Mismatched Pair

[Joint Point again. Have fun. You owe me Van!!]

Van simply ignored her for the time being as he thought he would busy himself with reorganizing the kitchen. Tired, obviously, having not taken a break ever since the morning, but never the less - stubborn. In a manner of moments later on, the owner emerged with a sack of what seemed to be their earnings. "'ere's an immediate payment, lads. Haven't had this much of customers since last winter. You've earned it." He said, before he frowned upon the crimson streak across the oblivious Van. "Whats that?" Van paused for a moment, looking over his arm before he locked eyes with the man, trying not to peer at Blue. He managed a grin. "Ah, this. Wan'ed ta wipe da flat of a knife stain off, cut me self in da process. Nawthin fancy." "Riigh..Ye'r done for the day." The owner submitted, stalling at his position with suspicion before he made his exit. Van sighed in relief,, finally deciding to press a palm against the wound before he looked for a rag. "Ye heard da man. We're done."

Blue merely quirked a brow as she was ignored before the owner came in to give them their day's pay. She was about to answer the owner honestly about the source of Van's wound but Van decided to fabricate another story. Why he had lied, she did not know as she merely stared at Van momentarily. She shook her head and tossed him a rag. "Alright. Clean yourself up and let's go." She stated, her hands lowering down to her sides in intention to tuck them into pockets before she was reminded that she was wearing a dress, not jeans. Blue sighed and merely walked out of the kitchen as she had already washed her hands when she had taken her break. It was not long before they were walking back to the inn, Blue as silent as always except for those few times she had the inclination to speak more than a phrase or two. "Hey Van..." Blue started as they walked down the street. It had already gotten dark. "Think you can teach me how to cook later?" She asked, raising her eyes up to him. True, she may have wounded Van in the kitchen only a short time ago but she appeared rather inquisitive for once, like a small child would be, instead of that placid, indifferent expression that was familiar upon her countenance.

The Barbarian stopped at that moment, perhaps to repeat and the consume what she had announced to him before he turned quizzically at her, studying her expression with some measure of awe and curiosity before he concluded the stare with a simple smile and a nod. "Sure." He acknowledged, his hand tugging at the ragged cloth to make sure it was well fastened. Later that moment, Van offered her a question. "How old are ye?"

Blue had paused with him when he had stopped to decide whether or not to comply with her request, or that was why she thought he had stopped. She was pleased to hear that he was more than willing to teach her. And as they proceeded on toward their temporary home, Blue was posed with the question. "I am eighteen, I believe." She stated, though the reason for his inquiry was beyond her. Perhaps it was just out of mere curiosity that he desired to know her age. Blue looked around momentarily, surveying her surroundings. There were still people awake at this time of day, going out to bars and such to drink their night away. But there was still the sensation as if she was being watched.

Days later...

Blue scanned her surroundings, absorbing information as an inquisitive expression was in her optics due to the new environment she had been placed it. They were at a restaurant but not just any restaurant. It was not a restaurant that commoners would be seen in and that could be a reason on why a couple of wandering eyes were giving them suspicious looks. Chandeliers hung on the ceilings, velvet adorned the walls, silk napkins folded meticulously upon the table, and a waiter poured a glass of champagne into their glasses. This had all started when one day Van had nearly walked off without her when Blue had stopped in front of this restaurant to watch the noble people stroll in. "I wonder what makes them different from us." She had wondered aloud since noblemen always walked with an imperious ambiance about them, some undeserved. And so Blue had been determined to find out. Which had placed them here now as Blue settled her eyes upon Van who sat across from her. "I can't read the menu." She admitted since most of the names appeared to be in Latin and did not describe what the dish actually was. Blue just pointed to a name on the menu and showed the waiter before Blue allowed their waiter to take the menus away after the two had decided on a dish. Blue returned to her inquisitive examination of the interior of the luxurious building, oblivious to the stares of disdain and contempt from the other clients.

Although, not quite content with the idea of strolling into this form of a gathering, Van left the events to stroll onwards rather then prevent them. He thought better then to question the intentions of a curious child of her demeanors, simply laying his chin over a fist as he silently observed, determined to find out what she was doing through mere sight.

Blue continued on in her observations, until something appeared to catch her out of her curious examination to look upon Van. She just blinked as she noticed him watching her yet not even a single word had left him yet. "You're quiet." She stated, which was out of the ordinary for her. She canted her head as she looked to him for an answer to his unusual behavior since she was accustomed to hearing him speak, even if he only spoke to hear himself talk. "Don't feel good?" She asked while she took the slender neck of her glass and took a small sip of the champagne to get a taste of its flavor. She appeared uncertain whether or not she enjoyed the flavor as she licked her lips and placed the glass down.

"Naw. Bin awhile since A'd see meself in dis form of a fancy. A'd normally bi seatin with a clien' or tew if they had me da right jawb." However apt the response was, Van skillfully lied though not out of ill intentions. Before his blue eyes seemed to study Blue's reaction towards the drink, prompting the side of his lip to twitch. "Don' go tew deep with'ose kinda drinks lassie. Der jus' fer those who like ta forget - ta spin away from da world and der troubles. "

Blue blinked as he answered her before she stared down into the liquid and gently tipped the glass in a circular motion. "It doesn't sound too bad. I've done that a lot but it's been a while since I've gotten my hand on a bottle of vodka or whiskey." She admitted as she took another small sip from the glass. "Just haven't really had champagne in a long time as well." Blue stated before noticing his untouched glass. "Do you not like the taste?" She asked before their waiter would reappear with the meal they had ordered. It appeared one was steak, or looked to be as Blue stared at it before she watched the waiter gently unroll the utensils that were wrapped carefully in the silk napkin. Blue did not know what he was doing but her eyes narrowed dangerously when the waiter picked up a certain eating utensil. The waiter picked up a knife, in the intent to cut the steak for them. But what Blue saw was a weapon being taken up, one that was going above Van's head which initiated the next events that transpired in a blur. Gasps rang out in the chamber as the waiter nearly doubled over when he was hit, one of his arm pulled painfully behind his back as pressure was placed there to force his face into the table. Blue grasped the knife and rose it, gripping the hilt tightly as the way her muscles tensed indicated that she aimed to stab and kill the waiter.

At that moment did Van's chair fall to the floor as he quickly took hold of the girl's hand, urging her to ease as he snatched the knife away from her with a firm grip, pulling her away from the waiter whom swayed to an agonizing fall and tried to scramble to his feet. Van tossed the knife away, gazing franticly at the drawn attention before he realized there wasn't much of a lie or an example he could settle with the moment. He broke in sweat as pulled Blue by the hand to a rush outside the restaurant, chanting the words 'misunderstanding', cursing on his way out as he assumed that there would be policing figures on the way. His retreat ended at an alley way where Van sighed as he looked over his shoulder, giving Blue a chastising frown. "Da hell ya think ye were doin, lass?!" Though, he believed he had half of the answer.

Blue had to say she was quite taken aback and confused when Van had stopped her, staring at him as she obediently released the knife and came at ease. Her perplexion only grew when he rushed them out of the establishment until they were out of the public's sight only to turn around and yell at her. She just stared at him. "He had a knife." She answered. "He rose it above your head. What else was I suppose to do? With the way he was holding it, he was going to cut someone." She explained. She had only acted out of self defense before the man had done any harm to either of them.

"Oh fer cripes sake!" Van snapped as he turned towards the dead end and kicked a stone, watching it bounce off the wall to smash onto the edge of the remains of a broken crate, becoming one with the silence after the impact before he sighed to relieve the building tension. He turned to face her, smiling meekly as he scratched his scalp. "Lass." He began, looking at her. "A'd hate ta say thin's like dis, but da reality is ye'r tew paranoid fer ye'r own gewd. Naw' every gesture deserves a preemptive strike. Dat waiter planned ta cut ye'r steak, naw' me head off. Learn ta see through da intention of doer, before assumin' them. If every'an behaved like ye assumed back der, nawt many of us would be roamin da worl' now would we?"

Blue winced when Van turned around to kick at a stone. She did not understand why he was so upset at her as she watched him cautiously when he turned around to face her again. She looked up at him as he began. She was paranoid? She did not think she was. She had only reacted the way she thought was right and he was telling her she was wrong? She listened to him and considered his words. "I guess." She responded softly but she was still perplexed. "But what do you expect me to do?"

"Give'em da chance'ta reach ya so ye can betta understan'em." Van replied in the same manner, sighing through his nostrils as he closed his eyes. Perhaps his outburst was a bit too much, espicially towards one of her kind. "Not every'an lives ta kill." He looked at her one more time, considering her reaction. The poor lass. "Sarry fer yellin' at ya."

Blue was quiet as Van tried to instruct her on what to do. Not everyone lived to kill? That was true but everyone had the capacity too as she gazed at him quietly once he apologized for yelling at her. "But what if their intentions are bad?" She asked, looking to him for answers. She had grown up in a dangerous environment where everyone must be taken with suspicion and caution. Then she had taken a career where it was kill or be killed. There was a reason why she enjoyed her solitude and did not take in many companions.

"Then ye compromise accordingly. Killin' is not always da path fer resolve." He replied, softly, allowing his hand to fall to his side. "Ba' intentions can vary, but so does da gewd. Ye need ta stop livin in fear. If der is truly danger, it'll make itself obvious. And ye'r more den capable at reactin' at da tame. Learn ta seek reason. Those Noblemen weren't selflessly entering for slaughter, otherwise, not so many would come."

Blue listened and nodded slowly. "I can try." She stated. No one had come to actually kill her yet. And if they had, they had not made themselves obvious yet. Did that mean the hits on her had stopped? No, she doubted that. Then how was she suppose to decipher friend from foe? She had even been warned about Van. What was she to do? She sighed gently. "Can we go home now? I am in the mood for some cookies and you still have not taught me how to cook yet." She reminded him.

"Fer sure." Though, for this once, to test if his words were to any avail, Van approached blue with a gentle hand over her shoulder, supposedly a friendly gesture. As passive as he could be, he walked, expecting her to do so in kind.

Blue watched Van as he approached her, canting her head at the gesture. Not like he had a weapon on it and he was not aiming for her throat. She then turned to follow him, expecting that they were going back home. Perhaps he would teach her how to make cookies or some other delight as she was in the mood for a sweet. She was in the mood for something, for once, where she use to explain such notions scientifically and literally.

Well. Not the reaction that he expected, but a tleast it wasn't fatal. In time, the two would reach the inn to enter upon a silent - rather - no reception. Upon the first step onto the wooden floor, Van heard the familiar voice of his blade. "Knight to E 5." Were the words, prompting the barbarian to blink before he ventured a gaze towards Old Man's bent figure, seated at the opposite of the blade at a game of chess. Him playing the black pieces and Vice Versa for the blade. The sight was - well - a sight. Van did not bother to question, instead looked over Blue with a shrug. "Guess Ol' Man's busy." He grinned.

