Promised Excursions (Lilith)

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Taking off from an enclosed area was always difficult, more so when you had extra weight on you. The move that it would require her to pull would be a bit difficult for Lilith to hang on. As Lilith settled onto her back, vines seem to crawl from the forest floor and up and around Aria and Lilith; securing her to her back….really this was going to be a bumpy take off. It was much easier when you had room to move your massive wing span. Aria’s 26 feet from nose to tip was little compared to her 48 foot wing span made it a challenge. Aria backed up into the wood, she would need to get some altitude before actually taking off. Aria lurched forward, bounding like a cat and leaping into the air before bouncing off a sturdy tree, her claws digging into the bark as she lept again to another tree. This happened once more before she unfurled her massive wings and took to the air with one might beet. Soon they were in the air; Aria carried them higher before finally catching the natural wind thermals. Her wings stretched out and the ride smoothed out considerably. Once she was gliding it would feel as though you were sailing on a calm lake. She banked slightly allowing them to turn; up here it was truly amazing. You could see for miles; the moon shone brightly and the starts lit up the night sky. In the distance you could see the castle and the city glowing with the night’s lights; near it the sea crashing to the shore. On the other side the Forever Forest stretched on for miles, all encased by the ever towering Heavens Pass. The direction they banked in was towards a large still body of water, even from there vantage point they could see the massive falls in the distance.

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Lilith took deep breaths- preparing herself. Her heart was already pounding from Sima's unexpected goodbye, so when vines started to wrap around her and Aria, she only felt her heart race more. She hugged her back tightly, closing her eyes even tighter. She felt Aria back up, and she felt as though her pulse were in her throat. Lilith let out a deep breath and felt Aria run forward. She was jolted left and right- forwards and back. Refusing to open her eyes, Lilith could only imagine the ordeal they were going through. Were they already in the air? Did they fall? Did they hit something? She didn't know, and refused to look regardless.

After a couple minutes she felt things even out, but still felt a cool breeze flowing through her hair and on her skin- they definitely hadn't landed yet. Ever so slowly, she peeked one eye open, squinting down below them. Shivers ran down her spine. No looking directly down- got it. With another breath she looked forward, rather than down.

Wow... her voice was breathy and her breathing still fast paced. She couldn't deny the beauty of the sight, but that didn't stop her from reminding herself how far in the air they had to be to be able to see what they did. Now she really hoped Aria didn't drop her.

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Aria enjoyed the feeling of the nigh air beneath her wings, she loved flying as much as she loved swimming. Always a larger sense of freedom; it was refreshing. They flew strait to the falls; eventually banking down to land gracefully on a small sandy beach. It was obvious Aria had camped here before, for there was already an unlit fire pit set up. The vines unwrapped themselves and Aria laid down on her stomach to allow Lilith to get off. When she did, the sound of Arias bones rearranging themselves could be heard. Her body shrank and formed into a humanoid shape, the scales on her skin slowly receded, replaced by the soft ivory skin. The last things to recede into her form where the large wings. Finally in her normal form she stood up and shook herself off. She walked over to a large log that was placed near the fire, worn smooth over time being exposed to the elements. She placed her hand on the log and an opening appeared as she pulled out a blanket; and a set of clothes. Aria got dressed in a simple white white long sleeved shirt much too big for her, and a pair of black pants. She unrolled the blanket and plopped down with a sigh.

”I could light a fire, but it’s easier to see the falls to sketch without the extra light.”

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When Aria landed, Lilith gave a sigh of relief. The view had been beautiful, but she much preferred her feet on the ground. She turned away while Aria dressed, taking the moment the looked around, enjoy the view and catch her breath. It certainly had been an interesting day. She turned at Aria's voice and moved to sit with her, nodding in agreement. Natural light is always best, but fire is beautiful as well- for different drawings. General coal is used there. Always smudgy, but pretty. She sighed and moved to take over book and an ink pen she found at the library months ago.

After a moments thought, she did an lay out plan of the trees in front of her, with only a corner of the falls. Just to start with, she enjoyed the shape and form of trees- always had. She would move on to the falls after, but water always was more difficult to do. She wanted to talk to Aria, ask questions, but she didn't know what to ask about her- she seemed so open about it all, like the answers to anything she asked would be right in plain sight.

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Aria nodded to Lilith’s response then stretched out on the blanket with her arms tucked in behind her head. Her eyes watching the stars up above. She was comfortable just sitting in silence. After the stressful baths, the quiet was nice. Sometimes it didn’t need to be disturbed.

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Lilith finished her sketch of the trees, her miniature warm up so to speak. She shifted her body over to get a better view of the falls, and got to work, etching out thin lines for where the water would fall, never able to fully capture the exact image, as the water continuously flows. After a couple minutes of continued silence, aside from natural sounds and the simple scraping noise the ink made, Lilith stopped her hand and glanced over at Aria.

...You're fated.. aren't you? She vaguely remembered meeting the fierce woman on top of a statue, reading away without a worry. What is your world like? She knew it was similar to this one, she remembered being told that, but she didn't know the details- and worlds aside from this one fascinated her.

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Aria side glanced at Lilith when she spoke, a small smile gracing her lips. She gestured to all that was around them with a soft sigh.

”Very much like this one; however that grand castle was in my basement. Though just about as dangerous roaming it then as it is now…for different reasons. Basically I’m from a thousand years from now more or less. Much is lost in my time…its quite bland considering how many difference races live under one kingdom….its kinda nice…only thing I miss is my family.”

