The wilted flower which struggles to live

[Kate]

Lucy did all she could to stick to the shadows and not be seen it also helped her be ale to see during the day time. It never worked though. Unknown to her she releases a special pheromone which drew people's attention to her. Though it was suppose to be a blessing Lucy just considered it another one of her curses. She didn't want people to notice her. She didn't want help from anyone. She wanted to stay hidden away from view. She was sick of people lending her a hand for the simple reason that they pitted her existence. She hated it. All she was, was an unnecessary distraction and even burden to people. Sure she could heal wounds faster than any mage on Tedranog, but was such a small gift really any restitution for her many curses.

Pheromones weren't the only thing that drew attention to her. She had silver hair an extremely unusual color. On top of that she was a pretty girl with pale flawless skin. She also wore skin tight blackish blue shirt. She tried to keep clothing at a minimum. she found it very heavy. Not noticing the girl was simply not possible and Lucy hated it. She had considered suicide quite often however for whatever reason she couldn't bring herself to do it. Was it hope that some day she could actually be of some help instead of just being in the way all the time. Probably the only time in her life where she wasn't in the way was the one year she was stuck as a parakeet. Though she was thankful to be out of the way it was awfully boring, not that life as a human was much better.

Lucy began looking foreword to the full moon. Not only was she out of people's way but it also held back her many curses. Luckily for Lucy the full moon was tomorrow. In the mean time though she would have to deal with today and try to stay out of people's way. Unfortunately today wasn't her lucky day. A man poked out of the busy streets of people and began walking towards Lucy. You could tell by the way he held himself and strutted around it was going to be an encounter Lucy wouldn't enjoy. Not to mention she could sense his emotions and whatever plans he had in his head they weren't to Lucy's benefit. To the mans pleasure Lucy was already near the brick wall of a store. Lucy tried to dash away but the man was able to predict her path of escape and slammed his hand up against the wall blocking her. Lucy let out a little sequel of surprise which the man wasn't to happy with. "Shhhhh" he said pulling out a knife from his pocket. The look of fear on the girls face was the likes of which he had never seen. It actually shocked him how scared she was. Lucy was paralyzed with fear she couldn't even blink. Not only was she facing an aggressive man with a very dangerous weapon but their were some things about Lucy different other people that made this all the more terrifying. First off she absolutely could not touch metal the effects were worse then being stuck with a hot iron. On top of this Lucy was far more sensitive to pain. It didn't matter how much she wouldn't mind dying the pain was always too much for her to handle. Thankfully the helpful part of her pheromones were about to save her.

[Ieltra/Valen]

Jason roamed the skies above the city. Taking in the sights of the streets and buildings below him. He smiled as he lazily listed down towards a rooftop at random. Landing the Avarian folded his large wings against his back, his feathers ruffling as they settled against one another. He stared out over the cityscape, watching the life below him unfold, the countless dramas, the countless comedies. And Jay was the only one to witness these actors preforming their bits on stage. He applauded the masterworks, and watched a particularly intriguing play in a building opposite him, where a man and woman were yelling at one another.

However Jason was too far away to properly hear the actors, and as such the plot was missed, and the entire performance, no matter how enthralling, seemed less genuine. He sighed, and sat on the edge of the building, folding his wings up under themselves to avoid sitting on them. Jay was content with the world right now, feeling a light breeze playing with his hair, and feathers. Though soon he began to smell something, and his brow furrowed. He stood up and walked to the other side of the building. Looking down into the shaded alleyway Jason saw something that he couldn't just sit and watch, he knew he was a player upon this stage.

A woman was being pinned against the wall by a man, holding a knife in one hand. Jason knew enough right there about what was on his mind. And wasting no time the Avarian unfurled his wings to their full extent, and drifted down to ground level. Closing them again he ran at the pair, shoving the man away by unfurling one of his wings at him, throwing him backwards. Jay stood in front of the girl, a protective look on his face. "Begone, you who would do this woman harm, leave before I make you."

