Their hands met and he smiled, shaking it... before he pulled her into him, thwapping into his chest. He looked down on her now, eyes wild and that grin, somewhat predatory. His hand was firm, able to crush it's contents but was controlled.
He stared at her a moment. Looked at her almost like a thing, like prey... but it fell away and again he smiled. His hand let hers slip though he did not step away.
We should continue this. Perhaps... you should keep your guard up Kiko. I shall do so myself.
With a simple nod and a smile, he breathed in refreshed and turned his back. He crouched and grabbed his sword, eyes on the shadows around him. Should she attack, well the thought thrilled him to no end. A capable opponent, someone to dance with. Mysterious and dangerous... she was unique and most certain of all, would be coming along if he had anything to say about it.
She jerked in surprise. That was taking things a bit too far for new acquaintances, even hired ones. The thought to twist free hammered at her senses like the drumming footsteps of a column of her father's soldiers. The look froze her in place. Somewhere, far back in her primal self, the part of her that remembered when the world was new, when dark caves and violent sounds filled the empty spaces, woke up and took notice.
I never let my guard down.
She stepped away from him, retrieving the discarded kimono and cloak. The blades disappeared beneath the outer clothing and the strands of his hair floated to the ground. She'd get better. Every single time.
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Grayell was quick to get prepared, clothed and his sword back under his cloak. He had ordered a third horse, this one lighter and with meager supplies but they would make do. It took but a few minutes for them to get in the saddle and finally jotting through the gate and onto the road beyond.
Grayell was smiling... for a time. But as the road rose to greet them, he grew somber once more. The ride would be long... and tiresome. They rode a ways and he spoke up, without so much as looking up.
We'll have cleared the hills come nightfall. I know somewhere we can camp for the night. Kiko,I have but shelter for two, so it's yours. Zaedus and I will make do so long as the rain lets up.
If you two have anything you'd like to discuss, it would shorten the ride. This road is long, dry and entirely boring. Have at it.
There wasn't a great deal of charm to his voice, it was apparent his mind was elsewhere.
She would have nodded at him. It was her nature to be more observant than chatty, quiet among things she had no knowledge in, and whatever good will had been in his voice in town was missing here. And the other one, what did he call him? Zaedus? She was still trying to wrap her mind around that. Still, the opening was there for the taking.
Are you from around here too, Zaedus?
She said his name with a faint blur of sound over the d that made the u an elongated noise and barely touched the s at all. [/i]
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Zaedus remain looking forward, his expression still one of a vexed nature.
I would have many things to discuss Grayell, but that can wait for another time.
He replied. He slightly glanced at Kiko and he cracked a small smile seeing how her accent may have been altering her pronunciation of his name. He looked to the skies, reminiscing of his homeland when she asked if he was from around here. He looked to her, the roiled expression dissipating slightly.
No milady, I am from the north in the tundra where the forests pour from the mountains. I am here for other reasons, maybe on the journey ahead when we are more acquainted I shall impart more of my tale.
North. His homeland was in the north. That, most certainly, was not a coincidence and a small nod to show that she had understood him was her only response. Her companions, thankfully, were a great deal less verbose than the mercs. It brought a faint smile. She could learn to like these two.
She didn’t ask any more questions of Zaedus or Grayell, either. Instead she settled back into to the saddle and matched paces with them. The sun had climbed higher in the sky and the warmth of it sunk in to the bits of knotted muscle used during the test. It felt good. She’d been lurking in the shadows for far too long.
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
A silent ride it was then that day. As foretold, they rode on past the rolling hills that surrounded much of this land and eventually hit a thicker woodland. As they rode, Grayell held a hand, then two to the sky and studied them a moment.
We've no more than 2 hours sun left. Best we make camp now... i would like to hunt for dinner and save our rations for when we have no luck.
He brought his horse to a halt soon enough and dismounted, taking the reigns of his horse and throwing them about a stand of trees. He turned and walked Kiko's horse to a halt as well, but did not offer a hand for her to get down. With the animals unburdened, he spoke to them a moment, a silent whispering to which they only nodded and grunted before helping themselves to the grass at their feet.
Grayell looked over their equipment and pulled aside a couple of things, tossing them on the ground in a small clearing that looked appropriate for a fire. He spoke as he work, his mind still likely on other things.
I have but the one shelter. Kiko, you'll need it more than Zaedus or I. His fur will help with warmth I imagine and I.... am used to the wilds. It is plenty large enough for one person.
Grayell removed his cloak now, unbuttoning and then unfolding the interior folds of the rather ingenious design. He dragged out the corners and used some of his cordage to rig a simple but effective shelter. Still completing the last pitch he continued.
