a doctor so often that he got a discount?

Normally the doctor wouldn't tell others of the condition of his patients, but in Phoenix's case, he simply didn't think it was deserving enough to be kept secret. He was also curious as to the relation of her and Phoenix.

The doctor shook his head with a snort. "Phoenix? Ha! He's tearing himself apart from the inside. Got some problems, that kid." He sighed. "He drinks too much, for starters. Wouldn't be surprised if he was drinking himself to oblivion right now, in the morning."

Nisha's head tilted to the side curiously as the doctor mentioned that Phoenix was probably drinking himself into oblivion. What did that mean? But, more importantly, Phoenix was tearing himself apart? Oh that was just horrible! Her face contorted into a mask of worry and fear.

"That sounds awful! Oh, I hope he comes back soon. He's been so nice to me, I can't bear the thought of him hurting himself!" Nisha was truly worried sick over Phoenix now. He needed help! Although, she wasn't exactly sure what was wrong, but she would find out and she would try to do whatever she could for him. It was the least she could do after how nice he had been.

The doctor was honestly surprised to hear that, and the fact that she sounded so sincere. Most women Phoenix met up with...well, they weren't particularly her type of woman. They were more the type to wear short skirts and flaunt...things. It confused him to see that she actually seemed to care about what happened to him, but it also saddened him a little. He had a feeling that he wasn't going to be good to her, but then again, people could change. Though he didn't have much hope in Phoenix of all people.

"Hm. Well, he's...a bit better than he was a few months ago." He looked at her, curiosity and unspoken words in his eyes. "But I'll give you a good piece of advice: Don't try to change him. He's an idiot and he always will be, okay?"

As if validating his statement, Phoenix stumbled in the door, drunk.

"Heya, doc, heya chickie..." His words were slurred and he stumbled a bit closer to them both. "Party, right? Let's have a party." He spread his arms out. "A party!" The doctor  smirked sarcastically. "Well, hello, darling. I see you're a morning glory."

Why wouldn't Nisha care about Phoenix? He had given her food when she was starving, had spoken to her when she was lonely, had cheered her up when she was sad, and had possibly just saved her life this morning. Not that the doctor would know any of that. Nisha sighed and threw a curious look at the doctor when he told her not to try to change Phoenix, and that Phoenix was an idiot.

She opened her mouth, expression angry, but then Phoenix himself came in and she clicked her teeth together rather than make a disgruntled comment to the physician. Her eyes blinked and went wide at Phoenix's behavior. Oh my, chickie? Although...

"What's a party?"

Phoenix smiled a very stupid smile, and replied, "Well, yasee, a party is where ya do some fun things like...drinkin' and games...and having-"

"-no common sense. Now get in the back room before I drag you there." The doctor and pointed in the direction he meant, as if directing a small child. The doctor rolled his eyes. What was wrong with this day? Girl with permanent heart condition getting carried in, his regular getting drunk in the early hours a bit before noon. All in a day's job, he supposed.

Phoenix just stood there with a stupid smile on his face until pushed in the right direction, when he stumbled a little and continued to stand there. The doctor clicked his tongue, looking at Nisha. "What do you see in him? Tell me."

Nisha listened to Phoenix's explanation with mild interest, her brother had gone into towns, and drank, and gone to parites, but he never would tell her about any of his human-thing interactions. The doctor interrupted him while he was telling her about it, and she watched for a moment as the doctor attempted to herd her friend like one would a lost lamb.

When he asked her what she saw in him, she couldn't help but smile slightly and get up from the table. She was still in his shirt, which was just big enough on her to bed moderately decently dressed. "He is sweet and kind, that's what I see. What do you see?"

With a sigh she wrapped her arms around one of Phoenix's, adn smiled brightly up at him. "Come on, Phoenix, let's get you settled into the back room like the nice doctor says, okay?" She tried to gently direct him where the doctor wanted him to go.

If that simile had been spoken out loud, the doctor would have replied, 'more like the lost child of satan' and rolled his eyes.

The doctor didn't reply, holding back one of his usual sarcastic comments. Quite frankly, he saw a drunk idiot who didn't know up from down, and needed to get his crap together soon if he wanted to live past 35. He couldn't just say how it was to this innocent, strange sort of girl.