Blue appeared docile for the time being, as she usually did but the quiet and docile ones were always warned to be cautious around. It was not long before they arrived home and Blue looked upon the sight of Old Man and the blade playing what appeared to be a game of chess. "So it looks like it. I guess he won't mind us using his kitchen in the mean time." She stated and made her way toward the back where the kitchen was. "Teach me how to make cookies." She insisted. Some time into it and needless to say, the kitchen was starting to look a little messy. Blue could been described as being too eager to learn, which ended up with the two looking a little messy as cookie doe and sugar spotted their clothes and dresses. One from Blue tampering with the batter machine out of curiosity and the other from Blue trying to take teh sugar bag from Van. Blue glowered at Van unhappily as she had been placed in time-out, seated on a stool as she waited for Van to actually give her something to do instead of trying to jump into things. "How am I going to learn anything if I just sit here?" She asked, sneaking a small chocolate chip into her mouth before folding her hands in her lap again

"Shaw Uuuuuuuuuuuup!" Van emphasized with a dismissal gesture, taking liberty as the master in this room before he pointed a firm finger on Blue's nose. "Ya jus' don' hav' what it takes. A should reconsidaaa!! Cookin' ain' about tryin ta jus' satisfy yer lust fer sweets, Cherry pie!"

With that, a fast hand robbed the bag of chocolate chips away from her proximity, before a huge mouth gaped and yelled. "AND IT AIN' GULPIN' Dewn a buncha chippies eitha!" Van said, slamming the delicacy with a iron hand onto the table before he suddenly turned into a mere serene posture, coughing onto his fist. "Cookin's art! Cookin's discipline! Cookin's takin da time ta Saaaaaavor!"

Until he paused, and realized that Blue wasn't registering a darn thing....

"Roigh...Do da followin.."

Blue stared at Van placidly as he yelled at her and pointed at her nose. His behavior perplexed her, as did his outburst as she quirked a brow. Cherry pie? Where? She wondered as she glanced around the kitchen but she saw no such sign of a cherry pie. Aye, Van was indeed an odd man who made remarks and outburst that were irrelevant to the conversation as she watched him snatch away the bag of chips from her reach. The corner of her lip drew downward as she waited for him to finish before he finally composed himself.

"I don't see no cherry pie and I guess I should get a notepad and pen?"

She asked though she did not seem content. She liked hands on experience. She did not like this sitting back and taking down notes learning as she was the one already reconsidering. Sitting here and just watching him was boring. She liked it better when he actually taught her, like how he did with cutting vegetables as Blue's interest was beginning to wander about the kitchen and her fingers were getting agitated. She reached for a dagger upon her form, for they gave her a twisted sense of solace as she gripped a hilt firmly but never drew it out.

"Aight." Van wiped the sweat off his forehead, batting powder off his apron after he had slid an entire disc of delights waiting to be baked. "Dat would've bin da firs' wave. Ye'r about ta assemble da secon'!"

Van pointed at her with firm charisma - well - almost. "Aaaand- Start!"


OOC: Tired

Blue watched as Van slid in the first tray of cookies to be baked before he announced that she was going to assemble the second batch. She perked up and waited for the command before she stood from her chair swiftly and moved toward the items she needed with a purpose. She assumed the batch that she made was going to be for herself, at the least, as she gathered up the ingredients and began to prepare the cookies from what she could remember Van had done it.

When all was said and done, perfectly shaped discs laid upon a tray, awaiting to be delivered to the oven so that they could be baked and then eaten after their departure from the heated compartment.

"So how did I do?"

She asked curiously, a smudge or two upon her cheek and nose but she managed not to get any mess upon her clothing. She waited for an approval or disapproval of her work as she folded her hands in front of herself. Depending on his assessment of her work would determine her reaction in the next coming minutes.

The delights would have surely gained Van's certification, the having being mimiced to the point where either projects would blur the image of their sources. That would've been his opinion indeed, hand't his head fell asleep over a fist that held it in balance.

Perhaps too tired from the day's work. . .

Perplexion displayed upon her countenance as she regarded the slumbering man quietly. He had passed out on her. Her head inclined to the side as she examined him momentarily but decided she could finish the cookies by herself as she would slide the trays into the oven and set it to the proper temperature. She would sit back and wait, gazing into the oven to watch the chocolate chip cookies bake.

Some time later, she would adorn a pair of gloves and remove the trays, the delicious aroma of chocolate chip cookies permeating the kitchen air and sneaking out into the main dining room to entice any other occupants. Blue would gather the cookies onto a single large plate and put the dirty trays in the sink. She would go as far as offering a couple to Old Man before she would have her fill, leaving Van sleeping at the kitchen counter.

But he would not be entirely forgotten as an hour later Blue would return, holding a blanket in her hands which she would drape over Van's shoulders. She would not disturb him from his slumber since it was quite clear that today's work had drained him. And since she did not want to wake him up, she would prepare him for perhaps a cold night which was what the purpose of the blanket was for. Best that he did not gt a cold. And perhaps he may wake up some time in the eve and come to their assigned room.


"Thanks for teaching me how to make cookies."

She said softly even though he may not hear her.

But with that done, Blue would leave him be, ascending the stairs to the second floor to retire for the night.

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"Stop..."

A young girl pleaded, grasping at the wrists of the hands that were clutching at her throat.

"You're hurting me..."

The young boy grinned darkly as he glared at the young girl he was choking.

"Why...?"

The young girl asked, tears brimming her eyes.

"Because I hate you. I've always hated you."

The boy said coldly, honestly, and tears freely ran down the girl's cheeks as she closed her eyes tightly, struggling for breath as the young boy tried to kill her. She did not want to die...

Blood splattered against the stark white walls while a sickening thud resonated in the air of a body falling onto the floor as a severed head rolled away from its shoulders.

The young girl screamed, clutching her hair as scarlet stained her face, terrified eyes staring at the dead body of the boy who had tried to kill her. It felt like her heart was tearing in two, like someone was reaching inside her and tearing it out from her chest. She had killed him. The girl fell to her knees, holding herself as she wailed in anguish. She had killed the only person who had ever been her friend.

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Morning would come and Blue would awaken to a new day, with the usual cold sweat that signified she had had a nightmare she could not recall, slipping out of bed and cleaning herself, doing her usual morning routine. She knew Van could be awake by now but did not bother to check on him as she descended the stairs and walked right out the door. She had a little money now after yesterday's work and so she decided to hit the market today.

She desired some new clothes as she traversed down the street, her floral dress fluttering around her toned legs as she approached the market that was not so clustered this early in the day. She desired clothes that were to her preference, not girly skirts and dresses. Those were just not her type. But she paused in front of a bar, staring at it quietly. She was in the mood for a drink after that dream...

Not more than an hour later, a man was sent sailing face first into a table that collapsed beneath his weight, the man now laying unconsciously upon what remained of the furniture. Blue casually sat back down in her seat, taking up her glass of vodka while the occupants of the bar gaped at the volatile woman who had just thrown a man for trying to be intimately coy with her.

"Another."

She demanded the bartender who obediently obliged and poured her another glass. Though a couple of the occupants were not pleased with her presence as she glanced back at three large men that towered over her, cracking their knuckles as they announced that they were not going to let a small girl push them around. Blue merely ignored them, taking a small drink from her cup which irritated the men.

And so when one reached out to seize her, he found a glass shattering in his face as the man howled in pain from shards lodging into his visage, his two companions lunging at her to assist him.

The outcome was predictable, Blue's dress fluttering as she jumped onto the counter so that she could survey the havoc she had caused upon the bar, broken chairs and tables littering the floor, along with the beaten bodies of men that had tried to defy her. Blue could only smirk faintly to see there were still a couple of them that were still prepared to try take her down.

This morning was certainly turning out to be an interesting one as she jumped when one tried to tackle her legs out from beneath her but only succeeded on falling onto the other side of the bar as Blue landed on the floor, ducking to avoid a punch and jabbing a man right in the jaw that sent him reeling. She stood to face a third that rushed at her, aiming for a punch at her face but she caught the wrist and painfully twisted his arm behind his back, forcing him against the counter of the bar while she reached out for a bottle.

She slammed the bottle onto the counter, shattering it and spilling its contents all over the floor while she led the jagged edges of the bottle that remained against the man's sweating face as he began to squirm in an attempt to escape.

A wicked grin twisted her lips as the man began to beg her to stop as she brought the jagged end of the bottle against his face, the scent of his trepidation and the promise of blood exciting her as the man fidgeted against her grasp.

"Scream for me."

(ooc: posting tonight. thanks for waiting for me)

[WHERE'S MY POST?!?! YOU PROMISED. RAWR RAWRARWARAR. >:[ ]

OOC: OK! FINE FINE! I SURRENDZORS!

BIC:


Van was not the one to believe in omens, but a base being blown to land flat on the face only split over the wooden floor. Well, fate seemed to insist that such marks were possible. Or maybe it was just his imagination. His fingers rubbed at his forehead as he forced himself to a stand, tossing aside the - bed sheets? The Barbarian Prince grinned softly - though there was amiss indeed.

"Vaaan? Where are you going?"

The old one's voice questioned in the wake of his leave, just before the door would sigh to a shut. "Need ta check sumthin oewt."


***

It was during this morning's walk was he again, after two days, armed. He took in the happenings that transpired within his surrounding with pockets filled with idle hands as he turned left and right, in search of Blue obviously since she seemed to have been missing - and he would not find reason to conclude that she would without his knowledge about it. All he had to do was note something significant - if she was still the Blue he knew.

And as fate had it, he did - the kind of which portrayed men scared out of their wits of something chaoitc within the bar. Van simply eased in, passing through the crowd like a breeze as he slowly entered the place, beholding what Blue was doing.


"Blew..." Van said softly, leaning to the side with his shoulder against the wall. "Le'em go."

Blue's eyes pivoted in their sockets as she heard her name, her gaze locking upon Van that now stood leaning against a wall and her grin instantly faded. She did not immediately release the man as Van commanded her to do so. Thoughts vacillated in her cranium on whether or not she should oblige. It had been some time since she had taken another's life and felt the thrill of their dieing breath.

Another tense minute or two would pass, a sweat drop traveling down the side of the victim's face as he waited. Expression drained from Blue's countenance as she came to a decision and she slowly disengaged as she obliged to Van's command, releasing the man that stumbled to the floor. But then his eyes would ascend to watch as Blue rose the broke bottle, the jagged ends flashing as they caught the light before she swiftly brought it down. Van had never said she could not kill him.

The man cringed and closed his eyes as blood was spilled. But it was not that of the victim's, as Blue watched her bleeding wrist slowly drip blood down onto the floor. The man pathetically crawled away from the demented girl while he had the chance before she changed her mind. Devoid eyes followed the man as Blue continued to hold the broken bottle before her gaze settled on Van's form.

