Elementals [Advanced RP] discussion

These are a system of caves that spawn underneath the area of the four Elemental Kingdoms and the areas around and in-between them, including the town and the forest areas. These areas are unknown to all, but have several entrences hidding within each region of the world. Every tunnel in the cave is connected underneath the central forest. These series of tunnels span between the Fire Division and the Earth Division, as well as two forest regions that belong to each of those divisions.

Issac stumbled through the cave, rubbing his eyes and temples. His head hurt so bad, he just wanted to sleep. He fell and hit the cold hard ground. He heard the crack and realized his mask had broken. Now he was sporting a nice crack from top to bottom on the right side. Up the right eye. He grabbed his mask and ripped it off. Issac rolled to his side and curled into a ball. The fall made his ribs hurt.
"Uh...Jesus I just want to sleep!" He yelled. He knew it would do no good. The sleep would bring the nightmares. And the nightmares....he couldn't handle. The images of the dark demons that sneak up on him, and ravage him. They stab, and bite, and destroy his body. He seems them now. All around. They follow him, chase him sometimes. He was definitely scared to sleep. Very scared of the demons. Its terrible. He...he wants to die.
'Why?! Why can't I just die?!' He thought, rubbing his neck. His past...

Norah had ventured into the cave earlier to be alone. She'd always really felt quite alone, but somedays she liked it. The quiet echoes in the caver her comforting, and Norah had enough light to see her notepad. She'd been sketching all day long, and at the time of Issac's arrival, she was drawing a man, laying in bed. The dark force of a demon lay beside him, and Norah was busy working on the strangely gangly, but built muscles of the man's back when she heard a loud, distant thunk in the front of the cave. She'd always had a talent for hidden messages within her drawings, but at the moment, she wasn't seeing any double meaning to her pencil strokes...
Her chin shot up at the sound, and she saw the dark silhouette of a man, falling to the dirty floor of the cave, not to rise. She laid her pencil down and followed with her sketch pad, rising from the plaid blanket she'd been sitting on. She slowly, quietly, made her way to where the man had fallen, securing her mask firmly onto her face with the white ribbons connected to the sides. The man seemed like he needed help.

As she was still a good distance away from him, he shouted, and she gasped, wondering if she shouldn't go to him.
But she did anyway, kneeling beside his seemingly already unconscious body. There was a cut on his forehead and she wished she'd had something to dab at the thick blood that welled on his pale skin. She leaned closer to inspect his troubled face and bleeding head, and reached out one pale, slender finger to touch his face with, holding her breath carefully, hoping he wouldn't wake.

(( If you all continue toward the Crystal Chamber, please read the lore regarding the Crystal Chamber and the Elementals before doing so. If not, continue freely. Thank you. ))

Issac heard the footsteps, but dismissed them at first. Then they got louder. One by one. Closer. Closer. Then he saw the dark figure kneel down near him.
'No, no! This is it. They are hear! They are going to take me away! They are gonna kill me! NO! Issac screamed at himself, not wanted to be taken by this creature. He didn't want them to kill him. He didn't want to fight back though. He was struggling with the decision. Die, or live? That was his struggle. His ever going struggle. Today, he would live. Issac made his decision and today, he would live.

Issac watched as the figure reached out a single finger. He waited for his chance to strike. Slowly its finger moved...closer and closer...
'NOW! He screamed to himself. Issac quickly stuck his palm out and struck the figure in the stomach. "GO AWAY!!" He yelled, belting enough force of air from his hand to know the foe into the nearby cave wall, and away from him.

((SAgeofSouls- okay. :) ))

Norah's bated breath was all that kept her there. She was honestly overcome with fear of his man. His mask was laying, rejected, on the cave's floor, and his face seemed deeply troubled. Even furious. Norah's dark plum sweater was hugging her body tightly, and her long, floral skirt fell over her knees modestly. She so carefully reached out to dab at his wound, but she didn't get far.
She'd done something to wake him up. And what she got in return was some sort of furious storm of his voice and his power.

Before Norah could even blink, his fist was connecting firmly with her unguarded stomach and she was flying away from him before she could even feel the pain. Her back hit the cave's wall, and the breath she'd been holding fled from her lungs, knocked out with one blow. He was an Air. She grunted as her body hit the ground, but had managed to bring her arms up to her face before she landed.
The pain hit her then, and she whimpered slightly and as tears ran down her cheeks, under her mask she siffled, raising her head. Her dark hair was now out of the messy bun it had been in and it trailed around her face in a tangly mess. She looked over at the strange man again and braced herself for another surge of wind before talking.
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice weak. "You're bleeding, sir." she said. Calling a man that was obviously so close to her in age 'sir' was odd, but her momma didn't raise no fool. Mean men? Call 'em sir.
She didn't dare movie closer to him until he realized she meant no harm.

