Wynter Maiden

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To protect this city is to learn my true potential
Wynter Maiden
Player: @Tanklet
Origin: Magic
Archetype: Tanker
Security Level: 50
Personal Data
Real Name: Daria St. Claire
Known Aliases: None
Species: Human
Age: Mid 20's
Height: 5'7" ((I think ))
Weight: 130lbs
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Golden Blonde
Biographical Data
Nationality: Confidential
Occupation: Archmage
Place of Birth: Avery Woods, Colorado
Base of Operations: The Invictus Foundation
Marital Status: Married
Known Relatives: Victor St. Claire - Father

Clarisse St. Claire - Mom

Valerie St. Claire - Sister

Julianna Fieldings - Daughter

Matt Smith - Husband

Known Powers
Will Power, Ice Manipulation, Flight
Known Abilities
Ever growing magical abilities via chants and spells
Equipment
N/A
Always looking to make friends and find her place in the world


Contents

OOC Info

So I created Wynter Maiden to kind of hang with and rp with another character in the game. That totally didnt work out as intended but SO turned out for the better. Daria's life has taken twists and turns that I both enjoy and look forward to and hope never ends. If you see her around, feel free to strike up a convo!


Personality

Daria St. Claire's is selfless almost to a fault. She's incredibly friendly and lacks a temper. She has a heart of gold. Many have said this of her but these are things she doesnt see in herself. To Daria, she only does whatever it takes to help others and protect the ones she loves. By nature, Daria is a thinker and a worrier. If there's a problem that needs solving, she'll seem quiet. That's because she's thinking of all the possible reasons for the issue and how to go about solving it. She won't speak up until she's certain of the conclusion her mind has drawn. Her worry side ... cant be helped. She worries about those closest to her heart. She tries not to show it and uses meditation to attempt to calm that part of her nature. It works ... for the most part. However, if something were to ever happen to her husband or her daughter... all hell would break loose.

Growing Up

Daria St. Claire grew up in Avery Woods, Colorado. Avery is a small community made up of mystics and wicca practitioners. Each family had its own magical specialty, whether it be in nature or witchcraft or the like. No one delved into dark magic or the arcane. That was strictly forbidden by the ruling government of The Elders. The dangers of dark magic were enough to keep young witches, warlocks and mystic children from practicing them.

There were other spells that were against the rules also, in addition to cross practition which was discouraged. If a family's magic was in nature, wicca and mystical summonings were discouraged. Sprirt spells were generally banned from practice by any memeber of society. But kids being kids, cross practitioning was the only logical hobby after school and on weekends.

Speaking of school, once a child reach of age to start speaking spells (approximately kindergarten age), they were enrolled in Avery's school system to be taught by The Elders. The Elders were dedicated to streamlining their magic in addition to their normal studies, so that when they came of age, they would be prepared to properly harness their powers whether in Avery Woods (which was seen as the obvious choice) or out in society (which wasnt mentioned much because the conclave frowned upon and disliked the idea of one of their own leaving home).

Mom & Dad

There's not much to tell about Victor and Clarisse St. Claire. They were loving supportive parents who taught their two daughters, Daria and Valerie, how to harness their powers. Victor was a very high ranking member of the conclave. There had always been talk of making him and elder but Daria's dad was just happy having the unofficial influence that came along with a very long standing positive reputation in Avery. Victor was also sorely protective of his daughters.

Clarisse St. Claire remains to this day, a teacher in the Avery school. She instructed young students on the power or mediation and nature. Clarisses was a very graceful and powerful witch who loved her family with every fiber of her being. The greatest days of her life was when her daughters were school aged. Knowing the family magic as she did, Clarisse knew that both Daria and Valerie would be in her class. She would instruct her precious ones well. She couldnt wait to see what magical powers would manifest themselves in the two.

Val

Valerie St. Claire has pretty much been the bain of her older sister's existence since she was old enough to simultaneously walk and talk. Where Daria's skills were more internal and based on her meditations and sheer force of will, Valerie's abilities were more pronounced. And she made sure her sister knew that. And where Daria was expected to be the straight arrow, Valerie was able to get away with a whole lot of mischief. Again this was something Valerie liked to point out quite often.

