A stroll in the Garden?[Cory and Felix]

[Zacharias]

" Mmmm. " Lyrics rolled from the perfect marble lips of the Angel as he knelt by a small tiger lily, emerald eyes glinting in concentration. It was no small amazement, that Zacharias should be in the Castle Gardens... he spent much of his time lingering among the roses and lilacs. Heightened senses acted as a sentinel, keeping watch for any being who should care to stumble into the overgrown walkways of the gardens. It wouldn't do to be spotted now... Chava was not in the happiest mood of her life. The Angel huffed indifferently, scowl suddenly darkening his perfect face. It was the usual. Anant and Rowena had gotten in a,very petty, quarrel over a woman in her forties. Apparently the lady had been pregnant, and both of the Gods had wanted their say in her birth. Zacharias snorted in an irritated way, Rowena had gone running to Chava, angered that Anant was taking her given purpose from her, while Anant had complained Rowena wasn't letting him do his duty. And, of course, Chava had simply exploded... which left her in a very touchy mood. She'd delivered todays orders with more sharp a tongue than he was used to, then nearly snapped him in half when he asked what was bothering her. A faint, and indistinguishable, noise made the golden-haired Angel falter and look down, a horrified expression on his face. The withering flower he'd been doctoring had snapped under his clenched fists. An anguish-filled moan escaped his lips before he straightened from his crouch, the flower clutched in a tender hand. After a moment of simply standing, nursing the lily with a mortified look, Zacharias shuddered and set the flower on the ground, leaning against the stalk in a weary way. The alabaster wings on either shoulder-blade flexed, then straightened to their full extent, the light glimmering off the wing-tips. After a few seconds of letting them stretch, they placidly folded themselves and returned to their normal state. Wings were a bother... from start to finish. It was like they had minds of their very own.. doing whatever they pleased. Though, they had proved themselves helpful a few times... The feathers possessed a calming quality.. or more rather, a tap directly into a person's nervous system. The Angel in question could tamper with the emotions coursing through a human. It only worked while the wings touched said human, but the after-effect was just as prominent. The Archangel shook his head gently, scowling. Chava was still angry, which, being her first-hand-man, made him feel angry.. It almost, at times, seemed that whatever particular emotion that Chava harboured, Zacharias' feelings would be tainted in the same way. An exasperated sigh fluttered through his lips and the Angel turned on his heel and strode down the path, irritating still clearly painted on his face. ' I hope you're happy now I shall be just as wretched as you for the rest of the evening. ' Harsh words flitted through his mind, and inevitably, to Chava... what he wouldn't have given to see her reaction, but it was easy to guess. She'd either be amused by his slight rebellion, or grow angrier yet. Apparently, Chava chose the latter. Anger flowed through him like poison, making the Celestial cringe and wince. The wave of fury passed soon enough, and was replaced by the throbbing irritation once more, but Zacharias still stood, rooted to the spot, wings wrapped around himself, fists clenched in pain. It took a total of five hundred seconds for the blonde male to sigh, loosen himself, then bat his wings out of the way. Feet were moving again as the Archangel stalked, there was no other way to describe it, down the footpath, resentment rolling off him in tidal-waves. Suddenly, the green eyes calmed and the irritation banished from his body, in it's placed blossomed joy and peace. Flowers actually survived in this wing of the Gardens! Excitement bubbling in his chest, the Angel leaped forward, an enchanting smile already replacing the cool facade. Deft, cold fingers wound their way into the dirt, pulling out the weeds that threatened to choke out the blooming flowers. A soft thrumming noise vibrated in his throat, coming out almost a a purr, as he worked. The flowers seemed to flourish in his presence... Buds opened, new leaves unfolded, flowers deepened their healthy colour. Surely this was Heaven on Earth if such a place existed.

[Cory McQuiggin]

“Achoo!”

Corey sniffled as she swore that last sneeze nearly busted the brain out of her skull. Her nose was red and her eyes were watering to the point that two streaks of tears were constantly spotted on her cheeks. Her movements were sluggish and her ears plugged. It felt like she just stuffed her head into an unsightly tube and someone filled it with water. Needless to say, she was far, far from being impressed. With silver hair tied tightly in a bun and wearing servant’s clothing, Cory was a sight to see. First of all, she was never someone who reveled in her feminine side. Thus, seeing her sport a black skirt and white blouse, topped with polished shoes and apron was a fairly odd thing to comprehend and even more hilarious to watch. Since she felt that she is always in competition with the male gender, she had a defiant walk, with shoulders squared and chin held up high- completely opposite from the peaceful elegance that some of the other female servants are able to gently carry.

