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[ozren]

I'm sorry the DR closed, I liked it there, but do you really need to be thinking about a game? Right now, I mean? You've got surgery coming up early next month, and keeping the internet is still uncertain...

Just 'cause X-Men comes on doesn't mean you need to start considering what-ifs, you know. Especially not mutant school. I told you I don't do the teamwork thing. Or the friends thing.

[Yes, but what about Yugi and Yoyo, Wren? They were your friends.]

That was different, the situation was- I'm okay like this. I can draw my friends, so let's leave it at that.

Comments

[thetrueseeker]

We all need friends, they give us strength.

[ozren]

They do, but they never stay. It doesn't last.

[Yugi, Yoyo, Lockheed, Robin and Christopher before that...nope.]

I'd forgotten that, when she put me in the DR. My only two friends there left, so I was alone again. My drawings never leave...until I erase them, anyway.

[She's really tempted to give her dragon another go. Watching something like that clomp around on skates is pretty distracting.]

[thetrueseeker]

They never leave your heart. They still give you strength.

[He is thinking not of his canon home, but his former home and how they all left. Yet, he still loves them, still lives for them.]

Drawings, huh? May I see some? [Then he offers his hand. Richard here has a dragon for a friend himself. He has even flown on her.]

I'm Richard.

[ozren]

I suppose. Guess that's why it hurts. I'd rather be able to still talk to them.

[Really, she never got to say goodbye, and that's probably what bothers her the most. Echoes of her parents.]

Well...

[She eyes his hand for a second, considering, then smiles faintly, offering her own.] Wren. And I guess, if you don't mind weird things.

[Not that she thinks it's weird, it's her. Pulling her hand back, she digs around in her pocket for the battered and taped box of chalk she always carries.]

Give me a minute, okay?

[Wren'll just proceed to sketch out a six foot tall dragon on the ground in red chalk, complete with skates, before getting to her feet and putting the box away. A moment's concentration later, and the chalk drawing fills itself in, rising from the ground to awkwardly flap it's wings, attempting to keep it's balance on the skates.]

Solid and three-dimensional. I do smaller stuff too, but this one's my favorite.

[thetrueseeker]

It's nice to meet you Wren.

[He gives her hand a firm but still gentle shake. He nods when she asks for a moment. He crouches down beside her, a faint smile pulling his lips as the image brings Scarlet to mind.

There is a thread of fear for Wren in him when she brings the drawing to "life". What Rahl would do to someone like her if he knew of such power. He vows to himself to never let that happen.

He laughs when the drawing mounts it's strange wheeled shoes.]

I have never seen shoes such as these, they are magnificent. You know, I have a dragon friend in the Midlands. They make wonderful friends and you are very talented.

[ozren]

You too.

[There are people back home that aren't too fond of mutants like her, so she's done her best to keep her abilities to herself. The nice thing about the last place she'd been was that no one cared what she did. She got a lot of practice in. His laugh makes her own smile widen, and she shrugs a little.]

They're just skates, I'm terrible on them. I fall down so much it's ridiculous. Last time I tried, I hit a wall.

[Wait, he's got a what? She stares up at him for a second, surprised. Well, why not?] I've got one, Lockheed, but I haven't seen him in a while.

[Her attention shifts back to the dragon at the compliment, a faint blush rising.] Eh, maybe. It's hard work- the drawing part, I mean. I used to only do stick figures. But I can do mice now, and wolves, and Godzilla...

[Her other favorite, to be honest. Watching the dragon stumble around, Wren trails off long enough to move in front of it, holding her arms out.] No, see, like this. Remember last time? Spread your wings out for balance!

[Giggling as the drawing obeys, she gets out of it's way, smiling at Richard.] I figured out how to make the doors I draw lead to other places, too. Still don't have much control over that, I turned up in someone's kitchen once by mistake.

