Summer Festivities [open to all Gifted!]

[ash]

Mya Moon had been sitting by the window for hours now, watching the hazy clouds float above the sky before they disappeared behind a black, starry sky. Mya sat up straight in the large arm chair as she continued to stare at down at the lights being set up on the steps leading up to the castle. The beautiful candles with stone bases were being laid out along the edges of the wide steps all the way up to the wide open French doors.

Mya hadn't heard from Catalyna in a long time and so she was contemplating finding a Second Lady or Sir. But tonight was all about having the Gifted clan together for a Summer celebration. Mya had always attended the Welcoming of Spring celebration growing up, but lately she hadn't been able to tell the difference between Spring and Fall due to her being so busy.

So, tonight would be a Welcoming of Summer Celebration, although it had been summer for a while now. Mya felt she needed to relax and see the faces of her clan, after all, she hadn't seen anyone outside the castle grounds in weeks or even months depending on who you were. Mya stood up when a few of the girls who had been living in the castle for a while came in. She gave them all a wide smile before smoothing out her light blue dress.

Mya could already hear the voices of all the people in the castle. She had had most of the food prepared earlier in the day so that everyone in the castle would be able to attend tonight. There weren't many Gifted clan members like there used to be, so Mya expected the crowd would be smaller than it had been in the past few years. Mya looked down the hall and out the wide open front doors. The dark field surrounded a gravel path, illuminated with small floating flames of fire, courtesy of a few of the girls that were with her now. Looking at the two girls who were elementals, they didn't seem like they were concentrating on the flames but yet they had complete and other control over the flames out in the field. At least if the dry grass did catch on fire they could put it out quickly.

Mya walked over to the door where she stood in order to greet any Gifted who arrived. Mya looked at the girls for a moment before nodding her head and they immediately bolted toward the large ballroom that had been elaborately decorated. Mya hadn't opened the doors to that room almost since she became the Leader of the Gifted. Mya looked around at the other greeters before she stared off at the dimly illuminated path, waiting for Gifted to arrive.

[zentaro]

He wasn't sure why he was here exactly but he was; it was a time of celebration was it not? He figured that t-shirt and jeans was not formal enough and a suit was too formal. He had only been to a few of these things and the last one had been fifty years ago. Either way he made his way down from the castle and followed the path toward the torches and field? He was confused on where the celebration was being held but soon found the doors to the ballroom being opened. Now he felt under dressed. Either way he walked toward the opened door, following the path from the castle.

The elemental was very nervous as he assumed he would be one of the few that attended. Their species was a dying one and it might be clear that Mya and his relationship might not go pass than a friendship of sorts. He barely remembered the day that they had laid in her bed; had they even kissed? He honestly did not remember; yet in his pocket he had a letter from the Lemegetton, well it had been written on the behalf of the woman anyway, by a girl named Aurora. He assumed she was some sort of vampire as well and did not know that she was one of their own being held prisoner. Well, he did not know that at all but the letter was addressed to Mya and he had not read it.

In due time he'd give it to the leader; his brother had given it to him. A very complicated chain of communication but it was not as if they could personally deliver it. Sighing he walked up the steps to see Mya at the door. "Hello M'lady." he greeted her politely, unsure of how or what to do. He'd wait until later to deliver the letter; let the woman enjoy the night a bit. He didn't like playing messenger boy, but he would if it was to save his species or whatever the reason behind the letter was for.

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outfit: here

[ash]

Mya watched the ballroom quietly. It was a bit depressing seeing how large the room was and how very few Gifted there actually were. No doubt the ballroom had been built to host the several hundred Gifted there had been many years ago but now it was just a constant reminder of their dwindling race. Mya frowned and her fushia-red eyes darkened under her long eyelashed.

Mya didn't want anyone to know how much she had been brooding lately. It definitely wasn't healthy and she was sure that if she hadn't put on a bit of make-up her pale complexion would have made her seem like a ghost.

Mya stood in the doorway with a light breeze coming in through the open doors. Mya leaned up against the cool wall behind her and looked down at her shoes. For a moment she glanced up and took another look into the ballroom but only seeing a couple of people still she ran a weak hand through her firery red hair. There wasn't much Mya could do about their small numbers. The Gifted would just need to stay under the radar for a while until their numbers began to increase again. It was a sad sight and she was sure that, if they were alive, most of her family would be saddened as well. Mya may not have gotten along with her family at all times but they all were very alike in their ways.

The tall woman stared at herself in the floor to ceiling mirror down the hall. The dark night and flickering flames were the only things reflected in the glass. Mya scowled at herself in the mirror. Stop brooding Mya. Tonight is supposed to be a celebration... She thought to herself.

