Spirits of the Earth

It was hard to tell in the dim light of Three Oaks Hall, but Kestal smiled as she took the tavern's small stage as if the thing had been built solely for her. Much to her delight, a few claps and cheers were heard over the dull drone of chatter and she lifted a thankful hand to the crowd. In her other hand, the small, unassuming girl, held her lute, and without another moment's delay she lifted the instrument, cradling it to her as if it were a rare treasure. Her dainty fingers began to pluck a light and happy tune, and she lost herself in her music.

Her set tonight was simple and light-hearted, songs of love and friendship, comedic error, and a few songs of battles one and lost. All were done in a humorous tone, for tonight she didn't feel like drawing out the morose drunkards. She much preferred the happy, giggly ones. She happily pranced about on stage, a true performer, relishing in every moment.

As she neared the end of her night's act, she spoke. "For my last tonight," she said softly over the buzz of the room, "is for you men who have been lucky... or perhaps not so lucky, in love." She gave a cute little wiggle of both hips and eyebrow, and launched herself into a delightfully fast and breathtaking reel.

[center:1pqcn2x0]I loved wee Lazy Lydia
And Lydia loved me
The only thing with Lydia
Is she always burned me tea.

I loved wee Lazy Lydia,
She was my sweetest girl
But she'd smash my toes to smithereens
When we danced the Serisen Whirl.

Oh I loved that Lazy Lydia
But she dared not give me a kiss,
So I left Lazy Lydia
When I went outside to take a piss.[/center:1pqcn2x0]

She giggled in return to the roar of approval the tavern rose, and gave a curtsy before leaving the stage and heading to the bar. She wiped a hand across her brow and curled her lip in distaste at the slick of sweat that slid onto her palm, but her eyes still glittered with the knowledge of a job well done. She laid her lute gently against the the back of the bar and settled herself into a stool. She put a hand to her chest for a quick moment, still catching her breath, before propping her head up on her elbows. She smiled pleasantly to Hablain, the proprietor of the building. "Just water for me tonight, Mr. Pexsa."

Yes, he was definitely earning his keep today. The night was still young and he could tell from the music and all the voices through the wall that they were already at near capacity. In a little room off the kitchen, Aren was stacking and rearranging everything from bags of flour to clean dishes while his sister stood leaning against the door just watching him. "Nice of you to help," he sneered, glancing over his shoulder as he struggled to get a finicky cupboard door shut.

"No problem," Elaera said with a shrug and teasing grin. "It's busy out there, Kestal's singing again... Think you could help Papa when you're done?"

"Mmm... 'Course." As soon as he'd answered, though, she was leaving since her job had been done. With a heavy sigh, he just shook his head and got back to his current task.

When he was done he walked down through the kitchen again and around the corner to head up the short set of steps to the bar. As he went through that barrier, though, the voices were no longer muffled and he could hear everything quite clearly again. Brushing back his hair, he made sure to retie it away from his face before he dusted flour off his clothes and stepped around his father to fall into tending to bar patrons.

Even without looking up over the sea of people he knew she was there from her song, from her music. Aren knew that Kestal was a reason they got a good chunk of their business on heavier nights, good as it was still without her performances. She did always put on a good show, though.

Chuckling to himself as he spied her coming down from the stage, he kept an ear open as he heard her speaking to his father. Taking it upon himself to pour a glass of water for her, he zipped in to have it set before her even as Hablain was reaching for a clean glass for her while giving voice to his praise of her singing. "Too slow again, Father. How ever will our dear Kessy keep her voice sharp if she's kept parched for such a long time?"

With a snort, Hablain just replaced the glass in his hand and gave his son a rough pat on the shoulder before moving around him to go back to the other patrons. "Don't talk to yer father that way, boy," he'd said simply, though his tone hardly held a warning air at all; he knew just what Aren was up to again.

Ocarern listened, entranced to Kestal's singing. No matter what she was singing and what he was doing, she always managed to stop in his tracks. To him, her voice was like that of a goddess.

The moment her song ended, his fidgeting began. Out of respect for Aren's father, Ocarern made a rule to not steal from the tavern's patrons, if he could help it. But, being in the crowded in the place made his will weaken. If it were not for the fact that Kestal and Aren were his only friends, he would have stolen thirteen purses already and fled. All the drunken emotions bouncing around the place was enough to give him a headache.

Ocarern retreated further into his dark corner by the bar. He was almost an arm's length away from Kestal and had been about to approach her when Aren showed up. This sight of his childhood crush had him flushing and trying to shrink in on himself. As he watched the pair he tuned himself into their emotions. 'Kessy is gray,' he decided. 'And Aren is red? Very red. Business must be good.' Ocarern blinked owlishly, his ears twitching about as he looked at Aren. To him colors and shapes were people's emotions. It was a childlike perception of empathy but it was the only way he could describe it.

Gray for Kestal after a night of preforming was not unusual. It meant that she was probably feeling a bit tired. It was the red that surprised Ocarern the most. It was so, vibrant. In his limited experience with people, Ocarern had concluded that it meant anger, excitement, or fear. Like a puppy, he cocked his head to side, sighing as his hair slid in front of his eyes. 'You never know with him.'

Kestal flashed a thankful grin to Harblain, acknowledging his help, and then took her eyes up to Aren as she lifted the glass of water to her lips. "Thank you, Aren." The water was cool on her throat, and she closed her eyes for a quick second, relishing the more simplistic of pleasures, before leaning forward, toying with the top of the glass with her finger.

She couldn't help a giggle though, as she noted the flour caught in his eyebrow. "You been stacking flour again?" She asked, rasing an eyebrow and pointing at his face. She leaned across the bar, liftng her hand to wipe the stuff from his face, before planting herself back into her seat.

"Have you seen Rennie tonight?" She asked, glancing over her shoulder, hair falling into her eyes as she quickly looked about the dim tavern, but never lighted on her friend's small figure in the corner. "Hmm... " She gave a yawn, and cleared her suddenly thick throat before downing the remaining water in one go. "I have some new songs for tomorrow night - it'll be a somber night though... make sure you've got tissues on hand."

He had that silly grin lighting up his face, but he just nodded as she took a drink of water. Her question caused him to cock his head in puzzlement, though. "Flour? How'd ya-" Chuckling as she wiped it away from his brow, though, he just shook his head with a sigh. "Ah, yes, the flour. Well, somebody has to do it. The kitchen's a wreck as it is, most nights. Gotta keep something organized." At the mentioning of their friend, though, Aren lifted his head to look about the room.

"Nah, I haven't seen him yet. So rare, he likes hearing ya sing, ya know.... but so good at hiding from us, isn't he?" No, he couldn't seem to catch a glimpse of the elf amongst the crowd now. His eyes even flickered over to the area around the stage, half expecting to see him and frowning a bit when he did not. His eyes continued to scan the room even as Kestal moved on. "New songs?" He perked up. "Not like anyone ever likes Kessy's new songs!" he teased.

"Would you like some more water?" he asked, reaching for the pitcher set further down the bar near the edge at the corner. That was when his eyes finally settled on him just beyond at the other side. "Oca!! Little rascal! Hiding right under our noses, weren't you?" Hiding in the dark again. Ah, I should have known, he thought with a smile as he gestured to Kestal with his head. Winking as he cupped his mouth with his free hand, he mouthed 'she was looking for you!'

'I am right here Kessy!' Where normally he would have appeared at the mention of his name, tonight he hung back. A surge of emotion gripped his belly tightly, holding him in place. Confused he pressed a hand gently to his stomach. 'Am I getting sick?'

Kestal talking about new songs quickly distracted him though. He began to ponder what ideas she could possibly have come up with when he was startled out of his thoughts by Aren recognizing him. Ocarern lowered his head to hide his now flaming cheeks. Through his fringe he caught what his friend was mouthing and snorted softly. 'Of course she was asking for me. I am her friend, stupid!'

Shyly he sidled his way out of his corner and over to Kessy. He refused to meet Aren's eye and instead addressed the girl sitting beside him. "You played well," he softly praised her. Even as he spoke his whole body tensed and he struggled to keep his gaze from shifting about the room. "I like your songs," he added as a small jibe against Aren's earlier comment.

Ocarern's stomach gave a bubbling flip-flop feeling and he winced slightly at the sensation. Rubbing his stomach he began to survey the room again. "Are you done tonight?" he asked feeling a little antsy.

His mind bounced around as it argued back and forth. 'Too many colors. Too many people. I need to go outside, now. What if Kessy plays again? I will miss it. I can hear her tomorrow. But, I never miss it!'

"Oh quit teasing," she laughed, slapping Aren lightly on the arm, though a faint blush crept into her pale cheeks at the roundabout compliment. She hid it quickly though, not wanting him to see just how quickly the red rushed in, and instead followed his gaze again to find Ocarern. She was about to nod yes to the water, when Aren started calling to the shadows, and spun in time to see Rennie emerge from the shadows.

She watched his approach carefully, and the hand to his stomach didn't get passed her. He's not sick is he? Sweet Kia, please don't let him be ill. She raised a small prayer, but didn't let her concern last for too long as he sidled up to her. As soon as he was near enough, she stretched her arm out and wrapped it around his middle in a gentle, friendly hug, just long enough for her heart to skip a beat, before she pulled back, and reached out for the jug of water Aren had reached for.

"Thank you, Rennie," she said congenially, smiling at him while pouring her own glass. "Was it a little too much, tonight, do you think? Lazy Lydia's a new one, and I feel like I maybe over played it a little," she raised an eyebrow, looking between both her dear friends, but already knew what they'd say in this rare moment of lacking self confidence. That was why she loved them both so dearly.

"Yes, I am finished for the night," she replied to his question, rubbing her hand over her tired eyes. Her skin felt warm to the touch, and she frowned just a little, before carrying on. "Although, I may be persuaded for just another song, if my biggest fans so desire." She flashed both of them a winning smile. I can probably do one more. My voice hurts, but I can always do one more for them.

He was so very keen to their hug, brief as it was. His eyes widening momentarily, Aren averted his gaze to study the grain of the bar instead until he was sure they weren't touching anymore. He felt his heart flutter even though he knew it shouldn't bother him that they were all usually so relaxed with one another. Close as they all were, he had been carefully guarding what feelings he had past friendship; it was the one thing he was determined to try and keep well-hidden as it was such a dizzying mixture of all sorts of things for him, both budding and otherwise.

At Kestal's words, he just shook his head as that near ever-present smile began to return to him. "Nah, you?! Not at all, Kessy, honest. Cross my heart," he affirmed, making the necessary motion over his chest. "I loved it! Or at least what I could hear of it." For Ocarern's question, though, his eyes wandered between the two, unsure of who to settle on even as she answered.