Valerie is quite the handful. She was able to convince their mom and dad to let her live in Paragon for a while with her sister to train. Quite honestly all Val really wanted to do was explore a new city, get out of the conclave and have fun. But what mom and dad dont know wont kill her right? The moment Daria got the phone call that Val had jumped off one bus (because the driver was "lame") and hopped another, she knew she was going to have her work cut out for her. Shortly after arriving in Paragon, Valerie left the bus stop to go exploring, turning off her phone. Daria found her in Pocket D. All this is to say, beware.

But as always, sisters will never cease being there for each other and through all their arguments, they love each other dearly.

The Decision ... To Leave Home

One evening, Daria decided to broach the subject that had been on her mind a lot lately. She'd been troubled by the lack of manifestation of her powers and wanted to do something about that. She'd heard of a city in Rhode Island called Paragon City. This city had sent out the call for help. Its people were in need. And even now, beings and people from all walks of life, even from various planets and places in time, have flocked to this one location to serve as the city's heroes. If there was any place her powers would manifest. It would be there.

After dinner, Daria sat her parents down for the conversation that would change her life. Which of vourse means that Valerie was snooping. Daria could sense her presence but didnt let that dissuade her in any way. It was high time that she did this.

"Mom dad ... we need to talk." she sighed, "my powers havent developed here. I keep hearing from you and grammie, how strong I'll one day become, but where all others are able to cast conjure and control; I'm still left wandering and wondering."

Her mom looked on in silence, almost knowing where this was going. Her dad, however, spoke up, "What are you getting at Daria?"

"I ... I want to leave home and train." She heard Valerie's audible gasp then her father's subsequent recrimination of her sister.

"Valerie Gaean St. Claire, to your room!"

The scuffle of feet and the slam of a door followed. Then her mom spoke, "Darling, have you ever stopped to think that perhaps you're just a late bloomer?"

Daria smiled at her mother but held to her serious tone, "I've thought about that mom. And a late bloomer is one thing ... but ... this ... this isnt normal. And there are other members of the conclave who have already gone before me so maybe I'll find them there. And people from all over are answering the city's call for help. I know it's the right thing. I know it's frowned upon here, to leave but ... I feel like I have to. And ... I .. I'll hardly be looked upon differently ... from what I've heard ... I'll probably be one of the more normal looking people ... *she sighed* ... in any event; I've made my decision and I'm hoping for your blessings. I love you both."

The relustantly nodded, knowing the time had come and there was nothing that could or should be done to stop this. Bidding her family farewell, Daria boarded a bus in nearby Denver and was bound for Paragon City.

Paragon City

The bus driver headed for Paragon took one look at Daria and knew she was from the conclave and therefore knew why she was headed to Paragon. Handing her an envelope he said, "Here, take this. The contents in that envelope will get you started." Nodding towards the inside of the bus he concluded, "I'd take a seat then if I were you, we're about ready to go."

Daria wondered how he knew, but though best not to question him. Turning the envelope over in her hands, she opened it straight away. Inside the envelope was a local bus token, an application form that said "Hero Registration" and a profile for a woman named Azuria who apparently worked in City Hall in Atlas for a unit called the MAGI. There was also the number of the bus that would go from the station to Atlas City Hall. Daria dug into her small rucksack and pulled out a pen to fill out the application. Glancing around the bus she saw some heads turn, but then she also noticed others with similar envelopes as well and silently wondered if they'd be meeting with Azuria too.

The ride was uneventful. Arriving at the Paragon Bust Terminal, Daria hopped off and began her search for the Atlas Park bus, still holding the envelope in her hand. To her left, she could sense a movement and someone watching her. No sooner than her peripheral senses went off, did an officer stop her in her tracks.

"You have an envelope; your presence is required elsewhere."

With no time to argue, she was led away from the crowd and into a secure area to the rear of the terminal. Others with envelopes were being led here as well. And some others, Daria noticed with envy, were able to slip away or cloak themselves.