Mya's eyes wondered around the echoing corridor and she allowed her head to slump ever so slightly. When Mya heard the echoing of steps coming through the door she barely turned her head. When she saw the familiar face she abruptly straightened up and smiled widely. "Zentaro." Mya was enthusedto see Zentaro. She couldn't quite remember the last time she had seen him except for the fact that she had been developing feelings for him. "It's been a long time. How are you?" Mya said, all previous thoughts forgotten.

[zentaro]

He was not even sure where to begin as he stood there with the letter neatly folded in the back of his pocket. It was barely noticeable as he moved toward the ballroom. He wasn't sure what to feel it had been forever since he had been with anyone or done anything meaningful. He couldn't even remember what all he had done with Mya. He knew they did not have sex. That he was sure of; he would have remembered, but it felt so very long ago. Taro had been busy; moving stuff around in his room, perfecting his powers.

"I am good, M'lady. It's good to be back.." he mused lightly nodding to her. Sure he did have feelings for her still - had since the day she took her position as leader, but he was shy as usual and unsure of himself. Also of where he stood with her. He disliked how few there were; he had also searched for a few Gifted but he assumed the other pair of twins; similar to his predicament were dead. Aurora..she was being held captive by the Lemegetton. Well captive was not the right term but she was dwelling with the widow. The man returned her smile though before looking around the room once more.

They certainly needed to get their numbers up but reproducing was very hard when there seemed to be few females around he seemed to be the only male. A dying breed they were and he was upset about it but kept the emotion underneath the surface. "How have you been?" he asked after a few moments of silence. He couldn't forget his manners.

[ash]

Mya looked up at Zentaro; remembering his height very well. She was a tall woman herself but Zentaro still towered above her. Mya's smile she was giving Zentaro was rather rare these days. She didn't smile all too often despite the fact that she used to be very happy. She supposed none of the Gifted were particularly happy at the moment. Mya stood in the open doorway of the ballroom and stared up at the large chandelier that had been with the Gifted people for decades.

"I am good, M'lady. It's good to be back.."

Mya rested a finger just under her chin as she watched Zentaro closely. She didn't want to think about how long it had been since she last saw him. All she knew was that she was extremely happy and relieved to see him. Finally, there was someone she knew. Lately, people in the castle had been going about their own business and leaving Mya in peace since she hadn't been talking to very many people herself.

"How have you been?"

Mya looked a bit startled at Zentaro's question. She stood in silence for a moment before biting her lip and pushing a red curl behind her ear. "Well, I've been..." Mya looked up at Zentaro with a sheepish grin on her pale lips. "I've been better." Mya said with a defeated sigh. Her eyes flickered towards the empty ballroom quickly, gesturing as to why. Mya pressed her lips firmly together for a moment and her arms hung at her sides delicately. "I suppose that's how many are feeling..." Mya's voice trailed off as she watched the girls in the ballroom dancing with one another. A soft smile spread across her lips as Mya remembered the days when she was young and was allowed to just simply forget for a little while.

[zentaro]

He wasn't sure how to act around her nor anyone here even though there were only those two women. He sighed softly looking back at Mya as she said she had been better. "Yes..I feel the same way.." he trailed off as well. It seemed they were the only ones that were going to show up. He straightened up a bit; not sure if he was able to remember the steps or not but then this wasn't a completely formal ball. Otherwise he would have been in a tuxedo.

"Would you like to dance, Mya?" he asked offering his hand to her. It seemed there was not that many here. He remembered when the Gifted were numerous; but he supposed that the wicked venom addiction was taking more and more of them away. He hated it but smiled down at the woman as he waited to see if she would want to dance. He wasn't going to waltz since he couldn't remember the steps but a simple slow dance would be good enough? Right? He hoped so.

It had been so long since he had danced - in this setting anyway. Club dancing was so easy and repetitive. They would have to get Aurora back to their lands though; after whatever was done in the letter. He didn't read it; from what he remembered. He had to remember to give it to her; only after the dance when they were alone. Which could be at any moment since there were so few people but he didn't want to bother her with such things yet. "I do have something to talk with you about though; but only after the dance." he nodded slightly. Letting her know wouldn't be so bad.

[ash]

Mya looked at Zentaro with a sad smile. Her lips were forced into what she tried to make into a smile and she immediately looked away so her gaze wouldn't betray her, although he probably knew that she wasn't doing all that well.

"Would you like to dance, Mya?"

