The Islands

Shurik had arrived on the beach some minutes before. Jin had wandered off to explore and complete his orders, he hoped, and Shurik was left standing a little ways from the pod station, talking to some random inhabitant of Siram. They exchanged a laugh or two as the man and he went back and forth with a few things. When the conversation had finally ended, Shurik turned around and looked towards where he had come from. With a slight shock, he had noticed a familiar form exiting the station and he strained his eyes to see who it was. With a laugh, he began to walk towards the person, the figure familiar enough to bring a sort of comfort with walking towards him or her. As he drew closer to what he was looking at, he noticed that there where two people, not one, and they both looked similar. Shurik's foot steps did not rush forward, he continued along with his steady pace until her face shown in the sunlight, and his recognition was complete. A strong laugh escaped his lips once more as he reached speaking range of the two women. One being Micah and the other being someone he had not met yet.

With a bow to her, Shurik wrapped his arms behind him and locked his fingers around his left wrist, standing back up straight as he greeted them. "Micah! So great to see you again. I know the last time we parted was not good circumstances. I decided to come back here and let you know I was fine myself." He didn't look the part of being fine. His clothes where slightly tattered and his skin was cut, bruised, and burnt gently. His mannerisms said he was perfectly fine, but the state of his body and clothes told another story. As he finished addressing Micah, he turned to the other woman and bowed to her. "Hello. I don't believe we have met." He stood back up straight and extended a hand for a pleasant shake. "My name Is Shurik Sidorov, Commander of the Royal Dragoons of Incendia. And you are?" He gave time to answer before turning towards Micah, as if asking confirmation of identity from her. It was not out of disbelief of the woman, or of suspicious, but a precaution.

Faye in the next fond moment caught word of so much distraction from his lovely thoughts his inspiration. though he didnt mind it was pleasant to see people near him so now it appeared time to approach them. raising quickly off his rear he edged against the tree behind him and begun to spring his lengthy body up calmly placing his guitar in case he slung it around his body and yawned very lightly. "what event of untold fortune may befall a simple poet this day?" he asked himself this someone stepping delicately over to the crowd. at first glance it appeared to of a royal class he had heard much of the lady Micah whom was princess of Siram his home land and had also wished to some day be of some sort of service to her. he sighed contently*. " what wondrous day this be indeed fortune has graced me this day to see the royal blood lines of two nations." of yes he hadn't forgotten the very attractive young star, her beauty seemed to radiate from her presence apparently the closest a live man would ever find to making sight of an angel. his smile appeared ever so slightly as he approached now calmly take8ng step he thought to himself. now in merely a few feet away his arms raised over his head to sit slightly behind him as he made his little stroll. his eyes caught sight of the man whom was most defiantly of the incendian blood he had been there once int eh time of lux though had not made his way to entertain the new king rajak of which he looked forward to meeting this man must have been though of high respect he could almost tell. though no matter what interest found his view none took hold of it more than the replicant angel that stood before him . as he finally raised his cool calm voice he smiled the light tone carrying like a never serenading song. " hello to you all indeed what a fine day this morrow hast bring.. three people gathered with of course your acceptance soon to be four if you would have me mademoiselles." he calmly lowered himself to a calming bow gazing up to meet there eyes. his smile still had not left this strange mans face.

Feeling him lighten up, Ali opened her eyes to just a slit to watch him. She smiled at him, then moved so that she was in a sitting position, still close to him, but not as close as they were before. She stifled a yawn, finally realizing how exhausted she was, and wondered faintly how tired he was. She smiled at him again. "I hope so too, and yes, I am actually." Slowly and almost reluctantly she stood up, but pulled him up with her, not willing to get further than a couple feet at most away from him. Holding his hand in her own, she brought him to a small closet towards the end of one of the halls. She opened it, and inside were an array of her parents old clothing. She didn't want him to stay in his tattered clothing, rather she wanted him to be comfortable. She pulled out a t-shirt and pair of sweats that had belonged to her father and handed them to him. "It might be a little big, but I think you would look silly in anything of mine." She giggled quietly at the idea then brought him to her bedroom, motioning for him to go inside and change while she walked to one of the many other closets full of her clothing, and pulled out a sweater and cotton shorts. She went into the bathroom, using the mirror to run the brush through her hair properly, then changed into the shorts and sweater. She then walked out, and sat by the fireplace again, soaking up its warmth.