Aren's eyes grew a bit brighter then and he chuckled to himself as he gave a little bow even across the bar as well as an astonished gasp for her benefit. "If our goddess of song would grant us this one thing, oh! We would be so honored to hear it! At least...I would," he ended with a cheeky grin as he straightened up again, winking to Ocarern with the hope he might encourage her as well. "Though don't be surprised if they start begging for an encore."

"No!" Ocarern uttered abruptly. His face flushed and his eyes widened as he realized what he had done. More softly he began again, "Kessy is tired. Leave her be, she has played wonderfully tonight. She should rest so we can hear her new songs tomorrow." Like a child, Ocarern crossed his arms over his chest and glared up at Aren. 'Blind boy! You never look beyond your own wants!'

While he avoided confrontation like a child avoids tonic, Ocarern was very territorial when it came to Kestal's music. For her music he would do anything, even endure her embraces without complaint that always left him tense and uncomfortable.

Impatiently he looked towards the door again, hoping she would agree and he could flee to the freer out of doors. The odd feeling in his stomach seemed to be dissipating, much to his relief. 'Outside!' echoed repeatedly in his mind, ringing like a clear chord from Kestal's lute. "I thought you were closing up soon anyway?" he directed towards Aren, confusion creasing his brow and causing his ears to wiggle about again.

The girl flushed with the praises from Aren, even though they were given in an over exaggerated fashion. She'd do anything to please him, and immediately she made to stand, a bright smile washing away the drawn look in her eyes. This however, was brought crashing down at Ocarern's emphatic objection. How does he know I'm tired? Do I really look that bad? I guess he's right though. I'm not supposed to be over doing it. She sat back down with a resigned sigh, and shrugged her shoulders apologetically to Aren. "You'll have to wait till tomorrow, then," she said with something of a pout, "since my manager is objecting."

Upon the reminder that things were supposed to be closing up soon, she arched an eyebrow to Ocarern. Since when have you been so antsy about leaving on time? She questioned him silently, but made to stand again, reaching down for her instrument. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she only just avoided smacking her head on the counter, before she righted herself, and slipped down into a crouch to take the lute.

Straightening, though with her hand on the counter to steady her, she said lightly, "let me go and collect my music. I'll meet whichever of you is going to walk me home, at the door." With that, she weaved unevenly to the stage.

Seeing her move to stand had cranked his smile up a notch, but his face fell at Ocarern's objections. "Hmm, yes he is." Pouting and loosely crossing his arms right back at him, Aren raised his chin in defiance for a moment before turning back to watch Kestal grabbing up her lute. At the mention of someone walking her home, however, it was the elf he looked to instead of the girl.

Quirking a brow, Aren glanced to the various stations of his family about the room currently. All busy... They wouldn't miss me for a little while and I'll help with things when I get back...

"Well, I'll take care of it. Mister Manager must be so busy, right? Taking care of his duties and such, keeping all the ladies in line?" he suggested with a snicker before walking toward the end of the bar to step down and make a sneaky beeline for the door. He knew his friend too well, of course, but that didn't stop him from enjoying a good tease at his expense. I do like getting him all flustered... So adorable.

Ocarern felt tore in all different directions with the waves of colors and emotions that washed over him. Between their teasing, Aren's pouting, Kessy's weariness, and the patrons' drunkeness, he hardly had any room left for his own emotions, which were many. Part of him wanted to help Kestal while another wanted to comfort Aren, and still another just wanted to flee.

Frustrated and a little hurt by his friends' teasing, Ocarern grumpily yanked his hood up and stormed outside. 'I look out for her and they pick on me. Some friends they are!' He did not go far though; from his current position he could still see the tavern door. Once more he enshrouded himself in the welcoming shadows.

The open, cool night air was instantly soothing to his frazzled nerves. Without the added stress of flashing colors and spiking emotions, Ocarern was able to focus better on his own thoughts. Yet, the more he thought, the more terrible he felt. 'They were only being silly. It is not their fault. I shouldn't act like such a baby. Now they are going to be mad at me and hate me. I am not going to be able to call them friends anymore. Kessy won't let me listen to her play anymore and Aren,' he could feel himself choke up and tears form in his eyes, 'and Aren will glare at me.'

He was getting himself worked up again. Over the years of the trio's friendship, Ocarern had always managed to be the most childlike of the group. His perceptions of things could be very adult but were more often very innocent and naive. One could never tell how he would perceive something though, not even Ocarern himself. Simple teasing like tonight on occasions had been met with more teasing or stuttering from the petite elf. Tonight's outburst was one of the rarer times when things went the opposite as expected.

If Ocarern was not able to reign himself in soon and calm down, then he would be headed for full-blown hysteria. 'They are going to abandon me!' He began to sob and hiccup, sliding down the wall into a small heap.

As she sat on stage organizing her piles of papers, Kestal watched her two dear friends, until Orcarern disappeared into the shadows. Such a mysterious little fellow, she sighed to herself. There was a tickle starting to grow in the back of her throat, and the girl cleared it lightly, grimacing against the raw feeling there. I'll have to do a much smaller set tomorrow. I hope that wont cause problems for Hablain.

With fingers shaking slightly, she finally gathered up her music and tucked it into her satchel, which she then slung over her shoulder. She stumbled a little down the steps, shaking her head at her clumsiness, but headed to where Aren waited without further mishap.

With a little smile she slipped her arm to link with Aren's, and leaned her head on his arm as they walked out the door, while her heart gave a little skip of pleasure. Thank Kia we've been friends for so long. This had always been the way for us. But I do like it, so very much. I do need it though. I can't believe how tired I am tonight.

Stepping out the door, she smiled up at him. "What did you say to Rennie? He stormed off like you'd stuck a pin under him."

Waiting by the door, Aren tried to keep a low profile as he continued to watch for any signs of his family taking notice that he'd up and left his post right around closing time. Noticing movement around the stage, his eyes flickered over just in time to see Kestal emerge. Ocarern, however, was nowhere in plain sight, at least not indoors. Maybe he went outside?

Feeling Kessy's arm brush against his own brought about all sorts of odd feelings that he knew were probably just absolutely silly to have by what little bit of contact they had. He adjusted his arm for her, though, and walked her out the door with a little pleased smile playing at his lips for the feel of her head resting against him. Even as a friend... I am so lucky, aren't I? Ah...it's so quiet out here. Very nice.

Looking down at her, that warm, if tired, smile visible there was absolutely infectious. Ah, but she's asking about Oca. Again. Hrm... "He's a bit touchy," he began with a sigh, looking up at the bright starlit sky and the heavy moon hanging over them. "I was merely offering my respect of his station. But, well, I guess he didn't like that at all." With a little chuckle, Aren cast a brief look over his shoulder.

"But I understand. He really loves your music. And...so do I," he finished, voice much gentler now as he thought of his friends.

Ocarern was startled by the sound of the tavern door opening. Looking up, he watched as Aren and Kessy linked arms and she leaned into him. Ocarern's stomach clenched again, making him feel like he was going to be ill. 'They already have moved on without me,' he hiccuped. 'They don't want me anym-wait Kessy is asking for me.'

He scrambled to pull himself together, both physically and emotionally. The roiling of his stomach only seemed to worsen though. 'I must be getting sick.'

"I am not touchy!" he called to them from their left. He approached them slowly, his head bowed further within his hood. Despite his efforts, his breath still hitched slightly and the tears still continued to fall albeit silently.

Ocarern felt the uncontrollable urge first to separate them and then to hug them both close. It was his fear of rejection among other things that held him back. 'Third wheel, broken wheel, should not be here.'

"Good night," he whispered softly. "I will leave you two. The moon is beautiful tonight." Ocarern felt like hitting himself for that last comment. 'What kind of explanation is that? The moon is beautiful? No wonder they don't want you as a friend. You should never open your mouth. Things go better when you don't. This whole thing would never have started if you hadn't said anything. But, Kessy is tired. Aren should know better than to push her when she works so hard!'

Completely lost in his internal battle, Ocarern still stood there awkwardly. He had forgotten that he was trying to leave the "couple" to themselves. 'It is not your place to defend her. You keep to yourself Ocarern, and no trouble will come looking for you.'

"I'm glad you enjoy it," she offered, feeling her stomach give a flutter. "One of the songs tomorrow is especially for you... And for Rennie, too, if he decides he wants to come and listen." She blushed a little, knowing now that she'd given away a little secret. She was going to have to make sure the song was perfect now, and she knew she'd probably end up staying up half the night trying to get it just right. And that wouldn't help, not at all.

As the voice called out from the left, she gave a startled jump, and her head spun to find the familiar voice. Seeing him approach though, she gave a smile his way, and loosened her grip on Aren's arm.

"Rennie, you're such a goose, why'd you take off like that. You know I'll happily have both my men walk me home," she laughed, letting go of Aren's arm, and walking to their friend. She crouched down a little, trying to see under his hood, and tilted her head slightly as she caught a glimpse of tears on his cheeks.

"Oh, Ocarern," her voice was sad now, and as she hardly ever used his proper name, it was easy to tell she was concerned. "Have you been crying? You have. Oh you ninny, come here!" She quickly stepped to wrap her arms around him, and gave him a gentle squeeze before stepping back, and holding him at an arms length.

"Yes, the moon is beautiful. Why don't the three of us go and watch it for a while, like we used to? We haven't done that for so long. I'd like that." She threw a glance over her shoulder to Aren, hoping he would agree.

A decided tightness began to form in his chest for the idea that she had written a song for them. Even if he was only a half to that, it was still something he knew he would cherish no matter how it turned out. "I can't wait to he-" Hearing Ocarern's voice, though, also gave him a bit of a start. Looking over as he approached them, Aren found he felt more than a little disappointed to feel Kestal gradually slipping away from him. As she went to the elf, however, he also felt his heart give a jump to hear that their friend had been crying. So I wasn't just hearing things...

He found he felt oddly conflicted now. He didn't want to share Kessy, but he also didn't want Oca crying. Watching as she gave him another hug, though, brought about quite a bit of jealousy that he tried desperately to mask. That's the second one tonight and in hardly any time at all. She hasn't given me any hugs! I haven't gotten hardly attention from him either...

Wanting to remain as dependable a friend as ever, though, Aren stepped closer to put a hand to the smaller man's shoulder. "Oca, would you please just walk with us?" Raising his other arm, though, he moved closer to his side and wrapped his arms around his shoulders to give him a brief squeeze and a cheeky kiss to the side of his head. "Don't be sad?" he asked with puppy-dog eyes.

