<blockquote><div><cite>Dream of Purity wrote:</cite>Noel smiled as he left the bedside, leaving the signature amber carnation he left at so many other lover's homes. This one an artist, not with paints or pastels, but words; a bard of sorts. "Until we meet again, my love." <span style="font-style: italic">love.</span> Truly an insignificant value today, or thought so by many. Noel paused at the door, staring back at the man's medium, bedraggled locks, his deep skin, and soft, deep pink lips. A sigh filled the small cabin, this was likely the last time Noel would see this man alive, and yet, the man slept, dreamt of peaceful, serene things. While, ever looming, the ripples grew larger, the veil between the worlds threatening to collapse at any moment. It was him, his fault, that demon, that foul monstrosity. <br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">The Shade King.</span><br/><br/>Noel shook his head, it was not something he wanted to think about. His immortality, eternal youth slipping, no, being ripped away. He forced a smile, and turned, the world swirling out of his view. The replacement, a gorgeous... stump? "Dammit!" he called, this was not his meadow, not his haven. <span style="font-style: italic">Damn ripples.</span> He silently cursed. The rustling of branches and whatnot caught his attention, he turned to see a woman. Dressing. He blushed slightly, or would have, had his youth not once again failed him. thank goodness for invisibility, or an elderly man staring at a woman dressing might have been considered odd. He watched her with curiosity, she seemed to know exactly where she was going, Noel was intrigued. If nothing else, the dagger at her side told of adventure, mayhaps a powerful maiden to win over? Noel was so caught up by her power and elegance that he failed to notice her connection to the veil, some flow of magic surrounded her, but Noel simply stared on in wonder, so definite in her steps, as if she had been here before, so powerful in stride, she knew right where she was going... Where? Home? To her husband? Noel winced at the last thought, he silently prayed that it wasn't the case. Either way, he followed her lead, keeping silent paced some distance behind her.</div></blockquote>