Phoenix, meanwhile, was grinning stupidly. "Hmmm? Sure! Let's go." He shuffled into the room and flopped onto the bed in there. The doctor looked at Nisha, sighing. "Heya, I need to give him a checkup to see if he's hurt himself, okay? I promise it won't be too long." The words sounded nice enough, but they weren't true. What he planned on doing really was to dispel the effects of the alcohol immediately and give Phoenix a short and straight to the point lecture about how much of an idiot he was.

It was good that the doctor kept his comment to himself, it would have upset Nisha greatly to hear a doctor saying that Phoenix might not live a long, healthy life. She knew far too well how that was. She had little hope of living long enough to die of old age. It was a horrible thing she wouldn't wish upon anyone. That her friend might be drinking himself to death would be horrible, horrible news.

At least Phoenix willingly went to the bed in the back room after she had sweetly asked him to. She gave a pleasant smile to him, the expression on her face was...fond? Perhaps. She supposed she had grown quite fond of him over their short time knowing each other. Of course, she knew that he was really lonely, deep down, and so was she, so the friendship just kind of made sense to her.

The doctor received a slight frown at his words, Nisha was torn between wanting to stay with Phoenix and obeying the doctor, who would surely know what was best in the situation. "Okay, I'll be back in the other room then, I guess."

She scurried back to the table and wrapped herself back in the blanket. It still felt so cold to her.

The doctor closed the door softly after her.

What continued inside the room was perhaps a small bit true to what he had actually said. The doctor used his magic to make the effects of the alcohol disappear, and soon enough, Phoenix was no longer drunk, throwing up some in a bucket, and had a very bad headache. The doctor scowled at him the whole time. Phoenix and him got into a short, hushed argument. He sent Phoenix to get washed up as if he were a child, once again, and came out of the room.

"He's alright. He's just washing up, and he'll be in here in a minute." The doctor sighed. He sat on the chair, sinking into it, and rubbed his temples. He was clearly distressed over something.

Nisha waited as patiently as she could for the doctor to get done so she could check on Phoenix for herself. Okay, the doctor would most certainly know what was best, but she couldn't help but want to make sure, in her own way. It was unnerving for someone she liked to be unwell. Of course, she was just being silly and overreacting. Phoenix would be just fine!

Of course, the doctor appeared, and his words were soothing, but his demeanor was far from comforting. Was something wrong? "What's wrong? You don't look like everything is alright, no matter what you say. Is Phoenix really going to be okay?" There was such genuine concern there, for someone that she barely knew.

The doctor looked over at her, and he exhaled slowly. He was normally calm personified, joking around and laying down a thick layer of sarcastic remarks, but one thing that disturbed him was when he couldn't help one of his patients. He could never save anyone from themselves. He looked back away from her, staring ahead at the table. No matter how much he tried to hide it, it truly bothered him. The concern in her voice didn't help him feel much better.

"You know, miss, you would feel much better inside if you didn't ask questions like that."

Nisha watched him, grey eyes slowly growing darker. Not actually darker in color, of course, but you could see the anguish in them. Why would the doctor say such a thing? How could he? If something was wrong, she wanted to know! Gavin always did stuff like that to her! Don't tell little Nisha, she's just too fragile, don't explain anything to little Nisha, she doesn't really need to know!

Her lips set in a hard line as she gave him a hard look. Sweet and innocent, yes, but not completely stupid. "If there is something wrong with my friend, then yes, yes I want to ask questions just like that. Phoenix is nice to me, and I like him, no matter if you can't understand why or not. Even if he can't understand why, I do. You just don't see like I see..." She huffed slightly.

Nisha's innocence let her see the world in ways other people simply couldn't imagine.

The doctor looked back at her. The girl wasn't intimidating in the least. He shook his head. "Fine, you want to hear? He doesn't eat enough, he doesn't sleep enough. He's addicted to something nasty and he has no idea what's up and what's down. He gets into fights and hurts himself that way, he drinks, he goes to bed with women all the damn time and doesn't give a rat's ass about what people think about him because of it. Are those enough of his problems for you?" He looked her in the eyes.