"I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings... Can we all walk together?" he finished, casting a hopeful peek under the hood as he slipped his arms down back to his sides before standing back to full height.

The onslaught of emotions from his friends served both to hearten and confuse Ocarern. 'Kessy cares! Oh no, I made them upset. Why is Aren green? I need to fix this. I'm being hugged!' His mind bounced around from thought to thought before crashing with the last physical contact.

Blushing fiercely, he turned to reply to Aren and clumsily tripped over his own feet, causing his hood to fall backd. Pinwheeling his arms he tried to regain his balance but only managed to collide wholly with the taller man. Ocarern's arms came around Aren's waist and for a moment he just stayed, frozen in the awkward embrace. 'Touching!' his mind screamed.

Quickly he disentangled himself but the redness creeping up his ears and neck was quite evident as was the chaotic twitching of his pointed ears. "Dooh" he groaned, slamming his hands over his hot face. "Sorrysorrysorry," he chanted until it sounded like one long hissing sound.

Feeling flustered and embarrassed, Ocarern maneuvered himself behind Kestal and began to push her from behind. "Let's go moon-looking!" he cried excitedly. He was practically bouncing in place in order to distract them from the topic of himself. The thought that this only made him more noticeable never crossed his mind.

Kestal stepped back as Aren pulled Ocarern into a hug. She felt no pang of jealousy, she was just happy that her two friends seemed to care as much for each other as she did for them. The kiss, on the other hand, made her avert her eyes. Why him? He's just upset. Why don't you kiss me? I want a kiss. With a little blush rising in her cheeks, she brushed her hand against her face, feeling the hotness there, and ducked her head. Don't do that silly.

But as she looked to Ocarern, she saw his own blushing, and just smiled that she wasn't alone with feeling slightly embarrassed. With his sudden crashing into him though, she just laughed, finding the moment completely awkward, but endearing all the same. That's what made them special, she decided, they could always be in contact, and no one thought more of it. Wish he would though, she thought, casting a sly glance to Aren, before collecting herself again.

And then she was being pushed along the road. She wasn't strong enough to even try resisting, and she just shook her head, laughing. "Alright, Rennie. Settle down!" She side stepped out of his way, and fell to his side. The laughter caused a tightness in her chest, and she took a wheezy breath, which quickly turned into a fit of coughing. The coughing was deep, chesty and wracking, and she had to stop, one hand pressed to her chest, and the other covering her mouth. Her whole body convulsed with the power of them, and when the fit was finally over, she was paler than before, and a sheen of sweat had broken out across her brow.

This is not good. smile. Smile at them. She patted her chest a few times, her mouth curling in distaste beneath her hand, before she took a slow and shaky breath, and gave them as bright a smile as she could manage. "'Scuse me. I must have over done it tonight. I have a tickle in my throat. Wh-where shall we go? Down to the docks?""

It was all happening so quickly, but even under the moonlight he could tell he'd caused his friends to blush. Ocarern's clumsy hug was met with kind hands to his shoulders and soft eyes. He's tripping all over himself, poor guy. Aren slipped himself away just as quickly, though, smiling as he watched the other man dance around Kestal and urge them all on.

With a pleased sigh, glad some pep had returned to him somehow, he walked briskly to catch up. He was startled, though, by the fit of coughing that suddenly gripped her. "Kessy?" he asked, concerned as he drew closer and set a cautious hand to her back. A tickle? Hm...bet she's really worn out again. I shouldn't have pushed her to sing, she probably would have hurt her voice. Her suggestion drew him away from these thoughts for a moment, though. Flashing a smile, he glanced over to Ocarern for approval as he nodded.

"That would be nice, it'd be cooler out there. Quiet...and the moon would be right there, eh?" It wasn't just the idea of getting some time with his friends, though, it also sparked memories fond and otherwise of their childhood adventures. For him, it had always been one of his favorite spots to be with them, though there were others as well, of course.

"Oca, what have you been up to today? I haven't really seen you around that much, unless you were hiding out from your dear friend, Aren," he said with a mock sneer, snickering and giving himself away towards the end, as was usually the case.

"Kessy?" he called to her worriedly. 'Did I do this to her? Did I make the black form?' Sure enough, Ocarern could see a light film of black around Kestal's throat. 'Pain. She must have overdone her singing. This is all my fault, she shouldn't be outside. I am such a terrible friend.'

His ears started to droop in guilt and worry. 'Just a tickle? Well, if she says so. Better keep on eye on her though. It wouldn't be good if she can't sing tomorrow. It's up to me to take care of my Kessy! Aren is too forgetful for such a task.'

Ocarern also nodded his head to the location suggestion. 'We can't stay long though. Kessy needs her rest. Yep yep!' His eyes widened slightly with the return of Aren's teasing. 'Time to pay him back.'

"Who says it was you I was hiding from? Your mother is a fearsome thing to behold when one is trying to swipe one of her berry pies. But, can you blame an elf his hunger? She makes good pie," he explained shrugging. 'I was hiding from you, Aren. If you saw me watching you, you would never be my friend. Friends don't stare at friends like that. I am such a horrible friend. I don't look out for them, when they do so for me. I don't help when I should. I am dishonorable in both my intentions and my actions.'

He sighed lowly, walking slightly ahead and to the right of Aren. He figured that with Aren between him and Kestal he would not have to suffer another hug. 'Too much touching. No touchy,' he thought shivering slightly.

Kestal walked along in silence after waving off her friend's concern. She wasn't the kind to seek attention, and she certainly didn't want Ocarern or Aren to worry for her. No point in worrying, anyhow, she told herself, just enjoy the time with them. We don't do this often enough anymore. Aren's always so busy with the tav, Rennie's always flitting about doing his own thing. Stealing berry pies. She gave a little snort at the elf's comment, rolling her eyes.

But she couldn't shake the heavy feeling that hung over her chest, try as she might. Stretching her torso a little, she found that even with the cool evening air, under all her layers of clothes, she was getting warm. "Here, take this a moment," she said to Aren, handing him her lute. As they walked, she quickly rid herself of her cloak, folding it over her arms. Without the thing coming high up her neck, her collarbone could be seen jutting out beneath her cream shirt, but she tugged on the taupe coloured vest, two sizes too big, adjusting it to cover herself better. That's better. Not so warm now.

Taking the instrument back, she gripped it around the neck, and let it dangle from her fingers. "Rennie, you shouldn't be stealing from Selve. You know if you just asked, she'd give you a pie. Or maybe you were hiding from me?" She gave another small cough while she raised her eyebrow at him, "Maybe you just say you like my singing." She was teasing, and she elbowed him gently, before a quick cheeky grin stole over her lips.

As they neared the docks, Kestal wasn't surprised at how quiet it was, and she tugged her friends over to the wharf. She sat, tucking her lute behind her, and dangled her legs over the edge. Lifting her chin to the sky, she basked in the moons soft light for a moment, with her eyes closed. "I could sit out here all night," she said wistfully. "It's so calm, and peaceful. If you don't make any noise, it's almost as if nothing else exists... don't you think?"

Aren feigned a look of utter horror and shock for Ocarern's answer, though it soon cracked in exchange for a goofy smile of pride. "Stealing her pies, huh? She does make great pie. Really, she's a great cook in anything. Keeps our ship afloat, she does." At Kestal's prompting, he readily took her lute for her as he glanced over to see what she was doing before looking up again to watch Oca moving up away from them. With a teasing scoff, he just rolled his eyes and returned the instrument to Kessy. He was so tempted to ask to carry her cloak for her, but he knew he'd feel awkward doing it in such a playful moment between them all.

"Ah, hiding from your friends either way, Oca, we've caught you," he teased before following with mock whining, "But feel free to continue stealing from my mother's kitchen, she works me to the bone." When they finally reached their destination, though, he remained quiet as he settled himself down beside Kestal. Sitting criss-cross instead, he looked out upon the water and the trees beyond the far bank. He didn't raise his gaze to the stars or the heavy moon hanging above, but he did sneak glances at his friends when he could. Moments like this had been rare as of late, and he didn't mind at all having them both there to silently admire under the moonlight.

"Nothing else exists? I suppose it does. Almost feels like we're... in our own little haven. Nothing to disturb us." He gave a lazy wave of one hand to gesture at all that was around them before he let both fall to gently grip the edge of the dock on either side of him. "I could just stay out here. Let the tavern fall apart for one day without me," he joked, a little sigh of longing escaping his parted lips.

Ocarern shook his head and rolled his eyes at Kestal's comment about the pies. 'Sure, because we all know I'm big on stealing pies.' He started, giving an indignant squawk. "Of course I like your music!" he cried out, scowling and crossing his arms. He curled his lip, muttering under his breath as he sulked.

"You deserve to be worked hard," he retorted testily. "Every time I see you Aren, you are doing anything but working." He fell silent again as guilt settled in. 'And I look more than you think I do. But, he does work hard. I would know.'

The elf allowed himself to be tugged to the wharf before hopping on top of one of the dock's vertical wooden supports. Sitting cross-legged he balanced precariously on the small circumference. Curiously, he looked down, peering over the edge at the water below. For someone born far from large bodies of water, Ocarern seemed to be very obsessed with it. One of the few dreams he still held in his heart from his youth was to see the sea. Sitting on the docks with his friends always made him think that dream was possible.

'Black. Mysterious. Secretive. Intense. I wonder if the sea is also black,' he thought watching the murky waves come in and out with the tides. His contemplations were broken however, by Kestal's words. Interested, he looked over at his two friends and nearly fell off his perch. The way the moonlight shined down upon them made them seem like gods to him. He nearly gasped aloud in awe. 'They glow.'

"But if Kestal stays out all night she will be too tired to sing tomorrow and you promised to sing new things," he pouted. That did not last long though as it was quickly forgotten after Aren's comment. "Lazy!" Ocarern cried. He removed his boot and stood on his perch with one foot while chucking the now footless boot at Aren's head.

"Hah!" he let out triumphantly when it made solid contact. The act of throwing though, disturbed Ocarern's balance and suddenly he was pinwheeling his arms to rectify it. With a high-pitched squeak he fell off and landed with a giant splash in the water below. Once more breaking the surface, he looked back up at the wharf. "Aren," he cajoled, giving his best innocent eyes. "Can you help me? Please!"

