Meredith backed away and motioned to Mallon. He was the one who knew what was going on, the brunette simply tagged along. "It's not me whose here to see your friend. By the way, I'm Meredith." It was easier to introduce herself then ask what was going on. The young woman had the feeling that this might not be somehting she wanted to get mixed up in. It was already bad enough that she was now working for an elf.

Pushing forward, Hayden moved forward to evelope Mallon in a hearty hug. It had been such a long time since they'd seen each other! Mallon rather liked being away from everything, while Hayden loved being at the center of the courts and their politics. The two were very different, but friends of sort all the same. "So, you decided to come and help after all? Hopefully this doesn't turn out like last time." That had gotten Hayden in a heap of trouble... Of course, messing around with a unicorn's foal was never a good idea.

Mallon smiled and hugged him back. "I couldn't leave you to your own devices, now could I?" He chuckled and let go of Hayden and looked him over. "Somethings different." Then he looked at the girl behind him again, who had a confused look on her face. "Forgive my rudeness. My name is Mallon." He bowed slightly to her, making her blush a little. "Jemini." She said softly and looked back at Hayden.

Hayden regarded his friend with a cocky smile. Apparently he'd changed during his very brief stay with Jemini. Tilting his head towards the young woman the prince lifted a hand to make a gesture, quite significant of romantic liking. It was something all royal fay and their retinue knew quite well. It was fast, but this gesture meant possibility more then anything else. "Well hopefully there are no rampaging unicorns around."

All the while Meredith stood nervously near Mallon. Turning to Jemini after some time, she smiled shyly. "so how did you get involved in all this?" She was rather curious. Situations like these didn't come around everyday. Fantasies come to life, and new adventures materialized.

Mallon chuckled softly, though noticed Hayden's gesture. He motioned for Hayden to follow him off to the side for a moment. "So, what's with the human? It can't be possible that you've found someone that fast." He searched for clues as he watched his friend's every move.

Jemini blinked at the girl, not really knowing how much she could tell her. "Well, it was sort of on accident. He was in a bind and I was curious about him. So, we struck a deal. I got him out of his bind and he stayed with me and satisfied my curiousity." Then she smiled a little and looked at the tall elf that had appeared earlier. "So, what's the story with you two?"

After placing a hand upon the young woman's arm the fairy left to join his friend. It had been far too long already, since they had last seen each other. Wars had passed, rulers had changed and worlds had toppled. The courts were full of chaos. It had been one of the reasons why Hayden had been sent out to find his love. "I'm interested, not in love. That may change, but as things stand I want to get to know her more. She's decent and kind. Just harboring me this way is risky enough for her." Sighing, the blond man glanced at the two women speaking together.

Humans were troublesome for the most part, but Jemini at least seemed to be different indeed. Even the fairy had to admit that some of his own kind weren't so generous, or wiling to take risks. The troubles back home were proof enough of that. "They want to change the rules and depose my parents. The dark courts are rising again Mallon. Under their rule the last war happened. Look where that's brought us!" Hayden gestured wildly and his green eyes flashed with emotion.

After glancing at the men, Meredith found herself smiling shyly with a blush upon her cheeks. Biting her lower lip, the young woman wondered what Jemini would think of her if she knew the truth. Diving off a bridge was a crazy thing to do, and to do it for popularity was even worse. The brunette knew now that it had been wrong, though the harm done by years of being bullied would take time to heal Mallon's kindness did much to pave the way. She had wanted to be accepted for once in her life!

So it was that Meredith turned her blue eyes to Jemini nervously. "He saved me. I fell into the river, and Mallon found me. I... I'm not the best swimmer in the world and the undertow was really strong. It usually is this time of year. When I found out what he is I couldn't believe it! But I'm really glad too." It was an understatement. Meredith was overjoyed to have met someone described in her prized books. They were forbidden but that was part of the fun of reading them.

Mallon looked at him with a lighthearted gaze when he spoke of the human woman, Jemini. "She does sound of the decent sort. Most humans aren't even willing to give you a dollar to buy bread anymore." He shook his head slightly. "Well, I approve so far." He winked at his friend. As Hayden continued he couldn't help but frown. "I know. I've had updates recently and I'd hoped to stay out of it. Your world doesn't effect ours anymore with the barriers. But, now that I know my friends are in danger again, I can't help but step in." He'd been a mage/sorceror of some reknown in the fairy and elven worlds in his prime. If they'd known he'd existed, they'd have harrassed him until he joined a side. He nodded again after thinking a little. "I will help you in any way I can....but I cannot drag Meredith into this. She is only human and in my service for a short time. I can't put her life at risk for such a trivial offense."