Daria wondered where she was going and what was going on when the officer leading her away, stopped and turned, as if sensing her questions. "There's been an outbreak in another area of Paragon. We're sending young heroes, such as yourself, to the area to help contain the issue. This mission is imperitive." He swapped her envelope with one of his own. She opened his and found a list of names. One of them, an officer, was marked with a star. The officer continued, "You will meet with the first contact, who will set you up with a temporary communication device and give you the lay of the land, as well as put you in touch with others who will help you learn more about Paragon City while you work for them. Be on your guard. Your things will be waiting with Azuria once you return. Oh, and behind me is a telepad. Something else about the city you must get used to. Just step inside and it will transport you there. Good louck hero."

Fade Darkcaste

Finally making it out of the Outbreak Zone as it was called, a slightly weary Daria found herself in Atlas Park. The officer said her things would be waiting with Azuria so that was where she headed. Making her way up the first set of stairs, Daria stopped mid stride. She had the feeling someone was watching her but she couldnt tell who or where they were. There were so many people, so many heroes, in Atlas ... it could be any one of them. Or none of them at all. Daria quickened her stride and stopped to visit with Ms. Liberty to raise her security clearance before making for her final destination inside City Hall.

Daria checked in at the registration counter and used the name Wynter Maiden. Another packet of information later and she was on her way downstairs to Azuria. Daria's things had been waiting for her as promised but Azuria seemed troubled. Presenting her new Hero ID for inspection and expecting to be able to leave for the day, Daria was taken off guard by the fact that she was immediately placed on assignment. Azuria outfitted Daria with a communicator and some other necessities and sent her own her way.

Stepping outside City Hall and downstairs, off to the right, she still had the feeling she was being watched. Daria turned around and was struck in shock by the man who had been watching her. Daria introduced herself and he followed suit. His name was Fade Darkcaste. When asked why he had been following her, he merely responded "You interest me. Your soul has a purity I've not seen in a millenia."

That answer wasnt quite what she'd expected. She also hadnt been expecting being tailed bya vampire of all things but here he was and there she was. And he did indeed follow her every move from that day forward. What's more is that Fade placed himself in her thrall; obeying her every word. This was a power and privilage Daria didnt think she deserved. But to Fade, that was all the more reason to give it to her.

Taken in by the Arbiter

Day 2 in Atlas started out quietly. But that didnt last long. Awaiting assignment from Azuria, Daria was startled when a strange voice came over her communicator. She didnt know that just any random hero could tap into her channel this way but the voice on the other end sounded benign enough. Agreeing to meet with the man on the other end of the comm, Daria was in awe at someone dressed in the red and white colors of the patrolling officers she'd been told were called Longbow.

Daria soon learned the man's name; Arbiter Death. It didnt sound quite right, but then, she didnt know what an Arbiter was. After their conversation, she was invited to join a group of "heroes" that he led. When he programmed her communicator into their channel, it read The Villains of Paragon City. Looking up in confusion, Daria remained speechless. This couldnt be quite right. Paragon City was a place where heroes gathered. There had to be something more. She didnt see the signs.

The group treated Daria well and Arbiter himself took her under his wing for a while and trained her. It wasnt until the day he tortured one of their own that she realized what a big mistake she'd made. The victim's name was Red Komodo. While being tortured and flayed for all to see, Red looked Daria in the eyes and asked, "What are you doing here with these people? You're not one of them"

The emotion of it all and knowing that she couldnt save him, made Daria flee the scene only to be confronted by one of the other members and nearly subject to punishment herself. After that event, Daria laid low in the Villains. She knew she wasnt like them and needed to stay as far away from them as possible. The few friends she did manage to make, had already left. And any who remained, suggested she flee as well.

When Daria had finally made up her mind that it was time she left, Arbiter dropped a bombshell on them all. He had a son ... and he was getting married. The group was immediately thrown into battle protecting Arbiter's son but it was Daria who would bear the direct responsibility of caring for young David Starkweather. Daria hoped that her influence would help keep this young child from growing up like and walking in the dangerous footsteps of his father.

Achilles

While at the base speaking with Arbiter and touring the new family room, they were visited by an ally named Achilles. He seemed to take an interest in Daria and the two spent some time talking over the secure channel of their communicators.

Daria spoke of her hometown back in Colorado and how she was new to Paragon City. Achilles offered to show her the sights. The two made plans for a night out not long after. Daria had no idea what was about to occur

The Betrayal

High on a rooftop somewhere in Steel Canyon, Achilles and Daria sat watching the sun set and the moon rise. It was the most beautiful spectacle of nature that she'd seen in this city and it took her very breath away. Their conversation that had started out nonchalant suddenly took a turn.

