x Deep red swirled and mixed in with a more rust color. They made a crimson fire within a crisp white mug, faint and winding steam whirled around with a inhale... and then an exhale. Thin pale pink lips curved into a very faint smile, an expression so weak it could barely be labeled as a smile. It was really only the muscles curving and tensing within the facial structure of a very beautiful boy seated in the back of the cafe. And having been served this wondrous mug filled with sweet smelling herbs and flowers condensed into what was called 'tea', the youth could pass off as content, or happy. In fact, Elias Moore was rather centered with himself. Having through a tantrum just off the bus and being molested by his camp counselor the next day, Elias felt very calm. It could have been his lack of sleep making him very tired and slow moving, or that he was over it all already. It was probably the first, seeing as he was scared to death of that man still. And was still frustrated to be here. Elias really did not want to be here. He wanted to be back at his uncles house, marveling over all of his books and rooms in his mansion. Though, he was here. In a foreign and frankly, scary place.

x With a ding of the cafe door bell, Elias let his deep chocolate eyes flick up to see who it was. It was out of habit and he guessed he still would not know who they were. One could still wishfully hope, right? After seeing Nancy walk in and go towards the register to order, all his mind could process was that he knew her from somewhere. So he continued to study, occasionally sipping his herbal raspberry tea to not look like a complete stalker. As she made her way to the seat of her choice, it finally clicked. Nancy... the Dear Cabin counselor. He had seen her before around the camp, but had never talked with her to his knowledge. Maybe a 'hello' or something to that extent. So with a new smile, the youth slowly stood, mustering up all the social skills and strength he had to go over and talk to her.

x She seemed nice enough. With her pretty floral and matching outfit, dark flowing hair and bright smile. And she looked rather pleased about something. So what better time to say, “Hello... can I sit with you?'' He couldn't help but sound extremely awkward as he flicked his black hair out of his curious face, his heavy Romanian accent flitting through his soft and meek tone. He really hoped she was nice. All he wanted was someone to talk to...

x Elias jumped with both anticipation and a stunned nervousness as she replied to him. With an excited and more noticeable smile, the youth nodded and then sat down. Company was always nice on a beautiful day when you're in a good mood. This was why Elias thought to come over and speak in the first place. Friendly conversation was enjoyable in most cases, or at least when both parties wished to converse with the other. And in this case, Elias could tell Nancy was up for some fun small talk. Maybe about the weather, the camp? Though as he slid in and sat on the seat across from her next to a large and sparkling clean window. Glancing out the window for a moment, the youth slowly and carefully set his mug down, the crimson liquid swishing to one edge and then settling with little swirls.

"You seem familiar, do I know you?''

x The youth let his gaze flick back to Nancy quickly before dropped to his drink. Damn, she probably didn't know him. What should he say? 'Yeah, I'm a nobody' or 'You don't know me, I'm just creepy and randomly talking to you'. Wow, Elias, you're pretty smooth aren't you? He pondered and mulled over what to respond with as he slowly took a small drink from his tea, giving him time to work out a reply. Something lacking a lameness and childishness. Though, after finding nothing, he finally replied quietly. "You've probably seen me around the camp. I guess I must stand out..."

x He was referring to his girlish features and exotic look to him. He has been compared to many things in his life, the seventeen years he has been around in the living world. A vampire was the more occurring one. Sure, he had to agree that his features resembled the familiar seductive and untouchably beautiful creature. The blood sucking fiend was born in his home country, Romania as well as him and both his parents. It was by merely association, that Elias could pass of as the westernized Vampire.

x "Nice day out." Yeah, smooth on the small talk kiddo.

"Its a nice day. Fresh start."

x That it is, was all Elias could respond with. Though he didn't voice it, didn't need to really. But he nodded to acknowledge it was said anyway, to be polite of course. With a little yawn, that he covered with a thin pianists hand, Elias nodded again. "Yeah, actually. I'm a camper." It was another realization, since he was seeming to forget he was here as a camper for a summer vacation. Wow, he was rather spacey today, must be from all the lack of sleep he was dealing with. Though Nancy might not notice, since he did not also suffer from dark circles under his eyes and a death like complection. No, he was looking like he almost always looked. Flawless.