Jemini smiled a little, then nodded slightly. "He sounds like a kind man. You're lucky you were saved." She glanced over in their direction when Hayden looked at her and sighed softly. She could feel the tension of their conversation and knew it would mean trouble for her, if not this girl too.

After hearing of this unexpected twist, Hayden raised an eyebrow. After watching and admiring the mage for a few years, he knew very well how particular Mallon was about certain things. Of course, Hayden couldn't pretend to know what went on in his mind. On the contrary, Mallon was the most mysterious person he knew. "What is she to you? This human girl you've taken in your service? You wouldn't teach me anything unless I begged you!" He didn't want to bring Jemini into their troubles. The realization hit Hayden like a bolt of lighting. She had helped him so much, and for once in his life the selfish prince was thinking of another.

After hearing such words Meredith could only smile and finger the necklace Mallon had given her. Perhaps there was a chance they could become friends, even after her service was over. "He is. So tell me, what kind of bind can a ... Person like him get into? I didn't think anything could get them in trouble, what with their particular skills." Of course if they got caught using those abilities.. After meeting Mallon, Meredith thought the fay kind were more cunning and intelligent then that. Though she was generalizing, and knew it.

Mallon looked at his friend for a long moment, then sighed and scratched his head. "Well, its because she broke my spell. Thats a hard thing to do, by the way. I had a spell that would save the lives of anyone that fell into the river to the south. She jumped in and broke the spell. She ended up at the mouth of my cave." He sighed and looked confused. "I truely don't know how she did it. It'd take someone with massive magical potential to do that, but I detect none in her." He looked at Meredith again, but his attention was brought back to Hayden. "What about you? Will you drag your human friend into your troubles? Knowing you, I'd say you would, but something feels very different about you."

Jemini smiled fondly when remembering why Hayden had been caught. "He was caught using his powers to help a trapped cat down from a tree." She laughed softly. "I helped him get out of police custody because I'm the daughter of the police chief." She looked at Hayden with an admiring and almost fond gaze.

((What do you think about maybe having Meredith have hidden magical powers? Maybe we could work that into the plot?))

After rolling his eyes, the fairy prince crossed his arms and glared at his friend. "You mean to say all I needed to do was break one of your altruistic, well meaning, life saving, spells to get apprenticed to the most powerful mage around? You should have told me this much sooner old friend." Smirking, Hayden made as if to rejoin the others but stopped upon hearing what Mallon said about Jemini. Returning his gaze to the elf, a strange expression flitted across his face. "I refuse to put her in danger. She saved me from her own kind, the least I can do is keep her safe from mine. You of all people should understand that." He wasn't sure about Mallon's past, but Mallon had heard rumors about things. Tragic, saddening events .. They were always given as the explanation for the kind elf's desire to go to war.

Catching the smile, Meredith felt a stab of jealousy go straight trough her heart. A sad, melancholic, expression slipped upon her face like a cloud slides over the moon. "Sounds like a nice guy," stated Meredith before slipping into silence. Blue eyes falling to the ground, she turned away from the others and walked away. Beautiful flowers caught her attention, making Meredith bend down to regard them silently. In truth she was searchign for an excuse to hide the sadness that had slipped into her mind. There had been someone for her once, but he'd been taken away by the government for exhibiting too much of an interest in the supernatural. Frederik had always said that he thought Meredith had potential beyond belief, and that all it took were the right circumstances for it to burst fort.

((hmm...I was thinking someone was just messing with Mallon's magic, but that works too. ^^))

Mallon's eyes widened. "No. That's not what I said-" Then he laughed softly. He understood now that his friend was pulling his leg. Though, he knew he'd have never brought Hayden under his wing for certain reasons that even Hayden didn't realize yet. His features darkened upon Hayden's comment about Jemini saving him from her own kind. Then he nodded solemnly and said not another word on the subject. He then followed the fay back to the two women.

Jemini caught the look that Meredith had before she'd walked away, then she felt a little bad. She didn't know what she'd done to make the girl walk away though. It confused her and she watched Meredith as she gazed at the flowers. She knew she was just trying to hide her sadness and she wanted to know why. Then she saw the men approach and she looked a little concerned. "Mallon, was it? Your friend seems to be a little....upset about something. I don't what I could've said to make her upset. I only spoke of how Hayden and myself met."

Mallon sighed softly and looked at Meredith. "Its not my place to pry. If she feels like sharing, she will."