Nisha sat there, huddled with her blanket, well, with Phoenix's blanket, as the doctor pretty much let her have it. She winced slightly, listening to all the harsh details. Poor Phoenix, he sounded so...troubled. Why would he be so troubled? It bothered Nisha. How could she help him? It seemed quite hopeless. Well, she wouldn't just leave him! She knew that he was lonely, and that he had some troubles with familly. He'd told her. She had family trouble too.

Nisha stayed quiet for a few long moments, thinking about everything that the doctor had said. "He sounds like...like Gavin, actually. My brother was always getting into trouble, he would talk about some of the things he did. Not a lot, he never wanted to tell me things. I knew he got in fights, and drank, and spent time with women he didn't know, though."

Shrugging her shoulders she looked away, wondering when Phoenix would be back and hopefully help difuse the awkwardness of the situation.

The doctor nodded absently, now looking into space. It seemed like everyone had their own share of problems. He had less than most, but he did indeed have his share of problems as well.

He sighed. "Maybe you want to go back to his house. He's probably there. He never listens to what I have to say, so he clearly didn't come back here." He sighed deeply and waved his hand dismissively. "It was nice meeting you, miss. Just don't hurt yourself. You know where to come if you do."

When she went there, she would find Phoenix up in his room, sitting on his bed with his tail curled around him and his wings folded on his back, facing the wall.

Nisha waved to the doctor awkwardly before wrapping the blanket tight around her and making her way through the streets. She got plenty of odd looks, she was wrapped up tight in a blanket, and barefoot, but no one tried to stop her. It took a while for her to find Phoenix's house, but when she did she let herself in and crept slowly up to his bedroom, where she figured he would be.

Of course, there he was, back to her, staring at the wall. Well that made the second time in a day that he's simply abandoned her at that doctor's place. That wasn't very nice. Nisha chewed on her bottom lip nervously, not sure how he would react to her being her. This was the second time she'd followed him home in a single night and day period.

"Uh...Phoenix? I'm sorry for any trouble...I...I brought your blanket back..." It sounded really lame, but what else was there to say? She felt bad, she was disturbing him, yet again.

Phoenix nodded. He continued to face the wall without acknowledging her other than that. He had been seeing things again. Glimpses at the edges of his vision that his father was there. Watching him from a distance. But, every time he turned to look, there was nobody there. There never was.

"Do you...need something?"

Nisha shifted on her feet several times, feeling very awkward. Well, this wasn't going very well at all, was it? It was all her fault, all of it. If she hadn't followed him home none of this would have ever happened. Phoenix wouldn't have gone drinking, he wouldn't be in his current mood.

"Uh...no, no. I think you've done more than enough for me. I will pay you back...somehow..." She frowned slightly, taking the blanket from her shoulders and gently drapping it near his bed. "Uhm, I know you're not in a great mood right now, but I wanted to thank you for...everything, really. I should go now, though, before I cause even more trouble. I just...if you ever need me, I'll be hanging around where we met, so uh, I'd like it if you visited me sometime."

The moment she mentioned she was leaving, he snapped out of staring at the wall. He turned his head to look at her. She didn't need to pay him back. He didn't see what she really needed to pay him back for. He didn't even get to present to her the dress he bought for her. He shook his head. "No. Don't leave." He gestured for her to come over. "Sit with me." He stared at her, looking depressed.

When he looked at her, well, it about broke Nisha's heart. He looked so sad! Instinctively she obeyed the gesture, crawling onto the bed and wiggled herself right beside him. How could she have refused? After how nice he had been to her, and he did look so sad.

"I am sorry for being such a bother..." The words were murmured lamely, she felt so useless and bothersome. Still, she snuggled against his side, glad for his company and wanting to share his warmth and just not be lonely.

"Shhh." Phoenix's tail circled around her gently, and his left wing, closest to her, unfolded slightly to cover her back. He was surprisingly warm, almost feverishly so. But that's simply how his body was; there wasn't anything bad and health related that made it so. She had looked so cold, standing there. No matter how much he would refuse admitting it, he would've felt horrible to leave her there. Especially after her being so nice to him.

"Don't say you're a bother. You're not." He took a deep breath. Even his breath was unusually warm. It was like there was a fire inside of him. "Um...I should be the one who's sorry. I'm an idiot. Sorry." He scratched his head. "It's just...hard. Yeah, times are hard."