Secondly, it was her allergy-wrecked state that would probably cause someone to take a second look. She probably should’ve mentioned to her employer that she was horribly allergic to pollen. But hey, money is money, is it not? Just the visualization of a handful of coins dropping into her bag each day summoned enough energy in Cory to pick up her feet and suffer through another tortuous day. Since she had nearly visited every town that there was to list by tongue, Cory had decided it was time to head back home. The mountains that nestled broadly on the horizon pulled on her heartstrings lately. It has been more then a couple of months since she departed her own kind for a chance of adventure and thoughtless wander. As of late, Cory’s mind has wandered to questions about her family’s health and living situations. After all, the last time she decided to do something as reckless as her current lifestyle, she had returned to departed grandparents. A shudder ran down her spine. That was an experience that she’s rather not let herself be victim to again.

Pulling herself from her reflected state, Cory came the realization that she nearly drowned a poor flower. Its pedals were drenched with water and droplets weighed leaves down so heavily that the tips of the lush green nearly touched the wet dirt. She clicked her tongue slightly as she pulled herself away from the drenched section of the flowerbed. This was the third time this week that she’s created floral homicide. The thought of it made her stomach quench. Deep down, she knew that it was her fault. She should’ve found a job that made it more challenging for her. She should’ve ignored the fact that working in the castle paid better then the rest of the commoners. Maybe, that way, there will still be a few flowers standing today. Making the sign of the cross, Cory felt like a small prayer should be offered to the small plant. True, they might not be as lively as the other creatures that walk this earth, but they still should be considered amongst the living. After all, they surely do not sit like a stubborn rock.

With watering can in hand, Cory walked down the stone pathway silently. Amongst this pollen hell Cory had found sanctuary of sorts. Even while most of the flowers here were in full bloom, there was a place that the flowers were late. True, their buds showed the colour of their would-be pedals, but for some reason or another, they refused to bloom. Here, Cory found a place to clear her head and let herself calm her irritated nerves. It was the one place where pollen didn’t burn her eyes and choke her throat. Considering how small the gardens were entirely, the unbloomed section was nothing but a secluded patch around the corner and concealed by trees. For whatever reason, the head gardener decided to put a small bed of flowers there. ‘To create a romantic and mysterious feel.’ He would sigh when he caught her grumbling about it one day. The familiar view caused Cory to unconsciously to speed up. But, something made her stop a few feet short. There, amongst the brown bark of the trees were flutters of white. Peering at the light mix, Cory began to wonder if there was a thief about. The trees would be excellent place to hide until night fall... she thought to herself.

Feeling slightly irritated that someone was in her haven, Cory decided that the guards won’t be necessary. Someone wants to hide in her flowerbed? Fine. But they better be ready to pay for it. Taking a well-aimed shot (Not to mention using her control over the winds to her aid.) Cory fiercely pitched the water can through the trees. Once she felt the metal handle slip by her fingers, she ran to the other side of the trees as fast as her legs could carry her.

“WHAT THE BLOODY HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?” Cory roared, already rolling up her sleeves for a brawl.

[Felix]

A guard blocked the gate to Syngotto Castle.
"We don't let just anyone inside." He said with a sneer.
Felix sized up the guard. He could probably injure him, or even kill him, but he knew that it wasn't right.
"Felix Larkin of Devilon." Felix said. He pulled the pendant out from under his shirt and showed it to the guard. It was proof of his noble status.
The guard stammered, "Oh, quite sorry sir, right this way. We'll have a groom take your horse for you."
Felix looked at Remwick for approval.
If you must leave me in a stable full of stupid Beasts, then you must.
Felix nodded. As he handed the reins to the stable boy, he offered a warning.
"Treat him well, or I'll hear about it."
The young lad nodded quickly and led the horse away. Felix followed a young servant to a neat bedroom.
"We are so pleased that you're staying here at Syngotto!" The young servant gushed, "But where is the Duke?"
Felix hesitated for a fraction of a second.
"He is staying at the Summer home for now. The warm air will be good for him."
The servant nodded, "Well, feel free to explore the castle. The gardens are quite nice, you may wish to see them."
Felix nodded. As soon as the servant was out of sight, he sighed deeply. His stay at Syngotto Castle would be short lived, now that everyone in the castle knew that he was there. He would be gone by morning- until then, he and Remwick would need rest.
He made his way to the gardens. He had been to the castle many times before with the Duke, he knew his way around quite well.
He wandered around, looking at the flowers, feeling peaceful. He could hear the sound of someone talking to themself. He instantly ducked behind a flower bed. He found it funny that hiding had become his first reaction.
Something heavy hit Felix in the head.
"OW!" He yelped. It was a watering can.
“WHAT THE BLOODY HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?”
Felix recognized the voice, where had he heard it before? He stood up, he knew that whoever it was was looking for a fight.
He stepped back in shock when he saw who it was.
"You!" He cried, "What are you doing here!"

