Vials. Beakers. Cries of unearthly nature. A flash of a elderly face as the brightness faded into reality. A sense of heaviness in limbs. Why couldn't she move? What was this unfamiliar weight to what should be a weightless being? So heavy. So tight. Like a cocoon too tight for a butterfly.

Again the elderly face, full beard lifted by the ear to ear grin the man held. She could feel his breath against her skin he was so close. Wait..since when could mortals get so close to a sylph? She shouldn't even be feeling the breath's warmth.

Suddenly whatever held her up by the wrists released and she found herself falling unwillingly to meet the ground. What was this?! She couldn't move! Hands slowly moved along the ground and paused. What was this? Why was there a mortal's fleshy hand where her spiritual one should be? Slowly she willed her limb to move, finding the fleshy hand moving. Shaking. She could hear the man ranting but unable to make out his words. Loud laughter mingled with the cries which were raising in pitch and volume.

Screams...

Screams that was coming from her as lungs struggled for air to release those screams.

The crimson. Blood crimson flashed and clouded her vision. And mad laughter of the man. Her blood curdled at the horrific sound.

A violent jerk caused her to ripple on the couch, nearly tossing the blanket off of herself and onto the waiting floor. Slowly her head lowered to the arm of the couch, fingers pulling the blanket to her chin as she attempted to rid herself of the echoing sound of the crazed laughter. Slowly but surely the world around her came into clearer focus.

A couch. Blink! Sitting up quickly she looked about the apartment in search for him. Him, who she wanted nothing more to be at the side of. Him, who had worked himself senseless. Him, who the night before, fell asleep with his head against her knee as she attempted to help him find a peaceful sleep. And who she fell asleep in attempt to bring that peaceful sleep.

Corwin.

Her eyes lowered to the rainbow hued blanket pooled about her waist. He must of woken up way before her and moved her into a more comfortable position before leaving to resume his work. A deep sigh ached her chest. She actually had meant to be out the door once he fell asleep. Not fall asleep also! A world of fret began to fill her belly at the thought of Corwin's disappointment of finding her there when he woke. Asleep. In his home!

A loud groan escaped her lips as she grabbed the blanket and yanked it over her head, body flopping over to curl up into a little ball. She wasn't really surprised she had passed out. She had been working non-stop for three days herself with little to no sleep. After she had wounded herself so ..

After a few moments of twisting and turning under the blanket in her distress she finally worms her way out of the blanket and over to what she realized was a cup of sweet tea. Did..he leave that for her? Smiling she reached over to pluck the mug from it's place. After folding the blanket and placing it on the arm of the chair she stands, cradling the mug between her hands as she moved to do what she was hired to do. Clean. But she found everything had already been tidied up. Another sigh. She really should of woken up earlier...

Placing the tea on the counter she decided to go clean up but not before grabbing something out from the counter and heading to Corwin's room. Placing his actual valentine's gift on his bed, a day late now, she left it to be found when he returned. Spying one of his unused shirts she smiles and snags it. With it in tow she headed off to take a bath. His shirt would be worn while her current clothes were being washed.

He would never know this of course..

For once her clothes were cleaned and washed..and the apartment was cleaned..she left.

"Bring her!" The stern voice bounced off the walls as the world around her came into focus. Sort of. Blurry. Very blurry was her surroundings. Suddenly hands grasped her, lifting her to her feet. She could hear the soft voice of the assistant giving numerous apologies. Even if she couldn't understand them she knew what he was apologizing for. He was assisting in the pain the tore her body. He assisted in pushing her mind to the brink as the professor attempted to see just how truly humanoid his creation was.

She felt the shackles on her slender, sore wrists and suddenly the comfort of the young man was gone, leaving her hanging by metal. Her eyes attempted to focus on the dreary room. Beakers, tools, and flames were plenty. A smell she couldn't distinguish filled her senses as the elderly man sudden filled her sight. He took hold of her chin, turning her head this way and that as he took into observation of her skin tone, her eye reaction, as well as several other things that might of been vital to his research. She made no attempt to move away until she felt the burned blade of a scalpel touch the flesh along the bare flesh of her neck and along her shoulder as the elderly man tested her pain reflexes yet again. Her eyes sprung wide and she began to scream out and kick her bare feet against the floor. Pushing up against her restrains with all the force she could muster if it meant to get away from the thing that caused the pain! It wasn't long before she bled, the shackles biting down into the flesh of her wrists as she struggled like a hapless animal attempting escape.

This alarmed the old man a bit. She shouldn't feel so crystal clear like this. She was just a doll after all. What alarmed him more was now that he was finally observing her face instead of the rest of her in his studies, he realized she was crying. Tears. He didn't create a golem or doll. He created a being. A perfect being with the soul and spirit of a sylph! And the body was not deteriorating in any rapid sessions like his other experiments! How wonderful!

Then the horror of it all hit the old man, showing well that he realized all his testing on a being that could feel and understand pain. With the help of his young assistance she was lowered from the chains, collapsing in the waiting arms..