Nisha was startled by just how warm Phoenix was, but grateful too, he was like his own sun! He wrapped his wing and tail around her and she simply snuggled against his side more, shifting around a little until her head could rest against his chest and listen to his heartbeat. It felt nice to snuggle with someone again. She missed snuggling with her brother.

He told her that she wasn't a bother, which made her frown slightly, but she wasn't going to argue with him over it. Still, she lifted her head when he called himself an idiot, a frown crossed her pale lips. "Don't call yourself an idiot, Phoenix, and you don't have to apologize to me. And...do you want to talk about it?"

Phoenix figured she was just being nice before and leaving because she was tired of him and his problems. Even after being carried to a doctor, he would leave himself, too. There wasn't much he liked about himself. Definitely not his brain.

"If you say so." He looked away from her for a moment. "To talk about it..? You should say some things about where you've been or something. I've told you plenty. Anything cool in your life?" Being next to her reminded him of when he used to sit next to his sister. When they were little kids, they used to sit next to each other in a similar way. But he didn't want to think about his sister at that time. He had no idea where she was.

Nisha frowned and tried to think of something interesting to say about her own life. It was true, he's talked about himself, but she hadn't done a lot of disclosing herself. It was only fair that she tell him some things about what her life was like.

"Ah, well, hmm. I spend almost all of my time as that wolf-cat-creature that you saw when we first met, I don't interact with people very much. Usually just my father and brother, but they're gone now. I hope they're alive and well and together somewhere. My mother died when I was two, but...I don't really remember her. Gavin told me she went crazy and tried to kill us all. He hates her, but she was our mom...I love her. I just wish she hadn't gone all crazy. They burned her as a witch, we lived like people back then. That's when father took us to live in the wild."

She frowned, thinking about it all. It wasn't particularly interesting to her, most of that was stuff that was before she had even started making memoires, things she had only heard second-hand from her brother. Father never talked about it. He rarely even spoke to her.

If Phoenix would have been eating something, he would've stopped chewing and stared at her blankly for a moment. Mother gone crazy? His mom had always been crazy. Well, not the sort to be burned on a stake, but she had always been sorta...off. Though she was good in her own way.

"Hm? Well that's too bad. Though it's good you have a father who was concerned for your well being and stuff. It's lucky you're still here, really." The tip of his tail flicked absently. "I usually don't talk to people much either." He looked curious. "So, you said you have a brother. What's he like? Nice, mean, annoying...?"

A father who cared for her. Nisha wondered if she really did. Oh, she still loved him, but she knew that he never really wanted much to do with her, especially after she'd been obviously sick. Then he'd lost mother and things just kept getting more distant between them. Gavin had been the one to really take care of her.

"Ah, Gavin? Well, that depends on who you ask, I guess. Gavin spent a lot of time as a human-thing, and while he was always good to me...well...he wasn't a very nice person, not at all. He got some of mother's crazy, I think. He was acting really weird the last week I saw him. I hope he's okay."

Nisha refused to think of what the possibilities might be.

"Don't worry about that, Nisha. I'm sure he can take care of himself fine and you'll see him again." Phoenix wished he could prove that to be true. His sister was pretty crazy, and so was his mother, but not enough to be dangerous. Well, maybe his mother. But she didn't hurt any of them, no, she just hurt herself in the end. He wondered how she was doing.

"Hm...if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?"

Nisha nodded and snuggled against Phoenix when he told her not to worry about Gavin and that she'd see him again. Of course her brother could take care of himself, he'd been taking care of them both for much of their lives. Such a depressing topic, wasn't it? Ah, and there he was, asking a perfectly innocent, totally random question, trying to help, but her answer was immediate and without hesitation.

"Right here."

Phoenix had a surprised look, then clicked his tongue and shook his head. Here? Of course not. She had a family, why would she want to be with him, right here? Besides, the only person he wanted to have that answer was far away in Ketra. And she didn't care for him anymore.

"Eh, no, you'd want to be with your family."

