caves of Lunlie's childhood

[lunlie]

-continuation of my stat post-

Lunlie's feet touched the beaten ground of her home, it was hard to believe at one point this was a lush forest, now it is just pain and sorrow. The wounds in-flicked on her back throb as gravity gets a hold on her. The pain almost to intense to stay awake, she crumbles to the ground. "Get up I want to get the running started." On her hands and knees her gaze drift up to her father. Taking in his height, his strong build, his evil smirk, and mostly his evil blue eyes. Those eyes that haunt her dreams and every waking moment. Wobbling up to her feet, trying to put the pain past her. Still wobbly, she takes in her surroundings, the barren land she called home. Every memory of this place was painful and disturbing. She had no friends, none. And her mother, if she is still alive, was never known to her. Her father would keep it that way too. Only one thing caught her eye. The little speck of green far off on the horizon. It was the Field where she got away and watched the human children play. They've always been so care free, never knowing what this world had yet in store for them. Hopefully it would be better than what this cruel life was. Tears welling in her eyes, she turns ans starts to run in the opposite direction. In the direction of her people, to the volcano. The pain is immense, but the fear of her father kept her running. She stumbled once or twice on fallen trees or the jutting rock from the ground.

Finally the sun was setting and their run was almost over. So she thought. As she started to sloe her pace words shouted into her head. -Keep running I said all night.- But when she looked back her father was gone. He obviously stopped for the night. With secret intentions unstated in her mind, for he father would surely pick up the thoughts she ran in a certain direction, he subconscious directing her. About four hours later and severe loss of blood, she was at the edge of the Forest of bones. She wanted to stop and catch her breath, but her feet took her further. Before she new it, she was in a land unfamiliar to her. But what sought her attention was the moon, full and unbelievably beautiful. The feeling she got from this sight was unbelievable. She sat down on a boulder and just stared at the moon, it's presence taking her breath away.

-This soft music, where does it come from- A soft melody playing in her ears. It started to sooth her soul. _Why, why must I be forced to live this life. What purpose do I have in this.- questions unanswered ran through her head. "Shh, all will be clear in time my child. Now rest." The voice talking to her started to hum and leave an imprint on her. -The voice is so sweet and caring. Who is it. Can I trust them?- But the questions where left unanswered as the soft voice sent her off to sleep.

"Give you life as a sacrifice to the good cause, give your soul to your god, let his will be done through you."

The chant kept ringing in her head as she slept. When she awoke form her sleep the words were forgotten, but the imprint left there. -Who was that, and what were they saying?- As she stood up she noticed the pain in her back was gone. She reached behind her trying to locate the cut from the night before, but all that was there were scars. -How could they of healed this fast? Does if have to do with that voice?- Then a scary realization came to mind. -Father is going to be looking for me... I'm dead.- She took off in the direction she thought was her home. Fortunately she guessed right, but when she arrived nut when she arrived her father was no where it be found. -This is odd.- As she entered her house, everything looked... empty... nothing was there, not a speck of her life remained in here. Not her father or his weapons. Looking around she was beyond disbelief. -Does this mean I'm free, free of my father and this horrible life? Has my wishes finally been answered?- Looking around once more to make sure. Almost fully around, and jumping with the thought her father was gone, he eyes stopped at a pile on the floor. She went over to it and picked at it. -A sword, bow and arrows, knives, a staff, and a cloak? Why...- Her thought were interrupted by a crack of wood outside. Her mind jumped and told her this was her chance and it might be the only one she gets. She grabbed the sword and attached it to her uniform, put the bow over her shoulder, and placed the knives in a good hiding spot. -With this stuff and my father gone, I have a chance.- With that she flung the dark green cloak over herself, put up the hood and stepped outside. She was carefully, trying to see any signs of this being one of her father's tricks. But she soon realized it wasn't. So she took off, and ran her hardest to reach the boarder to the fire gods lands. She wasn't willing to leave her home land once, but she had to stay at the boarder if she didn't want her father finding her.

Finally at the boarder, but still in her home lands of the Forest, she settled in a cave, this would be her home until she was completely ready to leave. Setting her thing down she rested against the cave wall and slowly drifted to a deep sleep due to her exhaustion. Not even remember the sweet voices from the night before.

[Blaze]

Again a subordinate found Colonel Kaji Hito contemplating, pouring over maps, strategies and statistics concerning the military strengths and geographical advantages of each of the designated territories in the world. He was with his usual glass of his usual ale in his usual spot in the Fire Military Headquarters. Leaning over his desk once again covered with enough papers denying the desk any air whatsoever, Colonel Hito both simultaneously read another commanding officer’s report and wrote a letter of his own to his superior officer. Still also at that time, he envisioned his dream of becoming superior to all pledged to fire and no longer subject to obey meaningless orders of oppression and risking his men and people. No longer looked down upon as a miscreant by the ruling fire dragons, they would have to respect him and treat him as part of and even head of all in fire. This is Kaji’s dream for himself as well as for his people. Yes, he could be a calculating, cruel man however he lived for the god of fire and those people under him. The colonel had to develop cruel tendencies in order to serve, survive, and succeed in military life. It was the same for most in the miscreant army he led.

Colonel Hito straightened up from his work. A soldier had just recently entered, however this entrance was not what had caught his attention. With a silent alarm only those creatures of fire magics could hear gone off, Kaji Hito was warned of someone new arriving at the borders of the Fire Realm. Standing and exiting the room, he acknowledged the soldier with a nod and gesture signaling him to follow the colonel. Together they marched to the Seeing corridors where the military’s seerers worked. Their techniques enable them to see visions of past, present, future in the lapping flames of destiny and fate. One seerer should have the intruding presence displayed already knowing at least one leader would arrive soon. Kaji was correct in assuming as such. An older, more experienced man, apparently entranced, watched the person take shelter in a cave just outside their borders. Upon entering the corridors, Colonel Hito placed his rough right hand on the elder’s shoulder; now he too could view the flame vision. Using his current technique, the old seerer could only present the visible and not those things hidden and so the fire mage could not view things such as gender, age, allegiance or purpose in the picture of fire. Hence all the military man could ascertain was a person is at the perimeter.

Just as every other situation encountered, Kaji entered this new being with calculated precision. However, his plan was also speckled with a minuscule amount of reckless behavior because he decided to risk his own safety and not endanger any of his men. His men knew him as emotionless, but if they dug truly deep into his soul they would find compassion and respect for the soldier under him. Colonel Hito was cruel to protect them, their homes and their lands. He decided to traverse to the cave on his own and confront the person alone. Kaji figured he knew how to protect himself from most anything and he had the advantage knowing the lands surrounding the city of Feuer-Bohrung mountain. He would travel on foot through the night – the cave proves to be a considerable distance from military headquarters however not undoable – and affront the being at dawn if his timing is precise.

With leather sack and sword hidden under a cloak, the colonel set out to speak with their visitor. As planned, the fire mage arrived right as the sun broke the horizon spreading the radiance of its fires and light over the miserable landscape giving it just a bit more tolerable sense of peace. The cave conversely faced the opposite direction; darkness still covered its passage as well as its visitor. From the pocket of his uniform, Hito pulled his personal fire orb made from the finest adamite crystal found in the isolated mountains in the region. Grasping it in his toned hands, he lit a blaze in its core with a whim. Dark crystal grew light glowing red through the black. Gradually, intensity of the flame inside grew to cast light into the cave. With his orb’s help, Kaji became able to find the figure in the darkness. He guessed from the way the cloak fell over the being’s body she was a female humanoid creature. The colonel did not want to underestimate her or assume too much as to if she proved human or not considering all shapes demons could take. Cautiously entering the cave with a few steps towards the girl to get a better grasp of the situation at hand, Kaji Hito abandons his safety in secrecy and hidden confrontation. After all this was a woman and he much preferred to keep them on his side.

[lunlie]

Still sleeping form her tiring exploration of the surrounding lands, Lunlie had been laying against a wall of the cave. The night before she had not bothered to take off her weapons and traveling gear. Her cloak, keeping her warm, fell across her body. Never being much of a heavy sleeper, due to the fact that on some nights of her childhood her father would sneak into her sleeping chamber and brutally wake her, then punish her for not hearing him coming, he would say, "If you can't hear me coming how are you going to hear others who wish to do you harm?" and she learned quickly to be a very light sleeper. The faint sound of footsteps woke her. Not wanting to let the being no she was aware of it's presence she laid there, completely relaxing her body, yet ready to releases her sword, and pretended to be asleep. As the being moved around her cave, she sensed power around this being, if she were forced to fight, it would be no easy battle. Soon enough she sensed his presence nearing, she would have to decide what to do soon. Lunlie was faced with to choices. One, let the being get close and hope that it would sense no danger and she'd attack it quickly and run, or two, show them that she was awake and hope to the fire god that her senses were lying and it would be easy or there would be no fighting at all. Deciding on the second choice, figuring it would be better to know what was there before she attacked. Slowly lifting her eye lids, she collected the image of a being with what looked like fire at first, then revealed to be an orb containing this fire, in his hand, and the raising sun behind him. Never seeing a man during the day except her father, seeing as her father and her only worked at night and he father didn't want her being around others, he seem very weird. He was tall and muscular with well toned skin, and had deep red-black hair, but what caught her the most were his eyes. His orange eyes wanted to make her jump. His outward look was not what made him seem a threat, but the power he seemed to have.