Issac stood hurriedly stood and ran over to it. Without thinking he put both his hands on the side of its head, fire now heating the floor and the flames rising in between his fingers. He breathed heavily, his hair falling around his face and he looked into its eyes.
"Who are you!" Issac screamed in fury. He didn't know why they wanted to kill him, but he wasn't about to let it leave without answers.
"Tell me who you are and why you are trying to kill me!" He screamed again, his rage growing out of control now, the flames growing higher. Issac never noticed that this was not a monster, that it was no demon. He was paranoid, and restless. To him, this had now taken on the face of the demons. Its eyes glowed red and bore into him. His own bore back. He wasn't going to die. They were going to leave him alone. This is were in ends.
"TELL ME!!" Issac screamed once more.

(( I'm not going to inturrupt your session, but I'm going to tell you now, if Issac keeps screaming, the Elemental Guardians are going to start heading this way. XD (Please refer to the session held in the "Crystal Chamber" topic for the reference.) ))

((Haha, Connor stop making him scream at Norah!))

Norah had been beat up enough, hadn't she? Her heart was pounding in her chest and her head was killing her, throbbing and aching all over. Her breath was fast and shallow and she was trying to get a grip on her situation. Either she looked much more scarier than she thought she was, or this strange boy was just crazy.
She was busy trying to right herself when the man suddenly rose, wobbly, from his laying spot and ran over to her. Norah thought it might have been out of concern, seeing as he'd just knocked her into a stone wall. But no. It wasn't because he was worried that he'd hurt her. He just wanted to hurt her more.

His firm, warm hands wrapped around the side of her face, and at first they were comfortable, slightly dulling the ache. But no longer than a second of him touching her, the slight warmth was becoming increasingly heated, at first making her feel as if she had a curling iron too close to her face, but then it felt like she had her head in the oven. She could feel slight burns on her pale cheeks. She whimpered once more, a little louder than before. "Please, stop!" She pleaded, trying to pry his fingers from her face. "I'm not trying to kill you! Please quite it!" She cried, kicking her black wedges on the cave's floor.

God her head hurt. The burns were becoming unbearable and the tears were the only source of water to bring relief to them, but they evaporated long before they could stream to where his powers were affecting her.
And all that time, she didn't think at all about using her own powers in defense. She only wanted him to believe she didn't want to kill him!

((Sorrys everybody!))

Issac was about to destroy the thing when he heard its voice. It was small and...girlish. It was pleading him to stop. She was pleading him to stop. His vision cleared and now he saw clearly. Issac saw his own hands burning the face of this girl whom he thought was a demon. Now she was vulnerable and a victim of his own paranoia. Issac quickly released his grasp and fell to the ground besides her. He quickly crawled away and the tears came to his eyes.
"I'm...I'm so sorry. I thought...I thought...you were..oh I'm so sorry." He cried, balling himself up and putting his head on his knees and hugging himself close. He was now angry at himself, and fire began in his own hands, burning himself. He couldn't help it, and he didn't stop it.
"Please....I'm sorry..." He cried again. Then, the fog took him. And he was gone.

A few seconds later he looked up and saw the frightened girl, and questioned what had happened here. Why was he here? What was he doing here? Jesus, he was tired.
"H-Hello? I'm sorry, where are we? What happened here?" He asked, not a clue of the situation he was in.

(( No, no, it's fine. You can have him yell if you want to; I'm just saying you're going to have company if you continue to. XD ))

Norah was about to pass out from the pain. In her own opinion, there was nothing worse than burns. She wasn't gifted in the power of water, so she couldn't do a thing to comfort her searing face. Where her beautifully white mask touched his skin, it burned and smoked slightly, charring and turning black. She'd have to get a new one, but it didn't matter. That was the least of her problems. Her pale green eyes stared into the face of her tortured torturer, and the will to speak- to plead for her life- was gone.
These are the last few moments of my life...

The thought was barely cleared from her mind when Issac tore his hands from her face, crawling away like an animal. Norah didn't see him though, for her vision was clouded by pain and tears. She wept uncontrollably, and turned over onto her stomach, burying her face in her arms. Issac spoke from somewhere across from her, but Norah couldn't understand what he said. The pain was too much. Tears flowed from her eyes in hurt, and she whimpered along with each wet splash that hit the cave's floor.

Then Norah sensed a change. She wiped her eyes, carefully, and looked over, raising her head weakly. She barely had enough strength to do that. Issac seemed calmer suddenly, like a light switch flipping in his head. She could hear his words a bit clearer than before and looked at him with outrage. "What? Please help me." She said weakly, dropping her head again.

Issac stood and walked over to the girl. She was burned, badly. Not deathly, but he was sure she felt like it was. He had felt the power of fire. He had the power, and sometimes, couldn't control it. He knew how this felt. He reached a hand up and touched her wound.
"This, is bad. But, you'll be okay. I can help you. Please, just stay still." He said, trying to calm the girl down. He knew the truth. He had had a fit, and hurt this girl. He knew he did it, there was no mistaking that. This was on his hands.

He dug in his pocket until he found a small vial of water. This would do the trick. "Okay, I need you to stay very still." He told her. He grabbed under her chin and lifted her head slowly. Issac opened her mouth and with his own, tore the lid of the water. "This will help, but, it'll hurt a little." He poured the water down her throat, and stepped in closer. "I'm sorry, but this is the only way to activate this." He said, pushing his palm against her chest and pushing a small amount of fire into her, just enough to activate the potion.
"There, the wounds will heal quickly." He said, stepping away from her to give her the space she probably needed.