Aria closed her eyes.

”The city of Nova is replaced in my time with the red city known as Feyerlun. The city of Nova was nothing but preserved ruins in my time. However many places like these falls, this forest, the springs, mountains and rivers all stood the test against time. Even some of the buildings, like the Bloody Mary, Gallows Inn….which was renamed to Hang Mans Tavern…so appropriate, the library; these also survived. So this place is a lot like my home with minor differences…When I was seventeen the city of Feyerlun fell; the empire was split up into three kingdoms. I admit I was a bit of a bad influence on one of the kings there….nothing more fun than getting royalty to go shield sledding down a city street with you on a rainy day….I don’t think the Majesty in this time would be very much up to those antics though.”

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Lilith listened attentively, taking in the details she could. The Nova of the future... fallen? So a long time from now, things will fall and change...? Wouldn't you being here mess with time and fate though? I mean, you know what happens in the future, couldn't that tamper with it? She knew Aria wasn't here by choice, none of the Fated were, but that didn't stop her from asking- most of the fated, if not all of them, didn't have the restrictions Aria seemed to, if Lilith was right.

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Her face went grim….remembering…Aria at that moment looked much older than her age of twenty four.

”Yes….Its not something I want to see repeated a third time”

Aria sighed and shook her head.

”This time was different before we arrived; pieces that were present in my history are not here…I may have knowledge of the past, but things are not the same here. I cannot assume my knowledge is sound or correct. This is a new start for all of us….better or worse….time will tell”

Aria looked over at Lilith.

”Whats your opinion on fated people?”

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Serenity nodded, knowing that uncertainty is never a good feeling. She remained silent, knowing that it was better to say nothing than the wrong things- to speak of things she knew nothing about. When she did go to answer, she began drawing again, knowing that the wrong words could be bad here.

Well.. i find them quite fascinating. Over all you all seem kind, and well hearted- I know that isn't always the case. I know that you, Kail, and very few others, all mean well, and just want to get along in this world, no matter how different it is from your own. Who am I- no... who are we, to try and stop you? She sighed lightly, and worked in some detail to the rocks around the water, framing the falls.

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Aria listened carefully as Lilith picked her words; Aria smiled….so much potential.

”I think his majesty is in a difficult position. Even the blind can see the middle and lower class struggle for survival already. The third district is rampant with crime and poverty. Fated being brought into this world only puts more people on the streets and more competition for work. More mouths to feed and bodies to clothe where there isn’t enough to go around in the first place. We are a burden whether we choose to be or not. Thus we have to watch our steps that much more; we are not entitled to anything in this kingdom….every spot we take every job we take puts one more person on the streets to face starvation, sickness, and eventually a slow death. Yet….despite the difficulties we are sure to be causing…it is recognize it’s not by our own doing. I think his majesty is remarkably patient considering the circumstances.”

Aria looked up at the stars…..she was honest….fated could be treated much worse then what they were being treated as currently. She could understand why people could easily be brought to hate them.

”I don’t think this is a thought that crosses most fates minds….being ripped from your world is pretty upsetting…and losing everything you have or had…. I think it’s easy to miss the lives we disrupt when we appear.”

This was why she had went and lived straight in the forest when she came here….then again she would have been more than happy to bunk with Garrett, disrupting his life was sort of her thing.

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She stopped drawing and mulled over Arias words. She had never seen it that way- had never even thought of those things. Aria wasn't wrong, every job a Fated took, was a job someone born in Nova couldn't have, but Lilith didn't see that as a bad thing. Who's to say the Fated weren't as entitled to it?

I suppose... People are closed minded.. it's a sad thing, but it's something that has never changed, though over time, I'm sure everyone will see- you belong here as much as the rest of us. She smiled faintly at Aria.

After a moment, she blurted out another question, her shyness subsiding for the moment. Who is Rivers? To you I mean, The two of you seem rather close.

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”We will only belong when we make a place for ourselves. That is true for anyone not just fated.”

As Lilith blurted her very unlilith like question out Aria snorted; did she and him seem that close? Well then again she did almost wrestle him while naked…..

”Rivers is a close friend….or a crazy ass uncle…. Almost… I ran the bloody mary in my time; I caught him cheating at a card game and blackmailed him into working for me. We’ve been friends since then, hence why he calls me boss. Our relationship is pretty simple; for the most part. He’s one of the few people I can say I have true attachment for….What about you and Sima how did you meet”

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Lilith smiled, she could only imagine Rivers actually working for Aria, but the "Boss" name, now made sense. She's always assumed it was a sarcastic joke. She smiled and added some foliage at the top of the falls, stopping at Arias question. How had she met Sima? Now that was an interesting story, and one she would have to edit to keep his secret.

Sima is, well an interesting guy to say the least. I met him when I was in the forest. A wolf had stolen his food and he was tracking it down to get it back- obviously he didn't catch it. Instead he ran into me. We talked for a bit, and I gave him berries to eat, as he'd lost his food. Not long after that, we discovered we had been surrounded by the wolves pack. That was an interesting fight- neither of us came out unscathed, but obviously we lived... I found out he'd been living in the forest, and offered him a place to stay... he's been with me ever since to be honest. Her voice was soft, enjoying the recollection of the memory.