1x1 ｗｉｔｈ Ｗｉｎｄｆａｒｍｅｒ

[fletch]

◤xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx◥

────────── Ω ──────────
ＦＬＩＣＫ
━━━━ Tʜᴇ Cᴏɴ-Mᴀɴ ━
────────── Ω ──────────
age | 24 years |mood | curious | crush | maybe
tagged | Alphaess | thoughts | ...

◣xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx◢

Flick's gaze momentarily flitted from Silvermoon, then back to Alphaess. The Heroine did not seem to be in her usual mood, which was peculiar. Then again, Flick couldn't have known her for more than a week or two at best, so it wasn't exactly his place to decipher her usual mood. He was decently good at reading people (another attribute of being a con-man, naturally) but most Heroes and Heroines would always remain a mystery to him. Flick distractedly ran a hand through his short dirty blonde hair, trying in a futile attempt to tame it. His hair was always causing him difficulties, especially if it was a longer length. Now, luckily, it was a bit shorter, but it was still a struggle to keep neat. Not that 'hair struggles' was the worst thing that Flick had ever encountered, but it certainly bothered him to an extent. Flick lowered his hand back down to his side as Alphaess spoke again.

Her words, though not angry, held an emotion Flick could not quite pinpoint. Ah, it was not his problem anyway. Though the earlier argument between her and the Guildmaster had almost taken a personal turn it was still a mystery to Flick as to why Alphaess seemed to hate the Guild so much, and even why she was reluctant almost about being a hero. Her personality seemed to be more of a 'free roaming' and 'solitary' type thing, but...the Guild was the Guild. If Flick had been given the chance, it would have been a place he'd like to hang about. It had almost seemed toxic by the way that Alphaess reacted to it.

Then, there was the rune. Why had Flick even bothered to waste his breath to steal such an object? There was no doubt that Flick was a thief, but he wasn't usually such a low-bellied, random one. Anyone else might've just let the rune go and been happy with the fact that they'd survived the bandit camp, and also made off with some coin. But no, not Flick. The rune...well, it certainly seemed powerful in some way. Flick just liked to have it.

"Bowerstone works." Flick commented, his voice betraying no sense of sarcasm or humour. Home...it would be about a week or two (Flick had nearly lost track of the days) since Flick had been home. Well, if 'home' was a shoddy room in an inn which he more or less owned, but was often chastised for using the place as a house. Maybe, now with the money, that could change. Flick stayed a little ways behind Alphaess, nor daring to pick up his pace and approach her side. Then again, things would be different now...from their little trip, so many things had occurred that might just make a better change in Flick's life. For one, the money. That would...that would be a great help. The rune...Flick wasn't sure how it'd change him, but he sure as hell wasn't losing it now. Then, the lightning. Or...'will'. Flick really only knew how to do one thing (and that one thing hadn't been very well controlled) but maybe it would come in handy at some point...maybe. If he could figure out how to not zap anyone by accident.

Now that they were out of earshot of Silvermoon, Flick decided to speak up at last. "So...there's one thing you haven't quite clarified for me." He paused. "Why exactly were you trying to convince the Guildmaster that I'd be able to train as a Hero...? I mean, I nearly zapped you. Ehr, sorry about that...by the way." Flick looked over his shoulder just once back at the Guild. "Even if I am a...Will user, I guess, I still don't know how to control it. What made you so convinced that I had...potential?" Usually he would've been a bit more cheeky than this, but Flick was curious. It had truly seemed as though Alphaess had genuinely tried to stand up for him.

[alphanea]

Ｔｈｅ Ａｌｐｈａｅｓｓ
❦ Hєяσιηє σƒ Kησтнσℓє Gℓα∂є ❦
➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳
Balverine hunter - Twenty-four years - the Guild

❧ Leaving the white clothed hero and the Guild behind, the two have started walking down the dirt path that led into the city of Bowerstone. Bowerstone, probably the only place on Albion that was not a village but a city. The crowded streets of the poor section and the elegant looks of the royalty on the other side of the gates that separated two sections from each other... But it was, definitely not a place Alphaess would call home, or be happy or excited to visit.

