[Nymphadora]

Looking at the tree before her, Nymphadora lifted her hand, reaching out for it. The feeling she felt inside caused her hand to shake as she swallowed the lump in her throat. Part of her wanted to cry, while the other part urged her to do this. The tree before her had no clue what its fate was about to be, nor did Nymphadora want to ruin it's bueaty. With the tips of her fingers only a few inches away, Nymphadora paused, then pulled back her hand. Clenching it for a moment, she relaxed, letting it fall to her side. She couldn't do it.

Maybe she could't do it... because she wasn't ment to. Maybe that power was only ment to be used in extreme times of need. And pratice wasn't needed. Still... Nymphadora turned from the tree, then turned back. Reaching out a now steady hand, she pressed her palm against the tree, smiling softly. Its essance wasn't of her element, but she understood and respected it. Letting her hand fall, she turned from the willow and headed back to the open field.

As large as this garden was, Nymphadora never expected to find an open field. She was pleasntly suprised when she stumbled upon it the other day. It was one of her favorite places within the garden. As much as water disagreed with her Anyeli side, she loved the streams and river. She'd come to her peace by that water. It held a significant place in her heart because of that.

Scanning the field, Nympahdora looked for Sacha. She hadn't seen her new friend in hours. Not that she expected to. He seemed to only show up when he was lonly, or when he knew she needed him. It was somewhat odd, but at the same time, she enjoyed his company. Flying with him was fun, especially when he flew in such ways Nymphadora never had. As much as she loved her new abilities, she would be lying is she didn't admit her dissapointment that her wings would never fully develop. She didn't mind their soft grey color, but she had wished that one day their strength might equal that of a fully skilled Anyeli. Even now as an Aide, only having half the strength in her wings that other Anyeli had... it was disheartening.

She never would forget that she wanted to become Apalos and follow her father, but her new found respect for her mother equaled her out. Gave her balance, and a sense of peace and calm. Gazing at the field before her, Nymphadora lay down, her wings flatening under her weight. Looking up into the sky, she watched at the clouds passed through. Smiling to herself, she lifted a graceful hand, and began to paint the sky with her fingers. The wind around the clouds pushed and molded them, causing them to take form of various creatures. The first just so happened to be of Sacha.

Having fun? She heard Sacha churr at her. Turning her head Nymphadora gazed at the beast as he approached, and watched as he ploped down and looked up to the sky. Turning her attention back to the clouds above her, she lifted her hand again and played with the wind so that it made cloud Sacha's wings flap. Another small smile played on her face as she did this... not knowing why it amused her so. For being an Aide, newly turned at that, you sure know how to pick the powerful powers. Sacha churred again, his tone sarcastic.

Releasing her hold on the air around the cloud, it began to drift along with the others, Sacha's form slowly loosing its shape. Turning her head to look at the cheetah, Nymphadora rolled her eyes. So I take pleasure in the little things. Sue me. She responded in her new tongue. Looking away from her friend, Nymphadora thought about summoning Jack, Namiko's imp dragon. He'd said to summon her when she wanted to train... but she didn't want to be a bother. Especially when Xanth had sent him somewhere that was probably important. Still...

Closing her eyes, Nymphadora tried to focus on the little dragon. Not really sure how to do this... she just thought about speaking to her as if she was right there. Could you fetch Namiko for me Jack? She tried to project.

(Ooc: Gmod of Sacha with permission)

[Namiko]

Miko arrived back at the temple, his head still spinning with thoughts. That poor battered girl-who would have caused so much damage and then been so cowardly as to simply leave? He shook his head. Such cowardice disgusted him. As he headed to report back to Xanth, Jack poked her head out of his shirt sleeve, which was slightly bloodstained. She chattered at him in the only tongue she had-dragon. Miko nodded, and smiled. Dora wanted to see him? Miko was flattered, although he doubted it was really him that she wanted to see. He was aware that she had new powers, and supposed she wanted to harness them. He hurried to the gardens that Jack had reported hearing Dora from.