((Or we could use both, which would make this doubly interesting. lol return of Frederik as a magic hunter with magical abilities himself. Target, Mallon. Feel free to throw in new characters and such as we go along, it's much funner that way. XD))

Thoughts whirled around in his mind as Hayden went to stand beside Jemini. It didn't really bother him about the girl. She could go and mope as long as she wanted to. The thought sent a small twinge of guilt trough him, but the green eyed prince dismissed it quickly. Human girls who felt sorry for themselves weren't his problem. The only human Hayden cared about was standing beside him, and that was where he wanted her to stay. "Can't we leave now? All of us.. I'm starting to get nervous about staying here for so long." If anything happened to Jemini, the fairy prince didn't know what he would do.

Meredith heard them speaking of her, but remained where she was. Now that she remembered Frederik, images of time spent with him kept returning to the forefront of her mind. His smile, those sparkling brown eyes and his messy red hair... She missed him! How could she have forgotten him so quickly in Mallon's presence, when there was still a chance he would return? Meredith kept beating herself up like this without realizing that tears spilled from her eyes to fall gently upon the white flowers she was bent over. Their delicate petals seemed glow under the small droplets of water with a light all their own.

((woohoo! My creative imagination caution as been throw to the wind!))

Mallon looked at Hayden and nodded. "I understand. I'm not used to being out in the open for so long myself." He turned in Meredith's direction. "Meredith? We're-" He saw her crying and paused, then sighed and went to her side. He gently took her and made her rise to her feet. Her face was between his hands now so he made sure she was looking at him. "Is your pain caused by any of us here?" He whispered softly to her. "If it isn't, than we need to leave." He was sorry for being so curt, but they really did need to leave. He needed to complete a few deliveries and see Hayden safely to his 'home'.

Jemini bit her lip slightly. "I'll go back inside and pack a few...essentials." She darted back inside and reappeared later with a small backpack of clothes and her journal. "I'm ready." She said softly to Hayden.

For a little while, Meredith let herself wallow in self pity. Hands fell upon her, gently pulling her up. Surprise flitted across her face and trough her eyes as the young woman found herself staring at Mallon. She tried to stop the tears from falling after hearing his words. None of these people were the ones causing her sadness. "No ... I'm just remembering someone I love. He was taken away, and I keep felling like I've never loved anyone at all because I've done my best to forget." Placing her hands upon those of the elf, she squeezed softly before pulling them away from her face. The loss of warmth made her sigh, but still she did so. It all felt a little wrong now, though Meredith was grateful. "Thanks," stated Meredith with a small smile.

Hayden waited while Jemini went to get her things. Turning his back to the scene before him, the fairy sighed. He wasn't quite sure why, but something felt a little off about that young woman. There was an aura of darkness following her around, as if whoever knew her was doomed to meeting disaster. After years of learning of such things, Hayden trusted his instincts. A small yelp escaped him as Jemini returned, surprising him in his thoughts. "Wonderful! Now we just need to wait for those two," came the nearly mumbled reply.

Mallon looked at her as if he knew her pain. He wanted to pull her into his arms and make her pain go away, but he would respect her boundaries. He stepped back and nodded slightly. "We still have to leave." He offered his hand to her and gave her a small encouraging look. He wanted her to know that he was there for her and all she needed to do was talk to him.

Jemini moved over to Hayden and set her hand on his forearm. "Are we walking? Or am I driving?" She didn't want to interfere with Mallon and Meredith's moment, because she felt like it was way too personal for her to get involved in.

Seeing that look made her smile. It was nice knowing that someone was there for her, and to know that he was her friend. If nothing else, this little episode proved that to Meredith. "Let's go then," stated the young woman as she placed her hand in his.

Hayden thought for a moment before staring pointedly at Mallon. "He could take us all there in the blink of an eye and no one would know except us. But, we'll walk if we have no other choice. Less conspicuous that way." It was all about staying under the radar and keeping out of sight.

Unknown to the little group a young man was searching for the renown mage. The wars may have ended years ago, but the memories of what had happened still remained. Mallon was on a list, and it's wasn't for Christmas presents. Frederik had been trying to catch a hold of a this particular magical signature for years, and when he did he found it with Meredith's. Clenching his fists, the brown eyed man tried his best not to yell out his rage.

Mallon smiled and nodded. He gently held Meredith's hand and glanced back at the pair. "Well, is there a quicker way than walking? Not that I mind, that is." He hadn't been out for a real walk in years, it was a wonder that he could even walk.

Jemini looked at Hayden oddly. She hadn't known this about Mallon, she was learning things every minute. She nodded slightly to Mallon when he addressed them. "We could take my car, but I'd nee directions."

