Love, Reunited | Part II: Hearts Made Whole | Eli/Stella/Lu

Nothin' else seems to hurt
like the smile on your face

The phone call was vague but direct. His niece was not a foolish girl. Maevia wasn't one to interrupt his work lightly. The two had a respectable understanding of each other at least in those vaguest terms. They were both business oriented in their own rights. Pulling one away from their work with little to no prior warning was not to be done without dire need.

But he had an inkling as to the subject of this call. It had only been the day before that he had handed over one of his most precious possessions. The chain about his neck had felt lighter with just his deceased wife's ring hanging from it. Elijah of course knew this was all in his head but the hollowness in his chest had only seemed to grow with its absence. A sucking empty feeling caused by the temporary separation from the only physical belonging he had left of his lost daughter. Stella. The man's feet walked swifter than they usually did. The earth magi's travels to Camlorn had passed by in a record's time.

At the sound of his name being called out it somehow had a magnetic pull on him. Not sensing any of the town's citizens out and about this early in the day Elijah took off at a dead sprint. The grass beneath his shoes were still fresh with dew, each stride leaving droplets of water behind. The earth's vibrations guided him precisely. Knowing exactly where tombstones lay Elijah expertly jumped over every one that stood between him and Maevia. With the white cane clutched in one hand the man didn't slow down until he was being met with a hug.

"Maevia ..." He'd reply into the young woman's shoulder. Breathing was becoming difficult and not because of the recent run. She wanted to meet in person. His arms were trembling ever so slightly. What had she found out? Finally releasing the cyborg Elijah only experienced a certain amount of alleviating relief. He had been convinced that reobtaining his daughter's ring would heal the hollowness that had grown further since yesterday. But now with it being pressed into his hand he could only help but feel partially whole. "Thank you." The man said as he gripped the ring tighter.

Horrendoulsy scarred eyes blinked at the instruction. He was a leader of a movement, she knew this. Elijah couldn't just up and walk away from it all with no warning--

...............

.......................

................................

"... what?" The question was barely audible. The lightest breeze would have covered it up. The constant focus to allow him to see the world around him was dropped immediately, leaving him in true darkness. Nothingness. Vibrations through the earth were ignored as Elijah's brain slowly comprehended what he'd just heard. "S-you...?"

Words became difficult to form. Breath wasn't entering his body. The fist Maevia held began trembling. "You found my St- ...?" Elijah gasped in an inhale as his lungs burned with a struggling. "You found my Stella?" The earth magi's free hand blindly moved to tightly grip his niece's. "Stella. Stella? My Stella? You found my Stella?" Obviously in his right state of mind the man would never wish pain upon the other but his grip only tightened as his brain smoked, thoroughly set aflame by the simple previous sentence.

Nothin' else seems to hurt
like the smile on your face

The heavily scarred eyes blinked. It was a strange sensation. A fascinating phenomena. With but a few mere verbalized words the man felt as if he'd been dropped into the dead of space. Stillness. Cold. Shock. That was the big one. Elijah had been dropped into an ocean of nothingness, leaving him too paralyzed to attempt to right himself. There was no world anymore. There was no ground, no sky, no wind, no sound. There was no war, no other responsibilities. No one and nothing else. His little girl was found.

"... huh?" Elijah asked quietly as his brain continued to crank and struggle in turning cogs. "--oh. Oh! Sorry!" The man withdrew the hand that had gripped the young lady so. "Sorry, I'm ...." at a loss for words. Grappling to understand the entirety of the weight the simple sentence had unleashed upon his mind.

This wasn't a dream, the other reassured him.

It wasn't a shallow grave or ashen remains. The man gasped again. "She's ali--? ...." Tears burned his clouded eyes. The emotion his niece never bothered showing could be heard in her delivery of the news. Emotional was a word that barely scratched the surface of intensity of the experience. His little girl had not only been found but she was alive.

"Hah!" Elijah choked a laugh. "She did, yeah. They were both so --" The man's top lip twitched at a delayed realization. "They both are very beautiful." When had that started? A few years ago? Months ago? Weeks? The back of his brain slowly changing tenses as if Stella were already deceased. When had that begun? Though the mind wouldn't focus on such a question for very long. It was no longer relevent. The second hug was received whole heartedly, lifting the cyborg onto the tips of her toes momentarily. However,

Elijah's brows furrowed as he pulled away. "Haven?"

