He smiled... in a contemplative manner and looked to the stream with a nod.
The stream? Aye. I meant your blade though. Fine craftsmanship. It... well it compliments you.
He thought that through after he said it and shrugged with a nod, having decided that was quite what he meant.
He grunted softly as he lowered and then sat on the bank, placing the rabbits at his side. He remained higher on the bank, a dozen feet between them or so. His hands lazily folded in his lap and he watched the stream for a moment, eyes chasing leaves that raced through the silver.
He looked at her again, a pleasant look; nothing too expressive but he was quite relaxed by the stream. In the outdoors. It changed him somewhat and he knew it, though she knew him not. He was something of a different man within town.
I tested your temperance I hope you know. Those blunt words... well I had to know you were level headed. I have no use for a keen blade and a dull mind... after all, that's what I'm for.
He smiled wide then, eyes laughing. He shook his head as it died but the smile remained.
But I mean it. You did surprise me. It has been quite some time since I have crossed paths with another warrior of your stature. I ah...
Well I hope we can train some time. I'm all too rusty. Perhaps you'll humor me.
She halted, halfway between sliding the katana home and smiled.
Thank you, but it belonged to my brother. Well, honestly, my grandfather wielded it longer. It is sort of a convoluted tale.
She watched him for a minute or two; the competency she noticed with the horses was back. He did things with no wasted motion. It was a hard quality to acquire. Then he spoke again and she had to think a little bit more. He certainly did not have a dull mind, no matter the deprecating comment. You wouldn’t and live long around here.
She didn’t contradict him just returned the smile.
I’m rusty myself. I’d appreciate the 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.”
He nodded, the smile again softer, not quite so bold. He looked back to the stream for a moment, smiled wider at something there and then got up with rabbits in hand.
Wonderful. You will find me here in the morning. I rise early... or so I'm told.
He nodded politely and turned on his heel toward the camp.
I'll leave you to it then. Perhaps you'll tell me your tale some time.
Thank you Kiko.
And with that he returned to camp. Time to cook and settle in for what could be a long night.
She watched him go. Dawn would work, it one of her favorite times. That quiet space before the sun rose. And now that he had left she felt no real urge to return to the shelter. She needed to take the water back, though. The katana came to a stop with a click and her fingertips remained on the tsuka even longer. Grayell’s words took her straight back to a place she did not want to go.
The pot of water was picked back up and she made her way back toward them without incident. Yeah. She wasn’t going to get much sleep tonight, either.
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.”
The rabbits were on the spit and as they cooked, Grayell saw about collecting adequate bedding for the shelter. He's put a reflector by the fire that should bounce enough heat for all three of them, and managed to produce some furs from his horse's cargo. Three in total, he placed one in the tent and tossed the other two over a log by the fireside.
Content with the work being done, he took a seat at the fireside and simply watched the flames dance a while. The night was coming on and the crickets were busy singing, embers floating lazily on heated air.
The flames danced in his eyes and he smiled, his head tilting in contemplation. He had much to do if he was to succeed in this journey....
He snapped out of it and looked past the fire. He hadn't much to say, just curiosity when it came to their new friend... but being their first night in the wilds, it was not time to pry.
I trust you'll be comfortable. It's a lovely night though, all of us should get some decent rest before the ride tomorrow.
She given him the water upon coming back to the camp then left him at the fire. She saw no sign of Zaedus and from Grayell’s quiet demeanor assumed this to be normal for other man. But, while the rabbits were steaming she had some time. The cloak was put aside in the shelter and she used the small amount of privacy it provided to remove the armor from her upper body. The kimono was tossed back on and she settled down on her knees to do the mundane task of checking it as well.
She was well into the process and even at ease when he spoke again.
It’s quiet. Do you find that odd? I would assume this is a regular stop for many.
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.”
She gave that information some consideration and then put it away. He was in a hurry. So, there was a time limit on this journey. Not to mention, a need to stay away from the normal, or easier path. The leather under her fingers was supple again, the texture drew her attention and her palm slid across the surface.
Then I will take your advice and try to sleep. But, indulge me a few minutes more Grayell? How much of the world do you know that is represented by the blade you’re carrying?
It had been bothering her all day 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.”
Grayell looked over to the tent then. He thought about that for a moment, the question was almost a riddle. He had seen few like it beyond the east... but that was not something he cared to get into in a hurry. He didn't leave without his share of enemies.
The world? Could you... perhaps elaborate on your question?
He wasn't sure of her intent. And he had some very good reasons why.
Grayell smiled and looked at the blade, laying by his side.
Direct is good. Prevents confusion.
He pauses, ponders just how far he wishes to go into this story. She couldn't know him, or of him, surely it was harmless... but all the same. Keep it to yourself old man.
Yes. Yes I have actually. The blade though, it is new. I have yet to draw it.
Grayell grinned at the remark and shook his head with a humored frown.
No, not as yet. I'd be a better man if I never do.
Grayell would not draw that blade until it had to kill. That was his way, this was no ordinary long sword. The blade was an artwork, it embodied the soul of the smith and in time, will embody his own. There was no compromising that.
But it is a fine piece. It will be tested soon enough I am sure.
He looked up from the blade and found her in the gloom... and smiled. The beauty that Kiko possessed was only illuminated by the fire light, an amber dapple over her alabaster skin. And those eyes...
He admired her for a moment... perhaps a long moment, but turned back to the fire before he sighed. A very attractive lady.
The faint sound of padded footsteps could be heard near the camp, a few moments of silence and Zaedus entered the clearing of the camp site. Once in the light of the fire the Worgen was not in the most appealing of appearances. From ear to tail it seemed he was coated in blood. Tossed over his shoulder was half of a deer carcass, a small one skinned and dripping with water. He moved closer to the fire and placing a mat of leaves he made earlier near it he set the half carcass of the deer, well the only thing telling it was a deer were the cloven hooves.
I hope you are hungry.
He said a smile spreading slightly across his face. He turned away from Kiko and Grayell, at the edge of the light he turned his head.
I am going to clean up, no need to portion out anything for me...I already ate.
She was startled yet again, broken from the reverie of thought by the blood coated man-beast? Unnerving. At any other time, at any other place she have gone for a weapon. Grayell hadn't moved, though, and the source of the blood was quite apparent.
She meant to say something to Grayell about the blade but that thought was lost. She coughed instead and if her eyes were just a little bit too wide, well, maybe the dusky sky would hide that from them both.
I... I think I'm full.
It was the only thing she could think of to say. Great, Kiko, stop acting like a witless child. He's obviously intelligent.
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.”