Soon he found the gardens, relieved to see that not everything had changed during his absence. As he strode through the maze of hedges, ponds and freshly mown laws, he found the nymph. She sat by a tree in a large field, one that Miko remembered...and that tree. He recalled the time he had sat alone under it, after the passing of his lifemate. The tears had fallen freely, and his life was in tatters. The hurt he had felt then still existed, but it was a smaller, less urgent pain now. He strode quickly across the grass and stood behind his apprentice.

"You called?" He asked, looking forward to spending some time with her.

[Nymphadora]

Hearing Namiko's words, Nympahdora sat up abrubtly, a little startled by his sudden apperance. She probably just zoned out for while, but it didn't seem like it had been long since she called to Jack. She she hadn't recieved a reply, she wasn't sure she'd done it right... and decided to just wait to bump into him at some point. Apparently either he somehow knew... or her call had gone through to the small Dragon. Wait... she said she called. Nearly rolling her eyes for being so scatter brained, Nymphadora pushed herself to her feet, smiling at Namiko.

Before she could say anything though, Sacha stood up and growled at the Aide as he walked closer to Nymphadora. Smiling, she shook her head and reached out to stroke the cheetah's head. Don't mind him... i think he's just a touch grumpy today. Truth was Sacha seemed to be overly protectve of her... reasons she wasn't quite sure of yet. But she didn't want to make Namiko think he wasn't welcome because of that. Speaking in tongue, Nymphadora cooed at Sacha, and the young feline gave one last look at Namiko, then turned and sauntered to the willow. Watching him leave for a moment, Nymphadora shook her head slightly.

Turning toward the Dragon, she found herself blushing. Normally she wasnt so... effected... by other men. But there was something about this one. She didn't know why... but she found herself more aware of her short comings around him. It was like she was a teen just coming into herself all over again. And that... she didn't like.

Clasping her hands bahind her back, she smiled at Namiko. Sorry... i didn't know if you were busy... so... i just... um. I hope i didn't interupt anything. She said, gazing at him, her eyes catching his.

[Namiko]

Miko shook his head, trying to hold her glance. He realised his blood splattered shirt might cause her some alarm, and worried what he could do about it. He had no jacket, so covering it up was out of the question...instead Miko deftly pulled his shirt over his head and threw it aside onto the grass, before plonking himself down.

"It's warmer here than in Acantha." Miko said breezily, hoping she wouldn't think too much of him flaunting his six pack so swiftly. He still didn't fully understand what he'd stumbled upon in the forest, and what had caused it, but he sensed Dora was somehow indirectly involved with it, and she'd be aware of it when the time was necessary. He leant backwards on his elbows and stared up at the sky. He tipped his head to one side curiously, and pointed a scarred finger upwards.

"Hey, that cloud....looks like a cheetah, right?" He said, wondering if it was just coincidence.

[Nymphadora]

Caught up in her own confusion about her feelings around Namiko, Nympahdora didn't notice the blood in which he tried to hide. She did notice however, that he took off his shirt and tossed it to the ground. Feeling her heart thud slightly in her chest, Nymphadora averted her eyes, not wanting to be rude and stare. She found that although she tried not to look, she couldn't help herself. Letting her eyes wash over Namiko's torso. As he sat down, rearly every muscle he had rippled, causing Nymphadora to swallow the lump of excitment that caught in her throat.

When he spoke, she nearly jumped out of her skin, ripping her eyes away from him and staring at the ground. Compleatly embarresed that she'd been caught, Nymphadora scolded herself while her eyes searched for something to distract her. Had she actually heard what Namiko said, she would have been curious about the realm in which he was forbidden. That not being the case however, she unclasped her hands and pulled them up to run through her hair. Closing her eyes as she tried to calm down, her throughts went back to all the unfinished buisness she'd left away from the temple. She still had all the items in which she used to call herself Fariah. They needed to be given away, or disposed of somehow. Her bow however... she was too pleased with its turnout... although red wasn't the color she'd want to use any longer. And with her new abilities... she'd surly need a stronger bow. Furrowing her brow... she wondered if she could ask Xanth of such thing... of if she should find one on her own.