"I am sorry, this is my fault. I'm a little...broken. I think I will take my leave, so you don't have to be frightened anymore." He said, bowing to her and picking up his mask. "Again, I'm sorry. Goodbye."

Norah had found the will to stand on her tall wedges while Issac spoke. Her face seared with pain, and tears still swam in her eyes, but she felt a little less shocked from the whole thing. Issac was now just as happy as a peach, and Norah couldn't help but stare at him with disbelief. He really was crazy. As crazy as she'd get out! Her green eyes watched him carefully, waiting for that switch to flip again, causing him to strike out against her once more. She was almost fearful as he came close, and she had good reasons to be. She wasn't sure if the burn marks on her otherwise pretty face would ever go away. She watched as he fumbled with himself, bringing out a tiny vial from his pocket. Oh great! Now he was going to poison her?! Despite the gentleness in his words, Norah felt real fear. She still wasn't completely sure she was going to live to see another day, what with being in a cave with a crazy person and all.
But as he poured the liquid down her throat, she felt some relief. She was able to think clearly, and she was sure it wasn't a poison anymore.

Issac spoke, and before Norah could make any pleas against him, his hand touched her chest, where the neckline of her sweater ended and the bare, smooth skin of hers started. His hand was warm as before, and Norah braced herself for more fire, but none came. And soon, he pulled his hand away. And then, he was moving away alltogether, bidding her ado.

She shook her head frantically, stepping over to him. The pain was gone from her face now, and she felt the odd sensation of her skin mending. She reached behind her head and ripped the ribbons of her mask out of their bow, letting the charred thing fall to the floor. What was in it's place was a charming face, with all doll-faced prettiness and pale skin, aside for where the burns were now healing. Her eyes were a silky shade of pale green and they watched him with careful concern. "Wait! You can't just leave! You're still bleeding." She said lamely.

Issac turned on his heel, and looked at her. He couldn't believe after all that, she was still concerning over him. Issac's hand moved up and touched the spot where he seemed to be bleeding. He looked at his fingers. He really was bleeding.
Huh.
"Its only a scratch, I'll heal. Why are you still concerning over me?" He said questioningly. It didn't make sense. She didn't run out of here in terror. She didn't attack and hurt him, like she should have. It was what he deserved.
"Why? You should have run out of here in terror, or attacked me. Why didn't you?" He asked again, sincerely wanting an answer for what was happening. Then he realized, he didn't even know her name. And she didn't know him. He had attacked a stranger, a complete and utter stranger. And here she stood, still wanting to help him for a tiny scratch.
He was confused. Worse then usual this time.

((Facebook is being a jerk.))

Norah had convinced him to turn and face her again, and as he did, Norah managed to get a first impression in. He had a mop of raven black hair, and a handsome face, although it was a bit nerdy. He had glasses and a gangly, but muscular body, and it was all very odd to Norah. She'd never seen a boy with such looks. But he was surprisingly very handsome.
She didn't think very much of it then, though. There were bigger things to worry about. Like what sort of water he'd made her drink and how he could have two powers at the same time, and why he thought she was a killer, and the biggest was why he'd even come into the cave at all!

She listened to his questions, and grappled for a reason. Why did she still care about his minor gash when there were third degree burns on her face?! Well... He was just too interesting. And her burns were nearly completely healed by now...
She placed her hands on her curvy waist and lifted her shoulders in a shrug. "I don't know," she answered honestly. "But... You ought to have that looked at, really." she said, stepping closer to him. "The better question is, sir, why did you attack me?" She said, her voice now as steady as it ever was, and her sketches laying, forgotten, in the back of cave.

Issac laughed a bit, "Well, I don't think I'm going to die from a little scratch. I think I'll be okay." He said with a smile.
Issac knew he had to face the fact of explaining to her why he had attacked her. To be honest, he almost didn't remember himself. Though, he did know what happened. It was what had always happened. He went crazy. He saw her as the demons that haunt him and prevent his sleep. He didn't want to kill her, per say. Just what he thought she was.

"I, haven't slept in...weeks. I have, paranoia, and thought you were....a demon. I see these...things...in my dreams." He choked out, in some sort of explanation. "I thought you were one of them, come to destroy me, like they do in my dreams." He said again, his voice small. He hated talking about this, and that is why he never did. He has never told anybody. Well, some people know, but it is because of his rants. He used to scream and yell in the streets as he would run away from these things. These monsters.
"Like I said, I thought you were one. I was having a hallucination, and I attacked. I am, so sorry. But, I helped you. Well, the water did anyway. I was just conveniently here." He said, running his hand through his hair.