"Yeah right," Kestal teased to Aren, giving him a gentle nudge with her shoulder, "because we all know you're the glue that holds it all together." She flashed him a grin, and then fell back into contemplative silence, watching as the stars shone overhead. Like moth holes in the curtains of the sky. That's what Papa used to say. And the shining eyes of a thousand spirits. I miss you, Daddy. Mama too. But I know you're watching, right? Am I doing life right? What I have? I do the best I can. I have a song for you, too. If I sing it, will you listen?

Ocarern's protest that she would be too tired almost got her scowling for his concern. She knew he was only looking out for her, but a not so small part of her worried for the things he could not control. That none of them could. Still, she didn't have much time to think on this either, before a boot was flying through the air. Her short, shocked laughter was like a chime cutting through the night air, and only got louder as she watched Ocarern tumble from his perch, and hit the water. "Rennie!" Covering her mouth to hide her grin, and ignoring the growing tightness in her chest, she linked arms with Aren.

She took one glance to Rennie treading water, and fairly melted at the sight of his big pleading eyes. There is not enough laughter in this world. I want to enjoy this moment. The consequences can go hang. It's not like things can get much worse. With that little resolution, and tugged on Aren. "Care to go fishing for an Elf?" She gave him a wink, and still with her bony arm tightly would around his, she leaned forward, pulling them both over the edge of the wharf.

The water was like ice cutting through her clothes. Disorientated for a moment, she struggled against the weight of the boggy things. She didn't have an inch of fat on her to protect her from the chilling fingers of the water, and instantly her muscles clenched in protest. Finally kicking herself upwards and breaking the surface, she laughed even harder, splashing water at Ocarern playfully. "Sh-sh-should have p-p-p-pulled him in with you!" She grinned through chattering teeth. "Now I h-h-had to d-d-do your d-d-dirty work!"

"Lazy, huh?" he laughed, though he didn't look toward his friend until it was too late and he saw a dark object flying right for him. The loud thunk! as the thing, a boot he soon realized, smacked into his head left him surprised but entirely unhurt. For Ocarern's benefit, though, he rubbed his hand at the side of his head and did a mock wince as fingers wound into his hair. Looking up, though, his eyes widened at the sight of how precariously the elf stood, noting how quickly he was losing his footing entirely. "Ah, Ocarern!" he cried, gaze following him as he crashed into the water.

He glanced first the Kestal at the feel of her arm winding around his own and then down to the adorable, pleading eyes of the elf. Without unfolding his legs he leaned down with an outstretched hand, his body terribly unbalanced as he bent. "Here. I can't believe I'm helping you after you just hit me," he said with a roll of his eyes. Aren's expression turned blank for a moment and then shocked at Kestal's words and he turned his head to look back at her far too late by the time he realized what was happening. "KESSY! You wouldn't!" he hissed, wide-eyed. "NO! N-N-NO! ACK!"

As he felt himself toppling over he took one last gulp of air before they crashed into the water. Instead of heading for the surface immediately, though, he let himself slip away from her and look up toward their figures lighted by the moonlight above. He heard muffled laughter, saw the splashing and could only grin to himself as he sank himself lower below their feet. He waited a moment, trying to calm his heartbeat from being dragged in, and then struck. Reaching up with both arms, he grabbed Kestal by her calves and held fast as he sharply tugged her down beneath the water with him. Payback...

One moment he was looking up at his friends and the next they were in the water with him. The wave created by their slash temporarily dunked him underwater and he came up coughing and sputtering. "Dirty work? You never gave me a chance. Besides, I never asked for you to do that. I had no intention of falling in to begin with," he huffed earning himself a mouthful of water courtesy of Kestal.

"Kessy," he whined, before dragging his arm through the water and sending a wave back at her. I rare small lit up his features. It had been a long time since, Ocarern had felt this carefree, especially around his friends. Looking about him, he noticed that he could not find Aren. "Aren? Aren! Kessy where's Aren?" he asked beginning to feel desperate.

'Did he hit his head? Is he drowning? I saw him fall in; did he ever surface?' The young elf's eyes widened and his features drained, the faster his thoughts whirled about in his head. 'It's all my fault if he's hurt. If I hadn't thrown my boot he wouldn't have been dragged in after me.'

Kestal just laughed, as she continued to splash as hard as she could. She grinned for his smiles, and the way that he had seemed to loosen up. This was the Rennie she loved. She didn't even notice that Aren hadn't surfaced. That was, until Ocarern started harping on about where he was. Suddenly, she felt very afraid, and her heart started pounding in her head. "What!? You mean he hasn't... oh goddess! Aren!? Are-nugh!"

Something gripped her legs, and she was under the water, mouth still open, still trying to talk. Water rushed down her throat, burning it's way down, choking her. Her chest automatically closed, lungs screaming at the assault of something foreign. Burning for air, disorientated and panicking, she tried to pull it in, but only succeeded at taking in more water. She tried to kick her legs, but whatever it was, it had her. She started thrashing her torso about in a desperate attempt to break free. The more she struggled, the more her chest collapsed, and black splotches danced before her eyes. She was completely powerless.

Then she was limp. Her body swayed backwards, arms falling out to her sides. Her clothes and hair fanned out around her body. Her face was still, serene.

Not realizing what he was causing, Aren held on tight even as she thrashed. Pulling her down further, though, he noticed immediately when she stopped moving. Playing games, is she? he thought, amused as he wrapped his arms around her torso now and turned her, but what he saw shocked him and bubbles burst from his mouth as he called to her. "Keshee?!" His own air was running out, though, and his plan of harmless fun crumbled in his hands as he scrambled to swim up with her.

Breaking the surface, he turned wild eyes to Ocarern as he took big gulps of air and flailed one arm to try and steer himself to take her back to the dock. Grabbing onto the edge, he hauled her up and clambered up after her and began fussing over her, hands hovering all about to touch her arms, her face. "Kessy!" he hollered, worried out of his mind now as he frantically shook her by the shoulders. Leaning closer, he tried to listen for any sign of breathing and gave a frustrated groan and pushed at the hair plastered to his neck before he turned to look at the elf. "She's not breathing!

"Ocarern, I've killed her!" he cried in a strangled whisper as his hands helplessly fluttered about, almost everything he knew of reviving someone in this situation flying out the window. Almost.

Without another thought, he bent over her, quickly tilted her head back and then brought his hand up to pinch her nostrils as he gulped in air and brought his mouth down to hers to give her air. It was a desperate attempt at revival in the moment, but he was sure he wouldn't hear the end of it later whether it worked or not. Please, Kia. Oh, please, save her!

"Kessy!" Ocarern screamed as Kestal was suddenly dragged underwater. Over and over, he frantically called for her, treading water near where she went under. Tears freely fell from his eyes as he fearfully searched from the surface for his two friends.

Relief briefly washed over his features as his two friends surfaced. But, that was quickly replaced with terror as he observed Aren's ice blue emotions and Kestal's nonexistent ones. He watched stunned as Aren pulled himself up onto the dock. Too short to do so himself, Ocarern was stuck in the water, fearfully listening to the sounds up above him. 'Not breathing? Killed her?'

"What did you do Aren!" he shouted hysterically. Determined, Ocarern tried to reach up to pull himself up, but his arms were just too short. The tears flowed faster and he let out hicupping sobs as he tried to get out of the water to his friends. "Do something! She can't be dead!"

Ocarern turned fearful eyes up towards his only companions, searching desperately for their emotions. 'Please, no black. Anything but, black. Please! Don't die Kessy. Aren is just an idiot. Please don't leave me.' Every sound rang clearly in his ears but he could not hear the one he desperately wished for. 'Please Kestal. I'll do anything! I'll let you hug me and never let go. Just please, don't die. Don't leave me alone with him. I can't lose you too!'

She was weaker than she'd ever been before. Her body felt weightless, but heavy at the same time. She couldn't seem to bring herself up from the cushioned darkness. She was aware of movement but couldn't place whether they were up or down, left or right. She wasn't even positively certain of the burning in her lungs. Her mind had shut everything down, in order to preserve the last remnants of oxygen in her body.

She was unmoving even as Aren tipped her head. Her hands hung at her sides. I'm dead. I must be. I never got to say goodbye. Never got to tell him I love him. Never got to sing my song. Why is there so much regret in death? Why does it burn? Why... why does it feel like someone is kissing me!?

Air pushed its way into her lungs, and Kestal began coughing and spluttering. She turned her head away, trying to breathe for good on her own. It hurt. She opened on eye to see Aren. Instead of being panicky and terrified for what had happened to her, she was somewhat amused as pieces started to come back to her.

"If you wanted a kiss..." she said, though her throat was raw and rasping, "you could have just asked. You didn't need to drown me."

Please... Please...

Only a moment later, he felt the surge of quivering in Kestal as her body tried to purge itself of the water it'd taken. Moving back just as she turned away, his eyes danced with a mixture of relief and worry, his lip trembling a bit as he wasn't sure if he was about to cry or not. He watched her until he was sure she was able to breathe again, though it was more for her comment that he averted his eyes. "Kessy, I... I'm glad that you're alright. You.. Can you breathe alright, then?" he asked before he realized something was missing. In his concern over Kestal, he'd forgotten to help Ocarern.

Abruptly, he scrambled around her and slammed himself down over the slippery edge, his arms outstretched to the elf. He saw the water streaking along his face, but he could not tell if it had been from crying or the dive he'd taken earlier. Most of what had just happened had been entirely ignored in his panic to revive Kestal.

"Ocarern! Ack! Here, I'll help you up, I'm sorry. Grab on. I... I didn't kill her. She's not dead, I promise... sorry..." he offered, trying to maintain a small smile even though his heart still pounded with his fear at the sight of how limp and motionless his friend had been.

The elf saw it before he heard it. Kestal was alive. Her aura, a pale olive color, she would be fine. Sighing in relief, Ocarern allowed himself to sink under the water for a brief moment before kicking back up to the surface. 'Kiss? What kiss? He drowned her so he could kiss her!'

An emotion Ocarern, could only describe as a vibrant green flared through him, confusing and enraging him. It was a feeling he had rarely experienced and only observed milder versions in his friends on a few select occasions

Angrily he glared up at Aren as the human offered to help him up. Like a child throwing a temper-tantrum the diminutive elf yelled a long line of expletives and splashed a large wave of water in the other man's face. Feeling hurt and betrayed he swam under the grimy dock, hiding in the cob-webbed shadows by one of the support posts.

'He almost killed her and for what? So he could get a kiss! What is with humans with their constant need for touching? Oh I'm happy, let's touch. Oh, I'm so sad let's touch. Oh I'm mad, I'm going to hit you by touching! Touchy, touchy, touchy! Stupid, ignorant, selfish, bubble-headed, skirt-lifter! Foolish boy can't keep his hands to himself. Or his lips! I ought to...' Ocarern practically shook with the emotions ripping through his fragile frame.

