Mismatched Pair

In a town bustling with multi cultural energies and crowds like Nede, it was easy for a first timer to find himself at lost. Van disregarded the rain coat and placed it into his bag, having figured that shrouding would only emit suspicion and with a mix like this, even the presence of a man with crimson eyes wouldn’t be noticed that much, unless of course he announced himself or someone threw a loud assumption his way. At the very least, everyone seemed to be engaged in something.

The two stepped into the town square, the busiest of the area.Van had gestured for Blue to wait as he pushed himself into a crowd and disappeared within. The girl would stare after him in her own manner of questioning, before a gesture came to her perception. Thought it wasn't that of Van's. The man was cloaked, white beard and a genuine smile beneath the hood. Despite the guise, however, Blue would know him . . ."Well, it ain't may pro'lem ya din' notice may turn, chubbay." Van exclaimed, as he squeezed out in such force that would've been his fall, if he hadn't adjusted himself quickly. He lifted the sack over his shoulder, blinking as he noted Blue's absence. "Blew?"

Blue had observed Van disappear into the crowd, pondering on his intentions before she saw an individual motioning to her to catch her attention. Recognition flashed momentarily upon her countenance and she immediately turned to approach the individual, disregarding her current companion as she came to see what the man desired from her.

"What do you want, Hictor?"

Blue asked, ignoring the bustling crowd around them and disregarding any initial greeting with the man.

"Hm, Hm, Hm, Hm.." The man hummed in soft laughter, as he took a step forward beneath bright sunlight that hinted the glistening of sea blue eyes within the shadow. "Even an assassin of your position and nature should not find it wrong to strive for some measure of social skills. It would bode better with less understanding clients in the future – Little – Blue Riding Hood." His smile softened. "Though, the question is – what do YOU want Blue? Betrayed by your own mentors, and yet, you seem to be content in walking past their shadows. And of your taste of companionship. This one's dangerous."

Blue only quirked a brow skyward at the advice he gave her to practice better social skills. Blue was never one to be asked to negotiate with clients. That had always been Echo's job, when he had been her companion. Silence loomed over her as he posed the question before her eyes blinked as he spoke of her companion, hinting that he knew information about Van.

"What I want is a purpose. As for a companion...What about him? As far as I know, he's the Barbarian."

Blue stated calmly, crossing her arms beneath her chest as she regarded the man solemnly.

"If you have information that may prove useful, I want it."

"The?" The edge of his lip moved to a mild curl as a smirk spread across his face. "Few choose to refuse ignorance. You will survive longer then your mentors expect. But yes, he is The Barbarian Prince. Several guilds had posted many a bounty in hopes for his death, though, to many's dismay, the Wanted becomes their client's eliminator." He said, looking over Blue's shoulder as he noted Van emerging from one crowd only to disappear within another. "The Leaders rest assured that if he learns of a certain possesion within their secure vaults, they won't remain unapproached. The man is clever, and his strengths lay past the the sword he wields."

Blue listened intently to what Hictor had to say for he was always a valuable asset. Though she could not understand why he had approached her.

"I see. I assumed much of his power laid in his weapon but I am still remaining cautious for they do say the skill is not in the sword but in the man that wields it."

She canted her head curiously.

"But why are you telling me all of this? If The Leaders fear him, it is no longer any problem. Or did they send you to make sure I keep my mouth shut less slip up and tell him the item in which he may seek? Even though I have utterly no knowledge of what he desires."

"Hm, Hm, Hm.." Hictor shook his head. "I worked for them, from one point to another, but it never meant that I was one of them. The Elders had once believed that there would come a time when they would send you after me. Though, when they believed it was necessary to have you removed, plans have changed. I suspect they will attempt to contact me in hopes that they may convince me to watch you - if not ultimately kill you." His hand lifted to clap his chin. "Why do I tell you this..? Because I find you appealing."

Blue quirked a brow.

"Would have been a shame if I had to kill you. You do know a lot information."

She stated lightly before perplexion crossed her countenance at his reason for telling her before she slowly shook her head.

"Find me appealing? Sometimes I do not understand you men. I am certain my behavior repels people, not attract them."

Hictor grinned. "You must becareful." He spoke sincerely. "Try to find a new direction as you progress. The dreams you've been having will become the catalyst of a revelation. Forbidden truths - shrouded from you for many years." His left arm extended towards her as a hand emerged from his large sleeve, with something heavy in a beautiful fold of satin. "The Leaders don't know that it exists. Don't lose it."

Blue lowered her eyes to the extended hand that held in it an item in its possession. She reached out to take the item before raising her eyes, only to realize that he had vanished. Blue blinked and scanned the vicinity but she could no longer sense his presence. Odd man, she thought quietly to herself. She saw no reason on why he would show any concern to her for he should know she would have not hesitated if The Leaders had ordered her to eliminate him. But for now, her eyes descended upon the item hidden in satin as she slowly peeled away the fabric. Her eyes widened slowly at the beautiful dagger that laid within the pool of satin in her hand as she slowly rose it to study its structure. It was expertly crafted and did not look a day old, almost as if it had never been used. It seemed... familiar, somehow. As if she had laid eyes on it before but she was certain she had not.

"I suppose I'll have to thank him later."

She stated as the dagger gleamed in the light before it was once more encompassed by the beautiful satin and tucked away at an unknown part of her form. She would then turn and search out Van, considering that he had not found her. Meanwhile, she kept in mind what Hictor had told her. Van was dangerous and The Leaders possessed an item that he desired. Could he honestly be dangerous under that ridiculous facade? She wondered as she pushed through the crowd.

Relentlessly, Van continued to push past the crowd as he cursed under his repeatedly cursed under his breathe before he felt something round bump onto his chest as he squeezed himself out with force. Van blinked, realizing it was Blue's head. "Now, were have ye been?"

Blue blinked as she felt a large object collide with her and she felt herself stumbling forward from the force. She managed to catch herself on her hands and knees, staring at the ground for a moment before she frowned. Van would find his legs swept up from underneath him as she repositioned herself to crouch and then swung her leg around to knock him off his feet. She then nonchalantly stood up and brushed herself off.

"I saw an old friend and decided to speak to him. So I was around. Not my fault that you are not tall enough to see me in the crowd."

She stated and crossed her arms while she stared down at him solemnly.