Turning to Namiko to ask her questions, she saw him gesturing to the sky, and followed his hand to the cloud she'd molded eariler. Not as pretty as it was when she fisrt shaped it, it still held a resemblance to Sacha... although his wings just looked like a tuft of puff. Smiling at his comment, feeling proud yet silly, she nodded. I got a little bored eariler. She said, looking back down at him grinning.

And just like that, her shyness vanished. She had to remember that Namiko was an Aide as well... and he was here to train her... guide her. Of course she was attracted to him... who wouldn't be. But... she loved Chenoan, and having such infatuations wasn't something she wanted messing up her life. Still... she could look... and admire. Moving closer to him, Nymphadora sat down gently beside him and looked up to the sky. Looking back down at Namiko, she studied his face for several moments. Of course to him, it probably looked like she was staring... and she was. Finally turning away, Nymphadora lifted her hand to the sky and began to paint the clouds by shifting the wind. Within moments a giant cloud with the shape of Namikos bust. Smiling, she looked back at him and winked.

It seemed her life leading up to this point hadn't been for nothing. If she hadn't been a tattoo artist, she'd never have been able to do that. Wincing slightly at the memory, the tattoo on her back itched, even though she knew it was all in her head. it was the only tattoo she owned... that and Xanth's mark... but this other tattoo... it spread clear across her back. The sign of the Phonix...something she still didn't know what it ment to her. She knew.. but not truly. Ignoring her thoughts, she reminded herself that time would reveal everything to her. Xanth had seen that in her, and for whch, she'd be ever greatful. Thank you. She prayed, a silent whisper in her mind.

Looking over at Namiko, Nymphadora remembered her eariler question. This is probably going to sound stupid... also... that and the fact that i'm probably like no other Nymph you'll ever meet. I um... well, i don't follow Nymph law. I havn't for quite some time now. Of course I respect it... my dearest friend is the Martiarch. But, truth is... other than my connection to my element, i'm more Anyeli than Nymph. Anyway, im an archer... and the bow i currently have... well, its not adequate anymore. Would you know where the other Aides get their weapons? She was suprised by how much she opened up. At the same time... she wasnt. Not anymore. The balance she'd achieved spending time in this garden... it changed her. Thankfully for the better.

[Namiko]

Miko watched as the clouds rearranged themselves and he realised it was him.

"That is one handsome looking cloud." He said with a smile. He listened as Dora spoke again, wondering how long it had taken her to master the wind.

"I guess that makes it easier for me. I don't really know an awful lot about nymph law....except it's probably made to be broken." Miko said with a grin. He looked at her wings with a hint of envy. The ability to fly immediately, whenever you wanted, well, who wouldn't want that?

As Dora mentioned weapons, Miko's glance went to his axe, which sat in the grass in the sling he kept it in. It was one of the few things he had, apart from Jack, that had survived the 2000 years since he was last in Elysia. Encrusted with jewels and magically hardened, it was a beautiful weapon.

"Well, with mine I had the axe originally, before I became an aide. Once I became one, my weapons were gradually updated...some smithy's who I helped out added their own customisations, until I ended up with that machine of destruction." Miko said with a grin brought on by his Red Dragon roots. The idea of a good fight still caused his heart to pulse.

[Nymphadora]

Nymphadora rolled her eyes and laughed at his comment about the cloud. Looking back up at it she smiled. As cocky as he was... in a nice way, he was right. Realizing this, she smirked, and blew a small breath toward the cloud. Within an instant it broke apart into little peices. Grinning, she looked at Namiko, laughing to herself.

When he mentioned that he didn't know much about Nymph law, Nymphadora let out a soft breath. She knew all she needed to know. And really, there were only a handful of rules Nymphs must obay. Basically, Nymphs are forbidden to fight, and under no cirrcumstances can they take anothers life. Looking to the ground, she thought about this more. Obviously things had changed. Even the Nymph law had changed. But she was still to unsure about it to mention it. Oddly enough, she found herself going even further into her past. She wasn't sure if it was Namiko causing her to open up like this... or if it was the fact that as of yet, he was the only person she'd talked to since she'd found balance. Other than then animals of the garden that is.