[thetrueseeker]

[Richard has seen powers like hers, almost, powers scarier than hers and everything in between. When he looks at Wren, what he sees his a little girl who has more on her plate than any child should. He sees Rachel and his heart aches. If only he could take Wren to Chase and his family.]

They do not have such things where I am from. I would like to try some day.

[Richard's smile grows, bringing a spark to gray eyes and laugh lines show as he watches her with the dragon.] You're an excellent teacher. All skills take practice, I had to learn to use mine. I'm still learning. Can you not draw a door to home?

[Richard seats himself, patting the ground beside him when he does.]

With more practice maybe you can. Or one to the Midland, then Scarlet could take you flying. Has Lockheed ever let you go for a ride?

[ozren]

I've never actually tried to make skates like this- I mean, aside from the dragon's - but I've made boxes and a couple other things. So maybe I could try and make you a pair?

[She'd also managed a pair of shackles once, though they were never used. It was mostly to prove someone wrong, that she couldn't be of any help; once they were made she'd been sickened enough to immediately destroy them. That, however, she's keeping to herself.]

I'm not that great a teacher! [Wren laughs, casting a glance back at her creation.] It's just another part of me, after all. It knows what I know, and feels what I do; it usually expresses the other half of my feelings. What kind of stuff can you do?

[The question about the door makes her frown, just a little, before she drops down beside him.] Not where my mun had me. There was a barrier over the whole island that kept anyone from leaving. Magic couldn't get through it, or technology, or anything else. We couldn't even swim under it...At least I don't think anyone tried. Drowning's not fun.

I'd love to get a handle on it, and end up where I'm intending. I could save myself a lot of walking that way.

[Her eyes light up at the thought of flying on a real live dragon. That'd be incredible! But she shakes her head in regards to Lockheed.]

No, he's pretty small. Not even three feet. But he's plenty smart, so he's good to talk to. I can do without flying for that.

[thetrueseeker]

You'd have to teach me how to use them.

[Richard knows all too well about being sickened by what your power can do. He has accepted his lot as Seeker. However, he still denies that he has the gift and is a wizard of immense power.] Yes you are, trust me, I know these things.

Drawing is a good way to express yourself. It's never good to lock yourself up entirely. Have you given it a name?[ Richard thinks how to word what he is to someone not from Westland or the Midlands.]

I am the Seeker of Truth, I can see what isn't there and according to some old prophecy, I am meant to save the world. My sword has powerful magic that I will need to defeat Darken Rahl before he enslaves us all. If Zedd is to be believed, I have the gift as well. But I think he's wrong, I used my intuition, not magic.

[Richard ruffles her hair, reaches into his pack and hands her an apple. He would take her on a ride right now if he could.]

Brains over brawn, always a good choice. I think that's what I miss most about my friends being with me. I could always talk to them about anything.

[ozren]

...Maybe it's not such a good idea then, if I'm still falling into things when I use them. I mean, look at my poor dragon.

[The poor chalk dragon that's still awkwardly clomping around on it's skates, nearly falling over several times even with it's wings still spread.]

You'd be falling into walls too, whether you believe me to be a good teacher or not!

[She's still amused by that assessment, though. Maybe once she's got more practice of her own in, then she'll believe it.]

...My parents died when I was little, and I did lock myself up for a while. Drawing was all I did. Then later...a lot later - I was twelve - I discovered I could do this stuff. I guess I still hide, in a way, through them. [Wren gives him a sad little smile, shaking her head.] Not yet.

[Okay, that explanation has her staring again, with her eyes wide. Wow. And here she thought maybe trying to use her powers openly to help people was going to be hard.]

That's...wow. I mean- it's really cool...and a lot to deal with. I can't imagine- [She really can't. She's still trying to wrap her mind around it when he ruffles her hair, and the action makes her still for a moment before she takes the apple.]

...Last person who messed my hair like that was my dad. Kind of funny, I didn't think I missed it that much.

[Playing with the apple, Wren smiles a bit.] I could talk to mine like that too. Talking to my drawings is pretty much talking to myself, no matter what I make them look like.

