Kat & Kiko

[Kiko]

You could say that, Wolf. Katerina caught the rabbits. I made sweet bread and tea.

Kiko's eyes went to his hair. She lifted up from in front of the fire and went over to him, too. She pressed a hand to the side of his face.

Welcome home.

[silverdust]

When Grayell's head appeared over the edge of the platform -- accompanied soon after by the rest of him and the creaking of the rope ladder -- Kat sheathed her daggers again and walked to the edge of the platform. She ducked under the railing and hooked her leg in place so she could lean out, scanning the woodlands around them. She pulled herself back in and made another of those coughing growls, the tip of her tail twitching quickly and rhythmically.

[Grayell]

Grayells' hand met hers at his cheek, held it and his eyes closed. He had drawn close to her and the warmth of her affection washed over him, giving him immediate peace. After a moment he kissed her on the cheek and then looked back at Katerina.

So, something of a hunter are you?

[silverdust]

Kat schooled her features back to neutrality, if not her wonted bubbly pleasure. "You speak as if surprised."

[Kiko]

Kiko let her hand fall when he kissed her. But, she did not go far. His presence had filled her mind and body with more than just warmth. He was a touchstone for her. So long as she could rest a hand on him, all was right in her world.

When she did step away it was only to gather up bowls for supper and cups for tea.

[Grayell]

Grayell smiled warmly as Kiko saw to being a wonderful hostess and turned his eyes back to Katerina then. He studied her a while before he answered, removing his gear with the usual routine.

No, was just being polite. Hard to get by if you can't eat. Some can hunt, others can't.

[silverdust]

Kat looked down and rubbed at her arm, "sorry, I was just feeling apprehensive earlier, so I seem to have gone onto the defensive."

[Grayell]

Grayell found a seat and settled into it slowly, stretched back and smiled.

Apprehensive you say? Whatever for?

[Kiko]

Kiko returned with the bread and tea. The rabbits were ready as well, filling up the room with the scent of roasted meat. She peeled them off the skewers she'd offered Katerina and added them to the bowls.

She served tea and food quietly, much as she usually did.

[silverdust]

Kat took her bowl and cup and folded herself into the chair and around the food, much as she had last night. "There were wolves around, last night and this morning. I tried to warn them off, but I do not exactly speak their language. I have not done well with wolves in the past."

[Grayell]

Grayell smiled a little but kept the immediate humor to himself. She went on to mention an unfortunate past and well, that he could immediately relate to. He broke bread and offered it to both of them with a courteous smile.

You needn't worry about wolves here Katerina, they mean no harm. We share these woods with many creatures and you are far off the ground below. Not so much as a mouse will bother you up here.

[Kiko]

Kiko was doing her best to sooth. She remained in the background, and the whole treehouse was now filled with the aroma of good food and spicy tea. She had seen such things calm many a warrior. She accepted the bread Grayell offered and hoped Katerina would do the same.

Perhaps she would go into more detail. She wasn't going to pry, though, and she certainly had no desire to push Kat to explain. She would talk in her time.

[silverdust]

Kat ate very slowly, focused entirely on her food and ignoring everything around her for a moment. She didn't know if anyone else was speaking when she softly said, "it is a terrible thing, for a hunter to be hunted."

[Kiko]

Kiko's eyes went over the catgirl, her brows knitted together. She did not have the empathetic ability of her Chosen, but she could hear the hurt.

How so?

Careful. Just easy words. Do not try to force it out of her.

[Grayell]

Grayell said nothing in response. No, he simply continued to eat and nodded his head, his expression unchanging. The mood was sombre and so was he perhaps, either sincere or out of respect for what were obviously troubled memories for their guest.