(( What's a "Facebook"? ))

Norah listened to his explanation carefully, making sure she didn't misunderstand him. So he was crazy. Any normal person would've written him off as such and left him alone, but Norah... God forbid she be in the least bit normal. That was Norah- always feeling the unquenchable need to help others, no matter her own state. And here stood her chance: A stranger- NO! a dangerously violent stranger- who was offering an explanation for his attempt of murder with words that could be just as much a lie as a truth. And what was she doing? Wondering if he was okay.

His smile seemed genuine though. She pursed her lips in consideration and finally, simply, nodded, giving him her own genuine smile in answer. "I see. Isn't there something to stop the bad dreams?" she asked, walking along with him as if they were on a nice stroll through the park. Her face was fine now, and all traces of what had happened in the cave her gone, along with the pain. Norah reached up and touched her face tentatively, and decided it was fine. She then reached behind her head while he answered, and fixed her dark hair, letting it trail down her back and over her shoulders. He ran his hand through his hair and Norah stole a sideways glance at him curiously. Interesting. He was so very interesting.

SageofSouls wrote: "(( What's a "Facebook"? ))"

((What? You don't know what Facebook is??))

(( Yes. ))

Issac walked with the girl he still didn't know the name of. They strolled along the dark cave. He looked over and saw that her face was fine and had healed. It was a good thing to that she had no scars. I saw this one as a problem fixed and decided to let the incident go. He didn't need this also weighing down on him. He was glad she was okay though.

"Uh, like professional help and such? Nah, doesn't work. No pills, no medication, no drugs. Nothing." He said, is voice full of despair. He wished there could be away to stop the dreams. He wanted to have a full nights sleep for once in the last year. He thought if he didn't get a little, he'd die. He stumbled a little, finally realizing just how tired he was.
"I forgot to mention, I'm Issac. Issac Keeper." He said, finally introducing himself.

SageofSouls wrote: "(( Yes. ))"

((Google it. :) ))

Norah was worried. She knew it was stupid and that she'd probably be just as good if she just grabbed her things and fled like he'd mentioned before. But she wasn't going to do that. With each word, Issac just became more and more interesting to Norah, and before long, leaving was the last thing she wanted to do. Along with burns and pain gone from her, so was most of the memory of being burned. Norah didn't know what kind of potion he'd given her, but nonetheless, it seemed to be doing it's job just fine.

He spoke and she listened just as carefully as before, mulling over his words with concern. She hadn't really meant professional help, for she didn't believe in things like that. She knew there had to be some sort of home remedy though, because there always was. She jokingly considered suggesting a dream-catcher, but Issac seemed much too tired for that. His voice told of his worried mind.
When he stumbled, presumably over his own feet, Norah reached out a gentle hand to touch his arm, knowing that she couldn't keep him from falling, but the effort was what mattered. He didn't fall though, and regained his footing fine enough, to Norah's relief.

Norah looked at him and nodded. "They call me Norah Ledge. It's nice to meet you, Issac." she said, feeling the taste of his name in her mouth. She'd never met a Issac before, and even saying the boy's name was interesting. She was, for lack of any better words, drawn in.
She licked her lips while trying to find the words to say. She didn't want the conversation to end. "Well... Maybe you should sleep with someone. Oh goodness- not that kind of sleeping with someone, but just... Not to be lonely. Maybe they'd stay away like that." she said, shrugging again. "Have you tried that?" She asked.

Issac raised an eyebrow at her words. He had never tried that before, and no one ever really suggested that to him. Or offered to lay with him so he could try. Issac was being pulled in by this girl. There was something extremely intriguing about this girl. It was...odd..but her presence was extremely powerful and it was actually making him happier by the second.

With a slight laugh he spoke, "Well Norah, I do know what you meant. I've never tried that. No one has really ever wanted to be that close to me, or around me for that matter." He said, his honesty saddening. For some reason, he didn't want this girl to leave. He tried to be honest, though he was scared his life would scare her away. "I hate these dreams. Maybe sleeping with someone would help. But who would stay with me like that?" He said, not really wanting an answer.

His mind began to get a bit foggy, but this fog was sleep. Not bad fog, like he used to get when he had his spells. He stumbled again, this time, he hit the ground. "Ouch..." He said, not even trying to stand. He needed to sleep. He would die soon without it.
"Norah, would you?" He asked, hoping she know what he meant.

There was Norah's clumsy mouth, always talking about things she didn't understand. At leasy, that was what her mother always told she did. Norah found it to be true most days. She found most of what her mother said about her to be true, really. And it wasn't always all good. Norah kept steeling sideways glances at Issac, continually mulling over his name in her mind. Issac Keeper. Keeper of what?
She straightened her mind agaon, forcing herself to stay on topic. He wasn't a Keeper of anything. He was a guy, who's last name was Keeper. Not eveyrthing had to have double meanings.
She cleared her throat as he spoke, disheartened by the sadness that leaking into his voice. It poured in like sunshine through a window, excpet it was much less cheering. But his face seemed to brighten slightly anway, and Norah found herself wondering how he felt right now. He must have been confused to sound sad and look happy at the same time.

