The crystalline waters of Richimon Lake parted easily to allow passage of a slim body into its depths. Lightly tanned legs kicked powerfully beneath the surface, propelling the whole body easily forwards. Trim arms reached out and about lightly trapsing over water plants or fishes that swam by, unafraid. The theraputic liquid seemed to hold the girl suspended as she held her golden emerald eyes open to peer in curiousity at the water world around her. A wide smile bore the bright emblem of ivory teeth and joy. This was where she felt most comfortable. Tiny air bubbles rushed to the surface, bursting upon contact with the oxygen that signaled the end of water. With a light push of one bare foot off of the sandy bottom of the lake, the woman brought her body up to the surface. She let out an easy breath and slicked her amber hair back from her eyes as she tread. Why had it been so long since she had allowed herself the pleasure of swimming? It seemed to heal her soul. More like cleanse, for her soul wasn't truly wounded in the first place. A laugh emitted from the womans parted, rosy lips and she pulled her body to the beach of the lake. The ebony fabric of the men's tunic she wore swirled around the top of her bare thighs. She was in the middle of the wilderness. Anyone could come upon her. It wouldn't have been the first time that someone had approached her when her appearence was most indecent. So this time, she had figured that she must wear something, however little of a job it did. She would be able to cover up with her cloak when she got out of the water though. For now, that time was the distant future. She had only just gotten into the water and was quite enjoying her time spent within it.

Meera sighed and relaxed her elbows back into the wet sand at the edge of the lake. From the waist down, she was still in the water, but her upper half lay relaxed on the beach. It felt good like this. Tiny minnows entwined their way through Meera's splayed toes on one foot. They seemed to appreciate any new place to play around, for they had grown bored of the simple water plants. Meera's face shone in a small half-smile once more. This was a good part of her life. She was a goddess, she had found her long lost brother, and she was in love. If only he were here to share this moment with her. Oh Aiden. How she had missed him so when he had been gone could never be put to words. It had been just recently that she had met up with him again since forever ago. But they had parted, and Meera missed him just the same as she would if she hadn't seen him in many long years. Was that love? For, what was love? Was it an artificial emotion, was it a word made to simply sound more solid than lust? What was love? Meera sighed and lay back on the sand, curling her hands back beneath her head. Her eyes closed, sheilding her pupils from the bright sunlight that filtered through the thick branch covering that the trees gave. Her mind created another image to fill the black that was her eyelids. She saw the many people in her life whom she cared for. Friends, family, companions. Her mind had created the perfect utopia. Though, sadly, the utopia could not exist by itself in the real world, it could survivie in her mind and that was where it stayed. It only came out when Meera closed her eyes. The perfect world in the perfect dream.

Her dream was disturbed instantly by the sound of footsteps in the undergrowth of the forest. The person, or thing, was used to the forest definitely but made no move to disguise its movement. Perplexed, Meera slid back into the water. That was where she felt most comfortable for the time being. To comfort herself, Meera gathered some of the water in a orb by her fist while she tread. This being would not harm her. Finally, she heard the footsteps stop just before the thing would enter plain view. Meera prepared herself for whatever it was, hesitating just enought to allow recognition of what it was to settle in. Finally, she saw the creature. Immedietly a grin broke out on her face again and laughter bubbled up from within her stomach. Dusan. The wolf shook off her grey fur and gave a small tail wag at Meera. Meera let the water by her hand disperse back into the larger lake. Stroking forwards again, Meera pulled her body partially up on the shore. Dusan trotted over and bent her head down to sniff Meera's damp hair half-heartedly. Meera scratched the wolf behind the ears, then pulled herself up to lay on the beach, fully out of the water. The tunic clung to her every curve, but Meera was alone. It was okay. Meera lay out over the sand, making sure the tunic covered enough of her body. When she was satisfied that her hips were covered enough, Meera let out a relaxed sigh. Dusan lay across Meera's chest at direction from Meera to cover up anything that might not seem important, but in fact be completely visible in light. Meera stroked Dusan's back and lay out in the sun. It would be a good day.

