Anton and Amelie

Amelie Zagurian [6:03 PM]
~ It had been one hell of a night, a sweet success mixed with the sadness of a loss. She was home, after so many months of waiting and planning. Searching for a lead. It made a satisfied smile grace her lips even as she stepped outside, giving Lili some time alone with her father and wandering off into the grounds to stretch her legs and clear her mind. Hands shoved in the pockets of the red leather jacket she wore, giving her the air of relaxed calm that could be misleading. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [6:16 PM]
*He didn't know what exactly had happened within the between, but he shared her bittersweet feeling. He had expected her to remain behind with Kyrell to spend time with her daughter but that wasn't the case. Instead, she decided to go wandering and he followed after her as he had since the first moment she had arrived since her and Liliah's death. He wore nothing but considering he was within his cougar form that was not surprising*

Amelie Zagurian [6:23 PM]
~ She hadn't wanted to overwhelm the girl with too much all at once, this all had to be new to her. They had their whole lives to spend time together and it was important to let Lili adjust. That's what she told herself as she walked around with no destination in mind. Coming to a pause when she felt the sensation of being watched, or followed. They were similar feelings after all. Come to think of it...hadn't she felt this feeling before and ignored or dismissed it? So completely focused on finding Lili and little else. A slight tension overtook her frame and she called out in a quiet voice that commanded cool indifference, at odds with the wariness she felt. ~ I know you're there. Show yourself.

Anton Oriol-Von [6:33 PM]
*If she had expressed those thoughts aloud he might have called bullshit. Yet, he could see the logic behind not overwhelming the child. Whom knew all she had to endure. It was very possible that being within this world was very overwhelming within itself. Asmiara was very different than the between, at least from what he understands. He paused within his steps. He had grown used to trailing after her like an unseen shadow. Some part of him had thought even hoped that she would never notice him but he knew that she eventually would. He did as she asked and revealed himself* "So you finally noticed" *He spoke in that Portuguese like accent that she might have heard from Bryce.*

Amelie Zagurian [6:41 PM]
~ She probably wouldn't have even protested if he'd called bullshit. Her assurances were weak even to herself, but it was her daughter's needs that came first. Not her own. They'd talk later, once Kyrell had finished explaining what he could to her. She swivelled around to face the direction that voice had come from, blinking and peering around to locate the speaker. ~ And just how long have you been following me to make a comment such as that? ~ Wry humour coloured her tone and unlike his accent, which she knew related to the Von clan. Her own was less known, if completely unknown to this place. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [7:23 PM]
*She would find him within his cougar form, watching her with cool eyes.* "When did you come here?" *He turned his head to the said clearly pondering this* "But I forget myself. I am Anton Oriol-Von your familiar." *He was certain that was going to be her next question or that she would eventually come to it.*

Amelie Zagurian [7:31 PM]
~ She blinked, a small part of her surprised by the fact of coming face to face with a talking cougar. The rest of her seeming to just take it in stride. She tilted her head. ~ You'll have to be more specific. Do you mean when did I arrive here today? Or when did I first return? ~ No sooner had she spoken those words than she was left gaping at him, she'd vaguely recalled having a second familiar. Had even asked someone if she'd remembered right, but hadn't known what to expect. She chuckled softly as he anticipated her questioning his identity. Wandering over to crouch down in front of the large cat and hold out her hand to him. ~ My familiar huh? Well I hope you're okay with birds because I'd hate to have the other one eaten. ~ She cracked a grin at that. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [7:52 PM]
*He wouldn't have been shocked to see a more dramatic reaction to the fact he had been talking. It was a bit much for those whom had never encountered a familiar such as himself* "When you first returned" *He didn't know what she recalled. He knew that her memories had been missing. Both from what he heard from people and encounters she had while he was following her. He looked at that hand for a few seconds before raising his paw to place within her hand* "Yes. I don't see a problem with that. If you ask Kyrell I am a bird anyways."

Amelie Zagurian [7:58 PM]
~ The clarification made her blink, he'd been following her that long? Dear gods. ~ Well...Either I really had tunnel vision or I didn't notice as well as I should have. ~ She chuckled ruefully, stroking the top of the paw he placed within her palm. Because it was her natural reaction to try to pet him. One only had to look at the way Shade lapped up her attention, or the way Oroan let her use his fuzzy blue self as a pillow. A soft snort escaped her and she rolled her eyes good naturedly. ~ Well this is the man who thinks one dog is a cat and the other is a drinking buddy. I would not be surprised.

Anton Oriol-Von [8:06 PM]
*If he had known she had been reborn he would have somehow found where she was at and start following her than.* "You had other things on your mind" *It wasn't a thing as much as a person and an extremely important one at that. He didn't mind the stroking. He wouldn't mind being petted if it came from her. Other not so much but she was his witch.* "I don't know for certain if he believes I am a bird or not but he did ask me one day when Bryce's familiar was pestering me why I didn't just fly away."

