caves of Lunlie's childhood

[Peira]

<sup>She looked at him and sighed. She was growing more comfortable with the minute, but when the fox left she felt a mild form of terror try to consume her. She was alone with him. She didn't know him.... she didn't know him... SHE DIDN'T KNOW HIM!!

Fear lurched through her stomach, and made eyes cloud for a moment as she regained herself. Depression caused bi-police, and even physical damage. Though she had to fall into the chaos of it, on occasion she felt herself claustrophic. As if the world was coming in to close. She needed space, open space. Pushing the sudden adrenaline down, her heart rate quickened for a moment before she relaxed. His calm soothing words, helped a little... he could be trusted for now. She was just a little wary around men, and feared their kind words. She didn't want to be hurt again, either physically and emotionally. She'd rather her heart shrivel and die from lack of, then the containment of false lust. It was a paranoia wrought by one man's mistake -- one man's misuse of herself and her body. It was a memory that stood out as a scar and would for eternity. Perhaps one day she would find someone to heal and cover the scar.... but the fact that this man might be near, did not even cross her mind.

Slipping back into a state of comfortable sanction, she didn't argue nor retort... She wanted rest... she felt she was slowly falling apart - and the last thing she wanted to do was shatter the image and mask that she had prepared for herself over all these years. She took a deep breath and turned to him, as he asked about the "it" referance. Her mind worked fervently to come up with an explaination and by the time he had finished with his flattery she had an excuse made in mind.

As he began to walk, she waited - only starting to follow when the distance between them was fair. She felt as if she was in a weakened state, and didn't want to be taken advantage of. She didn't trust anyone... not after....

She tossed it aside, and did not allow herself to even touch upon the old wound. The last thing she needed was for it to reopen and begin to bleed. She knew of the divided personalities and it was something that she accepted, which made her sane; though some did try to argue. She just needed to recoup a bit - and she would allow the limits of the Kaji's hospitality to be tested. Though she was a rebellion, she did respect the stronger power. And that arrow... the fact that she still had not figured out what had happened to it, still disturbed her. She gave a mental shrug, and finally addressed him as she too started walking behind him, off to the side. She was willing to trust him; hopefully he would not betray her willingness. Strengthening herself for the millienth time she again became reasonably sturdy. However, her fire would not be replenished until sleep was aquired. Since it had so rudely been disturbed. There was definate sarcasm in the tone of thought, and was only partially serious.

"I was referring to the name. 'it' as in the name." There was no tone within her voice that would indicate the words were a lie. But in all truth, it was hardly a lie. She didn't know what she had meant by the "it" in all possibilities she could have been referring to the possession of the name itself. She smiled weakly, the fire slowly dying from her eyes -- the sharp clear silver of the eye turning grey, dullish, and glassy. Hardly noticable, but anyone could see the decrease in spirit. Though the reason's were not directly placed upon her face, she was but a complicated woman of mind. Even she did not completely understand herself, and her mind was like a puzzle that she still had to fit completely together -- many of the peices still scattered about, mixed with the dust and blood. The complexity of an untold past; no one knew but herself... her and the man who killed her.</sup>

[Blaze]

Fire Lord Kaji Hito continued his trek to the city surprisingly with a smile on his usually serious face. This change was due to his company’s choice to follow. The fire fox woman had decided on her own accord to leave them and he knew he would meet her again; he could find her. He was pleased the other woman, Peira, had decided to come of her own free will. He would not have forced either to follow however the fact Peira had come had delighted the hardened mage. There was something about her, something just different; there was a fire to her. The fire though now seemed weakened to Kaji. Still facing forward, he tilted his ear to the woman a distant behind him in order to hear her reply better. Then he addressed her after she finished.

Oh yes. How silly of me. Forgive me but I had only asked because it had seemed to me you were questioning something. Also, you do know you can trust me? I do not harbor any devious thoughts, plans, or false pretenses for you.

Kaji referred to the distant she had purposely put between them. He cocked his head back and smiled at her this time closing his orange eyes trying to convey an innocent vibe to the woman behind him. Kaji slowed down to allow her to come closer… or at least he tried to bring her closer through indirect means. He wanted to walk with her not in front of her. As he opened his eyes again, his body turned straight. His eyes sparkled and his hair waved with the wind along with his plain cloak. He continued to stride with the confidence of a leader and then a notion of concern crossed his mind. Kaji ceased in his tracks and turned to ask Peira a question in proper manners of gentlemen.

