Jade's House
Want to take a full tour of Jade's house? Visit http://www.floorplans.com/house-plans/fp/aflfpw17176.html?from=search
Jade hurried through her morning routine she'd actually overslept for once. She wasn't sure what it was but for the first time in weeks she gotten a full nights rest. Her coffee was waiting for her in her prebrewed coffee pot when she came out of her bedroom fully clothed and ready for work. Taking a sip she sighed happily. Jotting a quick note to Teos wish him a good morning on a pad of paper she was out the door in minutes and on her way to
boto The Marina.
Teos, upstairs laying on his still fully made bed, hands behind his head and fingers laced, listened as Jade rushed out of the house. He checked the time. If now was late.. Well he could guess when he would need to be up tomorrow. He set an alarm to ensure he would be downstairs first to make her a proper breakfast, then rolled off the bed to pad his way over to the restroom. A quick shower and brushing of his teeth before he dressed. He carefully combed his hair into something presentable but didn't worry about the fact it would fall loose as it dried. He checked his slacks and dress shoes as well as his button down shirt. He gave a sharp laugh at the look of himself, unbuttoned a couple of buttons so it felt less confining and rolled his sleeves up to the elbow. That was a bit better. He grabbed a leather sachet and his simple wire glasses before picking a bagel and small portable cup of juice from the kitchen and went on his way to
BotO Athens High School, making sure to politely lock the door behind him.
Early out the door, late back in. Teos wasn't surprised to find the house empty when he arrived home, nor did he bother to lock the door after he closed it behind him. He tilted his head side to side a little as he thought. Jade will have already eaten, he wouldn't need to cook. Ah, but there would be someone else? How lucky. He smiled easily and went upstairs to put his bag in his room, unbuttoning his shirt as he headed back downstairs. How did men live these days? He could barely move! He shook his head, his smile almost laughing as he went to the kitchen to make some tea, reviewing the day in his head. Descendants were getting settled, finding homes, the children would be free soon, he would make sure to 'run into them' this summer. He frowned a bit, pausing in cutting up a lemon. Jade had had an accident today. Curious... He looked toward the front door. In the sea? Perhaps... No, he mustn't get too hopeful. A calm little smile returned to his lips and he went back to prepping the lemon. He had time, he would simply observe her. It should be clear soon enough. Ah, but the others... they were pairing off but.. forming a string. That was interesting. Very interesting. How like their family. He placed a slice of lemon in the bottom of his cup, added an infuser of herbs and the hot water from a kettle, cleaned up any of the counter and dishes he made along the way, then went outside to sit in the grass, sipping his mug with one hand, the other behind him to prop him up as he looked out over Jade's land. He chuckled agains the rim of his cup. He would have expected a houseboat, but perhaps it would have been too obvious.
"Now, don't freak out okay? It's a lot to take in." Jade smiled as her little oasis came into view. Off to the side you could see horses trotting around and playing in one of their pastures. "You can see the Ocean from the back porch. My property butts up right to it."
Archer was enjoying the walk up the drive when he looked over the house. He nearly dropped his jaw when he realized how massive the house was. "So... You want me to rent the loft over the barn. I can see why you wouldn't want a critter like me in the nice big house." Archer said playfully. "It's nice Jade." It was more than just nice in all honesty.
"I never said you has to take the barn. You are more than welcome to live in the house. There is plenty of room in the big house and that would put you closer." Jade bumped him with her hip and blushed slightly at her forwardness. Clearing her throat she removed her arm from around his waist and headed to the front door. She tried it and realized it was already unlocked. "Oh, Teos must be home." Stepping inside she called out softly. "Hello, I'm home!" To Archer she said in a much softer voice. "Come on it you can look around and see if you'd rather stay in here."
Archer got a rather large smile on his face as Jade brought up him living in the house to be closer. "Maybe I will... Or maybe I will enjoy the seclusion of the barn." He teased her as she opened the door and they came in. "So you have a room getting rented already?"
"I do, his name is Teos and so far he seems very nice. I wonder where he is. Well anyway I'll show you around." Leading him through the foyer she pointed in each direction. "My room is over there and then we have the study, kitchen, office and dining room. Downstairs theirs a pool table, workout area and a rec space." She led him up the stairs and pointed. "Up here we have three available rooms and three bathrooms. Two have showers and the other has a Jacuzzi tub. Each room is fully furnished and ready to go. You can either pick one of these or I can take you out to the barn and show you it."
Archer enjoyed the walking around the house, and smiled brightly. He nodded to her and then when she asked about the barn. "I would like to see the loft in the barn if your sure it's not to much trouble." Besides he wanted to ask her what she meant about him being back and making it hard on her...
Jade led the way back downstairs and out the back door through the kitchen. "So I've got an extra key for you so you can come and go as you like. We'll get that when we go back inside." Along the gravel walkway she pointed to her horses. "They are all named for Olympian gods, you know how I loved Mythology." Leading the way into the barn she walked over to a door at the other end and opened it. "This is the entrance but most of it is upstairs. This is like a mud room." Kicking her shoes off she walked up the beautiful wood stairs and stopped at the top. It was a complete open floor plan except for the bathroom and bedroom. They were blocked off but a sliding barn door.
Archer followed Jade, and loved the small herd she had out back, and then took off his boots in the mud room. "I love it." Archer said once they were up the stairs. It was secluded, and it was all hard wood. The placement over the stable, and the mud room... He would also be living with Jade, and that was a plus in the barns favor. "What did you mean as we came up the drive?" He asked as he walked to the bed room door and slide it open.
"Oh... I was hoping we would be able to avoid that..." Sitting at the table nook in the kitchen she blew a stray hair out of her face and sighed. "Look, I shouldn't have said anything. I don't want things to get weird between us now. I'm just-- With you back now all my old feelings are back and I'm just... confused." Placing her hands in her lap she shrugged her shoulders and shook her head.
Archer moved over to Jade after looking in the room, and got behind her wrapping his arms around her from behind and smiling. "What feelings could that be, Jade?" Archer asked with a playful tone. He wondered if Jade had feelings for him as well. It was strange enough finding out Adela wanted more than a one night stand... Why didn't any of them tell him this before he left to the Army?
Jade gasped softly as he wrapped himself around her. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath and shook her head. "Why can't you ever make things easy on me." Her voice was almost pleading with him as she thought about how to word it. She stayed facing away from him, not sure she could bare looking him in the eyes. "I have liked you, as more than a friend... since high school. I didn't want to ever say anything because you were my best friend and I didn't want to ruin that." Jade shook her head and looked at the ground as if she were worried about his response.
Archer smiled at the thought of a relationship with, Jade. He had always enjoyed the idea of at least a physical one... Knowing she had a crush on him for that long though... It made him feel a bit stupid. He knew he had to say something to her though. "You know... I have liked you as more than a friend for a long time too, but I always thought you wanted a guy that was just a little less reckless, and with a bit of a cleaner mind." He said to her letting her go moving around to the other side of the table and sitting down.
"I guess I can see where you would get that. I mean you never really saw me with any guy or interested in anyone. But I think and Jace agrees, that the reason I've always like you is because of how different we are." Jade turned and looked over at him a sad look on her face. "I'm sorry I should have told you sooner I just... I was afraid."
"Well. I'm home now Jade..." Archer smiled brightly. "why are you so upset?" He had a feeling it was because she was dating another man. It made sense to him though. Archer was gone for so long. She had no reason to wait for him or even think he was coming home.
"So many things to be honest. I'm in a relationship that I'm even sure I want to be in anymore. My best friend is home and I just admitted to him that I have feelings for him. It's just a lot at once." Jade shook her head and looked out the window in the kitchen that looked over the horses pasture. She needed to go riding to clear her head.
"You know what Jade..." Archer said watching her look out the window then seeing the horses. "You want to go riding in guessing." He said seeing the way she was looking at the horses. "If you want I can go with you... Or just get settled in while you go." He offered Jade.
Jade looked over her shoulder and him and shook her head. "No that's okay. We should probably find Teos and figure out where you'd like to sleep." She noticed he had started to say something else but if she knew him he'd tell her when he was ready. "Which room did you like best?"
"This one... It's roomy and nice." Archer then smiled at Jade with a bit of snicker in his voice. "Plus I can invite you over for sleep overs and bad movie Sunday!" It was also a bit more private than the rest of the rooms in the house. Witch would be good as he didn't like the idea of his bed room being next to a strangers. Though he didn't like the idea of Jades room being next to a strangers either.
Jade's quirked an eyebrow at him. "Sleep overs? We're a bit old for that." Shaking her head she smiled. "But that's fine if this is the room you want. You've got your own kitchen so you can stock it with whatever. I'm having the other tenants pitch in with food and such so we all have something to eat."
"Well your never to old for a sleep over... The activities just change a bit." Archer smiled a bit and started for the mud room. "If you ever need anyone to talk to, or a place to hide. The door is always open. Even if I'm not home." Archer pointed out to Jade. Though if he was sleeping with another girl because they weren't a thing that might be a bit odd...
Jade followed him down the stairs and shook her head as she slipped her shoes back on. She knew what he meant by the activities changing but she decided to ignore that comment. "Well I guess its a good thing I own your living arrangements now isn't it." Shoving him playfully she stepped out of the mud room and headed out of the barn.
Archer put his own boots on and followed Jade. He didn't say anything in response to her comment, but did ask. "Other than... Theos? You don't have other tenants yet?" He followed Jade with his hands in his pockets.
"It's Teos and no, so far he is my only tenant. Well and now you. Why?" Jade slowed her pace so she walked beside him, but lead the way over to the pasture. Leaning up against the fence she gave a soft cluck to get the horses attention. The each raised their head from grazing and headed her way.
"Just wondering how many rooms you had to go before it would be a full house." Archer replied. He smiled as the horses came over, and looked them over. They were all fine animals as was to be expected being cared for by Jade.
"Mmm, 3 rooms now. I hadn't planned on give out the loft but since your a special case I made an exception." A gorgeous paint came front and center to the rest of the horses and nuzzled his head against Jades face. Jade gave a soft giggle and brushed her knuckles along the horses face. "This is Apollo, his was my first horse, isn't he gorgeous?"
Archer came forward and smiled at the pretty painted. "Indeed he is." Archer agreed looking over the fine mount. Then he looked to the rest of the small herd. "Who else do we have here." He asked as he stepped up to a black horse. Who looked like he had a bit of fight about him, and offers up his hand for a sniff.
"Mmm that would be Poseidon. I named him after my favorite god of course. He's a wonderful ride, so much spirit and energy. I makes jumping so much fun." Apollo nudged her because she had stopped paying attention to him for a split second. "Oh I'm so sorry, sir." Giggling softly she shook her head. "Such attention whores."
"There just excited to see ya." Archer told Jade as he pet Poseidon. He was excited to be with Jade, and the horse nuzzled his hand and snorted a bit.
From his comfortable spot sitting on the back lawn not far from the house, Teos stayed silent as Jade led Archer to the barn, though he did observe the progression as he sipped away at the last of his tea. She seemed busy so he didn't want to bother her. Looking back, and forward, he wondered if Jade could so easily watch her heart ebb and flow like the tide. She loved passionately, or withheld tightly. To him, he looked like no man could tame her any sooner than a captain could tame a storm at sea. He chuckled very quietly into his mug, tipped it up, and finished the contents before setting it aside so he could lay down on his back, fingers laced behind his head. Eyes closed, he let himself enjoy the sunlight until Jade returned. He hadn't known it was going to feel this good to be with his family, having only been with his father for so long, but he find it almost euphoric. He let his mind wander idly over the flickering images of the future, lights and shadows on his eyelids. Something dark in the corner of his mind's eye made his smile drop slightly but each time he tried to focus on it, to pick it out and have a closer look, it fell from his grasp likes smoke. Well, that was frustrating. He finally was forced to open his eyes and stare at the clouds instead. The nagging shadow in his mind would not let him think.