[Kate]

None of the busy people payed much attention to the man who flew down on feathered wings. His kind was common knowledge. A few glances and people were on there way. However what happened next did draw a more significant amount of attention. Lucy's rescuer was quite unexpected. One moment she was staring at her assaulter and the next her vision was filled with feathers. Everything happened so fast Lucy was struggling to figure out what had just happened. The perpetrator was quick to evaluate the situation. He was angry and wanted to teach the man that had ruined his fun a lesson. However there were to many eyes focused on the even at hand now. He would retreat for now, but he was going to get his revenge on both the man and the woman.

Lucy had properly processed the events that had just happened as soon as the bad man left. She was then quick to apologize. "Sorry for the inconvenience can I do anything in return for you." Lucy felt terrible. If she had been more careful and avoided trouble he wouldn't have had to take time out of his day to help her out. Lucy hoped she could do something in return but doubted she could. There was another thing that bothered her. "When you pushed that guy out of the way why did you use your wing? Isn't that a little dangerous. I have a little experience on the subject, should you really be exposing them in such a dangerous manner?" Lucy asked. She knew what having wings was like and was especial careful not to injure them.

[Ieltra/Valen]

Jason waved a hand at the apology. He was quite happy to help, and since it really hadn't inconveinced him to begin with, he really didn't need her to repay him, and he intended to say as much. She seemed like a nice girl, with just some bad luck, hanging around a poor area, maybe mixed with how comely she actually looked. And possibly the man himself had been drinking or otherwise inebriated in some manner, and therefore not thinking straight. Jay smiled at the girl. "No apology necessary, anybody would have done it, had they noticed. It wasn't an inconvenience at all to help out. And don't worry about it, you don't need to pay me back, I was just in the right place, at the right time."

Jay looked at her curiously, tilting his head to one side, before looking over his own wing. He unfurled them slightly, adjusted them before he shrugged. "I can exert more force when I unfold my wings in comparison to just pushing the man, my wings are far stronger than my arms. I mean, my wings lift my body, whereas I can't hold my own weight up with just my arms. uhm... anyway, thats why. Though I hadn't even considered the danger to using them like that... so thanks for pointing that out." Jay rubbed the back of his neck, sort of embarrassed now for no apparent reason. His wings were surprisingly resilient, but he probably should take care not to somehow injure them. He smiled again at the Girl he saved, and then decided to introduce himself. "My names Jason by the way, but you can call me Jay. What's your name, if you don't mind me asking?"

[Kate]

Lucy listened to rescuing saying it wasn't a problem and she didn't need to do anything in return. Searching his emotions she found that indeed he had no negative feelings towards helping her. Lucy was relieved by this discovery. Though despite this she still felt a strong need to repay him in some way. She wanted desperately to be of some help. She began brain storming a way to help out while she listened to him talk.

Lucy realized her fast recovery of the situation would seem odd. The reason Lucy was able to get over it so quickly is because it wasn't a rare occurrence to her. As she was dwelling though thoughts like this Jay explained why he had used his wings and it made sense to Lucy. Jay did admit though that he should probably be more careful. After his explanation he introduced himself as Jay. "My names Lucy." Lucy responded before swiftly moving back to the topic of helping him out in some way. "Do you have any scars? I can get rid of them if you want." Lucy asked desperate to find some way to help. She thought this idea was rather cleaver though. Just in case he didn't have any scars or they were sentimental she worked on formulating a plan B. She hoped plan A worked though.

[Ieltra/Valen]

Jason did in fact find it slightly unusual the speed at which she recovered, but then again some people were just capable of speedy recovery. He didn't put much thought into it, and as such didn't even consider that she herself thought the same thing he had only moments prior. Jay really was just glad she was alright, and the fact that she so eagerly wanted to repay him for what he did was kinda cute, but he didn't need her to. Though, as he thought about it he came to a small conclusion. Maybe she felt like she was in his debt and she didn't like being in someones debt. He didn't over think it, not knowing the unique situation of the woman he spoke to.