Suddenly he stumbled again, once more over nothing but his own two feet, and Norah couldn't even blink before he was on the ground, sprawled out on the cool ground. She rushed to him, kneeling down again. The reminder of what had happened when she'd knelt beside him the first time nearly made her stand, but she refused to let it bother her. Here was a tired soul. One in need of a little Norah pep. She heard his weak voice ask just three short words and she looked at him for a moment, puzzled. He wanted her to sleep with him? Here on the ground? She licked her lips in consideration. It would be odd, wouldn't it? To lay down and nap with a stranger? Norah didn't know who he was, and she didn't know if she was truly safe. But leaving was the last thing she wanted to do. So she nodded, gestuing for him to wait just a moment while she dashed back to her original spot and grabbed her blanket. He'd be much more comfy with it's padding under him.
She was back in a moment and was laying the blanket down and telling him to roll onto it while she laid her notepad beside the cloth, on the ground. "Don't think about the demons, okay?" she said, her voice gentle as she laid down beside him. "Just think about... About light." she said, laying her hands on her stomach and looking over at his tired face.

(( It was a joke. ))

Issac could barely keep his eyes open any longer. He felt the fabric underneath him. It was soft and lovely. He opened his eyes more and saw Norah lying next to him. He smiled. But it was an involuntary smile. He scooted closer to her and laid an hand on her waist. He used what was left of the small amount of his strength to pull her closer to him. He didn't know why, but he needed her to be close to him. It was just something he...something he needed. And he didn't know why.
"Thank...you...Norah." He said, his voice small. He brought his hand up to her face and looked into her eyes. He saw a certain caring in her eyes. He could tell that she really did care for him. A complete stranger.

In another involuntary movement he leaned over and gave Norah a small kiss. Nothing major. Just a small kiss, to thank her for what she was doing. After that, his head fell back the the ground. The light started to fade and Norah's face became blurry. The demons were the never on his mind. They were gone, for the moment. Maybe Norah was right. Maybe this was all he needed. He gave a quick smile and the last thing he saw was Norah. The mysterious, lovely, intriguing girl he'd just met. And he fell asleep next to her.
And it was the best night's sleep he had ever gotten.

((Are we finishing up for the night, or do you want to continue to the next day?)) :)

Norah laid her dark head on the blanket, thankful for its warmth and comfort. Laying in the stone ground would've been bad otherwise. She could tell that Issac was really very tired, and she didn't bother saying anymore than what she already had, watching his eyes flitter closed and open again. It was funny- his otherwsie troubled expression took on a more peaceful one as he battled to stay awak for a few more seconds, and Norah found herself grinning happily at him. She would probably ask herself why she did this later. But like she did with a lot of things, she decided she could care some other time and do the stupid things now.

Issac's hand traveled to her waist, where her sweater was riding up slightly, exposing the slightwst sliver of soft skin. She nearly swatted at his hand, but the new touch felt warm and inviting, and tingles short through Norah's stomach. Her grin dimmed slightly, but only out of conffusion. Is that what it felt like to have a boy touch you? She couldn't tell herself why, but she willingly scooted her slender body closer to his and he pulled gently on her, fiting them together like a puzzle. It felt oddly amazing to be this close to someone as attractive as Issac truly was. Even if he was a stranger. Everyone started out as strangers.
She laid her hands on his chest and cozzied up beside him, wrapping the blanket over their legs. But even as much as her own actions surprised her, the feeling of his lips on hers were even more surprising. They felt soft, and wet, and oh so amazing. Tingles shot through her whole body now, and even though the kiss was brief the feeling of it lasted much longer. Her first kiss. Norah's finally got that checked off her list. She watched his eyes close, this time not to flutter open again, and shared his tired smile. Why? She didn't know. She just wanted to. She turned over into his arms, tucking her back against his chest, and nestling her head into the crook of his shoulder, closing her own eyes. She wasn't tired, but sleep found her anyway, and she was soon swept off into a dream state also, but the only visions that danced in front of her eyes were of the handsome Issac Keeper kissing her all over again.

The next morning...

Issac stirred from his sleep and found himself warm, happy and...rested. He grinned hugely. He had slept all through the night! With zero nightmares!
Norah.
Yes yes! It had to be Norah! She had laid down with him and fell asleep next to him. In turn, he slept through the night. He quickly remembered the soft kiss he gave her and he remembered the way her lips felt against his. It wasn't his first kiss, but it was by far the best. He moved his hand up slowly and placed his hand in hers. He kissed her cheek softly, not wanting her to wake up. He didn't want to wake her. She was beautiful. The sun hit her sleeping face and her beauty shown brighter. Issac simply smiled and snuggled closer, closing the gap that had formed between them. Issac closed his eyes again. He kept himself occupied with the thought of kissing Norah again and again.
He opened his eyes again just to look at her. He rolled her slowly to her back and put his hand on her face.
"Time to wake up, Norah." He said softly, kissing her lips again. The sensation came back over him as there lips met for the second time.

Norah'd slept so well. For the odds of actually sleeping at all on the ground, with her tight dress and shoes still on, with only a blanket and no pillows to speak of... Well, the odds were low that They'd be comfortable enough to even doze off.
But yet they both had. Norah slept as sound as she ever had before, and as the morning sun peeked through the tree top, Norah didn't even stir. She was far too lost to her dreams to notice Issac rustling awake beside her, or notice the warmth of his body, pressing up against hers. She didn't notice anything, for her sleep had hold of her so well.

