Things Left Unsaid (Jay/Cora)

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Miguel listened absently as Felis offered his phone and looked up just as he heard Cora's wheels begin to move again. Even as Cora took the phone and thanked Felis, Miguel only nodded at her next statement before looking back down at the ground. He was all too aware of Felis' stare but then again what else could he say that he hadn't already said... Miguel simply couldn't think of anything more that he could say to explain...besides...he had failed twice now. He most certainly wouldn't fault Felis for dismissing him...not after allowing such a thing to happen, no matter what the circumstances surrounding it had been. "I understand if you wish me to leave...I have failed twice now. No matter what the circumstances might have been I shouldn't have allowed this to happen...."Miguel replied quietly after Cora had once again moved out of earshot, presumably to use Felis' phone. If the duke did in fact wish that he left Miguel would do so and head back home. From there he wasn't entirely sure what he would do... --- Elayne knew that her attempt to make Haiiro feel better had failed miserably... It had been a rather vain attempt to begin with and the laugh of sorts that she had attempted only served to hurt. She probably shouldn't have done that...it had been a dumb idea... Closing her eyes as she waited for Haii to say something Elayne found herself fighting against the well of emotions threatening to overwhelm her again. She could still remember Simeon's face as he hit her again and...he had.....enjoyed it hadn't he...hurting her like that. Squeezing Haii's hand a little tighter if only to reassure herself that he was still there, Elayne didn't open her eyes again until she heard Haii's voice. Part of her was almost afraid she would wake up to see Simeon beside her...even worse...that she wouldn't recognize it was Simeon until it was too late. Before Elayne could answer, the rapping at the window drew her attention away only to realize that it was raining. Rain...how fitting that it would rain now when it felt as if her world was falling apart. Looking back at Haii, Elayne was aware of the silent tears that had spilled down her cheeks but made no effort to wipe them away. His question only brought what she had been thinking of back to the forefront of her mind. "I...don't know..."Elayne replied quietly, "He-...I stood up...to him... I tried...I di-...didn't want to run anymore..."she continued, her voice quiet and almost raspy sounding with all the emotion behind it. Taking as big a breath as she could manage, Elayne closed her eyes briefly before looking back at Haii."...I-...I'm glad you were there...first..."Elayne rasped, squeezing Haii's hand a little more as she spoke. She wanted to say so much more than that but couldn't...it hurt too much, both physically and emotionally. Everything hurt...sure the edge had been taken away by the medication but the pain was still there, a constant reminder of what Simeon had done...of how scared she had been...how she was still scared...[/scrolly]

[Jay]

Jayme gave a brief nod at the 'ok' but ended up blushing a little more at the compliment of sorts. A quiet laugh escaped from him briefly, but this was quickly dispelled by Justice explaining that she had a dream as well. Blinking briefly as they started to walk back, Jayme looked up at the rain coming down briefly before looking forwards again. "What's your dream?" he asked after a moment more. As the rain continued down a bit faster than before, the pink haired young man sped up his step just a little in order to hopefully get in before he and Justice were completely soaked. They hadn't gone too far, thankfully...

As Cora took the phone, Feliciano just gave a somewhat grave nod to her and found his eyes focusing more on the ground thereafter. As Miguel began to speak, Felis felt his emotions fluctuate. He was angry at Miguel, but he knew it was unrighteously so. Miguel had simply not been there and had come in at some point at least. In truth, he wasn't even angry at Miguel so much as himself. That explosion of words had released the bulk of the stress and steam that had been driving him, but now without it, he had no idea what to say. Did he really want Miguel to leave? No. Quite contrary, Felis wanted Miguel to stay there, to somehow provide more comfort than there was to give and to make everything alright. However, there was no way to make things alright, it seemed. Things could be healed but a brokeness of failure was harder to seal up.

A silence fell for a while, and it was all Felis could do at the moment. Slowly looking up at Miguel again, the blond sighed deeply. "I don't know what I want," he admitted before bringing both hands to his face and running his fingers up through what would have been his bangs and shoving it away. Tired eyes were the only thing that were revealed thereafter.

Haiiro's pupils shrunk as his eyes recognized tears, and his muscles tensed. Reaching up slowly with his free hand, Haiiro made to brush at least one of those tears away as gently as he possibly could. Something told him not to. Something told him that he would only hurt her more by doing so, but something in Haiiro wouldn't allow him to just watch them fall. As she began to speak, Haiiro felt his stomach twist up. She hadn't run from that man but she'd been hurt terribly by him because of it. It was honestly the first time in his life that Haiiro wanted to tell anyone that she should have run. She should have run and stayed safe... or she should have... have... He didn't know what. She shouldn't have been hurt like this, that was all there was to it.

"Elayne...I...." Haiiro started before falling silent briefly. "I.... won't leave you alone ever again..." the dark haired young man finally stated aloud.