Jay smiled again as she introduced herself as Lucy, and he chuckled lightly as she swiftly went back to the topic of repayment. He rubbed at his shoulders, and sighed. He didn't have any scars that he was aware off, however he was afraid that he might have pulled a muscle in his wing, using it as he had to bash away the man. "No, no scars. However, if you really feel the need to do something to repay me, and you're offering healing, do you think you could check my wing? I'm worried I pulled a muscle or something when I hit that guy with it." The Avarian rubbed the offending appendage, scowling lightly as he did so.

[Kate]

Lucy wasn't very happy about the thing he had come up with to repay her and her expression showed this displeasure. The injury was caused by coming to her rescue so while it did make up some what for the inconvenience, it didn't make up for rescuing part of it. Lucy wordlessly grabbed the mans wings and ran her hand over the area which he had shown was hurt. She could feel every bristle of every feather on her sensitive skin. It was a lot different feeling feathers with humans hands then it was having feathers cover your entire body. The wound would be near instantly healed alone with any other possible unknown damage over the area where her hand passed.

With that finished Lucy let go of the wing and stared into the eyes of Jay. "There must be more I can do?" Lucy asked. She still wasn't at peace with the situation. Lucy didn't have any valuables or any money at all really which left her only option of repayment was some sort of service. What service exactly Lucy was still trying to come up with. "How about I tag along with you until we find something I can do. I don't have anything better to do anyways." Lucy suggested hoping he would agree. However the actual act of tagging along seemed to be a large difficulty especially if Jay chose to fly. She began wondering if perhaps there was really nothing she could do to help out. Lucy really hoped that wouldn't be the case.

[Ieltra/Valen]

Jason could tell that she didn't like his solution, but that didn't stop her from still doing it. She grabbed his wing, and immediately he could feel her powers working. However he had never had another person touch his wings, and it caused his body to instinctively flinch away. He smiled apologetically and held still while Lucy finished her ministrations. He shut his eyes, slightly embarrassed by his displayed lack of control. Jay felt her release his wings and his rolled his shoulders, his wings flexing subtlety. The man smiled at Lucy, then opened his eyes to meet her gaze straight on.

Jay managed to avoid flinching this time, and merely listened as Lucy spoke about still feeling the need to do more to repay him. Jay sighed lightly, though when her solution was stated he thought it over. Not only would this work out to at least make her drop the subject of paying him back, but he would have some company for awhile. He smiled and nodded. "Sounds like a plan Lucy, just means I have to walk for now. Unless.... I could TRY to carry us both, but I'm not sure how well that'll work out."

[Kate]

Lucy was happy to come along but saw that doing so would be a bit or a burden. She hoped that they found something for her to do that made up for that as well. Lucy thought the flying option worked best. She would be more of hindrance if he had to walk. The reason flying would be better is Lucy didn't weigh much at all, just a few more pounds then a traditional sword. This was the first time that little curse was actually helpful. Even though in this particular situation that curse benefit her she would banish the curse if she could without a second thought still.

Lucy looked down and shuffled her feet a bit. She really did not like informing people of her curses. She worried someone might abuse them one day. "I uh......I don't weigh very much. Not very much at all." Lucy admitted. She was positive he would be surprised as soon as he found out just how little she weighed. "So.....how is this going to work? Can I like climb on your back or would that get in the way of you flying? Also where do you plan on going? Just curious?" Lucy had to ask that question now. As soon as she stepped out of the shadows she would be blind and didn't want to ask later for fear of looking foolish for not noticing and visual clues.

[Ieltra/Valen]

Jason eyed Lucy oddly as she looked at the ground, shuffling her feet. Though when she said she didn't weigh much at all Jay had to arch an eyebrow. Sure he wouldn't say she looked heavy, but enough that it might make flying difficult for him. By no means was she fat, but she was an average person, so by logical standing she should weigh as much as an average human. He stroked his chin, jut wondering about the best way for him to carry her. He nodded at the suggestion Lucy herself put forth.

"The only thing about that is you would have to hold on tightly, like wrap your legs around my waist type of thing, and my wings might hit you with you there. Could always do the same thing, just with you in front of me. Like you cling to my chest type of thing." He wasn't paying attention to what he was saying, pretty much just vocalizing everything that came to mind, talking more for the sake of it then anything else. IF he did carry her like that she would be very close to him, but that was alright, in his mind. He wasn't that concerned about personal space, and he assumed she felt the same, considering she was going along with the idea.