Eh, Phoenix wouldn't get it, of course. Nisha didn't expect him to understand, her mind seemed to work in a strange way. Ah well, she shook her head slightly and shrugged her shoulders uncomfortably. She would try to explain it, but she wouldn't really expect him to get it. Leaning back and looking up at him, her face looked confused and slightly frustrated.

"Eh, as much as I would like to be with my family, at this exact moment? I'd rather be here. I...it's hard to explain, but...you're my friend, and whether you want to admit it or not, you kind of need me right now. If you didn't, you wouldn't have asked me to stay."

Phoenix had been looking the other way and continued to, the deep red of his eyes getting caught by the light. He supposed he understood a bit what she meant, but not completely. The two of them were very different, so it made him have a bit of a hard time understanding her sometimes.

"I guess it makes sense. But you need me too."

While he was talking, his tail wrapped around the lower part of her leg gently, and she could easily push it off if she wanted to. He was doing it without thinking, and it was almost like a very strange sort of embrace.

Nisha smiled slightly, a faint curving of her lips. Well, if he could sort of admit that yes, he needed her, or at least found some comfort in her presence, then she certainly wasn't going to try to deny that she needed him as well.

"Yeah, I know I do. I always need someone, I'm so helpless."

She gave a weary sigh and wrapped her arms around his arm, hugging it slightly as she snugged back down against him. If there was one thing she could wish for, for herself, it would be that she could fend for herself, so she wouldn't be a burden on others.

Phoenix smiled when she embraced him, but it didn't reach any farther than his lips. Inside, there was no smile, but rather careful deliberation about the future. The figure snuggled against him couldn't be with him forever. His own life was but a flimsy stack of cards, what good would it do to add more and make it topple? What was preventing him from pushing her away and leaving her outside to fend for herself?

The answer was simple; they needed each other, at least for a short time.

The problem was, she didn't need him; she needed someone stable. Someone with a kind heart and a place in their home. He wasn't the right person to help her. It made him wonder why fate had brought her to his doorstep. Why?

They sat in silence for a short while. The faint chirping of birds came from outside. Then, he remembered something. "One sec, I want to get something." He gently pushed her away, and went off, coming back with the dress he had gotten for her earlier. "This, I forgot to give you it." He put it on her lap.

Nisha didn't think about the future much, when you weren't sure you even had a future, well, it was best not to get her hopes up and be disappointed when she finally felt her life slip away. Of course, she knew that she couldn't stay here forever, that would be silly to think. This was Phoenix's house, he would want it to himself again soon. For now, she was enjoying his company while he was still willing to put up with her. When he did decide to kick her out, she would understand, and she would go. Hopefully he would come visit her out in the forest, though. Maybe she would visit him again too, if he wanted.

Her thoughts were interrupted as he broke the silence that had settled on them like a blanket. She blinked her huge grey eyes as he gently pushed her away from him and got up. He had been so warm, it was a little disappointing when he got up. Still, she couldn't protest and waited patiently until he got back and laid the dress on her lap.

Nisha blinked again and looked down at it. This, this was for her? Lifting it carefully she examined the dress, it was blue, like the sky! Oh he shouldn't have! Her face fell noticably. "Oh my, Phoenix it is a lovely dress, but, you shouldn't have! How can I accept this after everything else you've done for me? I have nothing to give you in return, nothing at all." It was...distressing. Already she felt she owed him so much, and here he was, doing something else unbelievably kind for her.

Phoenix shook his head, waving a hand. "Hey, don't act so bothered. I promise it didn't cost me much, honest. Go ahead and keep it. It's not like I can use it." He chuckled. She had helped him get in something of a good mood. And, fortunately, the after effects of drinking were immensely lessened by the doctor's meddling.

Nisha frowned as he explained that it hadn't cost him much. He shouldn't have spent anything on her, that the dress had been inexpensive didn't much help her feelings of guilt, but she sighed and nodded. Yes, Phoenix wasn't likely to be needing a dress, she supposed. Looking at it again, she carefully examined it to make sure she would know how to get it on properly.

Once she was confident that she would be able to actually get into the dress, without making a complete fool of herself, she crawled off the bed, turned her back to Phoenix, because he seemed bothered by her undressed, and pulled the shirt she'd been wearing over her head and letting it drop to the floor for now. Then she pulled the dress on. It was much longer on her than the shirt had been, which was probably a good thing, she guessed.