Van simply raised his hands to grab the sack that fell from the skies at the moment of his fall, blinking dumb founded as he tried to register what happened. He responded with a simple. "Oh.." When his eyes shifted up towards. "Well, A brought ye some o'those fruits ya liked back at da fores'. Figured we'd deserve a decent bite or tew afta da lon' journey"

Blue blinked and canted her head to one side.

"Oh, you found them in the market? That's good. Sustenance is always needed. Though we should find a job because our funds will not last forever if we wander around aimlessly."

She stated, not even bothering to extend a hand to help him up because she knew he could lift himself up back onto his feet. There was no need so why do it? Courtesy and being polite were two things that were still beyond her comprehension when the situation did not call for it to suit it to her benefit like back in the forest with Dhizzandra. She had already forgotten about the woman for she was no concern to Blue.

Oh how the days have changed from coming upon to an adventurer, it would seem to some of these people that the world was dwindling away, that even as they moved into the sands of time their bodies only fell into the main stream to be forgotten. But this was the only life that they had no? To fall back against the floor and never get up...Was their journey over as they sat? Or had it only just began?

The streets of Nede where always crowed with cluttered of useless people during the day, making getting around easy impossible or finding someone perhaps those who sought the one they seek would never find them in this seemingly endless sea of people. But then again, there was always a way.

The robbed man stumbled between people, the jitter of his fingers made him seem like he was running from something; or someone the dark blue eyes beamed in the rays of fun under this hood he wore. He had the look of a holy man, with out fear of evil until now. But in truth he had not been running from someone or something; he had been running to them.

Her name was Blue, that's all he was told. Her aura signature was placed in his mind and he would have found her by now, if he wasn't so dumb...But then he spotted her. Moving his fingers a bit slower his body slowed to a walk and he blended a bit more. Stepping just past the woman his lips moved and a tone flowed softly on the air.

"He's alive"

Without another word, the man kept walking his body moving quite quickly away from her. The message had been delivered and it was his time to leave.

(ooc: me and Blue had a long session of a Joint Post yesterday which niether have us have posted, and since I didn't do at a personal computer, I dont have it saved in the archives. Sorry to bother you mate, but you might wanna repeat that post in a different manner. Our JP ends up at an Inn owned by a old man who - calls himself - well, Old man. O_o;. Wait for Blue to post it tho. I am just telling you ahead incase you wanna prepare it))

(Will do o.O )

[Sorry. Net went out so yea... Very sorry for the inconvenience but here's the post that Van and I did. Sorry for any errors in it. I did not check it since I'm just posting this while I have the chance. It's rather large so I need to split it into two posts.]

The human obstacles would become less thicker and intervening as their journey proceeded down a path that lacked the intensity of the attention the town square emitted from before. Van would nibble on the pair-like fruit, apparently called Forest Berries as explained by the vendor. "So." Van began. "Ya said ya wan'ed ta look fer jawbs, ay? Wha' kind do ya fancy doin'?"

Blue took a bite of the forest berry that Van had gotten for them as they proceeded down the path. The fruit was indeed delicious and once more a blush blossomed upon her cheeks from the flavor that delighted her taste buds. "Any job is good." She stated after she swallowed the chewed food. "We just need the money but for now, we need to find a job that will pay adequately."

"A noe dat, if ya don' mind me insistin on da question. What do ya think ya CAN dew?" Van pointed out, index finger emphasizing with meaning as it pointed up. "Ba' Tendress? Boun'y Lewkin? Cleanin? Wha?! What're ye up fer doin? Its nawt jus' 'bout money, is it? A'd hate ta see ya become a hooka or sumthin. We ain't dat desperate."

Blue's lips twitched at the notion of being a prostitute. "I have no desire to sell my body for money but if it comes down to it, I will." She stated and gave a lazy shrug. "Bounty hunting sounds reasonable. That would be my first option. I don't think I'll be good at being a tender and I can clean if I have to."

Van choked on the Forest Berry in regards towards that submitting notion, regretting he had given her that particular idea. He forgot her lack of sense of humor. "Bah! It'd bi hard ta spot a Boun'y huntin endeavor at a multi'culture place like Nede. Its why it bi so easy ta acess in da firs' place. Da Old Governas dawn' wan' ta scare away customas. Market'll decline with tew much security, so der bein pretty strict in da inside - invisibly afcourse." Van scratched his head, as he thought. "We can end up askin' bar tendas an' workin classes dat like ta keep their ears entertained, but A wouldn' take dat as an intia'ive." Van lifted his pouch from within the folds of his garments, inspecting its internals. "Well. This was supposed ta las' me fer -- six days. Even with frui's bein cheap 'ere, A'd say.....Three days fer us, till we can a jawb."

Blue listened to what he had to say, eyes pivoting toward his direction as she noticed him lift a pouch from the inners of his garments. She suspected it be his coin pouch, where he stored his currency that he could hold upon his form. "Three days. That should be enough time to find a simple job." She said as she finished her forest berry and tossed away the stem. "Maybe we can get a construction job of sorts."

"Maybe .Maybe..Maybe." Van scratched his head, staring at his own stem before shrugging and inserting the entire thing into his mouth, crunching over it. Having gotten used to the bitter taste of things, he crunched it normally and swallowed it, taking for granted that it might just add to his survival. Van noted a couple of boys tossing stones at a stray dog in the street as it coiled itself in the corner. He took a stand, frowning.

Blue paused as she noticed that something had caught Van's attention. She looked to Van with a questioning lift of a brow before her eyes wandered in the direction his were pointing at. That's where she saw a small group of children harrassing a poor stray mut. Blue did not appear to show any sympathy for the creature as the boy's found humor and delight in its trepidation and misery. "Humans can be cruel." Blue merely stated but she made no move to cease the unjust castigation and merely remained an audience.

Van's right foot hovered over the earth as it seemed to search for any solid article along the rubble. He raised his leg gently as he reached for the top of his shoe, taking hold of a cylinder stone before he waved his hand. The gesture sent the article sailing, smacking the boy in the back of his head. An Ow resonated before the two turned, one on the verge of crying as they met Van's crimson glare. "Scram." He said in a soft dreadful tone that sent one falling as the other ran, crying he scrambled to his feet and ran. He walked over to the pup, lifting his hand towards the animal's nostrils in a gesture of kindness. His brows raised when he realized it was a small white wolf. He lifted the animal and saddled it onto his arm as he crossed it over his chest, scratching the grateful creature. "Day ain't cruel. Day jus' weren' raised right."

