The One

"I think I found her… I think she's the one… I see her… Just her face – that smile, those eyes - … She's the one, isn't she…?... I know, because my heart hurts... Not in the way it has been since Seika was killed... More like, in a good way… Like a muscle that's been over worked, and has finally got some rest… It hurts so good… It's because of her – she's the one… Isn't she…? Phoenix…?"

Harochi smiled softly, looking into his unsure eyes that switched from yellow, to blue, and to purple. His eyes were misty, but they watched and waited for the old man's answer. His lips were parted, his mouth hanging open in uncertainty. He was such a child, sometimes…

He stood, crossing over to the Nymf and placed his hands on his shoulders, holding him firmly. "Arca, boy, listen to me… I can't say much, but I will say this… Take it easy… Keep things slow… She is only human, just a child born yesterday, and if you rush into this, you'll scare her off…" He loosened his hold on him, but still kept his hands on his coat. "Have patience with her, and you will be greatly rewarded…"

Arca looked into his eyes, the color a strange mix of glowing amber and a very light, hardly noticeable tinge of violet. The tears were still there, making his eyes damp and ever threatening to fall, but they never did. He said nothing for a long time, then simply nodded in silence.

The Blind Prophet knew that this is what Arca had been waiting for, for a long, long time. Finally, with it before him now, he didn't know what to do. He pulled him closer, pulled the younger man towards him, hugging him around the shoulders.

The Nymfinity male didn't resist, and wordlessly accepted the embrace. Slowly, he closed his eyes and let a tear spill down his cheek. He found no strength to wipe it away, and only breathed:

"My mate…"