Turning back around with a smile, she looked up at Phoenix, grey eyes glittering. "How do I look? Do I pass as a proper human now?"

Phoenix had supposed she was simply turned to examine it further in the light. When he realized quite quickly that she intended to put it on right there, he quickly turned around, trying to make his face turn a more suitable colour of red that could be taken as normal. He remained like that, pretending to examine a random object near to him until she asked for him to turn around. As he did so, he nodded. "Well, yes. It looks nice." He wished he could conjure up a better compliment, but he wasn't good at such things." He sat back down on the bed. "Glad you like it."

Nisha hadn't understood at first why he had turned around, then remembered that humans seemed to be all about being clothed at all times when in the presence of another human. Oh dear, she hadn't meant to make him uncomfortable, but she really didn't understand why it mattered. Still, she beamed when he turned back around and complimented her appearance. Yay! She would fit in better!

When he sat back down she twirled around to show it off. "I feel so pretty! I've never had such a nice piece of clothing before!" She let out a giddy giggle. Practicaly swooping down on him, she threw her arms around his neck in a hug. "Even if you shouldn't have, thank you for the dress, Phoenix, I love it."

Phoenix was about to comment about how it wasn't that nice and that she must've been 'deprived or something', but she had suddenly thrown her arms around him and hugged him. Even as a child, he never really was given much affection. He wasn't used to being embraced whatsoever, especially at random times. He didn't move but a centimeter for a moment, his face refusing to return to normal and remaining at a pink colour. "Uh...." He couldn't find any other words.

Nisha didn't even own any clothing when she had shown up at his house. Was it really that far of a stretch to think it might truly be the nicest thing she owned, considering she didn't own anything else? Not that it even mattered, he didn't even get the words out, and Nisha had her arms around him. It was a perfectly innocent gesture. She was very grateful and loved her gift, and to hug him was the best way she knew to show her thanks.

At his inarticulate response, she pulled away, dropping her arms to her side and looking at him in confusion. "Are you okay? Did I hug you too hard? I'm sorry."

Phoenix rubbed his cheek, as if that would wipe the offending colour away. He forced himself to stop starting blankly at her as if she just did something very strange and shook his head. "Uh, no, you didn't do anything wrong." He looked off to the side, his tail flicking this way and that nervously. "I, um, nothing." He stopped rubbing his face, finding it hopeless and crossed his arms.

Nisha's head tilted to the side as she watched him rub his cheek. Was he a little red? Oh, was he blushing again? Oh dear, was she not understanding human boundaries again? Maybe hugging was not a good thing to do? She wasn't sure. Gavin had given her lots of hugs, but he was her brother, so that made it okay, and hugging Phoenix was not good?

Her brain started to hurt, he said she hadn't done anything wrong, but he hadn't acted like she had done the right thing, and now he was not looking at her again. Scratching her head lightly, she plopped down on the bed beside him, looking over at him curiously. "I keep doing things wrong, and then your face gets all red. I'll try not to hug you again, if you don't like it." She frowned slightly at that thought. She liked hugging him, though.

Phoenix looked at her, his face confused and conflicted. How would he go about explaining it? He sighed and shook his head. "It's okay and all, just...um...I'm not...used to hugs. You see? It's just strange to me. But you can if you want to, I guess." He looked a bit sheepish. "You get that, right?"

Nisha's frown turned into more of a sad look than simply confused. He wasn't used to hugs? That was just...so sad! Still, he said that she could hug him if she wanted to, so that at least brought a smile to her lips. When he asked if she got it, she nodded and wrapped her arms around one of his arms again, in that little sorta, but not quite, hug. "I understand, I think. Hugs are great, though, you should try them more. You can hug me. I like hugs."

Phoenix nodded absently. "Sure." She was sort of...cute in her own strange way. He wouldn't dare speak that silly word, cute, but he thought it. Just once. She was simply so naive, and it was a wonder she managed to stay that way with all the things that had happened in her life. He'd lost faith in humanity at age 14, and yet she seemed to think that everyone was good somehow. It confused him. He supposed, perhaps he was good somehow, but there were many others who weren't.

Just as he was about to say something more, there was a knock on the door.