It was uncertain whether or not she was disappointed that Van prohibited her from toying with her victim as the placid expression on her face failed to portray any emotions she may honestly be experiencing while she idly gazed at her self-inflicted wound, nonchalantly turning her wrist in the air as she examined the scarlet that wrapped around it.

Only she knew what thoughts were running behind those sapphire eyes.

There was no doubt behind with the glare his face held that Van was bothered by her choice of action, once having complied with such reaction. Her expression, the pure impassiveness that she held and obviousness to mortal danger; a masochist. The scarlet ebbed to stain thick over the wooden highlights that creaked with Van’s slow approach, shadily determined and obscure, head bowed with his hair shrouding his eyes. Van drew close to Blue within an arm’s reach, noting that she still savored the moment.

“Blew.” He called again softly with a sharp tone that demanded attention, followed by a hand struck hard against the side of her face that resonated like a clap throughout the end, assuring the observes that Van was asking for a death wish. Eyes – now crimson stared into her own with both scolding and resentment as a passive hand with a clean white rag in possession moved to take Blue’s injured wrist, fingers with the cloth wrapping around the scarlet opening gently, pressing against the wound. “Don’ eva dew dat again.”


Ooc: ……….*gulps*

Lethargic eyes would slowly turn as her attention was demanded before they would widen as Van suddenly struck her. It was unexpected. The sizzling, tingly pain that came abruptly, spread across her cheek and dissipated as it went outward from the site of impact. And with it, brought delight as color rose to her cheek, not entirely due from the strike. Her head remained turned momentarily from the force of the collision, staring off at nothing in particular while Van took a hold of her wrist and placed a clean rag to her self-inflicted injury and commanded her to never again do such a self-destructive act.

The expression on her countenance slowly softened, surprised eyes calming as she turned her head to look at him passively. Don't do it again? Was he ordering her to not cut herself anymore? She frowned. She had obliged to his request to release her prey and now he won't even allow her this relief after prohibiting her the satisfaction of a kill? The expression in her eyes began to grow cold as she continued to contemplate. She hadn't had a buzz in weeks. She needed to feel a rush, an exhilaration. She NEEDED relief. And he was forbidding her from receiving any? Blue's eyes narrowed as she thought and she then defiantly pulled her wrist away from his grasp. She wanted to feel the blood rushing through her veins.

Blue would take a step back as piercing eyes regarded the man before her, only thoughts she knew of continued to run behind those frigid optics. She was fabricating a notion within her cranium and once she had it, she rose the broken bottle. In an act of defiance, she purposely pressed the jagged edges of the bottle into the palm of her right hand, making certain that her hands were at eye-level so that Van could get a good view as she sharply pressed the sharp ends into her flesh. There was no doubt that the expression in her eyes challenged him to initiate a course of action to cease her self-destructive behavior as she purposely cut herself, slowly twisting the bottle side to side as blood spilled from the wounds in the palm of her hand.

Accepting the challenge could just initiate a confrontation within the edifice they were standing in. Declining the challenge spoke of uncertain results from an unpredictable woman.

[Joint post. Sorry for any errors, did not have time to scan through and correct them. I'll go back and correct later.]

At that moment, Van had abandoned all attempts of physically persuading or disabling Blue, judging by her reaction. Nevertheless, he did maintain the crimson glare at his disposal, silently observing as thoughts raced through his head as he stood. He would brave past possibilities, but he wouldn't do so stupidly. At least, not yet.

When she did not gain any immediate reaction, other than the continuation of the previous glare, she lowered the bottle and her bleeding hand. But the tension that resonated from her body still spoke of danger if Van did not tread carefully around the unpredictable woman, as she was still more than prepared to quarrel with him and not in a way that would leave him with only just a few bruises or cuts. Blue had been docile up until now. The violence presented toward her seemed to have elicited this deviant behavior, her left hand holding fast to the neck of the broken bottle - her weapon. Her behavior had deviated from her docile nature but she appeared willing to be compliant again now that she had lowered the bottle, signifying that she was willing to hear what he had to say. Whether she would listen was a different story all together.

"Eva' considered a change of hobbies...?" Van began with a tone of jest that was obviously coated with resentment. "Back where A come from, we like ta call dat self degradation."

Blue canted her head and quirked a questioning brow as a response to his words. But then her eyes suddenly narrowed dangerously as something upset her and Van would immediately feel a pressure against his chest with enough force to knock him back as Blue projected a telekinetic force in his direction. Hostility? Not exactly because only a moment after Van would fall, a loud bang resonated in the ether and an unseen force struck Blue that caused her to stumble backwards a couple of steps. But that was only momentary as Blue swiftly lept over Van, toward the assailant who sat on the floor not far from them, with a gun quivering in his hand. It was the man Van had told her to release as he shot a couple more rounds as Blue barreled toward him. The gun slid away as Blue kicked it out of his hand. As stated previously. Van had never prohibited her from killing him and since the man had been foolish and not taken the chance to leave, Blue now reached down and, with a strength that betrayed her small stature, grabbed the man by the face and lifted him clear off his feet. And without hesitation, she slammed the man's skull into the counter of the bar with enough force that the counter cracked down the middle and a sickening sound rang in the air. This effectively knocked the man out but Blue did not know when to stop. At least, she had never known to be ever told to allow the victim to remain half dead as Blue rose him again, parts of the counter crumbling down from the back of the man's bleeding head as Blue prepared to finish him.

"Enouf!!" Did Van's intervention sound before his figure came, this time, not taking any chances, taking hold of Blue's shoulders roughly to emphasize desuasion. There was no point in staying here. "Put da man dewn. We're leavin'!"

Blue froze the moment the command was issued, holding the man by the face as he remained hanging limp in the air. Blue released the man immediately after Van ordered her to do so, disengaging from her stance as Blue looked to him quietly while the man fell with a thud on the floor. If anything, the man was still breathing from the shallow respiration that came from him. Blue turned her head to look at Van placidly. There was no indication of regret for the atrocity she had done to make her feel any different than composed and collected.

Having achieved the goal of suppression however, did was enough to leave Van content. Without hesitating at his disposal, the Barbarian Prince took Blue's uninjured hand, quietly and yet with discretion led her afar from the scene, pushing past gathered attention. Once again, they ended up at an alley. Van sighed, relieving his frustration before he recollected the happenings at the bar. "Blew...Ye alright, lass?"

Blue would obediently follow as Van led her out of the bar and away from the chaos she had caused, again. Those this one was grave compared from her previous one. Blue was quiet, allowing Van to take a moment to breath and collect his thoughts before he turned to face her. "Yes." Was her calm response as she did not appear to be in any immediate pain. But she was bleeding, and profusely now compared to the small cuts she had inflicted upon herself. A couple of bullets had found home in her body, one in her abdomen and one in her arm. But her expression was placid, as if oblivious to any mortal danger to herself as blood stained her white dress and slowly slithered down the length of her arm. "Are you alright?" She inquired immediately after his question. "You did not get shot, did you?" Even though she had been the one that had gotten shot and the one that had received any serious damage, she appeared to have more concern for him than herself at the moment as she stared at him. "Are you mad at me?" She asked curiously. "Did I react too quickly again?"

The questions had hit Van's nerves harder then the train of realization as he recounted the events and time that churned on their account to get here after she was shot. Beyond those questions, Blue would have no reason to find the strength to stand with such injuries. "Shaw up now." Van swallowed, gently reaching for her, expecting the worst case scenario. "Ye'r bleedin' bad.." Recounting the blood loss and the severe damage, along with the fact those bullets remained there. Blue would be vulnerable to fever and direly needed treatment.

Perplexion was written on Blue's countenancing as she regarded the concerned expression on Van's face as he reached for her. "What's wrong?" As the announcement was made that she was bleeding, she looked down to the growing scarlet stain on her abdomen. "Oh." She stated, as if she had not known she had been shot. "it doesn't hurt, y'know." She said, in an attempt to reassure him. This wasn't the worst injuries she had suffered. "It doesn't but it would be best to take the bullets out as soon as possible. Also, I don't think it's very sanitory to remain in this dirty alley. Should we return home?" Her attitude toward her injuries obviously contrasted that of Van's, the expression in her eyes softening as she canted her head. But she was in danger now as the color in her skin was already beginning to fade from the blood loss. Either or, Blue remained calm throughout the whole ordeal as she gazed at Van quietly, curiously. And somehow, still had enough strength to stand on her own. "Old Man may be waiting for us."

"He sure as hell betta be!" Van snapped as he lowered down and lifted the girl off her feet, oblivious to whatever reaction she may have had. Throughout the ordeal, Van was not sure where to direct his frustration. His ignorance throughout the retreat or her obliviousness to mortal danger. He said nothing as he carried her, merely paused to adjust her where as she would press a hand against the fatal wound and sling the other arm around his neck to fasten her against him. He wished that the alley was not so far from Old man's robust. He wished he had payed more attention the other night or dozed off into sleep! At one point, something disrupted his train of thoughts however and it was not the patient he attempted to nurse. Thunder sounded as the gathering of shadey characters blockaded Van's path, among them Blue's victim.And it was at that point did Van register that it was not merely a personal score - more like revenge. Calmly, he would place the silent Blue to be seated against the wall before adjusted himself to a stand and silently regarded the blockade with feral eyes. Guns and swords drawn with malice smirking behind them. The Barbarian Prince's fingertips coiled around the hilt of his sword...Thunder struck. The door sighed as slow dreadful footsteps announced Van's presence, swinging back just in time to muffle water and thunder as he proceeded to carry her across the stairs and place her atop of the bed. Face oblivious to the marks across it, as it stared in concern when a naked hand reached for the girl's forehead, feeling her temperature.

Blue had blinked with surprise when Van lifted her up into his arms and secured her against him. She merely stared at him but made no compliant as she allowed her eyes to close. She was silent throughout the whole journey to the Old Man's abode, even throughout the interference they encountered. Blue knew not when before Van stepped into the edifice that they had a temporary home in and proceeded to carry up to their room where she would be lowered to the comfort of a mattress. But her condition had worsened since the last time he had taken the time to examine her, as her eyes remained close as her chest heaved with her heavy respiration. Her face was pale and perspiration was slowly trickling down her forehead. Her body could regenerate at an abdnormally quick pace but it could not do so adequately with the foreign objects that had penetrated her and had found home in her. The longer they remained resident there, the higher her risk of infection became. And if her body did manage to heal around it, she could become poisoned from the contents that the bullets were made of as they leaked into her blood system. But sapphire eyes slowly opened when she felt a cool hand press to her warm forehead, raising to look at the face looking down at her. "You're hurt." She whispered, refering to the marks on his face. That was the only thing she took notice of through the daze that was beginning to set in.

