A/N: This thing was supposed to be a little accompanied piece to the story "Falling of the Blessed" but I decided to upload this here anyway. Just think this to be a little flashback or something. I truly am sorry it's taken so long to upload more content to this; but especially within the last year, with school and work taking up to 15 hours on the worst days I forgot about writing for a good while and even though comments on how I should update kept occasionally coming; I just didn't have the energy

School is ending, though so I've had some interest in divulging myself with writing; and as such I now have some random parts of the real storyline written out in a puzzle-like parts and I'm complementing on how to piece them together in such a smooth fashion I feel this story deserves to continue so it finishes in the way I have a mental image of.

TL;DR: Working again, but this piece doesn't belong in the present story line.

An "Uneventful" Love Story – a one-shot of sorts

The day did not bode well. God, he simply detested these attempts. Not that his mother meant him any harm, but it was getting rather irritating to put it lightly.

"I wish you'd give up already, mother. I'm sickly and everybody knows it for a fact. I fail to understand how any family would even consider sending their daughter to meet me. Either way, it's not really necessary for me to get married, is it? Cousin Adam is more than capable of handling the estate business and is more than fit to become the new Earl by title." Mana crumbled, his face scrunched up in annoyance as his mother straightened his small bowtie.

"Now, Mana, I know you're dead against marrying, but this lady would be just perfect for you! Apparently she's the second daughter of the Lamley family; exactly your age and they're looking to marry her off to someone. She's told to be quite the beauty as well. Try not to screw this up, dear."

Maria Campbell was adamant to get her son married. She so wanted grandchildren from him! Plus it was the tradition that if they were near the top in the line of inheriting the family titles, the Campbell men were to be married by the age of 20, just in case something happened to the first in line and no offspring had been had.

Adam, who was to be the head of the family, had married a decent quiet lady from the Camelot estate when he was 19. He had no brothers, so the next in line would have to be the second eldest man carrying the Campbell name, which just happened to be her Mana.

Mana had recently turned 18 and had his share of possible suitors even before, but he had adamantly rejected them all. Even Neah, his brother, wasn't this stubborn!

Mana sighed and let her mother fuss over his clothes. It was ridiculous. Neither did he want to settle down with some unknown woman, nor did he ever want children. While even the doctors weren't quite sure if his illness was in his genetics, he sure didn't want to chance passing it on to someone, least his own children. And oh how painfully he knew her mother wanted grandchildren… he wished he could just set out, see the world and throw all of his worries out of the window.

Maria puffed her cheeks as she discovered her son was once again deep in thought. She flicked her finger on his forehead and grabbed the hold of his nose.

"Now, please behave around her, okay? There is no need to be rude to her, like I know you were to the last one."

"But mother…"

"But nothing! She's a nice, beautiful lady and I hope you have the decency to at least treat her with respect. And while I hope this will not end up you rejecting her as well, do it nicely. You'll ruin the family name if you keep on acting rude to all the potential brides-to-be, you know!"

Maria now sported a sad smile on her face.

"I know you've been sickly all your life, but that's not really an excuse for not marrying someone. And it's the mother's job to worry for their sons futures. Now, please just meet her first and properly consider this one. There aren't that many nobles with unmarried daughters left. Do it for me, please, darling?"

She put her hands on both of his cheeks and placed a soft gentle kiss on his forehead.

Mana sighed.

"Fine…"

"That's my boy," she said and pinched his cheeks slightly. "Now, I believe your father has been entertaining the girl and her mother in the tea lounge for a while, so we better make an appearance. Shall we?"

She thrust out her hand and grabbed he hold of his wrist. He grudgingly followed and in front of the door, he was released as they opened the door and stepped in.

Now… even though he still was considering quite strongly about rejecting the girl despite her mother's words…

Mana wasn't even going to attempt lying to himself.

The moment he'd laid his eyes on her, there was no question or doubt that the girl sitting behind her mother quietly wasn't absolutely breath-taking. He knew her mother had said the daughter was told to be beautiful, but dear Lord!

Her skin was smooth and pale, her body frame looking quite cute and petite. She had short and soft looking brown curls framing her features and those eyes… dear God almighty, her eyes were absolutely mesmerizing! They were light brown with a touch of bright gold right around the rim and they seemed to sparkle with something Mana for a moment silently Ellad to be the slightest bit of interest the moment he'd stepped through the door.