Phoenix gently pushed her away as he did before, saying, "Sorry, Nisha. One minute." He went downstairs, and opened the door. Nisha could probably not hear their conversation from in the bedroom, but rather a collection of low whispers. The other person's voice was rough, and older woman. Soon, the whispers grew louder and more accusatory, and she could probably hear Phoenix throwing himself onto a chair in the living room carelessly. The woman spoke very quietly to him, then said more loudly, "It wasn't anyone's fault, and it's been for quite a while since it happened, anywho. You need anything?" Phoenix didn't answer her. "Phoenix...Well, I guess I'll stay here for now." She sat in a chair across from him. Her hair, long and red, fell down her back. There was something rough about not just her voice, but her character. She carried 2 daggers with her on her belt. "I'm sorry to bring you bad news, but you needed to know." Phoenix simply sat with his hands over his face, unmoving.

Nisha watched Phoenix disappear downstairs, that curious tilt to her head. Phoenix had a visitor, how wonderful! Of course, she had no idea at the time that something was very wrong. It would be rude to follow him, he'd implied that she should stay where she was. At first she couldn't hear anything, but then the voices drifted upstairs and it was a strange woman's voice. She was talking to Phoenix, but he wasn't talking to her. Something was wrong, she could sense it.

Creeping downstairs she peeked into the living room where the two were seated. There was a gut-wrenching feeling as she saw Phoenix sitting there with his face in his hands. Her heart went out to him. She had no idea what was wrong, but she felt that Phoenix needed her, so she couldn't just stand by idle. Staightening up and smoothing her dress she moved hesitantly to Phoenix's side, glancing nervously at the strange woman she didn't know.

Slowly she reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. "...Phoenix, what's wrong?"

Phoenix didn't reply. He seemed to be barely moving at all, his face covered by his hands. He didn't make a sound. It was as if he was frozen. He didn't even seem to feel her put her hand on his shoulder.

Meanwhile, the woman stared at Nisha watchfully. Who was this girl? She was strange, and couldn't be a mistress of his clearly. She didn't seem like that. A friend? He didn't have many. She couldn't figure who this girl was or why she was there. The woman looked at Phoenix, put a hand on his other shoulder and whispered something into his ear. Figuring he needed time to himself after the grave news of which the girl was ignorant to, she stepped away from him and looked at the girl. Judging by her clothes, she assumed she was lower class but not poor. "Come with me, he needs time." Her voice had a strange raspy sound to it. She led Nisha to a back room of the house, which had a desk and a few chairs in it, along with a shelf. She sat down and stared hard at the girl. "First, who're you?"

Nisha was growing more concerned by the moment. Phoenix looked so...crushed. She couldn't even describe properly how he looked. Crushed just didn't seem to be the right word, but she didn't know the right word. She really, really wanted to help him, but she just didn't know how. Feeling helpless was something that Nisha was accustomed to, but this time it hurt much worse. He was her friend and she couldn't do anything to help him right now, and she didn't even know what was wrong.

When she was told to follow, she gently squeezed Phoenix's shoulder, reluctent to leave him, but she moved to follow the stranger. She just didn't know what else to do at that point. When they entered the back room, Nisha looked about curiously for a moment. So far she hadn't really explored much of Phoenix's house and this room was unfamiliar to her.

At the sudden question, Nisha squirmed slightly, shrinking back form that hard stare, thoroughly intimidated. "Ah, I'm Nisha. Nisha Ulrich...is...is Phoenix going to be okay?" Her face fell, and her grey eyes were so sorrowful. It tore her up to see her friend so...despondant.

The woman seemed to be examining every small detail about her. When Nisha moved, her eyes followed her closely. It seemed like there was no moment in which the woman looked away or otherwise averted her eyes. She had grey eyes as well, very light grey eyes, seemingly washed of their previous colour. "Nisha, hm." There was a short pause. "Phoenix?...one of the only people he cares about on the face of the earth just died, so I'd suppose not." She sighed. "And I'm his mother, I would know."

Nisha continued to squirm and cower away from that look. She felt as if her very soul was being weighed and measured. However, when she mentioned that someohne that Phoenix cared about had died, her hands flew up to her mouth, covering it as her eyes went wide. Oh no! No, no, no! How awful! This could not be happening, not now. She had just gotten Phoenix in a little better mood, and now something this awful had happened.