Chrys had been wandering the beach, not really in search for anything, but instead just being calm as he walked around the beach. He was looking down at teh ground, with his hood up as he saw a sea shell and knelled down and picked it up and then sat down fully, moving his fingers around the shell as he looked out to the sea. he put the shell down and then pulled the shell that Ashling gave him and pulled his hood off his head. He started to move his fingers around it slowly, looking to the shell now. He liked how the other day went for him, it was the best day of his life. He stood up slowly as he heard people behind him. The smile that had snuck its way on his face, disappeared as he went back into his cold state of mind. He pulled the hood back over his head, and put the shell away, and rested his right hand on the sword on his hip and walked slowly over to the group of people that were gathering. He noticed Miss Micah in the group and silently walked over and stood to her open side and spoke softly "Hello miss micah, how are you? and by the way, to your promise that you said, thank you, ill make sure to keep in touch with you, just in case you ever come up with any information." He looked up to the others, his sword and daggers easily showing. He nodded his head to the one who looked like he was of Incendian blood. He spoke softly to that man "your clan makes great swords.. but i must ask.. would you know of any who have a spare sheath that is near here?" He looked to the others quickly, and pulled his hood back, letting the sun hit his black hair, and his generally tan neck and face. He smiled a little as his left hand moved inside the bag he had on his hip, and touched the shell that was held within it.

As he found himself hold ing ehr close he found her yawn . it was truly adorable. then she got up and began to drag him through her house. he didnt exactly know what she was doing though his mind swarm upon many different possibilities including going to bed. though he didnt know if she wasw going to have him cuddle her into the hours of the night or sleep upon the couch. he didnt know what would transpire until she took him to a simple closet to find som clothes . clean clothes he couldnt ask for a better gift he felt grimy honestly hadnt had a chance to bathe since the war. he slowly turned and began tostrip down placing them over his body they felt snug. though the colors didnt seeme to be somethign he wanted. finally returning he walked out to the living room and knelt bbeside ehr kissing her. "so then whats sleeping arrangements?"

-EARLIER IN THE DAY BEFORE SHURIK MET AUREILA AND MICAH OUTSIDE THE PODS-

Shurik's eyes widened as his arrow bursted into flames and fell to ash, mixing with the water that had flooded the pod floors. As the fire hit him, catching fabric on fire, he dropped to the ground and rolled in the liquid to put himself out, the constant spray of water helping to drown the flames from his body. Shurik Stood up and rung himself out slowly as he looked towards Jin, a giant smile on his face as he shook his head. "Welcome to the club." He laughed in refernce to Jin being one of the Dragoon's now. As he looked around to the direpair of the pod his head shook, Shurik moving in front of the doors to better quickly leave the area once they opened. "Let us hope not. But just in case... When the doors open, Lets quickly get out of here quickly."

Shurik stood there and watched as the pod whined to a stop, almost sounding like a scream of pain due to the damage they had caused. The doors first opened and inch, water tricking out and increasing its flow as the doors squeeled open and revieled the inside of the pod to Incendia. A bench split in two, a large gash running along the left wall of the pod, and scorch marks all over the walls. The floor was water-logged and even as Shurik and Jin exited the pod, water continued to pour from its source. He was dinged up, scratched, and burnt to hell, but he walked tall and continued along his way, out into the open sun. The attendants could do nothing but watch as the two warriors walked away so casually from such a mess.

Earlier in the day!!-

Jin-E looked at shurik and laughed as he shook his head " Yea lets do that." He would raise his hand towards Shurik as they exited the Pod " Ill try to find out whats all going on and see if i can find any of our clan members to tell them the war is over." He would smirk slightly from behind his mask, knowing that those who were looking would probably wondered why they were looking ragged and wonder why in the world was the pod literally torn apart.

He would continue to laugh as he ran off, exploring here and their, buying and trading, telling people to spread the word that the Incedia Calx and the Septur Kana war was finally over. Jin-E had been able to buy a new replacement armor that was almost exactly the same as his. He smiled slightly behind his mask as he quickly slipped it on and traded his old armor for a bite to eat and a drink.