And so we come, once again, to the turning of pages within the story of Aiden’s life. Countless chapter, this story has seen. A great many enjoyments and terrors alike; and yet it was a live the man did not regret in the least. That he was blind, for the most part, did not hinder him as he strode through the lush forestry. Nor did it give him any kind of sorrow or spite toward his life of total blackness. He was perfectly capable, as many a simple rogue looking for an easy job had found out on his travels. Step after step he slipped through the forestry, the ends of a scarlet cloth hanging down upon his shoulders from its wrapping about his sightless eyes. No walking stick was required, though it was a welcome companion, at times. No kind of guidance or information was given to him in order to ensure his trek through the woodlands. Which might have been why he was traveling alone. The trees, if one listened correctly, were guidance enough in their home. They could warn him of branches in his path, animals approaching, even bandits in hiding. Suddenly, the blind wanderer stopped in mid step, his head shifting slightly as a soft smile played its way across his features. The step that would have been a normal one was extended to be placed over a thick root that had somehow been uprooted.

Grey wolf...

Came the gentle whisper of an oak’s warning. It was more of an impression of emotions than actual words. Combined with the image of a sleek grey wolf trotting through the forestry toward the very lake he was heading toward. He could see these images, of course, because they were not viewed by eyes but within the mind, where not the most powerful spells could blind. With a gentle thank you in return, he continued on his way, picking a steady path through dense wildlife and trees. Fallen limbs were troubles he tended to avoid without thinking, and with the trees gentle murmurs it was all to easy to find the safest path. And then, abruptly, he found the trees behind him as he suddenly emerged from the forest shadows into the sunny expanse of the lake’s shores. The sudden warmth of the suns bright rays shining down upon him were more than enough to tell him the truth of it. Head tilted back in quiet acceptance of the peace of this place, and it wasn’t until minutes later that feet carried him to the water’s edge.

There were others there. Both of human and of animal origins. It mattered not, however. There had been one reason for coming to this place of tranquility, and one reason only. To feel the comforting embrace of the water’s expanse as his body floated, weightless, within. Swimming was an indulgence he had not given into for far too long, and now he meant to let all troubles wash away at last. In short order he was in naught but his small clothes, his usual attire piled out of water’s reach before he stepped into the cool shallows. As if the water possessed some kind of magical qualities, he felt all tension leaving his taught muscles. The knots in his back seemed to simply unravel after he dove headfirst into the liquid’s embrace. Farther and farther out he ventured, until touching the bottom meant diving many feet beneath him. It was in that perfect location that he let his body rest upon the water’s calm surface. It was like the softest of beds. As well as the most peaceful as the water drowned out any distracting noises of the world above. Only enough of his features to allow him to breathe were exposed from the waters, and it was a perfect kind of relaxation after the troubles of roads past...

Meera's mind had swirled into the perfect utopia once more as she ran her fingers absently through Dusan's thick grey ruff. Dusan's head remained attentive, for she always seemed to heighten her senses around Meera. The wolf was a lovely companion, but only seemed to come out when Meera was not with her other animal friends. Dusan was a loner. Meera's mind was quickly drawn back into the present as she felt the hackles on Dusan's neck rise up. A low growl rumbled in the wolf's throat. Meera's eyes quickly flashed open. She knew the danger wasn't too close. If it was, Dusan would already be up. With a quick snap of her fingers, Meera directed Dusan to get down off of her chest. With a powerful push off her muscled haunches, Dusan jumped fully over Meera's body and stood, glaring down the shoreline. Meera once more slid into the medium where she felt most secure, the water. Dusan followed along parralel on the shore as Meera swam in the water. The lake was big, so it could take a while. Dusan's nose twitched as she alternated between lowering it to the ground to sniff out a trail and lifting it to the air for any whiff of a scent. Meera simply used her eyes. She scanned over the lake. The only part she couldn't see was around a tiny bend that was shielded by thick foresting. That was the only place something could be. Preparing for whatever it was, Meera spoke to Dusan "Don't make an immediete move. Just stand by and stay quiet." Dusan nodded her agreement and loped ahead through the forest as Meera had to round the bend in the stream. Her movements were quick, for Meera was intensely curious about what lay on the other side. She was happy that she did not hear any growling from Dusan. The wolf was following her direction.