-What do I do? Never have I seen such a man, if he was in fact human. He looks to be strong and could easily over power me. What does he want? Maybe if I figure that out I could get away from here.-

Deciding to rise from her sleeping spot, and raise to her full 5'1", seeing how she wasn't that tall, maybe he would leave her alone. As she rose the hood to her cloak fell down revealing her long black hair, and her deep green eyes. Not thinking about all the weapons on her, her cloak sets in a weird position that revealed her sword and a few items. She notices then that the man in front of her looks her over again. Being bothered by not knowing what he was looking at she looked down and saw her cloak wide open and all he weapons were plain to see.

-Shit, there goes my plan on him thinking I was a harmless girl walking by.-


Sorry for it's shortness, but my dad was being evil and was making me hurry up.... I promise to make the next one longer

[Blaze]

A woman… a beautiful woman at that. Colonel Kaji Hito was quite amused his assumption was correct. Letting himself crack a subtle grin, he looked her over and calculated her strength by the weapons she would appear to wield. He enjoyed the fact she carried a sword and hoped she had decided to come to the lands of fire to join the nation and not fight it, but rather for it. However, Colonel Hito did not only look her over from a military stand point but from a human angle as well. Her long flowing hair gleamed in the partial light of orb and sun, yet it was tangled in the slightest from her laying on the rocks under their feet. What caught his eyes though were her eyes – her deep green eyes. There was something in those eyes. He had to speak… for the sake of all good in fire.

Beautiful. Your eyes… you are a gorgeous woman. Has anyone ever told you that? However there is something else here. Something in your eyes. I see emotions. I see sorrow. I see… your torture. What has happened to you, my dear, and why does it bring you to fire? I think you are stressing too much. You need not be frustrated nor worried I have viewed your weapons. I do not wish to fight if you are here to join us in fire. Now come. Tell me your story. I have the time and I have no intentions of using or attacking you. Those of fire do not harm or hurt their own in any way. I guarantee we are people of honor and trust.

He spoke with gentle voice and gradually decreased the distance between them. Kaji’s composure never broke as he spoke nor as he moved towards her. He continued to present a calm exterior just as his calm mind displayed in his own thoughts. Extending his left hand to her face, Kaji lightly touched her tanned skin. She looked like one child of fire and she felt that way as well to the devoted fire colonel. He gently rubbed his fingers back to her ear and move on to her long hair running his fingers through it. He felt comfortable with her however he now realized she might not feel the same way and backed away from her.

Forgive my actions, milady. I did not realize the extent of the distance between us I had made disappear by moving. Please forgive me and follow, if you wish, me to just outside these cave walls. We will have more room to move and also have the pleasure of enjoying the tender heat of the early sun’s rays.

With his orb still lit in his hand, Colonel Hito shifted his weight turning his body to his right from the woman but keeping his face with calm, caring orange eyes towards her. Knowing she was new to the lands, he also knew not to let her out of his sight… incase actions of forced combat were required. Secretly he hoped she thought him polite and intended no harm or deceit in the least.

ooc: don't worry... it is not short but it is good... it would seem you have a history with 'evil' dads... don't you.

[lunlie]

After opening her eyes, and standing up the man before Lunlie decided to speak. He seemed really nice and trust worthy, something she had never been used to considering her father beating her and telling her not to trust any one. When he touched her cheek it was soft and kind. She wanted to trust him so much, but he seemed to still hold her with caution. –Does he still think of me as a threat? - Her questions as to his actions made her weary, if he can’t trust her, then why should she trust him? She stood there considering her options.

-What do I do? He seems nice and shows no sign of wanting to harm me. But…. But…. Ahh, I’m so tired and I could use the rest, hopefully this man has a place I could get a proper rest and possibly clean up. I’ll just have to go along with him. Let’s just hope this man isn’t like my horrid father though.-

Eyeing him closely she took a deep breath and let it out. Then a thought hit her. –Didn’t he just assume I’m from another land? That I live under another god? Should I tell him I’m form this territory? Would it make him let up and trust me more? I have to choose what I tell him carefully. - She decided to let out only a little info to him.

“Sir, I’m not sure if you realized this or not, but I’m from this land. I live under my great god of fire. Also…” moving closer to him. “My name is Lunlie.” –I’m praying that wasn’t a mistake. – Seeing he was thinking she wasn’t sure of what to do. –Did I just mess up?-

Not sure how he was going to take in this information, she decided to walk out of the cave with out looking him in the yes, she didn’t want him to see she was still hiding her childhood past. Exiting the cave it seemed winder then what she had expected. Her cloak was blowing in the wind, showing her body clad in her uniform. The tight uniform she was wearing showed off her thin yet muscular body. Not hearing his movement she looked back over her shoulder giving off a very sensual image with out realizing it. Her black hair, not in her cloak any more, blew out into the wind and her eyes were a lighter green now. With the look of the black uniform, her green cloak, dark tanned skin, and the rising sun behind her, she looked almost innocent to any one who would of looked. What was he waiting for? Standing there and looking back on him, she could help but let the thought in the he was a very handsome man.

“Sir, I do believe you wanted to exit the cave?” she let a small, innocent smile come to her face. –I hope I can truly trust this guy. It would be a shame if I had to hurt him.-

o.o.c.- I really don't have a "history" with evil dad's.... I just happen to have parents who want and expect me to live a life I don't want and I, not physically like in this character, but emotionally and mentally I suffer from them.

[Peira]

<sup>Peira had lay in slumber upon a stretch of rock overlooking the cave that the other had rested within. She'd not awoken... not until the voices reached her sensitive ears.

She came to consciousness slowly, her movements seemed lathargic, but there was reason for her slavidity. Silence was an asset in her world, and her line of work. Well more or less it wasn't work - it was basic theivery. Something she found she was good at. She'd made a life out of it. Some calling her a scavanger. She didn't deny it. She took that which others had, it was her way - and it was something she became to heal herself, to hide herself from a love that she had had and then lost. Life wasn't fair. People learned it sooner or later.

Moving from the position she laid; upon her back, she slid herself to her knees, curling then rolling to the desired position. Remained pressed back against the lip of the oucropping she gathered herself and her consciouness, settling into her emotions like one settled into a winter hide.

Her mind pondering over the fact that she heard voices, puzzled as to their direction and location. She needed to know, and yet she was not so rash as to jump into any situation. Her smooth skin slid upon the calloussed stone with not a sound. The only covering upon her sunkissed body, being the buckskin felt across her chest and torso. she did not wear boots, but more or less sheats of leather that she bound comfortably around her foot, ankle, heel, and part of her shin. The garments she dressed herself in, made her movements near soundless - and she did not need to fear the heavy clop of boots upon the ground, nor the rustle of frabrics. She was the silence in the wind, the calm before the storm. If she was noticed it was because she wanted to be, unless the other was skilled or she made a mistake. She was not a magical being as some would consider - both her mother and her father had been human... but she was different. She did not burn. Her skin was unbearably resistant to fire. She could tolerate extreme heat, which was an anomily in many eyes. She would still burn after extreme and prolonged exposure to impossibly intense temperatures... but she was flame resistant, not proof.

That was her skill... that was what defined her from the others - plus the simple fact that her nature and peace of mind was more tempered and viscious than the docility of the generic human race. But it was of little matter.

Her dark crimson locks lay pulled back behind her shoulders, and her bow was strapped there as well. She did not appraoch the edge to see, but instead - like a whisper crawled off tot he side, where she began a slow and cautious decent. Towards the lower levels of the caves where she could better view the source of the voices. Her limbs bent and twisted with a suttle grace and limbility that was breath taking if seen. But what she did was like an art. And her skill lay not only in her archery... but in her stealth. No louder than the wind that chilled the springtime atmosphere, she tried to move down as silently as possible. Though she hated to admit the sound emitted by the small pebbles which her steps dislodged. Some made little noise, others seemed to thunder in her ears.

She wasn't feeling agressive this day, in fact she was feeling rather passive and was more or less curious as to the source of the voices that had suddenly entranced her from her slumber. One was male, the other female. A couple of relations? Part of her hoped not, and part of her was indifferent. Those that were in love were often very defensive about the life of their partners... and Peira wished not to intrude on anything... nor did she feel like causing ill intentions.

Finally after a seemingly endless decent, she found herself at the cave base, off to the side - behind the simple, yet desirable protecting of a jetison of rock. She stuck out against the grey, but unless this possible threat or friend could see through rock, she should be reasonably safe. Atleast here she need not see them, but she could hear their footsteps and their voices...

...follow, if you wish, me to just outside these cave walls. We will have more room to move and also have the pleasure of enjoying the tender heat of the early sun’s rays.