Amelie Zagurian [8:14 PM]
~ He probably wouldn't have had the time to find that place, from what she'd learned time moved a hell of a lot differently in the place her life had begun this time. What was only a few weeks for her loved ones had been a full twenty plus years for her. She nodded. ~ I did indeed. ~ And before that she'd barely remembered her own name let alone anything else. The softness of his fur made her lift the hand that didn't have his paw resting upon it to glide through the fur atop his head. A soft sigh escaping her. If you'd told her a week ago she'd be having a conversation with a sentient animal she might just have thought you were crazy, vague memories aside. She chuckled softly. ~ Bryce's familiar was pestering you? ~ Now wasn't that ironic, given how antagonistic she and the Von witch had been right up until well...just before Everleigh had announced she'd figured out where Lili was. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [8:35 PM]
*He might have found her. That was anyone's guess. But there was no use wondering about what could have been.* "I was a little surprised to see that you didn't stay to spend time with your daughter" *That was not true. He would have been more shocked to see that she had said but this was his way of telling her that perhaps she should have stayed. He moved his head into her touch.* "Yes. She has a habit of fluffing her tail at me." *He didn't get it. It might be a red panda thing but it was usually the same thing she fluff her tail at him than she would curl herself around Bryce's neck and look at him with an expression that said Don't you wish you could do this?*

Amelie Zagurian [8:41 PM]
Oh... ~ She blushed ever so slightly. ~ I left her talking to Kyrell inside. Didn't want to overwhelm her and...as crazy as it might sound. I needed a minute to wrap my head around the fact this is real. ~ After all these months sometimes it took a bit to come to grips with the new reality. She blinked. ~ Fluffing her tail... ~ A soft chuckle escaped her, fingers brushing through his fur again. ~ Familiars are clearly strange creatures. That or this one inherited his penchant for being a pain in the backside. ~ It was spoken almost fondly, with none of her former dislike. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [9:20 PM]
"Understandable." *Even if he was not connected to her as he was he would have believed that what had transpired yesterday would required someone time to get a grip with. There might be a part of her that is wondering if it is all real.* "Yes. I don't get the meaning behind the action. Mostly because I am not sure if she is trying to taunt me or seduce me." *That was the best way to describe the action or possible way* "We are no more strange than our witch." *It was almost as if he was saying if he was a pain in the backside it was because she was*

Amelie Zagurian [9:27 PM]
~ She seemed almost relaxed, stroking the soft fur of her familiar whilst they talked. A smile resting on her lips. She knew intellectually that the girl inside was Lili, she was real. Even Isys recognized her and she wasn't sure an illusion could be elaborate enough to trick a Mediums ability to well...sense another of its elk. Especially one that was connected to it. If Lili was her daughter than the alternate personality within her was Isys'. That was how it worked. Yet at the same time, she did have this sense of wondering if she were dreaming. She grinned. ~ If she's anything like him. It could be a bit of both. ~ If you asked her brother's, particularly the two oldest, who thankfully weren't around to ask. She probably was a pain in the backside. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [9:56 PM]
*He moved closer to her as close as he could manage without actually crawling on top of her. That's where wondering if it was real. He liked to imagine that her medium would tell her that she was dreaming but dreams were very realistic so that was unlikely.* "That what I was thinking." *Other might describe her as a pain in the backside albeit in a more teasing manner*

Amelie Zagurian [10:01 PM]
~ She smiled softly, going as far as to actually sit down and stretch her legs out in front of her. It beat crouching the entire time. More than happy to let him lean up against her. Would Isys know the difference between a dream and reality? Possibly. But she'd said nothing yet, giving her time to process rather than just calling her an idiot. ~ Great minds do think alike. ~ She chuckled softly. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [10:07 PM]
*He liked to imagine that she would but did they share the same dream?* "That they do or perhaps we are so connected that our mind is one." *He almost laid across her stretch out legs the moment she put them out in front of her but he managed to refrain from that*

Amelie Zagurian [10:14 PM]
~ She had no idea if they shared dreams or not, she hadn't ever tried to communicate with her prickly other half in a dream. ~ Now that's a bit of a terrifying thought. ~ She snickered softly. She wouldn't have minded if he had done so. ~ So. How come you followed me around instead of just...approaching?

Anton Oriol-Von [10:40 PM]
*It might be amusing to ask* "Isn't it? but there might be some truth to it." *A familiar was an extension of a witch power. Some even said they were a piece of a witch's soul taking form outside their body.* "I wasn't certain if you were ready for me to approach you or not."

Amelie Zagurian [10:45 PM]
~ She could just imagine asking that sort of question. If Isys had a physical presence other than when they shifted from one to the other, she'd probably look at her like she was mental. ~ Indeed. And I suppose you have a point. ~ She tilted her head. ~ Oh? Aren't you like....supposed to be an extension of me? Wouldn't you have known that better than most?