[Baroness Charmissey]

Justice paused a moment when Jayme asked what her dream was. She expected him to ask but was very unsure if she should say it. Well here at the hospital at least. Justice then looked at Jayme and smiled at him weakly. " Now is not a good time to tell.. How about later when we are back at the castle?" Justice said softly as she reached the door, and went inside. Once inside the building Justice walked to the other side of the room away from Miggy and the Duke not wanting to disturb them. She then took some of her long blond hair in her hand and frowned seeing it was wet. The young girl then started to ring out her hair, Ugh she needed a brush now.


Cora wheeled around for a little while still she was able to find a room she would be able to talk Bernard Laurent. She closed the door behind her and looked at Felis's cell phone. For whatever reason Cora hesitated, unsure if she really wanted to call seeing she only said that as a excuse.. Cora then closed her eyes breathed in and exhaled, she opened her eyes then started to dial the number. She then held the cellphone to her ear and wanted as the phone rang and hoped Mr. Laurent would pick up his phone.

[Maid Melody]

Miguel breathed out quietly as he waited for Felis to respond in some way. He was willing to leave and go back to his own home if that was what Felis wanted... Even if it would mean saying goodbye to Rosa and everyone else at the castle he had come to care for so deeply. When Felis finally did reply Miguel only nodded and remained silent, not certain what he should say to that...if anything at all. A few moments passed before Miguel looked back at Felis again,"Everything will be all right in the end...it just takes time,"he replied quietly, hoping that his words would bring Felis at least some small comfort. At the moment though Miguel wasn't so certain he believed them himself... He knew that things would turn out all right but at the moment the turn of events made life seem rather bleak...if such a thing could happen to Elayne...what would stop such a thing from happening again...

These thoughts were interrupted however when Jayme and Justice returned. The sight of Justice frowning over her hair was amusing and brought a soft chuckle from Miguel as his eyes twinkled in amusement. "Do you feel better now?"Miguel asked of Justice and Jayme, genuinely curious if the walk had helped Jayme any.

~~~

Haiiro's hand on her cheek didn't hurt in the slightest...or if it did, Elayne certainly didn't notice it in that moment. All she cared about was that Haii was here...she had to remember that...Simeon was gone, he wouldn't come back again...would he... Elayne was still scared that the worst would happen, if Simeon came back...would he hurt her again... Elayne didn't know what would happen but she certainly didn't want anything more to do with that man...no...with that...that monster. Haii's words interrupted her thoughts as he began to speak. Elayne continued to look at Haii, wanting to know what he was going to say, eyes almost pleading him to tell her. When he finally did speak Elayne could hardly believe what she was hearing. Did he really...mean that...would he really stay with her... "Haii..."Elayne began quietly before her throat threatened to choke off her words. Taking as deep a breath as she could manage without it hurting too much, Elayne smiled slightly albeit briefly,"...thank you..."she continued before squeezing his hand a little tighter for a brief moment. The words sounded weak in her own ears...Elayne wanted to say so much more...about how much he meant to her, what those words meant and so so much more... She didn't have the strength to say them right then however...Elayne felt so weak...so helpless... Even the simple act of speaking was making her weary...she could only hope that this would pass soon enough.

~~~

Bernard had spent the better part of an hour calming his wife down when he had received the call from Lance. Elayne...his Elayne was in the hospital because of Simeon... Right then, Bernard wanted nothing more than to go to the hospital and see his daughter but his wife was certainly not fit for travel at the moment. Thus politeness and a sense of duty forced him to remain home when his mind and his heart was elsewhere. The familiar ring of the telephone was a welcome relief and a reason to leave his wife by herself for a few moments. It certainly helped that the phone was in his study which meant he could spend some time thereafter to think about what he should do next. Bernard had already dissolved the engagement as soon as he had heard. No man who harmed his daughter was going to have the honor of wedding her. Sighing at the turn of events, Bernard picked up the phone and willed himself to calm down. "Hello?"came the simple reply as he waited for an answer from whomever was on the other line.

[Jay]

Justice's comment earned a flash of crimson on Jayme's face. Oh... He... hadn't meant to say something that was..er...uhm... Well he didn't even know why she said that it wasn't a good time especially since he had explained what he himself wanted to do. However, Jayme simply nodded and dropped the subject. As they entered, the chill that came with the room and the wetness of his hair and clothes caused Jay to shiver briefly. Reaching up, he rubbed at his sleeves but didn't say anything and continued to follow Justice to the other side of the room.

As Justice began to ring out her hair, Jayme realized just how much Justice had. It was all... rather pretty and...Miguel's voice quickly brought Jayme back, and his head turned to look towards the man. A brief nod was given, and for a brief moment something more somber flashed across Jayme's face for a moment.

Meanwhile the receptionist looked disdainfully at the motions of the girl who may as well have been soaking the floor as she saw it. Feeling the eye of someone staring in his general direction, Jayme looked towards the receptionist and offered a weak smile before getting up to ask what was wrong. The woman behind the desk just pulled a towel from under the desk and offered it forwards to him. Upon realizing what she meant, a nervous laugh escaped Jayme before he nodded and took the towel back holding it out to Justice. "Here," he offered quietly.