A moment breath the words were masculine - the man was talking... tension lining the air? Peira tried to reason a possible situation. Was this a bad place to be as of right now. She hoped to find out.

“Sir, I’m not sure if you realized this or not, but I’m from this land. I live under my great god of fire. Also…” another pause, “My name is Lunlie.”

A name? Lunlie. Peira would remember. Names were a source of power. If the opponent knew a name, that was one thing that they had over you. Peira felt this to be true... she'd never give her name again. She had given it once... and it had betrayed her heart. A name was like a key - useful to some, dangerous in the hands of others.

“Sir, I do believe you wanted to exit the cave?”

and then the conversation ceased. Each individual, both apparant and in hiding seemed to pause - the world failed to turn for this moment, and these next few seconds to come. As the two individuals conversed, possibly unknowing of the woman who crouched silently and faithfully behind the grey stone terrace. And then there was Peira... waiting and listening to a conversation she had not a clue. Curiousity had her... boredom had her. she had little else to do in this world. She pilfered when she needed to eat or survive. The time when she was not stealing was wasteful... for she was free to do as she would. The long bow still perched unthreatiningly upon her back, the quiver closed; unprepared for use. If they did discover her it would be ill choice to conceive her as a threat. For if she was... the bow would be drawn and the quiver open.</sup>

[lunlie]

“Sir, I do believe you wanted to exit the cave?”

The man seemed about to move when Lunlie heard something. It was so faint, so soft… it meant only one thing, another thief was here. This thief’s steps were near impossible to hear, but the pattern of the soft sound movements had to be a pair of two feet. And since there was no clicking they had to be wearing a very good material, or a material they knew would make no noise… and it would, unless you were another thief. Most thief’s fallow a certain group of rules, the thief rules, and these rules were not to be broken. This thief had done just a basic, and nothing more, for rule number one.

Rule 1: If another thief is working, or possibly working, make them aware of one’s presence, so as to not mess up there plan and have them caught.

This thief had walked, all that was necessary to give off their presence. But Lunlie didn’t think she walked to give off presence because she walked very quietly, it is normal to walk a little heavier to be noted because even then non-thieves couldn’t hear them. Lunlie got the feeling she didn’t know she was a thief, but then she hadn’t given off a lot of signs. It wasn’t important that she should since she wasn’t working but maybe the other thief was. Lunlie closed her eyes as to try to listen harder; this was one of the main things her father had taught her. The thief wasn’t moving, but the wind would tell her. The wind would naturally keep flowing unless interrupted by a body or object; Lunlie was listening for an interruption the size and shape of a being.
She might have not made a noise herself, but the wind gave her away. Lunlie opened her eyes and saw the man had walked up to her. She raised her hand to her mouth to signal to be quiet. He nodded as if understanding. This was a dance between thieves. Lunlie slowly moved to the opposite side of the cave the other thief was at, and started to move heavily in a slow dancing pattern, eventually drawing her sword. Her fast movements and her sword whipping through the air let off a soft ring into the air. This was called the dance of swords for any one who wasn’t a thief, because that is what it looked like, but to any other thief it was almost as it talking to one another. It was a thief code.

-I hear your presence in the wind. Are you working her and I am in the way? If you aren’t you should not be spying on another thief it is bad luck, but if I’m right you didn’t notice I was one I suggest let me know and I will leave this area. If you aren’t working either show yourself, or leave. I wish this man not to be harmed until I understand him more.-

She had delivered the message she wanted to give the thief. It was now up to them to choose weather to listen to her warning or not. If they choose to either Lunlie wouldn’t ever met them, or she would meet another thief besides her father and his crew. If they choose not to listen, there could be a fight about to start. Hopeful, if that was the case, this man would be a decent fighter. Lunlie walked back down to the man and grabbed him and pulled him into the cave, if the thief would attack them they would have to put themselves in front of the pair where they were an easy target. The man tapped Lunlie on the shoulder, he had no idea what was going on. She pulled out her sword and pointed out to the side of the cave. What ever thought went through his mind, Lunlie was pretty sure he got the picture. Now they’d have to wait


o.o.c.- Peira, I just used that rule for this post, if you would like to help finish and write the rest of the rules together, I would love your help. If you want to message me.

[Peira]

lunlie said:

“Sir, I do believe you wanted to exit the cave?”

The man seemed about to move when Lunlie heard something. It was so faint, so soft… it meant only one thing, another thief was here. This thief’s steps were near impossible to hear, but the pattern of the soft sound movements had to be a pair of two feet. And since there was no clicking they had to be wearing a very good material, or a material they knew would make no noise… and it would, unless you were another thief. Most thief’s fallow a certain group of rules, the thief rules, and these rules were not to be broken. This thief had done just a basic, and nothing more, for rule number one.

Rule 1: If another thief is working, or possibly working, make them aware of one’s presence, so as to not mess up there plan and have them caught.

This thief had walked, all that was necessary to give off their presence. But Lunlie didn’t think she walked to give off presence because she walked very quietly, it is normal to walk a little heavier to be noted because even then non-thieves couldn’t hear them. Lunlie got the feeling she didn’t know she was a thief, but then she hadn’t given off a lot of signs. It wasn’t important that she should since she wasn’t working but maybe the other thief was. Lunlie closed her eyes as to try to listen harder; this was one of the main things her father had taught her. The thief wasn’t moving, but the wind would tell her. The wind would naturally keep flowing unless interrupted by a body or object; Lunlie was listening for an interruption the size and shape of a being.
She might have not made a noise herself, but the wind gave her away. Lunlie opened her eyes and saw the man had walked up to her. She raised her hand to her mouth to signal to be quiet. He nodded as if understanding. This was a dance between thieves. Lunlie slowly moved to the opposite side of the cave the other thief was at, and started to move heavily in a slow dancing pattern, eventually drawing her sword. Her fast movements and her sword whipping through the air let off a soft ring into the air. This was called the dance of swords for any one who wasn’t a thief, because that is what it looked like, but to any other thief it was almost as it talking to one another. It was a thief code.

-I hear your presence in the wind. Are you working her and I am in the way? If you aren’t you should not be spying on another thief it is bad luck, but if I’m right you didn’t notice I was one I suggest let me know and I will leave this area. If you aren’t working either show yourself, or leave. I wish this man not to be harmed until I understand him more.-

She had delivered the message she wanted to give the thief. It was now up to them to choose weather to listen to her warning or not. If they choose to either Lunlie wouldn’t ever met them, or she would meet another thief besides her father and his crew. If they choose not to listen, there could be a fight about to start. Hopeful, if that was the case, this man would be a decent fighter. Lunlie walked back down to the man and grabbed him and pulled him into the cave, if the thief would attack them they would have to put themselves in front of the pair where they were an easy target. The man tapped Lunlie on the shoulder, he had no idea what was going on. She pulled out her sword and pointed out to the side of the cave. What ever thought went through his mind, Lunlie was pretty sure he got the picture. Now they’d have to wait


o.o.c.- Peira, I just used that rule for this post, if you would like to help finish and write the rest of the rules together, I would love your help. If you want to message me.

ooc: I do beleive that the points that I put in bold and underlined would be powerplaying. Also... Peira was hiding behind a rock, the wind wouldn't break against Peira anymore than it would the rock. But I'll still reply, even though I think u kindof 'cheated' in ur post. *shrug* sry blaze... I had muse pouring out of my ears, just couldn't wait, lol ;D



bic:

Suddenly there was sound. An undesired hush of the conversation signalled a possible discovery of herself. Why else would complete silence ensue. When the ring of a sword was drawn, at first she did not move - not sure if this was drawn towards her... or if it was between the two. However, as the sound of a flying sword rang through the air, it came towards her. This was a threat.

She knew no code, she had no act of chivalry... and she followed her own law. This 'dance' meant nothing to her, but a threat. And here she had been kind enough not to drop in with intent to cause harm. How dare they try to intimidate her. She knew she wasn't invicible, but the sound's carried to her ears signalled direction - movement and location. As the dance ensued - sometimes drawing close, sometimes slipping away, Peira dislodged her long bow, sliding it slowly and soundlessly to rest in front of her, her hands playing with the limber twine, and stroking the ebony shaft of the bow. Leather flap covering the quiver was flipped up with but a soft shuffle - but she drew the arrow not. Not yet.

Silence came again, and in that second she rose, pivoting around on one knee as the other swung around to perch in front of her, in one solid position her arm drew back as the bow came forward and into position. Her right hand gripping the arrow shaft, she felt its security and the feathered ridge... before the second ended the arrow was knocked and the bow was drawn - and with the soft fabricated twang of sinew. The arrow flew aimed so suddenly for the woman's chest... it was the woman. Part of Peira was amazed, but this did not stop her attack.

