Things They Won't Talk About Later //Tundra and Verdana//

[Verdana]

Shaygrin felt Kuar tense, but she really wasn't thinking very much about it. Kissing did not hold the same significance for her that it did for him. She'd always shown affection. She'd been a passionate child, and nobody had ever discouraged her from showing her affection (although her regular tantrums were not appreciated). The pirates had quite liked her exuberance, and Vlad... Well, he certainly hadn't tried to stop her. She kissed. She hugged. When the occasion allowed it.

She had every intention of releasing, and that being that.

Kuar, however, seemed reluctant for the contact to end.

What had been a casual show of affection suddenly became more serious. One of Kuar's hands was in her hair (which was not exactly clean) and one was on her back. She discovered this when she tried to pull away and found herself glued to him. She considered struggling for a moment. She didn't want to get attached. She still wasn't whole from the last time she'd done so. She began to relax into it. It had been quite some time since anyone had...

Unbidden, her brain forced her to remember, to carefully analyse the difference between this kiss and another one. The lips were warm. The skin was smooth. The smell of parchment and spices had been replaced by a muskier, more animal smell. And without any warning, she missed him, missed him in a way she hadn't for years. Tears sprung into her eyes. She blinked them away, and pulled off of Kuar with a gasp, before he tasted them.

Well, she breathed, half amused, half bewildered. She hadn't expected old feather brain to have that in him. She turned her momentary confusion into a knowing smirk.
Well, she said again, with more conviction,
You start doing whatever you need to do. I, on the other hand, need some sleep.Wake me when you're ready.

Shay needed some time alone, to mull over her thoughts and compose herself. She also wouldn't have minded more sleep. She seemed to be very deprived of it of late.

[Tundra]

The warmth of Shay close to him, the feeling of her lips on his, her skin beneath his hands. It reminded him of some of his missions, getting close to his target before finally killing when they least expect it. But it wasn't the same, the feeling of butterflies in his chest, the rush, they were different then a kill. It was an odd feeling, having been that close to someone and not ran a blade though their gut and out the other side. Putting his hand back at his side he listened to what Shay had to say. He wasn't surprised at her reaction, at the same time was. She hadn't even tried to pull away, and let the kiss continue. Though his nose did not lie to him, he could smell the saltiness of her tears as they formed. Flicking his tail lightly He could feel Shay beginning to pull away so he let go, reaching up and wiping his lips lightly.

He watched how Shay moved towards her room, somewhat knowing what she was thinking. He thought about saying why he had kissed her back, but then decided against it. He watched Shay till she went into her room and then moved to one of the tables. He ran his claws lightly through his hair and noticed just how dirty it was. His tail flicked lightly pondering where to start on his contact list. Normally he would just go to the best for the job, but this was a trust based search. He tapped his claws lightly on the table, his mind wracked by this. But all he could draw back to was the image of Shay, him and the kiss. He sighed growling slightly but taking a few breaths and closed his eyes. He needed time to think as well, maybe going back to his place would help. But then he remembered the fight and sighed, his eye stinging slightly as he remembered it was there. Finally he stood up, and walked outside, he needed to think, without a roof over his head. He didn't go far, sitting down on a bench not far away, out of the view of the public. He slightly hoped shay would come and find him, he growled lightly at this thought.

[Verdana]

//Some time later//

Shaygrin Syncrame was on her second pint of beer. The hat on her head was skew and there was a fresh hole in it. Her cloak was torn and muddied. A cut under her chin had just stopped bleeding.

She swigged the beer meditatively.

She had been 'tidying up'. It had not gone easily, but she hadn't expected it to. She had a nice fee sitting in her pocket, part of which she had used to buy herself a stiff drink. She needed it. She'd spent three nights lying in a cold ditch on stakeout . Spring was coming, but it had not arrived. Nights were cold. So were ditches. Shay sometimes wondered whether it was worth the money. In any case, that was her last job in England. She had planned to meet Kuar in the bar, and from there find passage into the New World.

Kuar was late.

Nothing had happened after their... Encounter. Of course, Shaygrin had not expected anything. She no longer held and trust or value in a kiss. The two had gone about sorting out their own private business, and had met up long enough to update each other and schedule another meeting. They hadn't talked much (not that Kuar ever talked much) and they'd simply gotten on with things. There'd be time enough to talk on their voyage, Shay reasoned. However, Kuar was not there. He had not been late before. She hated to admit to her concern, but it was there. She needed him as an ally. She had been very lucky. Their common enemy hadn't reared his ugly head. It was only a matter of time, though.