DeLayne stood at the edge of the property. In his hand he held a torn piece of paper that contained an add for a room for rent. He recently had become tired of staying at the shooting range, but it didn't make sense in his own mind to buy a house of any size. He spent most of his time at the range working, and so he was loathe spend money on a space he would rarely use. Now, standing in front of the property, he was second guessing his decision to seek a room here. The house seemed large from the outside, and was nicer than anything he would have chosen for himself. A life in the military had left him with a frugal attitude, only having what he needed to get by. Coincidentally
, this had left him with a tidy sum in his bank account that had slowly grown over the years. He decided that if he ended up not liking the room, he could always return his belongings to the range, assuming of course that the room hadn't already been rented out. After nodding to himself, he approached the house and knocked.
Ah yes, there he was. The sound similar to a distant woodpecker from the back lawn. Teos lifted himself from the grass and carried his mug inside, dusting his pants off as he went. Rather than dropping the mug off in the kitchen, he simply went to the front door and greeted DeLayne with a friendly smile. "Hello. May I help you?"
"Alright, enough playing, lets go find Teos and introduce the two of you." Jade grabbed Archer's arm and led him back towards the house. She walked in through the kitchen door and called out again. "Teos!!! Are you home?!" Going over to the fridge she pulled out a bottle of water and held one up to Archer. "Water?"
DeLayne held up the newspaper clipping, "Hello. I'm here about the room for rent that you put in the paper. I've been staying at my shooting range and it's been getting a bit cramped for me lately. Is the room still available?" After a pause he realized that he had done everything out of order and hadn't actually introduced himself. "My name is DeLayne Birm. Pleasure to meet you." He stated as he held his hand out for a handshake.
"Teos Steinico," the resident greeted in return with a warm smile to match his firm handshake. "And the pleasure is all mine, DeLayne. Unfortunately I am not able to give you more information about the rooms, as they aren't mine to advertise. The lady of the house-" He pointed over his shoulder just as Jade shouted her greeting. "Ms Jade is actually the owner. Please, please, come in. She'll be happy to meet you." He stood back and motioned with a hand for DeLayne to come in and quietly close the door behind them before leading the way to the kitchen. "Hello Jade, welcome home. And hello to your friend," he added and smiled at Archer before offering his hand to the more toned gentleman. "Teos, it's lovely to make your acquaintance. Forgive me a moment. Jade-" he directed more toward his landlord. "This is DeLayne. He's come to inquiry about one of the rooms. DeLayne, this is Jade, she owns the house and the surrounding property."
After following Teos through the house to the kitchen he smiled warmly to the pair in the kitchen. "Hi, pleasure to meet you, I'm Birm." After a moment he realized that he had said only his last name. Panicked he quickly blurted out, "I meant DeLaYne... Birm is my last name... So my name is actually DeLayne Birm..." He realized he was rambling and knew he should just shut up. "You probably realized that... I'm here about the room...." As usual, he had totally fumbled the conversation because he was in the presence of a female. He could feel his cheeks begin to burn.
Jade had unscrewed the lid to her water and was just finishing taking a drink when Teos and DeLayne came into the kitchen. At the sight of them, glowing in their own beautiful colors, she let out a soft gasp and the open bottle of water slipped from her grasp, spilling its contents all over the floor and Jade's feet. Blinking rapidly she frowned. "So sorry, I'm uh... I'm a bit jumpy today." Taking a deep breath she snatched a hand towel from the stove and placed it over the water and moved it around with her foot, ensuring she got it all. "The room yes. I have 3 left, I just rented the barn out to Archer here. So you have your pick of the remaining three. They are all furnished so you don't need to worry about bringing a bed or anything." Jade noticed how DeLayne stumbled over his words and smiled softly. He seemed a tinge nervous but so was she now that more people were popping up surrounded by auras. That's what she'd call them, there own personal auras.
DeLayne, already near panicked, was thrown even more off by the woman's reaction to seeing them. Quickly, he excused himself, mumbling about checking out the rooms. Seconds later he popped his head back into the room, a sheepish look on his face. "I ummm... don't know where the rooms are... exactly. And I don't want to just wander around the house. So if you could point me in the right direction please...?"
"Archer would you be the best friend I know you are and show our newest guest around? Please, just while I clean myself up." Jade chewed on her bottom lip hoping Archer would oblige her. She needed a minute to collect herself.
"Not a problem Jade!" Archer smiled to the two men and spoke up. "Nice to meet you. I'm Archer. So let's go take a look at the rooms up stairs." Archer walked over to DeLayne and motioned for him to follow.
Teos gave the other two men a little wave of farewell as they left the kitchen, then stooped to help finish cleaning up the water Jade had spilled, all the while a calm expression on his face just short of a smile. He lifted the towel and rang it out over the sink. "I am sorry we startled you that way," he apologized to his companion and gave her a small smile meant to comfort her. "I didn't realize it would be such a frightening sight."
"No no, it isn't you guys. I-- I've just been a bit jumpy since this morning. I had a small accident in the water and I guess it's messing with my head. I'm sure I just need rest and I'll be back to myself in no time." Waving her hand at the towel, Jade smiled. "Thanks for helping." She couldn't help but stare at the gold aura that hugged to Teos's body. It was quite beautiful but disarming at the same time.
"You are most welcome," Teos replied with a polite nod. Once the towel was only damp, he knelt, wiped up what was left of the water on the floor, just to be sure, then repeated the process. He lay the damp towel on the edge of the sink for a moment in favor of leaning against the counter, regarding Jade with that same calm, relaxed expression. He would take the cloth to the laundry after they spoke. "I'm sorry to hear of trouble at work," he continued conversationally. True, he already knew what happened and didn't need to ask, but he could be pretty vague about what he "thought" had happened. "Somehow troubling things always do seem smaller after a good night's rest though." He smiled at her, an easy, lazy smile old friends share with each other, implying nothing but a complete lack of defenses with the person one is with. "You don't strike me as the type to have a long one though. I suppose we must hope a short, good night's rest will do." There was something odd about Teos. The way he stood, how he moved, spoke, listened, emoted, what he said, how he said it. He wasn't getting to know anyone. He had known them a very long time. But the difference between the unsettling knowledge of a stalker and Teos was he didn't see them as objects of his obsession. They were family, they were friends. He loved them as only a fond brother, cousin, father, uncle, grandfather could. He passed no judgements, he didn't pry or attempt to ascertain what people meant. He took what they said at face value, and that was that. Speaking to him felt like continuing a conversation one had had for decades, not minutes, seeing a friend you saw yesterday, not a childhood acquaintance or, worse, a stranger. His very presence felt as if he had always been there, and it was very disorienting to realize he actually had never been. He didn't presume he fit in, they didn't know him yet after all, he did not walk around like he owned the rooms he stood in, only that he was comfortable in them, none of the awkwardness that came with being in a strange house, nor the arrogance of finally being invited to where you had always wanted to be. He was grateful, always grateful, and to cap off his personality so far, he was surprisingly non-threatening. Fit and close to tall with wild hair and a square jaw, he still had an air to him that implied even Jade could knock him out with one good swing and, more than that, he wouldn't dream of fighting back, nor would he cower. Teos just... was. His very existence neither pushing nor pulling, inspired neither memories nor thoughts of the future. He remained, every moment of existence, as simply a presence.
"No, you're right about that. I usually only get about 5 or 6 hours of sleep a night, if that. I think that's just another thing that makes Dorian angry." Jade gasped softly and shook her head. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to say that out loud. I'm not sure what it is about you that makes me want to tell you everything..." Jade even wanted to tell him about the aura's she was seeing, but she didn't want him looking at her like she was crazy. Then again, she doubted her would. So far Teos didn't seem like the judging type.
Teos, to his credit, did little more to react to her admission than continue to give her that same relaxed smile. She might as well have mentioned how fluffy the clouds were today. "It's alright, I don't mind. I don't think anyone truly made a rational decision by keeping their annoyances bottled up," he assured her, then gave it a quiet moment's thought before continuing. "I also don't think anyone wants to make their friends worry, but sometimes their worries aren't without merit. Yelling, yelling can be without merit, that's true.... All too often is it more how we do things, not what we do that causes friction." He shrugged, an action almost laughably out of place on the surprisingly graceful man. "You are who you are, Jade. You live how you will, we all do. I doubt there would be any progress to society without the conflict caused by doing so. If we all just went about our days in perfect sync with each other, what drive would we ever have to do anything new? To fight harder, try the impossible. He'll either come around, or he won't. Love, anger, all the things in between, they enflame our hearts and embolden our spirits. Whatever happens, I think you will inspire each other."
When Teos talked with such passion his aura seemed to pulse. "You're pulsing..." She whispered as if she hadn't meant to say it, which she hadn't. Blinking rapidly she shook her head, trying again to clear her vision but with no success. "I think I need to see a doctor." She said more clearly. "My vision is all messed up or something."
"'Pulsing'?" Teos repeated curiously, then considered the word. "I hadn't though of it as that. 'Flaring' always seemed more apt. Mine doesn't ebb and flow like yours, which I would consider more of the 'pulsing' variety.... Is it unclear? Is that why you wish to see a doctor?" His expression, which was politely curious now, was no less calm than it had been moments before.
Jade gave Teos a funny look as he spoke. "Excuse me? Wha--" Jade paused as her heart rate kicked up a notch and she braced her hands on the counter. "I don't understand. Do you know what's wrong with me?" Jade's headache began to return as thoughts came racing into her mind. Maybe he was just screwing with her so she seemed even more crazy than she already felt. But that couldn't be, Teos didn't seem like that kind of person. Pressing her fingers to her temples she groaned in pain. "I don't understand."
When she leaned against the counter Teos' hands moved as if to reach out to her, his brow furrowed slightly with concern, but he seemed to know she didn't want to be touched and refrained from doing so, only momentarily taking up a standby position. She seemed ok though, judging by how she let go to rub her head, so he relaxed, but he was still frowning and watching for any more serious body language. "As far as I know, nothing's wrong with you, but I can't detect diseases just by looking at you. I'm sorry, I didn't realize you didn't understand." He lifted a hand to show her the back of it, then slowly moved it side to side. He couldn't see it, but her knew the light was following. "It's just an aura, Jade. It's nothing to be worried about." He was still watching her. He wasn't lying, that much was clear, neither was he concerned what she was seeing, let alone that she was seeing it at all. He was, however, worried about her headache. Maybe she should take a nap after all. Exhaustion caused headaches. "Do you need some aspirin?" He was still incredibly calm about all of this. As much as it had weighed on Jade's mind all day, Teos seemed to find it no stranger than if she'd been worried about a bug on her porch she couldn't identify. Auras were just a fact of nature to him, like sunlight and water. Nothing to be worried about.
"How can you be so calm about this? Seeing... auras is anything but natural. How can I not be worried?" Jade realized her voice was raising but Archer and DeLayne should be far enough away to not hear her. Cursing under her breath she sighed, glancing up at his offer for aspirin. "Uh... sure, aspirin would be great, thanks." Turning back to the fridge she got another bottle of water out but waited to open it.
Teos nodded his agreement while watching her, making sure she'd be alright before he turned and headed out of the kitchen to the hall and down to the nearest bathroom. He was back only a moment later and held out the little bottle of aspirin to her he'd gotten from the cabinet. "They aren't harmful, I promise. It's a good thing you can see them, actually. It makes things a bit more understandable-" He paused, then frowned, tilting his head a little. "A very small bit, but still a bit. You don't see them on everyone do you?" The question was rhetorical. "Mostly your friends right? Not all of your friends, and not only your friends, but mostly, right?"
Seeing as how quick he was to come back, Jade assumed he'd gone into the bathroom right across the hall. Taking them from him she opened her water and popped the tablets into her mouth. She drank a few gulps of water to make sure they went down fully and then recapped the bottle. Turning her attention back to Teos she sighed. "Yes yes, not everyone but several. Like Madison, Jace's sister was normal but Jace wasn't. Could you please quit being vague and just tell me what the hell is going on?" Jade wasn't just worried but now she was getting frustrated. Who was he to tell her it was a good thing to be seeing things. That didn't make any sense.