"What cabin are you in?''

x He was anticipating this question, so his usual awkwardness in his voice had left for a moment. It only left the accent and light flitting tone. "Coyote... what ever that is." This last part was mumbled, since he didn't really want to admit he hadn't the slightest idea what a coyote was. He had guessed it was a canine, but other than that he was out of luck. He knew what almost all the other cabin mascots were. The bear, the otter, the deer, the weasel. Well, he didn't know what a lynx was. But he guessed it was not a canine, but a feline of some sort.

x As he watched Nancy look out the window, he wondered how long she had worked here at camp riverside. So with that in mind, he had to ask. "Is this your first year here, or have you been a counselor for a few years?'' He blinked curiously, his need to know things really got to him some days. And sure, it got him in loads of trouble. But knowing something was very important to the youth. Feeling the need to add in his lack of experience and new coming, Elias spoke again. "This is my first year here."

"I've been here a while. Was a camper for two years then became a counselor for volunteer hours and just sort of stuck with it. After this summer I have one more summer to be a counselor and after that no idea what i'll do. Most likely open up a gallery."

x Elias perked up a bit, a smile crossing his finer features, pulling the corners of his lips up to light up his overall demeanor. His expressions were all so placid and washed out, it was a breath of fresh air to see a real smile lighten it all up. So with a humbled smile he responded. "An art gallery? What will you show?'' Being a fan of the fine arts and works of that nature, this intrigued the young camper immensely. He was so pulled into the conversation now that he had been neglecting his masterpiece of a drink.

x Though as she turned her attention back to said car that had pulled into the drive, Elias remembered his tea. He wasted no time picking it up gingerly and taking a few short sips from it. His smile only grew as he closed his eyes and savored the herbal drink. He had never been a coffee drinker, nor had he ever liked soda pop or anything of that nature. Though, he really had a soft spot for a good pot of tea. So after savoring another few sips, Elias placed his crisp white mug back down on the table in front of him, glancing up at Nancy again.

"First time? Take it you don't really go for the entire camp thing, was forced here? I was forced as well... "

x Blinking a couple times, Elias soon nodded mutely. He looked down for a minute, composing himself. Sure, he was forced to come here, not only by his mother from Romania, but also by his flake of an uncle. Since he felt he was unfit to watch a teen and babysit him for three months, he shipped him away to a camp to be cared for. Elias didn't think he was that much of a burden, though to some his sudden silence and odd nature was perturbing. Though he replied finally, quietly and meekly. "My uncle didn't want me to bored all alone in his house for the summer. Personally, I'd rather be in my room reading.'' It was close enough to the truth. Books were his life.

"Well if you ever need any help or talk or just hang out. You can always try to find me. Camper-Counselor confidentiality.. can apply as well."

x He looked up at her curiously, processing her words. He was taken aback by her kindness and so it took him that much longer to then again reply to her. "Well thank you. I'll be sure to keep that in mind.'' A slow but steady smile spread across his face as he watched Nancy. She was really quite nice to him, it was a good thing though. More people should really be nice in this world.

"experimental art.. along with film art. Including photography inspired by films. The Film art and photography will be shown on tv screens.. the experimental art including sculptures will be in the main room or so I plan."

x "Oh, thats cool. Art is such a fantastic collaberation of both sides of your brain. Its amazing what can come out of it sometimes.'' What a nerd Elias. Really now, she proabably could care less about the logistics of it all. When she looks at a painting she would see a masterpiece and something wonderous. When Elias looks at the very same painting he wouldn't see a picture of perfection; he would see logic and imagination clashing together and materializing on canvas for the whole world to see. It was the same with novels and sculptures. Elias saw what most could not, he saw the thoughts and emotions from the artists mind painted on paper, not swirls and shades of color. Not that it was wrong to only see this, each to there own really.

"I see... well I'll tell you a tip. If your forced to go out and participate in something. The nurse excuse works from time to time. Just sneak off to somewhere no one will go.. or if it's really really something you don't want to do just tell me ahead of time ... and i'll get you out of it."

x A short and flitting laugh left Elias as he shook his head of dark hair a moment. "Oh you are really too kind. Thank you anyway, though. I'll keep all of this in mind to get out of a long hike." If there was one thing he hated about the outdoors it was walking up a hill with a group of strange teens and cranky adults. Just after that he detested bugs. Mosquitoes especially. They just loved to suck the life right out of the fragile little youth, his blood so sweet and irresistable. Just like every other part of him, his blood was treasurable and flawless.