When we reach the tundra will we need some alternative. It is harshly cold and this shelter will protect us poorly at best. I can compensate for us, but I don't think the thought of all three of us crammed in here appeals to anyone.
He looked up then, eyes upon them and managed something of a smile. Finishing the shelter, he looked to the woods.
Alright. We need a fire and wood for the night. We also need some water, brought a pot.
Grayell stood, scanning their surroundings a moment. The woods were silent, save the birds and the wind in the trees. He closed his eyes a moment, drew breath in... and then pointed.
Water is that way. No more than a hundred yards. I am going to... catch us some dinner.
He removed his sword, shirt, bracers & belt without ritual or so much as eye contact. Again though he let down his hair, uncaring for what anyone thought apparently. He placed everything in a neat heap by the small tent and then started to walk from camp. He stopped but 30 feet off though and looked back.... eyes somewhat stern.
Do not stray too far from camp. These woods are hostile enough, best be on your guard. I'll return shortly.
And with that, he walked into the brush and vanished from view; lost in the green.
Last Edit: Sept 23, 2011 9:32:48 GMT -5 by Grayell
Grayell removed his hunting knife from his waist as he walked and then sunk it into a tree. He looked back, confirming he was sufficiently far enough from camp. This should be a good enough place to clean his kill.
Walking in a little further, his eyes flitted over the surrounding brush, ears working overtime, his nose huffing each and every smell the forest had to offer. His senses were on overdrive, perhaps the one benefit of the wolf in him growing all too restless.
He wasn't all too sure whether letting it run a while was a good idea. On one hand letting it slip loose a while should take the edge off. On the other... it would also test his control during. Regardless, he had weighed his options and had made up his mind.
His attention turned to one side... and he knew the trace of rabbit. He lingered a moment though, he was curious about something... Kiko specifically. She was fascinating by any standard... but the wolves that adorned her attire made him curious. She'd shown tenacity and incredible potential during their brief scuffle earlier and Grayell had barely pushed her - but their was not a single motion missed, not a simple gesture unregistered by him. She had impeccable form... and had gone easy on him. She was capable of much more, something that would hold is intrigue for some time yet. Perhaps they would become friends, but thus far her smile was empty.
He sighed and pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind and as he did so, this body fell away; bringing the pure wolf within to bare. He stood a moment, then shook his head, his fur shaking out like he'd just been doused in the rain. His piercing blue eyes looked back in the direction of their camp one last time and then, his stark white form got to the hunt. Nose to the ground, reading all sign... pacing a few feet. Repeating now, confirm direction, how long ago, even the gender... bound a dozen feet and.... THERE.
With deadly purpose locked in, Grayell slipped through the woods like a ghostly fog, simply pouring over the terrain until at last he found the warren.
She slipped from the horse wordlessly, thankful for the respite. It had been some time since riding over an extended area was commonplace. Her legs and back were taut with tension. They would recover quickly with some stretching, she would adapt, and it wasn’t an unfamiliar skill. But, at the moment, solid ground under her feet was a excellent thing.
She had a moments worth of fierce rage when he offered her the shelter. The rational part of her brain kept a lock on her mouth. He was right. She wasn’t knowledgeable enough about the region. Sure she’d been traveling through it for the past few weeks, but following a loudmouth merc company had been guaranteed to keep hostile foes away, even if it did not facilitate sleep.
Her eyes narrowed when he removed the cloak and began to fold it out. Huh. Clever. She’d have to study that later; perhaps she could design something similar.
Food, fire, and water, of course.
She stepped forward to gather up the pot from the neat pile of belongings. She wasn’t going to stare at him.
Nevertheless, the barring of weaponry and armor had triggered a memory. How many times had she watched her father do that exact same thing when returning home? Hundreds. Grayell didn’t use an armor stand or a weapon rack, but it didn’t matter. She could see the image easily. The sword placed aside and each single piece of armor removed and returned to the accustomed spot. Then the fall of hair, her mother would have done that. She’d release the warrior’s knot and comb it smooth. She shook her head deliberately and the images shattered. Memories plagued her here, today, and fiercely. Why?
I’ll find water. Her voice was soft at first and then more determined.
It would give her a chance to become more familiar with the local flora, instead of dwelling on the past. And at this time of the day most of the wildlife would be looking for water, too.
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Grayell had said the woods were hostile. She believed him. The town seemed to be on the outer edge of nowhere; progress or any civilization halted at the walls. Her nose wrinkled up. She understood the need for walls, for shelter, for the cooperation of your neighbor. But, they could be a cage just as easily.
Her eyes went back to the tracks on the ground. She followed them down the slope until it evened off and came to a swift rushing stream; a whispering silver ribbon of water that made a half a dozen twists and turns before dropping out of sight. Foam was churned up at a narrow isthmus of rocks a few yards from her and she headed that way. Water was gathered up in the pot Grayell had brought soon enough, but she was loathe to leave the stream.