Her face, while she was sleeping, took on a peaceful and childlike appearance, her thick lashes nearly long enough to touch her cheeks, and her dark hair cast around her face like a cloud. She breathed peacefully as Issac made the decision to wake her.
Norah felt something soft and wonderful touch her lips and she awoke slowly, responding to the sweet touch of Issac. Her eyes fluttered open, but closed again quickly, and her arms wrapped around his neck gently. She tilted her head every which way and decided that kissing was one of the best things she'd ever done. The sensation was oddly different than what she'd imagined it to be, but only in the best of ways. She parted her lips from his and smiled. "Good morning, Issac." she said softly, looking adoringly at his face, looming just a couple inches from hers. "Did you dream?" she asked.

Issac smiled down at her, and kissed her again for good measure. He enjoyed feeling her lips against his, and didn't want the feeling to stop. But for now, it would. Issac moved his hand back down to her waist when he spoke to her.
"Good morning to you too, sunshine." He joked with a genuine smile. He couldn't help smiling when he was around her. It was the craziest thing. He barely knew this girl! He had gone from trying to kill her, to wanting to kiss her every second and more. Though, has he has learned better, he didn't try anymore. He was happy just as he was. Inches away from her, and everything calm. This was the first time he'd been so happy with another human being. He was definitely enjoying it.
"No. It seems you were right. Now if you could only be here every night, my terrors would be vanquished." He said with a smile and a realizing sadness. She would leave him. Maybe not at this moment, but he surely doubted she would stay with him. So in this moment he inspected her, making sure he would never forget her. He studied her beautiful, doll like face. He studied they way she smiled, and he made sure he would soon not forget the way she kissed. He moved his hand up slightly so it was now touching her skin above her waist. He would not forget the way her skin felt and the way it felt to hold her.
Even if she left, he would not forget her. He refused to forget anything about this girl. Or the time they would spend together, even if it was fleeting.

Norah smiled as he leaned down to touch his lips to hers again. They were incredibly soft and Norah found that she didn't want it to end. He's a complete stranger, Norah. Totally and completely a stranger... Issac.
Her mind was running wild as they lay there, so close together. Norah's length, however much shorter it was, was pressed up against his and she stretched out like a cat, reaching her arms up above her head and yawning with the motion. When she opened her eyes, they were bright and fully awake. Gone was the sleepiness that clouded her mind. Now she was alive, and feeling so with every coming second. Norah smiled at his words, nodding. "My pleasure, really." She said, blushing slightly. "Well, maybe it's not just me, you know. Maybe anyone can make your demons be quiet." She said.
She couldn't help but feel like she wanted to be the absolutely only one to have that effect.

Issac's skin touched that of her waist and she grinned at him, running her hands over her face. "So... What now?"
As beautiful as laying there with him was, Norah wondered where he came from, where he was going. She wondered if he had people waiting for him, or if he wanted her to stay for more than what he needed her for. She didn't want to face the fact that she may never seen him again besides this one encounter. She could only hope he wanted to include her in whatever he wanted to do from then on.

Issac thought about how to answer Norah's comment. Maybe anyone came make your demons be quiet, He heard her say again in his mind. After a moment of thought he found his answer.
"And if I don't want to have anybody else? What if I only want you to be here with me, Norah?" He questioned her with a smile. To Issac, he didn't want her to go. He wanted to have her with him. She made him feel safe and wanted. He smiled at the thought of her staying with him. He did need her, but not only for sleep. He felt that he needed her for more than that. At the moment, he needed her to stay.
"Norah, what if I said I wanted you to stay with me, not just to help me sleep, but because I truly need you to stay with me?" He questioned again, hoping he wasn't overloading her with questions.

Second by second Issac was becoming more interested in this girl. He wanted to know about her life, her interests and the things she liked to do. He wanted to find out her desires and dreams and help her do them. He wanted to be something she had always wanted, because she was something he has always needed. He hoped that she wanted to stay with him. He now felt that if she wasn't, he would never be the same. Or sleep again.

Norah's heart warmed at his words. She really had no idea what she was getting herself into, and she really had no idea if it was amazingly good, or amazingly bad. It seemed to be the first option, if Norah thought about it, but everything had levels... Norah had had her share of good and bad, and favored the good, just like anyone else. And this boy. Issac Keeper. He was troubled. He saw things... He described himself as 'broken'... He had two powers. Something Norah had never seen before. She'd never seen anything like him before. Yes... He was troubled.
But he was good.

She could tell. Sometimes, you just had that sense, if someone was truly good or evil. And Norah didn't think a person could be all good or all bad, but she did believe that one or the other could dominate. And bad things seemed to have happened to Issac, but those things hadn't turned him bad. She didn't say a word in reply, thinking that he was both sweet and saddening. She couldn't imagine truly having no one. She counted herself lucky in the moment not only to have family and friends, but also to have him.
And she did believe she had him.