I was born to fight. Shrugging, she looked up at Namiko. Well... maybe not born for it... but i was trained all my life. My father.. an Apalos... he taught me archery. He told me i'd be one of the best in the faction. He was decent at it... but i surpassed him even at a young age. But his skill wasn't with the bow. Looking out at the soft wind tumbling across the grass, Nymphadora smiled with the knowledge that it wasn't her doing. After a few moments of silence, she continued. My mother... she was a Nayd. A water Nymph. I hated her then. And everything she stood for. She's the reason my father died. Keeping her gaze out on the field, Nymphadora felt peace in her heart. Before, this would have caused her to grow upset. Depressed or enraged even. But now... its was just a stepping stone that made her who she was today.

So, i grew up, knowing I wanted to follow my fathers path. Become a Apalos... fight in the war... possibly win it. Prove to him how good of a daughter i could be. But... life's not always what you expect. For some reason... fate just didn't want me to become an Anyeli. I was tourtured over this. For what seemed like a long time... I did everything in my power to avoid Nymphs. Avoid becoming one. Turning her head to look at Namiko, Nymphadora smiled. I became a rogue. In more than one way actually. Looking away again, she watched a small beetle crawl across the grass near her. Looking up at the sky, she smiled fondly. Xanth rescued me though. She gave me the guidence i needed to truly know myself. And now... well... here I am. Looking back at Namiko, she smiled.

She realized he hadn't asked her for her life story... although what he got was far from the full of it. Sorry... I guess im still... caught up in everything. Looking down at the axe he'd mentioned eariler, Nymphadora smiled. Reaching to her back, she pulled out the weapon that Zephyr had made her, the red and black one. Holding it out for Namiko to take, she smiled. I like this design... however... for some reason i just think a metal alloy would make it better. Before... id never be able to hold it but I um... well... Laughing, she gestured toward a fallen tree several yards away. I've found im a lot stronger than I was before. Smiling sheepishly, Nymphadora looked at Namiko.

[Namiko]

Miko listened in silence as Dora spoke, taking in every word of her story. She was clearer a much deeper person than he'd thought when he'd first set eyes on her-she had history, a past, one more confusing than his. He wondered how she'd sorted herself out so quickly...even Xanth hadn't been able to break his depression. He looked over at his charge and returned her smile. The broken tree lay on the grass, it's roots dangling out of the ground. He remembered the sudden rush of power he'd felt as he'd become an aide.

"Now that's something I can relate to. It's a lot of power to get all at once, but as long as you being to use it slowly and don't let it get bottled up inside, you can begin to control it." Miko explained, wondering what exactly the nymph was capable of.

"How are you with weather control?" Miko asked, an idea for a training session forming in his mind. He was also intrigued by the power she had to change the weather. It amazed him-he had flown over deserts, scorched forests with his fire and battled enormous beasts, but making a raindrop fall on your command? Still, he supposed he couldn't have it all. He did enjoy the flying, and wanted exchange it for anything.

[Nymphadora]

Nymphadora thought about what Namiko said about bottling it up. Had she been? As she thought about it, she probably could have used it a lot more than she had. Of course, she'd only thought to use it when she absolutly needed to... or when she was giving others the pleasure of her element. But thinking on it now... really... she should be letting it out more. Even if she just did as she was eariler, and amuzing herself. She'd have to be careful though... she'd heard of others going letting their power control them... mold them into something evil.

But with the guidance of those around her...Namiko teaching her how to control it, Xanth guiding her spiritually, Chenoan loving her, and ebing by her side... it was all she needed to make sure she stay safe.

Lifting her brow, letting out a small breath as she pulled from her daydream, Nymphadora smiled at Namiko's question. Well, pretty good actually. She sounded cocky, and immediatly wanted to take it back. Well... i mean, for the skill level I was before. Looking away, slightly embarassed, Nymphadora tilted her head slightly. She could show him...

The force of wind she'd created in the Chandric forest had been immense... at least, she thought so. She could show him what she could do, then he could train her on how to improve it. Although... she wasn't sure how much he could train her in her element. The new powers... strength was one... the others she wasn't aware of yet.