It was quiet here; the fingers of the wind tickled at her face and neck.
Kaminari you would enjoy this place.
She pulled the cloak from her body and folded it up. The kimono came next, set aside with the same precise motion as the other garment. She cupped the water from the stream in her palm and cleaned her face and arms of dust and grime. The sash was removed from her around her waist afterward and she retrieved a comb from it. The braid of hair undone from her neck; combed, re-braided and she felt better for it. The armor could use some work, but that would have to wait until later.
The weapons, on the other hand, should be checked. The little throwing knives that were hidden away in her sash removed, sorted, checked and returned to their hiding places, she knotted it around her waist afterward. She did the same with the tanto and the katana, wiping both of them down with a soft cloth.
Zaedus nodded and once everything was decently set up he bagan removing his armor, the sunlight revealing the heavily marred torso of the Worgen. As he stretched from removing his armor he looked down at his chest seeing the black scar in the middle of it from the Vampyre's dark blade. He payed no mind to Grayell as he wandered off.
I shall return shortly, I can smell the urine from the bucks, so I imagine there is a deer or two around. If I can't find them, then i will collect some wood for the fire.
He nodded at Kiko when she said she would fetch the water. He lowered himself to all fours and bounded into the wilderness. How long it had been since he had been able to just roam and be the predator he once was. The scents of the animals, plants even the dirt was refreshing and revitalizing. He stopped and stood back up, smelling the air. A rustling bush nearby alerted him to his surroundings. He got low, and stalked over to the bush, sniffing softly as he approached. He was just a few feet from the bush the smell of the hare was growing stronger. Bringing in his legs the Worgen bounded into the bush rolling out of it with the hare hanging in his maw. It's screams of protest ended quickly with just a small bite. He reached up grabbing the hare and examined it.
Hmm....just a snack
No exaggeration on his part it was just a little one. The scent of it's mother still permeating from it was what threw him off. He tossed it aside and continued his hunt.
Last Edit: Sept 23, 2011 14:23:44 GMT -5 by Zaedus
Grayell had done with his hunt and now, in regular form approached the same stream with two rabbits. They'd been cleaned, the entrails removed and discarded a safe distance from camp. He'd noticed Kiko and the pot missing as he passed camp, she'd likely be by the stream.
He, however; needed to rinse the kill. Still chewing on a heart, he silently slipped to the water's edge... and having spotted her remained quiet. She treated her blades well, more evidence of her thoroughbred training in combat. He of course chose to meet the water downstream - people generally didn't look kindly upon people rinsing blood and gore into the water they were using.
His wolf had backed off some, turning it a little loose for that short time helped abate the rage. The heart of course gave it something to chew on figuratively speaking and his mind, for this moment at least found some calm. Real calm - rather than a forced focus to center.
He perched on the shore and with careful hands, washed the rabbits thoroughly. He would likely use their furs later, tan them if time permitted. They were not large but would help some with the cold at any rate.
The water was cool and the stream quite serene, the wind bouncing off the bubbling current as it cascades down the slight hill. The trees swayed in symphony and the noise of the wilds played a subtle melody.... and he smiled. He looked to her again, admiration on many levels; but once more turned to his task.
She remained quietly contemplative during the process of cleaning. It was a repetitious task and there was no need to watch what she was doing. She could feel it easily enough, and the water drew her eyes.
The mercenaries’, the town, the arrogant bully from the night before, all slipped from her mind. She let the water sooth those irritants away. The motions of her hands became slower.
She was calm.
Eventually she stood up and yanked a strand of hair from her from her temple. She dropped it over the edge of the katana and smiled when it fell in two pieces to the ground. Enough lingering, it was time to go back. She’d gathered up the cloak and shrugged the kimono back over her shoulders when a rustle of sound caught her attention.
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Grayell had stood from the water and contemplated simply returning to camp... but that wouldn't exactly be the friendliest thing to do should she see him leave. He'd been somber most the day and it had been a quiet journey.
He finished washing off his hands and cupped water in them now, bringing it to wash off his face. He gathered more, ran it through his hair and laughed a little, refreshing. He then rinsed off his shoulders, chest and arms... but would have to wait to take a bath. Later. He shook his head, flicked it back to get the wet locks from his eyes and gathered his rabbits.
Standing, he looked to Kiko. He took but a few steps in her direction, almost unsure as to whether he should say something. Something...
She didn’t jerk this time; the sound had given him away, long before he stepped forward.
The stream?
She turned her head back toward the water, foam still boiling up like mad around the rocks. She was catching other sounds now, too. The faint chirp of crickets, the buzzing of insects, and the brush of wind through the trees.
Yes. It is lovely.
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”