The words crept onto the Barbarian Prince's being, settling into his soul with such a tingling manner that made him shudder, shivering hand balling into a fist as he silently maintained himself when he went to fetch his bag and disappeared beyond the door. Moments later, Van would return gently with a sharp razor and set of medical supplies. Quietly, he cut the garments that embraced the injury and proceeded immediatly to remove the bullets. Blue's rapid pace of rejuvenation served only to complicate things as he needed to injure the flesh to give passage for the bullet to be removed, but he nevertheless accomplished it, tossing the metalic objects aside. With the loss of blood, Van would attach his companion to a bag of fliuids suspended from the cieling. One of Old Man's personally mixed nutrients - but then there was the cold...After some consideration, Van proceeded to remove his upper garment before settled himself next to Blue's side, fastening her once more against him, his arms fastening around her as he would eventually set himself to become the wall Blue would lean against. Her idea of promoting warmth.

The quivering of Blue's body did not cease even as Van placed the razor down once he was done extracting the foreign objects from her body. But a heavy exhale was issued after holding her breath throughout the operation, only to return to her abdnormal respiration. She was still physically weak from the blood loss and her body was redirecting most of its energy to regenerate and heal the damage that it had recieved. The operation had not been exactly painful, considering Blue did not consider pain as pain. But now that the sensation was over, the discomfort returned from the blood loss and her body attempting to repair itself. She opened her eyes momentarily and peered at him as she felt him settle in beside her, held against the warmth that his body emitted. "Van," she started softly, reaching up to touch the marks on his face, examining him quietly. "It doesn't hurt. Don't look so worried." Her expression was soft to the point that, even though she was not smiling, it almost appeared that she was. It was the closest thing to a smile that he would recieve as she tried to reassure him that she will be fine now that the bullets were no longer residing in her body. She lowered her hand and closed her eyes, leaning against him as she inhaled slowly and tried to rest. At the moment, that was all she really needed now.

The timid face of the Barbarian Prince's softened to exhale shuddering air at the reassurance, leaning back when now was the time to declare peace for the present. Head leaning against the wooden wall, Van's crimson eyes would settle over Furiyen's own - the sword carelessly placed at its corner before they turn away and close. "Oy..." Van spoke slowly. "Listen to the rain."

The soft respiration that came from her signaled her descent into slumber as Blue would rest, allowing her body to focus merely on repairing itself. At the moment, she wasn't exactly out of the woods but it appeared the worst was over as she slept peacefully, for once, without any dreams or nightmares to disturb her sleep as she would rest, leaning against Van that would keep her warm throughout the night. By morning, the color would return to her flesh, though still lacking the warm radiance still. Her breathing had become normal and the only indication of the wounds she had sustained were the violet bruises of where the bullets had penetrated into. She was recovering quickly but it was still to be seen whether or not her strength would return as not even the soft light pouring through the window from the morning sun would coax her out of her deep slumber.

Neither would apply for Van, at least until the sunlight had loomed far enough to partially envelop his left eye, stirring him awake. The Barbarian Prince would yawn tiresomely over his left hand that lifted instinctively to cover his face. The slumber having relieved so much stress, along with the rain's lullaby. Slowly, he registered Blue's being against him and although he may have regretted it for a moment, he allowed his curiosity to drive him to gently brush the side of her forehead with his index finger in attempt to wake her. "Oy.." He announced in a low voice above a whisper. "Blew..How's ye?"

Blue quivered momentarily before her eyes opened partially to glance up at him. It took a moment for his question to register but she eventually replied with a soft "Alright," before closing her eyes again. She appeared rather peaceful and innocent when she slept but now that Van had coaxed her to wake, she began to stir and stretch. Immediately, her body winced and she ceased her motions as she was reminded that she was still recovering. Even so, she tried to push herself to sit up as her arms wavered. "Morning?" She questioned, glancing sleepily toward the window to find her answer.

"Aye." Van replied as he adjusted her to lie down with soft insistence. "But ye won't be standin' yet." He added, bringing himself to sit at her bedside. He lowered his head to lean his face against a fist, the act revealing the scars Blue had partially witnessed from before, except far more clearer. "Ol' man's meds helped. Might as well thank'em." He added.

Blue looked up at him as he coaxed her to lay back down, gazing at him quietly as he spoke. Her eyes were drawn to the scars that decorated his back now that they were more visible, examining them quietly and wondering of their derivation as Van spoke about Old Man's medicine. "Hmm." Her eyes wandered back toward his face. "Thank you, Van. For removing the bullets and stitching me back up." She stated, pausing momentarily before adding on. "And for keeping me warm throughout the night." It had been a different experience and enjoyable in a sense. Even though the majority of the times she enjoyed sleeping alone, there were other times where it was enjoyable to have warm company. "I left you some cookies." She then brought up. "If Old Man did not eat them yet. They should still be down in the kitchen."

Van modestly regarded her thanks with silence, feeling awkward with those words coming out of Little Blue Riding Hood's mouth. There was more to her then what met the eye, he supposed, scratching the back of his scalp. And his stomache growled at the mentioning of the cookies. "Eaten day were.." Van concurred with obvious regret. "Ah well. Guess he earnd'em."

Since he mentioned thanking Old Man for the medicine, Blue thought it proper to thank Van as well. He was also a part in helping her recover so he deserved the appreciation. At least, she had read in a book that one should thank those that helped them. She knew she would have been in a deplorable physical condition if Van had not helped her remove the foreign objects from her body. Blue was slowly learning and, even though her docile nature deviated when in the presence of hostility, Van can rest assure that Blue would at least submit to his commands if yesterday's event had not made that obvious. Blue listened to him. And whether Van knew it or not, Blue had chosen him to be her guidance. "I can make some more later." She suggested. "Or now if you let me." She stared at him. "It's not lke my injuries hurt. I can walk." She insisted.

Van would respond with a thick "Naw!" from his bedside, grinning softly as he prodded Blue's forehead with his index finger, emphasizing his insistence in doing so. "Der bi no tame fer dat anayways." He added, as he took a stand. "A plan ta take ya somewhere. Da ol' far' can handle a few scrambles eggs while we take ar shifts in bathin'. A'll go ahead. Ya use that tame ta rest." He concluded, slinging a bathrobe and fresh clothing over his shoulder. Furiyen's eye observing him as he made his exit, blinking.

Blue would issue a small sigh as he declined her insistence, blinking when he prodded at her forehead to emphasize his statement. She gazed at him quietly as he continued before her eyes lit up with curiosity at the prospect. "Going to take me somewhere?" She asked with genuine intrigue, watching as Van prepared to cleanse himself in the provided shower. She would watch as he made his exit, pondering on where Van was planning to take her as she canted her head slightly. But now that he was out of sight, she pushed herself to sit up, her arms wavering but she managed as she inhaled deeply. She glanced down at the violet-blue bruises that were a reminder of the previous night, tenderly touching around the exposed area of flesh where Van had cut the dress, prodding faintly at the stitches. A couple more hours and she would not need them but she stopped as she knew Van would be quite upset at her if she re-opened the freshly healed wounds. Another small sigh and Blue examined the interior of their bedroom, merely out of nothing else to do before her eyes fell on Furiyen. She regarded the sword with silence before looking to the bathroom door, patiently waiting for Van's return.

And time churned as Van remained there, almost to suggest that he had taken his time - or perhaps thought he given some to Blue just so she would rest. "The ripples of your actions spread across and stir open avenues of opportunities, and you've come to grow to a capacity where new found choices lay before you." spoke the mystical blade as its eye diverted momentarily to Blue. "It would seem that you draw close to 'understanding'." It emphasized with a pause. "Curious - why did you protect him?"

The sagely voice of the blade drew Blue's attention to it as it began to speak, listening to what it had to say for when it did speak, it usually had something worth saying. As if it knew that idle talk was just useless noise. The young woman would blink as the blade posed its inquiry of the previous night's encounter before Blue would once more draw her eyes toward the bathroom door. There was a moment's silence before she spoke. "It was impulsive." She answered quietly though there was a lingering hint of uncertainty. She had responded out of impulse but it confused her nevertheless as she thought about it. Blue had subconsciously chosen Van for guidance which, from some people's perspectives, is what the girl needed. If he died, she would be lost again. And alone.

The blade would continue to stare silently, even after she fell silent before thuds resonated from the outside and the tall predictable figure of Old Man entered. "Hmmm........" He sounded, oblivious to the occupants as his eyes shifted over the floor, hand cloaked beneath his overgrown beard. "Where is - Puto...?" He inquired, quizzically. Though before the occupants would pose an answer, a scream resonated from the bathroom before the door swayed and opened hard, slamming against the wall as a crab flew across the air and clung along the edge of Old Man's beard. "Der's ye'r bloody toe clippa!" Van said as he emerged with his bathrooms, pointing his left foot. "If ye'r age hasn' confiscated ye'r lil weener, A hope ta hear dat crab does..!" With that, Van sighed as Old Man - fond of his reacquired pet obliviously made his exit. "A'm done." Van said.

Blue had been deep in contemplation that did not waver even as Old Man came in. At least, not until he posed the question as Blue glanced toward him. It was not long after the question was given did a scream emanate from the bathroom and Blue's eyes immediately shot back to the bathroom door. Van? Was he in trouble? Blue prepared to move out of bed despite her injuries though she did not get a foot off before the bathroom door flew open and a poor sea critter went sailing to Old Man's beard. Blue blinked, obviously confused as she listened to the interaction before Old Man left and Van announced that he was finished. But Blue did not move and neither did she speak as she merely stared at Van with a slightly... well, the expression was hard to describe. This was the first time she had seen Van completely naked, perhaps a bit too outraged from the inconvenience the crab had given him to consider putting on a towel before he threw the poor creature out. She just merely stared as if she was uncertain of how to respond to this new predicament. Eventually, she blinked and her eyes deviated from examining a naked man as she looked to his face instead. "Did the crab hurt you?" She asked, instead of pointing out the obvious that he needed to put on a towel or some undergarments.

"Least it din' clip off Mr June'yer." Van answered with a tone of resentment, rubbing the back of his neck before he noted Furiyen's expression. Eye wide open to the point where purple linings margined the layer beyond the pupil as it stared at something in particular. "What're ye lookin at?!" Van exclaimed with resentment, following the sword's gaze before it ended up at 'Junior' where it stood out in a less appropriate manner. Van cursed, quickly turning away and slamming the door behind him, leaving a dumb struck sword that simply continued to stare in shock in the same manner, silent even as winds blew a paper across its gaze.

Blue blinked slowly, silent for the time being. "Who is Mr. Junior?" She asked curiously, glancing to the dumbstruck sword that just stared off at nothing in particular, perhaps mortified from what it had to see. It didn't appear she should hope for an answer there as she looked back to the bathroom door. That was certainly....interesting? Males were certainly different than women in one department. Oh well. Blue learned something new every day it seems now that she had started spending time with Van. Blue scratched the back of her head. At least she would never have to complain about a dull moment.