Are you alright? You seem exhausted. Do you need any assistance? Any at all? if you require, my shoulder is available or I can carry you to the city. I promise all you need will be supplied once we arrive. A bath, a bed, anything. Merely ask. I promise.

Kaji sighed; genuine apprehension filled his eyes. He watched her and wondered… Why does she seem so sad… so distant… so… so reluctant to trust me? What has happened to her? What treachery has the past committed to this beautiful creature of grace? His lips parted but he did not speak.

[Peira]

<sup>Peira watched him walk ahead of her for a few paces, she kept a reasonable silence. She just was finding that ever so slowly her fire was dying and she didn't understand why. It was if she was being held underwater... but by what? Was it something he had said, was it something he had done? What the hell was causing her to fall apart like this? It was frustrating in all honesty and for a couple of moments she didn't hear anything that he was saying. She felt numb on occasion, at certain moments, as if the whole world would fall out of focus, and then just as suddenly sharpen to a crystal clear image. However, though she missed much of what he had been saying, she did catch a few words : "Are you alright? You seem exhausted. Do you need any assistance? Any at all? if you require, my shoulder is available or I can carry you to the city. I promise all you need will be supplied once we arrive. A bath, a bed, anything. Merely ask. I promise."

No.

Those words instilled a small fury, which helped her foundation steady itself. The life and the fire returned to her dull grey eyes and they became sharp and intense, a vivid fire of silver, blending with the copper tones of her skin and the blood like lust of her hair. "I need no assistance. I can care for myself." she retorted a little harsher than necessary. She understood that though he appeared calm, as if not caring how many times she bashed and battered at his pride, she knew it was possible that underneath that cool complexion he could be phuming. But she didn't know for certain, and she would take the risk of angering him. If she pushed him over the limits of his patience, it would be her victory. And if he murdered her for it... she would rise within a better world than this. Death was not the end, but instead, it is a new beginning. However as much of a lover of death this might make her seem, she was quite content to keep living. Indeed this was the case.

But no matter, she tossed it aside. Her body though still weary, did not hold the drag it once had. Whether Kaji knew it or not, he had released the burden that was making her eyes glaze and walk stagger. But he'd released it by shaming her independence. Though she held it not against him, men always seemed to think that by offering a woman kindness that she would fall into their laps like dogs; faithful loyal pets. She was know such woman. If she wanted to sit within his lap it would be because it was benefit to her; just as a cat will endure the company of a human's lap, because the warm outbests the cold.

She quickened her pace and closed the gap between them slightly. However, she made no sound... and was even tempted to catch up and pass him, to walk ahead... as if to prove her point. However, she knew that...

... she didn't know the way.</sup>

[Blaze]

Kaji Hito listened and then realized exactly what he had done to bring about the harsh retort from her voice – he had insulted her self-reliance once again. He did not mean to treat her like a frail flower or a fragile heirloom nor did he mean to treat her as a precious rare jewel fashioned in the finest style of the fire nation. Unfortunately, it was his nature and personality which had brought out this behavior he had around women and regrettably it did not seem to be helping his cause with the fiery Peira; he just could not control his mouth and approach towards all women. The strong fire mage still young in his years decided to try – at least to give himself a better shot at her allegiance.

Very well. We will continue onto the city and I will try to hold my tongue to prevent myself from insulting you further.

Finally shutting his mouth, Kaji turned back on route towards the main city in the region of fire. Since he had seen the fire return to Peira’s spirit, his stride became more full of pride and his speed increased slightly. One may assume he was anxious to return home. However, this was not the cause for his change in step. Yes, the woman had regained her strength through unknown means, but the not yet revealed Lord of Fire had felt some sensation something has been misplaced between the realms. He felt it was waiting for him back at his headquarters and he wanted to deal with it as soon as possible. A mutiny… or perhaps a slaughter… or maybe some catastrophic cataclysm has fallen upon my nation. With his minor swell in pace, the cloak followed behind; it revealed the entirety of his boots as well as a good portion of his pants along with the gold chain fastened near his hip, which hung freely to meet back with his pocket. He slowed as he approached the entry to the city.