His words... They were exactly what Norah wanted to hear. She grinned at him, catching the gaze of his multi-colored eyes and nodded. "Well... I don't suppose I have anywhere else to be." she said, her tone jokingly casual. "I am very hungry, though." She said, reaching her arms around his neck to stroke her fingers through the soft hair at the back of his head. She was being extremely bold. It wasn't her. She was usually just a wallflower, and things like this, well... They just didn't happen to her. But now, there was a shockingly different, handsome boy in front of her. One she barely knew, yes, but that's the way the wind blows, she supposed. "Would you like to go get something to eat?"

Issac didn't quite no what else to say. He thought this girl was crazy. He was a total stranger to him, and yet, she wanted to stay with him. This girl was heaven-sent. He wondered what was driving her to stay with him. This girl was like any he'd ever met before, and he liked that. He wanted to know her. All of her.

Issac slowly wondered what Norah thought about him. She knew he was broken and bat crap crazy, yet she must seem something good in him. Unless she was just as crazy. Which, could very well be the case. Soon, he hoped, he would learn more about her and learn about her life. He was excited for hearing a happy story for once. At least, he hoped it was happy.

Issac grinned bigger when her grin itself widened. He chuckled, "Well I'm glad." He said, answering her little joke. When she spoke of hunger, his stomach responded. Issac hadn't eaten in a day or so, so food was well needed. He enjoyed it when she wrapped her arms around his neck again. He loved it, and he hadn't experience anything like it. This beautiful girl was lying beneath him, and she was with him because she wanted to be. That Issac loved. Issac leaned his head down and kissed her once more, parting her lips and adding just the spot of tongue. He felt her own tongue, and enjoyed it when it met his. Reluctantly, he parted from her lips. He stroked her hair once, "Sure, lets go." He said with a smile.

Norah felt herself obeying to Issac's touch, her breath rising and falling slowly under her dark plum sweater. She couldn't keep the grin from her face even if she tried, but she didn't find that to be a bad thing. Somehow, Issac inspired a happiness in Norah that she'd rarely felt before. He made her feel as if the world could be right, even if it was oh so wrong. She lay comfortably on her blanket, pinned under the light weight of Issac's body. His breath played on her face and she grinned as the bright Sun shone through his hair. He was so handsome. His colorful eyes bore into hers and Norah's happiness skyrocketed. This was odd! This was different. This was wonderful.

Her heart was fluttering inside her chest as Issac spoke? Honestly?! He really wanted to go to breakfast with her? Around town, Norah was known as the childlike adult, who was just too happy for her age. No one really cared about being around her but she was just fine with that. Being by herself was a common thing, and it didn't bother Norah in the least. But now, she was sure that if Issac left, she'd always hate being alone from then on. She nodded in agreement before his lips met her, thrusting them open with his tongue. Norah found herself responding with eagerness, wanting to find out what it was like to kiss that way. Her lips parted and she felt his tongue playing along in her mouth. She slipped her own into his and explored tentively, tasting the beautiful taste of him. Tingles and fireworks coursed through her body slowly, and when Issac pulled away she leaned into him slightly, prolonging the kiss for just a moment before she decided she was contented. Wow. Kissing someone- kissing him- was wonderful.

She nodded and waited for him to rise from her before getting to her heels herself, steadying the black pumps on the ground before leaning down to gather and fold her blanket and grab her stech book and pencil. The drawing of the man with his demon was still on the front, and She glanced at it before tucking it under her arm. Hah! That's Issac. She glanced over at him and smiled, taking his hand. "Where are we going?" She asked as they strode away from the cave.

Issac's life had been a terrible place to be. He had mental troubles. He often walked in a sleep deprived state and lashed out at many people. His short term memory loss effected him more then he enjoyed. He forgot things easily and lost track of time. Though he knew, through all of that, he would have Norah. It was this feeling he got when he kissed her. Like he wouldn't have to worry about his troubles and problems because he would have Norah to help him along. He knew he would most likely not be deprived of sleep as long as she was around. His spells of anger and visions would be lessened and maybe no longer happen. All these things he began to discover as he kissed Norah.

Issac removed himself from the top of Norah and stood slowly. He stretched out with a yawn. He picked his mask from the ground and examined it. It was cracked from his fall earlier. Though the crack gave his mask more character. It was cracked, like him. And every crack has the ability to be repaired. With the right mending, that is. He thought and hoped to himself that Norah could be the mending he needed. He smiled to himself and latched the mask to the belt loop on his hip. He watched her gather her things and once she was finally ready they latched their hands together. There was an odd tingle in his hand when this happened. He had the feeling of friendship, but there was also something their that felt of love and fire. He enjoyed the feeling.