Anton Oriol-Von [10:56 PM]
*That was possible. If he could smile he would have at her words.* "I am. I find being an extension doesn't grant me as much access as one might think. There is also the fact you can be more than a little stubborn. But I think that has less to do with my decision than I am claiming. I didn't want to add another element to what might already be an overwhelming situation. You were rediscovering whom you were and each person seemed to increase that process" *Did that make sense. He didn't know.*

Amelie Zagurian [11:03 PM]
Hey. If I'm stubborn doesn't that make you stubborn too? You did say the familiar reflects the witch. ~ She snickered softly, not above using his own words against him to tease him. Her head tilted in that thoughtful manner again and she nodded. ~ I get it I suppose. Worrying I might snap under the pressure or something. And now? If I hadn't noticed you stalking me? ~ She seemed to be asking if he'd have stopped merely following her. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [11:18 PM]
"Maybe I reflect another aspect of you." *Though he imagine it was the stubborn one. He could be stubborn when it came down to it. Perhaps not to the degree that some could but when it came to doing what he thought was right he was hard to put upon another path.* "Yes. Whom knows. Liliah being found did take a lot of pressure off you but I kinda liked being in the shadows and protecting you against those enemies you couldn't see." *He should have been there the day she and Liliah had been attacked. He didn't say this thought aloud. She would probably tell him that it wasn't his fault and she was right. It wasn't but it didn't stop him from feeling as he did*

Amelie Zagurian [11:28 PM]
Maybe. But I doubt it. ~ She ruffled his furred head playfully. Nodding thoughtfully. ~ It's like I had tunnel vision. Once I realised, recalled enough of my memories to see the trickery I missed in the moment... I didn't let myself truly relax or focus on anything but fixing it. Even when I was reconnecting with people I hadn't yet connected with it was there in my mind. ~ Then she blinked. ~ Wait...were you the cougar my assistant claimed was hanging out outside where I work? ~ Like a switch flipping she recalled the gossip within the office at New Order. Frowning at him she adds. ~ And stop that, one of us feeling guilty is enough. Perhaps you could have changed it, or perhaps you'd have just died too and there would have been nobody watching out for me while I stumbled around confused. ~ She looks shifty, having not realised she'd picked up on those thoughts. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [11:35 PM]
"I can hope." *He nipped at her finger playfully* "That's what I thought. I believed that once you dealt with that ugly business with your daughter that you would be ready to move on to other things" *He hoped she didn't believe he was belittling the situation. He wasn't. He knew how important it was too her. How much she needed to either save Liliah or destroy those whom hurt her before she could move on. It didn't matter how long it took. For her to get the closure she needed he would have waited eternity.* "Yes. I didn't always take cougar form, however." *He didn't actually try that hard to hide himself. This might attest to her tunnel vision* "Guilt isn't that easy to turn off but I do understand what you mean."

Amelie Zagurian [11:49 PM]
~ She actually giggled softly at the nip, leaning against his side. She stroked his soft fur again, almost wondering if he'd get sick of it and tell her to stop. ~ That makes sense. And she's home now, I can hardly believe it. She's not so little anymore though, I'll introduce you eventually. After she's had some time to settle in. After all, familiars are technically family too? ~ She blinked. ~ Oh that's right. Your kind are shapeshifters. I always forget that part. Too used to Shade. ~ Her lips twitched. ~ I think Zaire, my assistant thought I'd thought he was insane when he said it. ~ She nods. ~ Guilt is never easy to let go of...

Anton Oriol-Von [12:07 AM]
*If he was going to grow sick of it...it wasn't going to be any time soon* "I can only imagine. Some part of you feel as if you are going to close your eyes and open them to find this is all a dream and she is still gone. No she isn't." *How old was she he wondered? By witch standard was she still within her magical puberty? Older? She didn't look any older than her mother but he didn't think she would. Her kind stopped aging after awhile but she was half witch perhaps unless she ascended she would still age* "I'm in no hurry and whom knows perhaps our paths will cross before than. We are" *He looked around as if looking for Shade* "Can Shade speak?" *He didn't just mean aloud like he could but perhaps as her medium did inside her head* "Did you?" *He shook his head* "But I like to think we carry guilt as a reminder of the things we don't want to repeat."

Amelie Zagurian [12:17 AM]
I sort of do feel like that, if I'm honest I'm dreading closing my eyes. I know I have to rest, I've been burning the candle at both ends for months now. On top of helping to stop the world, the Hellifyno world that is, from ending again. ~ Had he been watching when she'd gone on a jaunt in the Dreamworlds and tried to kill a possessed Gatekeeper? She had no idea how old Lili was, but if she'd had to guess she'd have pegged her between sixteen and eighteen, certainly no older. ~ Of course. Keep an eye on her if you happen to spot her wandering? Call me overprotective but I'm not quite ready for the thought of losing her again. ~ And she could trust him, he was a part of her. ~
Hmm, I don't know that it's speech exactly. But I always seem to intuitively know what he wants. ~ Looking around would give him the second to spot the large raven trying to be inconspicuous in a tree. He'd failed entirely of course, she knew he was there. She'd just chosen to let him believe he'd succeeded. ~ Everything happens for a reason, even guilt. Or so I'm learning.

Anton Oriol-Von [12:26 AM]
"You should rest before your body ends up knocking you out and you wake up to the universe ending." *He might have and he might have followed her into the dreamworlds. He had put her around the same age if he was being truthful. He just wasn't sure if his judge of age had been correct* "If you want I can act like a protector for her while she gets used to being outside the between." *All she had to do was ask he would do so in a heart beat. This was true of any of her children. He didn't need to feel the urge to follow her around now that she had found Liliah. He believed that with time she would return to normal or her normal* "That it does. Ask me what the reason is, however, and I wouldn't be able to tell you."