Achilles spoke of a woman he once had feelings for, Sweet Ending. Daria was unsure of why he was telling her this and became alarmed when he spoke five fateful words, "I'm going to kill her." Daria wanted no part of this and couldnt understand how someone could want to kill a person they once cared for. She knew from Sweet being a member of the Villains that she was now seeing Strife Smith. Strife had been one of the direct threats to Arbiter's child and it was Daria who whisked the young boy to safety. She was also told that Strife was no longer after Arbiter's son. She didnt know who to believe. One thing was certain, Achilles was now speaking of wanting to kill them both himself.

Daria tried to talk him out of it but at the very least, the converstion about the two ceased. Instead of continuing their night elsewhere or even on the same rooftop, Achilles suggested they return to the Villains base. She led the way and what happened next would stay with her forever.

Greeting them at the base was Red Slasher X. He was not a member of the VoPC. That much, Daria knew. Which means he infiltrated the base. This had her on guard. Red claimed that he was an ally. A man who lives his life as a villain should have very few allies ... so Daria was cautious. It was then that the plan was revealed. Achilles had brought Daria back to the base to have her summon Sweet Ending and Strife Smith into a trap and ultimately their demise. The two claimed that the plan had been OK'd by Arbiter. But regardless of that, Daria rfused to cooperate. She may not be a villain and she also may not agree with what they do but she wouldnt willingly lead two people into a trap. An argument ensued and it appeared that Achilles and Red had given up. She was wrong.

Taking a moment to distract to distract her, Red pulled her attention away. The next thing Daria felt was a blow to the back of the neck. Blackness took her. Achilles had knocked her unconscious. When Daria awoke, she was bound and tied in the upstairs bedroom with a force field surrounding her. Achilles and Red had managed to use her after all ... and lured Sweet and Strife straight into battle.

ShadowWings

As the battle ensued, Sweet Ending broke away from the melee to try and save Daria but she was unable to break past the force field. It was at that moment that one of Achilles' katanas came aimed straight for it and shattered it into pieces. Sweet cut the wires holding Daria. Emotions riding high, Daria fled downstairs to find Strife in a corner, being battered by Red and Achilles. Strife looked at her in concern and asked if she was ok. In answer, Daria drew her ice sword and aimed several ice shards at both intruders. It was then that help had arrived.

Standing beside Arbiter, leading the charge to evict the intruders was ShadowWIngs. There was something about Shadow that struck Daria as intriguing even as he worked to rid the base of Achilles and Red. He turned back to her then and placed both hands on her shoulders to return her emotions to a state of calm; then on her wrists to heal the bruises.

Daria thanked him and through his gaze of concern he uttered one reply, "Anything for a friend of Death."

That didnt make her feel much better, for in as much as Daria would protect Arbiter's son David for as long as she was able ... she could not be considered friend to a man so cruel.

Within the next week, Daria had seen Shadow off and on and her curiosity with him grew. But that was all it was ... he was engaged after all. Then one day at the base, Daria and Fade had an argument. Fade was merely a friend but his words had hurt her deeply. Fade wanted Daria to forgive Achilles for his actions. That was something that Daria was not willing to do ... not yet. With that, Fade commented about this being the blackening of her soul ... and he left.

Hovering high above the base in tears, Daria heard commotion coming from the entrance. From what she could hear ... apparently Shadow's fiance had been brainwashed by a group called the Spartans. Shadow and a few others went to rescue her and bring her back to the Villain base. To say that she didnt take this well ... was an understatement. Kat, slugged Shadow once in the jaw and left his life for good.

Hearing the soft sobs above him, ShadowWings looked up to see that Daria had been there the entire time. But she was crying. He went to her side to try and soothe her tears as he did her emotions not long before. The two talked and decided to head to Pocket D. It was at Pocket D and the days that followed that brought Shadow (Raien) and Daria together ... they fell in love.