When asked where he was going Jay chuckled, and shrugged. "Wherever the wind takes me, if that changes your mind at all, or makes you not want to come. The destination isn't important, its the journey that matters."

[Kate]

Jay nodded his head. Lucy's expression changed to one of satisfaction. These were the moments that convinced Lucy to keep living. Though it may not seem like much, it meant a great deal to Lucy. Lucy listened as Jay explained that, that might be uncomfortable and suggested instead she cling to his chest. Lucy however was not comfortable with such a position and so moved around to his back. "I'll just stick with clinging to your back. Think of me as a backpack." Before Lucy actually got around to jumping on his back, he gave an interesting answer to one of her questions. "No that doesn't change my mind." Lucy said right before jumping on his back and locking her arms and legs around his body. If he noticed she had jumped on at all then he would quickly realize she only weighed about 10lbs.

Lucy's impression of Jay so for was he is a rather care free man with morels. She hadn't really picked up much beyond that. Though she felt she could trust him. She wished they had a destination though. I would have made it a little easier to figure out some way to repay Jay. Lucy was forced to wait till something came to mind. In the mean time she was expecting Jay's reaction to the revelation that yea she is really really light.

[Ieltra/Valen]

Jason couldn't help but chuckle lightly as he was told to think of Lucy as merely a backpack, the thought was so absurd. He heard her clarify that she had not in fact changed her mind upon hearing that he had no specific destination in mind and he smiled lightly, glad for the company. He then felt Lucy jump up onto his back, and his brow furrowed, jaw practically dropping. She hadn't been kidding about weighing very little, he barely felt the additional weight at all. He knew she was on his back, he could feel her holding on, but there wasn't a significant increase in the weight he was carrying, as he had expected.

He stepped free from the alleyway, allowing him the full stretch of his wings, and spread them wide open. "Hold on tight." He warned, before flexing his knees and pushing from the ground, sweeping his wings down for thrust. He began to flap them to gain height, soon passing over many of the smaller buildings. He rose above the foortops, just gliding along, before tucking his wings in close and diving down steeply, laughing as he did so. Extending his wings out Jay pulled from the dive, once more gaining altitude. He beamed a smile out to the world, turning back to flash it at the woman clinging to his back.

[Kate]

Jay spread his wings and Lucy knew he was about to take flight. Though he gave a verbal warning just in case. As soon as Jay had stepped out into the light his passenger was rendered totally blind. Lucy was beginning to have second thoughts. Sure she had flow many times before but this was different. Not only is she incapable of seeing anything or knowing where they are, but she also didn't have control. It was scary to think that once they were in the sky all he had to do was drop her and it would be over.

Lucy bit her lip nervously as Jay's body tensed which came right before the take off. He took off and rose above the buildings. Lucy was beginning to think this wasn't bad up till the point that her transportation had just decided to stall. Lucy screamed at the unexpected drop. She began to worry that this man might have ill intentions after all. He broke out of the dive and rose back up before turning to see Lucy's reaction. Lucy wanted to yell at him and tell him not to do that again, but felt it wasn't her place to do so. Though she didn't speak her expression displayed her displeasure with the stunt rather effectively. The only reason she knew he turned his head was because she felt it. Lucy didn't even know how high off the ground they were. 

Though the situation had stabilized Lucy still had her doubts and for good reason. She had just hoped onto a strangers back who was now flying in the air. She was literally blinded by the sun and didn't even know where they were going. The little stunt that was just pulled did not help. Lucy hope that where ever the "wing took him" it would take them to the ground soon.

[Ieltra/Valen]

Looking back at Lucy Jason could tell she hand't exactly enjoyed his little stunt, and he immediately regretted it and felt bad for having done it. Of course she wouldn't like it, now that he thought about it, she had probably never flown before at all, so why would his aerial acrobatics be enjoyable for her. He smiled apologetically, and slowed his speed, checking himself and heading finally out of the city, though he didn't intend to go far, as Lucy most likely lived there, so she would need to easily get back. He sighed "Sorry about that, I got a little carried away and was inconsiderate."