Her entire movement had taken the space of a moment, and the arrow now fled to drive itself into the woman's chest, now that she had ended her threatening guesture. Peira did not wait for the blow to land, but instead, as soon as the arrow was leased she leapt from her perch, falling to a level slightly below the first - her leather sole landing softly as she clambered about the mountainside, coming to stand beneath them for a moment... she slid herself into a crevice of the stone - catching her breath in soft deep strokes... so as to minimize the sound of intake.

she didn't know if the blow had landed, or if it had gone astray. She was just as much of a danger as any other theif. See there was a difference between those that stole. Theives hunted in solitary confinement, and followed what they wished. They listened to none, and followed no law excpet for that which they created. Bandits were different. Bandit lived in clans, or packs - troups as well. all meant the same. They pilfered in groups, using tactics and power of the masses. They were the ones with the code, with the rules that all members chose to follow. Peira wa no such. She was a solitary hunter, like the panther in the night. She slipped in here and there, unnoticed and like the wind - coming and taking what was needed.

She had come quietly, and come without threat. The woman had threatened her, with her throwing about her sword. Peira protected herself and sent her own message.

Be not foolish. I'm as reasonable a threat as you.

But there was no code for it. It was all in her actions, her attack. She'd never been a favorer of the defensive. She her defense was her offense. Attack and tactics. So for a moment, she caught her breath within the shallow crevice... However, she stayed there in only a minute amount of time. Slipping from that place, she again resumed her flight. She was not leaving. No - this woman had sparked a certain loathing emotion.

Peira was enraged. How dare this other challange her. This other woman, better realize, that she had made the first move. She had drawn her blade and made movement with it - in a warning and threatening way. Peira had thus reacted as any smart intentioner should.
The crimson headed archeress had retaliated to make it clear, that she was as formidable a foe as any... she was not to be trifled with. She could and would bite back.

Play with fire, you will get burned.

Even in her haste, as she slipped over the terrace beneath the cave entrance - she traversed to the opposite side, where one lone tree stood defiant against the slope. A few were riddled here and there, but this was near the largest and its roots sunk deep into the mountains, the knarled snakes soon offering firm grippage and footing for the misjudged Peira. She moved so quietly so soundlessly - her movement to difficult to calculate the exact placement she would appear. Unless one could see her, she was no louder or more evidant then the sudden wind that swept the mountainside and tugged at her curled locks, which held themselves behind her back. Two loose bangs curled, framing her face - the smooth copper skin radiant beneath the morning's glow... she was like water over the stone. Moving without sound, but with the grace and agility of a master. For she learned by experience, not by a teacher. A theif had a certain disregard for others... that made them a greater threat. For they lived for them, and themselves alone. Don't get me wrong, Peira was no mankiller. She didn't kill out of sport or need, the only time she did was when she had to, but in all honesty - if she had to... she couldn't care less who the obstructer was.

She had just been listening. They had disturbed her - and then they warned her away...? Not so fast, she wasn't an animal - just to be scared off by fancy handlement of a sword. Her arrows were for distance, thus at a distance she was the greater threat when pressed against the sword.

Reaching the tree she slipped up the trunk, using her upper body strength to pull herself up to one of the clearer limbs. Dried flaking leaves of auburn and burned brackish color concealed her form a minute amount, but she was not hiding. A fork in the limbs proved as her position, one higher than the other. She perched one of her legs upon it, while the other stepped down to the other. Keeping near the truck, these limbs did not bend and twist beneath her weight as the others and thiner boughs might. In this position she was also steadied in her upper body, her legs twisting and bending with the minute movement cause by her shifting weight. Her upper torso braced both against the wind and the fall; thus providing her with a sturdy and near perfect position of power. Rising up above the cave terrace level upon which man and woman had stood.

Her bow was locked within seconds and a second arrow was thrown into the knocked position. She had the power as of current, atleast she beleived she did. She was above their current level - with bow aimed and ready to lease. She did not intend to strike unless forced. She had no reason to kill them... she was defending herself with attack.

Her eyes did glance towards the woman, however.... curious to see if her retaliation had hit its mark. And if it did, she was also curious to see the extent of damage.

She was in plain view for them to see; her long dark red locks hung back, whilst her copper skin shown against the morning sun, buckskin hide covered her breasts and torso as well as her feet - this garment used mostly for stealth - it was one bound tight around her body... so as not to cause sound. She wanted them to see her, why hide when she origionally had not come or approached out of malintent, but out of mere curiousity. She had nothing to hide. Thus she stood poised, ready to fire... yet also just as willing to lower her weapon. Only reactions to come would depict a future outcome...

[lunlie]

o.o.c- sorry.... I'm new to this rp thing and I miss read your post...... I was typing as fast as I could because my dad was being a jerk I will fix it some how if you want me too. For give me.

Blaze- I'm sorry please for give me. I wont let it happen again.

[Peira]

ooc: I finished my post... we can now resume - but we must wait for Blaze now, lol XP

[Blaze]

ooc: I read your posts and I am just a bit confused… and ticked . Lunlie, I do not understand how you did that without knowing. Okay… sure you are new to RPing, but still… if you read the rules, you should be able to understand what you can and cannot do in this game concerning the other players. Fine… you don’t understand what power playing is… I will explain it to you. Power playing is when one user writes and plays as another user’s character. Peira, thank you for pointing those places out in the post, however I counted six power plays against me. Lunlie, please understand this offense better and try not to do it again.

Peira, thanks again for pointing that out and for considering my role in this thread. Guys, try not to leave me behind too far. I am usually quick to respond now, at least within a day. I understand how muse works in bursts, believe me, but try not to leave me totally in the dust. I must apologize for not getting on yesterday… I was not allowed due to the fact my family has one computer and everyone needed it last night including my brother for a last minute project… it plainly stinks.

Any way, I will post a little later. It is kind of a mess on my end… my character was misplayed… that is I could have and would have played him differently than Lunlie assumed. I must decide whether to back track or play on before I post. I create Kaji with a very complex personality I have not clearly explained yet – I like mysteries so I enjoy dropping hints instead of proclaiming. I just need to figure this out for myself.

Lunlie… don’t get mad at me and leave. Please, continue to play. It was not anything too serious. Just watch your writing and assumptions in future posts.

Peira, welcome to the site and welcome to this thread. Also, thank you for your message.

[lunlie]

o.o.c.- Blaze...... I'm not going to leave..... I deserved what you guys said and I'm really sorry, now that I reread it and all I see what you mean and I wont do it again..... I'm sorry again.... I still feel really bad now........ please forgive me? And Peira.... I also I like to apologies to you to...... I feel really bad for what I did, and I deserve anything you say.

[Peira]

ooc: no worries! It takes alot to really upset me... my character? Now that might be a different story, lol. i just have a bubbly OOC personality... so to say, lol ;D

[lunlie]

broken3 said:

ooc: no worries! It takes alot to really upset me... my character? Now that might be a different story, lol. i just have a bubbly OOC personality... so to say, lol ;D

o.o.c.- Yeah, I thought at first your character was seriously going to kill mine.... wouldn't blame'em...... yeah, I wanted to let you know the first post in this form, and my sample post were my first ever rp thingies..... (friend on this site said go here and join and that was about it)...... so I am tryin to figure this out...... when I read the rules I saw the power playing thing, but I didn't get it really, and I'm still working out the other like RP rules..... your post with the rock I miss read or my mind switched the words around with out me realizing it (still very sorry for that)...... Sooo I'm very grateful that you didn't say what I know you could of said....... yeah..... thanks.....


BLAZE-...... If you wish I will delete the post, no problem at all with me....... it doesn't deserve to be there if you wish it not to be......... please let me know if you want it deleted...... and I was wondering since you were nice enough to explain powerplaying.... may I ask what.... "god-moding" is?.........and i didn't do it with out knowing, what I meant was I didn't know that was power playing and we were not allowed to do it and now as it hits me common sense tells me it is not right to make a character not belonging to you do something......... it is wrong and I understand that fully, if you wish I understand if you dislike me or go to futher extents....... I'd prefer you don't because you are a really good RPer and you might help me out latter in the future for when I don't know what I can or can't do.............. thanks for reading and I understand what ever you choose to do.....

[Peira being lazy]

ooc: god-moding is when u act as if ur character never gets hurt, like always dodging - and always receiving minor injuries... and somehow escaping near impossible situation without getting hurt or scathed... basically acting as though nothing can hurt ur charry - and acting as if all powerful. ;D

sry - I was being lazy, thus I didn't log into my name, just posted instead.

I'm not mad, and I don't dislike u, lol - silly girl (if u are a girl in RL, lol)

See... me happy, lol. ;D i was just pointing it out, lol - ur good... lol - I think. hehe

now. I beleive its behind us so... lets get back to the scenerio - I think it's just best if we leave what happened as is... and Blaze, you can just disregard the powerplaying incident and react as u would have ur character react to each portion of the scenerior, right? That works for everyone, I hope...