Mya's eyes widened when Zentaro asked her to dance. She turned towards him with reddened cheeks and a bright smile. Mya looked at Zentaro for a moment, almost forgetting he had asked a question. "Oh...I would love too." Mya said cheerfully. The woman looked at Zentaro's hand before setting her hand in his. The color in Mya's cheeks began to fade, only leaving a slight blush in her pale cheeks.

The Gifted Leader looked sideways at Zentaro as they walked into the ballroom. She couldn't remember the last time she had danced with anyone. The one memory she had was of her father when he would dance around with her on his feet as a young girl. That was one of Mya's fondest memories and it only made dancing something she enjoyed. Thinking about her dad gave her a feeling of relief. She didn't know why but he had always made everything seem like it was going to be alright.

"I do have something to talk with you about though; but only after the dance."

Mya looked up at Zentaro. Her eyes glowed with curiosity as she stared up at his enchanting eyes. She then pursed her lips together in suspicion and her eyes narrowed, however, one corner of her lips was turned up in a smile. She cocked her head before letting it go, for now at least. "Hmm...Alright. Mya said quietly. She rested her other hand on Zentaro's shoulder just as another song began to play. Mya couldn't help but wonder what Zentaro wanted to talk about. Had he found another woman? Mya turned her head away from Zentaro as she bit her lip.

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Mya's face fell when the music began to die down. She attempted to glare at the musicians but they were behind her now and so she allowed herself to slow as the ballroom went quiet. The tall ceiling echoed the chatter of the ballroom. It sounded like hundreds of people were laughing and having a good time and Mya refused to turn around because she would see only a few people.

Mya looked up at Zentaro with a sweet smile. Before she headed out of the ballroom, taking his hand in hers. There was a gentle breeze coming in through the open doors as she crossed the hall and led Zentaro into the small den. Mya turned slowly to face the man before she spoke. "So what do you need to talk to me about?" Mya asked in a quiet voice. Mya had no idea what this was about but she had several things she hoped it wouldn't be about.

[zentaro]

He was so happy that she did want to dance and so he led her to the floor and wrapped a long arm around her waist before taking her other hand in his. He looked down at her as they danced for awhile then looked up around them; finding that they were the only ones dancing really. It was sad, very sad. Sighing he really rather whisk the woman off to her bedroom but that would have to wait. His breathing became shallow as they slowly danced around in a circle. It brought back bitter sweet memories of his prom. How he hated it; yet was glad he had went.

Taro couldn't exactly find another woman; Aurora from what he had heard was too young for him and a bit of a - well he wasn't sure. Jiro would sleep with anything if he had his way. Again he was lost in the music as they slowly went around the floor, he wasn't sure how to tell her. Their relationship seemed to be on hold at the moment.

The music came to an end after what seemed like five minutes; that wasn't long enough to dance with her! He wanted to just continue dancing and maybe steal a kiss; since they didn't have to worry about so many people watching them. The man was a bit surprised when she took his hand and led him off the floor. Well it was now or never. He could feel his heart thumping in his ears as he looked around the hall before being whisked away into a den. Looking around he licked his lips nervously before walking over and leaning against the desk.

Reaching behind him he took a letter out of his back pocket. The writing on the envelope was very cursive and girly looking; it was obvious he could not have written it. "I'm suppose to give this to you..." he trailed off before extending his hand with the letter in it toward her. He honestly didn't know how he felt about things anymore. It seemed so long ago that they had ridden on the two horses. So long ago that they had laid in her bed; even if it had not been about sex. He didn't mind cuddling, not at all; he just wished he could remember it.

There were so many things on his mind the last time he remembered having fun was at a club with his brother and that shifter; even that was blurry after a bit.

[ash]

Mya watched Zentaro for a long time before walking over to him. She looked up at Zentaro before looking down at the polished wood floor. She found that she was rather happy around Zentaro. The things that had been bothering her earlier didn't seem so big anymore and she could actually think a bit straighter. It was weird but Mya didn't have any means of explaining it. Sometimes things were what they were.

Mya looked down at the letter and took it out of Zentaro's hand. She turned away from him slowly as she began unfold it. The writing was neat, far better than Mya's was. She actually had to have someone write letters for her because her penmanship had never been legible, no matter how many tutors she had as a child. Mya read through the letter quickly, a bit too eager to get back to Zentaro. But then she read it again; her crimson eyes scanning word after word carefully. Saeran wanted her to try and bring Sanyu back?