❧ For a while, both have remained silent, which Alphaess enjoyed for the first moments. It was strange to hear no jokes or sarcasm from the man he had been dragging along with for a few days, maybe a week? How long have it been exactly? Darkwood, than Oakvale, now the Guild. At least, at their next destination, they would be finally apart. Alphaess was a bit happy about such; finally getting to be on her own after all she had gone through. But there was something else too... she had this weird feeling when she thought about leaving and being all alone once again. She thought it was about all the stress being here have given her, and of course the Guildmaster's visit... which was... tiring.

❧ When they almost had reached the boasting area for the heroes about their victories and such, Flick had decided to speak up. With the question asked, Alphaess seized walking and glanced over her shoulder. Arms crossed, Alphaess have lost in thoughts once again as she searched for an answer. An actual answer. To be honest, she didn't knew the reason herself. One reason was that she wanted to go against the Guildmaster. But she would not care to explain her relationship with the Guildmaster, who was the closest thing she had to a father. An authoritative father who did not cared much about their child's wishes. Than, there was the fact that she did believed it. Actually more like being told by her instincts that was.

❧ After spending a few seconds, thinking, Alphaess, while putting an uninterested look on her face answered; "The Guildmaster wasn't in the bandit camp. I've seen you there; and for someone like you, it was... interesting, kinda." After a short pause she continued on; "No one have mastered these abilities over a day and no one will ever master them in such short time. I'm the one that understands it the best. Other heroes... They are unable to see things that I can, blinded by their own prides. And the Guildmaster is just... mourning over the mistakes he have done without thinking..." Her eyes rested down on the ground, blankly, as she spoke up. She felt like she was spitting her venom and hatred about the ignorance of the Guild.

❧ When she was finished with her little 'talk', she turned around, letting her little braid of hair sway slowly. Before continuing her walk, she paused once more. "The ones that require help the most at first, more likely be able to do the most later." She murmured the saying she have heard at a very young age. It was the only reason, only support that did not let her leave, wander away from the Guild permanently. "Remember that saying, it might be useful at one point" The heroine once again murmured and started walking once again with a faster pace, not letting any time for him to reply. Now letting her hands fall, relaxed on her two sides. She felt rather... light. Perhaps letting her problems out with words was a better way than letting them out with brutal ways. A talk might be the only thing she needed to calm her anger.

❧ A little after, Alphaess felt the persistence of something familiar... something that felt like... family. The tips of her lips slightly curved into a smile when she stopped once again under the trees that grew at the two sides of the path and the leaves covered over their heads. "I thought you really left this time." Alphaess spoke without seeing anything around, like an insane person. But no, she haven't gone insane yet. As a reply, a familiar, 'welcoming' growl was heard along with the glimpse of white fur visible behind the tall bushes. The white beast walked out from where it have been hiding. Alphaess was feeling content that she have gotten reunited with her companion now. The blood red eyes of the creatures studied the heroine than turned its uncomfortable gaze on Flick, giving him a look that sounded more like; what is he still doing here?

[fletch]

◤xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx◥

────────── Ω ──────────
ＦＬＩＣＫ
━━━━ Tʜᴇ Cᴏɴ-Mᴀɴ ━
────────── Ω ──────────
age | 24 years |mood | mixed | crush | maybe
tagged | Alphaess | thoughts | ...

◣xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx◢

Flick listened to Alphaess's words without interruption, feeling a slight start of pride. Interesting would, most likely, be the best Flick would ever get as a compliment from the Balverine Slayer. He did not comment until she had spoken the last two sentences, almost as if it were a motto or saying. A sly grin tugged at the corner of Flick's mouth as he realized it almost sounded as though Alphaess were lecturing him like an old mentor might do to a child. "My, Red. You're awfully wise. Where do you even learn this stuff?" And he snorted, as though it was some hilarious joke to him when, most obviously of all, it was not. Flick's jokes were seldom amusing to anyone but himself. They often could come off as downright boring or tiresome to others, and it was no surprise that Flick traveled along as a merchant. Others just...couldn't stand him, sometimes. Flick, on the other hand, couldn't stand normal merchants. They were a bore...always talking of foods, women, various inns they'd stayed in...not to mention the fact that they were either incredibly old or incredibly fat and lazy. Not great conversationalists. It was actually pretty seldom to find a merchant as young as Flick but, then again, he wasn't just a merchant of course.