Blue had watched with curiousity as Van made an action to cease the senseless taunting and harrassing of the poor dog. She watched with amusement as the boy's looked to Van with trepidation before they obediently fled as Van told them to leave. Her eyes returned to the peculiar man as he tenderly cradled the pup in his arm before she noticed the color of the coat the creature had. She wondered what a white wolf was doing in town but who knew. Perhaps it was driven here in starvation? Desperation? No matter. "If you say so." She stated softly. "Children can be one of the most evil of creatures because they don't know right from wrong."

"Day dew." Van countered again, scratching the creature's forehead before he gazed over towards the horizon. Sunset was nearing and their journey had proved aimless. "We're jus' tew hasty and don' take da time ta recall thin's or lewk inta ar hearts. Dat's ar problem." He said. "Listen. Ye gawt a boun'y on ye'r head?"

"It's possible." Blue admited while she regarded Van and the white wolf quietly. She knew not to make of them, other than Van sometimes appeared to have a heart that should not fit in his chest. Her eyes rose to the horizon which was beginning to be painted with streaks of crimson and golden as the sun prepared to depart. "It will not be safe for us to remain out here during the evening. My former employers may still be after me and so I think it will be best if we found a place to stay." She stated and crossed her arms.

"A noe a place." Van said, as his face twitched almost to supress a cringe. "Ol' tavern jus' across from'ere. Owned ba sum senile fart who - well, knows alot, but demands stories more then money fer a stay." Van scratched the back of his head, his usual sign of iritation. "It ain't dat simple. He sniffs ye'r makin' up 'an and ye'r screwed."

Blue blinked as Van described the requirements to stay at a certain place that he knew of. Stories? The owner desired stories instead of money? That did not appear like a bad deal to her, especially when they were short on money. "That's no problem. I can tell him a lot of stories." She stated softly and gave a lazy shrug of her shoulders. Oh, she would tell the proprietor stories alright. Hopefully the man did not have a weak stomach or a faint of heart.

"MmmmmmmmmmmmMmmmmmhhm..." A hand dug into the depth of a white sheet of hair that dangled all over the old man's chest as he seemed to scratch the chin beneath. Atleast he SHOULD've been senile. His gray eyes lifted towards the celing as he pondered Blue's story, nearing himself past the bar as they shifted to stared into her motionless own, so close, his breathe smelled of tobacco. In the corner, Van had prayed with every strained nerve he felt that Blue would find a convincing reason to stab the fart in the chest. The incredible tall blue cloaked man resumed his stand, taking a drag from his pipe. "I knew one mercenary who wanted to rescue his friiiiieeeend..." He said, puffing as he took a long pause, time churning as he seemed to ponder what he wanted to say, almost for twenty. "An Old friend..." he repeated, pondering for another five. "Who believed that his companion...Was poisoned!" He exclaimed. "After - sedation. He confidently began to...mutilate, no no! Not the right word. The word is - tear! Yes. Tear the body apart, and removed the organs until he found what - looked like the bladder. He crunched it within his mouth. *puff* until that it seemed - that the poison leaked out. After the surgery was deemed a success however - he wasn't so sure that if he were to put back the heart - that it would start...beating again."

Blue listened as the man shared one of his stories, or perhaps a story that was told to him by a previous client. Blue did not appear revolted or repeled by what he said to her. Instead, a very small smirk appeared on her lips. "Sounds like the top of doctor I would have sent Echo to." Blue said. "Though I do not think I am that degenerative in the cranium as to crunch a bladder within my mouth. I'm sure the taste would be rather...unpleasant." Blue gave a nonchalant shrug. "Either or, it is not wise to let your guard down around anyone and the fool should have known that the man was deviant of mind to allow himself to be sedated. Then again, the fool could have already been unconscious."

"Well. People call me Old Man." Old man remarked, as his fist slammed to smash a roach onto the bar. The fingers loosened open to reveal a key. "Welcome to my den, Little - Blue - Riding - Hood."

Blue's brow lifted upward in question as the man refered to her by her complete alias. She could only wonder how he had figured that out, unless she had somehow slipped and told it to him during her story telling. It was possible but she usually did not refer to herself by the complete name. Just Blue. Either or, the goal had been accomplished as the man revealed a key to a vacant room which Van and her were going to occupy. "Much obliged." She stated and reached out to take the item, lifting herself from the seat and approaching Van who was sitting in the corner. Perhaps he had been apprehensive of her performance? "Well I won us a place to stay." She stated. "He seems like a pleasant man."

"Right..Les check ar stay." Van quickened his footwork, skipping two steps across the stair as he expanded his footwork before he slammed into some invisible obstacle that sent him tumbling back onto the floor below, missing blue by a breathe. Head over heals, arms waving like that of a crushed insect. A formidable magic barrier. "Oh..." The old man remarked. "There was something I was supposed to saaaayy.." His eyes lifted towards the ceiling. "Before you two go to your roomm..Hmmm..I think it was of great -- importance...!" Silence retreated beforeh his brows lifted as memory ringed. "Ooooh yes!" He exclaimed. "Have....a pleasant - stay." Finally, Van would pass through the corridor, shoulders squaring to crack agitated bones. The white cub having appeared behind them after it, having considered itself the Barbarian Prince's friend. If it had Old Man's barrier, it meant it was welcomed. Van stood aside as het let Blue open the door. Both stepped in. For so much space, Van wondered if Old man ever considered offering more then just one bed and a broken mirror on the wall. "eh..Ya can have da bed." Van scratched his head, setting his pack at the corner.

Blue had to side step to avoid the tumbling Van, staring down at him with a quizzical expression as she could only ponder what he had collided into to send him rolling down the stairs and now sprawled upon the floor before her. Or perhaps he had simply tripped as she merely shook her head. Her eyes rose momentarily as Old Man remembered what he needed to say before they ventured once more to their assigned quarters. There, they entered their room and Blue scrutinize the living quarters. Certainly not first class but it was shelter. "I can have the bed? Why don't you sleep with me?" She asked and looked to him. "It's big enough for two. Perhaps no room to spread your arms and legs but we should be able to fit on it." She said as she did not see the reason why Van was offering the bed when it had enough room for the two of them. Perhaps he was worried she would slit his throat during the eve if he was the one who claimed the mattress.