~ Later in the day~

Jin-E would walk back towards the bod station, Carring Korikin on his shoulder and a work belt on his other shoulder full of tools. The sun was near setting and Shurik was no where to be found. With a slight sigh, he would sit down on the waiting bench as he waited for the man. He quickly drew the tools from the belt and begin to make a few minor adjustments to the blade. When Shurik would arrive at the pod station, he would see a newly designed Korikin blade along with the internal mechanisms of the blade spread out all around him. The original 10ft blade was split in half with the spear shaft of the inner blade connecting it along with a small spear beside it from the blade.

As if the strange figure off in the distance weren’t enough, the fact that this figure soon approached them, with little semblance of thought beforehand, only piqued her interests more. It was soon apparent, however, that her interests were duly placed; eyes brightening, ever so slightly at first, as the ensuing man. Tall was he, built like a soldier, and clothed in the Incendian dress wears. Different still, from the clothing she had last seen him in; this man was still easily recognizable. And as he came within clear vision, she was all too aware of his physical state. As well was she, the fact that the way he addressed her seemed all too… formal, maybe? Detached? Neither word sufficed, but the idea was there; after all that had happened before he’d left, the actions he displayed now, confused her a great deal. Moving toward him in silence, she came to stand only an inch or two away from his chest, hand lifting up to rest against the flat of his abdomen. Her other arm wound loosely around his side, eyes sliding closed for a few short moments. Slowly, she would place herself within a seemingly detached state of mind; however, the opposite was the actuality.

In truth, she was letting herself, her ‘spirit’, grow temporarily accustomed to Shurik’s body; the tissues, nervous systems, arteries, the very blood that flowed beneath his skin. Once a strong enough connection had been developed, a small amount of mist seemed to ‘seep’ from her palm; within her mind, she willed the tissues, the skin, to fuse; the blood acting as an almost glue to hold both edges of the cuts, the burns, as they started to inter-grow with their separated other half. Soon, the cuts, burns, and bruises would heal; in which case, she would wind her arms fully around his waist, and give a quite embrace. A small smile found its way onto her lips, and she separated once more, stepping back into the side of her sister and smiling brightly. “I’m glad you made it out alright. We’ll have to find you new clothes, though…” With a quiet laugh, her eyes shifted to her sister; catching the disapproval written so fluently across her face. She couldn’t help but to break into a grin at this; the childish deviousness apparent on her face now. As Aurei would come to state her name, and title, the impish grin would grow with delight. At that point, her arm would raise to settle upon her sister’s shoulder, attention directed momentarily to Shurik. “This is my sister, Aurei. She isn’t closed off, as she seems to be; well, maybe a tad bit, but she’ll get used to you.” A quiet laugh surpassed her words, though her eyes soon shifted playfully up to her sister once more. “Aurei, this is Shurik, they one I was telling you about back in Liwanag?” She hadn’t really ‘told’ Aurei anything, other than the fact that she had ‘met a boy’. The thought was implied, however, and she only assumed Aurei would take the hint.

Soon, the three person group that had gathered would come to grow; another unfamiliar man, whom was so clearly from Siram, approaching. Something about the way this man moved; the coyness of a cat, the grace of beauty spilling forth from his lips; he seemed interesting, to say the least. Micah doubted he knew any of the crowed, though she wouldn’t have been surprised at this point. Shurik seemed to make his way around, and knew a lot of people; perhaps they were old friends? The way he addressed them, however, told her otherwise. She nodded lightly in his direction, though her eyes followed him continuously; discreet as her silver hair pooled over her eyes to mask their movement. With a few moments study, it was apparent he had some pull toward Aureila; something about her little sister drew him in. Perhaps her beauty? Micah wouldn’t have doubted this, for her sister truly was an angel in appearance. Would Aurei find a romance, this soon, in Siram? With a start, Micah realized something; she hadn’t even asked how things with Aurei were going! She just seemed to drag herself down lower, it seemed. With a quiet sigh, her arm joined her sisters; another small, apologetic smile creasing her lips. “Micah; it’s a pleasure…?” the drawn out question inquired a name from the strange man, though she left the others to address, or not address, themselves.