Amelie Zagurian [12:31 AM]
You have a point there. Plus now that Lili's home I should probably put more effort into stopping the pending apocalyptic scenario taking hold of Hellifyno. No doubt Nikki and her kids will want to meet her and I have to take her to see her siblings. I kind of want it to be safe when I do that. ~ She eyed him. ~ You'd do that? ~ She was surprised but just as quickly realised being surprised was stupid. She leaned her head against his. ~ Nor would I. I'm still trying to figure out the reason behind some things.

Anton Oriol-Von [12:41 AM]
"After you get some rest. The apocalypse can wait. A lot of people will probably will want to meet her. Hopefully she will be distracted by this world long enough for you to save it before she goes off exploring other ones." *He didn't miss a beat before answer* "Of course." *If he had taken notice of her surprise he didn't say* "What type of things?"

Amelie Zagurian [12:50 AM]
Of course. I get the feeling you'd sit on me if I tried to go save the world before bed. ~ She grins before sobering somewhat. ~ I hope so, but if she's anything like her father. Or hell even me. Danger won't stop her. ~ She smiled, happy she could rely on him to be her eyes when she couldn't be. ~ It's been nagging at me since I came back this time around. The fact I feel like I'm missing memories. Parts of lives I should recall...and it makes me wonder is all.

Anton Oriol-Von [12:59 AM]
"I just might. Use you as a bed and go to sleep myself" *He moved to lay across her legs as if he was going to do just that* "It's her brother and sister I am more concerned she will be like because if she is anything like them she will go looking for danger." *He had heard some of the misadventures that Everleigh and Colden had been upon. Whom knew they might have inherit that from their father. What type of familiar would he be if she couldn't rely on him?* "How many parts of lives are you missing?" *By that he meant how many lives have pieces missing.*

Amelie Zagurian [1:08 AM]
~ She chuckled softly. ~ How very catlike of you. ~ She teases, letting him lay across her legs as if he were a furry blanket. ~ Cole and Ever? Yeah, given how familiar they were with the strange creatures in that place I can imagine they attracted danger. ~ She seemed almost amused by the idea. Her expression slowly drifting to introspective. ~ I remember most if not all of the life before this one now as well as a few that came before that, but it starts to get hazy after the first time I met my ex-husband. Which was what I believe to be my second incarnation. The first one that I lived a life that I remember being mine. I probably sound crazy.

Anton Oriol-Von [1:15 AM]
*He just blinked at her like he had no idea what she was talking about. It was a lie. He knew exactly what she was talking about* "If the world was collapsing in on itself the two of them would be running towards it while everyone else is running away." *Probably save the world in the process but he didn't think that needed saving* "Not crazy out all. Do you remember your life on Asmiara?"

Amelie Zagurian [1:21 AM]
I could see that. ~ Her lips twitched. ~ Maybe I should sic them on the thing possessing the poor Gatekeeper. They might find a way to remove it and save the world whilst getting into mischief. ~ She was only half joking too. Now it was her turn to blink at him. ~ My what now? I've never been here before my last life. ~ There was at once a certainty and an uncertainty about her. He couldn't be saying what he thought he was but then, hadn't her essence been called forth from somewhere in that first life? The one that never really felt like hers. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [1:24 AM]
"It wouldn't know what hit them." *Knowing the two. They probably would help if she asked. Anton knew he would but that should be a given.* "Your life on Asmiara." *That answered that question. She didn't know. It explained a lot. Her lack of knowledge about her powers for example.* "How did you think Areli picked you as high priestess? Did you think he put the names of everyone within the universe and multiverse than randomly drew one?"

Amelie Zagurian [1:35 AM]
I know right? I'll consider it if this goes on much longer. It's insane there. ~ She knew they'd help if asked, most of those she knew here would do so. They all seemed to consider her family. And well...there was that family motto. She blinked again. ~ I...uh...I hadn't really thought about it. It was one of those things I'd come to wonder about recently. I mean didn't my ex-husband once serve Magic? I just thought it was one of those things.

Anton Oriol-Von [1:12 PM]
"I've noticed. More so than usually." *He only been to Hellifyno since he found her the second time but he heard stories from those whom visit the place often. From what he understood it was a place where one disaster after another followed. This was very different from Asmiara which seemed rather peaceful in comparison. It would shape the people great and he expected a certain society when he went there. He didn't find what he expected. The people seem to disregard the chaos around them. They lived their lives as if they were upon a more peaceful world. Oh the world is ending. Whom cares? He knew they cared. They proved it by fighting for their homes but they wouldn't let whatever big bad comes their way stop them from living their lives.*"He did but even if he didn't you would still be connected to this world. I don't know when Areli picked you as his high priestess. I just know you lived here when our souls met for the very first time."

Amelie Zagurian [1:23 PM]
That'll be the Outsider's influence. The one joyriding around in the body of a gatekeeper. ~ She shook her head, she'd mostly stayed out of it. Bar that one occasion when she'd had nothing better to do then go traipsing into the Dreamlands to find a book, and a magic stone supposedly connected to the possessed one. It almost seemed like people were so used to chaos that they no longer seemed to react to it, sure they'd fight the good fight but they'd also shrug off the shit happening in between. Much the way she shook her head and pushed the thoughts away now. Peering at the cougar lounged on her lap like she thought he might have grown a second head. ~ I just meant he was an outsider too... ~ Her brow furrows. Like she's trying very hard to think about this one. ~ Just how old are you if I've lived a life here way before I remember even having one?