Oh. Oh she really didn't get it. Should he tell her? She obviously wasn't willing to accept anything vague, but the blunt truth might be rejected immediately. Hm, what to do... Teos realized he had been looking at Jade a very long time and decided to at least try to explain. He could do so better when they were alone but he didn't think more descendants bumping into them mid-explanation was going to help either. "You're all.. Related," he tried. "It's pretty distantly, so don't worry about it, but that's part of why I'm here. I'm family. Very, very, very, very distantly, but we're all one big family. The auras you're seeing are just indicating that... Sort of." Better to sound like he didn't understand it himself than to give away that he wasn't saying everything. He added a little shrug to help that story. "You've heard of gypsies and fortune tellers and oracles and such people right? Well.. There are so many, Jade, they can't all be frauds. You aren't, and I'm not. Although, I admit I'm a little jealous. I can't actually see them." He smiled at her and the action was a little embarrassed and completely genuine. "What color am I?" He actually did really want to know. He could 'feel' them, on the periphery of his vision, like puffs of air, but he couldn't see their colors. They were different in ways that cotton and fur were different to him, but he couldn't see them. In most ways, he was a lot more blind than others.
Jade stared at Teos while he tried explaining that they were all related but she didn't quite understand. Sure every human on the planet was related but with the way he talked he made it seem like more. At his question about his aura she faltered slightly. "Uh... gold, actually. It's very pretty..." She smiled faintly and shook her head. "I still don't understand but... we have company so let's talk more about this later?" She was calmer now and not freaking out anymore.
Gold? Gold! Gold??? What a surprise. Teos had a lopsided smile trying to imagine it. A metallic color, how regal! He wondered if any of them had silver or bronze. He bet Jade's was green, or blue, or was that too cliche? Oh! She was speaking again. He focused on her and became a tad more serious, giving her a nod as sincere as the rest of him. "Of course, whenever you like." Then he smiled again, but it was gentler, softer than his slightly dopey one from moments ago had been. Very carefully he raised a hand and moved it forward, a couple of inches from her cheek and hair and shoulder, as if combing his fingers through invisible locks, close enough the warmth of his hand would reach her skin like breath but quickly fade as his hand made a lazy retreat down and outward across her shoulder without touching her. He more watching where his hand was going than her face and he seemed peaceful at something she couldn't see. Or, more specifically, something she could see that he could not. "It's cool," he offered in return to her answer. "Like a tide pool or a still section of a stream, passing through it feels like putting your hand in, so slow and careful you almost don't feel it at all but where the surface of the water makes it's way up your skin, and yet not a single ripple makes it's way across the surface...." He pulled his hand back and returned it to his side, meeting her eyes this time. Their eyes were surprisingly similar, both bright shades of green. "But I have a feeling it can be like a hurricane."
"You can feel it? She hadn't touched anyone really except Dorian and he had been pink so maybe what she could sense in him wasn't truly him but his aura. Shaking her hand she gave Teos a soft smile. "Later, you will explain." Patting his arm gently she walked passed him towards the stairs.
"Pleasure to meet you." As they left the room, DeLayne's panic washed away, and he was again his normal level headed self. As he followed Archer upstairs he began asking questions about the house. "This house is huge and incredibly nice, was it willed to Miss Jade, or did she have it built for herself?" DeLayne, frugal as he was, found it hard to fathom paying the costs associated in building such a large house for just a single person. DeLayne also wanted a little information on the owner. Nothing in depth, as he preferred to make his own judgements of individuals based on their actions and mannerisms. At the same time however, he had enough trouble conversing with females without asking questions that were unintentionally callous, or would dredge up painful memories.
Archer nodded at the question. "She had it built." He said simply. "She always wanted a large ranch home, and when she got through college and got the job she has now she could afford it. So she bought it." Archer explained. "She's a a bit implosive some times." He added at the end.
"Nothing wrong with that," DeLayne commented. "Personally, I'm more frugal because of my time in the military. You know, only having what you need and all that." As they walked through the house DeLayne examined the interior. It was tastefully decorated and looked to be well cared for, leading DeLayne to believe that Jade was a clean person. "So, you're staying in the barn? If the main house is any indication, I would guess that your living quarters are just as impressive."
"The barn has a loft, and it's rather nice, yes." Archer looked at DeLayne. "What branch were you in?" He asked as they headed for the seceond floor.
"Army sniper. The men in my family have served in the army for generations." Most of them had been lifers, whereas DeLayne had served only one deployment. "I'm a pretty good shot with pretty much any kind of fire arm or projectile weapon. Just kind of comes naturally to me."
"Very impressive. Don't meet to many snipers." Archer told the man as they walked. He decided not to ask where he went for about a year. They got to the room next to Teos' and Archer opened the door. "What do you think?"
DeLayne stepped into the room, walked to the middle and took a look around. The largest item in the room, a queen sized bed, was centered with the headboard against the back wall. Plain black sheets and a maroon comforter were tucked neatly across it. At the foot of the bed sat a mahogany chest, likely filled with spare linens. To the left of the bed, in the back corner of the room was a closet. DeLayne imagined that in a house this nice, it would be a fairly large walk in. On the opposite wall from the closet sat a large dresser, apparently part of a set as its style matched the chest perfectly, and down the wall from that, towards the front of the room, sat a mahogany desk. It was larger than he was used to, but the set up of the room, what some would call feng shui, spoke to him. Turning back to Archer, DeLayne nodded, "After a change of linens, which I'll bring, it'll be perfect."
Jade came up the stairs and glanced around. Seeing them in the room next to Teos' she leaned against the wall and waited. "So, what do you think?" She'd ask Archer what he thought of the guy before she gave DeLayne a definite yes. She was a pretty good judge of character but since she hadn't shown him around she hadn't gotten that chance.
Having had time to calm down, DeLayne managed to keep his composure at Jade's appearance. Though he still felt awkward, and likely would for some time, he wasn't reduced to a bumbling idiot this time around. "It's nice. Cozy. I think I'll like it."
"Awesome. Glad to hear it. How about I meet you downstairs and I'll have you fill out a few papers for me. I just need to talk to Archer really fast." Jade gave him a sweet smile and she moved out of the way of the stairs.
Archer caught up to Jade and grabbed her hand. "Hey." He said a bit softly out of sight of the others. "I don't feel all that great. I'm gonna go lay down." Archer told her. "Mind checking on me before you turn in for the night?" He asked with a smile. His head was killing him, and his lack of sleep was catching up to him.
"Oh okay, yeah sure." Jade nodded her head gently and glanced over her shoulder. "Before you go, what did you think of him?" She asked as she turned back to look at him, slightly concerned.
"Nice guy, a vet like me." Archer told her, and nodded. "He would be good to rent to, and he would make a good help around the house." Archer told her then smiled before heading back to the loft.
DeLayne nodded and walked past her down the stairs. Assuming she had meant to meet him in the kitchen, he retraced his route through the house back to where he had first met Archer and Jade. Teos was still in the room, but rather than initiate a conversation, DeLayne leaned his back to a counter and stood silently, waiting on Jade.
"Ah, DeLayne. Welcome back" Teos greeted warmly, but his voice was quieter as if he didn't want to startle the other man. He offered a kind smile before he went about washing the mug he had his tea in. "What did you think of Jade's home? Do you think you will be staying?"
Jade headed downstairs to talk with the guys. Instead of heading straight for the kitchen she grabbed 2 copies of her rental agreement. She couldn't remember if she'd had Teos sign one or not. Walking through the house, back to the kitchen she smiled softly. "So, I have some papers for you both to look over and sign if you don't mind. Teos I don't think I showed these to you. It's just the rental agreement that states you wont destroy my house and stuff like that." Holding out the pages to both men, she crossed her arms lazily over her chest.
"The house is fantastic, really nice." DeLayne nodded, "And yeah. I think I will be staying as long as Jade says it's ok." As he finished his sentence Jade returned and handed him a collection of papers. It threw him slightly for some reason that she handed some to Teos too. It had seemed to DeLayne that the man had been a long time resident, like he just belonged there. Shrugging it off, he looked over the papers, finding them to be the normal don't put holes in the wall and break windows type of rental agreement. After setting the papers on the counter and signing in the appropriate places with a pen he kept in his pocket, he handed them back to Jade.
Teos didn't even glance at the agreement for more than to find the signature line. He signed it- his name written in literal Greek- and handed it back to Jade while placing the pen back in the odds and ends type drawer of the kitchen counter where he had pulled it from, almost with as little thought as signing the paper. Odds are if he did cause damage to her house, it would be from a cause she couldn't possibly have predicted, that he couldn't possibly be held responsible for, and would mean she'd have more important things to worry about than her house anyway. All the while he kept that same unconcerned little smile of a man enjoying an almost lazy Sunday, despite today not being a Sunday at all, let alone a lazy one. "Wonderful," he added to DeLayne as if to continue their conversation and yet somehow expertly included Jade now with just his tone. "I look forward to the future here. Athen's Harbor is a very nice town. I am glad I have gotten to see it for myself," he added, easing his words more over toward Jade. "It is kind of you to allow us accommodations."
Jade smiled kindly as they handedback their papers. "Everyone always said i was silly for building a house this big but I never planned to live in it alone. I'm finally doing what I planned to do so it feels good." It had always been her dream to be surrounded by family and friends. These may be new friends but hopefully after a time things will be relaxed with them all. She was also glad to have Archer back and staying on in her barn. She felt safer some how. "If you want to check out the barn and such you are more than welcome to. Right now the horses are in the pasture so im sure it's pretty quiet in there." She said this more towards DeLayne, figuring Teos had already explored.
DeLayne nodded and used the invitation to explore as an excuse to leave before he had to fumble his way through another conversation. Eventually, he would be able to hold a perfectly normal conversation with her. He just had to get used to being around her first. It had always been that way with DeLayne, and he had never been able to explain it accurately to anyone, let alone fully grasp the why of it himself. As he walked the grounds, he thought about various things, most of which were connected in some way to the range. With the new room DeLayne was renting, he needed to find a use for the space he had sectioned off for himself, as well as install some sort of security. It definitely wouldn't do to have someone break in and make off with any of the large assortment of firearms he kept there. Breaking himself out of thought, DeLayne found himself standing at the pasture perimeter. Jade's horses were beautiful, and obviously well kept. It was apparent that she dearly loved the animals. Though he had never learned to ride, DeLayne had always admired horses, so he decided to stay and watch them for awhile.
"I like him," Teos commented decisively as he watched DeLayne through the kitchen window, giving a small nod to emphasize the point. The other man didn't seem to talk much, but Teos knew he was good at heart. He offered Jade another little smile as if to give her assurance she didn't need, then put away his clean cup and walked toward the exit of the kitchen, intending to head upstairs to get something out of his single bag of luggage, as well as lay out clothing for the next day. He should actually put away all of his things. He didn't intend to stay long but he had a feeling the school staff would not be happy with him wearing wrinkled clothing. And on that note, he really should make sure to say hello to Hroda and Valerie again tomorrow.... He would need to stay in contact this summer. Athens Harbor was a small town, no doubt they would "bump into each other".
"You would." Jade smiled and shook her head gently. She watched Teos walk away and turned back towards the window to watch DeLayne admire her horses. She wondered if any of her tenants could ride. If not she'd have to teach them. Glancing towards the barn she wondered if she should check on Archer. Chewing on her bottom lip she went to the stairs and called. "Teos, I'll be in the barn checking on Archer if you need me." Turning on her heal she headed out the door and across the yard. "DeLayne, I'm going to check on Archer, if you need me just holler." Entering the barn she headed up the stairs to the loft and called out softly. "Archer... are you okay? Do you need anything?"
