Lets Be Us Again {Tea}

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gxk
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Lets Be Us Again {Tea} Dec 2, 2010 21:57:53 GMT -5

Post by gxk on Dec 2, 2010 21:57:53 GMT -5

~Naida~

Naida lead Dillon back to her house with rigid movement and forced smiles. As much as she wanted him to stick around, she didn't trust herself to handle the stress. Then again maybe it would be better to have someone else at the beach, that way if something happened to her he could help the little ones. Little ones... I need to stop calling them that. Raviv is old enough to be reaped, and Ilayda isn't far behind. Her house was fairly small, sitting a top a slight hill by the coast. Her family owning a small fishing shop in the far side of their house further limited the living space. It had been home to six people, now it was down to five. The two boys had shared a room until Raiden died, leaving the room to Raviv. Ilayda and Naida still shared a room, as did their parents. The sound of her footsteps on the old wood of her porch reminded Naida they were here, ready to get some things together and take the younger kids out to the beach for the first time since the Fifty-First Games.

With a deep breath, Naida reached out a hand and opened the door ever so carefully, as if afraid of intruding on her own family. She took a tentative step through the threshold before moving aside for Dillon to enter. "Momma, I'm home... And I brought a friend, to take the kids to the beach with me." Her voice was faint. It had been a long time since she'd brought anyone over. A long time since she'd branched out like this. Her nerves about the situation made this fairly obvious. Mrs.Gardez turned with a slight gasp of surprised at her eldest daughter standing just inside the door, with a boy about her age right behind her. It took her a minute to figure out what to say. "Well we haven't had anyone over since- in a long time. Go ahead and get what you need, Ily and Raviv are helping in the shop with your father They'll be excited to go with you." The mother of four gave Dillon a weak smile of appreciation.

A quick nod was all Naida could manage before making her way through the house, and down the hall toward the family business. She already had the bag of stuff they would bring set by the door. She'd packed it this morning to save time. A familiar sight caught Naida's eye, she paused. In a simple wooden frame was a picture of the four kids with their parents. Trembling figures reach out and caressed the glass over Raiden's image. Gone. Those times are all gone. The painful thought forced her to choke back a small whimper. The wall was covered in memories. She had to pry her eyes away from images of her siblings and parents in various snap shots of happy times. Again she seemed to be in her own world. Strange facial expressions, caressing pictures, flinching as if she were in pain. These small things hinted at her lack of stability, but it was an improvement from not too long ago.

"Just a minute Dillon, I'll get my brother and sister. But you come if, only if you want too..."

Naida came to a jerking halt, before entering the shop. Taking a moment to steady herself. How to explain to Raviv and Ilayda that Dillon would be coming with them was going to be a bit of a challenge. Raviv had assumed the position of her protector. He had taken it upon himself to protect his older sister while she had become so vulnerable and weak. And that had to change. Naida knew she had to get better, she owned it to them. And to Raiden and Alba. Finally she had prepare herself well enough and stepped in. Just as her mother had said, there stood her father behind the counter with Raviv and Ilayda working on small tasks to help out. Raviv was the first to notice his sister enter the room, greeting her with a smile and a wave. Then put down his broom and took off his apron. Ilayda quickly shed hers as well, running to Naida and embracing her to the best of her ability. Ilayda laughed, Beach time!" Naida nodded and ruffled the young girl's hair. Raviv had a quieter way about him, givinh his sister a gentle hug as if afraid to break her. "Ily and I are all set when you are." His voice lowered a little, "Thanks again for this Naida. It means a lot to us.

"Dillon is coming with us..." Raviv opened his mouth to protest but was quieted when Naida spoke again. "He's been good to me Raviv, it's ok." Raviv nodded, but the look of concern was still apparent. Part of it being he didn't want to give his sister's care up to anyone else. He felt it was his job, and had a difficult time trusting others to look out for Naida. Ilayda bounced about the room, tugging on Naida and Raviv to follow. But before she could leave her father looked over to her with a small smile. "Glad someones going with you Naida, have fun and be safe."

"Thanks Dad. Now lets go kiddos." She managed a quick nod and faint smile. Stepping out into the hallway she tensed up awaiting a confrontation between her brother and Dillon, but instead Raviv extended his hand to Dillon. Relief swept through Naida, Raviv hadn't let her down. "I know we didn't have a great start. But I'm Raviv." Ilayda being younger seemed to have forgotten about their earlier encounter and bounced over to Dillon. "My name is Ilayda!" Naida put a hand on each of her siblings. They were something to be proud of. Raiden and her parents had done well by them, they were both such good kids. Now it was her turn to step up and help shape them into productive adults. If they live that long... A pained expression crossed her face as she tried her best to banish the thought. She was determined to enjoy today with out having a blow out.