Alphaess spoke, causing Flick to suddenly wonder if she'd spontaneously gone mad. Then, there was a growl, and a cold chill ran down Flick's spine. He froze where he was, instantaneously recognizing the growl (huh. He recognized a growl. That was odd.) Flick looked over in time to see a scrap of white fur, and a massive Balverine the colour of snow stepped free from the brushes. It turned its hard red stare on Flick and he felt suddenly very small under it...but it was nothing unusual around the Balverine. Considering that they were about to depart from one another, Flick figured he might get at least one last kick: "Oh, great. I needed a six hundred pound wolf-like beast breathing down my neck the entire trip to Bowerstone. Fantastic."

---

While the trip could have been much shorter had they simply teleported, Flick had nearly insisted upon walking. There was no way that he was going through teleportation vomit (sickness) again. It had been bad enough the first time, what with the vertigo and terrible swimming-head feeling. Flick couldn't understand as to how Alphaess could do it...but the walk was pretty tiring. Flick did not exactly appreciate having the Balverine with them but, this way, it might've been like 'old times'. Ha. What an odd joke...but Flick had been slightly more quiet than usual. No jokes. No puns...he'd been more focused on the idea of his newfound Will abilities. If he had lightning, then what other stuff could he conjure? Fire? That would be rather interesting...and dangerous. Flick had no intentions of roasting himself, but it could prove a good tool in going through certain woods. Scaring off bandits and thieves...causing general chaos. Knowing Flick, he'd be one to abuse this ability.

But they'd soon come to the end of the road by the bridge that led into Bowerstone city, and here their trio would soon draw to a close. For good, this time. There would be no more accidental run-ins...no Guild tests...no, this was it. The end of the brief adventure. Flick wasn't sure whether to feel relieved, melancholy or...some other weird emotions. Tired? Yes, tired was one of those emotions. But after almost dying a few times, having his ass kicked publicly and nearly frying a Heroine (and actually frying a bandit King. It seemed to be a thing of Flick's for frying people.) Flick needed the rest.,.plus, he had the gold-filled burlap sack over his shoulder, rune in his coat, and plenty of people before him to scam and trick. Life could definitely be worse.

At last, when the trio had come to a standstill, Flick paused with one hand on the makeshift strap over his shoulder. He looked to Alphaess and offered a slight smile: "So, this is where we part, I suppose? Y'know...for good, this time." Flick paused for a moment, before adding: "Thanks for, ah, back at the Guild, by the way. I know you tried but...guess it was never meant to be." He snuck a glance at the Balverine: "Still wish I knew how the hell that happened, though."

[alphanea]

Ｔｈｅ Ａｌｐｈａｅｓｓ
❦ Hєяσιηє σƒ Kησтнσℓє Gℓα∂є ❦
➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳
Balverine hunter - Twenty-four years - Bowerstone gates

❧ With the large white creature (Who was under six hundred pounds to be honest, more like five hundred and a few pounds more. It wasn't as large as an average white balverine) joined their party, they continued on the path. The path was pretty short, only having to pass the slightly forest-like area, which was the beginning of Greatwood. It would be a lot shorter if they simply teleported there, but it seems Flick was a little... uneasy about it after his first try. Surprisingly enough, nothing have happened at all. No Hobbe attacks, no bandit seeings, no unintentionally zapping people... Nothing. Just a normal trip which Alphaess wished the trip at Darkwood would be at the same rate too. That way, she would be in and out in just a few hours.

❧ In about twenty minutes, the city of Bowerstone was visible from the distance. The great gates with some dumb guards surrounding around. Alphaess had no interest in going there; especially that about the rules. No weapons and no balverines. No balverines? That wasn't even a real rule, Alphaess was completely sure that the guards have made that one exactly for her. Regardless, she had nothing to do inside. She was no women that liked all these blabbing around about this like... clothing, jewelry (though she did encountered gems and alike during her visits, she never understood what was the point about carrying large, brightly colored stones) newest gossips about the royalty and such... even thinking about them could make her get an urge to vomit.

❧ "Yeah, I think so." Alphaess have spoken when she finally came to a halt, tiring to keep her voice uninterested. She have hated farewells, but not as much as she hated greetings. Being the Alpha, she easily liked to get things under her dominance, announcing things and sometime people under her ownership. It was easy for her to get attached to things she liked; her food, weapons, goods she have collected in her trips... But for people, that rarely happened. She actually never had a human companion, or more likely a minion. Expanding her 'pack' would be nice, wouldn't it? Especially with a fine Will user... Wait, wait, what did she even got in her head... Could it be possible if she could... recruit Flick. Was it an all crazy idea. Probably, but Alphaess was known to do crazy decisions.