As if the now group of 4 wasn’t enough, Micah was amused by the fact that another was drawn in; this time, a more familiar figure. What was his name...Chrys? A raised brow inquired the questioning of Ashling’s absence, though the words went unspoken, as a smile soon formed. “Mornin’, Chrys. Sleep well?” It had been what… two days, now, since they had met? She wondered how his search had been coming along, though that topic would perhaps be discussed at a later date. That reminded Micah, her and Ashling would soon have to take a trip down to the library. Perhaps she could use that as an opportunity for Aurei to meet new people, as well? As it was, now, a rather large and out of place group had gathered near the pod systems. She could only assume that passer-by’s on the street were wondering about such a curious gathering. The fact that there were now people from three different clans gathered would probably stir the locals; and so, with an apologetic smile to them all, her voice raised ever so slightly. “Perhaps we should take our gathering to a less public place?” And with that, she began to walk; making her way slowly toward the beaches with a small smile upon her lips. She could only assume they would follow, though there was always the chance they wouldn’t. As she moved, however, she couldn't help but to catch the mysteriously cloaked figure that had so recently exited the pods; out of the corner of her eye. Her steps would falter some; only slightly, as her eyes shifted farther back toward his direction. She wanted a closer look, but her steps would continue shortly thereafter, only assuming that if the man had business with her or any of the others among the group, he would stop them.

The way things where going already seemed to bode ill for the warrior. Having just met the sister of his interest, he found her gaze to be harsh upon him and slightly demoralizing with the way her piercing eyes seemed to judge Shurik’s soul before she even had the pleasure of getting to know him. But that did not stop him, however from snaking his arms around the shoulders of Micah as she came close to him. He thought she was just moving to him, attempting to ease him into dropping his formality and opening up more. The way she fit under his arm felt good, her hand on his stomach nearly making everything complete. Then he felt it, something slow had worked its way into his system and the feeling it produced was nearly indescribable. Soon after, his burns graphed away, his cuts soon closed, and his bruises disappeared as his pale skin once again shown bright in the mid-day sun.

As her arms eloped him in a hug, he returned the gesture and chuckled lightly, looking down at his tattered self with a sigh. “Indeed… I was testing a new recruit in the pod…” He stopped with his statement, chuckling lightly as he thought back to the destruction the pair had caused to the said pod. A nervous laugh left his lips before his eyes fell back to Micah’s guest. Another nervous laugh left him as his left hand reached the back of his head and stroked the hair there. Her eyes, still judging him, told Shurik that his first impression was not the best one. He was looking for a new set of clothes to obtain and change into, but saw Micah and lost all drive to do so. Now he was regretting that decision. “It is nice to meet you, Aureila. I do apologize for my state, as I said, I was testing a new recruit.”

When Micah introduced the young lady as her sister, his eyes widened a small amount, a chuckle leaving his lips as he heard he had been discussed. Now he really felt like a jackass for not managing an attire change before they had discovered each other. He smiled lightly and turned his gaze back to the woman who had described him. Micah looked just as exceptional in the light as she did under the blue ocean, if not more. He nodded to Aureila before chuckling and opening his mouth to speak to this woman. “So, you’ve been taking about me? I must say, I truly wish I could have changed out of my armor and torn clothing beforehand.” He let out a low laugh before hearing another voice appear somewhere behind him and then next to him.

At first glance, this man was strange. His entire persona screamed exotic and estranged. But his words, the satin stream of poetry that Shurik picked up in one sentence of the man set the mood. He could not call this man strange, so eccentric would have to due for the time being. Shurik returned the man’s gaze, the cool eyes and his own fiery eyes met against one another, but the man himself seemed like a genuine good fellow. As Shurik let his eyes wander father from the stare of the man, and past the stream of words introducing the man, he saw a guitar upon his back. ‘An entertainer?’ Shurik smiled at his thought, ‘Wondrous. I haven’t seen one in a long time.’ As Shurik returned the man’s greeting with one of his own, He nodded. “I am Shurik good sir. And I assure you, I am no Mademoiselle.” He chuckled, not really offended by what could have been an honest mistake, or slip of the tongue. With that, he noticed Aureila leave towards the pods, curious was he, but he did not bring up the subject. He had a feelin she didn't like him.

As Shurik turned to once again address Micah, and the others if they so wished to hear, another figure walked into the midst. Shurik held his tongue for a few moments for he didn’t know this man and he looked much different than most. Even his aura gave off a warning light. He spoke to Micah first and then looked straight for Shurik and spoke. He was slightly taken back by the remark, but he obliges the man with an answer. “You can have mine.” He removed an empty sheath from his side, offering it out to the man as he stared. “I lost my original blade in the war, and need no more use of this.” He nodded towards the sheath; wither the man accepted the gift or declined was up to him.