"You can do it sis, I know you can."

"Thanks Raiden. Love you.

"You too Naida."

Last Edit: Dec 3, 2010 5:32:05 GMT -5 by gxk

Tea
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Lets Be Us Again {Tea} Dec 16, 2010 19:32:26 GMT -5

Post by Tea on Dec 16, 2010 19:32:26 GMT -5

Dillon

The entire walk back toward Naida's house was occupied only with that of awkward silence, and the occasional strained smalltalk. He should have never said what he had about her brother. It had been the uttermost stupid thing to do, especially considering how highly she thought of him. Even though he had been dead for years. Dillon knew it would take a fair amount of time for them to get back the easy casualness they once shared. Dillon needed that back. Naida was one of the few people he truly felt comfortable with, who truly understood his loss, and who truly cared. This...this just wasn't working for him, and whatever it was going to take to fix it, Dillon was up for that, if it meant getting back someone like Naida.

As they approached the house, Naida seemed to hesitate ever so slightly, as though she was still debating whether or not this actually was a good idea. Finally though, she reached out and pushed the door open, stepping inside. It was a simple house - Naida hadn't been exaggerating - but it was much like his own. His own family wasn't lavishly rich, owning a simple two bedroom house, but it was home. This seemed to be quite true for Naida's family as well. Her mother seemed to be very welcoming of the fact she had brought him along, and Dillon found himself smiling as she spoke, explaining what Naida's siblings were doing.

Dillon followed Naida into what her mother had claimed to be the shop. He fell back a few paces and observed as Naida explained the situation to them. At first, they didn't seemed overly excited to learn that he would be accompanying them. Naida assured them that he had been good to her, and that she wanted him to come, but they still seemed wary. "Uh, yeah. Um, I don't really mean to intrude on your outing, but Naida invited me so I..." His voice trailed off as her brother - Raviv, as he introduced himself - held out his hand for Dillon to shake. He grasped it firmly, and shook, smiling. "It's nice to meet you," he said, "both of you. Thanks for letting me come along."

gxk
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Lets Be Us Again {Tea} Dec 23, 2010 23:09:30 GMT -5

Post by gxk on Dec 23, 2010 23:09:30 GMT -5

~Nadia~

A wave of relief washed over Naida. Her siblings were willing to give Dillon another chance. Not that he'd ever done anything really wrong. Except what he said about Raiden Shaking her head she pushed the thought from her mind. She knew Raiden was still around, that was all that mattered to her. That and her living family of course. Her siblings probably couldn't remember the last time they had done something all together. It had to have been at least four years ago, before Raiden was reaped to be killed. It wasn't fair, he didn't deserve it. None of the children who were reaped deserved it. Not even the careers who wanted to kill. They were a product of the place they live in, there was nothing they could do to change about how they were raised. Not everyone was fortunate enough to have a loving family like hers. They had always been close, and would stay that way. They had made it through this much, there really was not much left that could be used to hurt them.

Raviv was a very gentle soul really. He didn't like to get into confrontations with anyone, if there was a peaceful way to do someone he would rather it that way. But he was also fiercely protective of his family. That's one thing he shares with Raiden. Yes, the brothers were fairly similar, Raiden though was more extroverted than Raviv. The sisters, well they shared many traits at one time. But when Naida broke, Ilayda stayed strong. Ily was a tough kid, she was only eight and had been through so much, but still she managed to see the best in things everyday. Then there were her poor parents... They'd watched their eldest son be slaughtered, and their eldest daughter losing her mind. Twice every year they were in agony. Raiden's birthday, and the Hunger Games. Her mother would lock herself in her room and sob. But no one could blame her. Her baby was dead, and the remaining three had been put through hell. Her father tried to stay strong for their sake, but even he had to break down sometimes...

After pulling her coat on, and helping Ilayda zip hers, Naida headed outside carrying the bag of things she had packed. The winter air was crisp, a layer of snow coated the ground. Their visit to the beach would be chilly, but it was needed. People watched them as they walked through the District. The Gardez children were well known from their family fish shop and of course Raiden's time in the arena. What a surprise it must be to see all of them out of the house together, and with Dillon tagging along too. She went numb when she stepped onto the ground of the path that led to their secret place. She hadn't set foot on it for four long years. The whisper in the wind told her it was okay though as she took a shaky step forward. Each step become more and more confident, until she was able to lead at a normal pace.