The earth magi would listen intently to whatever his niece had to say. If there was anything to be said. It wasn't a gut feeling, it wasn't instinct persay. He trusted Maevia. But the location seemed quite the oddity. Elijah was one of the biggest figures within the Magi refugee city. He had a pretty damn good idea on who came and went within its borders. Gods sakes, it was the same city he lived in. How could his daughter be within its forested walls?

"You wouldn't ... use this to get in, right?" The question came very softly and very half heartedly. Elijah already knew the answer. This was Terry's daughter. Yes, she was an information broker but he'd have told her dates regarding terrorist attacks before for her own safety and nothing had ever come from that. "This isn't just about me. This is about my people." Upon hearing the young lady's answer, regardless if it was lengthy or one word Elijah wouldn't hesitate. Focusing once again upon the earth underfoot he'd walk his way to the vehicle and begin feeling for a handle. "Where we're going, this will only take us a certain distance." He'd say with a knowing grin.

Nothin' else seems to hurt
like the smile on your face

The drive overall was a lengthily quiet one and there were mutliple contributing factors towards this. For one, Elijah didn't often find himself in foreign cars. Yes, for his field of work he'd had to travel through multiple means. Train, bus, car. But when the earth magi wasn't forced to for the sake time efficiency, Elijah stayed away from the contraptions. At the speeds of travel it was near impossible to "see".

Keeping up with how quickly the landscape was zooming by was headache inducing so it was honestly best to not even attempt. So not only did the car ride leave him with the unpleasant experience of truly being blind but it also placed Elijah's safety entirely in another hands. It didn't matter if it was Maevia or a high ranking MLM member, it wasn't a position Elijah liked being in.

The car would occasionally bump on the imperfect roads as they continued their way towards the hidden city. But then of course there were the other factors for the silence between the two. After brief but concise instructions on which direction to drive and what landmarks to pass, Elijah leaned back and took the time to collect not only his thoughts but catch his breath ....

.... Yeah, small talk was just not happening right now. It was impossible to discuss the weather or recent small happenings in their lives. At least from his side conversationally. With something so tremendously impactful waiting upon the end of this lengthy traveling, it was impossible. Elijah's mind traveled everywhere but the present moment as the car continued on. The electronic digits would pass the minutes by as the man would continue to go through the emotional rollercoaster his brain was on. Fidgeting, adjusting, crossing and uncrossing legs. Fingers ran through hair, fingers tapped on his knee, fingers balled up into fists.

"How much time has it been?" Elijah would ask tentatively. Upon hearing Maevia's reply of five minutes the man would blink behind those dark shades. "Tch," He'd grin with a laugh. "Can we put on some background music or news or ... static? The silence is killing me." Another few laughs would follow before a thank you would be expressed. If there was any further conversation it would most likely consist of positive reminisces. Small stories of when his daughter was but a tot. How she was similar to her mother in many ways, her baby chick tendencies, her favorite meals even within the constrictions of the relocation camps. Even if the topic was attempted to be shifted, it would somehow pull back to Stella. Weather? It reminded him of this particular tale, and so on.

Eventually Maevia would inform the man that the last landmark he'd informed her of was approaching. "Slow down to a stop, would you?" As the vehicle would obey on the, by now, non existent road Elijah would stomp a foot onto floorboard and would pause a moment to listen ... to grin. Pointing with a finger purposefully the man would say, "Drive into the hill." And with another hand motion an opening would form. The green grass and clovers, still attached happily to their clumps of dirt would be placed gingerly aside.

"Our version of a parking garage.There are plenty of parking spots towards the end on the right. Looking like we might need to carve out some more as the spring festival comes around." The underground would be just that. Plants that were known for their glowing properties lit the way. Cars, vans, two buses, motorcycles. "Yep, right here is the first open one." And so the two would park. Elijah was sure Maevia was taking it all in but he wasn't in the right state of mind to give a tour of the inner workings of how such a development had remained hidden. He was already walking his way back out towards the entryway, "Come on, kiddo." The earth magi would say over his shoulder.

Outside the "opening" would be closed back up by placing the large amounts of dirt back into their allotted slots. The hill returning back to normal in its previous cheery state, not a single flaw to be seen. Stretching his arms outwards Elijah would exhale as he focused upon the ground the vehicle had traveled through. "Give me a second." The changes wouldn't be obvious but for one that was observant there would be a wave of subtle fixings to alleviate their proof of route. Straightening smooshed grass stalks, erasing tire tracks from the looser grounds. Once Elijah was satisfied he'd lower his arms in a relaxed manner, "Ready?" He'd ask with a small grin. "You're not one to get motion sickness, are you?"

