Ava felt a soul healing sense of relief that Ziel had returned. As he sat down beside her, hand outstretched, Ava captured his gaze as she delicately placed her hand in his and laced her fingers with his own. The more she thought about the accusations she made earlier, the more she regrets voicing them. Maybe Ziel could have helped Paiten...maybe he couldn't have helped him...but who really knows with the severity of his wounds. Who is she to lay blame where it can't be proven?? Ava turns her attention back to the work of the fairies.
She already sees changes for the better in Ziel. The rude, self serving, arrogant man she first encountered at The Twisted Crown would not have given her or her situation a second glance. He is different now. Her heart saw him, saw through his arrogance into the kind loving heart within. From the look on his face, it seems his heart has seen her as well.
Im so sorry i was unable to discern his situation sooner. I would have moved heaven and earth to return him to you.
Ava looks into his eyes as he apologizes to her. She lifts her hand and places a feather light fingertip on his lips to shush him and whispers, "I know," and smiles with soft understanding. She sees the sorrow in his eyes and her heart sees the love there as well. She turns her attentions back to watch the fairies at work. Their leader calls the archers to order. Ava's grip snugs Ziel's hand a little tighter as she awaited the call for fire.
The sun casts its golden rays upon the waters as the make shift burial pyre took to the current of the river and begun its fare well voyage. The platoon stood at the ready and the order was given. The sky was alight with a shower of tiny flaming arrows that flew to great heights and all began a beautiful shower of lights into the horizon.
Ziel gripped tighter to Ava’s hand. To say goodbye to her husband must be the most painful thing she would ever do. His heart felt the pain, the separation that had been months. He also knew for her to understand the reason for the parting must have brought not only pain but also peace in the knowledge that he did love her so much.
The pyre ignited slowly as the arrows all landed on mark. The smoke trailed into the distance as Paiten’s soul lifted in each puff and crackle of the fire. The flames climbed the mast signaling its complete engulfment of the barge that would carry the body into the awaiting cradle of heaven’s love.
Ziel looked at the spectacle then back to Ava. If she needed a shoulder his would be available. If she needed a friend he would be there. If she wanted him to go he would not go far. Ziel understood Paiten had been able to set himself free from that accursed existence with the knowledge that someone would look out for Ava. He would not fail at that task.
In the distance the fire consumed all hope of revival to the lost love. Moonlight began to shine upon the waters as it peeked over the horizon upon the end of the barge. Soon the smoke would began to clear the water way bringing forgetfulness to the sight. The night knew with each dark ending there were always new beginnings in the rising of the sun. None could see it now there was only room for the darkness and goodbyes.
Somewhere between the flight of fire and the pluming smoke Ava ended up cradled in Ziel's arms. Her silent tears soaking his coat as she watched the last bits of smoke drift through the air. With the popping and crackling of the flames Paiten is returned once again to the dust and ash from which all life began.
As the barge floats further and further away a calm peaceful silence settles around them. The fairies hover close by as music from an unknown source begins as does an angelic chorus unlike any Ava has ever heard before. The music is hauntingly sweet, the drums beat as of a heart in love with life.
The voice of many fairies sing the song in perfect unison and harmony a melody that calms Ava's heart and soul and quiets her tears. Paiten is at complete peace now and though her heart aches that he is gone...she knows he watched out for her to his last breath. She sends a silent prayer of thanks to the gods for allowing her to know and love a man such as Paiten. And asks that they continue to guide her footsteps as she continues her life in this amazing world.
As the last wisps of smoke drift through the air, Ava closes her eyes as she rests against Ziel's chest. The melody comes to a sweet end and she remains right where she is in Ziel's arms for a moment as her heart and mind go quiet.
Ziel felt Ava turn to him for comfort he would be there for her. He would wait with her and allow all the tears to flow in farewell to Paiten. He deserved her love he had earned that respect. He knew Ava would need to feel again and he knew she might reach for him in reflex of her loss but he would not step into that place left vacant. He would wait till all the tears were ceased and all the pain was expressed. He would even accept any blame she may need to express but one day she would heal. Her heart would always hold that place for Paiten but one day she might open it again.
There are no word to comfort your loss. I know you loved him very much. I want you to know I am here for you. What ever you need I am here. What ever i can do i will do. If all you need is a shoulder it is here.
Last edited by Ziel on Wed Oct 27, 2010 5:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The silence is broken by Ziel's soft words in her ear. Ava slowly opens her eyes and for the first time actually realizes where she is. Ava slowly sits up, still in his embrace and looks into his eyes. She can still see the understanding and love there and her heart can still hear his own.