Anton Oriol-Von [1:39 PM]
"Ah. I wonder why the outsider picked the gatekeeper to joyride within. Was it because the gatekeeper was at the wrong place at the wrong time or was it because the outsider needs the gatekeeper to further its goal?" *This might have been discussed during one of the moments he was not following her.* "What is one person's truth isn't everyone's truth. Besides, you assume he had been an outsider. The life where he became magic's high priest he could have been from this world."  *He tilted his head to the side* "I don't know. It has been many years. I have seen many changes within this world"

Amelie Zagurian [1:45 PM]
I have no idea. I was in a coffee shop making nice with my nephews wife the day it happened. ~ She didn't mention that she'd been on her lunch break from work, or that Maggie, the wife in question had mistaken her for an entirely new relative at first. Only to become terrified when that was proved not to be the case. With most of her memories in tact now, she recalled how less than friendly she'd been towards the nymph. Also recalled how wary Nymphs in general made her. She chuckled softly. ~ It's an assumption based on knowledge of his species at least. ~ Now she's gaping at him again. ~ You don't know how old you are? Did you lose count of the years?

Anton Oriol-Von [2:32 PM]
*He knew how nymphs made her feel. It wasn't because he heard her thoughts on them but because their connections allowed him to feel what she felt regarding nymphs.* "His soul might not have always been that species." *He didn't know. It was possible that even her ex-husband hadn't known. It was possible that during one of his lives he found his way to Asmiara and befriended magic than. There were a thousand possibilities.* "No. I never kept track. I do not measure the passage of time in the same manner as you do."

Amelie Zagurian [2:37 PM]
~ She resumed petting him to give herself something to focus on other than the whirling thoughts dancing around in her mind. ~ Who know? Certainly I don't and it's not like I care enough to ask the other one. ~ Meaning of course the one who'd come from another reality, probably to fill her deceased ex-husband's role as Gatekeeper for one of the gates. She chuckled softly, sheepishly. ~ I guess that makes sense. But back to the topic at hand...all I remember before the onset of my first life is emptiness. Being 'summoned' from nowhere. And even then that life still has gaps.

Anton Oriol-Von [2:52 PM]
*It was a lot to take in. She had thought one truth and now she was face with the possibility of another.* "It probably doesn't matter. It might reveal itself whether we ask it our not." *It might not. He didn't know* "That makes sense. You were tossed into the between by a witch whom sought your position. You might have went right through it or you might of wandered it for some time. I do not know."

Amelie Zagurian [2:59 PM]
~ She stilled with those words, right down to her breathing which seemed to cease altogether. ~ Did you just say...? ~ He couldn't have meant the same place she'd just rescued her daughter from. Didn't few people survive that place with their sanity intact? But then...was the creature she'd been all that sane? Surely not in the beginning when she'd been destroying worlds and conquering kingdoms. Hadn't it taken one stubborn man to teach that creature human kindness and other such emotions? As much as she was questioning this she still couldn't fully believe.. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [3:01 PM]
"The between? Yes." *It was one in the same. He did not know the answer to that question. He had not see this creature. He didn't even know she had been in the between. Perhaps, she had ended up somewhere that was bad within itself. It would be up to her to figure out these answers.*

Amelie Zagurian [3:14 PM]
~ As still as she was a second ago, shock now left her trembling ever so slightly. It also caused her eyes to change colour, the only sign Isys was even paying attention. ~ I thought this wasn't a position that could just be taken by anyone. Doesn't only he decide who gets the job? ~ She frowned as she considered this. ~ How did you meet this unknown incarnation of mine?

Anton Oriol-Von [3:30 PM]
*He noticed the change but appeared not phased by it. He had come to accept Isys as a part of her. The fact she was paying attention only seemed logical. "It isn't but that doesn't stop fools from trying." *There was no pause. No moment of consideration. She asked and he answered without a second thought* "You saved me." *For a moment that appeared to be all he was going to say on the subject than he continued to speak* "Hunters came and killed my family. They had toyed with my siblings and I, watched as we died slow and agonizing deaths. You came a ball of rage that seemed brighter than the sun. You killed them and brought be back to the Von's land to heal."

Amelie Zagurian [3:35 PM]
~ She nodded, briefly shutting those now stormy grey lightning filled eyes. ~ Fools will try anything once it seems. ~ She spoke those words casually, as if she wasn't currently having an existential crisis. A smile quirked at her lips. ~ Ball of rage huh? Doesn't sound too much different from how I am now. ~ The smile vanished a moment later when she considered his full story. The miniature storm in her eyes churning somewhat. ~ Hunters attacked children? ~ She'd assumed, much like what she knew of the other familiars that he'd been born a shapeshifter. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [3:40 PM]
"They will." *He did not show he noticed the existential crisis. He did but he would give her the time she needed to deal with it on her own. It was the only thing he could do. This was not a battle he could fight for her* "No I suppose it doesn't" *It was not a wrong assumption to make. It was probably one that many would make--if not most* "Hunters attacked cubs. I was not as I am back then. I was just a cougar. Not a shapeshifter"

Amelie Zagurian [3:44 PM]
~ She blinked, twice before her mouth fell open and she just stared at the large feline in her lap. Probably looking comically like a fish out of water. It took her a moment to snap herself out of it, pull herself back together and puzzle it out logically. ~ Then how did you end up as you are now? I had thought familiars were born as shifters. Granted I don't know of that many.