DeLayne had heard her approaching and offered a simple nod at her comment, even though he couldn't imagine what he would actually need. Then he remembered that he still needed to go get his belongings and bring them here. With a final look at the horses, he turned and walked back to his pick up truck where he had left it parked on the side of the road, near the entrance to the driveway. DeLayne didn't own much aside from the shooting range. A couple shirts and jeans, a pair of running shoes, a pair of combat boots, three jackets and a coat, and his rifle, pistol, and bow, along with his toiletry were all he had to retrieve. The only other item he owned was the truck he drove, which he maintained himself. A cot in the back corner of the range had been DeLayne's bedding, and he planned on leaving it there for slow days, so he didn't need to pack the sheets and blanket and would instead go buy a new set.
"I don't know what you're worried about, I think you look wonderful," Sabastion was assuring Emily as they approached the driveway to Jade's house. He briefly noted the unfamiliar truck but assumed she was having some sort of maintenance work done and turned down the path to continue on to her house. If he was quite honest, he was certain people would stare more out of attraction than disapproval of Emily's outfit. It would only be Jade anyway and that woman certainly wasn't going to think anything of it. She wore a skin tight diving suit ninety percent of the time. It was as he was thinking on that particular image that he noticed DeLayne headed up the drive toward them. The maintenance man? He didn't have a tool belt but perhaps he was retrieving something from his truck. Whatever the case, he memorized the man's looks and apparel as best he could and waved a greeting with his free hand before he continued on toward Jade's house.
DeLayne looked up as he hear the pair approaching, offering a simple wave in return to the mans. The people were unfamiliar, but could be friends of anyone of the others at the house, so he thought nothing of it. Once he arrived at his truck he started it and began the short drive to his shooting range.
Emily also noted DeLayne as he was leaving, acknowledging him with a smile and small wave as he left. "I wonder who that was?" she asked thoughtfully. She kept her other hand wrapped around Sebastian's and headed up to the threshold with him. "So What happened to her that we need to check up on?"
"Dorian implied she 'almost suffocated this morning'," Sabastion relayed calmly. Jade might not take very good care of herself, but she took her job very seriously, so if she felt something unsafe had happened, Sabastion was fairly certain she wouldn't be at home. She'd be trying to make sure it didn't happen again. She'd take it very seriously. So as the house came into view, the doctor couldn't really bring himself to be all that concerned. Most likely she was only here to appease an overbearing partner. So as Jade's house came into view, he was rather calm helping Emily up the few steps to the door before ringing the tiny button next to the front door to alert the occupant to their arrival. He hoped Jade wasn't out with the horses. He wasn't sure she had any way of hearing the bell out that far.
Archer called back to Jade. "Come on up..." He was sitting on a recliner with a damp cloth over his eyes and sipping at a bottle of water. Why his head started pulsing with pain was beyond him, but the aspirin was helping him feel better. "everything okay?" he asked as Jade came up.
Jade came up the stairs and spotted Archer. Smiling she headed over to him. Grabbing the cloth off his head she walked over to the sink and re-dampened it. With her fingers wet she walked back over to Archer and placed it back on his head but not before touching him with her fingers, not realizing what she was doing. "Just coming to check on you."
"Mmmm." Archer didn't open his eyes as Jade took the cloth, but as she ran her cool wet fingers along his face a smile appeared on his lips. the smell of Jade, and her cool fingers. His head was starting to clear a bit. As she set the cloth on him he opened his eyes. "I'm doing better now." Archer told Jade with a smile as he grabbed her wrist and placed her damp cool fingers back on his cheek looking into her pretty eyes. He could get lost in her eyes...
Jade blushed slightly as she looked down at him. "Well good, glad to hear it." Sitting on the arm of the recliner, she allowed him to hold her hands against his cheeks. "I'm surrounded by all guys at the moment. I have yet to get a female tenant." She giggled softly and shook her head.
"I'm sure you'll have a girl want to move in before to much longer." Archer pointed out. He let Jades wrist go, and then smiled at her blush going on. "Your blushing." Archer wanted to grab her and pull her into his lap, kiss her... see where ever it went after that... but what if Jade wasn't after that.
"Uh... sorry..." Jade rubbed her cheeks gently and moved to sit on the couch across from him. "Hey so I was thinking... maybe you and Jace could hang out some time. He could really use a... male friend. Since the divorce it's been pretty hard for him."
Archer was a bit sad when Jade turned from him, but his smile came right back as her hips swayed and he watched her go to the sofa. "Not sure where the view is nicer." He mumbled. Big before any comment could be made he answered "I'd love to. He needs male friends."
Jade had been about to throw a pillow at Archer but stopped when the front doorbell rang out throughout the barn. "Hmmm someone is here. I'll be back in a few." Tossing the pillow at him she headed out of the loft and through the barn. Making her way across the yard she came around the house and paused. "Sebastian?" She asked in a surprised tone. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" Her voice was soft and sweet as she walked over to him and planted a sisterly kiss on his cheek.
Sabastion gave Jade the trademark quirk of his lips at the kiss, the motion tinged with as much affection as she had shown him. "I'm afraid to a very distraught man employed at your marina," he replied, his tone a mixture of amusement and unhappiness. It was an odd combination. "He insisted I give you an examination immediately and, since we were out, I hope you wouldn't mind us dropping by, just so I can field his questions later." He motioned to his companion. "This is Emily, she is a student working at the hospital in my ward and, to my great pleasure, is living with me at present. I hope you don't mind that she joined me for this excursion, we were already enjoying each others' company when I received the call and, for some reason I can not fathom-," he smiled at Emily, not showing his teeth but an honest to god smile nonetheless, "-she likes to watch me work." He turned his attention back to Jade and motioned to the door. "Do you mind if we come in?"
Jade gave her eyes a small roll before she headed towards the door. "Dorian... I'm telling you Sabastion, he's overreacting. I feel fine. And you know I wouldn't do anything to harm myself." But instead of denying him his examination Jade led them both into the office where there was a large couch. Once inside she turned to face them both and gave Emily a small smile that reached her eyes. "Lovely to meet you. Sorry it isn't on more fun terms." Winking at the girl she waited for Sabastion to examine her.
Emily's cheeks were still tinged pink by Sebastian's formal introduction, but she afforded Jade a sincere smile of her own. "It's really nice to meet you, too," she said and shrugged. "I'm sorry that we're intruding like this." She moved aside so that Sebastian would have plenty of room to work and examine Jade.
"I wouldn't worry about that," Sabastion assured Jade idely as he touched her chin with light fingers, more to instruct her to hold still, and leaned in a bit to look into her eyes. "This is fun terms for Emily." He turned a bit to give her a fond look again. "It's practically a date." Ah, how rare. He made a joke. He turned back to Jade, his expression a bit more serious as he continued an exam he must have completed two thousand times by now. He held up a finger, still touching her chin to keep it still, and move the other hand side to side to have her follow it. "And I agree with you, regarding Dorian, but I doubt the fact that Emily could probably examine herself would keep me from performing the same procedure, if such an occurrence had happened to her." Oh right, like he needed an excuse to want to put his hands on her anyway. He dropped his hands a little to feel Jade's neck, deft, kind fingers marking the placement of each of the inner workings and that they were all in the correct places before he rested his hand flat on the hollow of her neck between her collar bones, pressing back lightly as he leaned around her to press his ear to her back. "Deep breath," he instructed, listening as carefully as he could without a stethoscope. Nothing loose, dry, wet, cracked, as far as he could tell. He removed his hand and stepped back, holding it palm up to the ceiling dismissively. "You seem fine to me. Should I write you a prescription for an anti-anxiety though? Dorian may need a few if you continue to be your daringly brave self."
Jade stood still and did as she was told when he asked her to. Once he was finished she crossed her arms over her chest. "See. Told you so. Besides I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary, my line just got caught on some rocks, cutting off my air supply. It could have happened to any one of the guys, just because it happened to me means nothing." Now that Jade wasn't so worked up she actually took the time to look at the two in front of her and frowned. They had auras too. Of course they were different colors, Sabastion was white while Emily was sort of a muted cobalt blue. Shaking her head she returned her attention to her guests a sweet smile on her face. "Anyway, care for a drink?"
"A drink would be lovely," Sabastion accepted with a small nod. He did not know much about Dorian, but he suspected the man would actually be just as over the top about any of his colleagues, but none of them knew Sabastion on the level Jade did, so he probably only felt it appropriate to call him due to that friendship. It was, however, as Jade sad, unnecessary. She seemed fine, albeit perhaps a bit distracted by something. That was nothing out of the ordinary however. "What were you diving for today?" he asked conversationally before adding, "And would you like any help with the drinks?"
"Sure, come you two. We may even run into the boys." Jade turned and headed out of the room and across to kitchen. "And I was relocating coral. There's an area that's been wiped out by Salt Water hobbyists and we're trying to help the ecosystem repopulate itself." Going to the fridge she frowned. "So we have water, wine, or apple juice." Jade didn't keep soda in the house, it was to tempting and something she only like to drink on occasion.
Emily followed behind Jade and Sabastion idly, looking around the expansive house. She folded her arms over her chest and rubbed her upper arms as if chilled, but really it was rather warm. Once in the kitchen, she answered Jade with a gentle, "Just water for me, thanks." Being an almost-doctor, she wasn't a fan of apple juice and she tried not to drink too much. Though she wouldn't mind drinking with Sabastion in the privacy of their home at all. Her azure eyes flicked him up and down from behind subtly before her gaze wandered elsewhere; though a smile stayed on her lips.
Sabastion, who has nodded along his attention to Jade's tale from work agreed with Emily as he went to Jade's cabinets while she went to the fridge. "Water is fine with me as well, thank you." It took a couple tries but he found some glasses and removed three of them for the occupants of the kitchen, quietly closing the door again. "What boys were you speaking of? Did you get dogs or tenants?" He actually hadn't spoken with Jade much recently, but he recalled a physical when she was having the house built when she spoke of hoping others would move into the extra rooms she planned to have. Judging by the size of the house, he figured there were quite a few to fill. Out of the corner of his eye he caught Emily rubbing her arms. After a furtive glance toward Jade, he swallowed and tried to ignore his own lightly blushing cheeks as he leaned back against the corner and held his arms out to Emily, motioning with a couple jerks of curled fingers she was welcome in his arms.
Emily seemed surprised by this invitation. She glanced at Jade slightly. She recalled Sabastion saying something like not wanting to let others see that they were a couple outside of their home just yet, but she was not about to ignore or deny his altruism. She moved to him with big, smooth strides and tucked herself against his side under his arm with a fond smile.
"No not dogs, I have 3 tenants. Archer, Teos and DeLayne." Jade grabbed all the glasses up and filled them with ice and water from the fridge. She set there's down on the counter in front of them and smiled softly at the couple. A small smirk spread across her face. "So how has everything been?" Her eyes flicked back and forth between the two, almost knowingly.
Sabastion accepted Emily under his arm and rubbed her other shoulder as if to help warm her even though it seemed unnecessary. With his free hand he offered Emily's glass to her then took up his own once she accepted. "There was an unfortunate accident early this morning, but it is handled now," the doctor replied. "Otherwise things have been going... Very well." If he included all the time between when he last saw Jade and now, that was what it averaged out to. If he only thought of the last 24 hours... Well, the beautiful young woman under his arm certainly made him feel things were going a great deal better than 'very well'. Had he already become that old man, happy to have a pretty young thing on his arm? What a ridiculous notion! He mentally shook it off and returned to the present after a sip of water. "I am glad you found tenants. I know you had hopes of filling the extra rooms," he added as he set the glass on the counter again.
"To be honest I would prefer to fill them with kids some day but i dont see that happening for a while. So I'll just take care of these guys. It'll hold me off for now." Jade remembered a past conversation of theirs and she shook her head. "And dont even think about it. I told you before I'd rather find the right man then have a sperm donor and just be a single mom. I mean i know i could do it and afford it. I just still hope for that fairy tale." She shrugged her shoulders gently as she motioned to Emily. "Most girls want that, am I right?"
Emily blinked. She wasn't sure she was the right person to ask such a question. "Uh... well, I guess. I mean, I'm hardly the authority on 'most girls'," she said, glancing at Sabastion with a small flush of her cheeks. She pressed her lips together in a thin line after that and looked down into her glass of water, making it obvious she was not going to say much more on the matter.