❧ Alphaess seem to be as emotionless as a rock as she stood in behind Flick "So, good luck with whatever you do in the pretty city of yours..." She stole a glance at the guards that were also visible from where they were. "I still think you could have done better than these... conning arts." She murmured, returning her golden wolf-like eyes on Flick. The Balverine was standing a few feet behind Alphaess, standing at its full height on two legs.

❧ The red haired heroine crossed her arms, staying as tall as she could to give her a bit more 'dominant' look, maybe a bit like an arched cat or something. "Maybe not for the Guild... but for some hero or heroine, you would be... a useful apprentice." The possibilities were that she was just a power-hungry tyrant, just wanted to rebel against the Guildmaster by taking the one he denied, or maybe just liked company. The first scenario was more likely, still, she wanted him to accept the offer she was about to say. Trying to ignore the part of hers that told her this was the most insane and useless idea she have ever had, Alphaess continued on. She had some feeling that she could not even tell what it was... it was something like... the thing she felt in Darkwood, when she observed his fight with the bandits... Strange... She thought that was about the rune, but it was gone now... It was like... something was attracting her to him.

❧ Though it was not 'exactly' and offer... yet, Alphaess wasn't planing to just, directly say something like "Hey, I just noticed you have potential when you almost fried me with it, would you like to join my little pack full of crazy while we do the most insane tasks that other heroes don't choose in creepy dark woods..." This... just wouldn't work. But, something told her that he did wanted that Guild apprentice thing. Why would he accept it otherwise, right. Than, since he seem to be somehow closely related to a hero, hence his strong bond with the Will. Maybe there was a hero parent or grandparent in his lineage? Possibly. For a second, she inspected him for a second. The little muscle he had on his already skinny build... Definitely not the average hero type, but not all great heroes were mountain-sized either... She wasn't large, though as a female, she was indeed taller and more muscular, but that wasn't quite the point... The point was that he had talent, and Alphaess wanted to... put this for a good use, mostly for herself.

[fletch]

◤xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx◥

────────── Ω ──────────
ＦＬＩＣＫ
━━━━ Tʜᴇ Cᴏɴ-Mᴀɴ ━
────────── Ω ──────────
age | 24 years |mood | skeptical | crush | maybe
tagged | Alphaess | thoughts | ...

◣xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx◢

Flick paused for a moment while looking over to the wall of Bowerstone. It hadn't been his home forever; Flick had actually been born in Oakvale, but had made more of a living in the familiar city area of Bowerstone when he turned eighteen or so. Oakvale really wasn't a place for living out a more 'wealthy' lifestyle, considering it was a rather small village and, because of such, people got to know you real quick if you tried for a con. Bowerstone was a bit different. Sure, a few people knew him but there was always newcomers here and there that were complete strangers to Flick. Then again, with the money he might not need to do what he usually did to make money...which was odd to think about. Just...a plain lifestyle? No, Flick immediately pushed the thought out of his head. Even if there was a small fortune within the burlap sack it would never really be 'enough'. For a con-man, more was better.

When Alphaess spoke again, Flick turned his attention back on her. The Balverine had stood onto its two hind legs, giving a rather more fearsome appeal. He raised an eyebrow at her last sentence, slightly dubious as to what she might be saying. "Do better? Unfortunately, I don't believe you've seen the full extents of my ability." It probably came off as a joke, but Flick knew what this meant. The rune. Of course, he would never think of bringing that up. Who knows what Alphaess might do if she discovered he still had it...ah, but it was a thought he would best put away for the time being. Yet, the very last sentence drew Flick's attention and he paused just as he'd been about to go to the gates. He had a vague suspicion that Alphaess might be hinting at something, yet she'd refrained from asking him most likely due to her pride. It was understandable that a Heroine like herself wouldn't dare stoop to, well, asking someone something like this...but Flick certainly got the impression of what she might be hinting towards.