Van's front hair strands momentarily froze up, lips twitching as her words hinted at one notion that - to his misfortune, she never meant. Luckily, his facial expression would not be detected as he had his back turned to her."Weeeeeeeeeeeelll, it ain' me legs that A'd be worried 'bout stretchin." He said, lifting his sleeping sword off his back and resting it over his shoulder as he walked to peer over the window.

Blue canted her head as she regarded the man quietly. "What are you worrying about stretching then?" She asked curiously as she made her way to sit on the edge of the bed and take off her boots. "If you'll be uncomfortable sleeping with me, that's fine. You can remain over there." She stated as she glanced toward him again.

"Right." Van ended it at that. Having checked that the area was secure, Van paced towards the wall and leaned himself against one corner, sliding himself to a seat as he embraced Furiyen onto his chest. He stared as sunlight slowly began to retreat from the floor before darkness settled in. In time, Moonlight poured through, divided by the squared frames of the window. "What was Echo to ya?"

Blue merely gave a lazy shrug as Van decided to sleep at the cold corner instead of the bed and share body warmth with her. No matter. She removed her shirt and folded it before placing it on the floor beside her as she prepared for bed. She then pulled back the covers and situated herself under them once nightfall had arrived and stared at the cieling quietly. Her train of thought was broken, though, as Van posed the inquiry. "Echo? He was assigned as my partner to aid me in my missions." She stated simply.

Van's brow arched at the tone of her voice and as he wondered what how fathomlessly her ignorance stretched past the notion of humanity. "Can ya define wha' bi friendship?"

Blue was silent after he posed the inquiry. The corner of her lips slanted downward as she thought hard on what friendship might mean though she honestly could not come up with an adequate answer. "I suppose... It's when two people like each other and spend time together a lot. Where their similarities draw them together and they share interests with one another." She murmured.

"Hmmm.." Van's head twitched in silent alert as he thought to have seen something before he realized that it the was mirror having reflected a flicker of his glowing crimson eyes in the dark. "Ya eva considered you havin' such a thin..? Friendship, that bi."

Blue blinked and contemplated quietly on the notion. "No, not really. I heard friendship requires trust and I don't trust anybody." She stated lightly. "Also, friendship requires emotions and I lack that as well. People can consider themselves my friend but I am not theirs."

Ignorant to the science of emotion. Far from the reality of trust. Paranoid only for the sake of her personal security. "Trust's a big story. In mos' cases, it means lookin out fer each otha'" Though never she had that, did she? "If ya don mind me disagreein, A think ya do have'em." He said, crimson eyes reflected off the mirror as they seemed to stare at Blue. "Ya mistook me in betrayal. A think some sense of offense is emotion in itself."

Blue glanced toward the mirror where she could see his crimson eyes. "No offense. Just logic. I calculated that if you were so easy to turn on us, then it is better to eliminate you. If you are not with us, our chances of survival would not plummet if I got rid of you." She gave a lazy shrug of her shoulders. "It is mere calculations."

"Heh,heh. Ye'r missin' da poin' lassie." Van said in a low voice above a whisper. "A ain' questionin ye'r reasons, mere da idea that ye felt offended ba me possible betrayal. Dat in itself is emotion." His fingers soothingly brushed along the edge of Furiyen's blade in an odd measure of solace. "Ya can always trust a man ta bi dishonest." He said. "Bu' ye'll neva survive in a life makin enemies out'of every 'an. Ya ain't beyon' help tho."

Blue listened to what he had to say and she merely sighed. "If you say so." She stated since she found his persistence about the notion of her vessel harboring emotions peculiar but no matter. "You may not be thinking that when you one day feel my knife against your throat."

"Glad ta hear ya fin' me lovable, darlin." Despite the darkness, there must have been a smirk somewhere beneath those crimson eyes. "Blade ta ma throat, Heh, heh.. Or me lips against yer's, cherry pie."

Blue blinked in confusion as she had never said she found him lovable. Perplexion shown on her countenance upon his words. "Lips against mine? Why would you do that? Also, I am not a cherry pie. I am not eatable."

Van's eyes closed as he tossed his head back in heartful laughter. "A donno!" He said midway. "A cute lass, A knife stuck in may throat. Since A'd be dyin, it'd enjoy like an enjoyable smart thin ta dew."

"You are an odd man." She stated with a small sigh and small shake of her head. She did not see how he found humor in that. It was true, she was not a cherry pie and she was certainly not eatable unless he was a cannibal. "So you would do it for simple pleasure." She stated and once more stared up at the cieling.

"A'least a git ta enjoy may death." Van retorted. "Ba'sides,Pleaja ain't no shame ta ask fer if ye'r bein' reasonable. Ah, who am A talkin tew?" Something the shadow waved in a dismissal gesture. "Lassies like ye don' undastan' till day've experianced it. Anaways! If ya wan' emotion, it asks fer trust. And fer now on, A'll relyin on ye if A eva get'n trouble. Deal? Deal! "

He was a hopeless man, Blue thought to herself as he rambled on in the darkness. "I may end up disappointing you." She murmured and closed her eyes with a small intake of breath. He was certainly a lot more talkative than Echo ever was. Blabber mouth, she thought if that was the correct term to place upon an individual such as Van. "Pleasure is an odd concept." She merely stated.

(Yep, I'm using half of the last post because I am lazy)

Oh how the days have changed from coming upon to an adventurer, it would seem to some of these people that the world was dwindling away, that even as they moved into the sands of time their bodies only fell into the main stream to be forgotten. But this was the only life that they had no? To fall back against the floor and never get up...Was their journey over as they sat? Or had it only just began?

The streets of Nede where always crowed with cluttered of useless people during the day, making getting around easy impossible or finding someone perhaps those who sought the one they seek would never find them in this seemingly endless sea of people. But then again, there was always a way.

The robbed man stumbled between people, the jitter of his fingers made him seem like he was running from something; or someone the dark blue eyes beamed in the rays of fun under this hood he wore. He had the look of a holy man, with out fear of evil until now. But in truth he had not been running from someone or something; he had been running to them.

"Find her and tell her."

Those words pressed into the holy mans mind back and forth, though they where ever so soft and kind. They held an extreme to them. Pushing past the many of peoples the aura that he had been warned flared into life, checking the small crystal along his right wrist the man looked to the place and nodded. Slipping past the doors he stood, peering out of the darkness he had caught the sounds of Blue and this man named Van. The holy man knew he wouldn't be able to make much sense of them so he mearly looked to the old man and left him with a messege for him to give to Blue.

