Aberon sighed. This was where his new life had begun. Here in this small clearing of the great Norwood Forest, now covered in bright sunlight and happy birdsongs. Aberon enjoyed lying in the bright sunlight. He was alone, as he had suspected he was that one day long ago when he had met Stirling and decided to become a thief. What a glorious, life-changing day that had been for him! He hadn't thought so back then, of course, but now...now he knew.

He scratched his red-scaled arm absent-mindedly, thinking of all the great things that had happened since that day. He had been a cowardly fool. Now he was a daring, striking young man, handsome in his own dragonish ways. He flopped himself over so his back could get some of the warm sun. How long had it been since he could relax in a forest glade, contented and untroubled by unwholesome thoughts?

He laughed quietly to himself and sat up. He had heard something rustle in the trees. Someone was sneaking up on him...or maybe just oblivious to his presence here. Either way, his whole body tensed, ready to run, fight, or anything he needed to do.

((Not very good, but I'm in a hurry...sorry :())

The wind whipped through Meera's hair as the trees rushed by her on both sides. She grinned in silent ecstasy at the rush she got whenever she rode Enzo in the forest. They both galloped along, both oblivious and not caring of the fact that others may be in the clearing and could be watching them both at this very moment. That fact meant nothing to Meera. She felt at home with the giant oaks and maples that surrounded her comfortingly in the forest. Many times she had come here for various reasons. She had fallen in love, cried her eyes out, and had many a battle within these confines. One could say that she called this area her own home, she knew it like she might her own village. Slowing Enzo, Meera eventaully settled back down into his back. When his gait was at a walk once again, Meera jumped off without waiting for him to halt. She inhaled the fresh, crisp air once again and headed off in seemingly no particular direction. Crashing through the underbrush, she arrived upon the stream that she was heading for. Cupping her hands, she lifted the crystal clear water to her mouth and drank from it. Once through, she watched Enzo drink his fill. Giving her horse a smile, she took a second to contemplate what to do.

Knowing perfectly well where she was, she thought about places to go that where somewhat near here. Knowing of a small clearing where she could just relax in the middle of her home, she decided to head in that direction. Trusting Enzo to follow her, Meera headed off again into the thick of trees. It always somehow looked as if she had no clue where she was going, but it was in fact quite the opposite. She knew every plant and bush that lay in the forest. Carefree about anyone that could possibly surprise her, Meera's steps were loud and unmasked. They did not even vaugely resemble the steps that a person trying to hide them would take. Noting the bushes that she knew to be right before the clearing, she shortened her long strides to smaller ones and walked slower. Pushing through the branches across her face, she stepped out into the open. The first sight that caught her eyes was a half-dragon male just lying there. His appearance suggested that he was ready for anything she might have brought, but Meera did not want to fight him. Giving him a cheery smile, she said "sorry to bother you, I didn't know that you were here. By the way, I'm Meera." One might think her overly positive, but what could she say? She was having a good day.

Aberon relaxed at the sound of her friendly voice. Good-aligned, obviously, but probably oblivious to his alignment, which was teetering on the edge of neutral and evil. He did not act evil most times, just like a normal, hyper, sarcastic teenage boy, but inside he felt that he could not be good. Things that were good did not interest him as much as things that were evil. Normally all evil is shrouded with mysteries, and codes that he wanted - needed, even - to decipher.

"Nice to meet you, Meera," Aberon said while extending his unclawed hand for her to shake. "My name is Aberon." He shook hands firmly with her and then relaxed back into a sitting position. He did not speak after that, only stared at the ground, waiting for her to talk, as he knew she would. From her happy hello and obvious good mood, he figured that this girl could probably talk for ages. He didn't mind too much. Sometimes having talkative company was good, and Aberon loved to listen.

Silence shrouded the forest for a few precious seconds, and then the birds erupted into song again, and leaves whirled by in the slight breeze of the warm air. Aberon let out the breath he hadn't even realized he was holding and looked over at the tall girl that was standing above him.

