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

[Verdana]

It occurred to Shay, quite suddenly and without much prior warning, that she was making Kuar feel uncomfortable. This flattered her. She had spent the last half-century of her life living with one of the most powerful and merciless men in several histories. While he had respected her (not to mention adored her), she had never been able to do what she was doing to Kuar, to him. It made her feel powerful. It made her grin, and wonder how to exploit her newfound talent. Her playful nature would not allow such an opportunity to go unsnatched, unused. And, besides, it wasn't as if she was hurting the demon. He liked it.

They both won.

Shay grimaced at his logic, and hung her head in acceptance. He was right.
Fortunately, reputations can be rebuilt. I will have to find new territory now, anyway, she said regretfully.
After all, I seem to have staked out yours. I may just have to move to a different country. I've heard that the New World is heartily corrupt and full of resources to exploit. Then I'd be out of your feathers, and perhaps away from our pursuer, too. In fact, she added after a moment's thought, warming to her topic,
Yes. As soon as I can find a ship to take me, I will relocate in the New World. You don't have turf there, do you?

She was toying with him, testing the waters. She wanted to see how he reacted to her plans of moving. She meant it, too. A relocation would save her reputation and perhaps buy her some time. She wouldn't escape their attacker forever, but her business would boom. She had been working under a fake name, anyway. It was not the end of the world. What she did want to see was how Kuar reacted to her proposition. If he decided to leave her... Well, she'd find it just that little bit harder to survive. If he stayed by her side...

Then she'd have some fun.

We could set borders, she agreed, stretching stiffly, But I won't be staying here for long. I can't see myself making a name here. I'm leaving, and soon. As soon as I can buy passage.

[Tundra]

Kuar listened to Shays words, his tail flicking lightly so not to cause him pain. Her ideas were simple, and to the point. Did she really want to move? Kuar looked back at her with a slightly curious look. Turning so he was facing her now, he knelled(sp?) to the ground and set his arms on his knees.

His tail flicked again as he stated "You would leave what you have spilled blood to build. People fear you here, they hear your on their trail they run for their lives. Even don't even have a reputation like that. Minus a few places..like the bar...." Kuar chuckled slightly remembering exactly what had made him feared there. He had once been a heavy drinker actually, not really having an urge to kill anything. One stupid idiot not only made some remark on how he looked, but took a swing at Kuar. Kuar..being drunk..and now pissed slipped quite easily into his feral state. Within a flash the man was dead, multitudes of claw marks and blood splatter over all the walls. Things after that were understood by all people of that bar. Don't mess with Kuar, don't talk, look or do ANYTHING around Kuar. At least that's how they acted.

Flicking his tail again he thought on it for a bit. Was it a good idea for them to separate? Whoever the hell, or whatever the hell the power was, it sure seemed intent on them staying together. Not that Kuar enjoyed this, to a point, There was reasons why he wouldn't mid staying with Shay. For one, he would have someone to watch his back, and the same went for her. The benefited from staying together, together they were a powerful force. Kuar had come to realize this almost immediately, seeing the power, how shay was able to move with ease.

He tilted his head slightly and asked a simple question "Shay, if were together my lands, my turf is yours as much as it is mine. So why leave? " He let his wings rest beside him, stretching out over at least 6 feet of the room. His braced wing complained as he let it just relax, but at the same time he felt a sense of ease when the pain it was causing eased a bit. Flicking his tail again he was curious why Shay was seeming so ready to give up her lands so easily. Kuar had known about Shay for awhile, watching each time she had come into his turf. In fact, unlike Conis he didn't confront her when she had killed on his turf either. He had no reason, people knew it wasn't him. This last job had been another matter because he was there, obviously associating with her. He didn't want the reputation of a ruthless killer. Most knew him as loyal and trustworthy, it was somewhat hard to wrap his mind around this new threat that had formed.

He let out a sigh and rose to his feet again, his legs having become tired from the position he was in. He walked over to shays armor and ran his claw lightly over it, not that he had intent on damaging it. He was curious really, but hated perusing it. Curiosity kills the cat as they always say right?

