[Citanul]

"I'll light the night with stars."

The young man wasn't peddling or panhandling; his guitar case wasn't open, merely resting alongside him as he strummed the guitar, delicately tuning as he went along. It was obviously quite new and he was having a hard time adjusting to the deeper tone of this particular model. Frowning a bit he adjusted it on his lap, making a few more adjustments to the strings.

Even in the low point of the tourist season it seemed pretty empty, only a few people here and there. It was nice, really, having most of the beach to himself. Too cold to swim yet though there were some adventurous souls attempting to do so. The crashing of the waves upon the shore drowned out anything they were saying and usually served as a compliment to his singing.

Finally happy with the sounds he coaxed from his new instrument Itzal began again, a familiar tune to any of the citizens here.

"When darkness comes you know I'm never far."

It was passion and longing that brought the words from his lips, a hunger he never quite had quenched. Sure, there were lovers, there always had been those stricken with his voice, his looks. But they'd never sated him, not truly, and there were times he doubted it would ever happen.

[Flame]

“Come on, Didi, the water’s great!”

The words were accompanied by a delighted giggle as small feet splashed through the shallows, the waves lapping playfully at bare ankles. The feet belonged to a young woman dressed in a light pink blouse and white shorts, her chestnut hair tied loosely back, stray strands finding freedom from the hair-tie as she frolicked through the waves. A few more strands of hair came loose as she shied away from a particularly large wave, eliciting a small burst of laughter as she skittered back onto the drier shore. Sweeping her hair back behind her ears, she made her way over to a stoic blue figure sitting nearby (but far enough not to be touched by the water) on the sand.

The individual in question was none other than a Cyber Fellox, a rather large hound with a less-than-approachable appearance. With the strange, glowing marks on his pelt and the pools of blue flame which flickered across his body, no one would have guessed that he was the pet of a young woman like Fleur. Well, he wasn’t so much a pet as he was a bodyguard, but that wasn’t really how she saw it. He hadn’t so much as budged from his perch when she’d called out to him – it wasn’t in his nature to have fun (nor did he seem to have the capability to understand it). He had one job, and that was to ensure the safety of his young mistress – it was a task which he took extremely seriously. Perhaps a little too seriously.

“Oh Zo, lighten up, will you? It’s not like we’re at a funeral. This is the beach, for goodness sake!” Fleur playfully ruffled his ears, an act which would have warranted a mauling if it had been anyone but her. His response was to look huffier, although it looked rather ridiculous, considering the fur of his face was now rather unkempt thanks to her treatment. “You know the water would mess with my circuits,” he grumbled gruffly (although this was not entirely true – he had been created to be waterproof, despite his circuit-like appearance). “Plus, you know I hate getting wet.”

Fleur laughed, and seemed as if she were about to continue pursuing the subject when, to Zodiac’s great relief, her attention was suddenly drawn elsewhere, this time away from the water. “Look, Zo! There’s someone playing guitar!” And with that, she was off again, making her way over to this new attraction, her bare feet sinking lightly into the sand. It was only then that the flaming blue fox picked himself up, padding slowly after his mistress, a silent (but rather conspicuous) shadow.

Fleur came to a halt in front of the guitarist, her eyes bright with contained excitement as she watched him strum his instrument. The only reason why she hadn’t already addressed him (the way she had a tendency to do with all new people) was because she didn’t want to interrupt him in the middle of a song. The tune was one that was only vaguely familiar to her, but it was one she had definitely heard before. The man had a beautiful voice, and one which fit the song perfectly, filling it with new passion and meaning which brought a smile to her lips. It spoke of a hidden meaning which transcended the words that he sang – a secret that he only he knew. Perhaps when he was finished she would ask him about it.

[Citanul]

The sounds of everything else on the beach were usually lost to the musician as he played - it only struck him at the end of his song that he heard a beautiful, bubbling laugh. Melodic and innocent, something entirely new. Like a child's, though he knew it wasn't. Bright blues lifted from his guitar and sought out the wonderful sound only to meet soft, wide browns watching him.