Jay flew for a good ten minutes, before finding a nice shady spot to land, and take a break and relax. He knew it was probably difficult for Lucy to be off the ground for this long. He decided he would walk with her a bit afterwards, because he truly felt bad for his actions earlier. "We're coming in for a landing, hold tight now." He warned, as he braced his knees for the impact of landing. After he landed he waited a moment for Lucy to disentangle herself from his back before stretching his arms over his head, and folding his wings once more.

[Kate]

Jay looked back at Lucy before slowing down. Lucy took this as he noticed she hadn't enjoyed his stunt. He didn't actually apologize until they were past the city and by then she hadn't expected one so was a little surprised when he did. Lucy though did not know how to reply to this apology so she just kept quiet. 

After a few more minuets Jay warned Lucy they were coming in for a landing and to hold on tight. Suddenly Lucy got very nervous. When she landed Lucy would hover to a stop and drop the last inch to the ground. It was a soft and graceful landing, but it didn't sound like Jay was going to do that. Not only that but she still had no idea where they were. Lucy could sense peoples emotions and so can detect people in that way and there wasn't anyone else around.

The landing was much better than Lucy thought it was going to be. On top of that they landed in the shade below some tall trees so she could see again. Lucy hoped off Jay's back and stared worried about what he was going to do next. All he did though was put his hands behind his head and fold his wings together. Again Lucy didn't know what to do or say. The situation was quite uncomfortable. "Why did the wind take you here?" Lucy asked though she couldn't really see much. They were only in partial shade.

[Ieltra/Valen]

Jay sighed and looked around, smiling pleasantly. He felt free again since he was out of the city and it's stifling corridors of buildings and narrow walking space. As a creature of the sky he needed space around him and being cooped up to long, well it just made him antsy. He placed his hands on his hips and walked around the area a little, keeping an eye on Lucy.

Now that they had landed again JAy once more pondered on the problem that Lucy presented, being that she still wanted to, in some way, repay him for his help dealing with her mugging, or whatever sinister thing that man had intended to do. He figured she herself was also pondering this, as it was the entire purpose of their travelling together. He honestly couldn't come up with anything, unless she knew how to cook. He hadn't had a proper meal in days, and so might actually bring that idea up to her later, though it would mean a return trip to the city.

When asked about why the wind took him he Jason smiled at Lucy and shrugged. He didn't know where here was, nor why he had decided to stop here, only that it felt right, and that was good enough for him. "Truth be told I don't know myself, the breeze carries me, and I just follow it's whims. But this is a nice enough place to take a rest stop." He sat down on a rock next to one of the trees, carefully tucking his wings out of the way. He smiled at Lucy, and patted next to himself, since there was plenty of room, offering her the spot next to himself.

[Kate]

His reply was much like one of his earlier comments but it made more sense this time. Lucy thought it wasn't a very good idea to not know why you do things. She wondered if this man thought ignorance was bliss. Either way it was obvious he was very care free more so than she had originally thought. Lucy wished she could be as care free as him. It wasn't an option. Her curses had to make her worry about everything. Then Lucy realized Jay has to have already noticed how light she is. She wondered why he hasn't asked.

Jay then motioned for Lucy to sit next to him. She only barely was able to make that out though. Her sight curse was certainly among the worst of the curses she had to bear. Lucy went over and sat down on the cool grass next to Jay. She however had nothing to say and so said nothing at all.

[Ieltra/Valen]

Jason glanced over at Lucy who remained silent, seemingly in thought. He smiled lightly at the world in general, and looked up into the sky. He watched a pair of birds circling one another, dancing through the air together as only birds can. Jay knew his people weren't nearly capable of the grace and finesse shown by the creatures they shared the skies with, not that he minded. Being able to share the sky with them at all was amazing. He wondered how Lucy felt about the experience, and so decided to ask her. "So how did you enjoy your first flight? Ignoring the stunts..."