The trail opened up into a secluded beach coated in snow with clear waters coming in and out. Raviv smiled, the light in his eyes made it easy to see how happy he was to be here. Ilayda made it more apparent, laughing and grinning while she skipped down the beach. Naida spread a thick wool blanket out, it would serve as a warm place to sit while they enjoyed the afternoon. With the cold, she had packed extra blankets to cuddle up with. Setting out food Naida felt herself relax into a smile. Raviv began to start a fair for warmth and heating up of their meal when he spoke, "Raiden taught us all to swim here. We'd spend hours just talking." Naida nodded,"We had a lot of fun here... You do know your brother still loves us, right? Even if he can't be here, he still looks out for you. Raviv forced a weak nod, it was obvious he was slightly choked up. Ilayda on the other hand plopped herself on Naida's lap, tugging gently on her sister's hair, "Course we know, Raiden promised he'd love us forever. And he never lies." Naida ruffled her youngest siblings hair, she remember better than one would think. She was only four at the time of Raiden's death.

Just then Naida remembered Dillon was still here, and that it must have been awkward for him while the three of them talked about their dead brother. He'd been through a lose of a loved one as well. He and Naida shared the pain of loosing Alba. Alba... She was watching over too. But today she had promised to her siblings who would want to remember their brother, they did not know Alba the way she had. Naida glanced over at Dillon, smiling weakly. "Thank you for coming out here with us, it's nice to be able to share it with someone..." Raviv looked confused for a moment. Most likely not seeing how Dillon could possibly understand what value this place had to them, to their family. He quickly turned his attention back to nurturing the fire.

Once Raviv has a decent flame going Naida trussed the part of their meal that need heating over the fire. Ilayda yanked a blanket from the bag and wrapped it around her tiny self. You could she the orange and reds of the flickering blaze reflected in her eyes. Raiden's spirit seemed to drift around them, cuddling up to them just like he used to., He was here, he would always be here. It was as simple as that. Raviv put a hand on his sister's lap, reminding her that she still had living family too. Family that was more than happy to look after her. They wanted to help, she had to let them. You can help someone who won't help themself after all. "It's like he's here, you can feel it...

I'm wherever you are Sis

Raiden, they miss you too.

Of course, it's the same here. You three are going to make me cry

Happy tears I hope?

Yes, happy tears.

Last Edit: Dec 24, 2010 11:22:38 GMT -5 by gxk

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Lets Be Us Again {Tea} Jan 25, 2011 17:40:12 GMT -5

Post by Tea on Jan 25, 2011 17:40:12 GMT -5

Dillon

Going along with Naida and her siblings to the beach was going to be an awkward experience, Dillon knew that. He knew that from the moment he'd agreed to tag along. They were all siblings; all had been to this beach before. It was their place to be together and remember their brother. Dillon wasn't apart of their family, and he hadn't lost Raiden. He hadn't even known Raiden. The only thing he had Naida shared in common was their connection to Alba, and her death. That was it. As he followed along behind Naida and her siblings, he realized that really, Alba's death was the only thing that tied him to Naida. He didn't know her favourtite colour, or what she liked to do in her spare time, or really, how she and Alba had even met. It was quite evident as they walked though the District that the three of them were well known as the siblings of Raiden Gardez. They received so many passing glances of sympathy, it was almost disgusting. Dillon had lost someone too! Did they forget Alba? No. Nobody could forget Alba. Just because nobody recognized him as the former tribute's cousin didn't mean they had forgotten all about her. He had to remember that.

As they approached a pathway, Naida seemed to hesitate. This place must bring back to many memories for her, good and bad. Maybe it hadn't been the best idea to tag along. Maybe he should have just let them go along, given them the chance to be alone together, and just relive the memories they had of Raiden. However, before he could come up with anymore reasons why he shouldn't have come along, the wind picked up, and there was Alba, in his head like she always seemed to be, telling him it was alright.

When they reached the end of the trail, and the beach came into view, Dillon's attitude took a complete turnaround. It was one of the most beautiful places he's ever seen. The water was so calm, and everything covered in snow...god, it was beautiful. Sighing heavily, Dillon glanced over at Naida, "It's beautiful...I...why haven't I heard about this place before?" He sank down onto the blanket, listening awkwardly as they reminisced about the time when Raiden was alive. Naida seemed to sense that he was feeling out of place, because she turned to him, and thank him for coming along. Dillon forced a smile. "I'm glad I came," he said, "Alba would have...she would have loved this." But this wasn't about Alba. This was about Raiden. This whole place resounded with his presence, and for once, even Dlllon couldn't doubt Naida's brother's existence. He was there, as sure as Alba was.

ooc- I am so, so, so sorry how long this took. And that it's pretty much crap. My muse got run over by a truck, and then life got obnoxious. But here it is, finally. Holy crap, I'm sorry.

gxk
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Lets Be Us Again {Tea} Feb 1, 2011 14:50:09 GMT -5

