As If By Magik

[Magda Eisenhardt]

You make me happy,

There was always a bittersweet feeling in the air the day before something like this. A feeling that said 'we've survived hell' and people didn't want to remember--and a feeling of we live, and for that we will never forget. There was a unveiling of a memorial to the dead tomorrow, and on the wall would be names of the dead from the war. So many had come to see the names of someone they lost. So many had home to see if they could find information on family they couldn't find any more. Many came to try to heal. It left the small market she walked through in a torrent of emotions.

For Magda, she was here to answer a question years in the making. The boy was saved her life. Had he died there, or did he live? She prayed with each passing moment that his name would not be there. Yet, knowing what he could do--she knew that they would not have let him live. The soldiers at the camp had refused to even take him food--which was how she had come to meet him. And she'd never forgot how she had to leave him there the night she was able to escape. 

She was staying at a camp ground, where their was many camped. The following morning when everyone crowded in to look for their love one's names she moved toward the wall. Her fingers moved over it, trailing over each name as she read them. Her parents and tribe were not on the wall, for not every name was known. Moving back from it, she moved down the steps in a daze, feeling both grateful that his name was never on any wall, or in any list--but also a bit of despair . . . because if his name was on a list, then at least she would know what became of him.

even when the sky is grey

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

The moment Erik's eyes laid sight to the sea of people, he could feel it. The devastation that filled the air. They said that time heals all wounds, yet experience dictated that this was not the case. Still, so many mourned. So many remembered. Death was not the only thing that robbed people of their lives. Remembering, could be just as bad.

Erik stood at a distance, his eyes looking at the piece to honour those who had lost their lives. Yet so many who's lives were lost, remained in the crowd. Their pasts, present, and future stolen from them. What hope was there for peace in this world? When the mind was plagued, permanently scarred from the memories of the most horrific nightmares that were a part of their past reality. Yet Erik, had his own purpose in life. Something that got him up in the morning, and kept taking one step forward.

He hadn't even realized that he was inching closer to where the names were all listed. Inadvertently searching for his mother's. So many lives lost and for what? He could hear the quiet sobs -- and some not so quiet. Devestation filled the air and it only fuelled Erik's own determination. He had chosen a dark path to follow yet he would bring Shaw to justice. He would avenge his mother and in the process, eliminate any other who deserved death for the etching of each name upon the wall.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

You make me happy,

Magda stood there looking over the wall, knowing that she should leave. This was not a happy place, but one filled with the ghost of hate, and loss. Yet still she lingered, looking over the names again. There were so many here. This hall could not even hold all the names for there was too many. Too much hate, too much evil.

As she moved around the long wall, she approached a tall man in a hat, an was about to walk behind him so she would not block his view, but then paused. There on the wall was a name she did know. While she'd never met the woman, she had met her son in the weeks after her death. Edie. Edie Lensherr. Instead of walking around the man she politely said "excuse me" in Polish before stepping up to the wall. She might never have answers to were the son was, but all that was left of the mother was a name here on the wall. Lifting her hand, Magda traced her finger tips over the name, before resting her open palm there.

His name wasn't with his mothers. Perhaps they;d never recorded his death. Perhaps he died nameless like so mane. Or, perhaps he lived. Maybe he found happiness. She liked that idea. In all the hopelessness feeling here, she held on to that idea. Her gaze caught her numbers on her arm, and she lowered her hand from the name. It was hard to think of someone finding peace after such hate, but she would think of him that way.

Stepping back from the wall she took a long slow breath. She needed to leave Poland. There were too many memories here. If she wanted to find the peace she hoped he had, then she needed to find a better place to try.

even when the sky is grey

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

Erik paid no mind to the woman who stepped up to the wall. It was where her fingers rested that caught his attention. A name that he had been looking at, as her fingers delicately moved over it. Maintaining a stoic nature in the height of curiosity and suspicion was a trait that Erik had learned in his pursuit for Shaw. Needing to keep his emotions in check was imperative, for if he did not . . . the powers he possessed would be unleashed. Potentially uncontrolled. "You knew her?" He questioned, not removing his gaze from the wall. How? Had they crossed paths before her death? Children were separated from their parents . . . Erik knew his all too well. So, what was it about this name was captured her attention?