Meera spied the man as soon as she was able to view the complete other part of the lake. His back was to her for the moment, but as he turned to dive into the water, Meera knew immedietely who it was. Meera quickly signalled to Dusan that all was well. Dusan seemed somewhat dissapointed as her hackles hesistantly lowered and she sat down, but she obeyed Meera. Luckily, the wolf was still under the covering of the trees. Meera stifled a giggle of excitement at finding Aiden once more. She wouldn't want to give away her position so soon. She could have some fun with this. With a soft whisper of a few words, Meera summoned a swarm of fish. At first, they gathered around her, but Meera quickly sent them off to swim around beneath Aiden as he floated. She let them simply do that for a while, allowing the confusion to set in. Next, she made a tiny whirlpool by each of his hands to suck them down beneath the water for a short time. What she had to announce her presence to him would come a bit later. With every slight spell that Meera cast, she moved a tiny bit closer towards him. She knew that soon she would have to go underwater or else he would feel the ripples that came out from her form as she moved the surface. In another little playful spurt, Meera created a bit of water in his throat, but she quickly took it away. Finally, she reached the point where she could go no further without being seen. Casting a quick spell upon herself, Meera ducked underneath the water. She kicked softly, having a few more things to do to him before she was willing to give up her location. In a quick surge of loving emotion, she formed the water in the shape of her hand. She directed the water to softly stroke Aiden's cheek and then slide it's way down his arm. The water hand grasped his own lightly then dispersed.

Meera could take the teasing no longer. She pushed off the bottom of the lake and up towards the floating body. Her arms wrapped around his bare torso and she pulled him under with her. One hand ran teasingly down his abdomen only to wrap around his waist as the other came back behind his head. Meera pulled herself close to him and smiled. Knowing he would need air, Meera quickly gave him the ability to breathe underwater. The water was a perfect place. They could not speak, but nor did they really need to. The smile that Meera gave him, she felt spoke a thousand words. Lovingly, Meera tipped her forehead to touch his. She blew a soft air bubble into his face with a playful smirk and searched within his eyes for a reaction. She refrained from kissing him for the moment. There was always the possibility that he could be mad with her. He could have thought that he was in danger. Though Meera didn't think that likely, she really didn't like to think about how a kiss would be recieved if a person was not too happy. Rejection was not pleasant.

When the first of the small disturbances broke through the tranquility that had overcome the sightless wanderer, he could not help feeling a bit of concern. Little fish swam beneath him, the disturbances in the water carrying as dulled noises to his submerged ears. Then came the uncontrollable sinking of his wrists under water which were drawn down by unnatural whirlpools. As if that were not bad enough, water was suddenly present in his throat, making breathing impossible. Before panic could set in, however, it was taken away. Clearly someone was playing with him; and that suspicion was only finalized when the water softness of what felt like a liquid hand brushed across his cheek and travel down the length of his arm. There was something familiar about that tiny gesture. Something that brushed across the edges of memories that had either been forgotten or repressed in a temporary manner. Little thought was given to the matter, however, as the little attacks seemed to cease. With the distractions of whoever had been playing with him gone, he slipped back into a peaceful calm.

Just in time, it seemed, for as soon as it took him feminine arms suddenly enshrouded his abdomen and pulled him under. It seemed whoever was playing their games had perfect timing, for they had chosen the exact moment of his complete relaxation. Aiden put up a bit of resistance, at first. All tension left as soon as the familiar tingle of magic being used on him and he found breathing under water suddenly possible. Anyone who went through the trouble to keep him able to breathe could not mean him too much harm. There was a definite familiarity to the person who had pulled him under and as sightless eyes turned to her they found the familiar spiritual glow of the woman he loved. She was smiling. Neither blindness nor water could prevent the emotional surges form reaching him. Her love for him radiated off her form just as his love for her did the same. Her every gesture sang with a tender affection that could only be described as love, and that’s exactly what they both accepted it to be.

