Illyanna couldnt resist, She got up and walke toward the mouth of the cave, and let a little of her magic wrap Zero's fireball in shadow. All that could be see was a tiney flicker every once in a while.

_________________

Zero looked up at the sky, and answered, "No, not used to working in a group at all. More used to being chased around by mobs and living alone in forests and killing alone."

He liked killing by himself. The Urban Sniper made too much noise, even with a suppressor. The sabre does quite nicely. And the animals. Zero loved hunting. It took up time. Time was one thing he had in plenty.

He wished for a battle to befall so he can loosen up some energy and kill some people.

Then his fireball became a ball of shadow. Zero laid back against a stone and glared at the woman. "What do you want now?" he growled.

_________________

"Only to see if I could do what I have done..." She released the shadows allowing the fireball to flair up. She walked over to him. "You are very angry... why?"

_________________

"Because he has to work with a group and he is a stubborn mule with an entirely too large an ego." Airithnu offered, her eyes still closed, but a small smile came upon her lips. But then she sighed, and open one eye, glancing sideways at Illyanna and Zero. "But to be honest, that is just my guess."

_________________


Just became a college freshman; be on sparingly

(can I add something to my bio?)

Illyanna couldn't help but smile at Airithnu's comment. She looked back at Zero, "You are not so different as you think..."

_________________

Airithnu smiled back at Illyanna, but decided this time to keep her mouth shut from another smart allec remark. She could tell Illyanna was trying to help Zero get used to the idea of working in a group and to gain his trust, and Airithnu didn't want to make enemies within the group. So, she simply sat nearby and listened.

_________________


Just became a college freshman; be on sparingly

Zero turned his glare over to Airithnu, dispelling the fireball, and said, "Then keep your guesses for someone who actually cares, woman."

Then he turned to Illyanna, and growled, "Why I'm angry, if I'm angry, is none of your business, and why would you care anyway? And what if I'm different, what about it? Care to throw stones at me now? My life is none of your affair, and keeping to your own business will get you far. First of all by earning the gratitude of those spared. But, oh, I'm sorry, I have no gratitude left in me." He paused and offered sarcasticly, "How about when I do get some gratitude in me, I'll repay you double?"

Zero didn't bother with a dirty look to either one of them, and simply got up and went to another, further rock to lean against. His temper, strangely, was better these days. Because of what he didn't know. But normally he would've picked a fight with anyone who looked at him the wrong way, let alone taunt or tease him...

Strange.

_________________

Mirrim glanced up once, regarding Zero with a hard expression to read - curiousity? Confusion? Annoyance? - but in another moment was looking back into the fire. Truth be told she found none of this fledgling group a kindred spirit. Besides, of course, her ever-faithful Twygrin, she couldn't see a friendly face about. Everyone seemed almost self-interested, not willing to step outside their own boundaries. Shy Mirrim was as loath to do so as any of them.

Shifting her position she sighed inaudibly, finding her eyes straying to the dragon egg that was to be in her keeping. A Dragon egg. Twygrin was a wyvern, but a dragon - ! Mirrim ached to see a dragon.

_________________

Airithnu had had enough then. She stood slowly, and replied to Zero's remark, giving Illyanna no chance to speak. But, when Airithnu spoke, her voice was kind and gentle, but she still brought the point by to Zero. She stood at the same spot, not nearing him, but spoke to him.

"Look, Zero." She started, her eyes never leaving his face. "I understand that you obviously don't want to work with any of us..." She looked around at the group, then back at him. "I'm probably at the top of that list right now. But, you said you have had to work on your own and fend for yourself your entire life. Well, you weren't picked to join this group for nothing or for no purpose...we will need the skills you have learned alone...but, you need to know that we will be there for you if you need help...like Illyanna was just trying to help you a few moments ago." She looked down for a second and then looked back at him again. "I know that it will take some getting used to, but I want to let you know that we can help you...and you can help us. Your not the only one who isn't used to working in a group."

_________________


Just became a college freshman; be on sparingly

Meridian nudged the back of Firis' head, his warm breath shooting down her neck.

Best go give the eggs some of your magic. They need it. Firis turned to look at his broad scaly face. His black eyes reflected her tear stained face. His long purple spines rose slightly, a small twinkle in his eyes made a smile flash so briefly across her face, that it looked like it was never there.

Go on. He nudged her again, and again until she got to her feet.

Slowly and unsteadily she walked to the small circle of eggs, they shone dimly, magic and energy contained within swirling around, intwining and fluxuating with the living Dragonet inside.

She slowly lowered herself onto her knees, and sent a small silver fog for towards the eggs, soon silver fire flowed out of her hands, following where the fog had gone. It shimmered and sunk slowly into the eggs, flashing briefly. She tried to get up, but her body protested, the grief washing over her once more.

She tried once more, and gave up, her limbs trembled as she started to cry once more. She curled into a small ball beside the eggs, taking no comfort in their proximity, they served no other purpose that to remind her of her mother.

Meridian watced her from his spot across the cave, he lay his head down, still watching her. She glanced up at him, and looked away, unable to meet his warm gaze for very long.

Adillya sighed heavily and sat up against the stone wall. Bry was off flying, so it was all her right now. "I believe I can handle tonight," she said to herself, but loud enough for Rena to overhear. Looking over to the other side of the room, Adillya's eyes fell across Firis. "Do you think we could help her?" Adillya asked Rena while pondering the reason to why Firis was sad in the first place.

_________________
<center>

Rena looked over at Firis after what Adillya said.
"I don't know..." she muttered. Bitting her bottom lip, she went over to Firis.
"For what it's worth... I know how you feel. And your mom, Crymson? She was a nice lady, and brave. I wish I had a mother like her, you're lucky."

_________________

(}--{)Imagination Inspires Ideas -Zandain(}--{)
Married Cloud Strife 9/17/08

Firis glanced up at Rena, her eyes cold.

"Thank you." She said coldly, but she didn't mean it. She got to her feet, and brushed past the girl, stumping off to Meridian.

She sat down beside him, her arms crossed defiantly across her chest. Meridian recoiled slightly, feeling the waves of anger and grief rolling off her like waves.

He moved back slightly, then slid back, his face grimaced as she elbowed him in the stomach. Soon, the nasty look on her face dissapeared, as Meridian wrapped himself slowly around her, cradling her in his warmth.

Rena watched Firis stomp past her. She gave a confused sigh. I'm only thirteen, maybe someday I'll get what just happened there, she thought...

_________________

(}--{)Imagination Inspires Ideas -Zandain(}--{)
Married Cloud Strife 9/17/08

Adillya stood up and walked over to Rena. "Did you find out anything?" she hesistated. Adillya only asked because it seemed to be appropriate. She did not believe in the least that anything was learned. She had looked into the eyes of Firis, and the lady appeared to be angry with life. "It's ok," Adillya told Rena, not fully realizing that Rena hadn't answered the last question yet, "she will be fine in time. I think I heard something about her mother earlier. That would break her heart. Adillya understood; her father died, and her mother was dieing.

_________________
<center>

Sorcha joined Rena and Adilya. "She's not angry at you." she said quietly. "Just at the world." She smiled, her face a combination of compassion and understanding.