Sabastion frowned disapprovingly at Jade and gently squeezed Emily close to him to reassure her before he spoke, clearly wanting to move on from such statements. "That's your choice and I respect it, though I'm not certain how you intend to find the fairy tale if all you ever do is work, unless you intend to marry a man you work with-" He paused, thought on it, then tilted his head a little. "Is this why Dorian was on your mind? You had hoped to make him a companion and he has proven not to be suitable to your taste? You're still very young and healthy. You have time." If anyone should be thinking of settling down it should probably be him, and yet here he was, perfectly fine being single with a gorgeous, younger woman fawning on him and leaving him rather befuddled. It was quite flattering, if he thought about it, but he felt a little silly indulging in such young pursuits. No, he was not that old yet, only a little old, but he had not thought "just some fun" would interest him any longer. He was far out of college now and fine with his books. Instead, he found Emily. He hadn't noticed his world was so dim before. How strange. "I know of Archer of course, and DeLayne sounds familiar... if it is the same one I am thinking of. I don't believe I have ever heard of a man named Teos, however. Had he moved to Athen's Harbor recently?"
Jade frowned as Sabastion brought up Dorian. Shaking her head she sighed softly. "I'd rather not talk about Dorian at the moment if that's okay. But no, I hadn't thought about marriage with him yet, we've only just started dating." She found herself wanting to say more, like about how she couldn't see herself with someone so controlling but she bit her tongue. "Teos has actually just moved to Athen's Harbor, he's an amazing person from what I've seen." The first night he had been here she couldn't recall having a nightmare so that was good. "Last night was his first night living here. He's like an older brother. I don't think he approved of me skipping breakfast."
Dating? "You sound as if you already trust him but you just met him? That seems somewhat unlike you, Jade," Sabastion replied and picked up his water for another drink, mulling over the idea of Jade and Dorian dating, as well as the idea of a new person in Athens Harbor. The latter seemed more interesting while the former... Well it made him quite uncomfortable actually. Jade was a head down hard working dedicated woman. Dorian always struck him as the type to be washed away with the smallest ocean wave. That is, not that either was bad, but the two of them together sounded like a disaster lying in wait.
"Well... if you met him I think you'd understand. He's super easy to like. I was surprised myself how easily I took to him. He puts me at ease." Turning her eyes to Sabastion she smiled. "And last night was the first night in a long time I didn't have nightmares. It was like just having someone in the house eased my mind." Her eyes were bright with relief. She knew Sabastion would know what she was talking about, they'd discussed her nightmares at length in the past.
Archer walked in and smiled at the group at the table. "Oh. Hello." He told Sabastion. "I'm Archer." He offered the man a hand to shake. "Are you looking to move in as well?"
Sabastion gave Jade a little quirk of his lips again. "Well, I look forward to meeting this miracle man some time," he replied just as Archer joined them in the kitchen. At the introduction he politely set his glass aside again and shook the other man's hand. "Sabastion Panas," he answered but shook his head at the question. "No, just visit Jade to put worries to rest. Archer, you said? I feel as though I might have recognized you without the introduction. Jade speaks of you often." For the first year he knew Jade he was fairly certain Adela and Archer were the only two names she ever mentioned when relaying stories. So this was the man she was worried about over seas? That was a while before the nightmares, but he could see how worry of a friend might descend into mental manifestations in the unconscious mind. Perhaps his return had eased Jade's mind more than this new man? Ah, and Teos. If Jade's best friend had returned, why did she seem more at ease over the arrival of someone new? How interesting. This Teos must be quite the unique character. He motioned to the young lady under his arm and loosened his comforting embrace just enough that she knew she could step out if she wanted. "My companion and currently a student in my department, the lovely Miss Emily. Emily, this is Archer, one of Jade's closest friends." He motioned to the man with them, more out of reflexive courtesy than necessity. After all, she'd been right there when he said his name.
Emily shifted within Sabastion's grasp just enough to turn and shake Archer's hand as well. "Nice to meet you," she said genuinely with a bright smile that reflected in her pale blue eyes. She returned to her original position against Sabastion quickly, re-wrapping her arms around his ribs and settling her head against his chest. It was clear she was enjoying this embrace and had no intention of leaving it if she didn't have to.
Jade placed her hand on Archer's shoulder and smiled at him fondly before she got him a glass of water as well and handed it over to him. "Sabastion is here at the request of Dorian. Making sure that I'm alright, though I think he was just trying to appease him." Leaning against the counter next to Archer she smiled softly and shrugged her shoulders in a "what are you going to do" sort of way.
"Well doc, Jade seems fine to me." He said as he took the glass of water and enjoying a few sips as Jade shruged. "That being said I know I'm not the best doctor, but I do know how to dive, and I know she's in good shape so I'm pretty sure she's not going to have to worry about brain damage from a few seconds of oxygen deprivation." He then smiled at Jade and said. "But I'll keep an eye on her tonight and make sure nothing happens in her sleep if you think that's for the best." He then winked at Jade and took another drink.
"I don't think that's necessary," Sabastion answered simply, completely missing Archer's implication, albeit not intentionally. "I agree with you, I was certain Jade was just fine before I came over here, but I was also certain Dorian has my phone number and would call me at all hours until I gave her the exam. Simple enough and it was hardly a bother as we were already out and I am lucky enough that Emily enjoys these things-" He squeezed the woman to his side ever so slightly, like a hug. "Jade mentioned you will be living here now?" he continued conversationally. "She's built quite the lovely house, hasn't she?"
"I told you you needed to get that changed." Jade teased as she went to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of wine. Pouring a glass for herself and Archer, she wiggled it in Sabastion and Emily's direction. "You sure you don't want any?"
"Well, I needed a place to call home, and Jade had my dream house built while I was away after all." Archer paused sipping his water. "A loft in a barn." He then smiled and watched Jades backside as she was walking about the kitchen.
Emily shook her head again politely at Jade's offer of wine, though at the end she seemed to hesitate. She glanced up at Sabastion with a furtive look and started to pull her lip between her teeth, but caught herself and stopped. There were clearly thoughts--perhaps less than appropriate ones--rolling through her mind. More assuredly, she shook her head again and said, "I'm sure. Thank you, though." She gave her a closed-lipped smile and then looked between Archer and Jade. She had more than noticed his appreciation of Jade's backside, and quirked an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, how do you two know each other? Have you known each other a long time?"
"Not to long." Archer said with a grin. Then made a show of thinking. "Let's see. I meet Jade my first day of kindergarten, and she was the only kid that didn't make fun of me for being big... and dumb..." Archer said with a smile. "It was kinda funny cuz I was so mad I was turning red and getting ready to fight a snotty little punk, and the next thing I knew she was telling the old boy off." Archer just smiled at Jade as he spoke.
Jade smiled at the memory and nodded her head. "And now there good friends. Jace was a bit of a fire ball back then." She giggled and shook her head. She had always been the ring leader, keeping their little group together all through school until Adela came along and there group got even bigger. "I can't believe it's been so long..."
Sabastion answered together with Emily, declining as well with a polite shake of his head. He couldn't imagine having rowdy young friends the way Jade's little group had been. He was home schooled and later went to private schools. It wasn't really until he entered college in his late teens did he meet such rough people. Of course, he would never admit to the drunken rough housing his dear room mate had hauled him into. He'd take those stories to his grave. "That would make it roughly twenty years, correct? Two decades is more than a lifetime for some people. You are a very lucky group of friends."
"Mm-hmm, very lucky! I don't even talk to half the people I went to nursing school with anymore. And that was only a few years ago." Emily smiled. "You guys are all very lucky to have each other." She couldn't help but tighten her grip on Sabastion a little, nuzzling her head into his chest just a little more. As an afterthought, she wondered if maybe she was crowding him and looked up at him with a soft smile to ask, "Is this okay?"
"I would have to agree. I'm lucky she didn't get fed up with me." Archer said with a little smirk. "After all I can be a bit reactionary." He felt like that was putting it nicely. Though he had trouble keeping his eyes off Jade. It was hard to look away for more than a moment or two.
"Who says I haven't?" Jade teased him easily, bumping him with her hip. "Yes I am very lucky. I'm not sure what I would have done if Jace hadn't been around when Archer left. He helped me keep focused on my goal in life and... well I obviously made it. A lot faster than I would have thought but I worked my ass off."
A coy smile appeared on archers face, and before he could stop himself he leaned back a bit and looked right at Jade's but then just said it. "Oh no sweetheart your amazing ass is still right there where it has always been." As Archer said it he twitched a bit realizing that the comment wasn't even remotely covert... he just blurted out his thought without thinking and a bit of a blush crossed his face as he realized he was still staring as Jade back side then he looked up to see Jade's reaction to his open comment about her body. 'Way to go dumb ass she is sure to find you attractive now! You just talked about her body like it was no big deal... but she is hot. So maybe Jade won't yell?' Archer thought as he waited to receive an earful.
Jade gasped as she turned around and slapped his chest. "Archer... behave." Sighing she shook her head. "Obviously we've been friends long enough that one of us doesn't hold back whatevers in his head, no matter how rude or lewd..." Shaking her head she moved back so Archer couldn't admire her butt and wrapped her arm around his waist. "Seriously... behave..."
Sabastion watched the exchange with a bit of a raised eyebrow. He had never actually met Archer and was working out his first impression of the man. He knew stories, of course, loads of them, but it was a different thing entirely to see the real man. He was beginning to think Jade had changed while her friend was away if that was how he felt was appropriate to act around her and was clearly incorrect. He had always felt Jade had grown up too fast and sudden, from what he could tell, and had most likely not been that way as a teen. Archer's behavior toward her, and her reactions, were beginning to confirm those thoughts. It was only once Jade settled he noticed Emily was looking at him and turned his attention to her. She was asking him something but he wasn't entirely sure what, so he settled for giving her a little squeeze from where his arm was still lightly wrapped around her shoulders, then returned his attention to their companions. "Well, Jade, you seem to be in fine health," he tried to pull the conversation away from Archer's faux pas, "I think Dorian will settle now. We really should be heading back. Emily, I think you have a shift semi early? I go in about an hour before you so we will need to turn in early. I hope you'll forgive me for needing to leave so early?" He directed the last bit more directly to Jade, giving her a little frown. He did wish he could be more social sometimes but he did work an awful lot. Luckily, the few friends he did have seemed to understand.
"Sorry Jade." Archer nodded a bit. "I'll behave." He sipped at his water and smiled a bit. Then listened as Sebastian talked to Emily. He then looked to Jade, and asked. "Do you have anything to do in the morning?" He was woundering if she wanted to take a day togather.
Seeing Archer pick up what seemed to be a safer direction of conversation, Sabastion took it as a sign they could leave and offered Jade a familiar upward quirk of his lips. "Good night, Jade," he bid them farewell. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Archer," he added and gave a little wave of his hand before gently motioning for Emily to join him as he politely made his way out of the kitchen to exit the front door they had entered. The sun was already beginning to set but town was small. They should make it home before it became fully dark outside. Only once Emily had stepped outside with him did he close Jade's front door again and offer his hand to his companion once more. "Shall we head home then?" It wasn't really a question, but it seemed polite to phrase it as one.
Emily gave Sabastion a nod in response to his question and smiled gently. She took his proffered hand and stepped off of the stoop with him carefully. "It was nice meeting them. You seem very familiar with Jade. Have you known her long?" she asked as they made their way back towards his house.
"Have a good night you two! Thanks for stopping by." Jade called after the two as they left. Turning her attention to Archer she shrugged her shoulders gently. "I'm head of the marina I either always have work and don't but... they say I work too much so I could take some time. I'm sure Dorian would be pleased with that as well. Why, what did you have in mind?"
Archer smiled waving to the two as they left, and exchanging the common courtesy. After the two were gone and Jade asked him about what he wanted to do he nodded. "Well we could take some time a really catch back up. I do miss doing things just you and I every. Now and then..." Archer thought a moment then smiled. "I could always make you breakfast, and then. We can go for a ride." He offered.