As the man took, or didn’t. The Sheath that was handed to him was no concern, but as Micah suggested they move, he agreed. Shurik nodded to the others in the group before he followed, walking directly beside Micah as they went along. With a smile on his face, he leaned down and spoke into her ear. “I’ve missed you Micah. I think this war as taken away too much from our time together.” He chuckled lightly. “I hope everything is alright with your friend… and I apologize on the terms in which we had to part last.” The war, the other girl walking in and storming away crying over seeing Micah with him, and everything else was not a good way to end a first date of sort.

Chrys smiled and nodded "they were some good days, got to spend them with my lovely Ashling.." he smiled at the thought of being with her and looked around again "you know, i am wondering myself where my lovely Ashling went.." He looked back to Micah and shrugged a little and looked back to the one who looked Incendian and smiled a little, bowing his head and slowly took the sheath and bowed to the man "i thank you greatly.. you have saved me many many months of constructing my own" he smiled and straightened up and took his sword off his side, and twirled it around in his fingers, being as nimble with it as if it were one his daggers, and put the sheath on his side, and strapped it to his hip. He looked to Micah and then to the other woman and tilted his head and then bowed his head "i know of you, i know not your name miss, i know you are from the light clan.. how are you today?" He smiled a little to Aurelia and looked around, then to Micah and nodded "as you wish Miss Micah, if you not mine my company that is, other wise ill just vanish into the wind, so to speak" he chuckled softly and then started thinking about when he was gonna go start on his little adventure he was going on. He looked to the sky and then to the sea, and finally let his eyes rest on the sand. His mind started flooding with thoughts of Ashling, and what might happen while he was gone. He knew that this land was possibly the safest place for her to be in, considering he lineage. He Slid the sword into the sheath slowly, now remembering that the had the sword in hand still and rested his hand upon the handle of the sword. He blinked a few times then looked up and over to Micah and spoke softly "i still thank you for making that promise, it means a lot to me when i have hardly anything in this world, thou, im sorry to say.. but i'd prolly make haste in getting my vengeance if it were at hand, but ill be sure to keep your words in mind Miss Micah" He smiled a little and then looked back to the sand and then looked over to the Incendian man and asked him softly "you wouldn't happen to have any spare weapons floating around your ranks.. swords and daggers more then anything.. that i could have.. by any chance?" He looked up to the man's eyes, and then looked down to the ground again, he always thought that looking a man in the eyes meant you wanted to challenge him to a fight, and right now, he wasn't in the mood for a fight. He moved his fingers around the handle of his weapon slowly, then moved his hand down into the bag on his hip and moved his fingers around the shell, smiling a little, remembering the day Ashling and himself met. he looked around the beach, still listening for the man's answer.

Faye had made his approach noticing the elegance that danced among this place. his eyes t gaze of the young woman her angelic presence left something to be desired of. though to his great distress she paid him hardly no mind. his eyes sinking down but only replaced with simple smile as shurik the man bore in such tattered clothes a warrior whom deserved a song indeed now spoke to him. in his presence even more so than in a kin or queens he bowed himself lower even more so now. " my dear sir it indeed is such an honor i do so hope ti find my way some day to the broken lands of incendia and perform my arts at the doorstep of dragons if you would humbly have me of course?" his eyes were sincere and his voice carried. the musical tune of it held to those of the ears that listened and some that didnt. " i good sir am Faye Uturo. it is indeed a pleasure to be in your service sir shurik." now he watched the angel had taken flight amongst to another place. and with a calm tip of his head he spoke his eyes only following her trail for a moment." I surely do not wish to appear rude but you see my eyes had gazed upon a brilliant bird absolutely dashing indeed and i truly feel it would be a shame without first obtaining some song from this bird. so if you excuse me sir milady" he bowed again as he spoke to Micah." i think i shall venture forth to find the bird i have yet to find." his smile shown from his pale face odd green eyes as he danced off.