Giving Namiko a wink, Nymphadora pushed herself to her feet, then walked out a ways. Close enough she could talk to him... far enough away he didnt distract her. Closing her eyes, she lifted her head to the skys, letting her wings behind her droop. Feeling the soft winds blowing through her hair, making her skirt wave in the wind, Nymphadora let her element take her in, make her one with it. Although she could actually do this... she didn't focus on that aspect... although she felt it calling at her.

Within a matter of moments, the wind around them picked up. It slowly began to grow faster and faster. If it didn't effect her at all, she would have been knocked back by its force. She knew this, and only then did she open her eyes and look back at Namiko. You might want to ground yourself... this is going to get good. She said with a grin.

Now focusing hard, Nymphadora felt her wings pull in close to her body. Although she might be Nymph... they are all Anyeli. One small catch and she'd be taken up into the air. Of course she could manouver it, but she wasn't wanting to be in the sky right now. Not now.

Before she knew it, the sky overhead was compleatly overcast. Dark greay and luming, the began to swarm togther, entwining with eachother, forming something. Still focused on the actual speed of the winds, only wanting it to go even faster than it was, Nymphadora didn't notice the behemoth taking shape above her. Then before she could do anything, a sudden surge around her made the wind jolt, knocking her from her trance like state. Narrowing her eyes slightly when she realized it had become a bit more powerful than she wanted, Nympahdora stumbled back a few steps.

Then it happened. The pessure from her element caused the tornado to desend compleatly, touching ground only a few yards in front of her. Shocked by the pure force of the disaster, Nympahdora stood, wide eyed, not know what to do. She tried to force it back, but it seemed to ressit anything she could give it. Slowly it crept its way closer, almost as if taunting her. She knew she could survive nearly anything her element threw at her, but this... she didn't ... she never.

Swallowing the lump in her throat as the tornado inched forward, Nymphadora tried one last time to push it back. Using her hands this time to help give her a sense of power, she put up her shield, and set it out in a shockwave, trying to force the beast back. What did happen, was that the tornado seemed even more enraged than before, and lurched forward.

Turning away from it, feeling utterly helpless, Nymphadora flinched, her past flashing before her eyes, bracing herself for impact. Instead of the force she expected, an odd feeling overcame her, tingling every inch of her body. She didn't know it yet, but Nymphadora had ported her first port. Out of dangers way, and to Xanth know's where.

[Xanth]

Xanth was busy sifting through the chaos that was her inventory, picking out rewards for Max and his fellow questers. Somehow, she seemed to have acquired an audience and was scowling at one of Faroah's more irascible comments when she felt the twinge of Dora's powers. The new Aide was too close to home for Xanth to ignore her as she normally would, but it was good to know she was practising. Dimitri had never practised, preferring to think he could swan his way into his new powers, and the greed had snuck up on him because of it. Xanth still blamed herself...

She turned back to the stack of items, snatching a beautifully decorated bottle from Faroah's claws before he could poof it to his nest, only to set it back down as her head tilted. Shushing Faroah's snickering before he could begin.

Something was wrong.

Poofing out of the room into the garden, almost exactly into the spot Dora had just left, Xanth glanced up at the tornado without surprise. It was a hungry beast and had already set much of the garden to ruin in the space of just a few short seconds, not even long enough for Miko to react.

Snapping her fingers, she sucked the air right out of the devil, staring at her distraught garden. Harrumphing in irritation, she turned to Miko, her gaze softening. Miko, might you follow the girl? I see she needs your guidance.

[Namiko]

Miko gaped at the spot where Dora had been standing, hardly able to believe what he had just witnessed. He was powerless to stop the weather, and was relieved as the Nymph disappeared, he assummed to relative safety. Turning to Xanth, Miko wondered if he dare to openly disagree with her.

"I'm not so sure...I think she needs some time alone." Miko began nervously, not wanting to offend her.

"I can follow her from a distance if you wish, but time can be a great healer." He continued, knowing only too well from his own experience that it was. He looked away from Xanth, hoping she wasn't angered.

"I did want to ask you something before I leave anyway...that girl, Kaida. I took her to a healer, but I am desperately curious and worried to know what did that to her, and if the beast is still loose." Miko said, glad to at least be able to ask about the attack.