So we now wait, for blaze, and we let the water pass beneath the bridge

[Blaze]

ooc: hey… don’t worry about all this… I am going to start off where you guys ended… well at least try to… I’m not entirely sure of what exactly happened considering all the confusion however I will try. I am sorry if I take something wrong in my following post but once I am caught up, I will be fine. It would seem you guys gave me a little more to consider than I had originally thought and I may miss some things.

bic:

Unknowing of what exactly was occurring around him, Kaji merely stood in the presence of the two warriors of stealth watching, calculating and waiting for any chance to understand the entire situation and perhaps even shift it to his own plans of action. He had believed, from what Lunlie had gestured earlier, the sword had meant to serve as some code. However, this unexpected visitor seemed to have taken it entirely in the opposite direction attacking her. Not waiting for the first arrow fired to hit its intended target and not wanting to endanger his sister in fire by assuming and/or overestimating her skills as a fighter, Colonel Hito stepped into the arrow’s projected path directed towards Lunlie after a swift movement to replace the orb back in his pack. In an instant, he lifted his right hand to the oncoming projectile. Without any effort in the least, the skilled fire mage raised a small circular shield approximately twelve inches in diameter about three inches from his hand. The arrow disappeared in a literal flash of light, incinerated by the heat of the controlled flame. This displayed power was but a mere fraction of the mage’s total strength; he did not intend to show more than needed information about himself and his powers. Kaji Hito had inflamed and extinguished a fire shield in a singular moment in time without much effort or change in composure. The second shield and hand were up was fleeting and only those with the keenest of eyes would have seen the action itself. In that ephemeral instant, the man of fire had stepped in the way of an arrow, raised a protective controlled shield, and again relaxed his arm at his side. Instantly afterwards, Kaji moved from Lunlie, away from the cave and towards a lone tree to the side. Trained in all sorts of martial arts and combat techniques, the toned soldier was able to follow most movements and if not, his qualified mind was able to formulate an educated guess as to an opponent’s general position. Due to the geography of the surrounding area, trees were the best place to be in a tense situation. Shelter from peering eyes, the perfect vantage point to get off a shot, trees were the most opportune place to be. Besides, the leaves in this area were not usually dense and did not provide adequate cover for complete secrecy.

Slowly yet confidently, the colonel made his way to the side of the nearby tree. Continuing to peer at the horizon before him with the risen sun at his back, Kaji’s face took on an unexpected tone. It lost its solemn expression which had persevered thus far to a much more optimistic appearance. His eyes sparkled as though he looked into a woman’s eyes – though he still gazed at the landscape – and he began to speak.

From what I have gathered from my friend near the cave entrance, the sword styling earlier exhibited were gestures of friendly communication and not of threat.

After saying this in a softer tone, Hito’s voice now assumed the volume of a military commander without the utterly strict discipline; he made it a point for this next statement to be heard with the clarity of mountain springs and hospitality of a cordial party host.

And so this whole conflict has been a complete and utter misunderstanding. I apologize for the rash behavior earlier ensued by the woman behind me and I suggest we put this all behind us and begin afresh.

Kaji understood he may have just insulted the woman near the cave yet he worried not. Skills and brains were some assets he possessed with great confidence and he believed he could handle most situations – that was if the woman did take his words in offense. If not, he was all the more lucky for he had found another female friend, this time outside the military. Kaji Hito considered himself very fortunate for he seemed very close to acquiring two skilled warriors for the good of the fire side – that is if they trust him enough to follow him to the city. He will find out soon once he asks… later.

His cloak blew in the breeze following the silence after his statements. Luckily, the fastenings kept it from revealing his own weapons of choice. His sword, sack and uniform remained hidden for the time being. He would eventually reveal his identity as Colonel Kaji Hito, fire mage of the military power of the fire alliance when the time suited his own purpose and ideas. One would think it be wise to leave any identifying object such as attire behind when trying to conceal any classification of person however Kaji wore the uniform out of a sense of duty and pride for his nation. Now he waited… waited for tension to again erupt… or for a start of alliance, friendship and maybe even… compassion.

ooc: sorry it took so long to write… I underestimated the complexity of the ensuing conflict between thieves… if you two would like to continue on that path of conflict… be my guest… I have heard our thread is getting pretty much attention for it… there seems to be a lack a conflict in the boards as of the moment… anyway, if you two want to continue a rivalry with each other and each start an alliance with Kaji… go ahead… it would make for some great plot twists and such things ;D .

[Peira]

ooc: lunlie I know its ur turn to post... but I can't help myself - I promise I won't do much, lol


bic:

<sup>She was confused. She sighted her arrow nowhere. Not in the woman's chest, not on the ground. Nowhere. This was unsettling to her, and she stiffened slightly. Now she was nervous, not only enraged at being so disturbed. But projectiles did not just dissapear upon any normal standards.

The man soon came near her perch, well more or less he was already there when she finished settling, and she looked down near him - redirecting the arrow shaft to pinpoint upon his form. Drawing back dangerously near leasing point. He seemed a little too confident that she would not shoot - or if she did that he would not be harmed. This worried her, and did not lessen her defenses, though her stable was starting to fragment. Her confidence melting as she began to wonder what exactly was what.

Unfortunately her mind was very bi-polar. Who she really was, was someone who had been locked a way nearly 5 years ago. Heartbreak would do that. Sinew stretched as she aimed her mark, but her arm did not laxz, nor her fingers release. She didn't want to shoot, but hell be bound - she would if she had to. And ever so slowly she was losing confidence in her own abilities to protect herself. This being cause by the sudden dissapeared of her last shot. and her unknowning in its fate. This gave the man and woman an upperhand that they may not know, but Peira knew well enough.

However, after a moment's silence after the man's words she still made no word to releive herself of the stress. Her eyes shifted over to the standing woman. A spark lit in her eyes, but it did not start the kindling flame, that had died down with the coming of her anxiety.

Finally however, she did stop... leting the arrow lax, and soon fall into her open palm, she returned it. And glared at the man beneath her - her eyes like vivid sparks - so vivid in their gray tint, outlined by black both around the pupil and iris. They stood out upon her face, contrasting with her dark red hair, and the copper skin that formed her complexion. She glared.

Begin afresh? If she forgot and put the past behind her, she would forget thus the little confrontation that had occured. And that was something that Peira found unwise to forget. Not to mention she was a solitary persona - and didn't mind having enemies and being alone. When she walked into a village or town, people saw her not for what she was, but for how she acted. Only one person had ever known the true Peira that lay buried under several years of decay and locked doors. Peira, the old, was dead. The young passive flower that had once been the construction of a fair and beautiful maiden, had shriveled and died, creating a mask she now wore to keep herself alive, to protect herself from both the emotional tears of life and the physical ones. She liked the life she had now, but she was a rebellious personality. She would not follow order easily, unless she had either two things.

A severe respect and trust for the leader : something that would not come easily, for nowadays it was so hard to give out ones trust to even the smallest of children.

Knowledge that something would benefit her : like a cat, she was independent and had now chosen a life that condoned the actions of self preservation and independence. She liked the freedom it offered, and the bounds by which she did not have to listen to any law, that she herself did not create for herself.


Ah the complexities of a human mind. Amusing. Her beautiies were in her body, in a suttle way. Her body and her movements - for even when fighting, she was an act of grace.</sup>

[lunlie]

Lunlie was shaken to the bone, that arrow, had it not been for the man, she would be dead. She had let her defenses down for a moment to long. Not only that, but this woman was by far a very well train fighter and worked very well with a bow, the one item Lunlie could never get even decent with, she was a close up fighter. Also, Lunlie was jealous of her skill during the day, Lunlie worked at night, she preferred the dark from all her training in the harsh sun. She was, to her point of view of what she had saw so far, opposite with this woman’s skill, which meant Lunlie was at her merci being in her element. IF this woman had not taken her dance as a threat, she would have enjoyed meeting this woman personally, but that wasn’t an option now. Then there was the man, he had saved her life… she owed him, if not a favor, friendship. Yes, she had to repay him some way some how, but not today. Things were to hot, she needed to disappear for the time being, or just pick a different form.

Softly speaking, “I’ll be back some time, and I’ll find you and repay you, but for now bye bye.”

Stepping further and further deep into the cave, Lunlie was covered in darkness. Once, in total darkness, she started to shift. Her body growing small within a few moments her transformation was complete. Now, still enveloped in darkness, she sat there, covered in deep red fur with black tips on her tail and ears. Her green eyes still shining out in her new form. Slowly walking back out of the cave, her new form gave off its shape. Short, only up to a normal person’s knee, with sharp claws and teeth, came out an amazingly beautiful fire fox. Looking over at the man once and searching out his eyes to give off a hint. Finally finding them, she gave off the last show of her human form, her green eyes. She then blinked and her eyes were red, the color of any natural fire fox’s eyes. Her identity was now hidden. She didn’t know what the other woman saw and she hoped nothing, but she would have to wait and find out.

Daring to walk into a danger zone, Lunlie walked over to the side of the man, hoping he didn’t get the wrong idea, she rubbed against his leg. –Let’s hope I can fix what I seriously messed up.-


o.o.c. - sorry for shortness, but it’s all I could think of at the moment.