"He is alive."

And with this the man turned to leave.

The Old Man ackowledged the messenger's words with a puff of a pipe, scatching the white thick whte beard as he wathced him disappear as mysteriously as he had came. "Hmph..Younglings theese daaaaaaaaaays..." he yawned, before he noted where the clock arrows pointed. Well, it was certainly time for bed - though where did he sleep. Oh yes. The counter.


***

Van's ear perked to sound of an impact that resonated from down below, noting Blue's silent curiousity. The barbarian prince simply shrugged. "Old oak must've fell asleep."


ooc: xD! Sorry. i had problems getting back to the net, but i am baaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Blue eyes diverted from the ceiling as a sound from beneath resonated into their assigned chamber before Van identified the source of the sound.

"Ah, I see."

She simply stated, to acknowledge that she had heard what he had spoken as her eyes returned to the ceiling. She would inhale deeply and slowly close her eyes, unaware of the message that had been left with Old Man and would more than likely reach her by morning.

Blue would not necessarily fall asleep but would retain a measure of consciousness throughout the night. A feat she had learned when you lived in a world you did not trust to not slit your throat as you slumber. But eventually, morning would come and enchanting blue eyes would reveal themselves. A few quick blinks to drive away the sleep before she would sit up in bed and stretch our her limbs, to eliminate the tension that had gathered in her muscles. And then her eyes would search out Van, which, from what she last remembered, had taken his place at a far wall, on the floor.

"Van?"

"Ova'ere."

The voice would trace over towards the Barbarian Prince who seemed to have suspended himself in the air, balancing himself over Furiyen's handle with one streched arm feet stretched all the way towards te ceiling, apparently in some form of concentration, hair dangled to the floor. With his shirt thrown over the floor, his back had exposed to reveal an intricate display of scars. One in particular, located in the core of his back, so deep that it suggested that unforgivng length of steel had protruded out of it - ofcourse - after it had passed through his abdomen. A wound that he should have never survived.

Blue's eyes trailed over to the source of the voice where they would laid witness to the upside down man. She quirked a brow and pondered whether this was his usual morning meditation or training of sorts. Though her eyes were soon drawn to the scars that decorated his back, particularly the one that made an obvious valley in his spine. He must have been quite lucky to have survived such a wound but she could not examine it from her distance. Either or, he was alive.

The young woman would dismiss the man's presence momentarily as her eyes examined the interior of the bed chamber now that it was illuminated by the morning sun before a small parchment settled on the night stand beside the bed caught her attention. A message? She reached out to grab the item and read the message written upon it. He's alive. Blue frowned. He was alive? What did that mean? Who had sent the note? It was not signed by anyone. Anonymous?

Blue lowered the note back down onto the night stand as she contemplated upon the mysterious message before looking back to Van.

"We should get ready to head out soon and try to find work."

She announced as she pushed the sheets off of her legs and swung them around and off the side of the mattress. She wondered if there was a bathroom or shower provided as she stood and rolled her shoulders, the muscles in her back crawled with a sinuous motion to her movements as the scars upon her flesh rode the waves. She was topless, save for the bra, as she ran her digits through the light locks of her hair and pushed the bangs away from her countenance.

It was a new day and they had to make the most of it as she headed for the bathroom to clean up and get dressed.

Van extended his fingertips to protrude himsellf to a higher height, feet touching completely finding ground on the ceiling before he pushed with two steps, falling with grace and crouching to complete a full circle. He turned around just in time to note the scars across the girl's back, just as she rolled her shoulders, the tip of his mouth stretching to form a light smirk; the moment was short lived as he noted Blue turning towards a direction he once dreaded to go.

Van's lip twitched as he remember what that crazed senile excuse of a living had in store for him last time he asked for a bathroom; a bloody swamp! In recollection of that memory, he thought it would be best to warn Blue. "Oh, Hell no, larse!" Van exclaimed as he realized that she was almost there, sprinting after her. "Ya don' know what kinda horror stan's behind dat-"

Blue - apparently too late, opens.

"Doh?" Van blinked as he noted subtle steam flouting outside those chambers. In disbelief, he strode with the wide steps of a ostrige, barging into the chambers. "Pig sties, frogs, lizards crawlin ova me feet..Som'an must've took his place!" Now a steaming pool, clean towels hung across the wall along with the guessable convenient tools. "Heh. Ye must've tol' him a bloody gewd story."

Blue merely stared at him with perplexion after his outburst and exaggeration over the bathroom.

"If you wanted to take a shower first, you could have just said so."

She said dully and with a small shake of her head while she looked to the steaming pool and clean towels. It was not first class but it was certainly clean and nice. This was to be expected, right? Perhaps Old Man had something out for Van and perhaps that's why he was being nicer to Blue now that she was a temporary resident within his establishment.

'But I already called it and I don't want you to take all the warm water so you have to wait."

Blue stated as she stepped into the chamber and then closed the door in his face.

"And if you dare peek, I'll gouge your eyes out."

She decided to warn him from behind the door as she began to disrobe so she could bathe and cleanse herself of any impurities that might have accumulated upon her form. Then after she was done and dry, she exited, dressed in a bath robe as she tied the sash securely around her waist.

'You can have it now."

She announced, gathering her dirty clothes.

"Eh. Now if ye peak, A'll gouge ye'r nails out." Van noted in smart alec retort, before looking over her form.

With a carefree attitude, Van made wide strides towards the Chambers, somewhat skeptical at first but determined. It took time, but he eventually emerged with white robes so neatly secured that it announced satisfaction. Over time, he emerged into the room, slipping his new pair of leather leggings beneath his robe before ultimately removing it to put on a shirt.Apparently, just a sibling to the dirtied garments, only a cleaner form.

Van spoke as he adjusted his leather gloves. "So, whaddya make of that wierd arse message ye got a while ago?"


ooc: sucks, I know. Sorry. Computer was under maintainance.

Blue looked up to Van as he exited the bathing chamber as she had situated herself back upon the bed after delivering her close to the laundry. She was patiently awaiting for them to be cleaned and dry. For now, the white bath robe she had attained would keep her form in a modest attire.

"Y'know, you can't gouge nails out."