Felis sucked in a deep amount of air at Miguel's words and looked up at him. That was what he wanted to hear so much even if it didn't feel like it would be ok. He wanted some sort of reassurance.... even if he was falsely reassured. He wanted it to be ok... he just... just wanted everything to go back to the way it was earlier this morning when everything was fine. He doubted that would happen though... he doubted it... and yet somehow, Miguel's reassurance... was at least a bit comforting. Drawing up his knees to himself and wrapping his arms around them, Feliciano breathed inwards deeply and exhaled just as deeply.

Haiiro just gave another nod at Elayne's words trying his best to be reassuring on the matter. The thanks that was given caused a soft sigh to escape the dark haired man, and he nodded once more. "Welcome..." was the murmured reply before Haiiro shifted briefly into a position a bit more comfortable. He could tell by Elayne's expression that she was tired, but he didn't want to leave. He didn't want to step out of the room even for a second least some monster decide to come in. "You... can rest if you want...you probably need it..." he murmured after another moment.

[Baroness Charmissey]

Justice blinked and then smiled when Miggy came over. She nodded when he asked if everything was alright " Yes, everything is ok." Justice said with a smile as she kept ringing out her hair. Though her eyes started to follow Jayme when he walked over to the nurse behind the counter and got a towel from her. Justice's eyes grew wide then looked down at the floor. Oops she got the floor wet.. Justice then blushed lowering her hands letting her wet hair fall along her back. When Jayme came over with the towel and offered it to her she smiled and took it. " T-thanks.. I must look like a mess huh." Justice with a weak laugh and started to use the towel to try her hair. After a few minutes Justice got done with that and walked back over to her bag. She opened and it and started to look through it and pulled out a brush and started to brush her hair out. As she did this Justice looked over at the Duke but said nothing, not knowing what to say to the distressed Duke. So she looked over at Jayme and Miggy and smiled softly.

--

Cora sat back in her wheelchair when she heard her Father's voice. He sure seemed calm... Did he even know what happened? " Hello Mr. Laurent Its me Cora... I have a few questions I want to ask you... Who the hell is this guy who claims to be Elayne's fiancé but nearly beats her to death?" Cora asked trying to keep her voice level but there was no hiding the anger in her voice. This man may be her birth Father but she was not going to go easy on him. " Why would you allow Elayne to be engaged to such a dangerous man!" Cora said louder then she meant to but did not care.

[Maid Melody]

Miguel smiled and nodded when both Justice and Jayme said that everything was all right. Seeing Jayme so upset after his visit with Elayne had made Miguel wonder just how badly she had been injured. The memory of seeing her moments before they had teleported to the hospital resurfaced again causing Miguel to sigh quietly and close his eyes. Yes...how could he have forgotten...she had been hurt because of him...because he hadn't been there to protect her as he was sworn to do. After a few more moments Miguel stood and stretched slightly,"Perhaps we should get something to eat...we have been here for quite some time now. Would anyone care to join me?"he asked, looking at Felis and the other occupants of the room to see what they thought of the idea.

~~~

Elayne almost sighed with relief as Haii more or less gave her permission to rest. Nodding slightly, Elayne did her best to smile before another thought occurred to her. If she did rest would he leave...Haii had said he wouldn't leave her alone but... The thought of waking up to an empty room scared her but what was more...what if she still couldn't recognize anyone... If Simeon came then she wouldn't recognize him and then-... Fighting the urge to shudder, Elayne looked at Haii, her expression pleading,"You'll...still be here...right..."she asked quietly, almost afraid that he would say no. If he did leave...would she be able to recognize him...? The thought of being in a room surrounded by strangers terrified her even more than Elayne thought would be possible. What was worse...what if Simeon came back...what if she couldn't recognize him... He would hurt her again, she was sure of it and she would be helpless to stop him from doing so. Looking at Haii again, Elayne found herself hoping...praying he would say yes...at least then she would have some comfort.

~~~

Bernard sighed quietly when the person on the other line made themselves known. Cora...he hadn't heard from her in a while,"Cora, nice to hear from you again. How are you?"Bernard began in a polite, if tired sounding voice. The day had left him physically and emotionally drained and he was looking forward to talking to his other daughter if only to take his mind off of the matter at hand for a brief moment. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind however when Cora's accusing tone came across the line. Listening to the anger he heard in his daughter's voice, Bernard paled when he heard that Simeon had nearly killed Elayne and lowered himself carefully into the office chair.