He gulped and fought the blush that was creeping up to his cheeks.

"Ah, this must be your wife and your eldest, am I correct?" Lady Lamley seemed delighted, having given the young man a good once over with her eyes immediately.

"Yes, this is my wife, Maria; and my eldest son Mana!" Gregory Cambpell exclaimed rather proudly and gave an encouraging smile and a wink towards them.

"I'm very pleased to meet you and your daughter, Lady Lamley," Mana greeted gently and bowed his head slightly towards them.

"Manners in order, I see," she clucked her tongue and turned back to Gregory. "I believe you told that while your son isn't quite the heir to the whole estate, he's technically the next in line?"

"Ah yes, his cousin Adam has no siblings at all, so Mana here would inherit the household titles and the estate in the unfortunate event if something were to happen to Adam," he explained carefully. "My brother never did remarry after he lost his wife, you see. It was only five years after Adam was born that she died."

"A tragedy, that was indeed. I remember it well. We were close acquaintances, his wife and I.," Lady Lamley said in sad voice. "Anyway, how do we proceed about this marriage arrangement? I know I'm probably rushing things, but this girl never listens to me otherwise."

"That is, if we could let the couple have a chat and get to know each other a little bit in the trophy room, perhaps; and we can continue talking here." Maria suggested gently. "Now, Mana, could you lead her there? And I don't believe I caught your name yet, sweetheart."

"The name is Ella Lamley. Pleased to make your acquaintance," her soft quiet voice filled the room as she gave a curt nod.

"I think that's a marvelous idea!" Lady Lamley exclaimed. "Ella, if you could accompany your Ellafully-future-husband and have a little chat with him while we'll continue the negotiations here. Would that be alright?"

Ella scrunched up her nose and gave a small nod nonetheless, turning her piercing gaze back to Mana, who she had had her eyes on all the time since the moment he had walked through that door.

Mana then walked up to her and thrust his arm for her to hold in a gentlemanly manner after his mother had gently nudged him in her direction.

She placed her petite hand on his arm and with grace she rose from her seat.

"We'll see you darlings after we're done talking, alright?" Lady Lamley said with enthusiasm, glad that her daughter was for once willing to at least get to know the man she was being introduced to.

"Of course, Lady Lamley," Mana said and led the lady in her arms outside the room, while her mother gave an encouraging smile.

They walked through the hallway in silence, unsure of what was going to happen. Their parents were likely talking about the possible wedding arrangement already, but… judging from the things Lady Lamley had said, Ella was as reluctant to marry as he was. He sighed.

"Adamant little buggers, aren't they?" Ella whispered; her mouth curling into a small teasing smile. "Parents, I mean. Always pressuring you to meet up with suitors, talking about marriage and kids… it's exhausting sometimes."

Mana stared at her. As he'd thought, she felt exactly like he did on the topic of marriage. She then suddenly stopped walking and he was forced to let go of her arm. He turned to look at her.

"You know… … for some reason I feel like I could truly come to trust you," she said quietly and Mana shivered under the piercing gaze those beautiful eyes were placing on him. "I don't even know why, I've just met you after all. I think it must be the fact that for this day and age, you possess an extraordinarily beautiful soul."

"What?" Mana was startled. Was this woman alright in the head?

"Nothing, forget I said anything," she whispered, curving the sides of her lips into a small smile and reached out to lightly touch the side of his face. "But if I may, my mother is extremely adamant I marry someone… and out of everyone else I've ever been introduced to… I wouldn't exactly mind if it were to be you; you don't seem half bad."

Mana was dumbfounded and tried to desperately explain his reasons as to why he never wanted to marry anyone, but could only fumble out some broken words he clumsily voiced out.

"Don't worry, Mana Damien Campbell, I can sense why you worry." She smiled sadly. "I've heard of your story; a man with a possibly terminal disease that is thought to be perhaps genetic…. but despite everything, a man with a gentle heart and a thirst for adventure."

"K-knowing all this, you still would want to marry someone like me?" Mana asked. He still wouldn't comprehend why anyone would even consider…

She smiled serenely and placed the palms of her hands on his chest. He almost took a step back.

"I do not ask for anything and I cannot even stand the thought of standing in your way if you were to decide you wanted something. Another woman, perhaps. Or if you wish to see the world by yourself…I merely wish to appease my mother's need to marry me off to someone."