THWAP!

Slowly mismatched eyes blinked and she found herself face first in a pile of snow, apparently having fallen asleep in the tree. The day had gone so slow. She needed some sort of work to keep her entertained.

Sighing she figured she'd head back to Corwin's and find something she hadn't cleaned yet. And clean it! Wait..she didn't have a key to get in. And the pixies seemed to of left on their own when she originally left. So she was stuck.

Sighing she made her way slowly towards the building that was Corwin's and she kicked a few stones outside. Stress had worked her over, causing her to sleep more. She wasn't use to being so stressed out. But there was alot on her mind. Some good. Some no so good. Some she just wasn't sure of. Slowly her eyes rose to look up at the building. Could she sneak in a window? Oh yeah she was sure that would go over well with Corwin. Sigh. Flopping down she sat on the steps leading to the apartment and stared at the ground.

Slowly her eyes drifted closed. Not to sleep but to enjoy the cool morning breeze and sunshine against her skin. An idea! She could get Corwin out and about! She could propose a picnic and see how it tickled him! He spent entirely too much time in his studies! Way too much time.

Wheels turned and her mind started to devise a plan..

Would of sworn Corwin hit her aside the head with a snowball by her reaction. Standing quickly with a mixed look of shock and alarm on her face she turned to Corwin. Like a deer caught in headlights! Caught planning! Wait..Corwin doesn't read minds..you are safe. Calm down before he suspects something! Easing quickly she gives a cheerful smile. "Hello Corwin! I slept well, thank you. But..I'm sorry..I had actually planned on leaving after you fell asleep not fall asleep myself. I guess it was just too comfy for me at the time."

Her eyes lowered as she nudged the ground. Oh yes, she was worried. She didn't want him to think anything ill about her! But she was so tempted to ask how he slept. Deciding quickly to change the subject her eyes raise, spying the key. Hm. What is that for? Deciding to not be nosey at the moment she raised her eyes to meet his. "How are you doing today? Busy working huh?"

Wait..no. He didn't have to be outside to do his studies. Hm. Worlds of questions suddenly began to swirl in her mind but she was doing good in not blurting them out in a river of words like she use to. She was trying to be..civil.

Mismatched eyes blinked as she caught the key and looked at it. She felt the uncontroable urge to smile. So smile she did, quite cheerfully so. Looking up to him at hearing his words she gave a nod, easing slowly out of her worried state. Until he mentioned Tarna. She adored Tarna so that's probably why her mind suddenly went over a world of new worries. Did Tarna and Corwin like each other? If so, Niima wasn't going to get in the way. It did break her heart but she didn't want to hurt Tarna ..and she wanted Corwin to be happy. Doesn't mean though she would stop being his friend or housemaid. Besides..Tarna is a great person...a real person. Not like me..I'm just an..abomination. It's sad how such words spoken only a few times can really hit home. There was a moment of sullen upon her face before she came from her thoughts to see the door open.

She turned and made her way quickly within, not wishing to leave him hanging there or allow the chilly air to filter inward. "You and Tarna going to go into business together? That's good news. She's a great lady and I am sure things will go very well..." She kept moving forward so that he couldn't see her face, just in case some flinch gave anything away. Instead she hopped straight to cleaning only to find ..it looked as if he had tidyed up already.

Toying with the chain looped through the key she looked about until her eyes finally settled on the rose he had made for her. She fell silent as if thinking. Really was it ever a good thing when Niima was quiet? Finally her head tipped towards him and she smiled. "You know what? You should take her out on a picnic that way you two can talk in comfortable surroundings instead of a stuffy old building. I could pack you a basket of goodies to bring with you.."

Like. He does likes Tarna. Every fiber in her body suddenly wanted to pout and sob out. For a moment she zoned out but quickly focused back onto the conversation and his concern of opening the shop. Niima's hand slowly worked with the chain, fidgeting with the key.

"Corwin..It's not worthless to do things with those you trust and care for. If anything it gives you strength to succeed where you may not when alone. With others you gain support. Assistance. Praise. Comfort..." She looked away and flopped to sit on the couch, eyes lowering to the floor. "You will never grow as a person if you continue doing everything alone. Change is a scary thing but it's not always a bad thing." She shrugged a bit and looked over to him, a small chuckle given. "Course that's my opinion. What you do is completely up to you. But I am happy for you either way. So long..as you are happy."

She shook her head and tilted her head thoughtfully. "I think it would be nice for a picnic. I mean most of the snow is gone away and the chill makes for good cuddling." She chuckled as she snuggled back into the couch. "But so long as the sun is out and there is no wind, it would be a nice picnic!" Bare feet lifting she stretches them out and looks at her toes before dropping her feet back to the floor. "Not really. I went to the inn for a little while then I went to the glen and fell asleep in a tree. Woke up back on the ground with a face full of snow." She laughed at herself and shook her head.