His vision finally focusing, all he saw was a livid little elf. Stunned for the volley of insults his friend threw at him, Aren opened his mouth to protest only to receive a mouthful of water. Wide-eyed, he spluttered and coughed as he raised himself back up onto the dock for a moment. "OCARERN!" he hollered hoarsely, eyes narrowed in frustration that his apology hadn't been accepted.

After clearing red eyes, he peeked over the edge of the dock again only to find that the spot he expected to see his angry friend was empty. Groaning, he glanced back to Kestal only to offer her a tense, "Just a minute," between clenched teeth before pushing himself off to dive back down into the icy water.

Down in the water, he couldn't see any sign of his friend, but as he surfaced and turned back to look toward the dock he caught sight of him there behind a post. "Why did you do that?" he complained, snorting as he swam cautiously underneath to join him. "I was just trying to help you!"

So infuriated was Ocarern that he refused to speak. Instead he splashed water in Aren's face repeatedly, corralling him backwards out from under the wharf. Eyes ablaze, Ocarern clapped his hands down hard on his friend's shoulders, forcing him underwater.

'Not so fun, is it Aren!' he thought vindictively as he climbed up onto Aren's shoulders, first with his knees and then his feet. Now at a better height, he grabbed onto the dock and pulled himself up, making sure to give Aren a swift to kick to the head as he did so. Worriedly glancing over to at Kestal and deeming her fine, he took off his remaining boot and dumped the water inside back into the river. If it landed on Aren's head, Ocarern did not mind too much.

Feeling that he had tortured his friend enough for now, the elf abandoned his task and moved over to Kestal. Tears reformed in his eyes as he gazed at her. 'If only I hadn't fallen in. Aren would never had the chance to hurt her if it hadn't been for me.' Ocarern did the only thing he could think to do, he hugged her as hard as he could.

"Uh... Oca? HEY!" Flailing wildly, Aren backed out to try and get away from the water Ocarern splashed on him, but he never managed to stay entirely out of reach. Shocked was what he was. He was pretty sure he hadn't seen his friend this enraged since... well, never. He knew what he'd done had been terribly stupid and he was sure they weren't going to let him off the hook about what had just happened. What he didn't know, though, was Ocarern's main reason for being so upset.

"Talk to me will ya?! Ocare--?! STOP IT!" But he already felt himself forced down as his friend climbed up to his shoulders and he was soon entirely submerged again. The kick sent his head flying back as a buzz rang through, and he found himself sinking for a moment before he got himself together enough to realize he was still underwater and kick to the surface for air. "Damn it," he muttered. "Cause your stupid shoe wasn't enough righ-- OH, COME ON! FOOT WATER?! SERIOUSLY, OCARERN?!

"Why do you hate me so much?! I just saved her life, dammit!" His head was throbbing now and he gave a low groan and hiss as he climbed back up to the dock again only to find the little elf huddled with Kestal. "Traitor!" he whined, giving his best attempt at puppy eyes to the pair of them. "I was just trying to help you! And I didn't mean to hurt you, Kestal!"

Kestal lay on the dock, curled up on her side for much of the time since Aren left her to see to Ocarern, taking slow, unsteady breaths that rattled deep in her chest. She could hear faint talking, yelling even, but things seemed so distant in her ears. Her eyes were clenched tightly against the shivers that wracked her body. It was as if the cold had seeped into her bones, and had settled there to stay. She felt as if she might never get warm again.

Beneath her eyelids she watched the scene as it had played out, as if she was watching from above. Though she could have no real way of knowing, if the look on Aren's face was anything to go by, he had been mortified, panicked, as he carried her back through the water. She couldn't help but wonder. Does he really care so much? And Rennie too? The little elf, had by this stage, found her. She felt her body covered with his embrace. She turned her head towards him and smiled a little sadly. This is going to be so much harder than I thought.

Aren's roaring though, and his seething as he clambered back up on the dock made her give a weak little giggle, followed by a not so weak fit of coughing. The water had done her absolutely no good. Gently extricating herself from Ocarern's embrace, she pressed a soft little kiss to his cheek with cold, blue lips. "I'm okay, Rennie." She sat up, and pulled her legs up to her chest. Anything to try and get herself warmed up again.

"You didn't hurt me," Kestal gave Aren a weak smile, and brushed back a damp lock of hair from her face with a shaking hand. "It was just fun, gone a little astray, right? I could write a song about it. Near death experiences... I bet that would improve my writing. Maybe we could try something else? Cliff diving, maybe?"

Pulling at his soaked clothes like it might do something to help, Aren sat on the dock to catch his breath for a moment as he watched Kestal with a cautious gaze. He couldn't hide the worry from his eyes just for seeing her coughing again, but he felt his heart skip a beat as he watched her kiss the elf's cheek, fleeting as it was. It was an odd mixture of jealousy and protectiveness for both of his friends that danced about to balance in his mind, but it was there all the same.

Her smile was all it took to get him to offer up his own, but it fell almost entirely as he caught sight of her hand shaking. "You know there's a funny thing about near-death experiences, Kessy. You have to nearly die. Let's not do that... please?

"Why are you shaking, though? Are you sure you're alright, Kessy? We... we should get you home, huh?" he realized, a pang of guilt and a sad little smile there as he remembered where they'd been going in the first place.

'Nimwit! She's cold! Of course she's shaking!' he mentally hurled at the other male. Ocarern clung to Kestal once more as she curled in on herself. He shivered as a cool breeze tugged at his hair and clothes. 'She needs dry clothes.' He pulled her closer, one hand going up to tangle in her hair.

"Home," he agreed, looking over Kestal's head toward Aren. The elf who abhored physical contact could not bring himself to let her go though. 'I wish I wasn't such a weakling. I don't want to let go. I don't want him carrying her, touching her. All his fault! All my fault.'

Ocarern's ears drooped as he glared at Aren, albeit not nearly as angrily as before. "Home," he repeated quietly. He gave Kestal one last squeeze before reluctanly moving away and retrieving his boots.

Kestal pulled her hand away, and looked at it, as if only now noticing the tremor. "Guess it's just because I'm cold," she shrugged it off. No point in having them worrying about her. She felt heavy and weak all at the same time, and was slow to start unfurling herself at the suggestion of going home. And there was Ocarern again, with his fingers in her hair, and keeping her close, as if she might just blow away in the wind. She looked up at him, a little puzzled. Never in all the time she had known him had he been this clingy. Poor Rennie. He must have been really scared.

She gave a little sigh for the looks towards Aren that weren't missed on her, and spoke again as Ocarern finally let her go, and started getting himself ready to leave. "Ocarern," she said a little sternly, and with a little exasperation, "stop glaring at Aren. It was a mistake. Mistakes happen. I am fine." As if to prove this, she rolled over onto her knees, and slowly made her way to stand up.

The world swayed, and she locked her knees, clenching her fists and eyes both tight, as if this would get rid of the dizziness. This was the second or third wave of it this evening, though now it was slightly more justified. When things seemed to slow down, she whirled around to Aren with a bright smile. Bad mistake. She put one step in front of the other, "I'm fine, just tired. And cold," she insisted. She was unsteady as anything, and the hazy, lethargic grip of cold was making her vision blurry. Or maybe that was the tiredness? Whatever it was, all of a sudden she was teetering near the edge of the dock. "Help!" She squeaked, trying to rock herself backwards, "helphelphelp!"

Trying to comb slick strands of hair out of his face, Aren could only stare at Ocarern with a pleading look in return for his glaring, but he looked away as Kestal scolded him. He didn't like knowing he was responsible for upsetting him or hurting her, but so long as they were going to drop it so was he. As he watched her getting up to stand, though, he scrambled to his feet as if to help her and then stopped short as he saw her successfully getting to her feet.

Her smile would have been so much nicer, though, if it hadn't been followed with a teetering Kessy. "Kestal!" he hissed, his eyes widening with worry as he stood frozen in a moment of panic before clumsily lurching toward her. Throwing his arms out, he grabbed her up and yanked her away from the edge. Stepping back with her and tightening his hold, he looked down at her with eyes filled with heightened concern and guilt now as he could feel just how cold she was. "I got you..." No wonder Oca was clinging to her...

"Kessy," he breathed, voice wandering towards sadness as he sighed. Bending down, he scooped her up into his arms, completely uncaring for any protest from either he might receive after all his mistakes and missteps so far today. "We'll take you home now, and I'm carrying you, and I don't want to hear anything about it since you're tired and can't seem to even stand, let alone walk."

Despite being drenched himself, Aren willed himself not to seem fazed by the cold whipping through his clothes and causing his whole body to go up in stubborn goose bumps. Looking down to Ocarern, he offered the elf another attempt at a sad smile and a slow, "I'm sorry I made a mess, Oca."

Ocarern whipped around sharply at Aren's hissing. His heartbeat sped up as he watched Kestal wobble and nearly fall. 'Thank Kia!' his mind cried at seeing Aren come to her rescue. His breath caught in his throat. He did not know why, but watching the pair together like that was painful.

He nodded his hand in support of Aren. 'Listen to him Kessy. You're going to be very sick if you don't get warm and dry soon.' Ocarern move closer to the pair, ready to enforce Aren's demands. When his friend's apologetic smile was directed his way he felt something in his chest snap. 'I made him upset,' he realized, his ears drooping in guilt. Keeping to his silent ways, he allowed himself to brush against Aren more than was necessary and for long periods of time.

'I'm sorry my friends. I always drag us down. I hurt Kessy twice; I made Aren sad twice. I'm terrible. Oh so miserable. I'm a little black raincloud!'

Back into the water. Oh no. Ohnoohnoohno! Kestal's were first wide open, staring down at the water, and then clenched tightly shut as she felt gravity tugging her downwards. Then hands were around her, tugging her back. Looking up, she winced for the concern she saw in his eyes. But at the same time, there was an overwhelming feeling of being safe. She gave a 'whoop!' as she was lifted, but didn't protest, only wrapped her arms snugly around Aren's neck.

His clothes were wet and cold, but she found at least a little warmth as she pressed her face in to his neck. "You're cold too," she said simply. That she was too tired to even stand was an understatement. She was drop dead beat. The evening's performance, and near-death experience had left her feeling as if every bone in her body had turned to stone, and her mind had been filled with cotton wool.