She stated, dismissing his initial question since his earlier threat had struck perplexion instead of any intimidation or trepidation. How can one gouge nails out? Perhaps pull them out and shatter them but gouge?

"And I don't know."

She finally replied with a lazy shrug.

"It was anonymous. I would not know who would still be alive. It could be one of my victims but that's doubtful. I made sure they were no longer breathing but I guess it's possible that they could still be alive. Maybe it's a warning."

Blue looked up at the ceiling and gave another nonchalant shrug for she held no concern of any previous victims that might seek vengeance as she watched Van dress.

"We should search for a job today. Perhaps one where we have special skills for."

She announced as she sat up in bed, propping herself on her elbows.

"I may go for something that has manual labor that keeps me away from the public. Echo did always tell me I had horrible people skills. I once broke a man's fingers and arm because he touched my rear. Echo said he deserved it but we were still asked to leave the bar since punishing the man also resulted in some broken chairs and bodies thrown across shattered tables from people trying to help the man."

Blue stated as she thought back on the destroyed interior of the bar and how outraged the proprietor had been as he demanded that they pay the expenses. Though Echo had been able to 'convince' the man to just allow them to leave.

Manual labor? Van had assumed that Blue would've been straightfoward if it meant anything regarding bloodshed, ateast, that was the only thing Van would relate to their 'proffession'. But then again, she did mentioning something regarding construction yesterday. . .



Blue being a construction worker? Well, she had the stamina, but he wondered if the potential client would classify his workers by their gender. Blue - despite her nature - didn't look like much.

"Gramps used ta say -" He began, kneeling to adjust his boots. "-if ye'r not gewd with somethin', ye oughto consider gettin' betta. " He said, before he took his stand.

Granted, she would never see without direction. Today, would note her interaction with her surroundings just a tad more - just to make sure that he truly knew everything.

She was a sad person. . .

"A'm ready."

It was true Blue was an assassin in her previous career but that did not mean she purposely sought out to take life. She was not a serial killer or psychopath that followed such deviated urges for she held none at all. True, she relished the sensations that she experienced when killing someone but she was not addicted to such exhilaration to make her openly seek out bloodshed. If anything, she thought it best to stay low for now and seek out 'normal' jobs. She was indeed experienced in the profession of killing and it was logical to seek out a job where one was gifted at but such things may draw unnecessary attention at the moment. She was still uncertain whether or not The Leaders knew of her presence. If they did, would they come after her again? And if they did not, perhaps it was best to keep a low profile for the time being.

"Alright."

She stated as she rummaged through the drawers of the room and the closet in search of clothes that would possibly fit her, even if they were not meant for her gender. Miraculously, she did find an attire for her gender, though not the style that she preferred as she could only look upon the white dress with bright, canary-yellow tulips on it that now adorned her form. The joyously colorful outfit certainly did not match her sullen and dull behavior but perhaps would brighten her appearance for any potential employer. She would rather wear men's trousers than this thing as she idely tugged at the loose hem of the dress that was meant to flutter around her legs whenever she walked. It was quite obvious that she would be considered a tomboy if one stuck around her long enough or knew of her dislike for dresses and skirts.

"Let's get going."

She stated as she put on a pair of slippers and headed out the door before descending the stairs. She had to remind herself to question Old Man later about the man who had delivered the anonymous and mysterious message to her. Perhaps it was an old client or victim who sought her out, for one reason or another. She would not focus her attention on that subject at the moment as she exited the edifice and strolled down the sidewalk. It was still early in the morning and the streets were certainly no where near as congested as they were when they arrived. The majority of the souls that were roaming around at this hours were business owners or employees that were opening their shops and preparing them for the day. They may have to wait a little while longer before they would be allowed to go into the shops.

"So what are you planning to seek out for a job?"

She asked. She doubted that they would seek out the same career so it would be wise to know any potential locations to seek him out if they were to separate at any point in their search. She honestly had no idea what type of job he would consider himself good in. Comedian? .... No, he was not funny at all, Blue thought as she strolled along, and he would only make a fool of himself. May as well spare him from any humiliation. So that assumption was thrown out. Poor Van. Blue tried to think back whether or not he had already announced what kind of work he would be looking for but nothing emerged as she turned her head to look at him, assuming that he had followed her outside into the town of Nede as people around them began to slowly open up their shops and wake up simultaneously.

A small growl from her stomach momentarily diverted her attention from Van to her abdomen. They would also need breakfast to give them strength for the day for who knew how long their job hunting would last.

Van would stall for a time in silent contemplation regarding the unusual inn keeper that had allowed them to stay for the night and the momentary sense of displacement he had experianced during the mystical blockade that was stalled from removal, due to some senile notions. Whenever Van returned here, he was almost too certain that he would meet him again in the near future, despite the ancient appearance. For now, Old Man was absent from the counter. Perhaps Van too would have word with the keeper upon his return.

“Well, A can put ye’r slicin’dicin’ skills ta good use, if ye’r lookin fer manual.” Van said. “We’re goin’ ova ta Ol’ Shell’s Dine. Should bi a good place fer us both.”

The door sighed back with a soft close as he stepped outside to take in the heavens in contemplation, as he saw the fading figure of what was yesterday’s moon and an orange curtain that beautifully across the clouds. His crimson eyes blinked in what appeared to be recollection, as he breathed in the morning’s air, but the savoring moment was short lived. He would turn to catch of a glimpse of Blue in her attire, staring dumbfounded before a ‘Heh.’ sounded as he paced past her, almost with a flicker of a sincere grin.


“Ye’r pretty.”

Furiyen wasn’t anywhere to be noted.

Blue regarded Van with perplexion as she was certain she had not mistaken the compliment he had just given her about her appearance. She was pretty? She made motions to follow him after he had announced that they were going to head to a certain establishment that would be good for them but continued to regard him with a slightly inquisitive demeanor now.

"I'm pretty?"

She asked curiously as they traversed across the town of Nede toward their destination. She knew she was not that unappealing since she was not overweight or had any apparent blemishes on her body but she had not been referred to as pretty before. Men had tried to be coy with her in the past but such incidents held no significance to her and proved to be more of a nuisance than anything else.

"You mean the dress is pretty?"

She suggested since people tended to have an affinity toward bright colors since they were considered warm. Not only that, the dress had the images of tulips on it, another object that society accepted as appealing in nature. Blue walked at a steady pace behind Van as she awaited him to either confirm or dismiss her assumption while her dress elegantly whispered about her legs as she walked.