"But don't have negative thoughts about camp. I had a few bad experiences my first year of camp, but all the good brang me back the next year and also I wanted to just be able to tell myself camp isn't that bad."

x A few blinks brought Elias out of his little trance and thought. He nodded and smiled slightly. "I'm sure this year will be just delightful. Seeing as so far I have met so many new people, and learned new things. It can't be so bad, really." Once you get past the perverts, bullies and muggy warm weather. Summer camp should be fantastic! ... Just kidding.

"Sir, you can use my phone."

x Elias blinked, her statement towards a stranger catching him slightly off guard. Though he was the type of person to avoid people he didn't know in the slightest and pretend they were not there. Even if they were in need, Elias lacked the skills to help, so he acted as if he couldn't hear them or see them. Sure, it could be construed as rude, but it was better than standing there helplessly looking like a complete idiot and only getting in the way of things. If one couldn't tell, Elias had experience with that. He youth watched the man take the phone from Nancy and then his chocolate eyes left the gaze of the counselor to follow him out the door. Childish curiosity was leading him to stare out at the strange man.

"So how old are you exactly."

x Brown eyes flicked back to the older woman, carrying the same curious light. He pondered he personal question carefully, taking time on how he should answer her. You would think it would be an easy one, just tell her your age. Though Elias wasn't one to freely give out information about himself. Not his style per se. So he studied her mutely, wondering why she would ask such things. One would think he was used to such questions, being that he was so flawless in his looks and his hair. But Elias was a shy youth and rather spent enough time around other people to be asked too many questions. ”You know, it is rather rude to ask someone's age.” He spoke the truth with a friendly half smile, to show he really meant no harm. He let that hang in the air for a minute before pulling back some longer strands of charcoal black hair to rest neatly behind his right ear. ”I'm seventeen.” He finally stated lightly.

"Hmm.. you wouldn't happen to have any mechanical skills?"

x He had heard the man talking on Nancy's cellphone, but had blown it off as nothing, like usual. Though when she said that he actually looked out at the man and studied him. He did look in some sort of need. For shame, Elias knew nothing about those metal machines and they frankly scared him. He grew up in a small Romanian town where everything was within walking distance and the only time you needed cars was if you were traveling into the bigger city of Arad. This was something Elias took little part in. ”No, I don't know enough about cars to be of any help.'' And that was the truth. He now wondered if maybe Nancy did.

"I know, I seem to have trouble guessing people's ages lately. I met a 24 year old that looked like a 15 year old. A fifteen year old that looked 23. I'd rather ask then guess and look foolish."

x At this Elias smiled and nodded lightly, lifting his cup back to his curved lips. That made sense, in the end. Or at least he thought it did, he could be wrong. You never know really anymore, children wanting to be adults; adults wishing to be children again. It was the American society, Elias thought it was reletively insane of them to change themselves. He was rather comfortable with his age, not so much his looks. He often wished he could look more masculine, not that it could ever happen. His whole family was this fragile and young looking. It was both a beauty and a curse. Luckily, he would almost never grow facial hair. His father or his grandfathers didn't get hair until their late thirties even early forties. That, was a very good thing. Elias might just as well shoot himself if he had to shave every couple days to a day.

"Excuse me for a moment. I'm going to make sure he doesn't run off with my phone."

x ”Alright, I'll wait here.'' He smiled and watched her walk out and then looked back to his drink. He swished it in his hands for a moment, before drinking from it slowly. It was getting cold, maybe he should get another. Though it had caffiene, which was like a drug Elias should only have in very small amounts. So it would be a bad thing if he bought another herbal tea. Maybe tomorrow, he thought wistfully. These thoughts kept the youth occupied until Nancy came back in. He looked up at her curiously, blinking silently. Se seemed focused on something so he didn't speak. Best not to interupt thought processes, right?

"one minute..promise.. but if you don't want to stay and chat that's fine. I'll see you around camp."

x With a warm smile she gave him the option to leave, which had been what he was thinking about doing for the last minute or so. He nodded and replied as she left, ”I'll talk to you later then, Nancy. I should head back and check in with my counselors.'' He had been gone for some time, they might be worried. Though as he carefully stood, he noticed her tattoo. He made note to ask her about it next time he saw her as he waved and smiled and left as she did. Though he went in a different direction and back to camp.