Their love, however, was not without its trials. Red Slasher had his sights set on Daria. Achilles wanted Daria back in his life and was doing almost anything to make that happen; up to and inciuding kidnapping her and trying to convince her that his act of rendering her unconscious actually saved her life. Achilles attempted to be a friend in one breath but then threatened to let Red have his way with her in the next. Together, the two brought on a never ending series of battles that wore Shadow's resolve in his efforts to protect the woman he loved.

In an effort to protect him from the danger that was now her life, Daria left Shadow. This act tore them apart as he couldnt understand why she'd ever leave his side. In the days that followed, Achilles and Red ceased their pursuit. But the cost was great. Even in the same room, Raien no longer acknowledged Daria's existence. Daria's heart broke even more. She had to lose the man she loved, in order to save him.

It wasnt until one night in Pocket D, that the two would be given another chance. It would be through Strife Smith, that that chance would happen. His concern for Daria and his desire for her to be happy had him by her side and the two talked. Daria was afraid to confront Shadow and afraid to think of there being another chance. While talking with Strife, Shadow arrived. Strife convinced Shadow to listen to Daria's words. In the next moment, a magic that still remains a mystery cloaked the three ... binding the hearts of Daria and Raien once more and bonding all three in a strong friendship from that moment forward.

Shortly after their reunion, Strife disappeared. The concern that this might have brought about was over shadowed by the fact that Daria's sister, Valerie, had decided to leave Avery Woods and come live and train in Paragon. To say that fourteen year old Valerie was a handful would be an understatement. But together, Daria and Raien both answered the challenge of being her guardian.

For now, it had seemed that the dust had settled. Valerie had settled in the Artful Dodgers; agroup for meta-teens, and Raien was one of the mentors. Achilles made a truce with the couple and Red had since ceased his attacks. This was the calm before the storm.

Villains No More ...

The double life that Daria and Shadow had been living, suddenly came to the forefront. As a member of the Villains, she was able to protect Arbiter's son David. But on patrol, she was a heroine in every way. With Shadow being Death's ancestor, he felt the need to protect his descndant but couldnt sit idly by while Arbiter Death posed as a hero while also gaining power in the Arachnos organization. Finally, one night at the Dodgers camp, Shadow came to a decision that would forever change thier lives.

Raien called Arbiter to the base. Upon his arrival, he told Arbiter that he was through protecting him. Arbiter had become too powerful and too dangerous. Raien could no longer live the lie of a Villain. Above all, he also vowed to assist Arbiter's nemesis, the Zenvious Foundation, in their efforts to send him back to the Isles. Arbiter seethed with anger and attempted to fight ShadowWings. Seeing this was a fight that he could not win, he ordered Daria to show her loyalty and kill the manshe loved for his betrayal. Daria refused and Arbiter placed a price on both of their heads.

Daria and Shadow were immediately locked in battle with members of the Villains of Paragon City. They were joined by Pure Twilight, who fought by their side. Daria sustained many injuries. As she was trying to heal herself through a locket given to her by Shadow, a Villain named Melixia grabbed it and destroyed it. In the next few moments, Melixia had buried her axe in Daria's stomach. Fatally wounded, Daria fell to the floor. Raien rushed to her side and did the only thing he knew would speed up Daria's own regeneration process. Pulling off a section of her shoulder armor, the lycan ShadowWings bit Daria. Magic mingled with magic and Daria healed but at a great price. Her magic could not bear the brunt of Shadow's. Still locked in Battle, Shadow tried to remove his magic, his werewolf from Daria's soul but he was interrupted by Melixia. Daria fell unconcious but was soon revived ... and forever changed.

Shadow's Betrayal

The lives of Raien and Daria would be forever marked with battle. They were now running for their lives, and what's more ... Arbiter had set his sights on Valerie as well. The next few weeks found Daria kidnapped, drugged and held hostage by the group she was once a member of. The danger had taken its toll on Shadow as well. The couple's relationship would not survive.

One fateful night, Daria turned on her communicator to try and reach Shadow. She had a lock on his signal but he wasnt responding. Curious and concerned, sha traveled to Pocket D, and went looking for Raien. What she found was nearly her undoing. In the secluded top corner of the Tiki Room was the man she loved and another woman. For several moment, Daria could not believe her eyes. She knew the danger that they were both living ... but ... to find comfort in another? That thought had never even entered her mind. And yet, it had apparently entered the mind of the man she loved.