It was then that he belatedly noticed a mark on her arm before her hand fell from where it once rested. Flashes of images coursed through his memory, searching for it's familiarity. It was a sequence of numbers he would not forget. Never forget. And yet, a light, even a small flicker of it, amidst all this darkness seemed to be an impossibility. Perhaps his eyes deceived him. Perhaps it was wishful thinking. A subconscious desire to dare hope that he was able to help even just one person. That that one person, had survived. No. Erik would not dare to hope such a thing. So he remained silent, waiting for her answer. Waiting to be disproved.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

You make me happy,

"You knew her?" Magda turned to look at the man she's stepped before and she paused. Women, especially in her culture, were known to have feelings when they should pay attention. A feeling deep in their bodies. Not bad. Not good. Just a feeling. And when she looked at the handsome face of the man there she had such a feeling. "No," She admitted softly, looking back at the wall then at him, "but I knew her son." Erik.

She watched his face closely, and tried to figure out her feeling. Had they met before? No. There was a stillness to him that not many had, and with his face . . . . she wouldn't have forgotten that. Most likely he was a stranger, wanting to talk about the people they lost. Yet there was something. In his eyes. Families. Yet her mind didn't know how to place it.

"But that was many years ago." She added, before his words really settled in. It could have been assumed she knew her, but he still asked. Looking back at the wall, she wondered which name he was her looking at. Slowly she turned to look back at him. Did . . . did he know her? Was that why he asked? "Did you?"

even when the sky is grey

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

The moment she gave her answer, Erik could have sworn his heart skip a beat. Surely, this was not real. Surely, this was just a figment of his imagination. A dream more cruel than any nightmare he had. He still did not turn his head. Feeling that once he did, it would become real. Too real. And fate was never this kind. Yet she continued, returning the question onto him. It would be a lie to say that Erik had not thought about her . . . often even. The woman who had shown him kindness in a world of cruelty. The one who gave him strength to live out each and every day. She had escaped. She lived through the horrors. She was . . . here.

Erik knew he had two options. To walk away and never rest his eyes upon her. It was perhaps the safer option. The more, beneficial one. Yet emotions often led the man and for the first time since the end of that camp . . . he felt something other than hatred and anger. Unsure of how many moments of silence lingered, he knew he had to come to a decision. So, against his better judgement, he answered, turning his head towards her in the immediate moments following his words.

"I was her son." She had been looking for his name. Such a thought did not fail to absorb within him. For he now recognized, that he had been too afraid to look for her name. The fear of seeing it etched upon the wall with so many others. When he finally lay his eyes upon her, he felt as if he could never look away. He had once thought her an angel, and not a great deal had changed in his perception. "Magda." Seeing her, saying her name . . . made it all too real.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

You make me happy,

He was quite for a moment or so, before he spoke and everything she had been feeling came clear. It was as if she had not even known the emotion was clouded until he spoke and everything fit. "I was her son." Erik! Magda closed he eyes at his words as emotions filled her. Too many to name or sort out. Opening then, she blinked up at him and knew that she had tears there. He was alive! My some miracle he was alive and standing here! She shifted her feet, feeling as if the ground moved. "E--" Her voice cracked. "Erik?" She finally was able to whisper.

The boy who saved her life, now here before her as a man! Her eyes fell over him taking in how he looked. He didn't appear broken, or sickly! He looked as if he was alright. "You're alive!" She whispered as she looked back to his face. He was here! Alive and before her! . . . and handsome and well dressed! The contrast to the boy she'd known was staggering. Gone was the too thin starving boy that was too pale from lack of sun and exercise. Now he was here looking . . . human. Like a healthy man!

Not knowing what else to do, and overcome with the gladness of seeing the boy who saved her life as a man, Magda stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug. She held him there for a moment, feeling her emotions overwhelm her before she pulled back but kept her hands on his arms. In the end she could say nothing, but look at his face. After a long moment she let out a shaken breath, "I hoped you were, but had feared you were not."

even when the sky is grey

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

Alive. Yes. He drew breath and his heart beat yet the term was subjective. He wanted to tell her everything, and nothing at the same time. Her presence of kindness had represented an innocence . . . something he remembered all too well from the camp. And such things, elicited feelings of safety that he felt within him. A strange sensation. Considering he had just reunited with her. He knew nothing about her and yet, felt he knew her at the same time. Each juxtaposition leaving him uncertain with how to proceed in her company.

But fortunately, he did not have to dwell on it for she wrapped her arms around him in what could only be described as relief. The feeling was mutual, but clearly, one of them was far better at expressing it. He arms belatedly rose, hands gently touching her back in reciprocation. The embrace was not unwelcome, but he felt . . . overwhelmed. His mind unsure how to process and his body unsure how to react. When he drew back yet the softness of her touch remained, he locked eyes with her, selfishly basking in those feelings of safety that she had once given him.