"And.." Flick put one hand on the strap of the burlap bag on his shoulder. "What Heroine or Hero would that be?" Obviously he was skeptical, due to the previous encounters he'd had with Alphaess. Then again, he'd not known of his abilities then...if he had, it would've made the whole journey a lot more easy. A few fried Hobbes, some cooked bandits, tada. And yet, he got the impending feeling that Alphaess might be hinting about asking him. When, in reality, it had almost seemed as though she'd been incredibly eager for their parting. "Even if that were to happen," Flick continued, shooting a quick glance at the gates. "Why would it help me? I mean...how is it better than the lifestyle I have, anyway? Pardon me for being skeptical, but..." A slight grin at this. "I did almost zap you. I don't exactly see how that was very heroic."

The guards by the gates at this time had taken notice of them. They seemed to be speaking to one another briefly, as though they either recognized Flick or Alphaess. It couldn't be certain as to who they did, but Flick hoped it wasn't him. He had a bad reputation with the guards a lot of times...but it seemed as though the guards may not intentions of approaching them. They stayed where they were at, chattering on to one another about various things. They held their swords tight in their guard leather gauntlets, giving a rather regal posture with their arms crossed. The blue caps on their heads obscured their eyes as to not reveal much to citizens. Flick had always been curious as to how they could see anything under those caps.

[alphanea]

Ｔｈｅ Ａｌｐｈａｅｓｓ
❦ Hєяσιηє σƒ Kησтнσℓє Gℓα∂є ❦
➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳
Balverine hunter - Twenty-four years - Bowerstone gates

❧ After his reply, Alphaess raised a hand to push back the hair once again covering her golden eyes that seem to look more like a milder brown-gold than usual bright golden when she uncovered them. Yes, her eyes do then to change color often; most assumed it was about the lighting, while some said it had another reason. Of course, only Alphaess knew actual story behind it, like most of her secrets she have kept to herself. There was only a little known about her actually; her past, the balverine companion, her hatred for the Guild and bandits... When she adjusted her hair, she returned her attention to make a reply. "Nothing that training couldn't fix." She huffed slightly, returning her arms back, crossed over her chest.

❧ Despite her pride (or vanity) Alphaess continued after a short second of hesitation. "How many people you know from the Guild exactly?" She tilted her head slightly to the side in a bored way, thinking his question was a little time wasting. Excluding the brief contact with the Guildmaster, Silvermoon and Quiver, did he even seen a hero other than her? "I don't know, but thinking about you actually did wanted to become a hero, taking on a test that you would likely fail, I thought you might want to change your lifestyle." The heroine carried on with a calm manner than took a deep breath "Yes, you did 'nearly' zap me" It was obvious that there was a bit of anger and disgust, but not over Flick, more like on herself. For not being able to do something better at the situation. "But, that is exactly why I am interested in you... well, your skills to be more accurate." Interested in you seem to be a bit... misleading, and might cause a weird situation there, just when she have managed to stop one at his Will test, so Alphaess quickly corrected it with a better pick of words.

❧ Alphaess wasn't quite sure if should continue insisting further if he wouldn't accept it now... Maybe she should.... With a bit of threatening too... Or perhaps trying to seduce him? No! That wasn't the best option at all; using such technique had no honor. Most of the threatening and insisting did not have honor either, but this was something else for her. And she wasn't quite sure if he would buy it either. He was no stupid, drunken bandit, was he? Deciding not to do anything that would hurt her fame as the tough blaverine hunter she was, she continued on; "...Unless you think trying to sell some fake potion to villagers is a better way to help them, go on." Alphaess did noticed his 'cargo' back at Darkwood, but never said anything actually. Why would she even do anything when it wasn't her trouble.

❧ Spotting the guards had started to speak among themselves, Alphaess didn't hide a grin that appeared on her face. With her brow-gold eyes returning back on the guards, she could now see... uneasiness... the guards were not usually the bravest among people. Like an animal, Alphaess could sense their fear, than made a some sort of joy fill her eyes. Being feared... was enjoyable. The heroine now moved a hand up once again, this time to neaten the black shawl she wore. Than, she pulled the hood over her head, not enjoying the 'eyes on her' feeling. Unnaturally, her eyes now appeared to be... more gold now, when she had the hood covering her face now. "So... if you really want to stuck being a merchant your whole life, I don't mind at all. But... I would keep in mind that you probably wouldn't have another chance at this" Alphaess spoke up, getting ready to leave. If she knew one thing about merchants; if you desired one thing too much, the prices would be higher; but if you'd act uninterested, you had more chance to get a discount...