[Blaze]

Sensing the unsettling confusion above him, Kaji looked up to find the woman on a branch near right above his head. He had known she had perched in this particular tree however he was not entirely how he had guessed so near to her exact position. Yes he had practice in the field however this time he did not calculate nor did he merely think. All he had done was instinctly move. Inside he wondered what had exactly happened. His body had just moved to protect the one woman and approach the next without thinking. Bodies did not do that one a normal basis, especially a soldier’s disciplined body trained for rational actions of thought. However, Kaji was not just some military dog without a will but a person. He made it a point to make sure his unit did not lose its spirit. Hence as he looked up to see the face that had threatened his life with an unseen weapon, his eyes true to a man’s nature found her. Again he thought himself blessed to have peered at a woman of the wilds… a beautiful woman again. So very lucky, he thought. His unwavering expression of calm confidence, which still had yet to be broken, finally gave way… again to a grin. He peered up at the woman and looked upon her with gentle eyes. Yet he did not find the same offered kindness. Colonel Hito saw the woman in the tree and her beauty… and he saw the danger in her eyes. A woman can be like a cat at times. One moment curled in your arms and the next using you as their personal scratching post. The colonel thought this over for a while however it did not deter him for his initial plans after he had found the women. He had dealt with the deadly glares of women past and had survived; he saw nothing different with these eyes above him. She was a rebel. The woman in the tree has shown the hardened soldier her fiery spirit and he has decided she would be a perfect addition to the forces of fire if she consented to join him.

The other woman as well would also be an excellent addition. Skills and talents can be honed and weapons refurbished he determined and if nothing works out, it is always nice to have another woman around for company. As Kaji Hito had daydreamed about having a nice shot of ale and these new girls for company once he returned to Fire Military headquarters, Lunlie broke in to speak. Her words pushed through his thoughts. He turned to take her in once again with her words however she had already returned to the cave’s black interior.

Upon hearing muffled footsteps leaving the cave, the fire mage parted lips to address Lunlie’s statement, however once he saw the form she had taken, he decided to skip the inquiry to the invitation back to the city of fire. He gazed into her green eyes and knew instantly who it was and what see wanted. The colonel had guessed the fox was Lunlie instantly after she had revealed her form. Yet knowing she wanted him to know gave him great pleasure. Perhaps there is a chance after all, he pondered. Lowering himself upon his left knee, Kaji tenderly stroked the fire fox’s back. He knew who it was and he knew she did not want the other woman to know. Jealous maybe. He cupped her face in his right hand and stroked her head with his left. Gently rubbing her ears, Colonel Hito began to speak. He had wanted to ask, “To where would you be heading?” However now he skipped right to the invitation back to his home and headquarters.

You need not leave our presence with such haste, my dear fox. Stay in our company and join me back to the City of Fire and my home there. I extend this invitation to you both.

He looked up to the tree once again to see the female human-like face crowned with crimson locks. He wanted to bring both women back to the city, in one piece. Kaji was glad he had prevented them from tearing each other apart. Rival clans and families were common in the secluded wilds and he hoped they did not belong to two opposing villages. These women would make great additions to the force and to his own company. Again he let a welcoming smile escape to appear on his face his confidence still dominant upon his face.

ooc: sorry it took so long... my computer is... mean ! anyway... here it is ;D!

[Peira]

<sup>Peira did not come down from her perch even as the woman spoke and dissapeared into the black caverns of the earth. Her mind still whirred with ill tidings and assumptions. For what else could she do? She couldn't take anything for certain anymore. Okay the moment to her seemed to progress as the following.

Sleep.
Disturbance in slumber, by sound.
Curiousity.
Discovery.
Threat.
Reaction.
Defense.
Approach by man.
Lowered defenses.
Listened.

Now what?

Peira honestly didn't know what to do about the situation. It had her completely bewildered and unsettled. Finally however, she saw a fox emerge. She didn't care about the woman's dissapearance, and though she might be suspicious, what really keyed her off was the fact that foxes did not just walk up to strangers and coddle their leg. That was the key that made her beleive... his reactions only solidifying her assumption.

The woman of threat had transfigured her body into that of a red hued canine breed. The reason seemed pointless to Peira for if she possessed such an ability she would save it for the moments when secrecy and sudden dissapearance would be an asset. Why give away ones secrets so quickly? It didn't seem logicaly to the odd human female.

Her gaze watched as man coddled the fox's russet colored coat, and her grey shaded eyes sparked with a certain amount of disgust. Especially when he offered his invitation. Why should she come with him, when his companion had - in Peira's eyes and mind- made threatening movements. So what if he had apologised for her... it only satisfied the hot tempered crimson haired she-lass beleif that they were companions.

She gave no forgiveness, for she'd heard no apology from the woman herself. And words were easily given, but if honest was behind them she could not be sure. Besides - what he said and what the other female thought in her own mind could be completely different.

Was the black haired, green-eyed woman apologizing? Possibly, but it was just as possible that she was not.

No matter, overall the sudden moment and the picture that Peira received was a little strange. And her lips thinned out as she opened them to speak. Her limber body seemed to float down to earth as she descended from her perch. Knees bending to catch the weight and impact of the fall. The height was not enormously tall and her lithe bodice slipped eloquently back into form.

"The invitation has its reason's does it not?" her words were truthfully spoken. and did not hold any hidden meaning that one might dechiphor. It would be out of their own ignorance if they deciphered a thus meaning:

As if to say I'm willing to come, just tell me the reason for the invitation.

This was not her guesture, but instead resembled a thought more or less...

What reason prompts you to invite myself to your abode, I will not come. Though I still wish to know.

Perhaps once she did know she might consider his offer. But to be honest she saw no real reason for her to leave her life and the life she had chosen, one of the wild and of the wandering road - for the confinement of stone walls. Sure it would be something knew...

... and she could scope out some new materials. Perhaps there would be something worth having at the city above ground. Maybe she would come, but not for reasons he might like to beleive.

The spring-light bounced through her curls and gave off a reddish glare upon her highlights. The dark crimson hair seeming almost a mohaghany brown in the harshing light that seemed to grow brighter with the passing moments.

Even after her words her eyes flickered down to the image of the fox. Still disgusted at the imagery. Perhaps they were a coupled pair...

... they acted like one.</sup>

[lunlie]

Lunlie had been rubbing against the man’s leg, when he had started to stroke her fur. It gave her a chained effect. Never had she had a being, human or not, comfort her and here this man was. At first she started to hum to the feeling, it was weird. It felt great having her soft fur run along, but there was a thought that ran through her head.

“Lunlie why don’t you take a break.” This tall man with black hair and blue eyes said. Lunlie had been incredibly tired from training today; it had been all strength training. “Yes, that’d be nice.” She left and went to rest her poor shaped body, seeing she was only 12 she could only take so much. She walked back to her sleeping area and laid down. –Ah, so nice. Finally I get a break I almost thought he wouldn’t ever give me one. - Her head finding a comfortable spot in her straw cushion, she drifted off to sleep. When night came she woke up and saw the man cooking dinner. It was the best food she had ever had in her life. After they ate she sat back and turned into her fox-self and curled up into a bowl. The man came over and started to pet her. –That feels so nice. - “Do you like the way that feels.” She nodded her head in response. “Well, don’t get used to it.” –What? - The man had grabbed her by the throat and started to choke her. She couldn’t breath. “What you just got today was comfort and pity, but you’ll never have it again for many reasons. One, if some one gives you either you are getting to close to some one. Two, if they do then they are trying to deceive you and I will train you better then that, no one will ever deceive you. And you should never let some one touch you, it’s letting you trust some one, and you should NEVER let that happen.” He let her go; tears were dropping from her eyes. “Now come back to your main form and let get out training again, you need to work off the food I just gave you.” With that she turned back and looked him in the eyes. “Why are you doing this? Why father?” and the next few words hunt her. “Because you’ll live your life the way I want, the way of a thief, and be my thief under me.”

Lunlie’s mind jolted at that thought. She never let off any signs of her awareness to her memory, but she knew she had to get back to what her father had taught her. He was right, at lest to everything she had been taught. She would become more careful at what she did. She would stop giving off her info, and become more of a secret, they had yet to see her skill in the night, and she would make sure they didn’t.

You need not leave our presence with such haste, my dear fox. Stay in our company and join me back to the City of Fire and my home there. I extend this invitation to you both.

He had invited her, but why? Her mind ran through all the reasons she could think of through her head. Then the other woman came down and Lunlie had a good look at her. This woman looked strong and very capable to do what ever she did.

"The invitation has its reason's does it not?"

Yes, a good question. Lunlie looked up to the man to hear and see his expression when he answered. But her mind had one other question yet. –This woman, she didn’t respond to my dance, she must know another method or even law to thieves. I wonder if I was taught wrong. No, not possible, my father was an expert, a master even. Any one who new his signature, the mark of our family, would be able to see that. I carried that same mark on my back. But then how do I explain this woman? What ever the explanation, I must get to know her some how, even if I have to suck up and do things or something. I need answers, answers that could maybe clear up what my father did and explain why something doesn’t seem right. What will I be forced to do to get the chance to speak to her?-

All the thoughts running through her head statred to really mees with her, but one thing was definit. Yes, Lunlie wanted badly to talk to this woman, but she also wanted to figure this man out. Hopefully they will stay close and she’ll get what she wanted. Hopefully, she’d figure out a way to talk to this woman, with out seeming like a naïve child or questioner, and still figure out what this man really wanted. And then she even had to keep what was left of her secret. Her mind went off into calculating plans; she had to think of one quickly. And then an idea clicked, it was up to them now for it to fall into place.

o.o.c.- sorry it took so long... homework, writers block...... my dad... lol....