Post by gxk on Feb 1, 2011 14:50:09 GMT -5

~Naida~

For the first time in four years, Naida felt as if she were at peace. Here in the place she'd shared with Raiden, with her brother, sister, and new found friend. Maybe there was hope for her to be a normal girl again, to make her family proud. These past years had dragged her down something fierce. They grabbed onto her, ensnaring her in their trap, and to this day she had found no relief. But finally things were staring to change. Finally she was starting to break free. Ever so slowly, but the progress was there. It was more than she could have ever hoped to ask for after the Fifty-Sixth Games. Alba had died that year, seeming to seal her into a world of insanity. But now things were different. A smile played on Naida's face as she looked from Raviv, to Ilayda, and finally to Dillon. Her brother and sister deserved to have her back, after all they had been nothing but good to her. When everyone else declared her out of her mind and turned away, they were still there. And then she had met Dillon. He was different from the rest of them too. Sure he had implied she were crazy, and questioned her about her brother, but he had lost someone too. He understood what she was going through.

Naida felt her brother's hand on her thigh. He probably though she was drifting off into that place. With a nervous confidence she took her brother's hand in her's. She never raised her voice above a whisper."It's ok Raviv. I'm okay. We'll be alright." The twelve year old boy's eyes lit with the wonder of a young child. It reminded her that he was still a child, he was trying to be strong for them, but he stilled needed support from not only their parents but from her. "I know that now sis. For a while there, I thought we lost you too..." He matched her tone. Naida shivered at the thought. She might as well have been dead for a while there. Locked so deeply inside herself that she offered nothing to the family. But that was over now. "But I'm back now. I plan to stay. Raviv smiled, while Ilayda hugged her sister tightly. No one could deny that the eight year old was wise far beyond her years. With a sense of boldness Naida couldn't dream of having. Ily wasn't afraid of anyone. You could always count on her to stand her ground. God help any boy who dared involve himself with her someday. Raviv on the other hand shared the same fire, but kept it more to himself. Any girl would be lucky to have him. She could only hope and pray her siblings would live long and happy lives, free of the games that stole Raiden from them.

The Games. Naida froze for a moment. Takeba. The poor girl was still trapped in that hell of an arena and Naida had no way of knowing whether or not she was still alive. She could only hope for her friend's safety. Not that it had ever made a difference. Both Alba and Raiden having died despite her greatest wishes for them to come home. It really was as if she were cursed or something. Everyone she cared about suffered in someway. And then she in turn made her family suffer even more. The guilt was immense. Maybe Takeba would break the cycle. Maybe not. There was nothing she could do now other than enjoy her time with her family and hope for the best for her friend. The fact that Takeba had allied with two career girls made Naida nervous. Even though the alliance had broken apart, it gave the others more knowledge of Takeba's style which could help them in battle against her... It was all too much for her to process right now. Raviv seemed to pick up on her anxiety and gave her hand a squeeze. The intuitive boy had always been in tuned to other's feelings, and that Naida was grateful for, she didn't want to explain her worries about Takeba with Dillon here. He had no connection to her, it would only make things more awkward.

"It's beautiful...I...why haven't I heard about this place before?"

"Raiden never told anyone about it. He wanted to keep it a secret. A place where the four of use could come and talk about anything without having to worry about who might hear us..."

Green-blue eyes once again look over the majestic place. It was indeed beautiful. The most lovely place she had ever been in her life. It held so many memories. Some that made her laugh, others that made her cry. And she wouldn't ever forgot any of them. Each had a special place in her heart and always would. Raiden may have died, but his memory wouldn't. 'm glad I came... Alba would have...she would have loved this." Naida smiled at this. If only she had had the chance to share this place with Alba... But the Games had ruined that. They came too soon. The were always too soon, they shouldn't ever come as far as Naida was concerned. Children dying for the mistakes of their great grand parents. It just wasn't fair. And what a cruel punishment. To watch twenty-three kids die year after year, with no escape. Someday this would have to end. Right? How long would people be scared into submission? Something had to give eventually. Naida would keep her thoughts to herself though. If she ever spoke her feelings she would put herself and everyone who knew her at risk. The capitol wouldn't stand for anyone speaking out against them. They had even put that new detention center in... Everything they did, they did for the suffering of the Districts. Someone someday would change that, Naida was sure of it. Maybe it wouldn't be in her lifetime, but it would happen. It was bound to happen. Every time in history that a government turned tyrannical, the people brought it down somehow, despite the heavy cost of life. Because freedom was something priceless.

So wise for someone so young. You amaze me Naida.

And I learned so much from you Raiden. You are the best brother I ever could have dreamed of having. And I see more and more of you in Raviv as time goes by.

Just like Ilayda is more like you than you know. I see it from here. Being able to talk to you has been what's keeping me sane.

We keep each other sane.

Raiden didn't have the heart to mention Takeba was gone, and ruin this moment, Naida would find out soon enough.