[fletch]

◤xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx◥

────────── Ω ──────────
ＦＬＩＣＫ
━━━━ Tʜᴇ Cᴏɴ-Mᴀɴ ━
────────── Ω ──────────
age | 24 years |mood | neutral | crush | maybe
tagged | Alphaess | thoughts | ...

◣xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx◢

'Nothing that training couldn't fix.' Well, that most certainly proved that Flick's assumptions had been more or less correct. It was quite a revelation to Flick that Alphaess would actually be wanting him to try and become a Hero, especially since the little incident could have cost her a lot more than a simple scare. She continued after a moment, and Flick turned his focus from the guards and back to her to listen properly to her words. There was a slight bit of anger to her tone at the 'nearly zapping' part, but the anger did not seem directed at Flick (thankfully). Yet, the next sentence is what drew Flick's attention and he gave a slight grin. She had almost instantly corrected it with a different choice of words, however, immediately deterring Flick's response. It was probably best that he did not shoot back with a 'witty' response, though. There was a good chance that Alphaess would not exactly appreciate his joking at this point. Well, when did she ever 'appreciate' it? No one did, of course. It was just for Flick's own amusement to tease and taunt her, regardless of the fact that she could probably knock him down with ease. That, of course, was another of Flick's many attributes. He was occasionally too confident for his own good, which often led to some repercussions.

Yet, Alphaess then brought up the fake potion. She had known? Flick's confident expression faltered slightly, and he started to say: "Uh...what?" This was news to him, obviously. So, immediately, Flick tried to defend himself by saying: "In my defense, those villagers were very willing to buy a 'live-forever' potion. It's not my fault that they're oblivious to everything." And he gave a snort, as though pretending he was indifferent to the villager's level of intelligence. Actually, that wasn't true. The villagers had been attentive enough as soon as Flick had accidentally revealed the whole 'dye and water' bit. Well, it had taken them a while, of course! They should have realized by that point that the potion, when left alone for a bit, would lose its colour slightly and the particles of the dye would settle to the bottom like sand in water...

Yet, for some odd reason, Alphaess seemed to be just as content to leave him alone at that. But Flick had almost caught on by this point...was she trying to use some sort of merchant trick against him? That was Flick's thing, not her's. He folded his arms across his chest, a little dubious. She seemed to be feigning some disinterest of a sort, but perhaps it was really because she didn't care. Alphaess seemed like someone who wouldn't show a whole lot of interest in taking an apprentice, so obviously she couldn't care less if Flick denied. That, admittedly, made Flick slightly more interested. He knew that it was sort of a tradesman thing to be interested in a deal that someone was indifferent to which, for an odd reason, made it seem all the more desirable. It was human nature, of course. Whenever something was out of reach it always seemed a lot more appealing.

"Wait--" Flick interjected suddenly, then immediately inwardly cursed himself for giving in so quickly. Beaten at his own game by a Heroine...ah, well he'd been humiliated worse. Flick adjusted the sack on his shoulder and shot a quick look at the gates once more. He could just walk away at this point. He wasn't a Hero--he was a conman, a merchant. Perhaps he was a Will User, but why should that make him want to be a Hero? It was just sheer dumb luck that his father had been a Hero himself and, in turn, related to William Black very distantly. Flick bit his lip immediately, but there seemed no turning back at this point. "Alright. You got me. So what if I was...moderately interested in this...? What would happen then?" And he paused to add: "You'd...teach me how to use the Will thing-y?"

[alphanea]

Ｔｈｅ Ａｌｐｈａｅｓｓ
❦ Hєяσιηє σƒ Kησтнσℓє Gℓα∂є ❦
➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳
Balverine hunter - Twenty-four years - Bowerstone gates

❧ With a confident glare shot at Flick, Alphaess replied in a cool-blooded way; "You could at least make it smell like a potion, couldn't you?" The advantages of being a half beast heroine; enhanced smelling ability and being able to notice details easier. She have not exactly seen that thing, since it was mostly in his bag the whole trip, but she have noticed there was something at the size of a bottle was carried with a scent of... dye. It didn't took it long for the heroine to put it all together. When were merchants actually ever up for anything good? Though she did not payed much attention to his defense, nor replied to it with other than her knowing grin.