She chanced a glance At Aren's somber expression and down to Ocarern, and pouted. He was such a quiet boy anyway, but this mopiness was getting a little to much. I just want to enjoy the time I have with them! She unlatched one hand and tapped Aren's cheek lightly, before stretching out and ruffling Ocarern's hair. "Quiet little mouse," she mused affectionately.

Kestal paused a moment, and then gave a heavy sigh, pulling her body away from the safety of Aren's chest. "Right. That's it you two. Enough with the sad faces." She pulled a face of her own then, drawing her eyebrows down hard, puffing out her cheeks and pursing her lips, and squinting her eyes. "Vif if fwot you fwook whike" She mumbled through the tiny gap in her lips, before relaxing and beaming broadly between the two of them. "And you remember what mother said about pulling faces!"

Aren was quiet as they walked back down the wharf and back toward the streets. His face was so serious as he reflected on what had just happened. It certainly wasn't the worst thing he'd ever caused, but he still felt guilty for upsetting Ocarern and nearly drowning Kestal, especially when she was already so tired and strained. It helped to have Oca's silent acknowledgement through touch and Kessy there in his arms, but he still couldn't shake it just yet. She doesn't seem mad, but that doesn't mean I haven't hurt her. Kessy's too nice to me. She should have pushed me away, too.

Jolted away from his thoughts at the feel of something poking at him, he looked down to see her leaning out, messing with the elf's hair. He clenched his jaw a bit, a sudden twinge of jealousy rising even though he was already carrying one of his friends. It's... nothing, right? He wasn't able to hold onto it for long, though, with Kestal pulling such a silly face.

Aren smiled, chuckled, and then stuck his tongue out for her teasing, even as he said, "'If you keep doing that you'll be stuck with it forever!'" Oh, Kessy... Always trying to brighten our day at your worst and at your best. You are the light of my life... and probably Ocarern's, too. What would we ever do without you, Kestal?

"Ah, Kessy... Oca..." he sighed and chuckled lightly, his heart swelling as he adjusted his hold on her and looked down to them. "Come on, let's get you two home, yeah? I think it's well past both your bedtimes, don't you think?" he teased, casting a brief look up to the starry sky again.

Okay. So maybe swimming last night wasn't the best idea. Ugh. I feel terrible. I want my Mama. She always knew what to do when I was sick.

It was midday, and Kestal still hid away under the blankets, as if she could will the pounding in her head to go away. It was like a vice had taken hold on either side of her head, and was winching closed with every passing moment. Every head movement made her eyes want to clench shut, and sunlight made them water. She was sick. A cold had taken her with great force, and she'd spent much of the night shivering, trying to get warm, and using only her will to combat the illness. As rotten as she felt though, she had a job to do, and she was going to make sure she didn't let anyone down.

Dragging herself out of bed, Kestal shivered at the touch of the floorboards, and moved to wash and dress as quickly as she could. Catching sight of her reflection in the window, she grimaced. Her hair looked terrible and her eyes were puffy. Attacking her hair with her fingers, she managed to pull it into a low ponytail, and fluff up her fringe enough that it didn't look lifeless. The eyes however, there was nothing she could do about, and so she gave a weary shrug and fetched her bag, music and lute.

She hadn't even tried to talk yet. From the way her throat was feeling, she had an idea that it would be sounding thick and husky, and she aimed to get some hot water to drink before she even tried. She was lucky that Three Oaks Hall wasn't far from her little home, because she was already wheezing for breath by the time she got there. Leaning against the wall, she fought to catch it back, before going in with a sunny smile.

There weren't many patrons there during the day, and Kestal usually used the time to practice for her set, but this morning she took herself right up to the bar. She couldn't see Aren anywhere, and figured he might be sleeping. I hope he's not sick too... Turning instead to his father, she simply asked for hot water and lemon, and upon receipt took herself over to a table in the corner (ignoring Hablain's concerned gaze), that had the least amount of sunlight hitting it. Setting the mug down to the side, Kestal slumped into the chair, and leaned her body across the table, head falling over her folded arms.

Ocarern woke in one of the Three Oaks Hall's vacant rooms. The previous night's series of events had left him feeling very disturbed and upset, so much so that he had followed Aren home and stayed close. He had felt the ever-present need to ensure his friend that he was not mad anymore, only worried.

Morning had done little to assuage the elf's fears. For with it brought the knowledge the Kestal would be coming. His heart twinged with worry as he remembered how cold she had seemed. 'I'll make it up to her. Tonight.'

Feeling a little better, he made his way down the creaking stairs, skipping the loudest ones to avoid attention. An unexpected smile broke his normally stoic features at seeing Kestal already there. Sneaking quickly into the kitchen he helped himself to a bowl of porridge before balancing it on top of the heavy jar of honey.

Both he carried over to Kestal's table, gently letting the honey jar thunk down on the table. "Morning Kessy," he whispered softly in his lilting tones. Happily opening the jar he began scooping large spoonfuls into his breakfast until there was nearly more honey then gruel. Finishing up, he pushed the jar over to her. "Want some?" he offered, a childlike smile cheering him.

The elf happily dug into his breakfast with enthusiasm. Sticky honey even managed to stick to his cheeks like a messy toddler. "Have you seen Aren?" he finally asked after a while, breaking what he felt was a peaceful silence.

Kestal groaned, and looked up wearily at Ocarern. As if his whispering could hide the fact that the depositation of the jar had been unkindly loud to her pounding head. She just stared at him a moment, before dropping her head face down into her arms. "No," she said grumpily,  "I don't want some." She sniffed, and turned her head to the side. The sight of her friend tucking into his breakfast made her smile at least, and she finally lifted her heavy head and sat back into the chair.

"Haven't seen him," she answered. "I bet he's still upstairs sleeping. Hey, Rennie, can I ask you a question?" Kestal pursed her lips, hiding a giggle for all the honey over his face, and launched into her questioning anyway.

"Have you ever... have you ever wondered if there's anything after we're gone? Dead, I mean?" She cleared her throat, and looked down at her hands. "Mama and Papa used to say that our spirits become stars, and that, all of our loved ones sit in the sky and watch us. It's a nice thought but, last night... I didn't... I didn't feel anything. It was like ... I was there one moment, and gone the next. So... It made me think. What if there is nothing left after life? What if this is all we have.

"What would you do? What would you do if you knew that there would be no more ... of anything? I just can't imagine not being with you. You and Aren, or at least, not being aware of you. If this life is the one shot we get, wouldn't you want to... live it fully? Love, and laugh, and be with those people you care for the most?" She leaned forward then, her face grave and serious. "I know you don't like this, but bear with me for a moment." She reached out and took one of Ocarern's sticky hands.

"I love you Rennie. I really do. And ... I want you to know that because... well... I don't think I've said it to you before... and I'm determined now, not to let things go unsaid. You're so special to me. You know that. Don't you?"

The small elf listened carefully, his ears drooping as he mulled over the meanings of Kestal's words. Memories of his own deceased parents flooded his mind, dampening his cheerful mood. "There has to be something Kestal. If there wasn't then what is the point of living? Death is a part of life, "another journey," my father would say."

Ocarern shrugged his shoulders as if to brush the thought away. "Maybe you didn't feel anything because it wasn't your time to die yet. Maybe we only know death when we are truly dead and beyond the chance of life again. But, if this is all there is, then make the best of it. Don't leave things unsaid, for tomorrow is a new day. Don't forget to tell your lover you love him and that life wouldn't be the same without him. This is what my mother taught me. Elves may have long lives but, we often push things off, thinking there is always time."

He looked up at her with clear eyes, his sorrow and pain on open display for her to see. "I lost my family when I just a little boy. But, while it was terrible what happened, I do not regret the past. I said everyday what needed saying. When my parents died, they knew I truly loved them. That I think is what matters most, not tomorrow but today, right now, this very moment. You only waste precious time worrying over the future. Let the future come when it will, until then enjoy the now."

"Aw Kessy! You're all sticky now," he exclaimed trying to free his honeyed hand. Ocarern's deep philosophical moment was gone. The awkward unsure of himself elf had returned. But, as Kestal said those three very important words, the elf was awed to see the colors that flashed across her aura. 'I haven't seen violets like that since mother and father.' He smiled back at her, nodding his head, unable to speak the words he wanted to. 'I understand Kessy. Thank you friend. Thank you.'

After the night's events, it had been all Aren could do to get himself up to bed when he'd gotten home. He'd refused a word of explanation to his parents and sister about slipping out right before closing or why both he and Ocarern had returned with wet clothes. In the morning, though, Elaera made him pay by going up to wake him once she'd caught sight of Kestal.

With tired eyes he went about washing and dressing for the day, but the cold of his bath only did to remind him of those temporary fears the night before, and nothing did to alleviate the heaviness in his eyes. Upon making his way down the stairs, though, something caught his attention: his friends at the table in the corner. Interestingly to him, though, they were talking, and really talking at that. Silently slinking back up the stairs enough to hide himself from view, he flattened himself against the wall to listen.

Kestal spoke of her parents, of their accident, of life after death, and Ocarern more of life, of living a full life, and none of this hurt. It was endearing, really, knowing they were having a heart-to-heart, but they, or at least Kestal, crossed his line. It hurt to hear her words now. Clenching his jaw, he turned his gaze up to the ceiling in silent prayer that she might say she was just kidding or clarify to what extent her feelings reached, but she didn't. He's special to her... She's never told me that before. Ocarern isn't saying anything... Oh no. Oh goddess! They're kissing! They must be kissing! Aren's heart sank, and he didn't dare peak around at them now.

This is it. I lost my chance. She loves him. He loves her. Secret happily ever after. And in the damn tav! ...bet they thought they could go and say those things without me ever knowing, huh? Bet they didn't think their dear Arensaenger would ever find out. They're probably still at it, they're so quiet... Oh GOSHDARNIT. Don't think about it. ...touching hair..., little kisses, sweet nothings, probably holding hands... and that's just over the damned BREAKFAST table! Aren sighed in momentary defeat, fixed his gaze upon the floor, and backed all the way up the stairs just to stumble back down as if he'd just left his room. Sticking a bright, but still tired-eyed smile to his face, he committed to rounding the corner and allowed his eyes to finally find them again as he quickly crossed over toward the opening to the kitchen. "Morning, Kessy. Morning, Oca," he called over in feigned tiredness even though he was feeling wide-awake now.