A heavy stride interrupted her thoughts. She didn't look up. It didn't do to appear too eager. However, even before the figure had drawn out a stool and sat down across from her, she knew that it wasn't her feathered friend. She could smell him, smell the sweat and salt and sun and blood and hot tar on his skin. She didn't have to look at him to feel him smirking. One of his hands, sun-browned and strong, tapped the surface in front of her. She saw the white lines on his knuckles, where she had once bitten him so hard that he'd bled. That hand had been very cruel to her in its time, but it had also been kind.

Hello, Butterfly.

[Tundra]

The days had past, the stress of the voyage bearing down on Kuar. The man before him now was known as Click, a simple man if you asked others. Kuar currently had him at blade point and the man begged Kuar for his life. Click had been feeding information to Demion on Kuar's whereabouts. And how Kuar found out, well one could say a little bird told him. The blade pressed into Clicks neck as Kuar asked calmly "How much have you told him.." Kuar's eyes were glowing, his claws dug into Clicks arm. He was pissed, Click had been a good man to him. Click was one of Kuar's main contacts for information, and here he was just giving Demion information on him. Click kept saying it was because he had to, but never elaborated. Eventually Kuar let out a growl of anger and cleanly sliced the mans throat. Blood splattered on the walls, and onto Kuar before Clicks body fell limp to the floor, a pool quickly forming.

Flicking his tail Kuar grabbed Clicks notebooks and journals and went on his way. They were all he really needed, contact information on other people who were working with Demion. His anger only grew when he saw some loyal names. Things had gone from bad to worse, considering half of Kuar's contacts had come to sway to Demion's words. It frustrated Kuar to no end. In fact his feral side was slowly easing its way into control of his mind, if that happened all hell would break lose. Kuar had to calm down, and, needed to get rid of this blood on him. So, he went for a walk, keeping to the shadows and alleyways. Finally he reached a small lake, big enough for him to ditch the blood soaked shirt and pants and change. He always had an extra pair of clothing on jobs.

Soon after cleaning up, Kuar caught sigh on the time and cursed. He was late, and that never looked good in anyone's eyes. Spreading his wings he took off above the cloud line. He was able to fly now, even over the short amount of time. With healing the bone each night bit by bit me made it so it would not break in flight. But he was still cautious, and only flew when he had to. Landing near the bar he made sure his assassin blades were hidden under his jacket, and his wings under his massive cloak(before he enchanted the bottom to make his wings 'disappear'). Flicking his tail lightly he made his way to the bar.

Once inside he noticed Shay was not alone, his sense of smell picking up on the abnormal scents that emanated form this man. He wasn't sure if it was friend or foe, but moved off to the side to listen. He was ready to move if needed, but he figured Shay could handle herself. His eyes still bore a slight blue glow, the anger still stinging at his mind. So, a small thing could cause him to snap, hopefully this man did not do something along the lines of something to cause that breakdown attack savagery. He ordered a light drink, having never been able to really hold alcohol well. It had something to do with his bird and feline like bloodline. Having never known his family or tribe, he could never know. All he knew is it didn't settle well in his stomach and came right back up if he had to much. Maybe a self defense mechanism of his race, who knows. All he was concerned about right now was Shay, which he was still watching intently...well more listening now since his back was to her as if he didn't know her.

[Verdana]

He reached over the table. Shaygrin leaned away. She hadn't seen Andurin in... Since...

They stood in Valgaderion; Vlad and Shay on one side, The Boys on the other. They were all there: Great, dark, hulking Tusk; tiny little Amigo who always smelled of apple crumble; Caviann, the perfect childhood sweetheart in a perfect story (which was never Shay's) and, of course, there was Andurin, standing in the space between the two groups and looking livid.

What do you mean? he demanded. Shaygrin couldn't look at him. She looked studiously at her feet instead, and muttered something.
What's that, girl?
I don't want to come back with you!

Shaygrin had no interest in the rest of the bar. Her attention belonged to Andurin. He was reaching for her hands, but she wasn't sure whether she wanted to give them to him. She had refused his order, and Andurin took obedience very seriously. He confused her reluctance for shame. He sneered.
What did he tell you? What lies has he pushed into your pretty little head, 'fly? Because you're a pretty one now, aren't you. Do you know it? Is that how he keeps you beside him? Does he tell you that you're beautiful? Does he say that you're the only g-

He stopped, abruptly cut off. Before his eyes, Shaygrin was crying. Shay, the tough little girl who he'd stolen, the mischievous little waif who used to try to tackle him to the ground to prove her worth, the little mite who had turned into such a lovely young woman before his eyes, had tears rolling down her cheeks.
Andurin had no idea what to do. He wasn't good at emotions. He'd clobbered Shay over the head to show his pride in her. If an enemy had been crying, he would have cut the man down. But this was his Butterfly. His property. His little girl.