Meera gave Aberon a small nod and a smile as he introduced himself. She confided, "I like that name." Her gaze drifted off almost as if she was daydreaming, but in fact she was still thinking about him. She just got bored very easily and found it better to look at other things even though trying to focus on one in particular. Some found that quite ironic but she didn't care. As long as it worked, that's all that matters. When he offered his hand, she slid out her own as well and equally returned his shake. As he fell silent, she took that as a sign that he thought she wanted to talk. Even though that wasn't her first intention, she would take any oppurtunity she got. She smiled cheerily at him again and said "lovely day in the forest isn't it? Nice and warm, not too warm though." then sighed. She continued "I'm just in here to enjoy it. Why are you here?" She thought that if she offered her own reasoning for being in here, he might be more inclined to share his.

Her head then turned to the side as she heard the softer, but still audible sound of another creature coming through the brush. She knew that it would not be a wild animal, so she assumed it was one of her companions. As soon as the creature arrived, Meera knew she was right. It was only Akira, her fox companion. Turning back to the man she said, "don't mind her. She's just my companion. She won't hurt you." Giving him another smile, Meera scooped up Akira and waited for any sign or response from Aberon.

Aberon debated on how much to tell her. The fox that trotted in startled him for a moment, until Meera explained. He smiled and nodded in comprehension. Familiars always stayed close to their master - or mistress. Aberon sighed inaudibly and spoke up.

"This place here brings back memories. Good ones. This is the first time I've returned here in a long time. Also, it's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, and I just enjoy basking in it. It feels good on my skin...and scales." He grinned and winked at her. "Not to mention I rarely get a day off. What better way to spend it than by lazing around doing absolutely nothing?" Another smile flashed across his face and he relaxed onto the ground, staring up at the blue, blue sky above him.

"Today is just one of those days where everything seems to go right." He said, halfway to himself, halfway to the girl who sat next to him. "Like everything's...perfect." He let his voice fade, enjoying the effect. Silence reigned for a few seconds, only the rustling of leaves and twigs snapping in the underbrush interrupted the quiet.

Laughing, Meera still smiled at him heartily. It was in fact a great day to be outside. She couldn't understand how people were able to be inside doing terribly boring work while the sun was shining like an invitation outside. It was an invitation that she found hard to turn down. Some, she realized did not like the outside for one reason or another, but that was their opinion and obviously not hers. Talking to him she questioned, "Isn't that what you're supposed to do on a day off? Laze around....enjoy the day." As if enforcing her point, she lifted her arms up and twirled in the sunlight. At his mention of scales, she was not surprised. She had one good friend who was in fact part dragon as well so she did not notice the scales as an oddity. Stopping her twirl, she listened to him for a little while more. Thinking for a second, Meera offered her agreement. This day was perfect for her as well. "It's days like this that remind me how beautiful life is," she confided.

Glancing behind her, she remembered the crystal clear stream that she had left. Wanting to go back, she asked "would you like to come for a swim with me?" Her eyes glinted with hapiness and joy. Water was her element and she undoubtedly felt drawn to it. Thinking about the cooling waters always made her happy. Using her hands, she smoothed out the invisible wrinkles in her shirt. Waiting for his answer, she brought her eyes back up to his face expectantly. Eager to go in the water, she flashed him a hopeful smile. She hoped he would accept. That way, she would get to know him better as well as enjoying the water she so dearly loved.

Aberon smiled at her request and stood up, brushing a few leaves off himself. He wouldn't mind going for a swim. It had been a long time since he had been in the water of his own will.

"I'd love to go with you, Meera. I love to swim." He once thought that it was strange that a half-dragon, part fire, part darkness would like to swim. Now he knew differently. Swimming was as much a part of a dragon as it was of humans with that element. "Where to?" He asked. There were many small streams and pools scattered throughout the forest, and he wasn't quite sure which one they were going to, or even if there was a specific one that Meera was thinking of. He blinked pitch black eyes at her, awaiting her answer, and the beginning of their journey to the waters.