[thetrueseeker]

Falling down is part of learning, right?

[Richard studies the dragon and the skates. Seeing what is there, what is not. Thinking of ways to help improve so she can see what he sees.

An amazing talent.]

[Richard would hug her, if he was certain she would not feel too uncomfortable. He knows what it is to lose your parents.]

My mother died when I was young, my father was murdered recently. I went into the woods, seeking answers after his loss. Some times we need to hide, till we an deal with our pain.

[Richard only accepted his power so he could help people. His friends, the innocent, they all needed someone to fight for them. That someone was Richard and he takes it very seriously.]

I am thinking my definition of cool and yours is different. Different worlds do that from time to time. It's hard, I had to leave my home behind. But, if the Seeker will not fight then how can the people.

[There is a sadness for her in his eyes as he rests his arms across his knees, taking an apple for himself.]

I am sorry Wren, that you don't have your parents.

[He smiles at her, taking a bite of his apple, he chews and swallows before speaking.]

Then it is a good thing we met, if you'll have me for a friend that is? I can promise I am a good listener and I will give all the hair ruffles you can stand.

[ozren]

Right. [Falling down and getting back up. She's always managed that.]

[Once she gets to know him better, she might. It didn't take long for her to want to hug Robin, after all. 'Want' being the operative word there, actually doing it would've caused problems.]

I'm sorry about your parents. [She starts twisting the apple's stem, thinking.] The magic's cool. And being able to protect people is. Or at least find a way to help them. Yoyo told me once if I could get my drawings to be as good as real food, no one'd ever go hungry again. It's something to aspire to. I mean, the stuff looks funny, but at least it's edible.

[She shrugs a bit at that.] I've got my aunt, so it's something. She tries her best.

[The offer gets a tilt of her head, and in the background, the clomping of the dragon suddenly stops as it fades back into the ground, just a simple chalk drawing again. As much as it worries her, maybe losing another friend, it'd be nice...]

Yeah, okay.

[Her smile this time is a lot stronger, and she takes a bite of the apple finally, waiting until she's swallowed before talking again. Rude to talk with food in your mouth.]

I can stand a lot, you know.

[thetrueseeker]

Then the bumps and bruises are all part of the lesson.

[Well if the young girl Rachel who Richard met is to be believed, he happens to give the best hugs ever. If she finds the want, he'll gladly return the gesture.]

Sometimes the magic scares me, the wrong person could use it the wrong way. Like Darken Rahl but, I don't think I ever have to worry about you. You have a good heart, I can tell. Food doesn't always have to look pretty as long as it provides nourishment, a skill like that would allow to save many people who could not eat otherwise.

[Richard reaches out, ruffling her hair.] Always best to accept what you have, looking backwards only holds us back.

[Richard smiles brightly when she agrees, taking a bite of his own apple, he ruffles her hair once more with a wink. When he was done chewing and had swallowed he spoke]

Thank you Wren for being my friend, it makes me happy.

[ozren]

Painful, but at least once you can skate it's fun! [Or so it was for Yoyo. She'd love to be able to skate like him. Doing tricks down the stairway rail? Come on.

She misses hugs, it probably won't take terribly long.]

Darken Rahl? [Just the name gets a shiver out of her; she has no idea who he's talking about, but something feels wrong there.] I can understand being scared of it...and maybe my heart's not as good as you think. I mean, the place my mun had me at? The very first day I was there, I drew a huge monster and let it punch holes in the building, I was so angry. Afraid, too. I mean, I might be on my own a lot at home, but waking up in a strange place with no explanation was even worse.

[Plus the fact she lost control of it and had to splash it with water to stop the rampage. At least no one was hurt because of her.]

Ha, nope, pretty doesn't describe my food. Colorful, maybe.

[The hair ruffling gets another grin out of her. Munching on the apple, she digs her chalk back out with her free hand, drawing and animating a brownie. Aside from being the color of chocolate and square, it doesn't much look like food.]