The world felt as if it was spinning as Cora continued to talk, every word making Bernard feel worse about the situation than he already was. It was his own fault for not looking into the matter further when Elayne had expressed her concerns. Certainly there had been times when Simeon and Elayne had fought, but this....how could he have possibly expected this would happen. The line remained silent for a few moments after Cora had finished speaking as Bernard collected his thoughts about what he was going to say. Sighing softly, Bernard put a hand to his head and fought to keep his voice level and calm."You have every right to be angry Cora...but please believe me when I say I would never wish Elayne to have come to any harm... What father would I be if I wanted to see my daughter beaten before my eyes...that would make me little more than a monster..."Bernard began quietly, his voice wavering with the emotion behind his voice despite his best efforts to conceal it,"Simeon was indeed Elayne's fiancé but I have since cancelled the engagement. I had actually been working to do just that prior to this incident occurring...your uncle called me a couple hours ago explaining the details of what happened to Elayne. Cora...please believe me...had I known this would happen I would have never allowed the engagement to be put in place to begin with. None of us knew that Simeon would do such a thing...much less to the one he was promised to..." Bernard paused at this and took a deep breath to try and remain calm but to no avail. He could feel the tears drifting down his cheeks even as he tried to regain some sense of composure but all he could think of was why...why did this have to happen... "I would give anything to see Elayne right now...to tell her everything will be all right....but Maddie...your mother...she can't travel and I-..."Bernard continued, his voice quivering with the emotion behind it before he broke off and took another deep breath,"The situation being what it is...I am unable to come... Cora...I'm so sorry...I never intended for this to happen..."he continued, falling silent thereafter as much to compose himself as to hear what Cora had to say.

[Jay]

Jayme watched as Justice took the towel and wrapped up her long hair. For a few seconds he found himself staring until Miguel's words hit his ears causing him to look sideways. Before he could answer, though, Feliciano spoke up. "I ordered some food earlier... it should be coming soon," the blond sighed deeply through his knees as he continued to sit there in his curled up position. Whatever Jayme had been about to say was suddenly lost in the pink haired boy and he hesitated stuck between looking between Felis and Miguel. After a moment, the pink haired boy sighed outwards and stretched his arms forwards. "Then I guess we can just wait for that to come then..." he murmured wondering if anyone was going to add anything to that. Feliciano certainly didn't say anymore.

Haiiro blinked at Elayne's words but nodded after that. "I''m not going anywhere..." he replied giving a brief nod before looking down towards the sheets. There was no way he was going to leave her alone even when she did rest...

[Baroness Charmissey]

Justice looked at her brother when he suggested they eat. That brought a smile to her features. While on the road she had not eaten very well. She learned to cook with what she had around her but it was still not as good as meals she had gotten from school. Justice nodded at the idea but soon her eyes where brought over to the Duke when he spoke. Oh so food was already on the way, Justice then put her brush away and looked again at Feils. She had only just met him but it still pained her to see him like this.. There was nothing she could really do but she just had to try something. The young girl then walked over to the Duke and sat down in the chair next to him. She then turned her head to look at the Duke, hesitantly she raised her hand and slowly set it on the Duke's shoulder and offered a smile.

--

Cora fell silent as her Father spoke, the hurt and sadness in his voice made her feel bad for yelling at him... This was hard for him as well and she was not helping matters any. But that still did not take away the anger she was feeling. It was His fault things had gotten this far.. But he was not the only one to blame... As soon as her Father said Maddie her anger just got stronger. That woman.... She was not worthy to be called Mother! Hell she was not worthy to call Elayne daughter... Cora then waited for her turn to talk.. " I know you did not mean for any of this to happen but it did.. I know you love Elayne and I don't question it.. besides it may not be a good idea to come see her right now anyway.." Cora said softly leaving out why she said that.. " As for Maddie I sure hope she learned her lesson... In fact you can tell her it was thanks to Haiiro and her seconded daughter Alicia that Elayne made it out of that attack...Haiiro got there first.. And due to my leg I could not run so I had to fly on Charizard's back and even got into a battle while riding on him... I hurt my leg and I'm back in a cast but not that matters... At least Hai and I where able to help save Elayne and hold Simeon off till the others showed up, they took her to the hospital while Hai and I kept on battling till Uncle showed up.. " Cora said. Cora then closed her eyes as she started to relive that battle in her mind. How she wished it was her that beat up that loser... But Uncle Lance did a good job in her place.

Though as she remembered the battle once again tears formed in her eyes. " D-dad.. I'm sorry for yelling at you.. I.. I..." Cora started but was unable to finish what she wanted to say and just broke down crying. Cora like to be strong but she cracked like everyone else. How she hated feeling weak, unless... If only she had not been out in the shopping district when that bomb went off she would have been able to more for her sister today when Elayne needed her the most..

[Maid Melody]

Miguel smiled at the nod that was given to him by Justice and looked towards Jayme to see what his answer would be before Felis spoke up. Ah...so food was already on its way, that was good then. In hindsight this was probably the better arrangement now that Miguel thought about it. It would have been quite difficult to take everybody's orders and then carry the food back to the waiting room, even with assistance from Pokemon. Sighing, Miguel nodded and stretched his arms slightly as if that had been his intention all along,"Very well, we shall wait for it to arrive then,"he replied before once again taking his seat beside Felis. It was only then that he realized that Haiiro hadn't returned yet from visiting Elayne,"Was Haiiro still with Elayne when you left, Felis?"Miguel asked quietly, absently wondering what was taking him so long. Haiiro had gone to see the doctor prior to visiting Elayne as well...hopefully nothing had happened to him in the meantime.

~~~

Haiiro's response was all the answer Elayne needed. Smiling quietly, Elayne breathed out a quiet 'thank you' before closing her eyes. Truth be told she was exhausted...it had been difficult to stay awake so long and she certainly hadn't counted on the emotional toll to be so great. Seeing Felis and the others...not being able to recognize their faces...that had been awful and something that Elayne wished would just go away. That wouldn't happen however...these things would take time and right now it seemed as if time was her enemy. The doctors kept telling her time was the best healer but...she wanted to be able to remember now...it just wasn't fair. Even with these thoughts, it wasn't long before Elayne was fast asleep, exhausted from all the chaos the day had brought.