[Zacharias]

Emerald eyes, widened in delight, scanned over the small corner again, making him smile and cross the width of the area. There was so much to do here, surely no one would notice if he tampered with a few of the plants? Sighing softly, Zacharias risked a glance up, making sure he was still alone, it was annoying, to have to check. Chava's blatant anger was beginning to chafe his senses.. if she didn't perk up soon, he was going to have to give her something. His fingers danced over the dully-coloured petals of a tiger-lily, making them writhe, then brighten. It was such a lovely feeling, helping the struggling flowers to blossom fully, though, perhaps a futile effort... People seemed to enjoy picking the blooms, and giving them away. A disgruntled snort escaped his lips before the Celestial scooted over to fuss over a slightly crumpled rose. Unfortunately, working with plants is a job that, typically, only occupied one's fingers, the Archangel's mind was only too free to wander aimlessly over the recent events. In the matter of Chava, seeing as how she was still simmering over the brief quarrel between Anant and Rowena, needed to be dealt with... but how to do so was a different matter. A low snarl curled his upper lip as a fresh wave of resentment poured through his Goddess. Why couldn't she simply be happy? Zacharias closed his eyes, and straightened, quite slowly, letting his wings brush some ivy clinging to a rusted trellis. Better to get it over with, yes? His grim nod was interrupted by an enraged shriek. Horror rushed through him in seconds, washing out all former irritation. Had he been spotted yet again? This was becoming a problem, maybe Chava would give him some way to detect humans before they found him. The Angel muttered a low curse and tried to picture himself as inconspicuous. The flowing white robe he was clothed in flickered gently before becoming something much more casual. A pair of pants and a russet leather coat. His pale-blonde hair shivered then dissipated, leaving him with chin-length lengths, conveniently tied back in a black-cord. The alabaster wings, on the other hand, were much more difficult to banish. The fluttered and strained against his will, trying to remain in place, beating at the ground in ill-disguised irritation. Fury was plain on his face as the Celestial tried again, picturing himself without the radiant, glittering appendages, but to no avail. They simply wouldn't leave. Looking around himself, Zacharias bit his lip, debating on whether to simply leave... he had no wish to retreat from the tranquility of this small garden, but at the same time, fervently didn't want to get caught. The decision was prolonged as another voice broke the silence. " You! What are you doing here?! " Panic spread anew, perhaps it was time to leave. A soft groan left his lips as the Archangel looked around his new-found haven, then halfway turned to leave. Again, he was delayed in the course of action as a dented watering-can rolled toward him, making quite a clatter. Blonde brow puckered for a moment as Zacharias frowned, had he not been seen after all? Confusion replaced everything else in his body as the Angel backed away, trying to stay out of the watering-can's path... but the confounded bit of metal followed him like a dog, loudly trying to bump his feet. It was crucial not to make any noise, it wouldn't do to be caught now; unpleasant things were brewing just outside this little place. A sharp stab of something cold in his back made the Celestial jump slightly, only to step on yet another watering-can. The metal utensil wobbled underneath his feet, throwing him into the iron trellis. Of course. A low hiss was expelled as Zacharias' "accident" made an enormous amount of noise. Cold, green-eyed glare was cast up at the sky as the Archangel stood slowly, his facade wavering, then slipping altogether. Of course... this just had to happen. If Angel's possessed tear-ducts, water surely would've been building in the emerald stare that panned around the garden-turned-demolition-zone. " Damn. " He muttered simply, then turned to look at the pair of humans. A man and a woman, standing quite close to him, yet somehow far away from each other. It was gratifying to know that the previous shouting had had nothing to do with himself, but also horrifying to figure that now all of this would be centered on him. A low moan was released as the massive wings at his side fluttered, then brushed the ground again. Another wary glance was shot at the pair of mortals... they seemed quite engrossed in a pre-fighting stage, maybe there was still time to slip away? Zacharias bit his lip, then took a step backward, only to shake his head and return to his place. No, it was cowardly to run. Besides, what on Earth was there to run from? It wasn't like there was anything the pair of humans could do to him, even if they acknowledged his presence...