He thought for a little while about where they could get breakfast. He patted his pockets and found his wallet. He pulled it out and opened it, hopeful to find some sort of money. To dash his hopes, when he opened the wallet it seemed to puff with dust. Completely empty, save his I.D. and some lint. He sighed in discontent. "Well, we will have to make a pit stop if that is okay. I need to get a little money first, so we will have to go to where I usually stay." He stated sadly. He didn't really want her to see the place he stayed, but he needed money so he'd have to grab something to sell. He'd have to sell another painting. That thought made his mulled his mood. He loved his paintings, and hated to sell them. But he had to eat, and he'd be damned if he'd let Norah pay for him. He knew she'd try, but he never took help with money. He liked to earn his own, and when he did it gave him the sense of satisfaction with himself.

Issac looked at the ground for a second, thinking. He had no money, no real home, no nothing. He had the urge to give Norah all she wanted, but he didn't have the means to do this. He wondered how she'd react to that...
Pushing that dangerous thought from his head he looked back at Norah and met her eyes. She had beautiful eyes, that corresponded with the rest of her beauty. He smiled at her, "We are going to have to head the the central caves. Its where I usually stay. We can get what I need and we can go out, okay?" He said, squeezing her hand slightly. They started down the cave. All of the caves led to the central cave. It was very large, and it was large enough for Issac to make a small living system, and still stay unnoticed and out of the way. The way he liked it. Well, before Norah happened. They made there way there, and Issac joked around the road, "I hope you aren't afraid of spiders, Norah." He said with a joking smile.

Norah watched Issac carefully. She wasn't exactly afraid he would go into the man he'd been the day before, for now he was rested and no longer looked ill or crazy. His eyes were happy, and so was the smile that played along his handsome features. It was honestly a sight to see, after seeing what he'd looked like before. Norah couldn't fight the happiness that was welling up inside of her. She was what he needed, and they both knew it. And it boosted Norah's pride to untold levels, and made her feel as if she finally did have purpose. Before she was just alone... No one, save her folks, cared about who she was or where she was going, because she just wasn't that interesting...
But here, in Issac's arms... She felt more than interesting. She felt wanted. Needed. Complete.

Smiling she watched him rise to his feel, stretching like a sleepy cat. She thought the sliver of skin along his waist was quite desirable as his shirt rode up with his motion. He averted his eyes and shoved the thought from her mind, having never longed to touch anyone else there. His toned muscles moved underneath the fabric of his shirt, and Norah grinned. She was completely and utterly inexperienced in anything that had to do with anything like that, and she suddenly felt slightly stupid as they rose from the ground. She shoved that thought away too.

Issac picked his broken mask up and Norah glanced at it sadly, thinking that he'd need a new one. She would too, since her own mask was laying, burned, back in the cave. She didn't want it any longer, and knew that it wouldn't go with the ball gown she'd bought for the masquerade. She joined hands with Issac and happily shoved that from her mind too, replacing it with the thought of pancakes and sausage. She watched him, loving the thoughtful expression on his face, and how his mouth screwed up in concentration. Norah watched as he reached inside his pockets, searching for his wallet.

He opened it and Norah was suprised at the amount of gunk (and not money) was inside of the leather thing. She grinned assuredly at him as he pocketed it once more and lifted her shoulders in a shrug. "Well, I could pa-" he cut her off and she closed her mouth to listen intently to him. She nodded and smiled. "That's fine." she said happily, wanting him to know that she didn't mind at all.

Issac got that lovely thoughtful look over his handsome features again, and Norah grinned, her black heels clicking on the ground as they walked. Suddenly, Issac pulled her in a different direction that into down, and she followed eagerly. His smiled was happy, so she let one slide onto her lips too. "That's okay, Issac. I don't mind at all." she said as they entered the mouth of the caves, the sunlight fading slowly behind them as they moved on, and the air cooling. Norah listened to his words and glanced over him, seeing a humorous look on his face. "Oh, spiders are fine," she replied, rolling her eyes in good humor. "You live in a cave, Issac?" She asked, glancing around thoughtfully.

Issac suddenly remembered not seeing her pick up her mask. Then he remembered burning it. He would buy her a new one. That would take two paintings. But it didn't bother Issac. He was happy to help her. And the destruction of her mask was his doing, anyway. He practically owed breakfast and a new mask to her. And anything else she could need. He would be happy to oblige.

He was happy that she didn't press her paying on Issac. She somehow knew that it meant the worlds to Issac that he pay. And he would do just that. Issac leaned over and kissed her softly, a way of saying thanks. And, an excuse to kiss her again. He really did love it.

Issac laughed a bit when she rolled her eyes at his humor. "Well, yes. Its the only place that doesn't either kick me out, or try to burn me at the stake. Long story." He said, dismissing it. "Though its quite cozy, if you like damp and cold." He said sarcastically. The cavern started to get darker, so Issac made a small flame in his hand to light their way. He knew they were going to arrive in the Central Caves soon.

"We are almost their, so watch your back. The spiders like to get a little...cheeky sometimes." He said, laughing to himself. He loved watching her light up at his jokes and loved hearing her laugh. Most of all, he enjoyed the smile that broke her lips. It was quite an amazing smile, and Issac knew he would love that smile for decades to come. They came to the cave entrance and the way was blocked by a door. Issac's doing. And only he could open it. "Are you ready, Norah?" He asked, raising an eyebrow and cracking a smile.