Just as quickly as he'd settled his eyes upon them, though, he was looking straight ahead as his steps hurried along to go down through the kitchen and along the rows of stacked storage before he settled himself to lean against the wall of piled bags of oats, wedging himself back in the furthest corner against the real wall of the room before he slumped down to kneel. His head dropped into his hands as he fought to keep an emotionless expression, his thoughts raging on about the meaning of all of this. It was only a matter of time..., you just didn't make your move fast enough. You can't just sit here, though... there's work to be done. Papa was at the bar, I'm sure he wants to talk, but I'll just... organize things. Yeah, straighten things up. I'm sure everyone would appreciate that.

It was information her elvish friend rarely shared, and she listened intently. She felt pain for his pain, and mentally kicked herself for bringing up a subject that brought on such sorrow. Ocarern's reply to her musings didn't do much to soothe her soul, only caused more questions, but on one aspect she wholly agreed. Don't leave things unsaid, indeed.

She only let go of his hand when he started nodded at her. Her heart was full at her admission. She knew there would always be a special place for Ocarern in her heart. It was like without him, she was alone in all the world. She could depend on him. Aren, on the other hand, was something else entirely. It was hard to describe the difference between the feelings she felt for the two of them. All she knew was that she loved them both dearly, and it was about time both of them knew it.

"So I am," she finally giggled back, and lifted her hand to her mouth. She was sitting there, sucking the honey from her thumb, when the heavy thudding of Aren's arrival sent her heart racing. Despite the tiredness in her eyes, and the drawn look on her face, she smiled brightly to Aren, and started to stand, stretching a hand out to swing another chair over for their friend. Except that his sunny but abrupt good morning was all they got. He doesn't care. He's just... he's just busy. Stop it. He's got things to do... She turned a crestfallen gaze to Ocarern, and then swivelled her head back to follow Aren's movements. He's still upset about last night. I should.. I need to ... I should talk to him. The gaze she directed back to Ocarern was apologetic. "Let me... let me just go talk to him. I'll be right back. Enjoy your breakfast."

Once up, she couldn't deny the swishing feeling in her head. This cold was going to take a while to shake off. But she was determined now more than ever to make sure her other dear friend was okay. Following him into the kitchen, and frowned she he was nowhere to be found. One hand rested on her hip, and she peered around the room. "Aren? Arensaenger Pexsa. Stop sulking and avoiding me! I'm... I'm... ACHOO! I'm fine!" She sniffed and wiped under her nose, and took another few steps. Her head tilted curiously when she did find him. "Why are you down there?"

Crouching down beside him, she poked at his shoulder. "I thought we could go and steal a dragon's egg today. Bet that would be a near-death experience not to forget!"

Rubbing his hands crudely over his face, Aren knew he had to knock himself out of this no matter how heavy the dark pit in his heart felt. At the sound of Kestal's voice, he forced another mask, another fake, but entirely believable little smile as he lifted his head to peer down the aisle. She used his full name and her shadow cast at the other end, he knew it was only a matter of seconds before he was found. Why is she looking for me? She was with Ocarern. She knows I usually have things to do in the morning. Chores aren't going to do themselves. Hearing her sneeze, though, he wondered if it was just a bit of dust to blame or something else.

"Just... looking at the floor," he said, shrugging as he readjusted himself, brushing at his pants absently. "It needs a good cleaning, I think ... Why do you think I'm avoiding you? Or sulking?" Aren flashed a playful grin and reached out to bring a hand around behind her and ruffle her hair a bit. "Avoiding you... hah. I was just checking what I needed to do this morning. There's lots of work to do back here, too, much as I wish I could just man the bar all day and night." On a further thought, he doubted his father would let him spend much time out of the store rooms or kitchen tonight after sneaking off like he had. Adult as he might be in age, he still took a mile when given an inch.

He at least didn't have to be forced into it, though, Aren knew his responsibilities well and did them to his very best. One of those things, at least he felt, was ensuring his friends were safe and taken care of, so he paled a bit upon hearing her suggestion. "Dragon's egg? You're serious?" Aren sighed and let a true, pouty frown show now as he rolled his eyes and just shook his head at how ridiculously naive it sounded. "Yeah, cause it's totally safe to just go waltzing into a dragon's den, Kessy. You shouldn't be doing that. In fact, you don't even need to worry about it because you are not going near any silly dragon eggs."

Standing up now, he gave a weighty, discontented sigh and put a hand to her shoulder. "No dragons today. If you insist on trying... I will hear of it. Ocarern wouldn't let you go alone and he definitely doesn't want you getting hurt again, right? Speaking of which... weren't you two talking? Or eating or something... Go finish breakfast, yeah? I have things to do, run along." He knew that wasn't what he should've said, but the words were already out and he couldn't take them back.

Moving around her, Aren headed back around to start counting supplies on the shelves by the door. He quickly discovered that they were missing honey, though. An entire jar, too. All that was left on the shelf was the smaller reserve supply they kept. Furrowing his brow at this, he kept counting in silence, his body tense and his eyes finally allowing the hurt to show through again as he aimed to lose himself in his task. Distance is good... Keep your distance.

Looking at the floor? Cause it needs cleaning? Aren, sometimes I don't know you from a bar of soap. She scowled for the hair ruffling. "I just fixed that," she grumbled underneath his comments about how much work he had to do, and pulled the tie out. She didn't believe it for a second, and the skeptical look on her face as she sat down said so. She crossed her arms across her middle, and stared belligerently at him while he made his excuses.

She almost giggled at his reaction to her suggestion. Almost. Her tired eyes began to dance, and she snorted. "Settle petal, I was only kidding. " She cleared her throat, and raked a hand through her hair. "And I'd be perfectly safe..." But he was still talking, and now he was bringing Rennie into it. She stood with a sigh of her own, and leaned against the wall, watching as Aren moved away. "Run along? Run along? What am I? Some little pet?

"We were talking, yes, Aren, and Rennie was eating, not me. You know I don't eat till later." She paused, and let her eyes follow after him, trying to understand what it was she had done wrong. Yes, she knew he had chores to do, and yes, she knew he was busy but ... there was this ... awkwardness between them. Her eyes narrowed as he counted stock.  "You know, you work too hard." She pushed herself off the wall, and retied her hair as she walked over to him. She tilted her head upwards, trying to see into his face, and then sighed.

"What's gotten into you, huh?" She laid a hand on his arm, and ran it down to find his hand. "Aren, quit counting and look at me, would you? Are you upset about last night still? Because you know it was no one's fault. And I'm fine. I'm not hurt or anything. Like I was saying before, I know you'll never let me get hurt... and if I ever decide to nearly die again, " she gave him a cheeky smile and a hand squeeze, "you know how to revive me, right?"

A pet she was not, but it was only a matter of time before he blew his cover if they kept this up. As he stood there, he certainly felt her eyes upon him but refused to leave his task even as she brought up that familiar reminder. "Of course I do. I have to, you know that, Kessy," he grumbled, furrowing his brow as he continued on.

Aren knew she was telling the truth, but the extent of that was what he wasn't believing. What he heard was telling enough, he thought. The things they had said wouldn't be forgotten and neither would his thoughts on what had just happened. It was fairly cruel, he thought, that she would come to him now when he'd been trying to lick his wounds in peace.

The touch of her hand only had him further tensing as he tried so dearly to hold onto his focus while he fought the urge to ball his hand into a fist so she wouldn't touch, so she wouldn't be so gentle with him. Don't let her see. Don't let her know. Oblivious is better now, for the both of them... but dammit, it's not fair! He did stop, but he still kept himself facing forward and refused to look at her properly, just out of the corner of his eye. She was giving him the perfect cover, he soon realized.

"Upset? No... I guess... I guess I'm still just a little shaken up still," he offered, brushing absently at his clothes again before glancing to the door that he knew would lead back out to their friend. Or perhaps something more than friends now. Probably whispered it all in secret after... after they... kissed. Aren gulped at the mere thought, swallowing back against the heavy lump in his throat for all these fears that were of his own making and assumption.

"Revive you...?" His eyes widen a bit before he clenched them shut to keep her from seeing the envy they harbored now. She has someone who can do that for her now. Why does she taunt me with it? Shaking his head, he plastered a smile to his face to try not to worry her as he pulled away to continue along to other shelves to resume his counting."Right... revive. Hopefully we won't be needing to do that again.

"So, if you aren't risking your necks with dragons today what will you and Ocarern be up to, hm?" Oh, damn it all... I'm totally setting myself up. Can I take it back? Maybe she didn't hear me... Oh, of course she heard me, but I don't want to know what they'll be doing!!! Newly-paired lovebirds... Let me work, go have your fun.

She dropped her hand with a frown. She was quiet for a time, trying to understand the sudden overwhelming feeling of rejection that filled her. It was almost as terrifying as having her lungs fill up with water. He doesn't care. No, he just can't read your thoughts. But he wont even give me a chance. Look at him - he's so closed. He's never been this way with me before. She felt a tiny tremble in her lower lip, and she bit down.

"We're not doing anything, we don't have any plans. Chances are, Ocarern will be off to do some petty thievery, and I'll be sitting here planning and practising." She sniffed, and rubbed her temples, adding in a muttered after thought, "and dying quietly. Damn cold." A look of disappointment washed over her features, and she moved to the door. She could tell she wasn't wanted, and it broke her.

Casting a sad look over her shoulder, she seemed to weaken within the door frame, shoulders drooping. "Whatever, Aren.  I just ... I just wanted to tell you... ugh. Never mind." She slapped the wall, and with heavy feet, returned to the front of the tav. She didn't lift her eyes from the floor, didn't say a word. Even as she sat back down at the table, little Kestal, with her heart on her sleeve, refused to look up, and simply slumped forward like she had first thing that morning, head on one arm, with the other flung over her face to hide the hot tears of rejection that threatened to rise in her eyes.

He could admit to himself that he had been wrong to be so cold and short with her, but as he looked over his shoulder at her, he knew he wouldn't be speaking a word about it right now. The look on her face was absolutely heart-wrenching and, hurt and confused as it made him feel to see it he found he couldn't compel himself to look away now. Lowering his hand, the look in his eyes was that of a boy shamed.

With all her sniffling he couldn't tell if she was about to cry, just had a tickle or what, but it hadn't struck him yet that she might've gotten sick. Wringing his hands, Aren finally hung his head for how sad she looked in the doorway. Why is she upset? She has Ocarern. Didn't they just...? ...unless they didn't. Well, she never said anything to the contrary! ...but she also doesn't know that you think something happened. Oh, it doesn't matter, there's no way I heard 'I love you' and 'you're special' wrong! It's not like she's ever told me that before. Aren just shook his head as he watched her going away.

Oh, look at the hypocrite I am. I can't even tell them. It's not like I don't feel something for the two of them, in their own way. Yet, I say nothing.