Eventually, some time later after Van collected himself after the humiliating exposure, Blue exited the bathroom, clean and dressed. She still felt considerably weak but she had enough strength to walk on her own and bathe on her own. And with Van so concerned with her strength, she had questioned whether he was also going to help her bathe. At least the prospect of seeing her naked made him back off, if for a moment, since he did not believe her when she said she was alright. "So Van," Blue began as they descended the stairs. "Are you going to tell me who this Mr. Junior is? You spoke of him earlier and I don't believe I've met him yet."

"Sure ya did." Van remarked sarcastically, before intelligently saying it was just an imaginary friend he conjured during a sequence of sarcasm. Of course, he had lied. But he was not about to expose her innocence to anymore information regarding that topic. What happened was enough for now. The two would dine in a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and bread before they made their exit, journeying towards where Van said he would take Blue.

Blue listened and believed him as she nodded slowly as she accepted his explanation. Imaginary friend? She wondered why he needed one. He had the sword even if he did not consider her a companion. They would dine on a simple breakfast and then they were off. Blue was silent, walking quietly beside Van. A few people gave them odd looks along the way and it was clear that some of Blue's activities were beginning to be noticed. Blue did not know why they were looking at her the way they were but did not bother herself with contemplating on assumptions. Right now, she was curious as to where Van was taking her as she glanced up toward him. "So where are we going?" She asked as they walked along, as she had become quite inquisitive since her time with the Highlander.

"Ye'll see." Van answered simply, before slowly taking into account the stares observing passer bys offered them. The Highlander began to question if it was to maintain their presence in this community any longer in light of the recent of the events. At one point, Blue would hear the murmurs of a flying rumor regarding the death of eighteen men during last night's rain. Van seemed to focus over the present aim at hand, determined to not allow rumors to dull his purpose. Their journey concluded at a park, where the small measure of fertile land presented a fresh breeze, nourished from last night's rain. Critters flying over blossoming flowers. Van pointed out what he had in store for Blue - a swing. "Ever rode one?"

Blue gazed at Van momentarily as he refused to reveal their destination and decided to just merely wait until they arrived. Soon, the park came into view. Eyes wandered as she examined the terrain before they followed the direction Van pointed to. The young woman blinked and stared at the object before looking up to Van. "Not that I recall but aren't such toys for children?" She asked curiously before lowering her eyes back to the metallic structure. She had never rode one before, none that she could recall. Her childhood were jagged pieces of memories that did not aline correctly when placed together so that part of her life was lost to her.

Van grinned, taking her hand as he coaxed her to take a seat. "Children's or not children's, A plan ta have ya ride it." He said, insisting to the point where almost (gently however) pushed her onto the seat, guiding her to fasten her hands along the rope. His hand took hold of the rope, just an inch beyond her fist. "Der bi little things in life dat provide ye with a healthy thrill." he began, gently swaying her back and fourth before he grinned. "This bi 'an of'em." He announced, before he gave the swing a hard push.

Blue appeared uncertain about the prospect of sitting on the swing but it also appeared that she had no other choice as Van coaxed her to take a seat. She held onto the ropes on either side of her, glancing back at him as she listened to what he had to say as he started her off slowly. She blinked. "Healthy thrills?" When had her thrills ever been unhealthy? She did not have time to pose the inquiry before she felt the hard push, her eyes widening a little and she tried not to fall off as she found herself ascending higher into the air before descending back down. Her pulse did jump somewhat from the sensation and her grip on the rope tightened, as well as her legs tucking beneath her as she came back down, feeling the air whisper around her. This was certainly... different... and perhaps a little exciting as he had promised. This was an entirely new experience for her.

The Barbarian Prince silently continued to push the swing for a few moments before he left her to her own independence, seating himself over a bench that he drew close to the swing, choosing to observe her expression to its fullest extent.

Blue would relax slowly once she was certain she was not going to fall off the swing, growing accustomed to the new experience before she watched as Van went to sit on the bench. The swing would slowly come to halt and she glanced downward momentarily. She appeared confused but looked to the side to observe other children on the swings. She watched the way they swung their legs to gain momentum and get the swing to move before she would imitate their movements until she began swinging by herself. Wonder was on her expression as she slowly gained the courage to go higher, glancing to the children again and watching how high a couple of them were going. The brave ones. What intrigued her was when she saw a couple of them jump off when they gained a certain altitude. But she did not emulate them, and appeared content in just swinging idly as she watched the other children with curiosity. One did learn through observations. But she was still getting accustomed to the sensation of being suspended, for just a brief moment, in the air when she went up high before she would descend back down. It was... enjoyable. When the swing came back, she gripped the ropes tightly and leaned back to gain more momentum to achieve a greater height, to test how high she could go. To get up so high where when the swing stopped in midair for but a moment, it almost felt like she was floating. She smiled softly. Blue was enjoying herself.

With that happening, the Barbarian could only lay the side of his face against a propped up fist as he simply continued to observe, deciding not interrupt the momentum with so much of a word. This wasn't a bad idea after all.

If Van allowed it, Blue could remain swinging contently for hours. But eventually, the young woman would come to a slow halt, savoring the last few swings until it stopped entirely as she looked toward Van. "That was fun." She stated before growing quiet as she regarded him. Van had just been observing her for the past hour. "I think I found something we have in common." She stated, idly swinging her legs back and forth as she looked toward the ground. "You like to observe people, too." Blue rose her eyes, watching the children play in the distance. That was basically how she learned most of the things she knew. No one had ever been around to teach her so she learned on her own. And when one grew up surrounded entirely by violence, that was all one really ever got to know. "Why are they hitting each other?" She asked after a brief moment of observing the children. The children were not honestly hitting each other but playing a game of Tag. To Blue, it looked like they were hitting and shoving one another.

Van chuckled softly as he explained the nature of the game, carefully including the energetic nature of children that often led them to play physical games and their habits of creating more. Van would continue to observe the sight, before he placed a gentle hand over Blue's shoulder. "We might as well consida' leavin lass." he spoke gently. "Mayhaps bi able ta take a jawb an ar way out."

Blue would listen as he explained the nature of the game and of children. That seemed logical. She looked up to him when he came to place a hand on her shoulder and told her it was about time to leave. "A job? You mean at that diner or was that only temporary?" She asked curiously. Or at least, that's what she thought he had said through his thick accent.

"A'd stay at da dinah, if A could. Tew much exposure frem da recen' events, and ar reputation's bound ta attrac' some'ore if we stay 'ere." Van explained, emphasizing his sincere disclosure of thoughts with his left hand. "Might as well leave. Ya could choose ta stay if ya wish." He suggested, and wondered in his silence if that had at all sounded like a good idea. A tingling scorch at Van's visage caused him to wince, as the face cut - still under the process of healing reminded him of last night's ordeal. His hand lifted to press against the side of his cheek as he slowly remarked. "A don' think a story of eighteen men bein' killed won' linger 'round untraced."

Blue would listen as he began to explain before her eyes fell back to the park. The woman was faced with uncertainty as she had begun to grow attached to this little area. "Will we ever come back to the park again?" She asked quietly as she watched the children continue to play in their blissful ignorance of the harsh world that they actually lived in. The young woman rose quiet eyes up to him. She couldn't deny that she was slightly unhappy at the prospect but if Van thought it for the best, she would follow. "Will you ever take me to a park again?" She inquired with a small trace of hope.

It was obvious that Van too disliked the concept that he himself had proposed. He too lacked what they now beheld together, and few ever come across. A small measure of peace. Van's brows would raise at Blue's inquiry as he took in the tone of her voice, before his lips took form of a sincere smile, the hand over shoulder gently squeezing, emphasizing reassurance. "Aye.' he spoke softly.

That appeared to be enough reassurance for her as her damped mood lightened at the prospect of one day returning to a park. She would enjoy riding a swing again, someday. "Alright. I guess we're going back to Old Man's place for now then?" She asked lightly. That edifice was no longer their home if they were going to leave. She was already preparing to detach herself from this area for there was no need for attachment if they were not going to remain. They would need to make preparations and that would take time.

[of course, most people should have realized this by now but just in case, I'm posting for both Van and I. Since ONE of us is LAZY. >> -cough- Lol But aye... mostly doing it if people just wanted to know what's happening. But more or less, Van and I role play privately now.]

And so it was. At the hour of their arrival, the two would emerge from the inn almost as quickly as they had once entered, having not possessed any personals that would ask of their time. Blue would take into the account however the garments Old Man did not seem to mind being taken as Van suggested that Blue did. Here merely gave them the small, humble flicker of an elderly smile that was barely noticeable beneath his overgrown beard as he waved slowly, murmuring something about new stories in the future. Van shouldered his bag, Furiyen mystically clinging to his back again as he made his exit, seeing Blue as his reception outside. "Ya can always change ye'r mind. A neva owned ya. A'm sure Old Man wouldn't mind."

Blue waited patiently, gazing out quietly at nothing in particular. She appeared troubled. A series of events happened the day before when they had began to arrive home. They had noticed a group of irritated people outside of Old Man's place, demanding something of him as Van and her had remained at a distance until the crowd had moved on. Blue had thought nothing of it as she ran upstairs to prepare for bed, unaware that Old Man had asked for a moment of Van's time. She had thought Van's absence as peculiar and so after some time, she tip toed back downstairs to see where he was. She stumbled into the conversation they were partaking in, on how the people that had been outside earlier had been after a woman that had vandalized a bar the day before.

Blue had remained hidden the entire time, catching bits and pieces of their conversation, listening intently to Van's thoughts of the trouble Blue had brought upon them. Eventually, the young woman ascended the stairs again in silence as she contemplated quietly. Van had said that it was best to leave because of recent events. Was it because of the trouble she had caused? Was she a burden to Van? If she was, would it not be the logical thing to abandon that which was heavy weight? Blue had crawled into bed with these thoughts crossing her mind, unmoving even as she heard the door to their room open and the heavy foot falls of Van's presence enter. She merely laid in the dark. Would Van abandon her? Why was he going through all of this if she was honestly the reason why he had trouble? It made no sense.

She clenched the sheets of the bed. She did not want to be a burden. And even then, like a small child, she could not help but seek comfort from Van as she had tugged on his arm gently in the middle of the night, wakening him from his sleep. "Van... Van." She softly insisted until he had woken up to a troubled Blue. "I had a bad dream." She explained. "Can I sleep with you on the floor tonight?" She had asked hopefully before curling in against his side. Her dreams had been getting worse lately. This one had woken her up gasping. She had a bad feeling... and she did not want to be alone.

Meanwhile, Blue looked to Van as she watched him exit the building after waiting for him to finish. She regarded the man with silence for a moment. He had kept insisting since he had suggested leaving. Was he trying to tell her to stay so that he could leave alone? "Yes, I know." She responded. He had never owned her. She had free will and she could choose. "Maybe I will..." She said lightly. "If Old Man doesn't mind..." She paused, thought for a moment before speaking. "If you want to go on ahead, you can." Go ahead and leave. "There are still some things I want to do so don't let me hold you back. I'll catch up to you. And if I don't, just assume I decided to stay. I'll be back when I can." And with that said, the young woman took off down the street.