"A fear well understood." His words indicative of the fact that he feared the exact same thing: that she had not been alive. That she had not made it out after all. That someone had hunted her down. Or, that her life had been lost by another darkened circumstance that following those horrific events. "I can't tell you how good it is to see you," he told her with the utmost sincerity. For he truly, could not fully express it. Finally. Something good in this world of hell.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

You make me happy,

He felt strong beneath her fingers, and she smiled at the idea that he'd over come so much! Yes, he was right it was good to seem him--yet these words felt small when the feelings where so big! They felt simple and what she felt was so many emotions, and all at once.Good? No, good was too small. Too simple for this moment. She lifted her hand and almost touched his cheek, as if no time had past--but he wasn't a boy any longer. Lowering her hand she tightened her fingers before letting him go.

"You look good," She told him, not meaning it a forward manner; but more of complement to what he'd over come. She wanted to talk to him, and speak of so many things. To thank him! She wanted to thank him! "There is something I've wanted to tell you for so many years. Something I feared I would never get the chance too. Thank you." She told him, reaching out to touch his hand, not thinking about the action, only needing to touch him. "You save my life. Thank you!"

In the camps, she had escaped with a group of others who were meant to die because of him. He'd saved her in the realist way anyone could be saved. And he done it with his . . . magic? Whatever it was, it had saved her.

even when the sky is grey

[/quote]

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

She complimented him and it would be a lie to say that the words had not touched him. Not nearly as much as the ones she would later speak, but still. On the surface, he looked well. But, if only she knew the monster he had become. How consumed with anger and the need for vengeance. Perhaps, she would not say such things. Perhaps, she would not look at him in such a way. And perhaps, she would not seek out his touch. But she did. Reaching for his hand, and the moment their skin made contact, he felt the instantaneous warmth of it.

A sensation that coursed through his body, through his veins. An undeniable solace that she seemed to have the power to grant over him. But when it came to her words of gratitude, they were unnecessary. She had nothing to thank him for. He couldn't help but wonder . . . if his powers had been greater, if he was able to control them more, perhaps he could have saved far more. Perhaps, he could have saved everyone from the horrors that took place in that camp. Never again. He would never be helpless again. "No, Magda," he corrected. Just as he had not realized how he gravitated towards the wall, he now graviated closer to her. "It is you who saved mine." She had cared for him. Gave him what he needed to survive. Gave him company. Gave him hope.

And that, was what got him through each session of experimentation and torture. Somehow, he managed to realize that he was just staring at her, that his fingers had curled around her hand in reassurance and . . . his own gratitude. Seen through a gaze better than uttered through words. Reality came crashing back as did the need to find out more about her now. Slowly releasing her hand -- an action not born of desire -- he kept his eyes upon her. "Are you here with anyone?" Did she now have a family of her own? Was she happy? He hoped so. But the practical question held a greater reason for asking. He selfishly wanted to spend time with her, away from this air of mourning.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

You make me happy,

She saved him? It seemed impossible that they would both see each other in the same way, but at the same time she didn't feel as if she did. She should have done more for him, but she had been a girl and scared. She did so little, and he'd risked everything. Yet it wa his later words that she replied too. It was an opening for her to ask him more. They could talk about things more!

"Are you here with anyone?" Magda often traveled with others, but after the camps she had never been able to make the strong connection to anyone. While she was often with others, she was never with anyone. It was a little lonely, but she enjoyed seeing the world--and eating everything! She loved food! After starving she would never let herself feel hungry again! "No, I came here alone. Are you?" She returned the question and took her opening, "Could we go somewhere? I would enjoy talking to you some more."

Magda was also aware that his fingers had curled into her own. And that she was holding his hand. Erik's hand. It had felt natural, and she'd not even realized she'd taken his hand until his fingers had curled there. Now she found she couldn't let his fingers slip from her's.

even when the sky is grey

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

She told him that she came alone and Erik found that hope of spending time with her, start to settle into anticipation. Another emotion he had not felt for quite some time. "I am," he responded. It was then as if she read his mind when asking if they could go somewhere. For if she had not voiced the question, he most certainly would have.