Mana glanced at the girl in front of him. Her demeanor was strikingly different from anyone else he'd ever met, in a very good way, and was breath-takingly beautiful. All things considered, marrying her certainly didn't sound as bad as he'd first thought and he could feel his reluctance slowly slipping away.

"But if you feel reluctant, I won't mind. I, too, have a certain allurement towards the thought of travelling. In fact, now that I think of it, I think I'll just talk my mother out of this stupid thing. Marrying me would merely hinder your life in every way possible. And I don't think I want for that to happen."

She spoke so gently Mana had to strain his ears to hear every word.

"No!"

She cocked her head at him, her eyes widening in slight shock.

"No?"

Mana blushed and struggled with his words. He… he really didn't want to get married, but…there was something about her that made him insanely nervous and shy; all the while bringing out the thought-to-be-non-existent small interest for the opposite sex.

"I just… I won't lie, you're beautiful. And judging from your words, we… at least so far we think alike, I think? I wouldn't exactly mind marrying someone like you. It would appease both of our parents as well, so… I…"

He watched her sigh and hung her head slightly, appearing to think deeply about something.

"Marrying me or even pursuing me as a love interest would only bring forth misfortune for you, I'm sure. I may look beautiful to you, but that alone is far from being worth it."

"Does it look like I care?" Mana said, surprising even himself as excitement and passion became alight inside him. "Practically all my life I've spent in confinement. According to doctors, although I'm currently healthy in every way; I could die any moment, be it today or in 20 years. I couldn't care less if misfortune came my way, it would only bring excitement in my life! And if travelling is what you want, I'll come with you!"

She stared at him for a good while, deep in wonder, before giving a small snort of laughter.

"Misfortune counts as excitement?" she asked, her smile falling on one side. "What a miserable boring life you must have had so far, then."

She fell silent and there was a moment of tense silence.

"But I'm afraid I… I just cannot bring myself to consider this. I know what I said at the beginning, but… God, I don't think I can do it to you after all…"

"I. Don't. Care."

She sighed.

"I won't marry you. And that's final," she said, now swiftly turning back to where they'd come from to greet her mother.

Mana started after her and shouted "I won't give up, you know?"

Ella stopped her stride for a moment before fastening her pace and disappeared down the hallway.

"I won't give up," he whispered to himself and followed her to the tea lounge to join their parents a moment after.

They had met after their first disastrous meeting, but unfortunately for Mana things had not gone too well so far. His mother had given him small advices on how to woo the girl, excited that he was finally getting interested in someone, with a chance of marriage.

The second time they had met had been at a book store a week later. They had politely shared a small conversation, but Ella had quickly disappeared from the spot the moment she had been presented the chance.

The third time when he met her had been three weeks after the bookshop incident, with his brother Neah in tow. Or rather, it had been Neah who had met her at the circus site first.

With their mother's approval, Neah had accompanied him to see a small travelling circus. It was a rare treat to see and it made him feel like a small child again. There simply was a certain mystery to circuses that he couldn't resist.

Perhaps it was the fact that they came so rarely to their city, or that he couldn't travel that far, that did it. And of course there was always the fact that silently he desperately yearned for a life like that: travelling around the world, perhaps performing and entertaining the people in the most bizarre ways possible.

Anyway, apparently Ella had been quietly staring at the clowns with a small smile before Neah had weaseled his way up to her in the crowd, started a conversation and led her aside so they could hear each other better. Well, that's what Mana liked to think had happened at least. The thought of the sight that had greeted him still brought up a small sting in his heart. And it had been that precise moment when he had come to learn just how extraordinarily well the world hid its deepest and "darkest" secrets.

Neah had been kissing her against the back of the empty lion cage and gripping her hair slightly, his skin dark grey and his eyes flashing in angry gold. Mana had pushed him on the ground the moment he'd realized Ella was struggling desperately to get free.

It had been followed by an angry looking Ella stomping in front of Neah and presenting him with a resounding slap across his face, making the dark hue of his skin recede upon contact. A small screaming match between them started a second later, both of their eyes flashing in mesmerizing hues of gold.