though his sight was soon caught upon another strange fellow though garbed oddly for tradition he was sued to he recognized some of it. " this cannot be" he questioned thinking only to himself as he got closer on. a man of tenkuu honestly had survived . he had found tenkuu one of the most marvelous places he had visited in his travels and here one man whom still stood after the great dragon had devoured the essence of the land. had he been spared as some saint that would do something grand. the dragon had his reasons for everything and this surely was no different he presumed. though soon to be joined he found his little bird of which he had hardly met had made conversation with this man. was it out of curiosity or more he could not tell through it was of none of his concern. walking back just in time to catch the man and woman that he had met before. he called out to them just as they were about to leave. "it appears the bird i was seeking hast found itself new reasons to fly alas i will not have the chance to help the poor poor birdy nor truly know it either.. but tis fates lovely discipline i do suppose." he smiled ow trying to catch his breath he hadn't noticed just yet that a new being had entered. one that seemed to be dressed int he garms of an assassin he was pleased to find that the man shurik had provided the man a blade as he would been only a fool to think that Faye would hand up his own . "so where shall we dance to then?" though his question soon answered without words he found he would follow them walking gracefully through the halls that single bird still enveloped his mind if not for the interest she peaked merely for the inspiration hard to tell the sun different from its carrier. this case the carrier the bird, such an angel that never his gentle palm touch the cheek of.

Having followed the woman without sound or complaint; eyes ever watchful and mind always calculating, Leonid had slowly come to realize the stat of the young ladys mind. As was known by many of the Tenkuu citizens; before the destruction of their home, and all other life therein, Liwanag people possessed an inner light that shone forth with intensity bound to their emotions. As Leonid walked behind the woman; seeming to trail just far enough behind as to not completely shadow her, he witnessed such a display from multiple spectrums. He could see the varied hues of light that would escape from her exposed skin; sometimes changing as she too changed what she thought of, and upon mentioning the leader of the lands, it silently fell into yet another chaotic twist. Growing distant and faint; as if angry or upset, before flaring up once more into a plethora of unseen and seen rays.

Leonid was absolutely fascinated with the woman; never before having seen someone from Liwanag with his own eyes, and when she turned to speak to him, it was as if he would forget what to say. He shook his head; focusing on the words he had prepared for another, and rearranged them so as to speak instead to this woman.

"One would hold no secrets from the world; lest its nature be of darkness and doubt. One seeks to ask entrance into the libraries of Siram; perhaps studying culture first, but foremost for scientific reasons. One wishes to divulge some lost traits and tools to the people of the world, and Siram is the most hospitable place to begin. One would assume to leave here with acknowledgement and understanding; seeking others out afterwards who could benefit from One's own knowledge, but that is not for One to say. Only for One to find out in time."

A quizzical look spread across what could be seen of Leonids face; having wondered upon the words he spoke many a time, and with a small grin of apologetic nature, he began walking once more. For It was unlike him to speak to another; having been away from those who would care to speak to him rather than at, and he was quite confused as to the manner in which to acquire information not openly given. He wished to know more about the woman before him, and yet he dared not ask for fear that in some way he would offend her.

"So then whats sleeping arrangements?" That was a good question. Ali smiled at him, then shrugged. "Well it doesn't really matter to me, you could sleep in the couch while I'm on the other one, but thats hardly comfortable, and my bed is relatively small so its not like we can share that one, but there is my parents old room, and they do have a good sized bed, so if you want, we could sleep beside each other on that one?" She kissed his cheek, just because, then brushed her hair behind her ear and waited to hear his decision. She didn't wait any more than a second though, because she just decided for him. Laughing she pulled him up and lead him to her parents former room. "Actually, we shall share my parents bed, it seems like the best idea to me."

the answer he woudl have hoped for was chosen before he could ever utter a selfish word he couldnt be happier as h smiled and offlowed her gratefully. following behidn he found himself soon sitting ona large bed that had a nicely carved frame it appeared she kept up witht he sheets very well he layed back it wasnt like his bed at home but he had slept upon a rock the day before so this was perfect especialy with her figure to curl up next to. this was also a first for him she had been so many firsts for him and he loved that fact. kissing her upon the fore head asshe forgot the light and cralwed to bed with him she was sleepy he could tell. so with a flick of hsi finger dust formed wrapped around and shut the light off for them simple but so meaning ful as he didnt want to take time out of holding ehr to turn off such a trivial thing. now sitting int eh solemn darkness his eyes shut with ehr curled to his chest he tugged her chin up lightly for one last kiss before he would. fall into a finally peaceful slumber that was long due.