She had not noticed that it appeared that Van had forgotten his important weapon who could be having a fit by now for once more being treated as if it held no significance.

Van didn't appear to flinch or offer much of a gesture for an answer, for dismissal or acknowldegement, rather continued to pace in silence without much regard, but it was clearly no form of resentiment. Perhaps he underwent some form of contemplation, or mayhaps chose silence as his best answer. But it was the first form of solitude Van had chosen to maintain during any of their journeies so far.

They would once again pass the trading square, only - as naturally expected , less crowded -rather lacking of presence, espicially that of Hictor's. Instead, there was the old wrinkled presence that scattered the dust off to scarm and ride away on the morning breeze that paused for a moment to wave with a face spread and stretched with a sincere smile as they passed, even though they were strangers. Van responded in kind, lacking the expression ofcourse, tho the encounter never ceased his movement. He wondered what this meant for Blue tho, as the man obviously regarded both of them.


ooc: After that, have us hit the estabilshment ^^ unless you have something to offer midway and such.

Blue did not press the subject as she was answered with silence. She knew not why he did not answer her question but it left her confused as they went along, only momentarily taking notice of the presence that appeared to wave at them in its tangible form. Blue merely stared at the mysterious entity as she tried to identify the purpose on why it acknowledge the duo. This was certainly turning out to be an interesting day.

It was not long before they arrived at the edifice that Van had spoken of as Blue stepped in after him, optics pivoting as they scrutinized the interior of the establishment, soaking in any information deemed useful. First the quantity of occupants and then the determination if any could pose a threat. Of course any could but would they?

"Tell me why we are here again, Van."

Blue demanded as her attention momentarily diverted from the habitants of the building to settle upon the Highlander.

ooc: wonder whats Unknown upto

bic:

Van took a moment to do his own measurings and examinations before his ear perked to blue's words, noting her demeanor. Skeptical, isn't she? Van turned to her wirh his hands shoved into his pockets as his expression, brow arching at her remark. The answer was the very same reason they debated from before, correct? "Well, ye said ya din' dew gewd 'round peeps, so dis time, ye'll bi back in da kitchen." he said with a sincere gesture. "Figured ye wouldn' mind a lil slicin' dicin' round carrots, onions and meat. In shor', ye'll bi me cookin assistant. Course, if A get lucky with da owner."

Aside from the revealation of Van's participant in the art cooking, a hard swing of alteration would be noted if the barbarian prince's body were to be revised. The once crimson hair now flourished in Raven Black Hair, and the crimson eyes - now ocean blue. Not to mention that the pale skin grew tanned.

Could this alteration result from Van and Furiyen's distance from each other?

Blue could only raise a brow skyward as he announced that she was to be his cooking assistant if he managed to convince the owner to hire them. She had never sliced carrots or meats but if it was anything like slicing people, she supposed she could handle the job. It just may not be as messy as actually stabbing someone and getting blood all over her hands or clothes. Not having to wash her clothes afterwards would be convenient.

Though the young woman did take notice of the alterations that were commencing in Van's physical appearance. Blue could only examine him in curiosity but did not comment on the new look. She did not even know that Furiyen had an affect on Van's exterior appearance so she could not link the possibility of their distance being the cause of Van's alterations. She had not been his companion long enough to know such information.

Blue blinked before speaking.

"Do we have to tell the owner stories like the last one?"

She asked curiously.

"I do have plenty more to tell if that's a requirement."

The aroma of food that permeated the air of the edifice was tantalizing as Blue could only look down with perplexion when she heard her stomach growl in aggravation, as if to remind her that she had to eat.

"I think I'm hungry."

She stated as she placed a dainty hand on her flat abdomen.

"Can we get something to eat before you persuade the owner to hire us?"

She asked as sapphire eyes settled upon him, patiently waiting either an approval or disapproval of her request.

[Joint post. They may be errors since I am too lazy to read through it all and check. ;P]

Blue could only raise a brow skyward as he announced that she was to be his cooking assistant if he managed to convince the owner to hire them. She had never sliced carrots or meats but if it was anything like slicing people, she supposed she could handle the job. It just may not be as messy as actually stabbing someone and getting blood all over her hands or clothes. Not having to wash her clothes afterwards would be convenient.

Though the young woman did take notice of the alterations that were commencing in Van's physical appearance. Blue could only examine him in curiosity but did not comment on the new look. She did not even know that Furiyen had an affect on Van's exterior appearance so she could not link the possibility of their distance being the cause of Van's alterations. She had not been his companion long enough to know such information.

Blue blinked before speaking. "Do we have to tell the owner stories like the last one?" She asked curiously. "I do have plenty more to tell if that's a requirement." The aroma of food that permeated the air of the edifice was tantalizing as Blue could only look down with perplexion when she heard her stomach growl in aggravation, as if to remind her that she had to eat. "I think I'm hungry." She stated as she placed a dainty hand on her flat abdomen. "Can we get something to eat before you persuade the owner to hire us?" She asked as sapphire eyes settled upon him, patiently waiting either an approval or disapproval of her request.

Van blinked and just wondered for the moment if her words had by the slightest and most unexpected chance leaned towards the possibility of sarcasm when she raised the concept of telling gruesome stories. Hell, it would've been a fitting remark if it were just that. Though, unfortunately, Van assumed that Blue never knew that her statement was right on the mark. Of course, he did make the assumption that he would have to teach her how to slice carrots and other form of vegetables. When the sound of her belly came and her statement followed did he find himself obligated to lift a fist to his mouth to suppress laughter. "Sure." He said. "An' doncha worry 'bout da owner. Hospitality's quite exceptional-" It was then when a blast of shattered glass resonated as an individual was thrown to roll across the street, stopping unconscious. "AND STAY OUT!" Roared a voice from the inside.

Blue could only blink when Van rose a fist to his mouth, curious as to why the corner of his lips appeared to be twitching after she had requested a moment to consume sustenance. But she was glad to hear that they would take the time to do so as she listened to what he had to say before the sound of shattering glass interrupted his sentence. Her attention was soon drawn toward the individual that had been thrown out of the interior of the edifice and forbidden to return. "I guess he stepped on somebody's toes that he should not have." Blue stated, the possibility that it could have been the owner that had thrown the customer out did not even cross her mind. Van had said his hospitality was quite exceptional, or was about to say it before this rude individual interrupted him. "I guess we are going in." She said and proceeded to the door, making her entrance as she stepped into the building and glanced around.