Hayden regarded his friends with speculation then sighed. He really didn't like cars, they smelled horrible and were full of sickening iron. Shuddering at the thought of getting into one, he decided to sit in the middle seat as far away from the doors as possible. "The car it is then... Just please don't drive fast Jemini, remember I get car sick." The episode in the cab had certainly brought that home.

With a smile, Meredith moved closer to Mallon without any real conscious thought. The need to be near someone she trusted was far too great right now for any other thoughts to interfere. Frederik was gone, had been for years. It wasn't like he would return any time soon... No one ever did after the government got to them.

Jemini smiled and moved to her car, sliding into the driver's seat. She gave Hayden a wary look, then was sorry she mentioned the car. Then she nodded and looked at the seatbelt. "Please buckle in."

Mallon slid into the seat beside Hayden and gave him a look. "No sweat. It'll be over before you know it." Meredith had to either sit in the front or back on the other side of Hayden.

Doing as was suggested, the fairy did his best not to blanch. The cold iron made his skin crawl, though not in contact with his skin. It was an instinctive reaction for one of the fairy races, such as Hayden was. A shiver ran trough him as he sensed something lurking, prodding and pocking at the little group from afar. It was a testing kind of feeling, as if this person or thing felt uncertainty.

With care, Meredith slipped into the front seat beside Jemini. For some reason, she thought it best not to sit with Hayden. She'd caught a glimpse of his expression when he'd first seen her and it hadn't been friendly. With a sigh, the brunette closed her eyes and settled herself down into the seat. "Nice car Jemini. I like the seats."

Jemini started the car as soon as everyone was in and buckled. She smiled a little at Meredith. "Why, thank you. They're heated in the winter." She always did like that function. She pulled out into traffic and glanced back at Hayden, concern on her face.

Mallon looked at Hayden for a moment, then sighed softly. "You sense it too?"

Turning around the young woman tried to figure out what was going on. Her expression was a puzzled one as Meredith returned her gaze to the cars whizzing by. She wasn't going to ask what had happened to bring this tension into the vehicle, not when it seemed all too likely that it had something to do with the supernatural. The brunette didn't want to get any more involved then she already was.

The young fairy moved in his seat, becoming even more uncomfortable.. If that was even possible considering that Hayden was surrounded by the sickening iron of the the car. "Of course, what is it you take me for...An ignorant fool?" Sighing, the green eyed man let himself fall back into his seat. "This doesn't bode well."

The fairy's words were far truer then he could ever have known. Frederik followed them with his mind while preparing himself to jump onto the chance to capture the mage. Meanwhile, in the city of the supernatural a search party was beginning to be created in order to find the prince. One made up of people who wanted him dead.

Jemini watched them from the rearview mirror and felt something odd, but didn't know what it was. "Hayden, what's going on? I feel strange..." She saw the look Mallon now gave her and blushed softly. Mallon looked as if he'd known exactly what she were speaking of, but she wasn't allowed to know.

The fairy frowned for a few moments. He himself wasn't quite sure what was going on, all he knew was that it didn't bode well. Leaning forward, Hayden tapped the seat in front of him absentmindedly as he spoke. "Someone's watching us, so I'd advise you to be very careful in choosing the route we take."

For her part Meredith remained silent. This wasn't the first time someone had spoken of unseen eyes to her. In fact, this had been a precursor of sorts to her old love's disappearance. Perhaps this time would turn out better. She didn't want to seem paranoid to her new friends, especially not Mallon.

Jemini nodded slightly. She would stay in the most populated route she could. It would take a few minutes longer, she assumed, but it would be safer. When they got to the bridge where Meredith had jumped off, Jemini pulled off to the side and stayed where she was.

Manon slipped out of the car with a small sigh and glanced off to the bridge. She wasn't repeating that experience again. Remembering it made her shiver. The water had been so cold and the pull so strong.... Closing her eyes briefly the young woman felt the wind playing with her hair, and heard the dangerous waters rushing below. Her feet seemed to be rooted to the ground, stuck firmly there now with a stubborn will to live.

Seeing that Mallon wasn't leaving the car made Hayden pause before shrugging and stepping out. It wasn't his place to say anything, and for once the fairy knew it was not the time for pleasantries. Usually Hayden would have teased and prodded with delight at the young woman standing motionless by the edge of the bridge... But now simply didn't seem like the time. It appeared like she was poised to jump, but her feet remained stuck where they were. Hayden didn't want to startle Manon in anyway for fear that would make her do the irreversible.