"Thank you Ziel. You have no idea how good it is to hear you say these things. And thank you too, Ozworth. You're an amazing creature. Though I do think I need a little time alone to sort through some things."
Ava turned her head for one last look down the river. There is nothing to be seen but peaceful waters and stunning wild life. "Would you please take me home, Ziel? You are both welcome to stay in the cabin for as long as you wish." The sting of losing Paiten all over again is still quite painful, but she is sincere in her words and hopes they do decide to stick around.
Ziel took Ava's hand and lead her through the woods and again tapped the earth to remove all obstacles from her path. He then found the cabin where he had spent the night. He didnt know the way back to her place so he stopped and looked deep in her eyes. He smiled at the thought of Ava wanting him to stay but he had duties to attend to. It pained him much to have to leave her at this time but it was needful. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a brooch. It was just a simple silver thing with a black pearl as accent but it had belonged to the Queen. The item was an heirloom created for the King so his wife could always summon him no matter what event of state was in need of his attention she would always come first. He showed her the piece of jewelery.
Take this brooch it belonged to my mother, It will allow you to contact me. If you need me you have only to tap it 3 times. It will summon me and i shall appear before you instantly regardless of where you are or what i am doing. You are my priority Ava, but i can not stay at the moment.
Ziel pinned it to Ava’s blouse and smiled again. It was lovely on her and it would give him connection to her. In past time it was the first of many royal engagement gift to be given. He would not tell her that but it brought him joy to believe one day maybe, just maybe she would be able to move past the pain of today and move on to a future happiness.
Ozworth will stay with you and he shall remain your companion as long as you wish him.
Ziel squeezed her hand firmly in attempt to reassure her of his sincerity.
Ziel and Ozworth did as she asked and escorted her back to her home. Well, to the cabin anyway. Ziel stopped and caught her gaze...his hand wanders into his pocket and pulls something out. A soft gasp escapes Ava seeing the brooch laying in the palm of his hand.
Take this brooch it belonged to my mother, It will allow you to contact me. If you need me you have only to tap it 3 times. It will summon me and i shall appear before you instantly regardless of where you are or what i am doing. You are my priority Ava, but i can not stay at the moment.
"Oh Ziel...I couldn't..." her words trail off as he continued to speak. She looks to him questioningly not understanding why he must go. As he pinned it to her blouse, Ava looked down at it and traced the delicate curves of the silver with a gentle fingertip. "Thank you, Ziel. It's simply beautiful."
He told her that Ozworth would stay with her for as long as she wished. The relief she felt, knowing she wouldn't be completely alone...well it was just comforting to know that Ozworth would watch out for her. Knowing that Ziel would return also brought her a warm sense of comfort. He squeezed her hand and even though she'd only just met him yesterday, Ava finds herself trusting both he and Ozworth.
Ava watched as Ziel turned and headed back down the trail to whatever duties he had to tend. She waits until he gets just out of sight when a sneaky smile crosses her face. She reaches up and taps the brooch 3 times.
In midstep Ziel is transformed back to where he started. Standing directly in front of Ave he finished that step moving closer to her. He raised an eyebrow and looked at her with a questioning smile.
No sooner had she tapped the third time and Ziel is right where he said he would be...and stepped close. Ava let out a soft gasp even as she smiled up at him.
So..... Milady needs me?
Ava bites on her lower lip even as she smiled and then said. "Yes. You forgot something." With that said she reaches up and places a soft kiss to his cheek. "Thank you...for everything, Ziel. I hope your duties don't keep you away long." A soft blush creeps onto her cheeks as she realizes how forward she must look right now, but for some reason she really doesn't care. She had to tell him thank you.
Sensing that what he forgot was to show a bit of affection. He hugged her in return of the kiss to the cheek and smiled. It felt nice to be kissed. It was much nicer than a mother's kiss and gave small flutters on the inside.
Just remember i shall always come if you call. If you need another hug or shoulder do not hesitate to call.
He smiled his cheeks got a bit rosy as well when he added.
Even if it is again in a few seconds.
He laughed a bit and so did Ozworth who was hovering above the scene. He was surprised Ava had summoned Ziel so quickly but he was pleased because they both seemed to need each other more than either would probably admit.
Perhaps you should stay tonight Ziel. I think she doesnt want to be alone so soon. Ava you have an extra room in your house?