Jade nodded her head to his remarks. "Sure, sounds good. I just need to let the guys know that way they leave without me in the morning. They'll probably be glad to be rid of me for a day." She sent the same post to everyone, including Dorian. Hey I won't be coming to work tomorrow. I think I'm going to take the day and refresh myself. If you need anything you know how to get a hold of me.
Archer smiled like a dumb kid when Jade agreed to spend the day with him... well at least the morning. He was hopping he didn't put his foot in his mouth so hard again, and as he thought about the dumb thing he said. An idea came to mind. "So I'm guessing you were pretty mad about the hole ass comment?"
"Well... it was a bit much. Especially in front of guests. I mean... I guess it's nice knowing you're attracted to me but did you have to go about it that way?" Cocking her head to the side she leaned her hip against the island across from him and folded her arms in front of her chest.
"Well the army helped me with a lot of things." Archer said as he set the glass down and put his forearms on the island. "It also made me a might less tactful, and a bit more willing to say what I mean and how I feel. If what I say makes someone mad or upset, I'm willing to be chewed out over it though."
"The army also took you away from me." Jade's eyes darkened slightly as she felt a sadness wash over her. "I've had so many nightmares that involved you or made me think of you. The past few years have not been easy for me. Without you in my life..." Jade closed her eyes as the lump in her throat took control and she could no longer speak.
"Well that was the job." Archer told Jade then seeing her response went on. "I was good at the job Jade. They needed people like me." Archer felt that he was being called to war. It was strange the way he just needed to go fight and felt the need to go. It was like an urge he could not deny. The war, however was over now, and that meant it was time to go home. "I didn't mean for it to effect you so much Jade." He then walked around the island and put an arm around her shoulders.
It had taken several hours of trawling the stores before Luke had finally chosen a phone for himself but as he stared at the box he suddenly felt unsure of how to actually use it. I'll ask Jade for help. He thought as he approached her house and parked the car. He jumped from the drivers seat and grabbed the box which he then carried up to the front door and knocked loudly, the bright smile still playing upon his lips.
"And when your letters and e-mails stopped coming? What then?" Jade grabbed a hold of his shirt, anger and pain clear in her eyes as she stared up at him. "Did you think I wouldn't worry?" She jumped at the sudden knock on the door and frowned. "Crap..." Swiping at her eyes and rubbing her cheeks she looked up at Archer and shook her head. "This isn't over." Moving through the house she made her way to the front door and pulled it open. "Luke... hey, what's up?"
"Hey Jade!" Luke greeted brightly, probably showing more enthusiasm than he ever had before. "I need some help. Finally picked myself a phone.. But I don't have a clue how to use it. I was wondering if you.." His words slowly faltered as he looked at her and his cheery mood quickly dissolved into concern. "You OK?"
Jade forced a smile to her lips as she looked over her shoulder. Unsure of where Archer had gotten off to. Turning back to Luke she gave a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay, thanks." Holding her hands out to him she gave him a genuine smile, not wanting to break his cheerful mood. "Let's have a look shall we? What possessed you to buy a phone?"
"Haidee was at my house earlier helping with the farm and when she was leaving she asked for my number but I didn't have one so I told her I'd buy a phone so I could give her my number." Luke replied innocently as he offered her the box with the new phone in it. "I want to make sure she can call me anytime.."
Jade stared at Luke for a moment, stunned. "Wow... you guys must have had a good day together for you to go out and buy a phone. Well good... Come on in." Jade turned and headed back into the kitchen as she opened the box. "Oh this is a good one." She pulled her phone out of her back pocket and waved it around. "Same as mine so it'll be easy to learn." She sat down at the table so she could go over everything with him, explaining certain features and things the phone could do.
"It was a great day as a matter of fact. So I just want to make sure we have more.." Luke smiled as he followed after Jade and seated himself at the table. He listened intently as she explained the phones features, nodding along in understanding at her words. "That all seems simple enough.." He said with a confident smile.
"It is... here..." Inputting her own number she swiped the screen and made sure it went in correctly when a peaceful jingle sounded throughout the room, her phone ringing. "There, now you have my number." Ending the call, she slid his phone over to him and smiled, reaching for her own phone to save his number. "So... it was great, hmmm?" A knowing smile spread across her lips as she sat back, relaxing into the dining room chair.
"Yeah we worked in the fields picking the crops and then I made us lunch.. It just felt nice, you know. I don't know why but I just felt so.. So happy when I was with her. All my low confidence and shyness just disappeared. I could talk freely. It was wonderful." Luke replied with a smile as he remembered the afternoon. "I wish I knew why.."
"Well because you like her, sweety. Have you never liked someone before? Enough to talk and tell them everything." Jade cocked her head to the side as Archer's face came to the forefront of her mind. Not only was he her best friend but she had finally admitted her feelings about him. She also thought of Dorian and frowned. She never felt open enough with him, she was always worried that something she said would upset him. Clearing her throat she smiled again. "I'm glad for you though... it's about time."
"I.. Like her?" Luke repeated slowly his eyebrows furrowed in confusion before he suddenly realised what she meant and he quickly shook his head as his cheeks turned red. "Haidee and I are just friends. We like working together.. We share the same interests, that's all." He spoke quickly as he became restless in his chair. "I've never liked.. We're just.. It's not like.." He stuttered over his words as he tried to deny what Jade was saying but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't seem to do it. Finally his shoulders slumped and he sighed. "Even if it was true, why would it matter. She would never be interested in me. I mean look at me. I have nothing to offer.." He sighed again and shook his head, his happy mood suddenly gone.
Jade's eyes blazed suddenly at his insult to himself. "Now you listen to me Luke Michaels... Never think little of yourself. You are one of the kindest, warmest, friendliest, most handsome man that I know." Jade reached forward and grabbed his hand even though she knew he'd probably pull away. Squeezing gently she ducked her head so that he would look at her. "And any woman, including Haidee would be lucky to have you, do you hear me?" She knew he was conflicted, confused about his feelings for the young girl but she needed him to understand that he WAS enough, for anyone.
Luke slowly looked up at Jade and gave a grateful smile at her words. "You're too kind. But thank you. I appreciate what you said. And I think you're right.. I think.. I think I actually like her." He replied feeling a little shocked by his confession. "I feel suddenly confused. What should I do? I don't want to risk losing her.."
"Take her out on a date maybe... see how things go. You'll eventually need to talk to her about it. But you can't hide from it, that won't do you any good." She shrugged her shoulders gently as she crossed one leg over the other. She hadn't done much dating over the years so she wasn't sure she was the best person to be talking to about this sort of thing.
"Take her on a date?" The colour drained from Luke's face at the thought before he gulped heavily. "I-I'm sure I could manage that. It can't be that hard.." He said as if to reassure himself. "O-ok..Haidee..date me? No no..that doesn't sound right..Haidee..Shall we eat? No! Ugh... Shall we..do you..Can I.." He struggled as he tried to find the right words before he suddenly groaned loudly and flopped forwards, resting his forehead on the table. "Why can't I have confidence like Risk.." He grumbled. "He just has to smile at a girl.."
Jade placed her hand on his head and smiled. "Well sweety, because you and Risk are two entirely different people. Besides... Haidee needs to like you for who you are, right?" Her words were soft and she ruffled his hair. "How about trying... 'Would you like to get dinner some time?' Girls seem to respond well to that. If you want you can even get specific on the day of the week." She teased gently as she watched him battle with himself.
Luke shifted to lay his cheek on the table so he could partially look at Jade. "Should I ask her now or wait until tomorrow? I was going to go down to the market and surprise her with my number.." He asked softly.
"Uh... hmmm well there was always a rule about waiting I'm not really sure what it was but I'd say either. If you're going by to see her anyway, I'd just do it then, better than over the phone." She nodded her head gently.
"OK.. I'll wait. I'll speak with her in the morning." Luke replied after a few moments then slowly he sat up straight. "Thanks for the help Jade. I don't know what I'd do without you." He smiled lightly as he watched her. "So..is there anything you need to talk about?"
Jade's eyes flicked up to Luke's as he sat up and she sighed. They'd spent several nights doing this exact thing, just talking so he knew all about Archer and Jade's worry for him. "I don't know... I'm conflicted... I don't know if you'd heard but Dorian and I became an item... but since that's happened I've realized how controlling he is... and there's Archer... he's back in town and I thought I'd be elated and such, which I am but I've always been nothing but upset with him or about him... It's just all so confusing." Jade took a deep breath and frowned. "Wow... I'm sorry Luke I didn't mean to unload on you like that."
"Don't worry about it. You know I'm always here for you when you need to talk." Luke replied with a smile as he reached out and grasped her hand lightly. "If you ever need a place to crash and hide away my spare room is always available.."
"Thanks... I appreciate that. Now I think I'll try and actually go to bed at a normal time. I'm not going to work tomorrow so I can catch up on some things around the house." Jade smiled as she got up and cleaned up the wine she had drank earlier.
Luke nodded in understanding then stood up, gathering the things from his phone. "I should get going then. Need to check the animals and let the dogs out into the yard. Thanks again for your help."
Jade smiled as she headed for the door, knowing he would follow. Luke of course knew the way out but she was always polite. "Anytime, you know that. Hopefully all goes well tomorrow." Opening the front door, she leaned against it with a smile. "Good luck..."
"I'll be back here tomorrow for a beer if it doesn't." Luke joked as he headed from the house. "See you soon. Enjoy your day off." He gave a final wave of farewell before he climbed into his car and after starting up the engine he turned and drove off, heading for home.
Jade waved from the door way before closing and locking it. She headed back into the kitchen to start up the dishwasher and put the wine bottle in the fridge. Opening the door to the fridge she hesitated and instead poured herself another glass and then returned the bottle to the fridge. Taking her wine out onto the back porch, she climbed onto the swing that hung out there and swung back and forth, sipping her sweet wine.
Why was it the darker it was the louder noises sounded? Teos had to wonder as he carefully closed the back door and the latch clicked back into place. The sun was setting and he would swear to the Fates it was directly making that door sound louder. He had remained upstairs for some time, watching the images flicker past his mind's eye of the scenes playing out below. Sure, there was a bit of a 'delay' as he could only see the past or future, but that was fine. He had grown used to it... how long ago was that? More than years now. Generations, perhaps was the word? In any case. His glasses, a mere prop, had been left upstairs and for the first time since he had come to Athen's Harbor he had shed the semi-pressed outfit of an upstanding educator in favor of what appeared to be comfortable looking loose pants that suddenly held tight to his legs just below the knee down to his ankle, what could only be described as "gladiator sandals", albeit surprisingly authentic looking ones, much less fashionable than one might expect, and a simple tee. He might be used to the old ways to some extent, but he had to admit some of the modern items were a lot more practical. He smirked, remembering nostalgically the argument he had with his father regarding what he wore. He supposed in some ways, in many ways, they truly were a family. After waiting a moment to listen if Jade had heard the door (which was rather silly, he knew logically it hadn't been loud enough to reach her room) he turned and quietly jogged across the yard where he slowed and stepped over a few short brambles into the treeline, disappearing into the rapidly darkening woods.
Jade glanced up whenever Teos came through the back door. She had been about to speak up when she realized he didn't know she was there. Strange... She thought to herself as she sat quietly, waiting to see what he was up to. When he left the porch and headed for the woods she got too her feet. Finishing off her wine she set the glass aside and followed quickly after him. Te sky was darkening quickly which meant that the woods would be even darker. Feeling for her phone she realized she had left it on the kitchen table. Sighing softly she stepped into the treeline and glanced around, her eyes quickly adjusting to the dark. There. she just caught a glimpse of Teos as he stepped around a tree. He'd surely here her following if she got to close so she elected to stay a few yards away from him, keeping him within eyesight but now earshot. She realized her was breathing heavily, nervously as thoughts danced around her mind. Had she let a murderer move into her home? A psycho? He was clearly unstable with what they had discussed earlier but this? What exactly was going on?