Mya's brow furrowed and she turned back to face Zentaro. She looked up at the man and then back down at the letter. This was an odd request of the Lemegetton but Mya thought maybe she could come to some sort of deal with Saeran. If she really wanted Sanyu back then maybe she could strike some kind of truce or something like that with Mya and her people. "Odd...did you read it?" Mya asked walking across the room to her large oak desk. She pulled out one of the drawers before tucking the letter away in a secret compartment. "Saeran wants my help in trying to bring Sanyu back..." Mya's long fingers came up to tap her jaw. "But no matter. I can figure out what I want to do tomorrow."

Mya gave Zentaro a sad smile before she walked back over to him. Mya wasn't really sure what to say to Zentaro. What would you even call their relationship? Did they even have a relationship in the first place? Mya stopped herself from gnawing on her lip and she looked up at Zentaro before mustering up the courage to kiss him gently on the lips. Mya stood on her tip toes for a few seconds before she back away from Zentaro with a reddened face. "Sorry..." Mya said taking a few steps backwards before spinning around and taking a seat on the couch. She rested her elbows on her knees and cupped her warm face in her cool hands.

[zentaro]

He watched as she took the letter and turned around. The man fiddled with his thumbs as she did so. He wasn't sure what he was suppose to so he just sat there. "No I have not." he said watching her move over to the desk. It seemed to upset her? "What?" he looked over at her with a worried expression.

Sanyu? Wasn't that the man that had come here and belittled Mya - or in his opinion he had. He seemed very rude. He shook his head a bit; giving his opinion on the matter. Mya should refuse. He softly bit his lower lip as he thought about this. Sanyu was rude and very..domineering. Hadn't he beaten Saeran? Rumors floated around a lot and Jiro had met with the man once before. He really hadn't noticed Mya coming over to him until she was close enough to be in his line of vision; since he was looking down a bit.

His eyes widened as she leaned up and kissed him though; that was unexpected and he kissed her back or tried to before she pulled away. His brows furrowed as she apologized and whisked herself away to the couch. Why did she do that? Was he that intimidating? Slowly he got up and walked over to the couch and sat next to her; his hand smoothed up her back. "Why are you sorry?" he asked softly leaning forward to see her face.

It confused him to no end why she would be sorry about kissing him; after all they had been through or done? They had kissed before and if he remembered correctly she had straddled his lap before. "We've..kissed before..I don't understand.." he sighed and pulled his arm away. Maybe she thought that he didn't like her anymore? That was not true. He didn't even know where he stood but the man guessed it was some place good if he was getting random kisses.

[ash]

Mya looked over at Zentaro with a tightened jaw. She stared at him for a moment before mumbling to herself, just barely enough for him to hear. "I thought that maybe while you were away...you might have..." Mya took a long sideways glance at Zentaro and watched him as he pulled his hand away. Mya wasn't sure if he had met another woman or anything of the sort. She wouldn't be mad, it was just she had found herself rather beginning to like Zentaro...a lot.

Mya's eyes narrowed as she thought to herself and stared at the blank wall in front of her. Didn't there used to be a painting there? Or was she just imagining it? Mya's brow furrowed before she roped herself back in. Sometimes she wasn't very good at expressing whatever she was feeling or even what she was thinking. She turned to look at Zentaro and delicately folded her hands in her lap. "I thought that you might have met someone else...I won't be mad or anything if you did..." Mya found herself rambling on about thoughts she hadn't even really put together. No, like she told herself before, she wouldn't be mad. Zentaro was a good guy and she would be lucky if someone else hadn't gotten his attention.

Mya's dark fuschia eyes looked up in Zentaro's direction. She did really like him and she had missed him while he was away. It seemed there wasn't much to look forward to these days but the thought of him coming back was at least reassuring...

Mya gradually began to relax again. There was no point in getting all hyped up. Whether Zentaro liked her or not, whether there was someone else or not, she would be fine. "I did miss you while you were away. The castle's just become so quiet and lonely." Mya said quietly. A wave of relief came over her because she was finally able to get that much out about her feelings for Zentaro.

[zentaro]

He wasn't sure what to think as she sat there and mumbled something. The man didn't hear her clearly enough to process it so he stayed quiet; as he watched her. Taro hadn't really been focused on finding another woman since he liked Mya and most women thought of him as a friend. Plus there weren't that many Gifted women around and he wanted his children to be pure breeds.

That might sound rude but their species needed their numbers to grow and grow they must. He looked over at her sighing softly as she folded her hands. "Mya..I didn't find anyone..I went off to practice on my training more. I spent time out in the forest practicing. I saw my brother a lot as well; he helped me at times too." he sighed not exactly wanting to say all that went on between him and his sibling. He probably would never tell Mya about that.