Anton Oriol-Von [3:57 PM]
"They are now a day but the shapeshifter had to come from somewhere." *He didn't know how the others came about. Perhaps, in a similar manner as he did. Maybe completely different.* "As how I came to be. When you rescued me some of your power took root inside of me. I was dying. Your attempts to save me did nothing to change that. Areli came to me. He told me if I wished he could make it so I live but it would change me. I would become your familiar. I took the offer. Don't ask me why. I don't know."

Amelie Zagurian [4:03 PM]
~ She frowned, fighting off the urge to loop her arms around his furry neck in a hug. As if she suddenly felt sad at the thought of him dying. ~ I suppose you have a point. Not that I have any idea on the origins of shapeshifting magic animals. ~ She blinked. ~ Some of my power? ~ All at once she realised, she didn't really have a clue what her power was supposed to be. Aside from the magic of her dual bloodlines. And neither stuck her as being what he meant. ~ Well that doesn't surprise me too much, I've never been much of a healer. That's my brother's forte. And before that, his wife the doctor.

Anton Oriol-Von [4:17 PM]
*He would not have minded the hug. He had come to terms with what had happened. It had been horrible. Painful even but the cuts did not pain him as they once had. Still he would have welcomed the hug* "Nor I. It is only my origin I know about. Other shapeshifter existed before I." *He nodded his head* "Just a tiny seed. It was the power Areli granted you when he named you his high priestess" *He smiled at her words* "There are some wounds that even the strongest healer cannot heal"

Amelie Zagurian [4:24 PM]
~ It seemed she didn't resist the urge for all that long, because the cougar would find himself being pulled into a hug, her chin rested atop his head. ~ I wonder if anyone does know where they came from... ~ She mumbled, half to herself. ~ You know...I have no idea what that power is. It's certainly not something I have in my grasp any longer. ~ She chuckled ruefully. ~ I supposed you have a point there.

Anton Oriol-Von [4:35 PM]
*He closed his eyes, allowing himself to be pulled into that hug and resting there* "Some might. You can get a grasp of it. The power is inside of you waiting to be awakened."

Amelie Zagurian [4:43 PM]
~ The warmth of his body chased away the lingering tremors from her earlier attack of shock, she found herself relaxing. ~ I don't even know what it is. I could be reaching for something I have no idea how to control.

Anton Oriol-Von [5:16 PM]
"You will learn how to control it. We don't know everything instinctively. When we learn how to walk we fall a lot." *He kept himself pressed against her. Staying there for his sake as much as hers*

Amelie Zagurian [5:18 PM]
~ She chuckled faintly, an amusement making the lightning crackling in her seem to glimmer more brightly. ~ And here I thought I was done mastering new powers. ~ Her lips curved into a rueful smile. Not that he'd notice, her head still rested atop his as it was. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [5:22 PM]
"One is never done learning" *He felt the smile rather than saw it. He felt it in the same way he felt any of her emotions.*

Amelie Zagurian [5:25 PM]
~ She snorted softly. ~ You'd think after eleven lives I would be harder to surprise by now...wait...if you're right then my count is off. It's not eleven at all. ~ She groaned softly. ~ Makes me wonder what else I don't remember. And why I don't remember it. I remember the others.

Anton Oriol-Von [5:55 PM]
"That just shows you that there is always wonders to find within this universe of ours." *He thought for a moment* "I don't know for certain but perhaps your time in the between or the spell being cast upon you has something to do with it."

Amelie Zagurian [5:59 PM]
At least it stops me feeling completely jaded. ~ She seemed to quip those words with the trademark sarcasm that seemed to be evident in her family line. Tilting her head thoughtfully, so her cheek rested against the fur of his head instead of her chin. ~ I have no idea, never been able to cast spells to understand how they might affect things. Well if you don't count the runic spellcraft my uncle taught me. ~ Something else occurred to her. ~ Is that why you're connected to the Von clan? Because this earlier version of me was?

Anton Oriol-Von [6:05 PM]
"Wonders never ceases" *The joke within his words were clear* "The knowledge is inside of you. It is just blocked." *It might be that she believed these powers were corrupted from her time in the between.* "You introduced me to them but I stayed because they became my family."

Amelie Zagurian [6:10 PM]
Hey! ~ She snorted, biting her lip to keep the laughter at bay. ~ I'm not that bad. ~ A giggle escaped before she could contain it. ~ Blocked? I mean it's possible...I didn't remember what I assumed was the first one for the longest of times. But why would I block out a whole life? ~ She didn't know what she believed anymore, she was still mostly in shock. ~ I see. That's understandable.

Anton Oriol-Von [6:21 PM]
*He let out a light chuckle. The only response to her words* "Perhaps because something that happened before the first life you remember was so traumatic that you decided to block everything that happens during and before it." *He didn't know for certain.*

Amelie Zagurian [6:31 PM]
~ She clucked her tongue thoughtfully, before blowing out a sigh. ~ I have no idea, you'd think I'd have discovered a block in my memory by now. Having been performing psychic surgery on my memories so they're cohesive wholes. But apparently not, even going to that place didn't stir anything loose.