~~~

As Cora began to speak, Bernard breathed out quietly as she said that she knew he loved Elayne. That was good...at least Cora understood that he never wished for this to happen...he had wanted to protect Elayne... It was why he had convinced Maddie to remove the reward and why he had been working on dissolving the engagement before this had happened. Thankfully after the incident there had been no question about negating the arrangement...Simeon wasn't about to come near his daughter again...not after this... When Cora said that seeing Elayne wouldn't be a good idea right now Bernard was about to ask why but Cora only continued speaking.

Cora continued about Maddie and the incident that had occurred and even mentioned Haiiro. Haii...that had been the boy that had been injured back in the capital attacks hadn't it... There had been something between Elayne and Haiiro but Bernard wasn't entirely sure what it was and had thus kept silent. "I see... I'm...glad that you were able to help...despite the current circumstances. Truly I'm sorry Cora...this...this never should have happened..."Bernard replied quietly before Cora spoke again.

Dad...she had called him dad... Those were words Bernard had never thought he would hear from Cora...at least not for a while. As Cora proceeded to cry, Bernard wanted nothing more than to be there and hold his second daughter in his arms. However...the situation being what it was there was little he could do other than hope his words could comfort her in some small way. "Cora...Cora...sweetie, it's all right...I understand, you had every right to be angry... I understand that, after all you've been through today I don't blame you for it... Cora, it will be all right...I know it hurts right now, I'm hurting just as much as you are but...even this will pass...I promise you..."Bernard said in a quiet tone, his voice wavering slightly with the emotion behind it.

[Jay]

Felis wasn't sure when exactly his eyes had dropped to the floor once more, but he found himself staring intricately at the cracks in the floor as if they demanded the most attention from him at the moment. The sudden appearance of a hand on his shoulder nearly made Feliciano jump though instead the muscles in his neck tightened causing him to look sideways towards Justice. A weak smile was all Felis could give at the moment in response to Justice, and even that fell rather quickly apart into something more somber again. Something was now aching inside of him, and with every hard beat of his pulse, Felis was aware of just how tired he was suddenly. He wished it would slow down and allow him to nap, but a part of him was still fighting for consciousness. There was a lot he needed to do wasn't there? Finding that his thoughts were spinning, Felis mentally reached out to grab the strands of mental workings to try and remember exactly what he needed to do. However, they evaded him, and finally he gave up trying.

Feliciano had all but missed Miguel's comment though the question that followed rang in the blond's ears for a moment. Looking sideways at Miguel, Felis gave a brief nod. "Last I checked," was all that was replied back with before Felis's eyes met the floor again. "I think he was actually in a different room but ended up at her room...or something..." Felis murmured reaching a hand up and brushing a few blond strands away weakly. Even gathering that amount of thought was taxing him.

Jayme, meanwhile, watched all this in silence. Shifting his weight a little, he finally stepped towards the chairs and sat down drawing his hands up into his lap and looking up. Somewhere in the back of his mind thoughts were worming their way back into him, but he was better able to resist their harshness for now at least. After a moment, a thought came to Jayme, and he sat up quickly. "We should get her balloons and bears and..." Jayme cut off as his thoughts did. However, a smile was suddenly coming to his face at his own thought. "Elayne might be here a while so we should make sure she's super comfortable." Blinking as he had finished, Jayme twitched and then rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean..." he started unsure of what else he wanted to say.

Felis, meanwhile, slowly registered what exactly Jayme had said and slowly looked up again. "And maybe a get well soon banner...or something..." the blond murmured a bit looking first towards Jayme, then towards Miguel, and finally at Justice.

Haiiro, meanwhile, managed a weak smile and simply sat his chin on the edge of the bed as Elayne relaxed. As she slowly fell asleep, he found his thoughts slowly slowing. He wouldn't fall asleep. He was a bit too uncomfortable arm wise for that, but he would keep watch and remain there as he said he would...

[Baroness Charmissey]

Justice removed her hand when the Duke looked at and smiled weakly at her. Not knowing what to say the young girl stood up and walked back over to her things. Picking up her sketch pad and sat down. She listened as the others spoke and looked up at Jayme when he said they should get Elayne things. Justice then looked down at her sketch pad as a idea came to her. She could draw some pictures, without saying a word Justice then turned to a empty page of her sketch pad and started drawing pictures of pokemon playing or beautiful scenery. She did not know if it would help Elayne but it was worth a try.