Oh, 'fly... he murmured, taking her hand.
What's the corpse done to your little heart? What did he do, 'fly? He didn't know what to say. He was no good at comfort. He didn't know where the corpse was, or he'd cut it into little ribbons. Shaygrin was shaking her head, unable to speak, desperate to tell someone who understood about the terribly difficult, probably-wrong choice she had made.

From afar, this scene did not look friendly. A big, strong man had scathingly spoken to a small woman, who was weeping as he restrained her.

Who knows what an observer would have assumed?

[Tundra]

Kuar flexed his claws as he listened. It was obvious Shay and this man had a past, something beyond what Shay had told him. Though having known her for such a small amount of time, it was only to be expected that he find something new about her every day. His tail flicked lightly as the barkeep could see him tense. Kuar was bothered hearing Shay cry, it sent a chill up his spine. His claws gripped around his drink before finally it just broke in his hand. The barkeep quickly cleaned it up and stated it was on them, at least the cost of the cup. Obviously this man knew good and well that Kuar was not to be trifled with right now. Finally Kuar stood up, walking towards Shays location.

Walking up behind the man Kuar flicked his wrist lightly and a small dagger flipped into his hand. With a slide of his wrist the dagger landed cleanly between Andurin's fingers. The threat was clear, but not as hostile as it could be. Kuar said near silent into Andurin's ear "pack your bags and go, your not welcome here right now" Kuar's voice was calm and clear. He didn't sound hostile at all, in fact if one didn't know him better he would seem like a bystander just trying to help a crying woman. But, Kuar's eyes were glowing that vibrant blue. He was on edge, and the simplest of wrong moves could trigger a blood bath. But Kuar waited, prepared for anything this man might do.

[Verdana]

Andurin didn't flinch as a knife landed in between his fingers. He was a pirate. If it wasn't crashing into the back of his head, it probably wasn't an issue. He looked at the weapon lazily, and plucked it out of the woodwork. He played it between his fingers.
Excuse me. His voice was dangerously quiet.
We are having a private conversation. You are not invited.

Oh, and a word on strategy, lad. Don't play that cheap trick with daggers. You've lost a weapon now, and you look like a right fool. Throw to harm, not to impress.

And, without even appearing to think about it, he threw the dagger back at Kuar. It spun through the air until the hilt made forceful contact with Kuar's forehead.

Shaygrin saw the glow in the demon's eyes and knew exactly what it meant. She'd encountered that glow before. It had not ended well. She leapt to her feet and hastened towards him.
Kuar, calm down, she urged.
Not here. Don't make a scene here. We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves.

Ourselves? interjected Andurin, aghast.
You don't mean to say that you've taken up with this imbecile! Butterfly, I thought I'd taught you better than that. Step aside, lad. I'm back now, and I'm taking responsibility for my girl. He put a heavy hand on her shoulder. She looked him in the face, ready to tell him to be quiet, and there was something about the lighting, something about the angle of Shaygrin's face, because he suddenly reeled back, astounded.
No, he whispered, astounded. Then a smile spread across his weathered face.
Did he tell you? he demanded, and got the answer in Shaygrin's face. She knew exactly what he was talking about, and had dreaded him finding out since she had.

Then Andurin's face fell as Shaygrin turned away. They had known each other so long that they hardly ever spoke in actual dialogue. He groaned.
Oh, by the trickster's hollow heart, what did you do, 'fly? Shaygrin's lip trembled, she shook her head.

Andurin make a grating sound in his throat, and grabbed his hair as if he intended to pull it out.
No, Shaygrin! Why? Do you know how we could have exploited that?

