Jacen Silvermoon: ::The setting sun slowly sank behind massive flowering trees, casting a pinkish/reddish hue over the horizon. Jacen's emerald orbs stared out to that point, gazing to the distant mountains that we nothing more than small humps in the distance. His gait was that of a man deep in thought, slow. His hands were clasped together behind his back and though his gaze went to those mountains, it was obvious his attention was elsewhere. Inside his own head, as always. Isaiah had left the night before on some urgent mission, and so that wonderfully peaceful sanctuary had suddenly become too small and lonely for the solitary man, so he opted for a stroll down the nearby dirt road this eve. So lulled into a peaceful state of mind from his past few days staying with Isaiah, he did not even bother to carry his scimitar with him. He was totally unarmed as his trod his way down the path.::

II Tiphareth II: ::There was hardly a sound to be heard as the meticulously polished platformed boots made their deliberate, and yet still slightly delicate way across the dusted, seemingly forgotten trail. Needing for whatever reason to be outside and away from the solitude that the private tavern never ceased in offering her, she'd wandered her way to this spot after an unmentioned, and likewise unnoticed amount of time. Form of the soldier trim and svelte, she seemed almost to weave her way through the very air in slow approach of her chosen seat. Nothing she was accustomed to, but the time smoothed stump of an oak long since dead would have to do for the time being. A single katana, longer than she was tall by nearly two feet, was held calmly in her right gloved hand, tiny digits lightly gripping the handle and hilt of what must have been undoubtedly a sword of immense weight, and yet she showed no strain in keeping it suspended diagonally out behind her as she moved. The tip never once came close to grazing the ground. Her head, cloaked perfectly beneath a dark cowel was tilted slightly toward her slender knees as she took her seat, lying Masamune neatly across them simultaneously. Though nothing could be seen under her hood, a very soft sapphire glow lurked about the air before the concealed face, at about the level of where her eyes should have been. The hindered shine tilted up, into the sunset for a moment, then glancing back down again, as the soldier drew in a sigh of a breath::

Jacen Silvermoon: ::Advancing slowly on the sight where the form sat huddled upon the stump, Jacen was already so deep into his thoughts that he paid his senses no heed. Not particularly feeling in any great danger in the woods so near Isaiah's home, he did not stay as alert as he perhaps should have. Thus, he was nearly upon the unknown figure before he was abruptly snapped from his thoughts, his eyes instantly locking on the shadowed person. He silently cursed himself for being so unaware, and squinted as he focused on the cloaked being. Nothing could be distinguished. Not race, not sex, surely not age. Nothing. For some reason, however, he felt a strane stirring within him. Something about this unknown figure seemed famaliar to him, though he could not determine what. Standing dead in his tracks, he silently watched the unknown person.::

II Tiphareth II: ::Slowly she cast back the shoulders of the cloak which had been thus far hiding her identity quite well.. and back they fell, revealing nothing short of the tell tale alien armor, thick, sleek, black highlighted with silver, white and bits of gold. She'd been a bit surprised to come across anyone so far away from anything conventionally popular, or often frequented by the majority of the masses.. and took a sudden rigid posture, being discovered. The surprise was replaced quickly by dumbfounded shock.. of all people who could have happened across her, it happened to be one she knew as well as she did Jacen. Her mind cluttered with questions.. how long had it been, and the like.. but she spoke nothing as of yet, only taking a gentle hold of the sword, turning it off to one side and sinking it's tip neatly into the dirt. The hood did not move from it's perch about her head and neck, which were the only parts of her left unrecognizable, buried in the impenetrable darkness::

Jacen Silvermoon: ::The shadows the setting sun casted over the trees, made it impossible for him to determine her identity at first. Squinting curiously at her as the cowl fell down to her shoulders, he took a sidestep, shifting the shadows off of her face. His eyes widened in silent shock as he looked upon her features. He stood in dumbfound silence for many long moments. His mind frantically raced to try to explain this event. Chance had just happened to have these two old friends reunited now, after all this time of Tiph's unknown location. There was so much he wanted to ask her, such much to say, but he could not seem to get over the initial shock as he stared intently at her face. He shook his head slowly, lifting a hand to run through his hair as he tried to make sense of this encounter.::