❧ When the heroine showed a less interested look into this situation, Alphaess could notice his interest being raised. Basic human behavior; always wanting the one that could not reach. Actually, watching and inspecting humans have let the heroine develop an unlikely ability (especially when her normal feral abilities were thought). It was strange to see a less humanly person to get to use all these 'little' tricks this effectively. Of course, she was not fully-balverine in real, even that she appeared as one at most. Facades, mind tricks, all sorts of these... They were so foreign for her, yet, she have often managed to perform such. Maybe it was that she was lucky? Pure luck... Or maybe she still had something from humanity left inside, even after the night she have, literally, left the humanity behind.

❧ Alphaess had turned her back on Flick, unwillingly on the inside. It was the last chance for Flick to accept the offer. She have felt like she have done the wrong decision; this simple merchant technique would never work on a merchant. Or would it? Before she could take a step with regret, she heard his call. With a silent relieved sigh, she turned to face him once again, hiding any signs of interest once again. She looked directly at his face, a sly grin forming on her face when she heard his sudden change of mind. To her surprise; It worked! It really did. "I knew you would be interested." The heroine added, enjoying the moment to the bits.

❧ With her flashed white grin, Alphaess spoke up to explain more of her terms. "Ah, yes. I am exactly offering that; along with other abilities that might be helpful with your own survival... And I will make sure you stay alive in the progress." After a short pause, she took to look at him, from head to toe. "I'm sure some training would be useful for you." The murmured a little after inspecting him in size. "In return, I wish for one thing; your loyalty to me as your master, teacher, alpha or whatever you would call it..." Her gaze returned back to his face, directly having eye contact with him this time. "No questions or denying my orders... Or unnecessary, irritating jokes"

❧ The heroine have finished explaining her terms for now; just having his loyalty was enough, of course if he actually knew the meaning of honor or loyalty. She would turn him into a good minion to aid her. Who needed the Guild actually? with his help, she could achieve anything. At least that was what she was hoping. He was still pretty rough on the edges (maybe a little bit more than just edges) but she had hope. The heroine slightly raised an eyebrow in a questioning way. "So, we got a deal?" This time it was her that offered it; a handshake. Her hand extended forwards, staying in the air and waiting for Flick. "You do know what handshakes are, right?" She added while waiting, repeating the line that he have said back at Barrow Fields in a rather teasing voice and having a slightly softer smile on her face.

[fletch]

◤xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx◥

────────── Ω ──────────
ＦＬＩＣＫ
━━━━ Tʜᴇ Cᴏɴ-Mᴀɴ ━
────────── Ω ──────────
age | 24 years |mood | neutral | crush | maybe
tagged | Alphaess | thoughts | ...

◣xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx◢

At last, Alphaess had turned back to face Flick with a sly grin on her face, and immediately Flick knew that he'd been played. As a con-artist it should at least be in his ability to know whether or not someone was just trying to get a rise out of him to get what they wanted, but apparently Flick's attention had slipped up in the slightest. He'd been tricked with a simple 'indifferent' ploy by Alphaess into getting something that she had seemed to want. Yet, all the same, Flick still...did want this. He didn't want to seem too eager, but after failing the Guild test he'd begun to realize that maybe, just maybe, he did want to be a Hero. Maybe this wasn't exactly a 'Hero' but if Flick really could improve, then perhaps the Guild might see that he was worth the wasted breath after all. Will Use was not exactly archery or sword combat, but maybe those would come later. Then again, some Heroes seemed based more on one of the three abilities. Quiver had more or less been based on Skill and archery, while Alphaess was something around the same. Stealth and speed, probably. Perhaps Flick could do the same, except with Will as his more 'focused' attribute. That was, of course, if he ever learned how to use it properly and not to...well, shock anyone by accident.

Next, Alphaess went on to explain what seemed like terms or rules. He caught her glancing him up and down for a second, almost as though judging him...and instantly Flick felt self-concious (which was rather unlike him). Out of habit, Flick reached up to adjust the bag strap over his shoulder and hunch his shoulders in the slightest. It wasn't his fault he had very little muscle...after all, his 'living' did not exactly require for anyone in top peek physical shape. In fact, a good amount of merchants were actually quite a bit heavier than Flick, but not in muscle. Flick was actually one of the slighter ones, and really the only 'muscle' he had to claim was most likely due to traveling or just the fact that he had his father's bodytype.