[Tundra]

Kuars ears twitched lightly listening to every movement that Andurin made. He wasn't at all surprised when Andurin moved to throw the dagger back at him. Moving his hand quickly he grabbed the blade form the air and about lunged forward. It was about then that Shay rushed forward and stopped him. Normally he would have just pushed her aside, to get at his target, but, something made him stop. He looked at Shay slightly confused as to why she would protect this man. Glaring at Andurin he retorted "Just shut your trap unless you want your throat ripped out" He growled slightly then sat down in a chair at their table. "Shay you mind telling me whats going on? The ship leaves in five hours..just before dawn" His claws were dug into the table, the wood chipping slightly. Kuar was pissed off, but the sense of control he had over his feral side was greater then one could understand. Flicking his tail he watched Andurin closely to see what the man was doing. He wasn't about to let his guard down.

Though it was bothering him why Andurin kept calling Shay 'fly.' Then it somewhat clicked. He looked over at Shay "Also, since we have the time, explain to me why exactly your called Butterfly? I know the power gave you the name, but why dose this man keep calling you fly" His voice was oddly calm, asking questions was one way for him to stay calm. Though his tail flicked in annoyance, and if Andurin made the wrong move he would harm the man. Probably the only way to stop him would either Andurin die, or Shay to step between. Kuar actually had become slightly bothered by how he will just stop if shay was to intervene. It may have something to do with the fact that Shays power best him in battle. HE wasn't sure, but it was something that could be figured out later.

[Verdana]

The ship! Shaygrin started guiltily. She had forgotten about it entirely. Andurin gave her a pointed look.
Are you going somewhere?
So what if I am? Shay fired back defiantly.
Whatever trouble you've run into, you probably can't outrun it in this world.
And who says I've run into any sort of trouble?
Andurin gave her a very direct, knowing look.
Shaygrin ev... Oh, I suppose you're not 'ev Tarmagh' any more, are you? Do I have to call you by your full name now, Shaygrin Syncrame? Whatever your name may be, you are always in trouble. Always.

Shaygrin had no response to that. As far as she was aware, it was true. That's not my name, she thought mutinously. That will never be my name. She didn't say it out loud. She didn't want to encourage her old mentor. Instead, she decided to focus on Kuar's question. She smiled fondly, nostalgically, at the memory.
Butterfly? she said. Oh, I -
But Andurin had noticed Kuar again. He'd decided not to like the other male. He could not resist the chance to needle him.

I'd explain it to you, but it would probably go right over your head, feather brain.
Shaygrin growled, and smacked him. This surprised him (and secretly pleased him) long enough for her to explain.
It's sort of a play on words, she explained.
It's not easy to describe if you don't speak Sylvan. Everything's a play on words in Sylvan. It was a play on a saying which roughly translates to 'Butterfly intent' which is when one is flighty and lacks resolve. Andurin took it further one day to describe my fighting style, and the name stuck.
You would have gotten the nickname, one way or the other, Andurin interjected with a glower at Kuar. He wanted to return Shay's attention to him, and tried to do so by excluding Kuar from the conversation.

The name was destined to be yours.
Can we not talk about this? Shaygrin hissed furiously.
It doesn't matter. I said no.

[Tundra]

Kuar dug his claws deeper into the table Kuar tried to hold back the growl of frustration that escaped his throat. His eyes fixed on the table as his words flew from his mouth like venom "Your lack of knowledge of who I am will be your end, continue to make sly remarks and I wont give a dam if your Shays friend. Your fondness of her will be the least of your worries."

Kuar slowly looked up at Andurin, his eyes focused down to slits, but the blue aura that had been hanging there, wasn't there. Kuar was pissed off sure, but in the end he had been driven over the barrier he held. The air around him felt threatening, a sense of danger to anyone near, most would know to keep away. Kuar noticed people backing away from them, not a surprise to him really. He had an amount of control of his feral state, only enough that unless provoked again he would be able to remain calm enough till it eased off.

Flicking his tail he looked back at Shay the anger, fury, danger still in his eyes, though not directed at her. "You know what happens if I go over edge, well I already have. Thank the gods that I have some sense of hold on this state of mind." His tail flicked again as he looked over at the clock "Time ticks away, and you still need to pack. Demion is on our trail, I'd know his magical signature from a mile away..hes near"

There was tension in his voice, but he let out a sigh. He hated having to leave, but with how many people he had trusted that had been swayed, he really had nothing left here. His gaze then returned to Audurin speaking as calmly as he could "If you don't want to end up a target of Demion's little act of self revenge, you best be on your way. All your doing by being here is making yourself a target. We have to leave, Shay and I, at least for now."

Kuar flicked his tail again, looking back at Shay somewhat calming down just by talking. He was nervous really as to what his feral side would decide to do, even if he was in control. So, he waited, hoping to god Andurin wasn't as dumb as he looked.