II Tiphareth II: ::Breaking the silence after what had seemed an awkward eternity, a voice unmistakably Tiphareth's rumbled up from the depths of delicate throat concealed beneath the cowl still, in clear feminine chords. Void, as was her usual custom, of emotion, though still in possession of that slightly harsh soldier air, demanding respect as always was the hybrid.:: I haven't seen you in a while.. ::Which was hardly a deep observation, perhaps a hint of cynicism belied her obvious words. She made no motions to remove the hood and show her face, apparently all too comfortable to remain hidden beneath the curtain of shadow. The last shards of setting sun which happened to fall across the space where her head should have been, were helpless to illuminate the pallid visage there hiding. True that it was a *bit* impersonal, but after certain past events Tiphareth had learned that impersonal was the way she should have always kept things.:: What have you been up to? ::And the right hand, tattooed beneath the thinly folding alien materialed glove, idly fondled the hilt of the katana resting obedient at her side, equipped with a curiously pulsing obsidian orb that hummed in response to her light touch::

Jacen Silvermoon: ::He smirked inwardly at her question. His thoughts were nothing more a jumbled mass, he couldn't even begin to discern them. Instead, he answered simply.:: It's been a long time indeed...and as for my whereabouts, well, I suppose I've just found solitude more preferable as of late. ::He smiled thinly.:: You understand, I'm sure. ::He shifted his weight uncomfortably, his emerald twins falling to the earth floor as his voice lowered slightly.:: I finally saw Nich again...after so long. ::Swallowing deeply, as though swallowing down the weak display of emotion, he lifted his gaze to her once more, his visage again that of a polite smile, one offered to a long missed friend.:: And what of you, Tiph? What brings you around to these parts? ::He did not bother to ask her what she had been up to, or what was new, for he could see no reason to dwell on the recent past, imagining it would not bring a pleasant tone to this reunion.::

II Tiphareth II: And you are quite right.. I can understand that perfectly. ::She nodded faintly as if in aquiescence to him, then muttering:: sometimes the solitude is the only thing that keeps a creature sane. ::The mention of Nich, mutually known by the two, aroused a hint of emotion in Tiphareth as well though she hid it expertly, having had an endless amount of practice through which she had ensured the skill was utterly flawless.. The feeling wasn't especially one of grief or pain, but more closely comparable to a raw sensitivity, not especially in connection to Nich and the ties to her friend specifically, but for the fact that it called to her attention the subject of her son, whom she had not seen for quite some time, by her own choice of course. But there was naught to be done about it, at least as far as her current trend of thinking went, and so she opted to keep it to herself, making no mention of any strife she was suffering. And, seeing he wanted to avoid a subject himself, she whole heartedly let the conversation steer to places elsewhere than Nichollette. Answering simply, for that was the only reasonable one to be given:: I needed a walk, fresh air in my lungs.. the tavern becomes so dreary. And the chance of running into old friends seems high these days, as you haven't, surprisingly, been the first. ::The katana, which she had been stroking lovingly the entire time, was paid one final slow traipse of tiny gloved fingers down over the hilt and then blade itself. She pulled the hand away::

Jacen Silvermoon: ::He raised a curious brow.:: Is that so? And how is it to see old accquaintices? I'm yet to run into any of my own...::He added under his breath.:: perhaps because I've burnt so many bridges. ::He sighed softly, and let his gaze go heavenward. The starless night seemed a black blanket pulled taunt over the world, only the pale full moon breaking it's otherwise, unflawed reign over the sky.:: It is nice to be free of such...suffocating confines. It never ceases to put me in a state of slightly more calm...a state of peace, some might say, when I am out under the night sky. ::He sighed wistfully, his thoughts slowly easing down the path of his recent transpirings. He shook his head, as though dismissing the thoughts. He knew no answers were held there, and to dwell over the events would only cause more turmoil. He opted instead to avoid that path altogether. He spoke to her again, though his distant gaze was still upon the sky, his words coming out gently.:: How have you fared, Tiph? It's been so long, I wondered what had become of you...and the rest of the Nightshades for that matter...::His thoughts drifted to the few fond memories he had of his old-time drinking partner, and a wry smile spread across his handsome features.:: Though I have seen little Damien not too long ago, and am pleased to inform you that he is doing quite well. Nich has done a fantastic job in watching over him, I would say. There's an intellegence in his eyes already, despite his young age, and he seems to be in good health moreso than his guardian. ::He had been hesitant to bring this up, unsure of how she would feel hearing about her son whom she had been apart from for so long, but he knew that any mother would want to know how her child was doing, so he had risked it.::