She blinked at the sudden frantic speech. Had she said something wrong? Oh he looked so adorable when he blushed. If she hadn't been whirling in a pool of questions she might of actually smiled but instead her face was set with a most curious look. "I thought you said you liked Tarna?" She blinked again. Did he think that was cuddling? His head using her lap for a pillow. She seemed paused. He was right. Some people actually did consider that cuddling. Her cheeks turned crimson instantly and her eyes lowered to the floor. "I...was just trying to comfort you into sleep. You needed it. Sleep I mean. You really do push yourself entirely too hard.."

Her words faded as she looked up from the floor to find him kneeling there, studying her. For a brief moment she wanted to laugh, thinking of how they first met. But other then her lips curling into a light smile, the memory was hers alone. "I've fallen out so many trees I'm actually starting to grow use to it. Surprised I haven't fallen off of something higher yet. Like the rafters at the inn or a building." She scolded herself for being so clumsy. Like it would do any good.

Scolding that was quickly washed away at the touch of his hand. Shamefully her eyes lowered again, her voice also lowering a few pegs also. "I am tired but it's because my body is trying to heal. I.. I fell into a state in which someone called 'madness'. So many things..so much pain..No one really there to support and comfort me. With Silk's return things were increasingly hard. I attempted to...free myself from this...shell."

Turning her hands and looking down to them she shook her head, shamed she was telling him this. Really what would he think of her? "There was someone I talked with.. a kind stranger..that helped me piece things back together. To understand things. With his words and my thoughts before..I am fine now and I am sorry for any fret I've caused you back at the inn that day."

Her eyes lift and she smiles softly to him. "I promise I won't cause you anymore problems. And...I want to be here to support you Corwin. No matter what. If that is okay, I mean.

A momentary confusion. "I thought you liked liked Tarna." It was more speaking to herself them him. She noticed the saddened look on his face. Urg she did not like that one bit! And it was like she went into a panic mode.

Soon as his hand drew away she flung at him, arms wrapped about his neck to hug him tightly. "No being sad! I like your smile much better!" She felt guilty as if she had hurt him. She was attempting to hug it better! Maybe a bit too tightly. Releasing she drew away far enough to look at him so he knew she was speaking truly. "You mean alot to me too Corwin. That's why I worry. And care. And worry more! And cook. Got to keep you fed." Cause we all know that he'd probably starve himself if it came to some good research. starve and blow himself up from lack of sleep.

Her arms from around his neck and to his torso ever so sneaky like and as she said 'fed' her fingers tickled his stomach. "We go thank Paladin together I say. Because if it wasn't for him..I wouldn't be here with you now..and I wouldn't of gotten that beautiful flower and seen you smile...and all that stuff." Oh don't think just because she was speaking was letting up on the tickling. Oh no. She wanted to hear him laugh. Err..hopefully he was ticklish!

She blinked at his reaction and suddenly went into a fit of giggles when she realized he had never been tickled before. Oh now she really wasn't going to stop. Shoulder leaned into his chest incase he attempted to stop her she went into a full blown tickle attack. His sides and stomach was not safe from her tickling fingers. Until she got a laugh out of him that is. She wanted to hear him laugh. Just..once.

"Ooo Corwin's never been tickled beforeeee!" Niima sings out cheerfully. Tickle tickle tickle! And not giving up!

Oh his not laughing but so wanting to just urged her on! She did stop though as elbows turned inward to her sides just in case he got the smart idea to tickle back. That and the fact she was pinned between him and the couch. She felt her breath caught for a moment as her hands settled against his sides, where she had been tickling.

This was not what she was expecting. Definitely not what she was expecting. Not that she was complaining...

Mismatched eyes drifted upward to his face, noticing the dazed look. She was pretty sure she had a similar expression save for her cheeks which were rose red. Gah! Her heart was beating so hard and loud it was filling her ears. But whatever flustering she was doing it was equaled with worry.

Did he not like to be tickled? Did she overstep a bound by trying to get him to laugh. After a moment she finally exhaled the breath that was held. "Sorry" The word was said so meekly, so soft but quickly on that breath.

She blinked as he literally flung away. Good grief did she smell bad or something. "You..You don't have to be sorry. You did nothing wrong Corwin."

Biting her lower lip she looks down and crawls herself onto the couch. "I won't tickle you again I promise.."

The fluttering sensation was gone just as quickly as it came. She wanted to pout but didn't. Instead she shook her head to the question. "I'm thirsty though..Can I have something warm to drink?"

Her hands lowered, clasping in her lap with fingers curled into her first palm. It was all she could do from not fidgeting.

When Corwin stuck his head back out he would find Niima curled up on the couch, her long hair spilled over the arm and her cheek resting on the slope in such odd position. Legs had been bent so that her knees rested close to her chest in a fetus position. She had not meant to fall asleep in fact she had originally been sitting up with her knees to her chest, waiting for him to return. She just kind of dozed off and flopped to her side.

Light breathing and a somewhat content look on her face, she slept until he dared wake her.