Nothin' else seems to hurt
like the smile on your face

"That's all I ask." Elijah grinned. He wasn't surprised by the groan. Maevia was an indoors sort of gal. That much he knew of his niece. She was a techy indoors flower that thrived in little to no sunlight ... "Heh." Elijah mused to himself momentarily as the young woman hopped up, his calloused hands easily held up the jeaned legs. Under differing circumstances where his mind wasn't so hurriedly engulfed in thoughts of his daughter they'd find the comparison amusing.

Yes, he was an earth magi but flowers had never been so forefront in his vocabulary that he'd flippantly use them in his thought processes. The Haven Florist apparently had an affect on him. In small ways her influence peeked out just as the first greening buds always did from beneath melting snow. At this time they'd seen each other a few times. Well sufficient to have her voice or words pop into his head on occasion. And sure enough, there she was again. Enough to cause the man to smile briefly before refocusing.

Stella.

"And any whining." The earth magi would add as he adjusted his grip on her legs. "None of that." Only when Maevia's arms wrapped around his neck securely did he start to walk forward. "Just hold on tight and let me know if you need a break." The previous smile would shift sideways into a smirk. "That way I can sling you over my shoulder so we can keep going. First class accomodations , you know." Yeah, there was a small amount of schadenfreude bubbling up from the situation. "Only the best for my niece." Not too much, just a bit.

If there was any amount of banter to follow Elijah would continue walking until any initial concerns or sass were concluded. Maevia would feel the difference before the serious traveling commenced. Up onto the balls of his feet the man would lower with a bend of the knees. "Off we go then." He'd say simply in warning before bounding forward at a speed incapable of humankind. In the blink of an eye they burst forth, entering the forest with a force that would send Mae's hair flying behind her if she hadn't put it up.

Every stride advanced them multiple feet. The soles of his shoes landed softly only to then powerfully thrust forward again. Without missing a beat the man always seemed aware of his surroundings. Forestry whipped by. Woodland animals would glance their way before returning to their nuts or leaved meals. It wouldn't be long before even some of the trees seemed to welcome them. Trunks and limbs would bend to better allow a clear passage. One even lowering so far as to act as a temporary bridge to cross over a storm's previous calling card. Whether they were running upon the ground or traveling from tree to tree the speed would remain impressive. And so they would travel.

Nothin' else seems to hurt
like the smile on your face

Elijah proved to be patient during the requested breaks. At least as patient as the minimum required of the situation. It really didn't take an overly obvservant eye to see the man was struggling with his emotions. As poor Maevia dealt with her own versions of struggle (dry heaving, motion sickness) Elijah couldn't stay still. Not for one moment even in the wake of the lengthy traveling.

One second he would try sitting on a nearby patch of dirt, but the act was too still for the tempest in his brain. Pacing would more than likely follow after realizing this. Never once did he inquire. The earth magi knew Maevia was aware of the heaviness. The ... the severity. The man had been told he was to be reunited with his long since missing little girl, his precious daughter. Gods, she would be eight years older now. Had she continued to take after her mother? What did she enjoy? What brought her joy? Had the near decade proved cruel? Would she even want anything to do with him after so long?

Each time Mae would inform Elijah that she was as ready as she was ever going to be and the verbal assurance would be all he'd need. Turning sharply each time Elijah would deviate from his pacing and would be off once again. Unless the human he considered as his niece kept her eyes tightly closed the entire time she would no doubt have noticed the changes the longer they continued to run.

Sure, when they first began the woods appeared as it should be. The Arecia that showed up on internet searches. Climate appropriate pines and various other forestries. But the deeper they went, in the direction they went, the sights would become increasingly categorized as oddity. Yes, there were the usual trees that bowed according to Elijah's wishes but there were others that seemed to move without any prompting. As if contorting to catch a peek at who wished to sprint through their home.

There were mists and fogs that lowered and dissipated at a speed unnatural to weather. Sparklings would cascade as Elijah would sprint unwaveringly through illusion after illusion. Deeper and deeper they went, the grander the views. Not only had the greenery apparently grown to monstrous heights but also housed unprecedented classifications of plant life. How were there palm trees growing naturally this far north so close to snowcapped mountains? Tropical flora climbing up the trunks of winter bound trees soon became a common sight.