---
Cora calmed down as her Father spoke, he was right.. The pain would pass and her Sister would get better over time. It would be a waste of time just sitting around feeling sorry for herself when Elayne needed her the most. " T-thanks D-dad.. Sorry I don't normaly cry like this... heh... Cora said as she brushed a few tears away. She then took a deep breath and exhaled. " Thanks for this talk.. I needed it." Was all Cora could say at the moment.

[Maid Melody]

Miguel nodded at Felis' words but said nothing more for the time being. He had been thinking about visiting Elayne himself after everyone else returned but then again she was probably exhausted after the day's events. Besides that, given what the doctors had informed them of Elayne's current condition and judging by Felis' reaction upon returning from visiting her, Miguel thought it might be best to wait until she was able to return to the castle before seeing her. That...and Miguel didn't wish to see what state Elayne was in after his failure to protect yet another resident of the castle.

Sighing quietly, Miguel shifted slightly and looked down at the ground as he tried to think about how this could have been avoided. He was still going through the events of the day and trying to figure out how such a thing could be avoided in the future when Jayme spoke up. Looking up at Jayme as he made the suggestion to bring Elayne gifts, Miguel smiled and nodded. Certainly the circumstances were less than ideal but they could still try to make the best of the current situation...bleak as it might seem. As Felis spoke as well, Miguel nodded,"That's a good idea... Perhaps we could bring some flowers back from the castle garden as well. There should at least be some roses blooming right Felis?"Miguel asked quietly, looking at the duke as he spoke.

~~~

Bernard sighed when Cora seemed to calm down after he had spoken and closed his eyes. Good...that was good...at least he was able to comfort one of his daughters... Oh what he wouldn't give to be able to see Elayne if only for just a moment but that would have to wait for the time being. Elayne had to have been tired and at the very least he knew that she would be well taken care of...that knowledge helped immensely despite the fact Bernard would rather be able to see Elayne now. As Cora spoke, Bernard found himself smiling despite himself,"It's all right Cora, I understand...it's been a rather...eventful day for both of us. I'm glad that I could help, feel free to call me any time you wish all right,"he replied quietly before falling silent as he waited for her reply.

~~~

Some time would pass thereafter as Elayne continued to sleep, unaware of the plans that were being made or any other conversations. A few hours passed before Elayne so much as stirred, exhausted as she was after what had happened that day. Finally though, Elayne's shifted slightly as she opened her eyes and waited for the room to come into focus, groaning softly as the pain she was in was beginning to register. Elayne wished she could simply go back to sleep but knew that she couldn't do so forever and neither would she want to. It would be a few moments before Elayne would remember that Haii had promised to remain there before her hazel eyes shifted to the side of the bed, almost afraid she would find the room vacant. "Haii...?"Elayne murmured, still groggy from having just woken up.

[Jay]

Feliciano managed to muster the best smile he had all that day and gave a nod. "That sounds good," he replied already thinking over what they could do. A few suggestions were made here and there, and time passed at a gentle pace. After some fumbling, flowers and large sheets of paper were brought. Jayme had been put in charge of balloons, and he managed to make a quick run with a pokemon to the store to buy some and a Helium tank to inflate more when the time came. It all moved so smoothly that Felis's mood finally raised fully, and though he wasn't completely back to himself, he was in better spirits.

After a bit, when the others were busy with things, Felicinao finally turned towards Miguel again his features drawing more somber with every look. "I...sorry I didn't mean to yell at you..." he mumbled much more quietly than intended. It was hard to admit that in the pinch he had spoken so harshly, but his emotions had gotten the better of him when it came down to it.

Meanwhile, Jayme had been trying to hold at least casual conversation with Justice as they both worked on their ways to liven the mood. A few times, the pink haired young man had tripped haphazardly on the banner among other things, but rather than complain about the pains of it, he manged to laugh and come off on it more decently than he thought possible.

Some time through the mix of precarious breathing and the rattle of machines, Haiiro had managed to fall asleep. Now, his head rested slightly on the bed, his bandaged and casted arm being used as some kind of rudimentary pillow, and a surprisingly peaceful disposition had come to his features. He stirred a bit when his name was spoken, and a "Hm." was stated not in any questioning context making it debatable if he had heard or not.

Meanwhile, now standing in the far corner of the room, a red haired man stood with his arms folded and his head down resting on a shoulder not his own. Pressed up against him in the soft bends of his arms was a Gardevoir who appeared to be enjoying the motion of her trainer, husband, and lover. The moment she sensed consciousness, Amina tensed causing Nathan to look calmly his grey eyes focusing in on the young woman in the bed. "Are you feeling any better?" was the question that was asked. Amina mentally face/palmed wondering what Nathan was trying to do. Scare the child?

[Baroness Charmissey]

Justice enjoyed talking to Jayme as they both worked on their projects. Though when he fell she got to her feet and started to walk over to him to see if he was ok. But stopped when he started to laugh it off. Justice smiled and laughed softly as worry left her. But she shook her head and sighed. " Jayme please be more careful.. If you need help just ask alright?" Justice said softly and sat down back in her chair and started to draw once again. Over the last few hours she had gotten quite a few done and was very happy with them. She then started to color them in to give them more life.