Van blinked as her demeanor struck him dumb founded, feeling that her words had somehow - betrayed her. Van, at that moment, found her motives questionable as she proceeded with to speak and reason, assuring him of something Van believed out of her capacity. The manner of which she had left him determined and decided things. Something was wrong. In that instant, Van would drop the luggage at the abode's doorstep and run after her, hoping that he would catch up.

Blue had run into the crowded marketplace where, even a foreigner like Van, quickly blended and disappeared into the sea of people. And due to how short she was, that further ensured that she quickly came out of sight. Blue pushed passed people, forgetting that midday was the busiest time of the day. She managed to navigate around all the bodies, going against the flow of direction but managed to find some pockets of air. Now where was it? She knew the stand was somewhere around here... She had to hurry. Something told her to quicken her pace as she glanced around, pushing passed people. She was made to come to an abrupt halt when a hand came out and grabbed her arm, a shady figure grinning at her. "Hello there, lassie. It appears like you're looking for something. I think I may have what you want right here..." The man chuckled beneath his breath and Blue merely blinked in confusion.

Despite the effort, Van too would sink within the human traffic of the market place. His figure and stamina made things easier to push through the crowd as he tried to navigate, lifting himself to hieghts as he attempted to call her out before he noted her presence beyond the columns of passer bys and someone was with her. Van's nerves ringed with alert as he pushed through the crowd, rushing towards her. Hoping he wasn't too late.

From Van's perspective, there was an exchange of words between the old man and Blue as they interacted with one another. Then the old man began to slowly open the side of the cloak that he had on and Blue's eyes widened slowly at what he was beginning to show her, the old man holding fast to her arm to ensure she at least stayed long enough to see what he had to offer.

Leaping to break through the column of opposite passersby, Van's form bulged out of the crowd onto their meeting as he fell to his knees, rising silently as he gave the shady character an impassive stare. One that was obviously not too friendly, having witnessed him taken hold of her. "Any'thin fancy fer da miss?" Van asked with a hint of bitter sarcasm that fit the profile of the location.

The two individuals looked up when Van address them, the old man blinking at the tone Van was addressing him with. Blue also appeared slightly confused at Van's presence as she was certain she had told him she would be back when she could. "Van, what are you doing here? I told you I would be back." Blue stated as she merely stared at him. "And this vender was only showing me the handcrafted items he has in his cloak. See?" Blue showed him a couple of handmade charms, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. "Nothing fancy, no but I don't really have the money to buy anything fancy." Blue stated calmly and the vender merely regarded Van with resentment. "What did ye think I was offering the lassie?" The old man snerked before Blue paid for a charm and then offered it to Van. "Fine, since you can't seem to wait for me, here. I got this for you. It's a lil charm that you can attach to a necklace or bracelet. The old man said it meant Good Luck and Health." She stated. "I want you to have it for your journey."

"Oy, uh..." Van blinked, dumb struck, remaining silent as the exchange passed before he heard what Blue had to say, passively taking hold of the article, staring at before his fingers coiled around it.A silver feather, ornate with colored rubies. "Me journey." Van repeated, dumbfounded.

"Yes, your journey." Blue repeated again since it seemed Van was registering the situation. "I decided. I'm not coming with you, Van." Blue stated softly. "I've been in Nede for as long as I remember. And now that I have returned after so long, I don't just want to leave. Do you understand?" She asked as she gazed at him quietly. "But you can leave if you like, I know the tension around here is making it risky for us to remain here. I'm going to be staying with Old Man."

Van's regarded the item in silent with contemplation as his fingers tightened around the article. The Barbarian Prince's eyes would at that moment, once again, take on the graceful azure colors that had once accompanied him to the Old Shell's Diner as trains of thoughts floated in the core of his mind as the people past and time churned, perhaps long enough to last an hour, if not more. The concept of parting...At one moment, Blue would see Van lift his face towards her with a meek smile as the people passed, lips moving almost having to say something before an intervention took place and a man stumbled across, apologizing repeatedly to Blue as he lowered to lift his basket. When her eyes would shift again to where her companion was however - Van had disappeared.

Blue lowered her eyes to the man that had distracted her, watching him momentarily before looking up only to see that Van was gone. He was gone. She looked around slowly, to see if she could tell in what direction he had taken. But she saw no sight of him. He was really gone. For the best... The vender blinked, staring at Blue. "Ye okay, lassie?" "Yes, I'm fine." "Where'd your friend go?" "He's gone. I'm alone now." Always.. He had not even said fair well. This seemed... familiar, somehow. Blue winced, bringing a hand to her forehead as she felt a sharp pain. Headache? She saw flashes of memories that made no sense. She was talking to someone, a man with white hair... Blue shook her head and rubbed her forehead, proceeding through the thick sea of people. There was a pressure in her chest that she could not describe. All she knew that it was uncomfortable, as if her chest was being squeezed. Perhaps she needed more time to recover than she thought. Van's sudden disappearance left her confused but he was no longer around to ask any questions. Not anymore.

"Mmmm...." The old keeper's focus through the spectacles that had regarded the course of thread he sewed into some garment broke when the door sighed in announcement of an entrance made, eyes shifting towards the comer. "Blue...' he announced softly as he noted her timid expression, regarding her with a silent stare as she seemed to have submerged into her train of thoughts. "I - would recommend a good night's sleep. There is green tea brewing in my favored pot. Perhaps -- I will serve them to you when it is ready." he said, eyes shifting over to his work as he nodded. "Yes. All - in good time. All in good time."

Blue set her gaze upon Old Man as he began to speak, listening to him. A good night's sleep? She hadn't had a good night's sleep in a long time.. Or perhaps not entirely true. Sleeping against Van that night he had kept her warm and then the remaining night of the previous eve had ensured she had not been accosted by nightmares. But she doubted she would get a good night's sleep tonight, or for quite some time. Once Old Man finished what he had to say, Blue ascended the stairs toward her room. She needed time to think. She did not believe she would remain here for long. She knew she would get no rest. Perhaps she'll go for a night's stroll in the park later.

Thunder struck again - only this time Van wasn't there. The rain fell in such a manner that water droplets seemed to plummet onto the windows with the size of fists, promising badness to any daring fool to venture outside of shelter. "Oh my.." Heard Blue as she lied faced down against the flat mattress as Old man exclaimed in wonder regarding the storm from below. "It would seem that fate has instilled our presence here for the night. Good timing for Green Tea." The ancient spoke, as the aroma rose from below. "Yes. Green Tea. It will do good to those whom seek slumber for the night." If circumstances were any different, Blue was sure to welcome the scent and the idea of sipping Old Man's tea. What of Van...? Wasn't he exposed to danger outside in the rain? It was at a time like this that the meeting had occurred between the two, back in the forests. Ironically, the storm had come to announce their parting. Fate. . .Footsteps announced the figure's presence as his hands held the tray upon which the favored tea pot was placed. His shadow suggested that he took a seat over the wooden floor, reaching for the teapot's cap before moving onto pour. "Sure it bi fresh.." The voice began. "How many lumps o' sugah...?"

Blue heard the footsteps and immediately assumed that it was Old Man bringing up the tea, like he had said he would. She did not stir as she stared at the far wall quietly, contemplating and mulling over things to herself while she heard the person enter. She hoped Van was okay as she listened to the rain. She watched the figure's shadow before she grew rigid as she heard the voice. An accent? Old Man did not have an accent. Blue slowly pushed herself to sit up, unable to ignore her quickening pulse. She cast her gaze to the figure seated on the floor, who was casually pouring them a cup of Green Tea. "Van?" She questioned, disregarding his earlier question. He was still here? She thought he had left by now.

"Naw, William." The Barbarian Prince announced, flipping the cups onto their appropriate stands, spreaidng silverware onto their respective places. "William Van Hienkel." He spoke, without interrupting his hand worked. "Bu' A thought dat a man of me stature should 'ave a simpler name. A figured da sir name bi da best alias fer me. So naw, an' yes A bi Van." he paused for a moment, lifting his face towards her. "Meant ta bring ya forest berries. Vendor said it'll come fresh by da mornin.." He said, grinning.

Blue merely stared at him, blinking as he gave her his entire name. She gazed at the man she thought she would not see again any time soon, or ever again as he merely sat there and prepared the tea casually. He had stayed... He was here. "I thought you left." She began. "You just disappeared without a word after I told you I was going to stay. I thought you were upset at my decision that you did not bother to say good bye." She paused and glanced downward, timidly.

"Naw!" He denied, simply, shifting himself towards her proximity before he ended at her side with the tray in his hand. Seated shoulder to shoulder, Van tilted his head to rest over Blue's own in an affectionate manner to call for attention as he showed her a bracelet he wore over his wrist. "Da ol' man's wrong. This ain' gewd luck." He said, in a manner of fact tone. "It bi a silver feather, an old symbol fer trust." With that, he shifted his gaze to examine her own. "Think A bi entitled fer it?"

Blue listened as Van denied such claims against him, blinking as she felt his head come to gently rest over her own as she looked to the bracelet he presented to her. She listened to what he had to say before looking to him as he posed the inquiry. Trust? She contemplated on the concept. Trust was needed to establish connections and relationships. Blue regarded Van quietly before her expression softened and she slowly nod. "Yes, I think it's still appropriate." She paused for a moment. "Does that mean we're friends?" Friendship had trust, did it not?

"Aye.." Van assured her, his right arm gently caressing her form to bring her to lean against him, hand rubbing the side of her arm. "Fer sure."

((( THATS NOT TRUE! I WANTED TO POST THE JP! BUT BLUE KEEPS INSISTING THATS IT BAD FOR MA HEALTHZORS! >>; ))

[ -Kicks Van in the rear- Shush you. Not only are you lazy but you never came back last night! Bum! ]

(*whimpers*)

[Sorry to keep you all waiting but here's another nice long couple of posts for you to read. ^_^ Again, sorry for any mistakes.]

"So what are we doing tomorrow?" Blue asked, just as the swing descended before Van once more gave a gentle shove to send her upward once more. It was their day off from work and the park had a joyful ambiance as usual, with children playing and adults making idle chit-chat, even partaking in the fun every now and then. Blue was quietly enjoying the ride, not minding the fact that Van had felt in the mood to help her swing today instead of just merely sit and watch. It was enjoyable in its own way.

"Guess we've gawts all da tame we need ta think abou' it." Van shrugged, giving her one gentle push before he noted a caravan passing by in the distance. Van's brows raised in curiosity as he thought to examine the merchandise whatever that mobile store had in its possession. He silently excused himself by hinting at his intent as he pointed towards the vessel, giving Blue a final push before he paced away. Independently, Blue would swing in ascendance, perhaps hoping to reach a higher summit at the coming push before a firm hand reached out and took hold of the swing's rope, stopping the vessel abruptly. Grim eyes stared from above a mask and beneath a straw hat that had jaw dangle from its side. The figure was wrapped in a cloak that served to boost his suspicious character - only hardly suspicious to Blue's eyes, as he daringly locked his own with hers in a cold stare. At that fatal moment, did Van make his stand and turn to note the presence that disrupted Blue's moment, scowling silently. "The master sends his Greetings." Crow spoke. before his eyes lifted to lock with Van's own, hand firm over the rope.

