Her breath went out with a soft gasp at the words. She was not that interested in the fish at this point, either. Her body clenched up, little nerves throbbing in a dozen places.
Kiko's fingertips brushed across his temples. Her cool hand slid down past the side of his face and swept his hair back off his cheek. She took his hand after that and pulled him from the river.
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 followed her without objection, his hand squeezing hers as she dragged him from the river and onto the bank. He said nothing but instead watched her move, eyes worshipping her fluid motions. There was no resistance, only a yearning curiosity to see where this might lead.
Kiko snagged up the fish with her free fist. She returned to the path he'd shown her earlier and headed back toward the treehouse. She took every excuse to touch, though, let her fingers linger in places other than his hand.
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 voice rang out, strong and firm. A man stepped on the path behind them, a thin but scrappy looking middle-aged man, dressed in little armor. He had a wiry mustache and long black hair, and he looked at them curiously.
Wildman. And woman. I would inquire something of you.
Did you know that lake belongs to me? He took a step closer, his pockets jingling. Obviously he was well-off, and looked the part. His hand went to the rapier at his side.
Grayell chuckled and shook his head. His hand slipped from Kiko's and he turned full on to face the man now.
Friend, I have camped there many seasons and never has my camp been disturbed. It's a river, not a lake as you say... and truth be told it belongs to no one. You're mistaken.
Now keep your hand away from that pig sticker, you might make me..... jumpy.
Her eyes narrowed and followed the quick reach toward the rapier. Kiko did not have a muzzle... yet. But, there was an audible growl building at the base of her throat.
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.”
Kiko was still growling. In fact, her head had dropped between her shoulders and she had discarded the bamboo speared fish to the ground 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.”
The man collapses, his leg knocked out from underneath him. He fell to his face, gasping and dropping his rapier. He looked up at Grayell and Kiko pathetically.
Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I'm just.... He sobbed a little.
So hungry. I haven't eaten in days. The damn marauders took over my house and now I'm stuck out here begging for food...
Grayell leans over and removes the rapier, tosses it into the bushes. He then glares at the man on the ground.
You thought WE looked like a good mark? You're either very hungry or a damned fool. Why on earth you wouldn't head into Wistvale and get help is beyond me.
He got into a sitting position, blushing and nursing his leg.
Wistvale...I have, uh...some...enemies...in Wistvale. I owe some money. To some people. I used to make my living across the lake, on the outskirts of the town there, but...now I can't go near there, and I can't go near Wistvale....