[Verdana]

When Shaygrin made a choice, had a thought or even grasped onto an idea, she tended to stick to it with a remarkable tenacity... At least, until she got bored of it. She was not bored of her decision yet. It seemed very smart, to her. It seemed logical, but mostly it seemed exciting. A new land, virtually unexplored, and she could be one of the first to help the rot set in. Kuar kneeled. His head was barely below hers. She was disconcerted at her own small stature, but only momentarily. She accepted her height. Small was useful. Small was adaptable.

She looked Kuar straight in the eyes.

Yes, she said simply.
You can't honestly believe that a change wouldn't do me good. I don't like gruntwork. I want to specialise. Maybe... I don't know. I could find some allies or something. I don't want to be alone for the rest of my life. What if we defeat this assailant?
Again, with the 'we'.
What then? We'll be free of him, but what about the next one? I need allies, and I'm not finding them here. I'm female, and it counts against me. Whatever I've done here, I could easily do somewhere else, and do it better. I'm ready to leave.

She smiled slightly at his offer, recognising it for what it was but not taking the bait in the least.
No, Kuar. I want my own reputation. I don't want yours. If I were to use your land, I'd be an appendage, and I want to be an individual. I made that mistake once, and I'm not going there again. The offer is kind, but no. I am leaving. My mind's made up.

Kuar stood, and Shay watched him. To her surprise, she felt anxious. She wanted him on her side. She needed an ally, and there was no denying that he was a good one. She watched him as he walked over to her armour, and touched it with his claws. She smiled wryly.
Be careful with that, she warned.
It's warded. Even if I'm not in it, it doesn't like being meddled with.

Her eyes clouded in memory. Vlad had learnt that early on. He'd thought himself exempt, since she loved him so fiercely, and had playfully made a slightly invasive gesture while she was wearing the suit. She'd laughed, but she had been very worried that his eyebrows would not grow back. They had, thankfully, but he'd looked very surprised for a month. Shay chuckled under her breath, but with nostalgia rather than amusement.

She watched. She was good at watching.

[Tundra]

Kuar shifted his weight his back to Shay at this time. He listened to what she had to say, and to be honest they were good points. Though it did surprise him that she lacked allies. His tail flicked slightly in amusement at the thought of her actually being his first ally. He had worked alone for so long, it would be a change of pace. Much like her own mindset, he needed to branch out a bit more. Folding his arms he turned so he was looking at Shay, leaning now against the wall nearest to the armor. His tail flicked side to side for a few before he spoke

"Your views on this is understandable. But, whose to say our new found enemy wont follow? It would be stupid of him not to try at least to finish the job. At least here you know where you can go that is safe, over there you have nothing, and it would take time to build anything worth bothering with. Your his main target that was made clear by him hiring me in the first place. Otherwise he would have hired you to kill me." Kuar flicked his tail a few more times before he closed his eyes. "He will not be an easy opponent Shay, not one you can just go in and kill. He knew everything about me, before I even knew his name. The way he worded things, everything was just worded right that the job interested me enough to take it. He was a smooth talker as some would call him. But deadly all the same...He tricked me, and he will trick others " One watching would know good and well he was remembering back to the job, how, insecure he had felt. He should have followed the feeling, but no matter the situation he would still have ended up as a target. To be honest, he was glad for Shay's company, probably just as much as she was his. Shifting his weight again, he finally opened his eyes to watch Shay once again.

"If your truly set on going to the Americas, then I cant stop you......." He paused, realizing what he had just said. Did he really want Shay to stay that bad that he was actually trying to stop her from leaving? He looked away from her for a few mumbling something incoherent under his breath. This bothered him, not badly, but the irritation that he was seeing her so quickly as an asset. Why, he could not understand. Perhaps it was because they were so similar. He took in a long breath and sighed, maybe he was just needing a companion, he was unsure, but its not like he was going to say anything to Shay on it. She made him uncomfortable, which, also in turn made him have an urge to stay close to her.

[Tundra]

[[bump]]

[Verdana]

Shaygrin smiled wanly, well aware that her plan was foolhardy and very risky. However, she was resolute.
He probably will follow. I anticipate it. However, he won't expect this. It's completely out of character for me. I've never done anything like this before, and that will throw him off track. By the time he cottons on, I hope to be ready and waiting for him.
It was a long shot. She knew that. But anything was better than waiting, wounded and confused, on turf that she was losing respect in. Better, she thought, to start from the beginning.