[Xanth]

((I did not forget to reply. My excuse is that Emma's fingers broke and she was not able to take my dictation. I have warned her not to let them break ever again. -_-))

Smiling despite herself at Miko's refusal, couched as it was in couresty, Xanth shook her head. He was right. Had Dora needed constant supervision, Xanth would have questioned her decision to give the girl powers she could not handle. She would of course keep an eye on the girl from afar but she doubted Dora would be tempted to go too far too fast now that she had seen the consequences.

Sliding her arm around his, Xanth led Miko back towards the Temple, patting his arm gently. Concerned by his tone as he asked about Kaida, she wondered exactly how much to tell him. There was no beast, my love, she told him softly. She did not want him to feel obligated to track down the culprit and deal justice. Fear not, he is being punished as we speak. In truth, Chenoan's own guilty conscience, eating him alive, was punishment enough. Kaida had provoked the attack and she would heal well enough. Let this be a lesson to them both that baiting each other would never end well and if it happened again, Xanth would let loose the hounds of hell.

Smiling faintly at her own fancy, Xanth patted Miko's shoulder again. Now, Faroah has been chattering me into insanity about a gift he has for Jack. Has she mentioned it at all? I am curious to know what he has for her.

[Namiko]

Miko smiled as he felt Xanth's arm on his. His surprise at being told no animal had beaten Kaida so badly faded as Xanth began to talk about Jack. Hearing her name, the Imp Dragon poked her head out of Miko's pocket, and looked around curiously.

"Xanth was just saying Faroah has a gift for you. Maybe you should go and find him?" Miko suggested, his voice gently switching to it's dragon tongue. Jack stared at him for a moment, before replying in a loud chatter. Miko laughed, and Jack hopped onto his shoulder. After giving his ear a little nibble, she sprung off of his body and onto the floor, scuttling her way into the palace. Miko smiled to see her so happy.

"I think it's done her the world of good being back here." Miko said, turning back to Xanth as his companion moved out of sight. He took a step forward, hoping Xanth would walk with him.

"So, I've met one of your aides, and I must say your taste has not decayed in the slightest. She's a nice girl." Miko said, thinking of the nymph.

"But what of these other willing workers I assume you have?" Miko asked. His meeting with Dora made him eager to see Xanth's other most trusted employees.

[Xanth]

Watching Jack scuttle off, Xanth shook her head with a smile. For some reason, imp dragons did not always use their tiny wings, but Jack was the first of them she had seen who preferred to walk. Or, in this case, scamper. The effect was quite adorable.

I hope your return has done you both the world of good, she murmured sincerely, bowing her head in respect as she allowed him to steer her back towards the Temple. I certainly know it has done me the world of good. Her eyes twinkled with amusement but there was an underlying truth to her joke that she was reluctant to fully admit. At least, not to anyone but herself. The full extent of her loneliness was even now something she was discovering and while Namiko's return and the recruitment of a new Aide - one who happened to think of Xanth as much more than a goddess - had put a great dent in it, the fact was that she was still separated from other Elysians by an enormous chasm. Perhaps it was time she invited Yaziz into her realm for a visit. He among all her family was the only one she trusted not to take the location of Elysia back to her father. Whether he could be trusted with the safety and wellbeing of her people while he was here, however, that would remain to be seen...

Nymphadora is indeed a nice girl and shows great promise. She was ingenious, discovering ways to use and manipulate her powers that few Nymph had found before her, using aspect of her heritage to fuel the other. Had she not become an Aide, Xanth could well imagine her still rising to great power, though with that power might also come the greed that would destroy her as it had destroyed others before her. Dimitri...

Hopefully, the responsibility of being an Aide would counterbalance that need for more and more power and would hopefully prevent the Nymph from walking Dimitri's path.

Ah, these others, she smiled warmly, thinking of the other Aides as more than just a burden or a tool for the first time in centuries. There are three you have not met, she began, knowing Miko would be surprised. He was the only Aide to exist, the first, and she had attempted to manage without any help for centuries before recruiting Dimitri. The notion that there was not only one other besides him, but three, would probably cause a reaction in him Xanth would find amusing.