II Tiphareth II: Hmm well.. up until now, I've cared very little whether or not they'd even happened. The acquaintance prior not being one I particularly was ever close to at any time before.. ::She shrugged as close to the incomplete thought, small narrow shoulders moving in a minimal amount nestled partway beneath the thick folds of the cloak, anything but habitual to one who might have been accustomed to her appearance before now. The cloth was darkened even moreso in the starless night, though a whispery soft luminance was erupting from the brilliant feathers of the left porcelain wing. It's mate, the stark opposite as far as shade went, was all but invisible in the night fast deepening, darkness not only creeping toward her to engulf it, but emanating from the wing, gradually drinking into the abyss of light whatever pale energies the other managed to spew, in an endless cycle reminiscent of yin and yang, much more prominently beheld on such a dark night.:: It doesn't matter much to me whether the sun or moon reigns the sky. I lack feeling no matter the current position in the cycle of the sun. ::She noted, of course, the sigh, the shake of the head, but chose to make no mention of it, letting her eyes instead wander off to dull and glaze into the view of Masamune as it shimmered almost undetectably. Listening to him in silence, dark thoughts breathed across her mind, hidden oculars squeezed tightly closed in efforts to deny the madness taking any hold. Tender subject though it might have been at some initial point, cold hatred was all she knew. How else could she react to the thought of he who had ravaged her trust? Flatly non expressive the voice remained:: I am simply Tiphareth. ::There she paused, taking in a quiet breath:: How have I fared.. ::She trailed off, and paused again; it seemed to be a rhetorical question, answered in the posing of itself again. Obviously whatever people skills she had ever managed to formulate had all but dwindled down to next to nothing:: Nightshades, are not a concern I bother myself with anymore, nor have they been for quite some time. So I cannot rightly answer your quasi question. Damian.. ::She clenched a fist loosely, as if in feeble resolve:: I miss my son.. ::And she could speak no more. An excellent question would be whether she would blow up or break down if pressed on the matter further.::

Jacen Silvermoon: ::He watched her silently as she spoke, taking in the subtle unspoken actions that truly conveyed how she was feeling. Words could be nothing more than another mask people hid behind, but the body language was the true language of the heart and soul. It could not be masked. If nothing else, it was obvious she did wish to continue that line of conversation. With a small nod, he spoke softly, trying to make his words as understanding and gentle as possible.:: Life goes on, Tiph. Sometimes we just have to accept that and move on with it. ::His words rang out to him, and he smirked inwardly at his own stubborn behavior to accept that fact. He was not ready to admit he had to move on. There was still a sliver of hope, and he held onto that with all his might. To him, of late, it had felt that Nich wanted nothing to do with him, espescially after their last reunion, but he refused to accept defeat. Unsure what he was feeling anymore, however, he was content to spend the time under the tutelage of Isaiah, and perhaps discover how to read his own emotions; a trait he dearly lacked. With another gaze up to the night sky, he sighed.:: Tiph, my friend, I'm sorry, but the night is getting later by the minute, and Isaiah expects me back soon. You do not know how much it means to me to run into you again. ::He lips parted into a smile and, with much deliberation, he took a step closer, wrapping her in an embrace. His whispered in her ear as he hugged her.:: I worried about you so much. ::Holding the embrace for a moment longer, he then let go and took a step back once more. An idea ran through his head, and he immediately brightened, almost excited.:: Well now wait a second. Who says we have to end this reunion now?? Perhaps you would like to join me back at Isaiah's sanctuary? I'm sure he would not mind another guest for a little while.. What do you say, Tiph? ::His eyes sparkled some, the hope obvious in their depths. It was as though he feared if they departed now, she would disappear once again, and he would not see her for many more months to come. He clasped his hands together and rubbed them, the eager energy visible.::

II Tiphareth II: ::The hybrid found herself slipping back into recently learned behaviors, the wall she'd kept up in defense seemed to be breaking down, and though the change was in a scant amount as yet, to her it felt as if things were escalating entirely too quickly. She wasn't ready for the delicate subject matter to be pressed, not in the least degree, especially not by someone close enough to her to tap into the guarded emotions, at least to some extent, whom Jacen most certainly was. She dreaded finding herself so vulnerable as to be delving into such painful topics, which would in all likelihood lead soon after to the shedding of bitter tears, the thought of which she could not stand. She refused to be so soft, at least for a little while longer, and thus the invitation though comforting in certain aspects, was most assuredly declined. She was better off alone for the time being, needing the solitude to further sort out her mottled thoughts and strifes. She knew entirely too well that life went on, much to her dismay, it would go on perpetually, perhaps without her finding solace ever again; oh the curse of immortality. She had most definitely come to grips with the unwelcoming fact, though she viewed it with little else than ill concealed animosity and vindictiveness.:: I can't go with you Jacen.. I'm sorry.. Please take care of yourself.. ::And he was likely very close to a real and probable fear; she would disappear again, as far as he was concerned, after this imminent parting of paths. The gaping wings unfurled, accompanied by a bold rush of air, and beat powerfully just once, to lift her form airborne. There she hovered, with one last query, before the night would swallow her up again, gentle whirring of wings so soft it was uncanny that they even be able to hold someone one tenth her weight aloft. Argent moonlight kissed over the yin and yang plumage, and lastly a silent mental request called her katana into a waiting hand:: You haven't seen Lu anytime lately, have you? ::Very slight trepidation outlined the words, as if she already knew the answer she would receive::