Although humble, the adornments and the atmosphere did suggest that it was a popular eatery. Whoever owned this place certainly had his love for the sea, and from the sea mayhaps the food come from. A considerably broad and large man propped his huge elbow over a tiny counter with his chin resting over a gigantic fist. Obviously depressed by past events and not in the mood to smile, until he realized Blue's entrance. . "Eggs, bacon, letus and buttered bread for the morning, madam." He suggested, obviously lacking the enthusiasm. "Least till I get a decent cook."

Blue looked to the gloomy man that did not even give a warm greeting to a new customer but instead told her the menu for the morning. But Blue did not seem to notice or care as she nodded in acknowledgement of his announcement. It was clear he needed a decent cook so she hoped Van could impress or persuade the man that did not look like he would be a walk in the park. "You may get one soon." She responded to the dull man as she approached a seat and sat down, glancing up to Van as she assumed he would have followed her inside.

"I'll take as a yes." The receiver replied, sighing as maintained himself at his disposal for one more moment as he seemed to have dreaded a thought. Almost suggesting that he didn't hear her last statement. "You can havey breakfast." He said, stepping back to a stand before he walked and disappeared somewhere beyond a door. The batting sound suggested that ht was pouring something off a pan. With a tray, organized, though seemingly lacking the sincerety, the man presented the meal, though his fingers did not seem to withdraw from the brim of the table as a recollection regarding what Blue said came to mind. "You can cook?" "Ye'r a bit tew dull der, dwain." The giant's ear perked before his brown eyes shifted towards the Highlander in inspection. "A gather dat bi ye'r previous cook. Managed ta spring yer nerves?" For a moment, Dwain stood silently as he gazed over Van's features, regarding them with a frown though did not seem bothered enough to make a remark. "He's beein over pricing the dishes during my abscense. Looking for a job?" Van smirked. "Ya wouldn't say...."

An hour later...

Blue stared placidly at the vegetables that laid out before her. She could only stare as she tried to figure out what she was suppose to do. He had instructed her to slice them into smaller sections and pieces for the food he was going to prepare. Blue raised the kitchen knife she had been instructed to use and tried to hold a carrot steady. She could do this. About twenty minutes later, an onion was thrown across the kitchen, smacking against a few pans and causing a loud ruckus while Blue rubbed at her teary eyes. "I hate onions." She muttered, enduring the stinging sensation that onions brought once they were cut open as she tried to keep from blinking since that seemed to only make the sensation worse. "That vegetable has a formidable defense mechanism. I can't really see now."

In his apron, Van watched with sweat breaking despair as the pans swayed from their spots for dreadful moments that had him skip a heart beat before he sighed in relief as the moment came to a stand still. Steam rose with delicious aroma towards whatever he was preparing as time churned, when he noted the disaster Blue was about to nvoke over the vegetables. The carrots were fine, He could fix the uneven parts, but this..."A'ight." Van sighed in frustration, taking a stand behind her. "Pay attention. A can' bi at tew places at once all da tame." Gently, Van took liberty in taking hold of Blue's shoulder, instructing her to stand at ease after he had her wash her eyelids. "Ya give ye'r eyes da distance it needs, and cut'em real smoothly. Like so.." One hand took the armed one while the other guided the left to master its grip over the different sorts. "Smoothly..Smoothly..." Van would guide her through the different sorts.

Blue blinked as Van came over to aid her, even though she was his assistant and was suppose to be helping him. She was glad once the burning sensation ebbed after washing her eyes out before Van came to show her first-hand how to cut and slice properly. She was a decent student and listened and watched inquisitively as he guided her through the process. Her eyes absorbed the information as the kitchen knife smoothly cut through the vegetables until they were neatly, if not precisely cut in the fashion that Van needed for the meal he was preparing. "I see." She said softly.

And from then did they progress, the aroma announcing works to be appreciated, or so Dwain hinted with a grin. At one point, an old man made his entrance and took the remains of dirtied boards and bowls, announcing that he would handling the cleaning. Van would turn towards Blue, patting her on the shoulder, announcing that she would take a break and feel free to watch his works, as he wiped a sweat off his forehead.

Blue looked up to Van after he patted her on the shoulder and announced that she could take a break. "Are you going to take a break as well?" She asked though it appeared that he would not. "Alright, Van but you should take a break soon too." Blue stated. She would linger to watch him work. Perhaps she could learn a thing or two about cooking by watching as she tried to keep track of the ingredients he used in his meals. She knew she would miss one or two and would make a mental note to get a notepad later to jot down the recipes. Though one time she was surprised when Van smacked her wrist when she ate a dessert that was suppose to be for a customer. "What was that for?" She asked, frowning a little while her lips were still coated in chocolate and her clothes perhaps in blood soon as she retaliated by grabbing a knife and lunging at him.

The glistening of the blade's sudden shift of motion noted danger that Van quickly registered. He quickly side-stepped away from harm's way, the blade having barely passed the side of his forearm. With the kitchen so narrow and with little space to master evasion, it had to be cut. Blood stained the blade and little stained the floor, but for the moment, Van wouldn't pay much heed to his injury. Instead, he lifted the plate off the table to add and reassemble the dish, calmy. "Dis bi da customas." The highlander responded quietly. "Least ya want ta git us fired."

Blue glared at him, wiping the lingering chocolate from her lips as Van restored the dish after Blue had plundered it of its delicious treats. Though for the moment, she satisfied that she had managed to draw blood from him after he had chastised her for a wrong she was oblivious to. How was she to know that she was prohibited from eating any treats from the dish?

"No, I do not want to get us fired."

She stated, crossing her arms as she stared with an expression of satisfaction from the scarlet that was staining the sleeve of the arm that had been cut. It was a minor wound at best but still quite grave compared to the punishment he had given to her wrist, which had not a scratch on it.

"So when are we going back to the inn? When is our shift over?"

She prodded, looking to him for answers.

"Also, we need to speak about getting our payment. I don't know if we have enough money to last us more than a couple of days at the inn. We need to find some sort of other temporary residence."

She stated as she pulled up a stool and sat herself on it, crossing one leg over the other as she folded her hands in her lap.

"We may need to look into that next now that we have a job for the time being."