Though he couldn't recall ever seeing her before there was a sense of familiarity he couldn't quite place. The way her chestnut locks barely escaped confinement, breathing slightly elevated likely from her slight jog over to hear him finish the end of his song. Innocent and beautiful and altogether riveted to him and his playing. Of course plenty had watched before, happy to hear someone play music outside of a nightclub or a bar. This seemed... Different somehow.

Unable to help it as the corners of his lips turned into a bright smile he continued the song, almost over.

"My love is
Just waiting
To clothe you in crimson roses"

His hands stilled after a few moments, plucking out just one more chord as he was done, his gaze never leaving the young woman in front of him. Of, he could see the blue-clad Fellox off to the side but he was of no concern. Just this intriguing woman and the way their eyes met.

Lithe fingers moved from the guitar then, taking her hand and pressing a whisper of a kiss to her fingertips. "Afternoon, my beautiful friend. What did you think?"

[Flame]

Fleur had closed her eyes as she let the music wash over her, swaying ever so slightly with the cadence of his strums. There were many things in this world that she liked – in fact, it was rather difficult to find anything she seemed to dislike – but amongst them, music had to be one of her favorites. It was so free, expressive, and without boundaries, much like she was; creation and expression in its purest form. As the last chord rang out, hanging lightly on the air before fading into the soothing noise of the ocean, she opened her eyes again, somewhat surprised to see that the musician’s gaze still lingered on her. It brought a renewed smile to her lips, absentmindedly sweeping a few more stray strands of hair behind her ear again.

She wasn’t the only one to notice the unusual amount of attention she was receiving either. Zodiac, being the overly-perceptive watchdog that he was, had spotted the interest this strange man seemed to harbor for his mistress, and decided that it was a little too much interest for his comfort. A low, rumbling growl emanated from deep within his chest, a quiet, but audible warning that the man ought to watch his step. One wrong move, and he would soon find that internal organs didn’t function as well outside the body than inside.

Fleur, however, seemed to take no mind of the irritated Cyber Fellox. “You have a beautiful voice,” she said, her smile brightening as she finally grabbed her chance to speak with the musician who had captured her attention. Unexpectedly, he gently took ahold of her hand and kissed it lightly, eliciting a surprised yet delighted giggle, the young woman’s cheeks flushing a light pink at the olden gesture of chivalry. However, she seemed to take it all very well in stride, and in response, bobbed a small (if somewhat unpracticed, but understandably so, considering the times) curtsey.

This apparently crossed a like for Zodiac though. As soon as the guitarist had snagged Fleur’s hand, the low growl shot up to a bloodcurdling snarl, the hackles on his haunches raising in an unmistakable warning. He probably would have leapt at the man had a dismissive motion of the young woman’s hand not stayed him, although he remained aggressive and unyielding from an uncomfortably close distance. After all, the man had to know that if he had anything at all questionable in mind, he would have a lot on his plate to deal with. “Oh, don’t mind him,” Fleur said lightly to her new companion reassuringly. “He’s just grumpy because he doesn’t like the beach. Plus, he’s not very good at meeting new people.” She chuckled lightly, clearly not as concerned in this situation as any other person would be. “Your music is simply divine. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be able to play the guitar. I’ve always wanted to learn, you know. You seem to have the skill mastered though.”

[Citanul]

Adjusting the collar of his brilliantly orange shirt Itzal couldn't help but smile brightly at the young woman before him. She was beautiful, not just in mind but in soul. The way she swayed to his music, a whole-body affair and not just a headbob, he knew she was truly appreciating it. "Thank you, my lady. I do love to sing for an audience, even if it just happens to be sea birds."

A slight glance was given to the Fellox. He had seen one before, covered in circuitry and with an attitude. It seemed to be just the way they were built, he supposed. Shame, for both he had met were handsome and protective. He tried to give a reassuring smile; he was not here to harm anyone.

"I think all of the Fellox seem to be such irritable in nature. Why, doth music not calm this beast?" He joked gently, giving another chord on the guitar. Soft, rhythmic, and gone nearly as soon as it came. His attention was fully on the woman in front of him however, despite her guardian.

"Mm? Perhaps I could show you. I play at least weekly around here for the tourists." A smile, as he pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to her. "My name is Itzal, forgive my lapse in manners. If you would be interested in a lesson or two, I would be glad to offer my skill to you."