[Blaze]

A reason? Of course a reason. What sort of sane person would not ask a strange being for a reason behind a random invitation?

As Colonel Kaji Hito pondered about an exact reason behind his request, he stood to address the women properly. A breeze played at his cloak however failed to reveal his weapon. He closed his eyes for a moment to think, to breath, to put his words together as to not give them a wrong impression. Manipulating his cloak to reveal the small sack lieing on his right hip as well as a part of his black military uniform and issued gold chain, Kaji searched through his sack for some jerky. The colonel pulled out a chunk of smoked meat carefully wrapped in a thin piece of leather. He opened the pack to retrieve a slice of dark red-brown meat and rewrapped and replaced it back into his sack. Kaji had accomplished all this without lifting the left draping of his cloak. With the meat in his right hand, he gestured, offering a piece to both women. The sun had already risen and breakfast time is some so stomachs may be pleading for a bite. Looking upon their figures he finally decided to answer their question.

Oh yes, of course… your reason. After all, no sane being would not want a reason behind an invitation from a new acquaintance. And so here it is. Both you women deserve this. I asked you both back to the city for a couple small reasons. For one thing, both you beautiful women do not deserve to be alone out in the wilds, not that you two are not strong enough for it I am sure. Also you would be great company for myself during my brief travel back to the city. Finally, Lunlie, your entrance into the city’s surrounding area has set off an alert in my headquarters, hence the original reason I came. We needed to check in case of a threat and I had elected to investigate on my own. Anyway, the people back at base will be wondering what took me so long. They would want to meet their allies in fire, would they not?

He raised his eyebrows and shoulders in a nonchalant way closing his orange colored eyes briefly, turning his palms up and smiled. Opening his eyes, he addressed both of them silently hoping they trusted his reasoning and suspected no foul play from the experienced colonel. He also hoped he was correct in saying ‘allies in fire’. Kaji smiled, his confidence and gentile decorum unwavering.

ooc: sorry again for the wait... computer is still slowly dieing... or hopefully recovering... what ever it's doing .

[Peira]

<sup>Grey, silver eyes took upon themselves little change, and her perspective on this whole scenerio did not narrow nor broaden. She had her sites pinpointed in this moment, on this point and time when nothing should startle her. She would not be distracted.

The food was offered, but she had little taste for it. She didn't take things from strangers, as childish as it may seem the concept of the idea was a good one and she stuck by what she beleived. She didn't bend to any will but her own, and his words formed a sort of lustful first impression. Women were like venomous snakes, but men were just as deadly in a world of love, where the cards held so many different series that one could never be certain of what their opponent held. Ever since Peria heart had been betrayed she had felt she had lost all her securities and any foundations she had had amongst her people. She didn't trust many, and didn't really offer herself up to trust. And in this sudden knew moment she felt her confidence arising and her pride seemed to penetrate her fear of this other man's cool form.

"If they want to meet their allies they can come to me. And I am not of two women, I am of one." she referred to his referance of "both women". she was not to be correlated with a plural, but infact as a singular. He knew the other woman's name, Lunlie, let him call her by that, while he remained to view Peira as an individual, not as a woman of some group. Though he would not get her name, no Peira would remain unknown; she felt it at this moment to be in her best interest. Her speech was sharp and her tone was defient like the wild fires that ravaged the woodlands of this area. The timidness of the shy maiden within her receded again as the confidence returned; taking its firm foundation in her bi-polar mind. She felt she was being reasonably good today, no sudden confusion. No sudden change of mood. Today was a good day she decided.

Moving her arm she slipped the bow over her shoulder and slipped it into a skilled position between her back and the quiver, making it cross over her shoulderblades in a diagonal fashion, whilst it hooked itself in a secure place. This movement was made in one fluid motion that was well practice after a few good years of need. She didn't bother anymore to unstring the bow for its use was often needed in the most inopportune moments, and she just didn't have the time to string it most of the time.

Once it was up upon her back, she settled herself and crossed her arms over her chests, the copper toned skin shimmered with a natural glow as she cocked her apparent hips in a defient and stubborn posture, tossing a sarcastic and rather false smile. She was not to be taken wrong, she wasn't trying to be difficult just to be difficult. She was being difficult because it was in her nature and her standards were high when it came to who she did and did not give out her trust to. He must understand; she wasn't playing hard to get, she was hard to get.</sup>

[lunlie]

Lunlie had been watching this woman as she conversed with the guy. She hoped she would stick with them, but if she didn't it was her choice. As of the moment Lunlie had decided not to say anything and just follow the man around. She had decided the best way to hold onto her secrets now would to be to just remain silent about the whole thing. She had decided no matter where this guy went she would follow. This should help her learn a little more about the guy.

Oh yes, of course… your reason. After all, no sane being would not want a reason behind an invitation from a new acquaintance. And so here it is. Both you women deserve this. I asked you both back to the city for a couple small reasons. For one thing, both you beautiful women do not deserve to be alone out in the wilds, not that you two are not strong enough for it I am sure. Also you would be great company for myself during my brief travel back to the city. Finally, Lunlie, your entrance into the city’s surrounding area has set off an alert in my headquarters, hence the original reason I came. We needed to check in case of a threat and I had elected to investigate on my own. Anyway, the people back at base will be wondering what took me so long. They would want to meet their allies in fire, would they not?

-I can't make it on my own? Who is he to judge my abilities so quickly? And his head quarter's? He must work for some one or a big business.- He had just let her know he had some significance in this area.- Her head was spinning. -Well, the only thing I can do is follow and hope to figure who he is exactly.- She wrapped herself around his body and sat down. She would jump up and follow when ever he decided to go. Lunlie's head popped in the air though when she smelled food. She hadn't eaten in a long time. She sniffed to find out where it was coming from and found it in the man's hand. She sniffed it a little longer to see if anything was wrong with it. After finding it acceptable she bit into it and pulled it to the ground to munch on it. -FOOD! If he going to be nice like this I'm glad I'm going to be following him.- She sat there silently chewing on the food, then looked up to the woman. -Why sis she refuse it? Did she feel like it was bad or something? Nothing seems wrong.- This woman was proving to be quiet abnormal to her. -But maybe she has just cause.- Lunlie was getting curious, and that never ended up being good.

o.o.c.- Hey guys.... I might not be on for some time, or if I am it will be short periods, so if I don't post and you want the story line to move on just know I'll be following Blaze's character every where and remaining in my fox form.... thanks.....

[Blaze]

Backing off a bit as to give the woman more personal space, Kaji attempted to again find the kind conversation he believed they had had. He tried to apologize for his impudence in his gestures and movements away from her body suggesting a mutual trust and respect for boundaries that are not to be passed. This woman of no name was very different from Lunlie and perhaps even opposite. Lunlie had at least responded in a positive manner towards his earlier actions while she, the woman Kaji still had no name for, confidently proclaimed her independence and strength.

In addition, the fox girl’s liking to the jerky also startled the colonel. It was only a slight flinch at the unexpected disappearance of his meat which showed in his movements. He had expected at least a warning as to whether or not the jerky would be received – perhaps a pawing at his leg or a nod of grateful reception. Oh well. She seemed to be happy with the strip of meat and it was another possible ally at his side.

However it was not the fox at his feet who had the soldier’s attention. It was the woman before him. Her independent attitude intrigued Kaji Hito. He enjoyed the thought of a challenge and hope that once he gained her trust, then maybe their alliance would be even stronger because of the rough initial feelings. With this thought in mind he began to explain himself which was taken as a derogatory statement.

Forgive me, milady. I did not mean to belittle your self-reliance nor am I forcing you to follow me back to the city. Yes, my friends should come to meet you themselves, however as of this moment, I do not think they have an exact idea as to who you are and why I am taking such time to return. Now please, I wish to have your answer. Do you forgive me for my earlier presented impudence? I merely ask an answer of you for this simple question and I will be off once given.

Adjusting his cloak, Colonel Hito shifted weight and turned his body to an angle which faced neither towards the woman nor the city. His plain dark cloak blew in the breeze and yet it still failed to give any hint as to what lay hidden underneath the cloth. While waiting for the answer he seeks, another thought crossed his mind. He turned his head allowing his hair to ripple with the waft putting his focus back upon the crimson-crowned female’s face.

By the way, my dear lady of the wilds, I do not believe I have caught your name. May I hear it?

He asked with an angelic spin to his low-toned voice and introduced an innocent appearance into his orange-golden eyes.