Yet, at Alphaess's terms, Flick's expression changed to something more of a 'what?' and his mouth opened to say something, but she finished with a 'no questions or denying my orders...or unnecessary, irritating jokes.' Flick scowled at this. Jokes were his thing. That would certainly be a huge change for Flick, and he got the feeling that Alphaess might be even a harsher 'teacher' (Flick was definitely not going to refer to her as his master or alpha) than he had originally thought. To this, he merely just crossed his arms and gave a small huff. "Right...teach'." He mumbled, a small spark of his personality making its way into his tone. But he kept his voice low, just in case Alphaess decided that this already counted as an 'irritating' joke.

At last, Alphaess raised an eyebrow at him in a questioning manner and, rather unexpectedly, offering her hand in what seemed to be a handshake. This actually startled Flick who, for a moment, did not take up her offer in his confusion. Then she said the words: 'You do now what handshakes are, right?' With a smile on her face. Flick hesitated, before returning it with a slight grin and taking her hand. "Deal." He said at last, inwardly hoping that he would not regret this later on.

But now, what was there to do? Flick figured that Alphaess would not exactly like to visit Bowerstone, so that was probably out of the question. The money bag would probably do for other supplies and, really, money in general was good to keep on a person. Even if it was...getting a little heavy. His arm was starting to ache, but he wouldn't drop it rightaway. After all, he had to at least show he wasn't a total loss. Flick stole a last look at the Bowerstone gates then, at last, back to Alphaess: "Now that it's settled, uhm, when do we start?" He casually adjusted the edge of his coat which, unfortunately, had begun to slip down and he had grown a little worried that it might reveal the rune. But he did it so quickly and in such a swift manner that Alphaess might not have noticed unless she were paying close attention. The rune...well, maybe there'd be a chance to mention that later on if he got the chance. Until then, there was no way Flick was risking the same reaction Alphaess had before with the rune...

[alphanea]

Ｔｈｅ Ａｌｐｈａｅｓｓ
❦ Hєяσιηє σƒ Kησтнσℓє Gℓα∂є ❦
➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳
Balverine hunter - Twenty-four years - Bowerstone gates

❧ When he finally reached to her hand for the handshake, Alphaess remained her smile. Keeping the handshake short, Alphaess withdrew her gloved hand and held her hands on her back now. Alphaess glared at the guards one last time than returned her gaze to the white balverine that seem to be slightly aggravated with Flick actually daring to touch its heroine, growling slightly with the blood red eyes locked on Flick. Now with the handshake, it was official now; Flick was now the apprentice of Alphaess. No turning back, unless Alphaess wanted to call the deal off... Which she could at any point.

❧ "I've got the perfect idea to where to start." Alphaess said, making a gesture to Flick for him to fallow her as she turned around to go back to where she have came from. When they approached the balverine, it gave off a threatening growl, directly to Flick, but shortly after had been interrupted by Alphaess; "What the heck is wrong with you?" She murmured (more like whispered) to the large white creature, who has been somewhat... acting childishly. That was strange. Was it like... jealous? From Flick? There were no other words that came into her mind other than 'strange' to describe this situation. Soon enough, the Bowerstone gates were left behind as the trio now made their way into the Greatwood. Alphaess seem to be quite content about leaving the city behind. So did the balverine.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

❧ Another hour (more or less) have passed until they have reached the place where the Greatwood had started to turn... Dark. Though, they did not venture that much towards Darkwood, they were kind of close to Darkwood in a disturbing way. A while after, Alphaess have taken a more steep path that led into the forest instead of the main path they were fallowing. Passing all the large trees and bushes (Greatwood was luckily a milder forest than Darkwood or Witchwood) Alphaess have led the two into a place where there was nothing, but trees, one being noticeably larger than the others.

❧ The heroine came to an halt when they were under that one mighty oak and turned around. "Welcome to by residence." She gestured at her surroundings with a slight grin on face. There was nothing else around, other than two carcasses of... Hobbes. Two unlucky Hobbes that dared to enter Alphaess's forest. They both were impaled by arrows, that obviously came from above. The heroine did not seem to care to clean them up either. The balverine was looking up to the higher branches of the tree, which hid something from a stranger's sight behind the leafy parts. Than Alphaess came closer to the tree, she gently placed her hand on the mighty trunk of the large plant, looking at Flick afterwards, waiting for some sort of reply from him.