Ta da, a brownie for my new friend! And you're welcome.

[thetrueseeker]

Makes the pain worth it. [Richard does not tell her nor will he ever that the pain of falling on skates is nothing in comparison to the pain he was given from the aigel around his neck. Resting there with Scarlet's tooth and the bird whistle.]

Promise me, Wren, if you ever meet him in this realm, you will come find me. [Because spirits help Rahl if he comes near her. Richard will not let him hurt another soul, but he knows how these realms work and Rahl could easily escape the veil and be alive here. He listens to her story about her first day. Then there is a smile for the young girl, his newfound friend.] You were afraid, a strange place, no one to make you feel safe. That does not make your heart bad, it makes you a young girl. If your heart was bad, you'd have no regret over having created that monster. I have done things I regret, because my heart is good. Necessary things, things born of fear, but regretful things all the same.

[Richard will not let her believe badly of herself and he leans forward as she begins to draw. When she hands him the brownie his smile is bright, right to his eyes once more as he takes.]

A brownie, I am not certain we have these where I am from. [Richard breaks it in half and offers her a piece.] Then I will share it with my newfound friend, thank you for the gift.

[Richard takes a bite, no matter how it tastes his face shows pleasure as if it is the most delicious thing he has ever tasted.]

[ozren]

[Wren pauses, still playing with the chalk, holding the apple in her other hand.] He's really that bad, huh? Some of the people back home can be dangerous too, but-

[But she's a smart girl that knows when she's in over her head. She gives Richard a smile and a quick nod.]

Promise I'll come find you. Won't try and draw anything as defense first either, if it's that important. [Because somehow she gets the impression her ability could get her into loads of trouble in this case.]

The first person I met there tried to fight it. I was so upset I lost control, I had to destroy the monster the old-fashioned way. I was so glad Link hadn't been hurt. Nearly everything else I created after that was just to be helpful or keep me company. Well, except my wolf. That was more to prove to this...boy that I wasn't as useless as he thought I was. [She might be far away from him now, but Malik's treatment of her is going to irritate her for a long time.]

[Setting the remainder of the apple down, she takes the brownie half, beaming.]

You're very welcome.

[She tries hard for her food creations to taste as close to the real thing as possible, so it should taste just fine.]

I am so sorry this took so long, I lost my internet and phone :(

[thetrueseeker]

He's really, that bad. [Richard sees no reason to pretend anything else and with her powers, Rahl would find a way to use her. Richard can tell Wren knows how important it is and thus, he believes in her ability to handle the situation correctly. Instead of saying anything further on the subject, he ruffles her hair. It would be nice if all those who met would go like his.

The simple nature of the interaction, he could relax. He could think clearly and just be himself.]

See, you don't want to hurt people, anymore than I want to hurt people.

[Richard chews slowly making sure to get the full flavor. He can not recall tasting anything so sweet. It was surprisingly pleasant and when he finishes his half he grins wider.]

I like brownies, my friend Zedd would eat plates of them I bet.

No problem! My wrist's been bugging me anyway, so.

[ozren]

[Ordinarily she might try and learn more, but the hair ruffling is distracting in the best way...plus he seems in a good mood and she doesn't want to ruin that. So instead Wren laughs, ducking her head slightly.]

Oh no, there're too many people back home that cause trouble, powers or not. I just want to help, if I can.

I'm glad! I'll draw him some if I ever meet him. I'd make some for you to take back, but they'd just turn back into chalk once they were far enough away from me. It's kind of a problem, but I'm working it out. It varies on how much energy I need to put in to keep it active. I have to be awake, too.

[Wren gives an embarrassed laugh.]

I made a tent for shelter once, and it worked really well until I fell asleep. Then it just changed back.

[She wouldn't have minded so much if there'd been other shelter besides trees. Having the whole building vanish into thin air without warning had really sucked.]