As Elijah continued bounding from tree to tree in his personal race home Maevia more than likely caught the glimpse of many an other worldly being. Arecia this deep in was the home of a multitude of spirits. In truth, even with magi efforts, the reason Haven hadn't been discovered yet by undesirables could be mostly coughed up to spirit assistance. From the cutest winged bunny rabbit appearing spirit to the large dark figure with red eyes in the distance that glared from afar. It seemed their traveling was gaining the attention of many a set of eyes.

Even without the use of eyes one could sense that they were being watched most assuredly. Searching. Curious. Threatening. Determining. One could guess the reason they weren't attacked was because of the presence of the earth magi who pressed on, seemingly not noticing the other dimensional onlookers whom sent no vibrations through the earth.

"Let me do the talking." The words expressed would be the first of the entire trip since they'd begun on foot. A simple instruction that would prove useful. The man's pace would slow until finally they would eventually find themselves walking up to a sigh that had become more and more impressive the closer they'd gotten. "Welcome to my home." He'd say as Elijah would offer to allow Maevia down to walk beside him.

"Welcome to Haven." The sentence seemed small compared to exactly what was before them. The final safe haven for his kind. An entire city consisting solely of magi where instead of skyscrapers the trees towered over them at even greater heights. Gigantic limbs miles skyward would act as streets and pathways. Homes and businesses were built right into the ungodly sized trunks. Air magi made up a good bit of transit above in flight simulated traffic. If Maevia had chosen to walk for her own Elijah would place a stern hand upon her shoulder, guiding them towards what was easily conceived to be the border control center. As Elijah had assured earlier, he did all of the talking. One didn't question the leader of the MLM lightly after all, the exchange didn't last long before they were allowed entry.

What would follow would be what he considered the shortest amount of time for Mae to take in the grand view before asking the obvious next question. "So where is she?"

WORD COUNT:

TAGGED:

TAGGED: LYNX

Nothin' else seems to hurt
like the smile on your face

Given the massive magnitude a city like Haven had to offer, Elijah was prepared for a lengthy day. He guided Maevia where she asked to be led. Hundreds of pairs of feet were in their immediate proximity alone. The idea that his little girl had been living in the same city as him this entire time burned a hole in his skull. But at the end of the day he'd rather her be here than somewhere damning. Or dead. And as much as he wished it otherwise Elijah was not well versed to tell one child's foot steps from another. As the two strolled through the unique city scape Elijah would be attempting to unravel the coiling around his heart. There was forgiveness to be worked through. Anxiety.

"There." Would come the voice, his stride halting at the eventual gentle touch. "Are ... you ready?"

.......... How did one answer that? The arm under Maevia's fingertips would tremble under the weight of the proposition. "Y--" The word stuck in his throat as it closed up. A nod would follow as his brows jolted momentarily as they struggled with the flood of emotions. "Yes." There it was. The single most crucial word to leave his lips. Its weight so powerful that it barely managed to alight the air from his tongue. One of his calloused hands rose up to lightly squeeze hers. For the time being it would express his gratitude for what was about to come.

Which steps were his daughter's? Maevia would lead the way shortly afterwards, sending Elijah's brain into flames. Which set of tiny feet was his princess? Mae would call out an unfamiliar name and beeline towards two individuals. One adult, one smaller. Elijah's hands began shaking as they would approach closer. It would seem Maevia knew this individual and would begin making small talk. But none of the words would register.

No. The rest of the world would fade away into nothingness. His mind's eye stared in disbelief at the smaller being before them. Nothing else existed. There was no city, there was no population of bustling people. There was no planet earth or sky. All that existed was the child. His child. So it wouldn't be with cold heart or purposeful rudeness that he wouldn't respond to the introduction to this Luca chap. His priorities were set in stone and he just wasn't one of them at this time.

The older man would stand where he was a moment. Frozen. Was this reality? Was this really happening. But then there would be those tiny feet again. Standing. She was there. Really there. This wasn't some cruel nightmare. She was really there. Here.

..... With a shudder the man would lower to one knee with a delicacy as if the ground would shatter beneath him. Though his scarred eyes would be sheltered behind those darkly tinted sunglasses his facial expression would showcase that he was struggling. The weight of this moment was near unbearable.

"S-Stella?" The blind father would ask of the child in front of him. The tears welling in his eyes would be heard in the crack and tremor of his voice. "Princess?"