Before Nymphadora came a Shapeshifter by the name of Chenoan. He was a great Alpha, kind and gentle though not without his fierceness when the time was due. She did not speak of his reaction to becoming an Aide, something she blamed herself for. Some, like Dazadi, could be forced into the role without too dire a consequence. Others, like Chenoan, hated her so much they never learned to accept her orders without chafing. She was still hoping the Shapeshifter would settle down because he was a good man. She had not, after all, recruited him on a whim but because he had a character and intelligence she found appealing.

Before him, a demon and a vampire. Sylope has, alas, retired, but Kiril, the handsome devil - She giggled at her own joke. - is still at large. In fact, I do believe that once he discovers my return, he shall be seeking me out in the throne room. Nudging Miko's ribs to steer him in that direction, she continued. Dazadi... Ah, Dazadi.

Dazadi, the most experienced of the Aides discounting yourself. She was an assassin but it seems she is discovering her softer side of late. Imagining all five Aides in the same room together, Xanth could not help but smile.

Clapping her hands together, her smile broadened. We shall have a party, she decided firmly, already imagining how things would be in her mind. Dazadi will bring her lifemate; Dora and Chenoan will no doubt be together; Kiril and yourself shall have no trouble at all in finding a partner for the night. We shall invite the whole of Elysia! And, she winked mischievously, I do hear tell that Dazadi and Arkadios are not yet married by Anyeli law. Perhaps they shall perform the ceremony there, it would not do at all for the first Aide baby to be born out of wedlock. The child would not, of course, as Draconic law would recognise the lifemate claim, but according to Dazadi's people she was still single. No, that did not do at all. And of course, I am quite sure Faroah will be asking Jack along...

Waggling her eyebrows, Xanth was suddenly gone and in her place, a nine-year-old girl-child with long flowing purple hair. Giggling excitedly, the child ran in circles around Miko before zooming off into the Temple, yelling over her shoulder, We have much to plan, Namiko!

[Namiko]

Miko smiled as Xanth spun away from him, transforming as she did so. As he followed her with his eyes, Miko thought about all she had said. 5 aides in total? Times certainly had changed. Still, at least Xanth seemed happy. Miko was cheered by the thought of a party. He hadn't really mixed with any of the Elysians apart from Dora and Xanth, and a get together would hopefully boost his social life. As lonely as the bars he had frequented had been, they had at least been full of chatter, and the occasional fight had meant Miko was almost always in conversation with some drunk or other. A civilised gathering would be a nice change.

As Xanth disappeared into the temple, Miko followed. He wasn't sure if he should transport to see Dora, and toyed with the idea, before deciding no. He stepped into the cool temple, out of the sun and smiled with relief. He quickly put his shirt back on and buttoned it up, before realising he hadn't got a clue where Xanth had wandered off to.

"Xanth? You pest, I've lost you already!" He teased, hoping the 9 year old goddess was within hearing distance.

"I shant let you have any ice cream at the party unless you let me plan with you!" Miko continued, giggling to himself as he shouted.

(cont'd in the throne room ^^)

[Nymphadora]

Nymphadora could feel Xanths presence within her mind, but she welcomed it. Her heart wasn't strong enough to vocalize what had happened. She just wanted to be held. And to hold someone back. She wanted to cry out all her tears so there was nothing left to release. Holding onto Kiril, her arms wrapped around his waist as she clung to him, Nymphadora heard his words, but was too emotional to let them sink in.

Crying into the demons shirt, Nymphadora squeezed her eyes tight as Xanth placed her hand softly on her head. She felt the sensation of porting, which made her cling even tighter to the Aide. By the feel of her element against her skin, she knew she was outside, but ignored even that. it did however begin to sooth and calm her, and her sobbing turned into a soft cry, finally fading to a heavy erratic breathing.