The sun sank further into the horizon and the dark shadows of the woods began to blend together, eventually consuming the one moving shadow she could keep her eyes on. There was no movement anymore. Everything was still, surprisingly devoid of even insects. Where were the insects? Where was the sound? A loud crack of branches sounded several feet away and a shadow moved slowly past the silhouettes of a few trees, slower than a walking pace. The shuffle of twigs and grass was oddly muffled, heavier, it seemed, than footfalls. It took a moment, but it became apparently the figure was moving closer, albeit not right at her. He had slowed down, it seemed. No longer the almost graceful weaving through the trees and, as the shadow became closer, the labored breathing became apparent. Had he been hurt? There hadn't been any cry out for help or of pain. The muffled footfalls halted and there was a movement near the top indicating a head had been tipped backward and a raspy hiss indicated a deep breath. But it didn't sound like Teos. It didn't sound like anyone she knew. As the shadowy figure had not stilled enough for her to have a good look, it was clear that it was not as close as she might have thought. Which meant it was BIGGER than she might have thought. Quite a bit bigger. The figure had to be about 8 ft tall, and it was a little hunched, meaning it was even taller than it looked. Another shift of leaves and those heavy thudding footsteps, so strangely muffled, and it was clear now that whoever, or whatever, it was, it was headed directly toward her.
Jade had crouched down when the shadow came into her view. She couldn't make out what it was but it was huge, especially compared to her petite size. What the hell... Where's Teos? She thought to herself as her eyes glanced around. That's when she saw the shadow move again, only this time she knew, it was moving towards her. "Oh no..." She said aloud as she got to her feet and started sprinting through the trees, jumping over fallen logs and around heavy bushes. "Teos!" She called out, hoping he wasn't the murderer she pegged him for but actually someone who could help. Glancing over her should she frowned, feeling much like a slasher movie she decided to change her course. If you are ever being tracked or chased, don't go in a straight line. It's the easiest route too you. Zig zag instead, confusing the pursuer. Jace's strong, protective, calming voice flooded her mind as she ran. "Right..." She mumbled to herself as she did exactly what he had taught her.
Whatever was pursuing her gave a snorting huffing, almost a snarl, and suddenly burst toward her with a surprising amount of speed. Well, it was more of a charge really. Although it avoided larger trees, smaller ones were snapped in half as it only bent its head toward them and left them nearly shattered in its wake. The thudding footsteps, now so clearly similar to heave hoof falls, pounded the ground so hard the vibrations could be felt under her own. Branches groaned and broke, sharply contrasted to the dull, heavy sounds of whatever it was that pursued her. That was, until there was a grunt of surprise followed by the loud crash of the heavy... whatever it was, striking the ground, knocked flatly on it's side.
"Jade, get out of here!" Teos, that's where he was. His green eyes were catlike in the dark, marking his position as clearly as the moon in the sky. He was half crouched firmly between Jade and whatever had been pursing her and was currently heaving itself off the ground. It snorted angrily and a breeze ruffled the leaves above them, letting the first rays of the moon in to show exactly what it was.
Although, that probably didn't help much. Just under 9 feet tall as it reared up and growled, it's head was thick and topped with distinct horns. A muscular torso sat above unnaturally thick digitigrade legs. It was bull-like, that much was clear. But what it was, that was harder to take in. Harder to accept. But undeniable.
Teos jerked his arm out sharply as if reaching for something, but he did not look where he was reaching. It didn't seem to matter. It looked almost as if he'd thrown a handful of beach sand but there was no familiar sound of it rustling against the grass of the wood floor. Rather, it curved and in a tumbling motion the grains gave way to a staff in his firm grip. The moonlight made it difficult to discern but it seemed to be made of wood and yet reflected the silvery light as if made of metal. When he swung it, the air parted audibly and the crack it made when it struck the beast clearly marked a broken bone. It reared back and abandoned the charge it had begun again, clearly dazed from the smack to its jaw, but it recovered quickly and came for him again, this time fist raised.
To his credit, Teos fought admirably. He was tinier and infinitely more agile, that was clear from the start. His staff nearly whistled at time as it moved through the chilling night air with blurring speed. It struck arms, legs, anything that came within range of him and it was, after a couple of minutes, apparent from Jade's position he was making an incredibly skillful retreat that was not a retreat at all, but instead slowly and carefully leading it away from her. There was nearly fifteen fit more distance between them when it caught on, snorted- was that a laugh?- turned, and started for her again. Teo's stiffened and immediately pursued. It made it only a third of the way when it suddenly went limp and collapsed to the ground, leaving a deep gouge to the earth as it slid across it, stopping merely a few feet from her. There in its back was the staff, but strangely with a glistening blade in the end, half buried from where it had been thrown with surprisingly accurate skill.
Heaving, Teos walked the rest of the way to her. As he came closer, his expression became apparent- a painfully honest mixture of concern, and apology. "Jade..." he breathed, his breath heavy from dodging and striking the beast. "Jade I-... Gods, are you alright? Please, tell me you are alright." He was already looking her over, but only with his eyes and not like Jace might have, or Dorian, or Archer. He was not being over protective. It was like he needed the comfort. He needed to know she was okay and hadn't been touched.
Jade had ran several yards away during the fight and crouched down to watch. Her eyes had grown big when the sand suddenly turned into a staff and she wasn't really sure what to think about it. The ground beneath her feet had shook when the...it couldn't have been... could it... when it fell. Her eyes flicked over to Teos when he breathed her name. She got to her feet and shuffled back a bit until her back came into contact with a large tree. "Teos..." Swallowing she shook her head, cursing loudly. "Physically I'm fine... mentally and emotionally..." Her hands clenched into fists at her side, fisting and unfisting until she felt she was calmer. "What the hell..."
His eyes didn't waver, like two cool lighthouses watching her, giving her all the time she needed. He didn't so much as glance at the corpse now lying on the ground nor did he approach her, giving her space and time. Those were things he was good at after all, not that she would know that yet. It was a long few minutes he waited, watching, until she didn't look like she'd possibly throw up or bolt. Only then did he speak again, his voice gentle. "It's ok..." he said softly, and it wasn't an assurance. It sounded more like a promise. "It's ok.. Just... You need to talk this out, you have to say it, otherwise it won't be real." He was still watching her, trying to be as careful as he could. His hand moved slowly, curling fingers, pointing the index at the corpse on the ground. "That... is a minotaur.. and I'm going to need you to say that Jade... Take your time, but I need you to say it. 'That.. is a minotaur.'" He had to be certain she accepted this one incident, only then could they move forward. Explaning more was just going to overload her. Best to shut out the rest of the world and focus entirely on the here and now. "You can look- It's not going to come after you anymore. Go on, take your time."
"Jade!?" Archer had seen Jade leave the house into the woods and decided to follow after the abrupt end of a hard conversation. He didn't know why she went into the woods, but it was dark and his fear of a pissed off animal must have been right. Archer didn't see the fight, but he heard the beast and it took him a bit of time following her- tracking her in the night before the sound of the monster and then Jade guided him in the right direction for him to run in. "What the fuck is that?" Archer asked. It was a Monitor-but... maybe a mutated Bear? It could not be the real thing. Hell it wasn't even in a dungeon where the things are supposed to be waking a labyrinth of tunnels. Not the woods of Athens Harbor, North Carolina! "Jade." Archer ran over to her then looked at Teos. Putting himself between the two. Did he kill it? With a stick?
Jade looked up at Teos almost angrily. "Yes, Teos... I know what it is. It's a Minotaur... I just don't understand how it's real or what its doing here." Brushing her knees and butt of she huffed a sigh, wanting to scream into the sky in frustration. She heard shuffling and twigs snapping as something ran through the trees but what came at her wasn't threatening or dangerous... well at least she hoped not. "Archer... What are-" She realized he was placing himself between her and Teos protectively. Placing her hand on his shoulder she tried to sooth him. She didn't feel threatened by Teos, which was a good sign. "Archer... wait it's okay... He's not going to hurt me." But you might... She shook her head as her thoughts clouded her focus. She needed to keep with the subject at hand.
Teos swore so loudly in his own head he was honestly surprised they didn't hear it. Jade he was prepared to try with, now that the situation arose, but not Archer. He wanted to sigh but kept it carefully contained. "It was probably distracted," he offered, though it was clear he knew that was a weak but of information. Minotaurs weren't very smart, from what he knew. It had probably smelled some cows and thought of food or- other stuff... he wasn't sure. "I'll explain, but inside, please. Go in, I'll be there in a minute. I need to take care of him first." He looked down at the body easily one and a half times his size. This was a bad omen...
It was a Minotaur... there was no way it should be here though... "okay then..." Archer was strangely okay with this situation. He wondered if maybe he was some how related to some kinda monster like this... it would make sense after what happened in Afghanistan. "Jade?" Archer looked back a bit concerned for her, but still rather calm. "I could use a drink about now. How bout you?"
Jade glanced over at Teos for a moment, her eyes steady as her hands clench and unclenched at her sides. Taking a deep breath she nodded her head as she ripped her eyes away from Teos. "Yeah... a drink would be nice." Looking over at the huge beast she shook her head. Her world was clearly going to be changing. "See you inside..." She mumbled to Teos as she moved past him and out into the open night. Wrapping her arms around her chest she lead the way back to the house and inside.
There wasn't enough wine in all of Greece, of that he was certain. It was a long few minutes after the two had returned to the house and the image faded from Teo's mental eye that he finally dealt with the beast on the ground. It was heavy as stone and nearly as hard, so burying it was out of the question. Sighing, he pressed his hands together and rubbed them as if trying to get warm, but instead of holding them close, he slowly moved them over the corpse. Grains of sand fell from his hands, sprinkling each inch of the minotaur. He had to walk around it to reach everything but as he did, the body seemed to melt from around the skeletal structure and eventually that gave way to dust as well leaving nothing but lush foliage in the shape of it's silhouette. He finally let his hands fall and looked toward the sky as if he could see Olympus, wondering if they could see him. The former might bring him some peace of mind, the latter most likely concern. How long had they been a secret now. How long did the gods not know of them, thinking them long dead? And most importantly, who had said they weren't? Uncomfortably uncertain he turned toward the house and broke into a light jog. The time had finally come to explain things to some of his family.
Archer walked back with Jade in silence. He was leaving things to gather in his mind-but it didn't add up. He had seen a mythical creature in the flesh-well fur, and it was no myth at all. He heard it and saw it... he could even smell it. A monster from stories of legends. It sent a chill down his spine though. If the bull man was real, what else was real? Dragons? Faeries? Who knows what manor of monsters lurked in the shadows. As they arrived back at the house Archer went straight to the fridge, grabbing the bottle from earlier and poured two glasses of the wine. Then looked at Jade. "That was real right?" It sounded stupid to him as Archer said it out loud.
As they entered the house Jade grabbed up the glass of wine she had been drinking just a little while ago. Setting the empty glass in the sink she rinsed it out as Archer moved around the kitchen. When he was done she picked up the other glass and took a sip. "Yep..." Jade sighed heavily and turned to look at Archer. "I think I need to tell you something..." If he were to watch her he'd be able to see the battle she was fighting with herself. "So... I've been seeing things lately, not like dead people or anything but... Aura's around people, certain people. Like you for instance." Her eyes flicked to his for a moment and then darted away. "Teos says it means something but I don't know enough about it to explain it to you. It's why I've been acting so weird lately... every time I see it it freaks me out." Instead of continuing she decided to let that tid bit sink in as well as she sipped her wine.
"I can believe it..." Archer said as he took a long drink of his glass, and then looked at Jade. He sighed then nodded a bit. "Jade, I have no problem believing that your seeing auras around people. Tonight I saw a mythical creature dead on the ground before a average sized man holding s stick that looked like it was made of dirt. Whom is now going to deal with the body." Archer paused then went on. "Pair this night with what happened while I was deployed... well I believe it..." it was also because Jade was not going to lie about something like this. She was shaken, and archer could see that. He moved to her and nodded. "I know how it is to have something hard to explain to others that scares you Jade..."