Blue blinked in confusion when she was made to come to an abrupt halt that nearly jerked her forward, hands holding firmly to the ropes to prevent her from falling forward onto the dirt. Eyes pivoted in their sockets to see who was the culprit that dared to cease her enjoyment before an expression of recognition slowly bloomed upon her countenance as she looked upon the cloaked figure that had made his presence known. Curiosity caused her to quirk a brow upward at the assassin's message. Master? The Leaders? She had not thought they would attempt to make contact with her again and, unlike Echo, she had not been driven by vengeance to seek them out after their attempt to eliminate her. But perhaps now that Echo was out of the picture, they did not believe she was too powerful to keep a reign on anymore. "A friendly greeting, it appears." Blue mused aloud, slowly moving to stand so that she was more leveled with the man instead of him looking down upon her in a way that would give an image of superiority over her. Her earlier tranquil demeanor ebbed away, slowly replaced by solemn ambiance and gaze that emanated its own stark intensity that rivaled that of which Crow had greeted her with. "But a person of your caliber would not be degraded to being a simple messenger, as to only send salutations." Blue stated, getting straight to the point that he should just reveal the information that which he was honestly sent to deliver.

Crow's intense green eyes locked with Van's own that darkened with such a glare that a dispute may have been promised to ensue before an exchange of words. "He also advises you to return." Crow added, almost if the girl had never spoke before he took liberty in silently approaching Van, securing a distance of thirty feet away from him. "I had hoped that I would come to face to face with the one you called Echo. . ." The assassin declared, though his silence suggested in a manner that Blue would understand - that he wasn't disappointed before the sight he beheld. "Van Hienkel. . . You walk Hand in hand with a dire omen."

Blue followed Crow's gaze, seeing the object that drew its attention. Van. The young woman would observe as Crow traversed passed her in a manner that spoke that his intention was to confront the Highlander. Blue listened to what Crow had to say, curious as to why Crow desired a dispute against Van. Van appeared no happier to be greeted by a person such as Crow. Van? A dire omen? That had to be a jest. Van was a capable fighter, yes, but that was only when the situation called for it. True, at times Van was overwhelmed by hyper episodes and irrelevant outbursts, but he was more a man that called for peace, not violence.

Crow's head shifted aside from the eye lock and moved in a scanning motion, taking in the nature of his surroundings - in a manner that sought for a conclusion. "This is certainly the last place I would ever be led to assume that I would meet a man of of YOUR caliber, highness." The curtosy itself resonated a grim praise, though far from the formal ones. "One who has slaughtered an entire platoon, only because they had lagged the course of your pursuit of finding me. I had intended to meet you sooner - if you weren't such a hard man to find." Van's brows furrowed at that mentioning, apparently not attempting to deny the bloodshed that he spoke of. Instead, his lips moved to utter the word "Touche'" in a low voice above a whisper. "You seek the destroy the leaders, yes..?" "Dat bi far fetched assumption. Ya mates' got sumthin A've bin lookin for." "And such a possession do we intend to guard with our lives, Mr Van. So I'll ask you again. Do you intend to destroy us?" Van fell silent as his head canted in contemplation before he raised, eyes flaring in determination as his lips curved to a smirk. "Every las' one of ye."

Blue observed and listened to the interaction between them. Van had slaughtered an entire platoon for such a reason..? The young woman would continue to listen, continue to absorb any information she caught in the exchange of words between Crow and Van. Then there was that brief silence before Van gave a firm answer to Crow's question. This did not appear to be the Van she knew... And what did she know about him? It only served to remind her of how little she did know about Van. True, she knew he was deemed the Barbarian Prince but she had never made efforts as to try to determine how he had earned such a title. And instead, allowed the image of the gentle and carefree man to overshadow any thoughts of any difference. But there appeared to be a different side to Van that she had not taken notice of until now. A deceptive facade...?

And there rested the silence between the two as Van made his decisive remark, ringing the assassin's suspicions true. "We cannot have that." Crow said, as he took a firm step forward. Van furrowed as he noted the projectile that shot from his disposal as quick as a gesture, before his form flickered, altering its target, leaving it to smash into a tree, completely crystallizing the ancient entity. Van would emerge from a sprint with Furiyen in hand, swinging a heavy arc that struck its mark at incredible speed, cleaving from the right shoulder to the waist. At that moment, it would have appeared that Van had claimed victory if it weren't for the manner of which the upper half of Crow's body slipped from the lower like a cleaved stone. The halves shattering upon impact against the grass, feeding it with moist..Ice. "No. We can't." His voice boomed from a distance Van could not follow as he turned, glaring at the ice clone. "Definitely. . .We will cross paths again."

Blue merely stood in silence after the small quarrel between the two, eyes observing the way the ice duplicate of Crow melted to nourish the grass. Thoughts were traveling quickly across her head. The Leaders desired her return. They were willing to take her back, even though they had attempted to eliminate her. This, in a twisted way, brought relief and delight to the young woman even though she had never been the one in the wrong. And that was because The Leaders had given her, for the first time in her life, stability, structure, and guidance. They had acted as guardians and Blue saw them as such. They wanted her back... But this posed a new conflict as Blue regarded the Highlander solemnly. The one who had made it clear that he aimed to destroy The Leaders. Her guardians. What motivated him, she did not know other than they possessed an item that he desired. But she knew little to begin with. She had never known this but Van had acted as if it had been his intentions from the start... Was that why he was in Nede? To get at The Leaders? Was he using her? No... no... He did not know she had once been affiliated with The Leaders. So that could not be it. He would not do that. He would not betray her... would he? She thought she knew Van. But now she was having second thoughts.

Van would lean his weight against his sword as he lowered, lips narrowing and widening as he breathed in a seeming attempt to release his stress. In the end, Van took in a deep breath and sighed, eyes slowly shifting to Blue's face - almost timidly. "A neva meant fer this ta happen." Van remarked softly in a low voice above a whisper. "A neva told ya that A had me own stains - at least - never intended tew until in gewd tames. A..neva wanted ta frighten ya."

Frighten? Not exactly. Suspicious? Cautious? More like it. Blue regarded Van with silence, contemplating to herself. He had been prepared to kill Crow only moments before without hesitation and now he was speaking as if he was issuing an apology. "I'm not frightened." Blue stated simply. "Everyone has something they are not proud of. And some of us have stained our hands with blood. Besides..." She stated, crossing her arms. "I'm not going to be scared of a man who screamed for his Mommy when I threw him across the air back to the time when we were in a forest." Blue stated matter-of-factly.

Van's lips curled into a meek smile - but even that did not hold as he brought himself to a full stand. Instead, he walked over towards the bench to seat himself before he asked her to do the same."A've got a bounty over me head, fer those willing ta recognize me." Van confessed, leaning his forehead against the handle of his sword."A fortune dat any man'd wish ta maintain himself...A gained me name, me reputations an' da person an' these scars - cuz of circumstances A neva asked for. All cuz of A refused ta die - so many times. . ."

Blue would come to seat herself beside him as he asked, listening to him as he began to explain. Honestly, it somewhat put her mind to ease to hear him explain. And yet, she was still bothered by the fact of his determination to eliminate The Leaders and their organization because of an unnamed item they possessed. "I see." She responded, for lack of anything better to say. She was not a person one should go to for comfort. "What about The Leaders? That man said you wanted to destroy them."

"A've bin after'em fer years." Van answered, straightforwardly. "Der da catalysts of many events that've turned this world ta da worst. Bu' in truth, all A want is Somethin' Fury believes destiny's entitled fer me. Day beg ta diffa.."

Blue's eyes narrowed. He had been after them for years? Why had she never been informed? She assumed she would have been assigned to eliminate him if he posed such a problem. The Leaders did what they must, she assumed. "I see." She stated, glancing forward. "And you're going to destroy everyone who is affiliated with The Leaders in order to obtain this item?"

"A'm a barbarian, naw' a murderer." Van replied, almost in a form that were contrary if it weren't for the choice of his words. He lifted the ancient blade onto his lap, slowly wiping away the icy stains with his bare hand. "An' where A come from, it means that we'd dew da musts ta survive. They get in may way, A'll fight'em off. They insist that A die, A'll respon' in kind. 'ane thin's fer certain; day've bin onto me eva since A met Fury."

Blue listened and nodded. "If you say so. Your earlier words to that man said otherwise but I assume you were trying to instill fear in him or at least try to put a message across." She leaned back on the bench and inhaled slowly. This was a new turn of events. She wondered how they would have met if she had remained in the organization. She already knew. They would have confronted one another and one of them would have died. They would have never been friends. It does make one wonder. "Maybe Fury is bad luck."

Blue's words would bring Van's lips to a light smirk as he stared at Furiyen's form. "A hope ya heard dat." he said, patting the blade with his knuckles, before he settled back.

Blue's eyes would momentarily fall down upon Furiyen, regarding the sword quietly. Most mystical objects had trouble following them by love's scent. And she knew her organization collected a few variety, though she had never been interested as to actually dwell deep into what these items were and what they did that caught her organization's interest. "Well..." Blue started with a small sigh. "Perhaps it's time to head back to Old Man's place." She needed time to contemplate. The Leaders wanted her back... but did she want to come back?

Instead of taking a stand,however, Van would enter a chuckling stage before he would toss his head back and laugh. "Defensive mechanism-" He choked on, in mid laughter.

Perplexion encompassed the woman's visage as she gazed upon the man that had burst into a fit of hysterical laughter, for some odd reason. "Defensive mechanism?" She asked, curious as to how this was so amusing to the man that it would just make him laugh, seemingly out of no where.

"Aye. Gawd's noe when ya star'ed cuttin onions." He chuckled, leaning his forehead against his fist. "Ya said sumthin' 'bout a vegetable havin defensive mechanism." He shook his head and stood, walking over to the swing before lifting a bag of what were Forest Berries he bought Blue on the way here. He dug his hand while he contemplated over the memory, before he realized that were none left. He slowly turned to Blue. "...Didja eat all tew pounds of'em...?"

Blue blinked, realizing he found her predicament with the onions back then amusing as she frowned. "It was a defense mechanism." She protested. "They made my eyes water to where my vision was inadequate when I started cutting them. If I can't see what I'm cutting, how am I suppose to cut them? I just responded in kind and threw the onion for bringing me the discomfort. Onions are bad." She would then observe as he stood to retrieve a bag before turning back to her to pose the inquiry. Blue blinked once more and pondered for a moment. "Possibly."