The gates rose high above their heads. These however were only the gates at the bottom of the mountain; this was not the end of his journey to the military bastion. His passage would end at the middle level where most thrived. Kaji’s personal quarters were also on the third level. There were four levels to the city within the mountain – only three of which were visible from the outside. The fourth and lowest echelon was to be found under the earth where the heat from the magma below affected the most. Lord of Fire Hito halted at the second level gates and once more turned to address the maiden behind him. With one swift twist of his right arm, Kaji Hito removed his cloak to reveal the decorated military uniform of a commander. The main material of the uniform was black, fire-proof fabric; the rest of the raiment consisted of gold and red chains, ropes and buttons. Full length pants cover his black well-polished boots and long sleeves cover the extent of his arms while his hands remain bare for the easy handling of fire magics. His jacket flowed down to just about mid-thigh in the back while the front stops at his waist.

Milady, I believe before we continue you must know who you are dealing with directly. I am the Lord of Fire Kaji Hito and I just wanted you to know in case certain events unusual occur upon entering the city.

The Lord of Fire waited for a response and then he moved into the city in silence ready for what lingered inside.

ooc: Once you finish up here... if you still want Peira to stay with Kaji, then meet me in the city where Disaster started. It's good to have off, I can keep up. ;D

[Peira]

ooc: that's okay, Peira's personality would not be to follow him anyway. She'd rather wander about and stay in one of the inns, than in his personal chambers. I'll let him deal with Ivalia/the disaster, by himself, lol. ;D

<sup>Peira shook her head when his own gaze redirected itself forward and away from her. She would not allow him to see the accepting smile that creased her face slightly. He didn't know when to stop talking did he? He hadn't needed to say that, she found it somewhat amusing. She kindof liked the attention that this Kaji was giving her. However, the inner soul still warned against him. She shoved it aside for the moment. It wasn't as if she was truly going to take him up on his offer by travelling up into his chambers. She wasn't foolish. If she was near his quarters, there would be a temptation... his intention? Perhaps they were innocent, but she didn't want to indulge him. She'd stay within the public hospitalities, just to make one last point that she wasn't dependent upon any one person.

His pace quickened, and she made a mental note of it. Anxiety? Pride? She couldn't tell, and couldn't see his face. But upon covering the rocky terrain and then meeting the stone architectural gates of the catacombs of the mountain -- the fire city. She noted his decor, his uniform. And her eyes narrowed. Even as she spoke, she felt slightly betrayed. Why a secret identity?

And there was that term again -- milady. She cut him off shortly after the word was uttered, just to impose. The fire increased in her eyes ever so softly and slightly. "You know my name.... use it." she said swiftly with a touch of venom around the edges of the words. Then letting him finish, she looked at him only a little differently. Now she certainly wasn't going to join him anywhere near his quarters. She was half tempted to turn around. Her words, though hot, still held some self control. She wasn't pissed or supremely angered. However, she felt like a bird that had had its feathers ruffled in the wrong direction.

Refusing to look at him, she looked above him at the stone structure of the arch gate. Taking a deep ravanous breath her cutting silver eyes seemed blazed to kill. "And I couldn't know this earlier... because...?" The words though still a question, were slightly accusing. If she had had a title to go with her name, she would have given it. Now, there wasn't anything special about her that she didn't speak of, but she had very little to hide -- the little she did feel the need to keep secret being her past. But that was an understandable burden. Most carried such things. She didn't care if he told her his past or not... but to leave out a title in a situation as precarious as there's had been, was like a betrayal in her eyes. Here she had thought he might be normal... perhaps a soldier.... but... not the Lord of Fire.

However, the anger that she did feel, was more or less like a paper cut. It would pass over and she'd be willing to forgive. Peira was just difficult to get along with. If a person could get past the hard iron shell, they might find the soft malleable innards. She could be agreeable, and she could be friendly... her stickly personality just made the getting there a long and tedious process.

And yet, she didn't wait for an answer from him, instead she shook her head, lowered her gaze and walked past him. Holding the back of her hand up and towards him -- a signal that she did not want to be followed. Tossing back a sarcastic and hot fired statement behind her, "If you need me, I'll be around the city. I'll stay at one of the inns.", and left him behind... mingling herself in a passing crowd.</sup>

ooc again: I'll amuse myself in a thread until you come and get me after this disaster passes ;D