Her eyes darted to his before shaking her head. "I'm not scared. I just didn't enjoy feeling crazy. Every time I saw another person in town with one I freaked out a little bit more, thinking I was going insane... and then the headache... gods was the headache bad. But then I stepped into the water and it was like everything was washed away." She shrugged her shoulders as she turned to look out the window, seeing Teos heading there way.
"So what dose that all mean then?" Archer asked. He felt a bit foolish having said he was afraid of what happened while he was in Afghanistan. It was strange that she was not to some degree afraid of what was happening. Archer haven't noticed Teos comming back and went on. "Guess your a bit stronger than me in that regard. I was afraid of what I was when I lifted a truck off one of my soldiers and got shot and didn't die." He knocked back the wine and shook his head.
The handle of the back door made a soft click as Teos turned the knob and entered the kitchen to join them. He didn't speak at first, instead politely close the door and made sure it was locked again (what little peace of mind that might give anyone present) before he even looked at them. Or, well, more precisely, in their direction. Still, he was eerily good at making eye contact for a man that couldn't see. Or so he had been told. How would he actually know? There was a momentary pause as he tried to recall what he had been thinking coming up the lawn. How to start this? How to explain? He had known so long- How had he taken it when he first heard? Well, he supposed that was different. His family had always worshiped the gods, and he heard first hand the wreckage the war had brought. The hunt, he supposed, thinking back on what his father had told him. Well, just dive in then. Worst case they'd think he was crazy or lying.
"You could probably lift more than a truck," he commented in reply to what Archer had been saying. He had been outside, but that didn't stop him from 'eavesdropping' on his way back to the house. "A tank fairly easily, I would wager, were I a betting man. Same as Jade could sink every boat in the marina if the mood struck her." Oh yes, start with magical powers. That was going to work. No, focus. "Look I haven't actually had to explain this before so I'd be really grateful if you could give me a question or two about what you'd like to know, just so I have a jumping off point. It will at least let me know where I need to start."
Jade stared at Teos as if he had a second head. He wasn't talking sense to her and it just agitated her. "You said we were related... how do you mean?" That was a safe question she figured but then another popped into her head. "And... what do you mean I could sink every boat in the marina?" She wouldn't do a thing like that... at least she didn't think she would. "Wait... you lifted a truck!?" Her words came out a bit louder than she had wanted them to but the fact was she was overwhelmed and it was affecting her way of thinking.
"Yeah." Archer replied simply. "It was rolled on its side and one of my guys was trapped under it his leg was caught... we were under fire, and I kinda did it with out thinking. I just lifted it. The medic pulled him out and flipped it onto the wheels and we got out of there." He then looked to toes. "Related?" He was a bit confused about that statement. Related how?
Teos listened to them talk and, could he see them properly, he might have been looking between them like a tennis match. When they seemed to settle on their first questions, he nodded his acceptance. "Alright, relation. That's an easy enough question. You both know about family trees, right?" He held a hand out, palm up, gesturing to them. When he received confirmation, he continued. "You, Jade, and you, Archer, and several of your friends share a genealogy. Specifically, to a generation of brothers and sisters- and a few aunts and uncles.. First degree family. Of course, that was many, many, many, many generations ago." He paused, tried to count them in his head, then decided just to continue. "Boats- though- Yes, you could sink them, with waves- or whales, I suppose, though I would think the waves would be easier... And Archer, I'm sure your strength comes to you much easier in times of battle. Your original ancestor was a great warrior, just as Jade's was-" Oh gods, how to put it? "... a great...ruler..."
Jade crossed her arms over her chest as she stared at Teos, doubt obvious in her demeanor. "Umhm... right..." She mumbled slightly as she leaned against the counter. "You understand that this all seems a bit far fetched right? I mean a strange man, no offense, comes out of no where, tells me I have some strange powers and that I am related to my best friend... thought extremely distantly related."
"Everyone in Japan is related by only six degrees of separation, you know. It's really not that far-fetched," Teos replied succinctly. "And you just saw a Minotaur, and you're seeing auras, but you think I'm strange? And he flipped a truck!" He pointed at Archer. "We're all strange, Jade, in ways you can't yet even imagine. Related in ways you won't actually believe. I'll do anything to prove it to you though."
Archer sighed a bit, if you go by that logic then yes all humans are related in every region of the world. Though the pressing evidence was indeed undeniable. He looked at Jade. "Is it really that hard to believe that we are related to some very powerful genetic forefathers that have powers beyond the norm?" Archer paused only a second. "Teos is a bit odd. It odd to you and I but he accepted this power he has and look what he did to a monitor with a stick." Archer was not sure why he tried to push this, but it was an explanation of a lot of things for him.
Jade massage her temples gently, realizing her headache was coming back. Sighing heavily she shook her head. "Is there any way we can pick this back up in the morning? My head hurts and this is all a lot to take in. I had planned on spending the day with Archer... a nice quiet day... relaxing day... I'm going to need a massage after this..." She groaned slightly feeling a twinge in her back.
Teos fought the urge to explain to Archer that was not, in fact, a 'stick', but decided it really wasn't worth it right now. Instead he observed Jade with a bit of a frown, offering a nod of acceptance. "Please, will you meet me at the beach in the morning? It will perhaps be easier to explain that way, just the two of us."
Archer shook his head at Teos when he brought up talking to her in the morning, and responded to Jades comment. "If you like I'll give ya a massage tonight after I have a shower." He really hopped they would get to spend at least the most of the day with Jade tomorrow.
Jade glanced up at Teos and shook her head. "I'll come but I'll be bringing Archer. I already promised the day to him and I don't back out on promises." Turning her eyes to her best friend she smiled softly. "That would be great, just don't break me..." Thinking that over for a moment she frowned. "He... won't will he?" She asked Teos, slightly concerned now.
It seemed so insignificant. A promise to a friend made before seeing- nearly being killed by- a minotaur. Well, if he thought about it, he supposed between special effects, Halloween costumes, and mascot costumes, perhaps it hadn't really sunk in yet. He remembered being with Father for the first time, just a strange voice in the darkness. The stillness all around him when the screams of agony, the smell of blood and smoke, the intense heat of flames all around him, abruptly cut off. No, they didn't know that sort of pain yet. Teos shoved the young memory into the back of his mind, his easy smile- easy from so many years trying to learn acceptance and patience- back in place. "It's unlikely," he assured Jade softly. "You're right. Make good on your promise. It can wait." She would find no peace without training. Neither would Archer. His strength would come and go. The auras she saw would stay, not to mention what may happen if someone irritated her while she was swimming. He saw nothing immediately devastating, only mildly irritating. He had waited lifetimes though. What was a few days more? "Let me know when you are ready, but I won't help either of you unless it is alone." It was too dangerous for one thing, if any of them truly succeeded. For another, it may only make things drag on if they became too uncomfortable to do what he asked of them. He didn't fancy Archer breaking his limbs- which would happen some day he saw, but it certainly wasn't tomorrow!- or Jade drowning him. However he was going to go, it was going to be AFTER he suffered through training all of them. That was his duty now. For his Father, for their future, and for the world. Yes, a promise so small was petty, but it may be her last day she could fulfill it. Really, what was one more day? "If you do not trust me, I can start with Archer- After tomorrow, of course," he assured them before Jade could reiterate her promise again. Still, he smiled, that easy smile, the smile that spoke of a thought he had a million times by now. Alone, in the dark, with one voice besides his own. Thousands of bruises and welts, cuts and broken limbs. He was broken in his training hundreds of times, and every time Chronos had put him right again and he soldiered on. A thousand years or more- What was one more day? "I am sorry for the minotaur. I will be quieter next time. I bid you both goodnight. Rest easy, Jade." And with a small nod of his head, he pushed off the counter and walked out of the kitchen to return to his room. He wasn't in a hurry, but it was clear he was finished. He wasn't going to fight this, he couldn't. He had known they wouldn't believe him at first, but he hadn't actually wanted them to know just yet- Then Jade's accident and following him into the woods- Then Archer showing up!- Ah, well, if he'd just Looked he probably could have seen that coming, but he was only looking for danger, not inconveniences! It was time to go sit and think ahead. Father give him strength, he was about to deal with a lot of doubt directed his way about something he knew so clearly for centuries. Yes. What was one more day.
Jade kissed Archer's cheek and smiled. "Go take your shower. I'll be in the master bedroom whenever you are done, just knock quietly so you don't wake Teos. I want to talk to him for a minute." After all it wasn't a strange request. Her and Archer had had tons of sleep overs in the past so what was a smile thing like this. Traipsing out of the room after Teos so gave a soft knock on his door before he answered. "Can I talk to you for a second?" She said quietly.
"Of course," was the easy response as Teos stepped back to offer her entry to his room. He didn't need to do that either. It was her house after all. He left the door open as he joined her, taking the chair from the small desk and turning it so he could face her. It was strange to be around Jade. Archer was like fire, brushing past him, an almost uncomfortable heat. But Jade was cool water, drifting past him like lounging in the river in summer. It made him feel lazy and relaxed. It was rather disconcerting. Of course, not an ounce of that showed. Instead, contrary to his usual smile, he was offering her an expression of polite interest, one every bit as sincere as his smile had been.
"Don't get me wrong... I believe..." A breath of air rushed of our her lungs as she tried to figure out what exactly to say to him. "Stuff... I mean what I saw... I had to have seen that but I just can't get my mind wrapped around it. I seem calm on the outside but..." She moved her hands up and down in front of her chest as tears welled up in her eyes. "Inside I'm freaking out. I've always been the strong one of my friends which make entirely no sense because I'm the smallest... I always held the group together... I was like the glue and then..." She sniffled softly and shook her head. "Adela went off to the academy and Archer went off to basic." Her voice cracked then as tears gently started streaming down her cheeks. "By then it was just me and Jace and I had nothing left to keep together but the two of us..." She took a deep breath and glanced around the room. "What I'm trying to say here... is... I want to believe you, part of me does. And I want tomorrow to happen but I made a promise that I have to keep. It's who I am. So how about this... I dont really sleep anyway so how about after dinner and my day with him is done we meet up and do whatever it is you wanted to do... Will that work?"
There was a thoughtful pause following her words. He knew all that. He knew her so well he might have been her shadow. He did not know her private most moments, no, but he knew her so well. She was the ocean, the sea, she was tides and she was storms, she was jetstreams and currents, she was stillness and life. He leaned forward a bit so he could reach out and take her hand, which he held in both of his, closed his eyes, and pressed the gentlest of kisses to her fingers. The movement lingered, his skin so warm against hers, his breath ghosting across her hand, it seemed so long but was no more than a couple of heavy heart beats. "They are stronger than you, in their own ways," he told her gently, then squeezed her hand comfortingly as his bright green eyes lifted to meet her almost identical ones. "But you are so powerful in yours. Your strength is not in stoicism, Jade. It is in your passion. With me, with your family, you need not keep any of that inside for the sake of being 'strong'." Now he smiled, and the sun might as well have been rising in the west for how breathtaking he was when he smiled. It was calm, quiet, peaceful, no expectations, only acceptance. "I will wait," he promised. "I have waited so long for you. For all of you. I will wait this long, however long you need, Jade. When you are ready to see what I have to teach you, I will be glad to show you."
Jade stared at Teos of moment, trying to wiggle her hand out of his before she remember he said they were family. Right... "That sounds great... thank you. Now sweet dreams... I'm going to make some cocoa and maybe get some sleep tonight after Archer works out this knot. He used to do a pretty good job of it but we'll see. Have a good night." Leaning forward she gently kissed the top of his head before leaving his room and heading back down to the kitchen where to made herself some cocoa really quickly and then headed to her room. She turned her blue tooth speaker on and hooked it up to her phone, turning the volume on low to as not to disturb Teos and climbed onto the bed to relax. She lit one of her aromatherapy candles and closed her eyes.
BotO Athens Harbor
Blood of the Olympians
Stumble!