Her heart and soul ripped apart, Daria ran and waited. She then confronted Raien who tried to flee her presence. Finally, he admitted to what she saw. It was Shadow's actions that ended them this time. And this time, it was for good.

The Zenvious Foundation

Fighting for her life and with Shadow no longer by her side, Daria was at a loss of where to turn. It was then that one place came to mind. The one group that was ever able to successfully fight back the Villains of Paragon City; The Zenvious Foundation. She'd come up against them once, in Pocket D. They'd cornered Arbiter Death in the pathway to the exits. One thing Daria recognized right away was their abilitiy to band together for each other ... no matter what. But knowing where she came from, would they trust her.

Daria sent word requesting a meeting with Zen Kajii, their leader. He was an interesting man ... not altogether alive but not quite passed on. The day of their meeting, Daria was once again attacked by Death in his seemingly relentless pursuit of her. The moment Mr. Zen arrive, however, the tables turned. Death and his bandits took their leave. Mr. Zen spoke openly and honestly with Daria. If taken into the Foundation, it would be very likely that others would not trust her. Daria hated the need to prove herself, hated the thought that others would hate /her/ ... but for her safety and the safety of her sister, she had to do whatever it took to make up for her past and agreed to his terms.

That decision was one of the best she'd ever made. In the Zenvious Foundation, Daria found a second home in Paragon and a second family ... many of whom she remains close with to this day. A year or so later, the Zenvious Foundation closed its doors. Zen Kajii spoke of the Foundation as having fulfilled its purpose. Though Daria remained in Paragon, many other Foundation members went their separate ways. The uncanny occurrence ... is that some have returned and they've once again reconnected as a family. Daria's help from an unlikely source long ago turned into a connection that's withstood the test of distance and time.

Pains of the Past

Green Sentry

Shawn Fieldings entered Daria's life in a time where she thought it best to take a break from it all. But her heart had other plans. The two met in Pocket D and became fast friends and more. Shortly into their friendship, Ramiel returned and Daria made a choice. Never before sharing their feelings, Shawn thought he'd lose Daria. Instead, she chose him. Their relationship grew by leaps and bounds and Daria was happy for a time.

The threats associated with being a sentry brought a man by the name of Norrid Sur to their doorstep. An ex sentry who tainted the powers by using them for his own means, Sur began a bloody manhunt for Shawn, looking to steal his powers and make them his own. Afraid for Daria's life, Shawn left her, ending their relationship through an email she received after returning from an undercover assignment. Months later, Shawn returned and searched for Daria. With Sur defeated, he felt free enough to share his feelings, his love and his life with Daria. She forgave him and the two were engaged to be married. Months into their engagement, a surprise arrived in the form of their teenage daughter, Julianna, from the future.

Though the family was strong, Shawn's work took him from his family for weeks, even months on end. So the strength in that bond began to weaken. Daria was left to protect her daughter, run a school and serve in Paragon alone, seeing her fiancee once every couple of months and only for a short time before he would leave again. To complicate matters, an old friend, a once close friend from Zenvious returned to Paragon, stepping into Daria's life, making it clear his love for her.

Daria and James grew ever closer. Everyone knew, even Shawn in the few times he was there. Making the toughest decision to leave Shawn, Daria waited for the next time she would see him so they could talk. That day never came. The Overseers, a governing body of the alien race that gave Shawn his powers, informed Daria in a most tragic way, that her fiancee was slain in battle. Grief and guilt ripped Daria apart. Soon, James had -once again- disappeared. Miraculously, Julianna survived. Sending her daughter to be with her grandparents in Colorado, Daria vanished from Paragon for months without a word, without a trace.

The Heart Mends

It would be months before Daria would see Paragon city again. She traveled to remote places, seeking peace, solace and something that would help her know what to do. She also sought to close her heart off again. The hurt was starting to wear a hole inside her. Finally returning to Paragon, she found the Academy closed without a Headmistress. However, she also found to her surprise quite a number of people had been searching for her since she disappeared and were worried sick about her. Dorian Summers, Ariata DeSilva and Laurette Merle were a few.