Still hugging tight to Kiril, she tried to let her emotions wash away, not wanting to think about them. She was tired of going through the same pain over and over. Clutching Kirils shirt at the base, she subconsciously continued to cling, moving her head so her cheek was pressed against his chest, but she was able to look out onto the garden. Opening her eyes slowly as she sniffed, Nymphadora let the calm take her in, still unwilling to let go of her hugging buddy however,

[Kiril]

Despite what Kiril said, the stranger neither moved nor spoke. She continued to cry. Sighing, he glanced toward the sign of movement by the pillars. He nodded at Xanth, acknowledging her presence. The goddess placed her hand on his shoulder and another on the girl's head. As the throne room faded out of view, Kiril smelled the flowers of the garden they arrived in. He vaguely remembered coming here. It was back when Sylope had been around. During this time, the girl hadn't loosened her hold on Kiril. Instead, her grip had become tighter. What was he? A stuffed plush for people to hug? But he wasn't annoyed at the girl. He was only confused and...he wouldn't say that he was sympathetic, but the situation was awkward.

She seemed to calm down after a while. He glanced around the garden, inhaling the fresh air and scent of flowers. Finally, the girl sniffed and rested her face on his chest. She stopped crying, but she didn't release him. The demon waited a while before he gently patted her hair and stepped away from her. "You...alright?" he asked after some hesitation.

[Xanth]

Xanth waited for Nymphadora to calm, smiling faintly at Kiril's response. For all his easy-going bluster, he was a good man, something she often forgot. More than ever, she wished for the Aides to meet each other in a social setting so they could get to know each other beyond their professional relationships. She wanted them to be friends. And, as much as they resisted the idea, she was convinced they all wanted to be friends too. Even if they did not know it yet.

Patting Kiril's shoulder, she breathed softly on the Nymph, sending a tendril of soothing breeze through the girl's hair. Her voice low, calming, she asked, Before we begin, I wonder if you can explain to me how you think gifting your friends is a waste of effort? The doll had certainly not been a waste as far as Xanth was concerned. It was partly that generosity of spirit that had drawn her to the girl, besides the earlier displays of power. Love is never wasted, Nymphadora. These days, it was a difficult commodity to come by, in fact. The world was moving too fast to pay attention. Love of any kind - friendship, family, passion - should be cherished. Even if it was not received well, it should not be abandoned. She did not want Dora to lose that capacity because a few people had turned it away.

[Nymphadora]

The moment Kiril pulled away, Nymphadora felt a sense of panic overcome her. The sense of being abandoned, alone. Even with his presence no more than a foot or two away, and with Xanth right there, she could feel the anxiety attacking her. Unable to breathe, even with her element flooding her lungs, she moved forward to reach out for Kiril yet again, but found she was frozen still. Everything... it was all happening so fast. She hardly had time to react, let alone recover from one thing, when the next happened. Each seemingly worse than the last.

Struggling to breath, she found herself pulling away from the two before her, her own defense mechanism kicking in. Sucking the air from anything around her, including the two's lungs, Nymphadora still unaware of what she was doing began to fade away. She couldn't breathe... she couldn't feel. Her heart was thumping with panic as her claustrophobia set in, even though they were surrounded by nothing but open grass. Slowly her limbs began to dissolve into air as she once again begun the process of being one with her element.

Her wars had barely caught Xanth's words, but they made her want to pull back even more. She was meant to be training, learning her new powers... but instead she'd been wasting her time. And Dazadi had clearly pointed that out by letting her know she was being a -gaspeth-ty aide. Closing her eyes, Nymphadora let whatever come, come.

[Kiril]

Xanth spoke to Nymphadora, but the nymph didn't respond. Kiril could see the anxiety in the woman's face as her muscles tensed. Watching her hyperventilate made his breath quicken as well. His chest constricted with pain. He was breathing faster. His eyes widened with shock as he felt air rush past him and toward the nymph. This was becoming dangerous. Instinct made him swing his fist at her---the source of the trouble. She'd stop doing this if she were unconscious. To his surprise, his arm passed through her dissolving form.

Coughing, the demon felt his last breath escape. His vision was already becoming dark and blurry. The feeling was horrible; when had he last felt so helpless? Damnit! Glancing quickly at Xanth, he too dissolved in smoke. As much as he hated to admit it, there was nothing that he could do. Xanth could deal with Nymphadora.