Jacen Silvermoon: ::The disappointment registered clearly on his features, but he took her decline with nothing more than a silent nod. He watched her, an almost sad look to his face as she lifted to the air, as if he feared to never see her again. He sighed, a soft, sorrowful sigh, and shook his head.:: No, I'm yet to run into our old friend again. Perhaps you have a message you would like me to give him when I do, for I intend to find him soon enough as well.. ::His emerald eyes misted as unexpected tears began to formulate and swell behind his lids. Blinking them away, he resolutely set his face to that of a mask of stoic unemotion.:: Tiph, I truly hope you stay in touch. It seems we have so few friends in this world these days, would force ourselves to be distant to one more when there is no need? Please, let me know where I can reach you.. ::As if a river of supressed emotions, he himself was unaware was there, had been struck with a catalyst, his jaw trembled just slightly, his fists tightened into tight balls, and twin tears fell from his eyes. Some would give it up to the highly intense emotional drama he had been through recently, and perhaps that had much to do with it, but truth be told, he was afraid. Afraid of losing yet another, when he feared he had lost so many already. He stood tall, firmly planted; the only movements he made were the subtle signs of sadness and weakness. His emerald orbs were focused on her as she hovered in mid-air, and the image of an angel gracing a mortal with it's presence one last time before flying back off to it's heavenly home crossed his mind. He looked on with a saddened visage, and waited quietly for her response.::

II Tiphareth II: ::She was grateful for the ability she'd learned to shut out such unpleasant emotions, such as what was being exhibited before her now, and though a part of her longed to remain with her friend, the dominant voice inside demanded that she follow the route of a stronger creature, and that meant continuing on her way, alone. Deeply guarded heart strings were being gnawed, and in part she wanted desperately to succumb to the urge that witnessing his sorrow at her departure instilled in her. Customary indifferent traits insisted that she go, however, and she bowed to their request. Before she departed, however, the cacophonous wings halted in their ever slowing rise and fall, and she was deposited gently on the floor again, richly feathered appendages in a state of temporary rest, though poised to return her to the finally star dazzled skies at any moment. Enough time had passed for the first, and brightest twinkling gems to emerge through the previously impenetrable blanket of black clouds. She spoke in a voice deeply edged in suffering, so uncharacteristic of her as of late, taking small steps to close the distance between them, halting close enough so that he might barely be able to pick up on a trace of sapphire shine hovering before the onyx cowl at about the eye level, as if a reminder of things past and dead, and oddly out of place:: If you see him before I do, tell him I woefully regret being such a miserable wretch of a sister. ::Here one hand raised to the void of matter about her "head" and disappeared into the abyss, reappearing a few moments later with what appeared to be a jewel held delicately between thumb and forefinger, in the shape of a tiny crystalline tear, solid and resplendent in it's icily azure hue. She held it out to him, with simple instructions, and a curious verse of sorts, to precede them:: I know not whither I go, nor when my travels shall end, soon or a long time off, but keep this as your link to me, and as I yet live, a sincere wish to be reunited, if placed with this in hand, will not go unrequited. ::Unable to stay any longer, again she took flight, powerful wings propelling her out of view, and a final "Farewell" echoing across the expanse, soon all there was to leave any impression of her ever having been there.::

Jacen Silvermoon: ::The small teardrop jewel sparkled in the moonlight as he held it in his open palm. His gaze remained locked on her as he watched her disappear into the night, as if a piece of it was returning to it's home. Soon, her dark form mingled in with the darkness and she was out of sight. Whispering a small "Goodbye, Tiph," he lowered his gaze to the gift she had bestowed upon him. Already a plan was formulating in his mind. In the morning he would find a skilled forgeworker to mold it in with his already enhcanted scimitar. He could not afford to lose such a valuable treasure, and Joyeux was something he was sure not to lose anytime soon. Carefully dropping the tiny gem into a small pouch on his waist until then, he sighed softly, glancing up one last time as if in a last ditch hopeful effor to see her returning. Realizing such a wish was foolishly naive, he turned and slowly began to make his way back down the trail, back down his thoughts, back to his own turmoil. Alone.::