Anton Oriol-Von [2:21 PM]
"Perhaps since this block had been there before your first life you assumed the block is just a part of your mind" *The first life she remembered. He was certain she would understand that*

Amelie Zagurian [2:25 PM]
~ She frowned, pondering his words carefully before speaking. ~ You have a point, this feels different than when I encountered the missing memories of that life. I broke through that barrier, then sort of wished I hadn't. Remembering oneself in such an unflattering manner...especially when you already fear turning into the monster that raised you. ~ She shuddered, hugging him tighter for a moment. Then abruptly, she stilled. ~ I might have an idea...

Anton Oriol-Von [2:39 PM]
"You might know the block is there--subconsciously--but fear if you open the block you will become a monster." *He knew how much being like as she called him the monster that raised you scared her. It was the bases of many of her behaviors. Worse or perhaps not worse, he remembers when she had been a child and that man was tormenting her. He had always felt her. Most of the time it was nothing more than a tiny pressure that let him know she was there but whenever that man was tormenting her it felt like she was right there next to him. It was like he could reach out and touch her. That wasn't the case. He could do nothing to make her nightmare end. He pressed himself against her* "What is the idea?"

Amelie Zagurian [2:48 PM]
That's quite possible. ~ She murmured, her mind already turning over the thought that was forming. Her father was one of the only things that truly terrified her. Now that he was dead, permanently this time. Her fear had evolved, she'd stopped truly fearing him. He was simply a shade. Now she feared becoming just like him, corrupted, power hungry. Evil. She wasn't aware he'd been able to feel her even then, but she supposed it shouldn't have surprised her. After all, she was the child that curled up in the dark places because they made her feel safe. Shakes those thoughts off. ~ I might not remember my life as this witch, but you do. Or at least you remember your relationship with her. When I first came back after reincarnating this time, remembering nothing for the first time in any incarnation... ~ She pauses. Gathering her train of thought. ~ I didn't believe the first person who told me who I was. But then I bumped into Michael. I instinctively connected my mind with his, his memories of us kickstarted the return of mine.

Anton Oriol-Von [3:21 PM]
*He nodded his head. Until they knew for certain anything was possible. Right now he was just giving suggestions. That wasn't surprising. She didn't know he existed---or remember--he existed until today.* "You want us to connect our minds?" *He turned his head to look at her. Probably breaking the hug in the process.*

Amelie Zagurian [3:25 PM]
It's a possibility that seeing what you remember might crack the mental block. ~ She shrugged, meeting the cougar's eyes calmly when he pulled back to look at her. ~ It worked with my brother. Remembering him broke whatever was holding my memories back. Then afterwards, everyone I encountered came back to me after I met them.

Anton Oriol-Von [3:33 PM]
"It's worth a shot." *If she wanted to try it he was willing. He just wanted to make sure he was understanding what she saying correctly.*

Amelie Zagurian [3:35 PM]
Anything is worth a shot. ~ She chuckled softly. ~ Especially if it stops me feeling like I'm having an existential crisis. ~ She ruffled the top of his head playfully. ~ Does that mean I have permission?

Anton Oriol-Von [3:51 PM]
"It does" *She always had permission to be inside his mind and while that went without saying inside his own mind that didn't mean she was aware of this fact. She might come to understand it once their minds are connected.* "I want to help you anyway I can."

Amelie Zagurian [3:55 PM]
You already are helping me. ~ She smiled, softly stroking the top of his head. Gaining permission was important to her, it was part of her moral code regarding invading minds. She tended not to violate a person's privacy unless she had their consent or they happened to be a low life she intended to kill anyway. Then she didn't care about consent. With a deep breath to steady herself, she let her mind seek his. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [4:04 PM]
"I know, but there is a difference between helping in the manner you want and the way that you can." *He understand that. Many would consider the invasion of their mind the greatest crime one can commit upon another person. Yet within he considers his mind her mind. They were that connected. He had no secrets from her. So when she sought his mind out she would find it open and waiting for her.*

Amelie Zagurian [4:08 PM]
Sometimes all you can do is what you're able. ~ She murmured offhandly, her eyes drifting as if they were staring at a faraway spot in the distance. This wasn't the case of course, all her focus had turned inwards. Slipping past her own shields to delve within the open, trusting mind of her familiar. Seeking their shared past, something that would be familiar enough to get through the block. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [4:19 PM]
"That's all you can do. You cannot do more than what you are capable." *She would find it easily. It might be that he brought it forward knowing that it was what she sought. There was the first day they met. His thoughts primal and clearly that of an animal yet there were aspect of those thoughts that might feel familiar to her. There was the day when he first told her he was her family. There were other moments the two of them shared. Moments of joy. Moments when they bickered. The moment when she was flung into the between. Every moment was available to her*