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[Cory McQuiggin]

There was an undeniable fury in Cory’s eyes. The unusually dull hue to them pulsed with life and excitement. Despite the fact that every atom in her body anticipated a fight of the highest degree, Cory had a foolish grin slapped across her face. Too long has she suffered from allergies and the age-old routine of watering and weeding. It was about due that some excitement had wandered across her path. Such excitement in the fact that a fight was about to be had is probably what isolated Cory from the other maids. While the fragile flowers would probably run to the guards, she stood her ground and didn’t dare cower. Whether it was a man or woman, Cory could care less. All that mattered to her right now is that there was a sense of mystery hanging heavily in the air; and her goal is to clear the thick aura.

“You! What are you doing here!”

Almost immediately after she heard the voice, she cringed. Ever get that feeling like there’s an impeding doom if you make the slightest move? That was the feeling that was vibrating through Cory’s very being at the moment. She knew that if she turned around in the slightest bit, she’ll witness Mr. Robin Hood in all his corny glory. God, she just couldn’t ditch him, could she!? He’s everywhere!..Maybe he has some secret teleportation/ stalking magic…Yes. That would explain many things. But, even as her mind knew all-too-well that turning to face the person of the voice would result in disaster, her instincts had the control over her body. Whipping around to face Felix, her fighting attitude dissolved and irritation was clearly readable upon all her features.

“Bloody Hell!” she cursed, heaving a deep sigh, “What am I doing here? I work here, you idiot.” She gestured towards her servant’s outfit, in all its unsuitable lady-like glory. “Isn’t there a damsel in distress that needs saving?”

Cory clicked her tongue. So, that’s the imbecile she hit? Pity. That was a waste of a decent watering can. But, even as she acknowledged that Felix gained the bulk of her blow, something inside of her didn’t sit right. She was nearly positive that she was aiming at something as white as a winter’s first snow. Passing a glance at Felix, she noted that he didn’t have a speck of white on him. Perhaps her sight is going? Or is it that insanity is starting to take a liking to her…?

Such confusing reflection was cut short, however, as a clattered was heard not too far off. Spinning around and, once again on her guard, Cory found herself staring at a man. Correction: A handsome man. A sneer tugged at the corners of her pale lips. It’s always the pretty boys who are the masterminds, aren’t they? With her grey eyes narrowing into slits, Cory spotted the wings on his back. Pure white. Aha! So, this man was a challenger of her own element? There were such stories of such creatures, was there not? A whisper of familiarity tugged on the corners of her mind. Cory knew that there must be a story about his kind in the fairy-tale stories that her mother used to sing to her. However, a creature from a childhood story or not, Cory couldn’t sit by and just let this man plan thievery right under her nose.

Leaping into the air, she floated up to him so her grey eyes met with his. She crossed her legs and tapped her chin. Some say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. However, even as Cory stared defiantly into them, she felt nothing that stood out. That just means that she’ll have to be more on guard. “State your business here.” She scoffed, showing little amusement.

“ACHOO!!!”

Now, this is the thing about Zrak sneezes: They are a secret for the elemental to loose temporarily control over their powers. Within the force of the sneeze, the ability to control their power fizzles to none, thus ending in two ways::

1. Their powers become blocked for a second or two

2. Their powers go into overdrive for a second or two.

Until now, Cory was the fortunate Zrak that only dealt with the first type of sneezes. But, as the fresh pollen of the newly blossomed flowers hit her, she was propelled. Regardless that she covered her face with both hands, she was sent tumbling back to the ground, hitting it hard and falling into a roll. It took a minute for her head to stop spinning from the hit, but as soon as her mind had recovered, she was on her feet in a matter of seconds.

“Already using my weakness against me? Felix! Raise your sword! THIS MAN MEANS WAR!!” she yelled, fired up all over again.

[Felix]

Isn’t there a damsel in distress that needs saving?
Felix rolled his eyes as she said it. It was then that he noticed the man a ways off. Of course, the girl was already staring defiantly at the man. Typical, Felix couldn't help but think.
Felix then saw the wings on the man's back. Correction, on the angel's back. His eyes widened with amazement. He always thought that angels were just creatures of stories. Felix couldn't help but stare at the snow- white wings.
State your business here. the girl said with disdain lacing her voice.
It was then that the girl sneezed. The powerful sneeze sent the her tumbling to the ground. Felix rushed forward. The girl quickly scrambled to her feet, and began to shout once again.
Already using my weakness against me? Felix! Raise your sword! THIS MAN MEANS WAR!!
Felix couldn't help but be relived that the girl was finally calling him by name. He pulled his sword from it's sheath, and the metal of the blade glinted in the light. Felix's heart was pounding with the excitement, though he was trembling with fear of the angel.
Felix looked into the eyes of an angel, trying to see whether he meant them harm.
Friend or enemy? Felix asked, raising his sword higher.