During the last few hours Cora talked to her Father her mood lifting as she did so. She rarely had to talk to him so she wanted to get as much as she could out of this. But soon his wife needed him again and she had to say goodbye. Closing the cell phone Cora sighed and looked at the door of the room she was in. She the looked at her watch and shook her head. " Wow I have been in here that long?" she muttered before wheeling to the door opening it and left the room. She then made her way down the hallway and back to the waiting room. When she got there Cora stopped and blinked as she looked at everything everyone had done while she was gone. She smiled, " Wow you guys went to town.. Oh Feils here's your cell back.." Cora said and wheeled over to the Duke and handed him his cellphone back.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Miguel was relieved to see the Felis smile when he gave the suggestion of flowers and nodded at the duke's reply. After that time passed quite quickly as flowers, plushies, and paper were brought forward, all to make Elayne more comfortable. Everything was going so smoothly that Miguel had almost forgotten why they had been so upset prior to this. That was until Felis looked at him and apologized for earlier. Miguel had been so focused on the task at hand that he had completely forgotten about before. For a moment, Miguel looked at Felis, wondering what he could possibly have to be sorry about. After the rush getting things ready for Elayne, the confrontation had momentarily slipped Miguel's mind. It took only a moment before he recollected the event however as understanding dawned on his face and a soft sigh escaped him. Putting a hand on Felis' shoulder, Miguel smiled gently,"All is forgiven Felis. Truly, I understand how upset you were upon seeing Elayne's state and besides...you were correct. It was my fault, I have failed...twice now in fulfilling my duty by protecting the residents of Forest Castle. For that, I seek your forgiveness, it was not my intention for anyone to get injured as a result of my actions or inaction,"he replied quietly before falling silent, once again thinking about the events that had happened that day. ~~~ Haii's soft 'hm' was enough to reassure Elayne that he hadn't left after all. Sighing in relief, Elayne smiled as much as she could without it hurting and was about to say something when another voice reached her ears. Tensing slightly, Elayne's eyes darted over to the corner of the room the voice had come from. Considering the distance the figure was and her current inability to recognize faces, the only thing that registered with Elayne was that the figure had red hair. Red....Simeon's hair was red... Panic filled Elayne in an instant and the only thing she could think of was how much she wanted to leave...run away... She had just gotten away from him and now...how had he found her so quickly. The fact that the figure had actually inquired as to how she was feeling escaped Elayne completely as she tightened her grasp on Haii's hand. The beeping of the monitor which had thus far been steady quickened its pace as fear wrapped its icy tendrils around her heart. Elayne's body tensed considerably at the sight of the figure she was so certain was Simeon...at least until the pain became too great for her to even continue that. Forcing herself to relax, Elayne closed her eyes, praying that this was all just a bad dream as a soft whimper escaped her. As much as she wanted to say something, to tell Haii to make the person who could be Simeon go away...she couldn't. Her throat had effectively closed itself off, not allowing her to utter so much as one syllable. What was she going to do now...she was helpless...[/scrolly]

[Jay]

A quiet silly expression came to Jayme's face as Justice reprimanded him just a little. It was not the sort of expression that the somber, angry young man from earlier could have pulled off, but now that Jayme was more like himself again, he was able to conjure it up again. "I...alright," he replied with a brief nod after that. "Thank you." After a moment, he stepped around the banner and closer to Justice not quite leaning over her shoulder yet. "Can I see some of your pictures?" he asked after a moment- the familiar memory of a friend who enjoyed drawing coming to mind.

Miguel's words drew a quiet smile from Felis, and after a moment, he stepped forwards and hugged the taller man briefly. "There would have been much worse problems if you hadn't been around, Miguel, and I thank you for staying at my side..." he mumbled into him briefly. A breath was taken inwards and exhaled before Felis let go again and stepped back just as Cora entered the room. Looking sideways, he smiled at her as best he could- a weak sort of expression but still something. "We have been busy..." he agreed weakly before nodding his head and taking his phone back. "Who did you call?" he asked absentmindedly after that.

The squeeze of Elayne's hand and the shake of the bed caused by her tensing was enough to cause Haiiro to tense. Dark blue eyes shot open sharply, and almost instantly Haiiro looked up finding himself focusing on Elayne. "Elay-"

"Didn't mean to startle them---" Nathan's voice cut in causing Haiiro's head to jut sideways his two eyes then refocusing on the red haired man and the Gardevoir who was projecting her thoughts at him unhappily. "Ah. A knight at Countess's side," was the amused notion Nathan gave after a moment. "Though I'm not here to do anything," Nathan reassured.

Haiiro's voice twitched in his throat as he tried to remember just who this guy was. A name was coming to him though why he wasn't quite sure. Damn it. "My name is Nathan, if you have forgotten," was the statement that was given. Haiiro blinked. Nope, that hadn't been what he had been expecting- if anything at all.

[Baroness Charmissey]

Justice looked at Jayme when he asked if he could look at her drawings. She smiled and nodded, setting down what she was working on to hand him some of the finished ones. Justice then went back to drawing again. " I really hope Elayne will like these and brighten up her day some how." Justice said softly as Jayme looked at her drawings. It may not be much but it was something she could do and it also helped pass the time.