Jay was just trying to make idle conversation, feeling oppressed by the silence. He went to say something further to her and was interrupted by his stomach growling quite loudly, like it wanted to be included in their conversation. Jason's eyes widened slightly and he laughed a little in embarrassment. Rubbing the back of his neck he smiled sheepishly. "Sorry bout that, I haven't eaten in... quite some time actually."

[Kate]

"It was okay." Lucy answered sheepishly. Actually the stunts had ruined the whole experience for Lucy, but she didn't want him to know that. Just then Jay's stomach rumbled. He then apologized for the noise before informing her he hadn't eaten in awhile. This would have been the perfect way to pay him back if Lucy actually had any food or money. "No need to apologize. Unfortunately I don't have any food to give you. I don't even have some for myself."

Before the conversation could get awkward a running man entered into the scene. He had found Lucy just as she took off on the back of a winged man. He ran out of the city and followed them but was sure he would lose them at any second. As luck would have it they actually landed. He ran up to Lucy and spoke to her in between labored breaths. "Your highness, your presence is requested in the castle. They are holding a feast in your honer." Lucy looked at Jay as if the new arrival was talking to him. "I didn't know you were royalty." Lucy said. What a stupid comment he didn't even have food and this new person was clearly speaking to Lucy. Still she couldn't believe it. Nobody knew about Lucy's time as a princess. Those parents had hidden her from even their own kingdom and in the end disowned her. So could one still consider Lucy royalty. The man was equally confused at first. This wasn't the response he expected and for a moment thought he had the wrong person, but he had been given a clear description of who he was looking for and Lucy was unique look that was for sure. She couldn't be mistaken for anyone else. "You are princess Lucy are you not?" He asked her. "I don't know." Was her response. The man cared not for how confusing the details of this situation was. He was positive now that she was the one. "Well as I said earlier they are holding a feast for you in the castle. The king requests your company." Lucy got the hint though it made her uncomfortable to actually follow along. Today was turning out to be a strange day indeed. Lucy did not want to leave Jay though. She felt bad for abandoning him so early, not to mention she still needed to pay him back. Wait a second maybe she could bring him to the feast. Though asking such a thing took a great deal out of Lucy this was to perfect to pass up. "I'll only come if my friend can come with?" She responded. "Of course your highness right this way." He said gesturing back towards the city. Lucy looked at Jay. "If you want to come of course. There is a feast. Consider it my payment."

[Ieltra/Valen]

Jay's eyes widened immediately as she spoke, stating that she didn't even have any food for herself, let alone any to share with him. He felt bad about having thought that perhaps this was how she could repay him. He knew nothing about her situation, and how she lived. He had just assumed she had a nice home and was living comfortably, and that the incident from earlier had been an isolated one, little did he know. Jason was on the verge of responding with another apology when a man came running up to the pair.

The man was clearly tired and out of breath, no doubt having chased them from the city while Jay had been flying. He felt bad for the man, and was glad he had decided to take a break when he had, otherwise the poor man might never have caught up to them. His eyebrows rose as the man spoke to Lucy, claiming she was in fact royalty. Jason's jaw dropped, though she then turned to him, thinking the man was talking to him. Jay shook his head, mute. He was the son of the chief of his tribe, but that didn't make him royalty.

Jay sat silently as the two others conversed. He couldn't believe his luck. He had unwittingly rescued a princess, like a hero out of some fairy tail. But this was real life, not a story. He smiled lightly, not paying full attention until Lucy spoke about him. He glanced back over as she asked if he could join her, and was gratified by the mans immediate affirmative. As Lucy asked him if he wanted to join her he smiled widely. "I would be honoured, your highness." The Avarian smirked as he said this, joking around with her title.

[Kate]

Lucy felt so weird being called 'highness'. She felt more like the lowest of the lowness. Something about the situation made her heart skip a beat. Normally Lucy hated accepting free things from others but this was different. She was being offered food because of her title and statues as a princess. Something she thought she did not deserve. Weather or not she deserved it now didn't matter. Lucy was going to play along, she liked this. The only issue was Lucy did not have proper edict for that stuff. The queen and king of Hudcryf had been teaching her at first, that is till she became a burden. She was also going to repay her debt with Jay which was a major plus. The two were then led back to the city and to the castle.

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