His head turned in her direction as Mya said she had missed him. A smile crept across his lips as he leaned over to kiss the side of her head. "I missed you too." he said softly. His hand found it's place on her knee and slowly slid down a bit before moving up to cup her chin and gently get her to turn her head toward him. Once that was done he leaned in and softly kissed her on the lips.

Taro only hoped that she would make the right choice on bring Sanyu back, but maybe a bit of time in the spirit world had calmed him down a bit. Either way he broke the kiss, a light pink on his cheeks before he leaned in and gently kissed her again. These soft kisses would continue to come for a few more moments before he tilted his head slightly and deepened the next kiss.

[ash]

"Mya..I didn't find anyone..I went off to practice on my training more. I spent time out in the forest practicing. I saw my brother a lot as well; he helped me at times too." Mya listened to Zentaro quietly. She looked up at him quickly when he said he hadn't met anyone. Mya was happy, but she tried not to show it. Mya didn't want to come off like she was glad Zentaro hadn't met anyone else. It seemed a bit selfish and Mya bit her lip every so slightly as she thought to herself.

The woman sat looking at Zentaro for a while before she looked away and pushed a red curl out of her eyes. Her cheeks were lightly flushed with pink and she held her hands against her warming cheeks for a brief second. Mya put her hands down quickly. It was no use, she blushed with Zentaro all the time and there was really no way to hide it or stop it for that matter.

Mya's eyes met Zentaro's as he gently cupped her chin. She returned his smile with one that slowly spread across her lips. It was nice to hear those those four words. When Zentaro's lips met hers she couldn't resist kissing him back. Mya looked up at Zentaro when he broke the kiss for a moment. She placed a hand on one of his cheeks before leaning in to meet his kiss. Mya jumped when there was a loud burst of laughter. She glanced up at Zentaro a bit embarassed that she had been surprised by the laughing. "I'm glad you're back...Did you get some good practicing in?"

Mya wasn't really sure what to say next. It seemed like there wasn't all that much to say. Everything had been said already. She also hadn't had relationships with more than two men and that was at least sixteen years ago. She looked at Zentaro just as a figure walked past the door and into the ballroom. It seemed someone else had arrived but Mya knew her temporary Second in Command would greet them. Mya wasn't really in the mood for being with anyone else but Zentaro at the moment.

[zentaro]

He was glad that she wasn't just kissing him back for the sake of being polite; some girls had done that and he always seemed to be able to tell. Only because they didn't put much effort into the kiss. His hand had smoothed up to her cheek as well but then she jumped which made him jump slightly. "Yes I did..I can create small patches of fog now." he answered. The thing had been a little difficult to do; it had been his goal to be able to create something that two elements could create together.

The man seemed proud of his little accomplishment; it might not seem like much to others but if anyone knew how fog was created naturally then they might understand how difficult it was to create it. He didn't want to spend time talking to her though - well he did but not right now. His hand smoothed back her hair before he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. They had not spent that much time together but he was sure they fit well together? There was one thing though; he wanted her to meet his brother.

That could wait. He licked along her bottom lip before kissing her again. Slowly he started to or tried to lead her toward him by pulling back. He wanted her on his lap so things were a little easier. Of course he could always just lift her up with some air but that might scare her and he didn't want to do that. No, he wanted to make out with his crush; he wasn't too sure of calling Mya his girlfriend - yet at least. Slowly he pulled away to look at her, smile softly then lean in to press his lips against hers again. His other hand had found its way gently into her hair as he again titled his head to deepen the kiss.

[ash]

One of Mya's eyebrows raised slightly. She had a few cousins who were Elementals and it had taken them years just to learn how to control the flame of a candle. Mya's ability hadn't been too hard, or at least she didn't remember it being too much of a struggle. Mya's lips turned up into a crooked smile and she watched Zentaro's face quietly.

Mya's long hair was beginning to fall into her eyes and the rather long curls were starting to annoy her. She blew a piece of hair out of her eyes but when it fell back into the same place she took the clip out of her hair and pinned the fiery red mass back. Mya looked up at Zentaro when his lips met hers.

Although she was wrapped up in kissing Zentaro Mya could feel him pulling her closer to him. Slowly she wound up on his lap and Mya found it easier to kiss him. They were much closer to eye level now and Mya imagined it was much more comfortable for him for it was for her.

Mya watched Zentaro pull back for a moment and smile at her. She didn't want him to stop kissing her but as soon as she had thought that he was pressing his lips to hers. Zentaro's kiss deepened and his hand was in her hair; only making him kiss him back just as deeply.