When Felis asked who she had called Cora gave a weak smile. She had no idea what Felis would say if she said she had called her Father. But she had no reason to lie ether. " I called Mr. Laurent." Was her short answer and she started to wheel away to make her way over to the corner of the room, mainly to get out of anyone's way.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]The hug from Felis was certainly unexpected but appreciated nevertheless. It helped raise Miguel's spirits up immensely just knowing that Felis still wanted him around. Had the duke wished him to leave given his failure over recent events, Miguel could not have blamed him for taking such action against him and would have thus would have left thereafter. Smiling, Miguel nodded after a moment,"Of course Felis. Besides what kind of knight...nay, what kind of friend would I be if I left?"he replied before hearing Cora enter the room. Looking over at Cora, Miguel smiled at the simple comment about what they had been doing in the meantime but remained silent as Felis talked to her. When Miguel heard Felis' next question and the reply in turn, his face grew a little more somber than before as he nodded at Cora's reply. It made sense that Cora would want to talk to her father...as much to talk to him as probably to inform him about Elayne's current condition. Instead of saying anything about the call however, Miguel breathed out quietly and tried to think of a way to change the subject to something a little lighter. "I trust he's doing well...or rather, as well as can be expected given the current circumstances,"Miguel began in a calm voice before finally thinking of something a little less dreary,"Cora, how would you like to help us out? I believe there are still some balloons that need to be inflated or I'm sure you could help with flowers...whatever it is you wish,"he continued before falling silent thereafter, hoping that the ploy would work after all. --- Haiiro's voice and the knowledge that he was still there was enough to calm Elayne down, albeit only slightly. She still couldn't believe that Simeon had found her so quickly and was waiting for something...anything to happen. If Simeon was here did that mean that he was going to kill her...back in the gardens Elayne was so sure that she was going to die then...probably would have if it hadn't been for Elly and Haii... They had been the only thing that stopped Simeon from hitting her again and probably causing her more pain than even this... It hurt just to breathe and the tension in her muscles that came as a result from her initial panic certainly hadn't helped either. The next words that came from the figure finally succeeded in calming Elayne and a sigh escaped her only to cause her to flinch immediately afterward. That wasn't Simeon's voice...good...she wasn't going to be hurt again then... Opening her eyes once again, Elayne looked over at the other person as he continued on about how Haii was a knight at her side. That was true wasn't it...if Haii hadn't been there then-...no, Elayne didn't want to think about that... He had been there and she would be all right...eventually... Even as she told herself this, Elayne wasn't entirely certain she believed it...how could it be...everything hurt and at the moment it seemed like it would always be that way. Hazel eyes studied the person as Elayne tried to recall who he was...try as she might she simply couldn't remember... Thankfully the figure finally said his name which registered with Elayne immediately. The only Nathan she knew was the one who was supposed to be the duke of the South...that was if she was remembering things correctly. "...Nathan..."Elayne repeated after a brief moment as she gathered her thoughts once again,"I-....thought you were...him..."she continued in a near whisper as she tried to fight off the memories that assailed her once again. She couldn't forget it...couldn't forget the way Simeon had looked when he had hit her again...and again... It haunted her...even in her dreams she couldn't escape from it...perhaps she never would...[/scrolly]

[Jay]

A small smile came to Jayme's face at Justice's words, and he gave a brief nod. "I'm sure they will," he replied with a determined expression on his features as though this expression was meant to convey his sureness. "Hey... not now of course, but... when... if you have free time... do .. could... would you draw me some pictures too? I really like your drawings..." he spoke looking away just a little a soft blush coming to his features despite himself.

A soft smile came to Feliciano's face as Miguel spoke. That was right. Miguel was a friend- one of the first that Felis had actually made as acting Duke, and the first to actually stay with him through everything. Miguel was loyal to him no matter what and had proved that over and over again, and it was only at that moment that Felis actually realized it. It was odd just how much it actually meant to Felis right then and there.

As Cora spoke and explained who she had been talking to, Feliciano fought the urge not to frown. He could imagine what they talked about in that conversation, and a part of him wanted to ask. However, another part didn't want to know at the moment- didn't want to tear the stitches that had only tentatively been sewn back into place. "Oh yes, we've been working here and there but we still need some help.." he continued on off of what Miguel had said.

As Elayne spoke, Nathan sighed softly running his fingers through a few strands of hair. Rather than address what she had said right off, he decided to lead the conversation away a bit. "I was made aware of your condition though I decided to come here myself and see how it was," he stated sighing briefly before removing his hand from his hair. "It seems my cousin has done a great deal of damage... such a headache..." he grumbled after a moment before shaking his head.

Haiiro could feel his muscles tensing simply because Nathan was coming closer. As the man admitted that it was his cousin that had done the damage, something in him snapped. "What the hell?" he barked out venomously. "One of your fucking family did this?" he roared out. Nathan blinked at Haiiro's outburst but simply gave a nod.