[Flame]

Fleur graced the guitarist with a warm smile – if there was one thing she loved, it was seeing people do the things they were passionate about. Not because they wanted money, fame, or worldly goods, but just because they gleaned joy from it, and in the process, gifted that same joy to others. She wished that she had such a talent herself, but none came to mind. If one were to ask anyone who had ever met her though, they would tell you that for her, that gift was simply her nature. Being around her in itself brought light and happiness to people’s lives. Her joie de vivre was seemingly epidemic in its contagiousness, and she always seemed to see the silver lining in all of the hardships which life entailed.

“You should share your love of music with the world often,” she said. “I know the sea birds appreciate it, even if they don’t tell you so themselves.” She giggled lightly, the sound a melodic tinkle amidst the rhythm of the waves against the shore. “They told me so,” she joked with a playful wink. No, she couldn’t actually understand the speech of animals (Zodiac aside – he was a special case), even if she was caught talking to them quite often. She liked to think that they at least understood her tone of voice, and they seemed to enjoy her presence as well – or at least, not mind it.

“Zo has never been much of a music connoisseur,” Fleur mused, looking over at the large, still-bristling fox. She placed a soothing hand on his head, her gaze gentle as she smiled at her overenthusiastic guardian. The gesture seemed to mollify him slightly, as the Cyber Fellox grudgingly sank back down onto his haunches, although he still appeared irritated judging by the suspicious gaze which still remained fixated on the guitarist. Even he, the fiercest of the fierce, couldn’t stay angry in Fleur’s presence for long. “He spends too much of his time protecting me, you see,” she explained to her new friend, her voice almost slightly apologetic. “He doesn’t get much time for hobbies.”

At Itzal’s – that was a unique name, for sure, and one she’d never heard before – suggestion though, her face suddenly brightened again in anticipation. “There’s nothing in the world that I’d love better than that,” she exclaimed happily, beaming at him with uncontained excitement and gratitude. It was amazing to think that they had just met but a few moments ago. The way she spoke to him, it was as if they’d been friends for years. “I’m Fleur,” she responded cheerily, accepting the card he extended to her, “and my friend over there is Zodiac.” She was finally going to get to learn to play the guitar! And from such a talented player, no less. “So, when can we begin?”


(Sorry about the delay - school just started up again, and it's been crazy busy. I've been itching to get a Fleur reply up though, and finally found the chance to. Hopefully things will be better once I settle into this new schedule for the semester.)

[Citanul]

[No prob!   As you saw with my post I hope, I have a new nephew! He'll be coming home in a month or so, hopefully, and I'm helping get his room ready and stuffs. But I'll be on.]

That smile warmed his heart. It was like when his little adopted son smiled; it lit his entire face, warmed everyone around him. This woman would not be time wasted - her presence could bring him ease. Hopefully her guardian would never dim that light. It would be such a shame to see.

"Oh, I intend to." He chuckled, his deep voice not daring to drown the wonderful melody that was her giggle. "I come out every day to share my gift with the ocean. Most enjoy it, I'd say." He wouldn't mention how it made his heart ache if he wasn't out here, the music and the waves taking away the heartache of his losses away.

There was a bright grin to Zo. "I thought music doth soothe the wild beasties." Itzal teased as he put the guitar away into its case, pushing the bit of change he'd been thrown into a little pocket he'd roughly sewn into the side. "I'm sure that he must have to listen for you flitting away all the time - such a gentle soul does need a protector."

Maybe someday, that would be him instead of the bristling Fellox. "Perhaps I could treat you to lunch before we begin?" His own smile was no less contained, no less brilliant and all for the woman in front of him. "The both of you, of course. I trust you like seafood? I know the best place in town to get some lobster rolls, and the crispiest fries you've ever had."

[Flame]

“Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m surprised more people don’t come out just to hear you.” Fleur glanced around, startled to see that the spectators that had been here a moment ago had already drifted away without so much as a farewell or a “thank you”. Perhaps they hadn’t wanted to interrupt her conversation with him. Yes, that must have been it. Fleur had a knack for always seeing the best in people – in her mind, people were all kind and if anyone ever did anything bad, it was out of a dire need. After all, if you lived your life in such a beautiful world, why would you ever want to commit a crime or hurt others? It was a concept beyond her. “If I’d known that you were out here all this time, I would come out every day to listen to you play.”