She had not kissed him, which was overly odd considering they could not be anymore alone submerged as they were. Then again he supposed she had cause to hesitate. None liked being rejected, for any reason. Experiencing it from a loved one was only worsened. The possibility tat he could ever be angered by anything she did to any degree was absurd, but there was no harm in being careful. He supposed it was his obligation to show her that nothing but joy could be felt in this moment. Joy at finding her again where he least expected to do so. Joy at feeling her soft touch against his own, her silky skin feeling all the softer under his gentle touch. Joy at feeling the passionate embrace of her kiss, which he experienced at moment with a gentle pressing of his lips to hers. The creatures of the deep lake were suddenly graced with a sight not often seen in their darker world below the surface. The reunion of two lovers was a rare treat for them indeed. This one was only more poetic, as their feelings for one another were impressed even on the fish that swam by in simple intrigue.

Aiden's kiss was met with a great rush of relief from Meera's head. She forgot all else around her and closed her eyes off from the rest of the world. The two lovers were connected by small gentle touches, but yet the way they tied them both together was more powerful than words could ever describe. The bonds of love shushed all philosophers. No one dared to upset the sanctity of love. Putting adjectives to it were not doing the wonderous thing any great favor. Somehow they might have even defile the whole term. To have love was a great thing, and that was a fact never disputed. Meera reveled in the feeling that she had and pulled her lover tighter into her body. She hoped he would never leave her again. Pulling back, Meera broke off the kiss that had once more dizzied her. She took in a soft breath and reopened her eyes to the utopia around. Meera was, literally, within her element and she could never have felt more comfortable. The water had always been where she belonged. She could never truly find it within herself to call it home though. The ones she truly cared about were not as compatible with the sea as she was, and she was fine with that. Meera breathed small air bubbles under the water and lightly rested her head down on Aiden's chest where her ears could catch the melody of his beating heart. Her fingers lightly trapsed over the nape of his neck, occaisionally curling a lock or two of his hair around her finger gently. For a couple seconds longer, Meera was content to just drift there, held up by the gentle cradle that the water formed around them, custom made just for two.

Finally lifting her head back up, Meera pressed her lips once more to Aiden's, then propelled herself upwards towards the surface with strong kicks from suprisingly slender feet. As soon as she breached the surface, she slicked her hair back out of her face. Her cheeks were already full with a wide smile that she had not even tried to rid herself of ever since she caught sight of Aiden. Arching her back, Meera floated her feet up to the surface and began to kick on her back towards the shore. Fish swam around her ankles, unafraid. This was their mistress, and she meant them no harm. They would do her bidding wether she had to cast a spell or not. Meera was joyful for their companionship if nothing more. Meera's golden emerald eyes spied Dusan, a simple grey streak against the brown of the tree trunks, as the wolf loped to greet her. Ears flickering back and forwards, Dusan was eager to know who this person was. Meera was happy to notice that the lupine's hackles were not raised though. It was amazing how much the trust between Meera and Dusan had grown over the years. Meera paused before reaching shore. She really wanted to stay in the water. Dusan only took a moment's notice of the hesitation before she coiled her muscular haunches and leapt into the water. The wolf's jowls were parted and her tongue lolled out happily as she swam determinedly towards Meera. Meera laughed, but made no move towards her, eager to let the wolf try out the water for herself. Dusan was not one for licking so, upon reaching Meera, she swam in content circles.

Meera rolled her eyes, but was really not annoyed by this uncommon display of affection. She let her legs sink back down beneath the water again and tread comfortably. Her eyes began to scan below the surface for Aiden. He still had a while before the underwater breath wore off, Meera had just chosen to come to the surface anyways. Would he be able to find her in the water? Once more, Meera found herself doubting the wonders of a blind man. She reminded herself that while one sense was gone, his others became heightened. Though he couldn't find her by sight, he could probably sense the ripples that she was creating throught the flexible water medium. Nothing he did ceased to amaze her. Anyone who could perservere through what he'd been through and still create such a happy feeling was truly a gift to the world. Meera did not even feel selfish wanting him all to herself. The only thing she was worried about was wether she could ever be as good to him as he was to her.