Meera smiled as he agreed to her suggestion. Using her hand, she beckoned for him to follow her as she trudged into the forest again. This time, her elven boots helped her remain quiet. She did not want to disturb any peaceful forest animals. It was not a long walk to the stream that Meera had been thinking of. It was in fact the one that she had been riding with Enzo next to. Still holding Akira, Meera realized that the fox wanted to run ahead. Placing her down, the fox skittered off into the underbrush. Meera trusted that she could find her way to the stream. The fox always seemed to have a way of knowing where Meera was at all times. Finally, Meera saw a break in the trees. She turned back towards Aberon and said "It's right here," while pointing in front of her. She stopped for a second and slipped off her boots and cloak. Untying her hair, she let it cascade down her shoulders. Finally ready, she took a running start and jumped into the water. After touching the bottom, she swam upwards with powerful sweeping strokes. When she broke the surface, she slicked back her now dampened hair and waited for Aberon to get in.

From behind her, Meera heard a small splash. Upon turning around, she spied the source. It was Akira again now swimming towards her. Laughing she played a short game of chase with her. Seeing Aberon again, Meera got a playful glint in her eye and swam towards him. She then quickly kicked her feet up and splashed him with the water. Diving back down, she swam away and popped back up a short distance. Laughing she said "I'd never think that you'd like the water." Shrugging, Meera gave him another smile and then floated on her back lazily allowing the water to drift her downstreams a little ways. When she felt she was far enough away, she would swim upstream a bit and float again.

Aberon watched the little fox scamper off into the trees, a smile quirking his mouth. How awful, he thought, to have a familiar. To have something follow you everywhere... He grimaced thoughtfully as they walked along. Neither he nor Meera were making much noise at all, even with all of the fallen leaves scattering the forest floor. The water was clear and clean, the only way Aberon would have it. He smiled, watching Meera as she dove into the water. He would get in in due time, of course. He just wanted to watch for a little while.

Meera's splash sent cold shivers down his spine, and he jumped into the water, causing a rather large splash. He pushed himself to the surface, took a big gulp of air, and looked around, to see Meera pop up and speak to him.

"Yes, many people would think as you do. But I do so love the water, and I am an excellent swimmer!" With that he went underwater and swam sleekly over to where she was drifting. He splashed water over her and winked mischievously ((sp?)).

As Aberon jumped in, Meera thought ahead and ducked underwater so that she wouldn't be hit by the waves he made. Popping back up, she laughed and was about to speak, but then he splashed water on her. Laughing, she asked, "you know what this means don't you? This means war." Still smiling, Meera flipped back under the surface and swam further away so he couldn't get to her just yet. Thinking in terms of a "battle" she designed a plan of action. He had yet to learn that she was in fact an accomplished water mage. That was one thing that she could use to her advantage. Of course she wouldn't hurt him with any of her spells, but just to tease him, she could cast them and the call them off. First though, she climbed on top of a rock. Reaching up, she took ahold of a necklace and undid the clasp, allowing the ring that was on it to slide off. After replacing the necklace around her neck, Meera slid the ring on. Laughing, she stepped on top of the water. She was walking on water! Recently acquiring this ring, she had never really had a chance to use it. Seeing her opportunity, Meera she used it now.

The initial wonder of walking on water wore off after a while and she then focused on how to get Aberon soaking wet. To dizzy him, Meera cast her spell, create whirlpool and directed it towards where he was swimming. She waited a while, then called off the spell. Laughing once more, Meera decided to give him a chance to get back at her. She had never before used her spells in a truly "fun" way. They had always had an important need. Never before had she used them just for fun. It was kind of nice to realize that spells did not link to seriousness.

Aberon watched her warily, waiting for another splash to come. When she slipped her ring on Aberon was confused. Why put the jewelry on if it could fall off in the water? But he soon found out what it was for, and gaped in amazement. He had never heard of such a fine ring as that, to make one walk on water! He blinked a few times and watched Meera walk on top of the still water, feet sending out barely a ripple. Suddenly he was caught up in twisting water, and he heard Meera's laughter. He smiled even while spluttering and trying to fight his way out.

He was not particularly well-muscled, and water was stronger than anything, so he could not fight his way out. Instead he let it carry him around in circles. He got dizzier and dizzier, until finally the spell stopped and he was treading water again. Aberon glared playfully at Meera and ducked under the water. He tried to hide himself under some of the bottom plants, and then shot straight up and out of the water, right in front of Meera. He then came back down with a resounding crash of waves. He swam back to the surface a safe distance away from Meera and laughed.

"I haven't had as much fun in a long time, friend." Aberon said and grinned.