Zodiac, on the other hand, still looked quite unimpressed with this entire charade. As far as he was concerned, any man who wasn’t family was a threat to his mistress. After all, being who she was, it would be so easy for someone to take advantage of a soul as sweet and innocent as herself if he wasn’t there to prevent it. There was certainly a beauty and wonder in just how trusting and optimistic she was – it was an outlook which never lasted beyond childhood for most people. Fleur – well, she was a rare case.

“If only he were a little less suspicious of the world,” she said with a hint of sadness as she looked over at the Fellox. “But he has saved my life more than once and kept me safe for my entire life, so I am forever thankful to him. Even if he does get a little overzealous about his job sometimes.” At Itzal’s offer of lunch though, she immediately brightened again. “Oh, that would be wonderful,” she said, smiling cheerily at him. “As I love the ocean, I love everything that comes of it as well. So does Zo, even though he doesn’t really let on. Don’t you, Zo?” Chuckling, she pat him lightly on the head to which he simply responded with a slightly disgruntled rumble, although he seemed slightly less hostile at the mention of food. A thought suddenly seemed to occur to her though. “Are you sure that would be alright though? I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you, after all.”

(Yeah, I saw! He's beautiful! <3 Congratulations! Hehe, I bet it'll be quite an adventure, preparing everything for his arrival. What a lucky boy he is to have such a loving family, all excited to have him home. )

[Citanul]

(Thanks so much. : ) And he certainly is a lucky boy!)

"Perhaps they do, I hardly notice most of the time." Itzal chuckled quietly, just giving her a warm smile. She was so innocent, how could he shatter her view of the world? It was rarely ever black and white, he had come to know so well. "Ah, well I am out here every day, and you are welcome to listen."

Picking up his guitar case he looped it over his shoulder, giving a slight nod. Of course he wasn't a threat to anyone... Well, most of the time. He didn't see any real reason that this beauty would ever set off in his PTSD. Or what he figured was as such.

"Some of us have reason to be suspicious of the world, m'dear. Unfortunately the world is not kind to anyone." He softly took her hand once more, kissing her fingertips. "Of course! I have little else to do today, I just like playing near the beach. It would never be an inconvenience to take friends to lunch. Plus, we can eat outside on the patio." It might be a little uncomfortable for the Fellox to eat off of the floor, so he always tried to accommodate his quadruped friends.

He gladly started to lead them, still gently holding onto Fleur's hand, should she let him. "So where do you two come from? I've lived here my whole life, haven't really travelled much."

[Flame]

Fleur nodded happily when Itzal told her that she was welcome to come out and listen to him anytime. She mentally made a note to do so, although she was sure that Zodiac would be less than thrilled with that. She didn’t worry though – she was sure that given time, he would come around and perhaps warm to the man. Her heart told him that he was a kind soul, and she was inclined to trust its judgment.

At his words, a light frown seemed to wrinkle her brow, as if in concern. “Well that all seems rather unfair, doesn’t it? I think that every person deserves to be happy, and that all should be treated with equal fairness.” That was the innocence talking in her once again. It was for this reason that Zodiac worried about her – she thought that all people were kind at heart, and that if treated kindly, every person would return that treatment. As both he and Itzal knew, that wasn’t always how the world worked, unfortunately.

However, she quickly perked up again at the prospect of lunch and getting to spend more time with this delightful man. “Why, that sounds simply marvelous,” she said with a happy smile, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet with contained excitement. “It is indeed a lovely day outside today, and the seafood here is unparalleled, from what I’ve heard from travelers. And I would love nothing better than to share that with you today.” Her hand rested gently in his as they walked, allowing him to lead her onwards. Zodiac watched silently, his eyes still disapproving, but he did nothing to stop them. After all, it seemed like this man didn’t mean his mistress any harm.

“Well, Zo and I are originally from Lamenolai, the city where my parents live. We’ve been travelling for the past year or two though, exploring Barakka, and we’ve been here in Jawan for a few weeks now. I’m surprised I haven’t seen you on the beach before.” Perhaps they’d only explored other areas until now. “Travelling is wonderful though – there’s just so much to see in the world. If you could go somewhere, where would you choose?”