No blackmail. You're just right. She leaned back almost cheerfully.
I've made enemies too. I came to this town hoping to start something, create some justice. You're gone, the shambles of government we may have had is gone, the guard, by your admission, is useless and glory hungry. We can lock up people, but with no government we can't have justice. Obviously I didn't do it right. I'll just move on. Try again elsewhere. Wistvale was fine before me, before us, and it'll be fine after. Let them decide what they want, like you said. She tipped her hat.
Grayell lunged forward then and with a swipe of his hand upward, tipped her hat back on her head. He looked at her, unflinching; his eyes were that eager predatory look she'd seen before.
Quit being an ass or I'll clear this bloody table and have you.
He settled back into his chair but his relaxed posture was entirely gone, a switch had flipped and in that instant, Gray was on alert mode.
Don't try this crap with me Blueberry, you don't have the quit in you. You and I are alike in many regards, we both know this - but don't think we're not entirely different in so many others. You might be a predator Marg, but you're still a domestic one.
You and I have different wants and goals. So don't try that shit with me. I'm not having it.
His face only grew colder then, almost fierce.... but it backed off when he spoke.
And screw you for acting like you don't give a damn. If you think any of this is easy, then you're clueless.
Kiko climbed the ladder to the Wolf's home. She had spent a good few hours just exploring the area. She wanted to know the sounds, the smell, the feel of the place like she'd known the forest back East.
She was about halfway up the ladder when she heard a voice that wasn't his, and halted. She was not deliberately eavesdropping, but, well, years of being alone had taught her the value of knowing what was going on around you.
She closed her eyes and continued to climb.
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.”
You don't think I'm serious? You don't think I know how to cut my losses? Either I back out now or become the government you don't want Wistvale to have. She leaned over the table, smiling smugly.
We're different, yes. But I don't see how that means I can't move on. I'm not giving you a hard time. I'll miss you, I will. But you're set in your ways, and nothing I say will change your mind. She shrugged.
He took the time to sigh, rubbed his face in his hands and poured more tea. He chewed his lip for a moment, his head rocked slightly in though. He took the time to collect his thoughts before he spoke.
Look, I haven't even gotten to the point. Slow down and stop being so damn difficult woman. You're not going anywhere so quit trying to goad me and let's talk about it.
Kiko's shoulders stiffened at the growl. Was the owner of that unknown voice an enemy? However, the Wolf's voice seemed calmer when he spoke, and the words carried frustration more than anger. The knot between her shoulderblades loosened up.
Kiko finished the climb to the treehouse and stuck her head over top of the edge. She vaulted with a dancer's grace upon the balcony and slipped inside.
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 rolled his neck and worked out a kink or ten and then settled into his chair.
The Vanguard was a secretive society some one hundred or more years ago, they had been around much longer prior to that. It consisted of trained warriors, mages and the like who shared a common goal. They saw it as their duty to maintain balance in all things. Extremes are a dangerous thing, this is why I am opposed to some of your grander plans...
He smiled then but was looking at the table and continued.
But they never settled down in one set location. They did not have a base of operations per say, they did not have boundaries, they did not have a jurisdiction. They had a strict code of ethics and honor and acted where they were needed, with or without the consent of the law. They did not see the law as just a lot of the time and whilst it served them well to cooperate with over agencies, that only occurred when they agreed upon the desired outcome.
They were never found, never caught at home and never ambushed because no one knew where to find them. Their identities were kept a secret, they never spoke names as was their code of discretion and they acted quickly, leaving little trace.
They did a lot of good in this world and it was better for it. They did not work for profit, they did not sell their trade. They simply saw a wrong and they righted it.
Grayell paused there and took a breath, He smiled again, his head tilted before he spoke.
You follow in your father's and that is grand.
My father was a Vanguard member. I would follow in his. Wistvale and beyond could be protected - without fear of retaliation upon the town.
Kiko made no sound when crossing from the balcony into the room. She had heard everything from the point where he'd mentioned goals. That last part about this "Vanguard" was new to her, however.
She gave him a brief greeting, her mother's behavior coming to the fore here.
Wolf.
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's thoughts were snatched from him in an instant, much like his entire post that is now sitting in wordpad for later use. He smiled as she entered, eyes lighting up immediately.
Kiko.
He only stared at her a moment, fascinated as always, lost in their world.... until he realized Marg was still there. He smiled wider, almost laughed and then waved her to him.
Kiko, this is Margrett. A dear friend and captain of the guard. Margrett, this is Kiko.
Kiko turned her head. She had rested a hand on him for a moment before saying anything, touching him had become something of a ritual. Then she turned to face his friend.
Hello, Margrett.
She made a small bow with her head to the other woman, her hands clasped together in front of her.
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.”