One other who had heard the news and tracked Daria down when she returned was Matt Smith. The state he found her in was a fraction of the Academy Headmistress he remembered. She blamed herself for Shawn's death and felt equally as low for even considering leaving him. Somehow she felt this was all her fault. As for her powers, she no longer had the ability to heal others or herself. The best she could do was cast shields of ice around her teammates and hope they would hold. But Daria would be useless to protect herself.

Matt couldn't let someone who'd done so much to help him suffer this way. This was not the Daria he knew and admired. Recently suffering from a loss himself, Matt decided they both needed to get their mind off things. Working in the field and finding new places in Paragon to explore, Matt and Daria's friendship grew and they were nearly inseparable.

What neither of them expected was that it would turn into something more.

As Matt showed her the tranquil spots he went to think and focus, he realized he was starting to fall in love. The more they were together, the harder it became for him to say goodnight to her at the end of the day. Finding something to do to occupy his mind, Matt counted the hours until he'd see her again. As for Daria, she found Matt to be a much different person than she remembered. Once more carefree than serious, she found this Matt to be a balance of both. He still had his humor, he still had his charm but he had become so much more. He became someone she admired and began to care for deeply. But could her heart bear to break the barrier for something more?

For Daria's part, she didn't know if Matt actually wanted anything more. If this was to be something casual, should she just let it run its course to its eventual end? That would be safe. ... But her questions were soon answered. Matt continued to stand by her and support her. They grew closer. Matt told her what was on his heart and that he'd wait until she was ready to take the next step with him. He would be there for her, no matter what and prove his words through his actions. Her heart broke free that night. The next night the two shared a kiss that touched her very soul. How was this possible? Her heart was drawn to his in a way she'd never really felt before. The night after, Matt told her he loved her and fighting through her fear of the pains before, Daria opened her heart to him as well and their love grew deeper than she could ever have imagined.

The two spend hours together just talking. They know time is precious and waste none of it by living in the past. Feeling as complete in his arms as he feels in hers, Daria's shields began to return. It was too much at first, for her body was still in its weakened state. Holding her in his arms, Matt talked her through the transformation. She could do this, he knew she could. And she did. It was then that Daria's senses picked up and felt the depths of Matt's love for her. She couldnt feel it before. And now, it took her very breath away. Matt wasn't certain that Daria loved him as deeply as he did her. Silly perhaps yes, but she'd been through a lot. But none of that mattered. He loved her and she loved him. That was enough.

Daria sensed this in him and tried to say in words what her heart was feeling. Daria loves in only one way, with her whole heart. And the way they've grown together has only caused her to love him more. But she couldnt get through with just her words. So she did something she's never done before. Casting a spell, Daria placed a magical link from her heart to Matt's. Never has she opened her whole heart before. Hours later, when she at first sought to summon the link back, she didnt. Instead, this link became her gift to him. For as long as they're together it will connect them both. Matt now knew the depths of her love for him and he felt silly for doubting her but she understood.

Each day became better than the last. The two weathered troubles together by listening to and understanding each other. Julianna, who had returned to Paragon months earlier, took to Matt as well. She saw her mother happy for the first time in a very long time. Which is why she gave Matt her blessing (unbeknown to her mother).

One night, the two were once again wrapped in each other's arms when an image flashed into Daria's mind's eye. It was coming from Matt and showed the two of them married. Old fears gripped a hold of her and she hugged him close. Sensing that his image escaped him, he got the two of them up and brought Daria to the spot where it all began. A distant island off the coast of Talos where he first knew he was falling in love.

Casting a rune and a spell to freeze the water fall, he brought her onto the ice with him. Getting down on bended knee, he opened his hand to reveal a platinum engagement ring. Sapphire inset surrounded by diamonds, Matt had bought the ring weeks ago and had been trying to wait for the right time. He didn't want to rush her. He knew he would spend the rest of his life with her. He just couldnt keep himself from imagining it, and she saw that image. It would be cruel to make her wait.

In tears at the whole thing, there were no fears in her mind as she accepted. Engaged to a wonderful man whom she deeply loves, Daria's realized that even from the blackness of grief, the heart can truly mend.

Retrieved from "https://virtueverse.net/wiki/Wynter_Maiden"
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