A choked sob came from her as tears welled up in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. She did not know who had died, she didn't need to. Someone that was important to Phoenix had died, and now he was undoubtedly horribly sad. How could she possibly help him? What if she had learned that Gavin died? Or her father? The only things that kept her going was the possibility that they were alive and well. If she knew they were dead? It would have devestated her beyond hope.

Nisha slumped to the floor and curled up, her entire body trembling. What could she do? What could she do? This helplessness...it was thouands upon thousands times worse than another. "I..I have to help him...somehow...oh please, how can I help him?" The words were spoken out, but not to anyone in particular. She needed guidance, she didn't know what to do. Oh how she wished Gavin were there, or her father...they would know what to do.

Phoenix's mother was extremely puzzled when the girl suddenly started crying and fell to the floor, shaking. She didn't even know who died! It was the most confusing thing that she had seen in quite a long time. Perhaps she was one of those sensitive types. But this seemed to extreme even for that. She heard the girl say something about helping Phoenix. She furrowed her brow. What was this girl to him? She didn't seem at all like his type. The woman shook her head. What a confusing girl. And skinny, too.

"Girl...Or, Nisha. Nisha, just calm down. That's why I'm here, to help him. I guess, if you're close to him, you can be with him when he's ready, but that's all he needs. We just need to be with him." She eyed Nisha, now not examining, but rather watching to see if she was alright.

Nisha heard the woman talking to her. She was right! They needed to be there for Phoenix, and she couldn't be there for him if she was letting herself get out of control. After a few moments she managed to calm herself down a little bit. Her heart was still beating too hard, but it was slowing down. A thousand thoughts were going through her mind.

"Okay...okay. I'll try to stay calm. Phoenix will need us, right? I can't need him right now." She frowned slightly. So far she had needed Phoenix quite a bit more than she would have liked to admit. She just hoped that she would be able to help him in some way.

Phoenix's mother was satisfied to see that Nisha was calming down. She didn't want to deal with some girl she didn't even know of before a few minutes ago hyperventilating along with her son as well. The girl seemed so fragile, just by looks.

"In a little while, yes. He should probably be given some time alone right now, but it a bit we can check on him." She looked at Nisha without the hard stare from before. Now she looked at her in a more simple way, done with studying and examining, gathered enough information. She seemed strangely apathetic on the outside about her son's loss, but on the inside she was as worried as Nisha, if not more. Her son had too many things to deal with even before. What kind of mother would she be if she didn't worry about her son?

"So, Nisha....what's brought you to this city?" She supposed a change of subject might aid Nisha in feeling better.

Nisha nodded her head slowly. Yes, they would leave him alone for now, but that didn't keep her from wanting to run back in there and hug him. She felt so bad for him. What if she had lost someone she cared about? Oh, she didn't want to think about it. That would be just awful. It was bad enough to know that someone Phoenix cared about was deceased.

At first she didn't realize she was asked a question, but blinking she looked up at the woman with her owlish grey eyes. "Oh, well, I've never actually been in a city before. I met Phoenix outside the city yesterday, he shared his lunch with me because I was hungry. Then he got me some more food. We talked...sorta...for a little while, then he left me there and I followed him home. I've been here since."

She frowned, that sounded really...dumb. Ah well, it was the truth. Still, Nisha couldn't help but shrug her shoulders uncomfortably. "I've tried to leave multiple times now, but he asked me to stay every time I tried to say goodbye."

She nodded, listening to her story calmly. It didn't make much sense to her, but she supposed it didn't really matter how she got there or why she stayed, but rather the fact that she was there and that she needed something to talk about to calm her nerves and focus her energy on something relatively productive.

Never been in a city? That was strange. Strange girl. Then again, her child wasn't very 'normal' either. Perhaps the girl came from some rural farming family. She didn't know and didn't particularly care, either. A poor girl, for sure.

"Interesting. So, you are friends with Phoenix, I see. Where do you live, Nisha?" Wherever she lived, Phoenix's mother planned to escort her there sooner or later and give Phoenix some time alone under her own care. Little did she know that wouldn't exactly work.