"I would like that very much," he told her with sincerity. Now that their paths crossed, why let them go separate ways so soon? He began to turn, to walk in the opposite direction of where the wall stood. He had no destination in mind, but that was of little importance. It was more the company he valued than the place they were going to. "How have you been Magda, truly?" Was she well? Was she happy? Did she have family? How did she spend her days? So many questions, and yet this was the only starting point he could think to ask in this moment.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

You make me happy,

Erik turned to begin walking away, and Magda walked by his side. It was surreal to think they were here together after so many years. That they would find each other like this, and be able to go and speak like old friends might. He admitted he was alone here as well, and she smiled. It meant they could talk unhurried. Then he asked her how she was, she Magda understood that this was meant beyond the short polite answer. He was asking about the years between the last time they've met.

"Better then most. I try not to linger in the past, and to live for each moment. I've decided that I want to see the world." She told him, "So I have been traveling. Not out of Poland yet, but I want too." She told him, knowing that had he waited to visit the wall they'd have missed each other. Just as had she left before now, she'd have missed him too. A sad thought, but one she didn't linger on. "And yourself? You dress as if you are doing well." She teased him, reaching out to smooth his perfectly straight clothes. Smiling up at him, she hoped he understood she wasn't making fun, but was honestly happy he looked so well.

even when the sky is grey

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

He was glad to hear that. The positive attitude she held; the smile of hope she embodied. It was familiar. For hope was what she symbolized each and every night she came to see him. A light to guide him through the dark. Perhaps not much had changed since then, for he knew there was still darkness around him. She spoke of travelling that he liked to hear that; her goals, her desires. What she longed for and how it seemed achievable.

He gave a slight smile at her comment, her gentle hand smoothing over his attire. "I've been well." It wasn't a lie but it also withheld the magnitude of his true condition. "I too do not settle in once place for long." Though his travelling was for an entirely different purpose. "Where is the place you desire most to visit?" He asked, wanting to change the subject off of him. Wanting to learn more of her; get to know her as an adult . . . as they were now given the opportunity to. And no one could rob them of it this time.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

You make me happy,

Magda was quickly picking up on the fact that Erik did not like--or perhaps know--how, to to talk about himself. She smiled at the discovery as he changed the question to ask her more about herself, and leaving his answer vague as he could without being rude. "I am not sure, everywhere!" She said, holding out her hands and moving in a circle as if to say litterly everywhere! The mountains, the seas, the buildings, the valleys, the FOOD!

"I hear the food in France is wonderful! Though I've heard that Italy has them beat!" Clearly she was motovated by something. "I want to leave Poland for a while, and find out who I am outside of . . . " She looked back at the wall which was fading in the distance, then up at Erik. "Out side of the memories."

Unthinkingly Magda moved closer so their shoulders touched, "Have you been to either?" Se asked, a direct question to help her learn more. "Where is the farest you've been?" Magda knew how to get people talking.

even when the sky is grey

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

He slightly smiled, watching her turn in the streets to add to her words. She truly was like a breath of fresh air. Her energy so positive, her presence comforting. He never thought there would be anything comforting attached to the camps, but she seemed to be the exception to that. Just as he felt at ease with her near then, the feeling remained with her near him now.

And he was happy for her. To find something . . . to find a life outside of the traumatic experiences within the camps. Deep down, perhaps he longed for that. Because he was nothing outside of those memories. They fuelled him every day. Got him out of bed every day. He wasn't sure what purpose he would have in this world once Shaw was dead. "I'm sure you will," he told her confidently, supportively. "Find who you are that is, if you haven't found that person already." He believed that. And he hoped for that for her. That she would find a life she always wanted. When she asked about his travelling -- not having missed the fact that she inched closer to him -- his small smile remained.

"I have," he confirmed. "With how you speak of it, I wish I had paid more attention to the food," he said only half kidding. Words meant to keep the mood light. To distract from any inquiry as to his reasons for being in those countries. "I once went to Australia," he answered. Shaw had left traces in so many places. He didn't realize how that was even possible but, he had.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

You make me happy,

How did one not pay attention to the foods? Still, she felt as if that told her a bit more about him. And when he smiled at her, her face brightened in returned, enjoying the simple attention she got from him. "Clearly you are going to have to go back to all the places you've been and try all the foods so you can tell me about them!" She teased him, knowing that wouldn't really happen but it was a fun idea anyway!

"Really?! The land down under?!" She asked, her arm bumped into his as they walked so close, so without thinking, Magda hooked her's around his arm to help them stay close and walk without bumping. It felt so natural, even though they were almost strangers that her mind didn't think on it. She just did it! When she realized what she did, she let it stay. Not wanting to let go. It felt nice, and she had thought of him so often. She wanted to hold him a little. "Was it as bright, and hot as they say? Did you see animals bigger then you?!"

even when the sky is grey