It took him a moment, but Aren finally crossed over and back out to the front. Clearing the threshold, he eyed the table his friends sat at warily now with a sorry look on his face. Glancing to the bar, he saw his father just shaking his head before he gestured with a limp hand over to the pair. Making his way over, his eyes almost immediately lighted on the missing monstrosity of a honey jar, or jug, really, but he was only glad that he'd "found" it for a moment as he watched Kestal. Cautiously, he lifted a hand to place upon her shoulder as a heavy sigh of regret escaped him.

"Kessy? I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was upsetting you," he offered cautiously, glancing to the elf and then back toward his father before returning his eyes to her. "Can I make it up to you? Please? I'll do anything you'd like."

Kestal jerked her shoulder slightly at the feel of his hand, but didn't move away. Instead, her eyes closed, almost painfully. For a full thirty seconds, she said nothing. She fought down the desire to turn into him, and throw her arms around him, and tell him everything that was on her heart to tell. It wasn't time.

"It's fine," she finally muttered, before sitting up properly. She cast a tired glance to Aren fleetingly, before her gaze fell to the mug of water and lemon she'd collected when she had first arrived. It was no longer steaming, but she knew it would be soothing all the same. If not for her heart, then at least for her throat. Her hand reached out for it, the slightest weak tremor causing her fingers to shake. Those same fingers clutched at the handle quickly, before either of her friends could notice.

She took a long pull on the liquid, draining it to halfway. Setting the mug back down with a sigh, she looked towards the stage. "I need to - ahem," She started again, emotion and illness combining to thicken her throat, despite the drink. "I need to get things organised for tonight."

Slipping out of her seat without another word, she grabbed up her satchel and lute, and walked lethargically to the stage. Once there, she folded upon herself, sitting cross legged on the hard floor. She raised her lute, without looking to any music, and began to pluck out a slow, haunting melody that had been playing in her mind for several weeks. She hummed along quietly, though her voice cracked and squeaked several times, void of the power usually found there. She refused to look up at her friends, because she knew that the words she sang in her mind would show plainly on her face.

Not yet, Kestal. It's not time yet.

Ocarern had been pleased to see Aren, until the other man had acted all grumpy and stormed off. 'Oh no! It's about the honey! I shouldn't have taken it. He must hate me.' The small elf made a move to go after him, but Kestal beat him to it.

Nodding his head to her request, he let her go. 'Kessy is such a good friend. She will right things for me. She always takes such good care of me. I hope she understands I would do the same, if she ever let me. Stubborn woman.'

Nervous about how much he trouble he could be in, the elf just played with his food. Sticky fingers gripped the wooden spoon tightly as he sloshed the gruel about the bowl. His stomach gurgled, demanding the very sustenance he we was spilling onto the table. But, poor Ocarern could not bring himself to eat another bite until his friends returned.

Seeing Kestal approach though sent his heart into his boots. 'She's upset. Aren got mad at her and now she is all gray. If she hadn't gone to defend me he wouldn't have taken it out on her. I need to fix this. He can't go around bullying her for my bad habits.'

"Kessy? I'm sorry," he apologized, moving to place his hand on hers before realizing its sticky nature and returning it back to the table. Ocarern would have said more but, fell silent as Aren made his way over to them. 'He looks upset too. I must have really caused problems between them. They shouldn't this kind of conflict. It's not good for them, not when they are starting to be lavender for each other. Oh! I think he is goi-He is! Go Aren! Make Kessy feel better and I'll replace the honey tenfold!' In his mind, Ocarern failed to say that he would do so by honorable means.

'Kestal!' his mind whined. 'You're supposed to accept the apology, not get pissed off at it! No. No! No, no, no! Kessy! Come back! Ah! Incompetent woman! No wonder I have to do everything around here.' He frowned as he watched Kestal make her way over to the stage. 'Oh wait. She's going to play!' His eyes lit up in delight, in hopes of hearing the sweet music only she could play.

Accepting that his offer was being brushed off now, Aren lowered his hand and instead reached it back to pull up a chair for himself at the table. He couldn't deny that he felt quite bad now. Was it really just the jealousy that had caused this? Kestal had been kind, thoughtful, sensitive to him and what had he done? He'd been cold, short, and scornful when she still looked as tired as he felt.

Watching her leave to go up to the stage he put his elbows up on the table and leaned his forehead into his joined hands. He did peek through his fingers at Ocarern's breakfast, though. "I don't think she likes me very much right now," he told the elf. "Maybe she'll be better later." It was more a hope than an honest thought; Kestal was quieter than she normally was but he hadn't picked up on it yet that she was probably trying to conserve her voice from the harsh grip of her cold.

The music was hauntingly beautiful, he thought, if a bit rough around the edges, but he thought it just made it more organic; Kestal's music had never been about perfection, to him, just the stunning qualities she managed to tease out. It always captured their attention, he knew, but Ocarern's was always so obvious. What, with how protective he was of it, of her. "Ocarern?" Pulling himself away from the music for a moment, he dropped his hands and moved to replace the top on the jar of honey. "Tell me something... What do you think of Kessy? What is it about her- her music that you like so much?"

Watching Aren, Ocarern glared and pursed his lips. Each word falling from his friend's lips only served to enrage him more. Scowling, the elf thoroughly licked his spoon off before thunking the bowl of it down hard on the top of Aren's bowed head.

"You are an idiot Pexsa! How could she like you right now when you bully her over something I did. You are nothing but a big meanie! I wouldn't come back after the way you treated her." His rant was cut short thought by the strains of music coming from the stage. Ears perking up, Ocarern shifted his gaze and attention to Kestal.

'I like the softer voice. It is ethereal. She should try that more often.' The elf's eyes squinted together as Aren interrupted his listening with nonsensical questions. He sheepishly let it go when his friend replaced the cap to the honey jar. 'I'm in big trouble. Might as well answer.'

"Kessy is sweet and funny; she is most days a really pretty yellow, like buttercups. There are always some many ideas and thoughts flitting across her mind, you wonder what she is thinking about, what new song she is concocting. That's why I lo-like her, well that and her music. The music reminds me of home, of better days. My parents loved music. When they died I thought my love for it had died with them. Then I met Kestal and it was renewed all over again. When she sings, it's like a piece of my soul has been returned to me."

Feeling nervous, Ocarern reached out and latched onto one of Aren's hands with both of his. Self-conscious now, he gave it a quick squeeze before releasing it with a bright smile. 'You are another part of my soul returned to me Aren. If I ever needed to, I know I could talk to you. I know that I could trust you as I have trusted no other. I love you Aren, I just wish you felt the same. You are the best friend I have ever had. You both are.'

Aren had only been able to flinch away from Ocarern's initial comments just as he had done from being thumped with the spoon. He didn't like how he seemed to shove it in his face that he "did" something. No. Aren didn't like that at all. Just thinking about it again was giving him a headache and making his stomach do strange things. I think I might be sick!

The elf was kind enough to let it lie, but he was pretty sure that it was only thanks to Kestal's music. "You don't understand, I wasn't being mean," he muttered in small defense of himself before falling silent once again.

It bothered Aren a great deal, when he realized it at least, that he was sitting here with the man that had ruined, perhaps forever, his chances. With either of them. At least in his own, skewed vision.

Hearing his reply at last made him regret ever asking in the first place. Of course. A piece of his soul. He hated how greedy he was. How selfish. To hear Ocarern talking about something so tender and dear to his heart as music and mentioning his parents again and only feel a blaze rise up in him. He wanted it, too. He sorely wanted even a shred of the connection his friends seemed to share with one another.

At the same time, he knew exactly what Ocarern meant. Kestal's music was truly something special and had been for him since the first moment he'd heard it. He could not fault the elf in admiring her as he did, but he could certainly be jealous all the same, especially in thinking that the two had some secret bond now that he was sure neither would speak a word of to him. It was nicer that way, though, he thought. "Wow... That really is lovely. And it's true... our Kessy is so mysterious sometimes."

If they make it official then I cannot speak against it. As long as they keep it a secret then maybe there really is some chance for me. I can change it. Somehow. Maybe. I...think. All I can do is try. He felt something, then, his thoughts interrupted as he found his hand joined with another. Knowing just how rare it was for the elf to initiate any form of contact caused him to raise a brow, but it all too quickly dissolved into warmer as a smile finally lit his features in mirror of Ocarern's. He didn't know why it just happened, but it had and he found himself staring at the other man's hand for a moment, his stomach doing its odd churning again. "Thank you," he said slowly, unsure really if he was thanking him for sharing his thoughts or the contact, though the words somehow seemed to fit for the moment either way.

Briefly looking past him toward Kestal, Aren's eyes focused on her lute but for a moment before his attention jumped back again. Scooting over with his chair, he eyed the elf but for a moment before he leaned close to speak at his ear, "Shall we go and get her something today for tonight? Some flowers, perhaps? It's been a while since we've given her anything besides our praise, don't you think?" Leaning back, he continued on, still in a low voice. "Do you think she might like something? Or would she just throw it away?" he asked with a snigger.

It did not escape the elf how Aren spitting out the word "our" also made him flare green, albeit briefly. 'There's that color again. He keeps doing that! I wonder if he is getting sick. Maybe it's because he is mad at me. Ahh! He's too close. Too close!'

Shivers ran up and down Ocarern's spine as Aren leaned in to whisper in his delicate ear. It took every ounce of strength he had to not react. The act of focusing on the words being said though, well that was a different matter entirely. It was like his mind had turned into a thick sea of porridge and honey, sweet but messy. 'What does he wan-oh for Kessy. Of course, I should have known. They have been friends since the beginning. I'm just a tag-along they tolerate.'

He nodded slowly. "She likes flowers. Anything you-we give her she would keep. That's what best friends do." Ocarern tried to offer up a smile but, it felt so fake to him. He only hoped Aren did not see it for what it was. 'I was going to make Kessy a present. Stupid Aren! You always have to one up me. Now if I do it, it will either look like a joint effort or a "oops I look like an ass for not getting you anything, so here's my present!" I guess she wouldn't like my present anyway. It was dumb. Aren's right, flowers are better. I guess I better help him pick them out. I wonder if he even knows what her favorite are.'

Ocarern looked longingly towards Kestal before nodding his head again. "Should we go now while she's singing? She won't be able to stop us if we go now." His muddy brown eyes focused on Aren's own pair. 'The things I do for you Arensager Pexsa. I hope you understand the sacrifice I'm making for you. I never miss Kessy's singing. But, I will if you ask it of me. I will because you ask it of me.'