[Peira]

<sup>Peira listened to his words again at her reply... and watched as the fox snatched the meat. She rolled her eyes as the furred canine interwove herself into the man's legs before lying down. Flattery did not suit the fire tempered young woman, but the soudn of his voice held a certain apologetic tone. She wasn't swayed... but... "milady" did touch her some. She'd been called it before, but that had been a long time ago. .::damn him::. the passing image of brown locks and kind eyes upon a handsome face flitted within her head. But it was contorted now, a hateful mass of rage and anger, that lashed out at her mind. Fingers rose absentmindedly and rubbed skin upon her cheak that had once been raw and tender. The imagery within her mind bring up the old past. However, she cast it aside and refocused back on him. But she couldn't look at him, so... before he could catch her emotional falter, she turned from him... as if to appear thinking. Considering his proposal and forming her next words. The submissiveness of her other self was there in her eyes... and she would not let him see it. She was not submissive. She was not to be overwhelmed. She was Peira!

With this thought she settled herself, her confidence grew again, but as it grew the words fled from her speech, "There's nothing to forgive. I will come..." Her confidence regained itself, "But... I follow none... merely accompany."

the first portion of her speech had been soft... a little unsure, but the confidence fixed the tone and again she was Peira. Thus turning back to him, her eyes flared... clear, cool, and as indepenent as before. A smirk crossed her features.

Milady was a term that had sparked the emotion. As a theif, she had not heard such soft tones from a man's mouth in some time. Diragatory and belittling words were usually how she was adressed. It was a nice change, and thus she had nothing better to do... she was willing to come. She would test and see how much worth might be found in a jaunt in this man's direction. As for the name... names were a wage of power. Power was something she needed to keep. It was her sanity... life was her sanity. If he gave him hers....

"Give me yours, and I shall give you mine..." she said with a sarcastic and slightly flirtatious glare. Though it was more like a lustful stare, played out purposefully in gest... was there meaning behind the look? No. But she was again Peira and the crimson haired, silver eyed, was an unpredictable mask of confidence, strength, and independence. Like a cat... she was willing to cooperate, but she would never be ruled. Too wild she was...</sup>

[Blaze]

As the woman turned from him, Kaji attempted to angle himself to be able to see the woman’s face. He reached out to touch her shoulder but did not. Kaji stood ready to comfort her however he did not move so. She spoke once again apparently finished regaining control. He smiled at her acceptance of his invitation and then smirked at the declaration, “I follow none.”

Of course, my dear lady. I can see you are strong and independent and hope you know my invitation does not ask you to give up those qualities. In addition, I thank you for your kindness however I felt my apology was required. But I am glad you agree to come… I mean accompany me back to the city.

For some reason he enjoyed the conversation between mage and woman. She continued, “Give me yours, and I shall give you mine…” Listening to her reply to his request of her name, he thought, It would seem you are the gaming type. Fine, I will play your game and we will see who wins. I believe this relationship between us will be fun.

He smirked again returning her flirtatious look back at her. However, he remained collected with tender eyes. Kaji Hito found himself enjoying her fiery spirit. He could not help but chuckle. After sighing, he carefully freed his feet from the fox around them. He walked past the woman towards the city. His red-black hair glistened in the sunlight which by now was pretty well set on its path in the sky. Kaji turned to once again take the woman’s full figure into view and smiled playfully but still like a friend.

Very well then… you may call me Kaji. Now if I may… your name, please? I ask that you do not allow me to suffer in suspense any longer, fair maiden.

He spoke in a tender, relaxed yet fun tone and extended his hand in friendship and trust. Kaji smiled; his orange eyes reflected kindness as well as the warmth of the sun. his cloak flowed in the soft spring breeze still revealing nothing. The young fire mage felt a certain level of relaxed sensation overtake the atmosphere. He absolutely liked it since he had not felt it in some time. His pulse was regular, his breathing slow and calm, and his eyes remained cool with faith in goodness.

[lunlie]

Lunlie had been sitting back listening to the conversation going between the two people. She seemed to notice the man was more intersted in the other woman. Seeing as he seems to be preoccupied, so I hope he doesn't mind if I slip out of here for a little. I'll come and repay him some how, but at a later date. I just have to wait for a name so I'll be able to find him again later.-

Very well then… you may call me Kaji. Now if I may… your name, please? I ask that you do not allow me to suffer in suspense any longer, fair maiden.

So he calls himself Kaji. Well at another day, when I meet him again, or he searchs me out, I'll repay him.With that Lunlie slowly stepped away, unnoticed. She would hold up her word. If he needed help ever, all he had to do was look her up. With that Lunlie picked up speed and ran off toward the an area of dark smoke with out noticing, she just ran. Know time to further investigate.....

o.o.c.- sorry it is short, but it was just to clear up the confusion and all..... also, blaze, if you ever want the favor from Lunlie pm me with it and I'll some how arange bumping into you...lol.....

[Peira]

<sup>".... But I am glad you agree to come… I mean accompany me back to the city."

Was there a hint of mockery in that last sentence, or did he honestly forget his words? Her eyes grew clouded with suspicion, and a dislike for the mock tone.... but as she searched his face, she just couldn't be sure of the true emotion lodged within the words, so she discarded it. And turned her gaze away. Suddenly she noticed that he did not seem quite as far away as she had first assumed. He was within an arm's distance and she angled herself away from him, ever so slightly - the motion looking as normal as breathing; and even near appeared as if it a movement that one would be surprised if she did not take. However, though it appeared there was little meaning to the motion, there was lots of meaning behind it. She didn't like being so close, she just didn't trust him enough. Though perhaps to be fair, it wasn't that she didn't trust him, she didn't trust the man. And it wasn't that she had been abused -- well perhaps that was a little of it, but not the point. She was afraid for her heart. She feared being close, because hormones sometimes got in the way of logical and touch was a stimulant - as great as any. She didn't want to be tempted in anyway... her heart already lay shrivelling and dying upon the surface of her flesh - unable to escape back into the sanctuary of her chest. For it had been given, and then suddenly thrown back upon her. As before, there was no wound for it to re-enter. Thus she created a mask and left her heart to shrivel and die beneath the hand of cruel lust. The bruises had once been there, the adultry had followed, that had opened the wound slightly... but sometimes she still felt that her heart was with that man that had taken her with love and then slaughtered her with cruelty. She had grown tiresome to him... and she'd now begun to wonder if all men were so cold - warm to start until they got tired of you and sought another. She shook her head, there she went again...

She brought her hands up to her face, and rubbed the weary skin, in her mindset the motion was like placing the mask more securely upon her face. And when they lowered again there was a weariness in her eyes that seemed Neither the bandit nor the women. It was the between - the place of transition where she was unsure. She just needed sleep was all... a time to collect herself.

Replacing the face of an outlaw she fixed the coy smirk and sarcastic smile upon her face -- answering his last question. "It is called Peira."

Why did she not refer to herself? It? was there some meaning, a symbol perhaps in her choice of words? She let it pass, the reasonings for what she did sometimes were beyond even her.</sup>

[Blaze]

He was so energized with anticipation of hearing her name; he did not notice either how close he had come to her – he felt as if she was miles away from him but intended to change that. Kaji wanted her to feel comfortable around him and thus far she seemed so distant, so caught up in past memories to even know of his presence in the area. He sincerely wanted to change that for her. She seemed much more complicated than other women, more independence, more distant, harder to let give trust and he found that quality of hers intriguing. The fire mage was honestly so into the prospect of hearing her name that when she moved slightly and naturally away from him, he nearly fell over from the change in positions.

Finally, Kaji Hito heard it, her name – Peira. But, he also heard something else… ‘it’. Why in the world would anyone refer to herself as ‘it’? He needed to clarify the reason. Kaji wanted her to trust him… if not enough to be a… a… he interrupted his own thoughts. He did not want to hurt her and if those thoughts took control, the threat of hurting her emotionally was imminent. … then I want her to trust me enough to talk to me like an authentic and true friend.

Peira. He pondered the name for a moment. It is an exquisite name. I like it. It is so… so full of fire… so… so full of life. Kaji had trouble picking his words. For some reason this was difficult. It is in my opinion it corresponds well with your spirit… at least the spirit with which I have encountered thus far. However, I do have another question concerning your answer to my previous question of your name. What would possess any creature to refer to themselves as ‘it’, especially such a beautiful creature such as yourself who in no way comes close to matching the definition of ‘it’? Here. Why do we not walk and talk at the same time? When we get back to the city we can dine on anything you have your heart set upon and if you desire, a bath may be drawn for you to relax in. My dear, you seem quite tired, perhaps exhausted. Once we enter the city, you can indulge in the pleasures of city women if you so desire and I can help make your wishes come true and introduce you to the key people of the city.

He took the horizon in with a wave of his hand and beamed. The commander wanted to make her comfortable and wanted her to feel important. Kaji Hito was very excited about her accompanying him back to the city of fire. His smile was wide and genuine and expressed the enthusiasm of a boy again. It was rare for him to become this out-right eager. With a bit of a bounce to his step, he embarked on his journey home kind of walking half backwards. He was very glad it would not make a lonely trek home anymore. Kaji turned and watched her…