Besides which, she'd been stagnating. It was time for a bit of a change.

Shay's smile dropped slightly. A hint of fear ticked in the corners of her eyes.
Well, I'll just have to be trickier, won't I? she said, but there was a quaver to her question.
I am not completely helpless, and if the worst comes to the worst, I have allies who I can call on. I can do this, and I will do it best in the New World. I've made up my mind. I'll leave as soon as I can find a ship to take me.

Shay looked away from Kuar as his words melted away. Her face fell.
That's what I'm doing, she murmured. Suddenly, she pressed her face into her hands.
Don't make me go alone, she whimpered, pleaded.

[[Sorry it's so short >.<]]

[Tundra]

Kuar closed his eyes listening to what Shay had to say. She was right, moving areas would throw they enemy off their trail for awhile, and give them time to recover and retaliate. But Kuar was uneasy, he didn't want Shay to leave. Everything he knew was here, his contacts, his loyalties, his..life. He had never really been far from the city unless for a job, even then he came right back. Everybody knew how and where to get a hold of him, how to work out a job with him. He paused there, at those thoughts. Everybody did know him, why had no one warned him? Had the hidden enemy been working his way into their minds? Was there anyone he could trust here anymore?

His tail flicked lightly in thought, he could hear Shays uneasiness, almost smell her sense of fear, though light. He was bothered by the fact that such a battle hardened woman was fearful of moving. Then again, the same fear fell on his mind. But, he was beginning to doubt his own ties, links, and who he once trusted. Maybe moving was a good idea, it would help. Adjusting his wings, and grinding his teeth in pain as he remembered his wing was injured he thought for a few, still listening to Shay. It was about then that he heard her voice quaver, and then plead with him. He opened his eyes to see Shay with her face in her hands. He wasn't sure really if this was an act, or she really was pleading. They had known each other for less then three days, and she was pleading for him to follow her.

Flicking his tail he stood there for a little, then moved next to Shay setting his hand on her shoulder. It was light, and unsure, confused yet determined. He didn't say anything for a few, collecting his own thoughts on what was going to happen. He reached up and brushed some of her hair aside so it didn't hang into her face as he said "...Why...are you asking me...I mean..of all the people you ask the one who tried to kill you less then two days ago..." He flicked his tail again, tensing his shoulders as some pain shot up his back. Finally, he managed to say "If I am to go with you, I have to tie lose ends...I need to know who I can trust here, who I can contact if something were to go down...Otherwise I leave with nothing, since right now I have this sense of everyone being a potential traitor..." He pulled his hand off her shoulder and walked a few paces away, his back to Shay now. He was thinking, his tail flicking lightly. Everything had just gone to hell in the past day or so, maybe this would lighten things up, and they would find their way out of this. Then again his mind was still confused why he refereed to Shay and him in a whole, as one. But he pushed it back, it would be dealt with later

[Verdana]

//A Prophetic Childhood Incident//

A foreign nobleman was touring the city of Forfex. Madrox, the captain of the guards, was commanded to guide him. Incendiius always teetered on the edge of war. One could never be too careful, and the Empress was no fool. As a result, Madrox was detached from his usual duties and he, accompanied by a handful of armed guards, were touring the countryside. He was less than impressed by this misuse of his skills, but his indignity was nearly at an end. They were near the palace, and only had to glance past the servants' quarters to complete the tour.

A crowd of children played outside the neat cottages. As Madrox droned on about facilities, the nobleman's sharp eyes probed the romping children. He was a keen strategist in his spare time, and in the chaos a pattern was forming. A ringleader was revealed. The nobleman's eyes narrowed. There was something odd about the little girl... She seemed smaller than her peers. Paler, too, and while the other children were dark-skinned and earthy-haired, she was not. A suspicion grew in the nobleman's mind, and cutting through Madrox's disinterested rant, he pointed.

That's a wolf in sheep's clothing if I ever saw one.
Madrox stopped mid-sentence, and followed the pointing finger. He started, and cursed under his breath.
Shaygrin... he growled.
She heard her name. She looked up, startled. A smudge of dirt looked like warpaint on her cheek. The guards moved towards her with practiced, graceful coordination.

Shaygrin was ready for them.