Amelie Zagurian [4:24 PM]
Of course. Hasn't stopped me from trying in the past. ~ The amount of times she'd nearly gotten herself killed because she'd bitten off more than she could chew protecting someone was somewhat funny. That thought however faded into the background as her mind soaked everything he offered up like a sponge. Turning each memory over. A swell of tenderness toward him filled her, even as she studied his memory of the witch she'd once been. Looking for similarities. When it got to the memory about been thrust into that place, she started to tremble somewhat. Like...something was coming to her. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [4:42 PM]
"Of course not. You believed you were capable of more." *She might have been right. The fact she had not perished during these attempts to defend those she loved could be proof of this. He kept his eyes upon her...noticing her tremble. Some part of him wanted to end this connection, dreading that he might be causing her pain but he did not. He trusted that she would pull out if it became too much. He didn't push anything towards her. He just made them available to her when she was ready.*

Amelie Zagurian [4:45 PM]
That or I was reckless. Or both. ~ Her lips quirked even as her eyes remained glazed over. Lost in the memories. After a moment or two the trembles became shudders, big ones and she pulled back. Severing the connection and returning her mind back to the safety of it's shields. Slumping against his furry frame and trying to hug him again. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [4:58 PM]
"I'll go with both but you don't know what your limits are until you push past them" *He nuzzled against her once she pulled out. He hoped this endeavor did not hurt her too much and that it succeeded in its goal*

Amelie Zagurian [5:02 PM]
You know me better than I thought. ~ She grins. ~ If it were possible I'd think I'd turn Michael prematurely grey. Of course since I'm usually the one protecting him... ~ She let that comment hang, half clinging to the cougar. Her gaze lifted to meet his. A look that was part tenderness, part haunted residing in them. ~ You were close. You stayed for her. ~ It wasn't a question, the witch had been the reason he'd chosen to accept her deities help to remain. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [5:08 PM]
"I am your familiar." *He let out a low rumble of a chuckle at her words* "I was. I don't  Some part of me might have. Another part wanted to simply live." *The reality was he couldn't say for certain why he accepted the darkness help. Had it been to stay for her? Had it been because he didn't want to die? Had it been a completely different reason?*

Amelie Zagurian [5:11 PM]
Touche. ~ She murmured the word, playfully narrowing her eyes at him. ~ It could have been both, but from what I saw. The bond was instant with you. It almost makes me jealous...is it possible to be jealous of yourself?

Anton Oriol-Von [5:28 PM]
*He smiled at her words or smiled as much as he could within this form* "I had no reason to fight it. I mean I don't think we were bonded closely before the darkness came to me. I wanted to thank her for saving me. I wanted to show her that her effort wasn't in vain but once everything was said and done I didn't have the desire to remain at her side as I did after I became her familiar. Anything is possible."

Amelie Zagurian [5:38 PM]
~ She nodded at his words, now that she'd seen his memories. She was starting to notice feelings filtering through. ~ You were right about the rage. I'm beginning to understand why I have so many pets and animal companions. Feeling her rage at the injustice of hurting a tiny, innocent creature...

Anton Oriol-Von [5:44 PM]
"That had not changed. She was always taking in injured animals. She could not stand someone hurting those whom were weaker than them simply for the amusement of it. If it was for survival she got it. One had to eat after all." *If connecting to his mind was going to give her the answer she sought it was going to take time. He knew that but he was glad that something was filtering through. He studied her for a few moments* "Perhaps it might be wise for you to sleep. You had a very trying day and they say that everything we learn during the day is best adsorbed in our dreams."

Amelie Zagurian [5:49 PM]
~ She thought about that for a second, before starting to chuckle. ~ Well she definitely picked the right family to reincarnate amongst then. What with Nikki and her wolves, my brother's lions. And my few critters. ~ She seemed almost amused by the parallels. ~ My dreams tend to be more like nightmares. ~ Though he had a point, she was tired. She didn't much want to be by herself though. She'd cracked the seal and given she'd just been in the Between... Dear gods she sounded like a terrified child. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [6:07 PM]
"That she did." *This was, of course, assuming that one picked which family they were born into but such details he did not care about* "If you learn how to control your dreams than it cannot become a nightmares. The next time you have a nightmare try telling it that you refuse to follow its plan. Change it to something silly or even something frightening. I believe people call this lucid dreaming." *He thought that she might be. She felt tired. She wasn't going to be by herself. He had no intention of leaving her just yet. It was true he was going to watch her daughter but that could wait until the morning.*

Amelie Zagurian [6:10 PM]
Ironically for a telepath, I'm lousy at controlling dreams. ~ She snorts, wilting and sort of flopping over like a flower who couldn't find the sun. Only his furry self stopped her falling over completely. ~ But I supposed I could use some rest. ~ She chewed her lower lip carefully. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [6:16 PM]
"Yes you would think for someone like you it would be an easy concept" *The teasing within his voice was clear.* "You could. Come on let's go back inside" *He stood up and begun to make his way back to the Giese estate*

Amelie Zagurian [6:18 PM]
We all have our strengths. ~ She quipped, pushing herself up to her feet slowly, carefully. Almost swaying on her feet. Exhaustion had finally caught up with her. Still she followed the large feline into the estate, managing to stay on her feet the entire time. ~

Anton Oriol-Von [6:35 PM]
"True." *He lead her into the estate and finally to her room. He jumped onto the bed. Hoping that this would make it clear he was not going anywhere.*

Amelie Zagurian [6:37 PM]
~ She smiled when he leaped onto the bed, shrugging off her jacket and kicking off her boots before flopping across the bed fully clothed and curling up next to him. Which was where she'd stay until someone woke her. ~