Mana had been at a loss of words when they'd come to explain the nature of his brother and most of all, the nature of her. Neah had scrunched up his face in quiet annoyance after that particular explanation and stormed off cursing even the smallest speck of dust into the deepest pits of Hell, gagging all the way with shame and disbelief etched to every inch of his face.

After he had promised to her not to tell anyone of what had happened, Mana had gone after him, this time promising to calm him down. And it certainly had brought the two brothers even closer after that. They'd found a new level of understanding between them, even though they'd already been inseparable since children.

But despite everything, it was the fourth meeting, another week later; that was the most amazing one.

Having first come to their house to speak with Neah of their personal business, Ella had sought him out right after with concern and wonder twinkling within her gold and brown eyes.

"I…," she started, looking directly in Mana's eyes; her piercing slightly golden gaze bringing up a creeping shiver across his spine.

"Do you still wish to marry me?" she asked, her eyes searching for an answer, wild and desperate.

Mana could only nod in shock. After chasing her so adamantly, here she was: giving herself to him.

"B-But why? After everything you said and Neah…," Mana started, his voice shaky. "I feel as if Neah wouldn't approve of this arrangement…"

Ella closed her eyes and forced the lump in her throat down.

"You… as it is, you're already involved. Having Neah by your side is not going to be the nicest of things to experience whether I'm by your side or not… and besides, you know too much. It was foolish to dish out so much information. What was I thinking back then?" she gripped her hair slightly, tears threatening to pour down her cheeks.

"Trying to force me into silence by marrying me?" Mana grumbled, turning his head slightly to the side.

Ella gave a quick slap to his cheek and gasped, grasping her hand quickly after her skin had made contact, regretting it immediately.

"No! The point is you and Neah are in danger now that… well, you need not know that particular information. But I'd rather stay close to the both of you, if you don't mind, to protect you. And it would be considerably easier if I'd get to marry you."

"Protect us? What on Earth is so dangerous that you ought to protect us?" Mana said with doubt heavy in his voice, rubbing his reddened cheek.

"Like I said before, even though I didn't exactly realize it until as of late, but Neah is something called a Noah. Not entirely, but it seems the leader is adamant on getting him back to make sure he absolutely becomes one, even if he doesn't want to. I do not wish for him to go through a fate like that; last time he was a part of that group he didn't have much of a choice… And even if I'm starting to believe that petty wish of somehow avoiding this may as well be a lost cause nonetheless. But at least I have to try!"

She was staring at him with tears in her eyes and gave a humorless laugh.

"I'm almost certain I cannot have children due to my curse and I'm a magnet for trouble. It is likely you will too die in the events of if the leader gets the wind of that I've tried to hide Neah away from him. If you desire your excitement and adventure-like life, well hell, here's your big fat chance being presented to you with open wide arms. This will be undoubtedly the most important thing you'll ever get involved with, even though it'll come with a price."

Mana could only stare at her silently as he raised his hand to brush away some of her tears that were on the verge of overflowing.

"I care for my brother, and if you think you're capable of protecting him better like this, then I don't mind much. Even though personally, I think marriage ought to be the ultimate promise of love between two people instead of… this. But I feel like I've long crossed the point where I'll do anything for you, you know. Especially if it's something I can ease your stress with or help my brother in any way."

She gave a small hacked out laugh and smiled at him sadly.

"You… you truly have a beautiful soul, you know? Filled with gentleness, selflessness, love, affection, desire, care, strength… I haven't come across an individual like you for centuries."

She placed her hand delicately upon his reddened cheek and kissed the side of his face, placing her head gently in the crook of his shoulder a moment after. Mana wrapped his arms loosely around her, a small blush creeping up his features because of the gesture. Now that he thought properly, never had he properly hugged a woman in his life. Other than his mother, that is.

Ella had removed her hand from his cheek and lowered it to slightly grip the front of his shirt, letting out a quiet, gentle whisper that Mana had to slightly strain his ears for to be able to hear it.

"With utmost certainty, I know I'm incapable of giving you the type of love you may come to desire from me. But whatever I can give, I promise it to be yours."

Unable to form an appropriate response, Mana merely opted to slightly tighten his hold of her as he felt two small streams of tears slowly dampening his shoulder.

Quick edit for those who were confused on how this chapter disappered and reappeared: :/

I thought I'd picked out the mistakes in the text, but some bigger things were left so I edited and reuploaded this. Sorry!