"Twelve!" she called out in her piping child's voice.

The soldiers didn't stop, but from the look on their faces, they did not know what to expect. In fact, one or two faltered, with a look very much like dread. The children stopped dead, and watched the oncoming soldiers, frozen. The nobleman was puzzled.

He remained puzzled as, at once, every child began to scream with a wide variety of jarring pitches. As one crazed mass, they ran for the guards. The guards had no idea what to do about this. They did not want to strike down children. Even if this had been their intent, the children never got with in reach, swirling around in a wild sea. The nobleman detected a shape to the madness, and almost laughed at the brilliance of it. The children eventually ran out of breath, but by the time the soldiers could search through the mob, Shaygrin had vanished.

Madrox returned to his charge, out of breath and seething.
Fourth time this week... he muttered. The nobleman smiled.
So that's-
Yes, the soldier grunted, evidently unwilling to elaborate.
There was a short, tense pause.
Eldest?
No, younger.
I see.

Another pause, longer that time, until the nobleman turned his horse and said, with a sigh,
Pity, isn't it?
You're telling me, the guard agreed.
With her leading us, we'd never lose.

//Here and Now//

Shay didn't register the implication behind the comment for quite some time. She simply hadn't expected him to accept. Not nearly so easily, at least. Shay wasn't used to losing. Shaygrin was one of those rare people in life who was born successful. Success in what she strove for wasn't always easy, and was often very dangerous and unpleasant to get to, but she hardly ever lost. So, although she was fairly certain that she would succeed, she assumed that it would be more difficult.

As a result, she continued to answer his questions, with calm honesty and sincerity.
I like you. I like the way you think and I believe that we could work very well together.
She paused as he got up. She watched his back, considering all that she wasn't saying.

Then she heard what he had said.

Her face was still for a moment. Then, a warm, vibrant smile began to spread.
Oh! she cried, leaping to her feet. She ran to Kuar and flung her arms around him.
Thank you! she enthused, looking for all the world like an overjoyed, scrawny teenaged orphan who had found a home at last.
She moved around him to face him as she promised,
Take all the time in the world. Well, not all the time, because we don't have that much, but oh, Kuar! The New World!

And, without thinking about how Kuar would respond, she did what she always did to show her affection to males she felt familiar with. She reached up and, without any sign of self-consciousness, kissed him.

[Verdana]

[[Finished!]]

[Tundra]

Kuar was lost in his own thoughts, but listening to Shays words all the same. She liked him? at least in the contest on how he worked as an assassin? It only made him wonder if she was hiding something, like she had a plan she would not revel to him, that she planned on using him. His tail flicked in thought, pondering on this. It was about then that the room went quiet, the sound of birds singing outside. Kuar smiled slightly at the sound, it slightly calmed him knowing that things still went about outside unchanged to Shays and his problems. Kuar was about to turn around when he cringed slightly at the suddenness of Shay's voice.

The next thing actually startled him slightly, her arms wrapping around him in glee. He was completely confused, the, joy in her voice. He blinked a few times as he tried to collect his thoughts. He reached up to move her arms off him so he could get away when she moved. He relaxed slightly when she did, but all the more was even more shocked at her next action. She leaned in, almost in slow motion to his mind, and kissed him. At first he only stood there in shock, hi arms raised slightly as if readying to do something. He blinked a few times, the feeling of butterflies filling his chest. Why he was feeling this, he really didn't understand. In fact, he didn't understand most of what was going though his body. The sense of the rush, the feeling of her lips on his, everything. It took his own mind a few good seconds to comprehend what he should do.

His breathing was quickened, but his body acted almost on its own. He had to will his arms to move, her he raised one hand up and ran his hand though her hair and kissed back. He really wasn't sure how she would react, but then again he could blame her for the whole thing. His other arm moved around slowly and settled in the center of her back. As much as his mind was telling him to fight, the feeling in his heart, and chest made him want this to continue. His wings slouched, his tail flicking lightly, he was relaxed..now. Shay probably could feel his bodies change from complete shock and tension to a more relaxed and unsure stance. All he could do now was wait, see what she would do. In the end he figured he would be killed, but heck, his feelings, at least what had arisen confirmed to him that he was taking interest in her as more then a friend.