On this morning, Grayell had snuck out of bed and been into town and down the docks to see a few things prepared. A few gold in the right palms and he could rest assured it would be done.
But now, he was back and prepared to head out. He crouched by the bed, a hand caressing Kiko's cheek. She was an angel asleep and he didn't want to wake her... but then he most certainly didn't want her to spend the day in bed.
Kiko's amber eyes opened to see him crouched beside her. She did not speak but there was a sleepy "mrrrm" sound that came with his words. She did sit up, the furs falling to her thighs.
Where had he been? He looked obnoxiously alert and she had not felt him leave the bed.
She climbed out of the tangle of fur simply enough and stood up. Kiko was not much for extensive preparation. He was enthusiastic about something, so she quickly slipped into her leather armor. It was new, she hadn't worn it yet, but it was light and easy to adjust.
Kiko knotted her hair up in a braid, too, before saying anything.
Where are we headed 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.”
The right side of his mouth curled into a playful, excited grin and he snatched up her hand. He leaned in, kissed her.... which wasn't entirely rushed, then swiped his finger over her lips.
Hm. Morning you. Come, something I want to share with you.
He tugged at her hand before he let it go and then stepped out to drop off the balcony, heading for town.
Her hand was warm from the brush of his lips, pulse sharper with the quick kisses. Kiko gave a shake of her head. Eventually, she would be able to accept his mercurial actions without trying to figure them out.
Hopefully.
In to town? Kiko snatched up her weapons and sash. She followed him without questioning, diving off the balcony like she had before. It was almost habit, now.
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 walked with her down the hill path, a slight smile in the morning sun. He would look at her from time to time but had little to say, his hands would clasp her's now and then and treasure the touch. It was a short trip though and after heading through the gate, they bore south toward the docks.
He only nodded to the fishermen with a smile and approached a yacht, a strange thing with two independent hulls. He swung over the rail on board and then extended a hand to aid her on board.
Welcome aboard the Catalina Kiko. We're setting off.
Kiko was silent during the walk. But, it was a product of her nature more than anything else. She returned the gentle touches when they occurred, offered several of her own and was in good humor. The morning was neither too cold or too warm, but held the right amount of bite to wipe the rest of her sleepiness away.
When they came to the dock, and the yacht she stared at it. She was familiar with several ship designs, naturally. But, this was new.
Umm...
Kiko reached for his hand.
... setting off?
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 lifted her then, pulling her toward him and then scooping her up and onto the deck. He threw off some rigging and with a firm foot, kicked off from the dock.
Yep. It is a gorgeous day to be on the water.
He was busy, he'd dropped the sail and tightened this and that and with a little care and management, the boat started to waft away from the town and onto the open water of the huge lake.
Not as gorgeous as the company mind you.
He gave her a quick smile as he worked, made everything as it needed to be and then settled in at the wheel. The wind was lazy this morning, the sun barely peeking over the surrounding hills, the water orange glass under them.
Kiko made a huffing sound when he lifted her off the docks and into his chest. She was surefooted enough to regain her balance on the deck, though. She was not unfamiliar with them, of course. Though, the vessels she had spent time on were larger sailing ships.
She found a place where she could watch him, and stay out of the way.
The lake did have a beautiful color to it in the rising sun. She leaned in over the edge letting the motion put wind in her face.
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.”
Now on the open water, Grayell could neglect the steering of the ship and so on and paced across the short deck to rest by her at the rail, looking into the water. He made a half-growl as he relaxed now, looking at her reflection with approval.
Kiko's expression changed. Her eyes were wary now. She wrapped a hand around the braid at her neck and lifted off the edge turning to face him. She had adapted to the boat's motion, but he had managed to catch her off guard again.
...things?
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 stood, smiling and folding his arms across his chest. He was almost swelling with pride, this wasn't entirely irregular. She knew by now that he would have his way and be stubborn - but she could have her way as soon as give him a look. There was a shared power there, something not abused but understood and enjoyed. This however... might be his turn.
It is my duty to keep you safe. You are capable of this yourself, I know this... but it is still my duty all the same. But.. I cannot always be there.
Your blades are an heirloom, incredible works of art and the very refinement of the smith's trade. But... I would ask that rather than you waste their beauty on the usual scum we encounter, that you consider putting them up. Treasure them, honor them, but retire them from the everyday purpose of a weapon.
That.... could leave you unarmed.
His teeth flashed, his grin couldn't get much more wiley. He slipped into the cabin and re-emerged a moment later with a large trunk. He set it down with a grunt, walked from it to lean on the edge of the boat and tilted his head, facing her. He was quite obviously pleased with himself... but there was a hint of trepidation there.
Everything I have is yours. Sometimes I feel it's not enough. But as far as this goes... I'd ask that you consider my words and humor me this one, small gift.
Kiko's hand had left her braid and was brushing across a small amulet hanging at her throat. She had not taken it off since he'd but it around her neck.
She let him have his say, naturally. She would not interrupt him. Kiko well understood duty and honor.
When he spoke of the blades she straightened up, thinking rapidly. The Wolf sword was relic of tangled emotions. The blade was part of her family, but it had also been the instrument of her brother's death. She wore because she had no other choice in the matter. She had not considered this option though, her world up to meeting him had given her no respite from using it.
Her hand had left the amulet and was trailing the tsuba of her katana. When he returned with the trunk she still was not sure what to say, but her chest was tight with thoughts from the past.
Wolf...
Her voice stumbled for a bit while she tried to rein in the harsh lump in her throat. Kiko yanked the tanto and katana from her belt and handed them to him hilt first.
...I have no words. You know, as well as any, that ...
Again she stumbled but she did not jerk the weapons back.
...I will accept the gift and your advice. Her eyes were gleaming with unshed tears.
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 took them on open palms and bowed, wholly and completely as she stepped back. He did not expect this to come easily, but the devastation she would suffer should they be damaged or broken...
He understood their meaning entirely. And whilst that was a double edged sword, he would not see them taken from her. Like this, he could protect them; as large a part of her as they were. He smiled though, held her weapons tightly.
Open it. As a vanguard member, it's best we get you into some new gear at any rate. This is a good place to start I think.