Van would slowly come to a whimpering like-state as he heard his stomach sound its instinct. "Ye'r cruel." Van said, rubbing his face against the bag, before he tossed it aside and protestingly pointed at her . "Ye'll bi cookin' dinnah!

The woman merely stared at him as Van showed his grief over the lack of Fruit Berries for the appetite he had gained before he turned and pointed at her to proclaim she was making dinner. "I made dinner last night. I thought we agreed we would take turns." She stated. Blue was still learning to be a cook, and taking turns allowed her a chance to observe Van whenever he made a new dish so she could duplicate it later in the future. So it allowed her to learn and practice.

Van balled his fists, clenching his teeth before he roared in frustration, taking hold of Furiyen and swinging it to rest over his shoulder. "Well, we betta dat store open." Van barked as he marched off with broad steps. "Or A'll have Ol' man's PATTO turned ta crab soup!." "Puto." Furiyen corrected. "SHAW UP!"

Blue would move to stand and follow, observing the frustrated man as he marched off. The Forest Berries HAD been for her so what was he so riled up about? As far as Blue was concerned, she wasn't at fault here yet he was acting like she was. The woman was silent as she followed the aggravated Highlander, Furiyen only helping to stoke the fire as Van snapped at the blade for trying to correct his grammar. They were at it again. Sigh.

For the first time, despite the turns and twists of events that he bore witness and experienced did Van began his suspicion regarding the reality of omens, despite that he had never come to believe any of them. For once again did the heavens promise rain, one that kept him awake in the middle of the night as he felt threatened. Crimson eyes opened in facade within the darkness before he rose to his feet, conveying himself to gently sit at Blue's bedside. Supposedly sound asleep. For a moment, the Barbarian Prince would stare over the girl's face, taking the liberty of gently clasping the side of her cheek, before stroking the head as he rose, lifting Furiyen to rest over his shoulder. Midnight wouldn't be so pleasant - or so he felt.

Blue was sleeping soundly, though not with tranquility after Van's departure. Eyes shifted beneath lids, speaking of activity within the subconscious. She was having another dream.

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"She hasn't been responsive since killing her opponent, Sir. She has no appetite either. The subject has become lethargic and inanimate." "That is unacceptable. What of the other?" "She's been transported to the subject's quarters as we speak." Meanwhile, a small girl could be seen sitting at the corner of a stark white, small and padded chamber, with her legs drawn to her knees. Her eyes were bleak as she stared at nothing in particular, her mind obviously consumed by the turmoil that plagued her. Moments later, the door to her chamber slid open, and the exact, older duplicate of her strode in. Immediately, the girl became animated, her eyes widening with recognition before transiting into desperation. "You..." The girl rose and ran toward the woman, hands reaching out to grasp her as tears brimmed her eyes. But her course was disrupted when a hand came to strike her, sending the girl reeling back onto the floor as she held the cheek that flared bright red from the impact. The girl stared at the woman, shocked that she had struck her. The woman merely regarded the girl with solemn, cold eyes. "Stop wallowing in your grief. Get over it. He hated you and he was going to kill you. You did what you had to. Now get over it. Stop being weak." The woman chided her. "Tears wont resolve anything. Now stand." The woman demanded and the girl continued to stare at her in disbelief. The girl frowned, her eyes narrowing. "I'm NOT weak." "Then stand." The woman stated, watching as the girl rose back to her feet. Her limbs were quivering as she tried to keep a reign on her emotions. The woman saw this, saw the girl changing, and, even though she did not show it, it pained her to see the girl's innocence torn asunder. But it was for the best. "You can't count on anyone but yourself. Remember that, Fiona, for when we fight. For if you don't... I"ll kill you." The woman said before she would turn and exit, leaving the girl shattered within. The girl glared at the door that slid shut with a soft sigh. She felt the hatred, the injustice of it all consuming her. She was alone. Her own mother had abandoned her. And for that, she hated her.

I'll kill you...

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Blue awoke with a start, gasping softly. She rose a hand to her forehead, closing her eyes as she felt a constriction in her chest. What was this? Blue inhaled deeply, lowering the hand to her chest. Pain...? She slowly rose to sit, exhaling heavily before she took notice of something lacking in the room. A quick inspection confirmed her suspicions. Van was gone.

“How did you find me. . .?” The rain had chased away the dwellers of the public with its cold fists into their respective abodes, filling the streets with such ruthlessness that the water now flowed like canals, mounting up towards the back of a man’s ankle.

“It bi instinct.” Vases fell from caverns keepers chose to abandon in the meantime, leaving little for the rain to claim, along with come other forms of objects, pouring along the unlikely water surges. It was a night for none to commit to memory – save for those who played the symphony of steel, as swordsmanship rang in the distance.

Van would fall to a crouch, blood ebbing from the side of his face as he made his stand as soon as Crow would find his own ground some feet away, lowering the saber to his waist, forearms injured – and he would have felt a great deal of it too, if it weren’t for the principle of Mind Over body many assassins were taught to take hold. “Incredible.” Crow commented over the sheath of his visage as he stared into the blurring distance, Van’s face concealed in the dark, but his crimson eyes illuminating with such intensity, the luminousy almost pouring like lanterns. “But this fight has been long over due.” He said, arm extending out, generating something that stirred Van for a split second aside from his scorn as he noted the water droplets hung in suspension within the air when a cold mist began to materialize. Crow’s influence over stretched as far as coming to freeze them and the ground Van had ignorantly stood in, the droplets circulating the Barbarian Prince as they began to freeze in moments. Van would suddenly come to a stand still, and merely scorn at Crow as a block of ice almost instantaneously came to incase him…

Curiosity drove the young woman to leave the safety and comfort of her bedroom to venture outside where rain relentlessly pelted against the roof tops and began to change the streets into water canals. A quick exploration of Old Man's place had confirmed the absence of Van and the only other option was to search for him outside in the empty streets. Blue tredded through the ankle-deep waters, her leather boots that rose to her knees both protected and insulated her feet. She had not worn this attire since back in the forest but it was suitable for such weather as she brought the hood of her jacket further on top of her head to shield her face from the bitter rain. Searching for a person in such conditions would be deemed difficult or impossible but she was not relying on merely her senses of sight or sound. She was detecting thought wave patterns in the ether from any sentient creature in the vicinity, trying to locate a familiar signal as she siphoned out any distracting frequencies. She paused as she came across two there were unusual, erratic. That's when she heard the sound of steel clashing against one another. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion and she strode toward the source of the sounds muffled by the battering of the rain. She walked down an alley way and once she reached the end, she came upon the scene of Van's and Crow's confrontation. She did not approach and simply observed as the two fought before her eyes narrowed as she saw the impending ice coffin that soon came to encase Van. No... was he dead? Blue frowned, waiting, fighting the urge to step in simply because Van had just stood there and allowed it to happen. He was not the type to admit defeat so seeing such behavior was peculiar to her and rose suspicion.

Crow would sigh through his mask at the sight of the crystallized Prince, practically coffined in ice. The moment held at its disposal for moments, all that which suggested that the fight was over. Crow would be confident enough to chuckle and approach the encasement in which he had held his trophy. He could not but wonder as he stared through, beholding the eyes that stared out ithin Van's lethal cell, much like they were still alive.Just as his instincts compelled him to reach for the encasement did he find his neck caught in the squeezing hold of a hand as the ice obliterated onto his face. The earth would slip from beneath him as the hand pinned him down, witness the constellation of shattered shards as a Blade presented itself and plunged into his chest, piercing the heart. . . Van would pull Furiyen off the assassin's corpse, summoning his strength to completely barge out of the coffin before he found himself on his knees, shivering as he pressed his weight against the sword, heaving.

The possibility of Van's death sent her thoughts in an erratic frenzy within her mind. Had Crow honestly killed him? And she had just stood there and watched? Her eyes narrowed as she continued to observe. No, Van wasn't dead... She could still sense his thought patterns. His brain, at least, was very much alive and active. And soon, his animate vessel would confirm his health as he proceeded to catch Crow when the assassin allowed his confidence to blind him to danger, which proved to be fatal as Van successfully plunged Fury into Crow's chest. Blue inhaled slowly before releasing the breath. Van was more than capable of handling himself but she wondered what had sparked the confrontation in the first place. Had Crow come to eliminate Van? Or was it the other way around? Blue stepped back into the shadows since her presence had not been taken notice of as of yet. Perhaps it was not necessary for Van to know she had come all the way out here. He would recover from his ice prison. Blue turned in the intent to leave the scene. Van was alive. There was no need to linger.

Whatever manner of feats did Van commit to survive the icey prison was in itself remarkable, as the human's vessel could not possibly survive when the brain was exposed to being frozen. All the same, Ice and heavy rain were torture for his health, regardless if he had possessed any form of superstitious strength. The journey back towards the Abode was entirely hell, especially that Van doubted that his condition wouldn't go unnoticed to Blue, contemplating possible excuses. It weighed heavy on him, and when he entered the place and some measure of the cold retreated did Van realize that his body was suffering. Quietly, he would pull himself along the railings,barely making it towards the middle of the stairs before his legs would give out body from beneath, shuddering tremendously as he tumbled down, hitting the counter as he rolled before knocking over a vase. Hand coiling around Furiyen as he tried in the mean time to rise.

"You shouldn't take strolls out in such weather." Blue's voice would resonate above him, as the young woman had appeared crouching beside him. Blue examined him, seeing that his condition had not improved. She had forgotten that most creatures could not recover as quickly as she could. Van's life could still be in danger. Blue would reach out to help him, frowning as she felt how cold he was compared to the warmth of her hands which his skin was taking the liberty to feed upon. Blue took one of Van's arms and draped it across her shoulders, pushing herself to rise and pull him up with her. She needed to get him warm as soon as possible before his body shut down on him as she began to help him ascend the stairs to their room, where she would slowly lower him down to the bed.

"Both ye and A noe-" Van began before he found himself lowered to the bed. "Dat it was more den jus' a stroll." He said, deciding to confront her with the truth rather then appear as a liar. "A.....finished it."

Blue would gather the covers and settle them over Van's violently shivering body as it attempted to generate its own warmth. Blue listened to him as he continued to speak. "Finished it?" She inquired, touching his cheek and calculating whether or not he would warm at a safe rate. She would coax him to release Fury, placing the sword in its appropriate corner before returning to the bed side. At the moment, Blue was more concerned with Vans health than the battle he had just participated in as she began to remove his shirt. All his wet clothes were not going to aid him so she would remove them.

"Killed Crow." Van admitted blatantly, giving out a shivering sigh as he did. There wasn't a more simple sentence he could think of. Van then realized Blue's concern as she took the liberty of removing his clothing.His drenched hair stuck against his face as he lowered his head. "Ya don' have ta, lass." He said. "A'll bi fine.."

"That's what I told you when I was shot." She responded, drying him off before pushing aside his drenched hair away from his face. "But you are human, correct? And if you are not like me, then you won't recover quickly. At this rate, your body is suffering hypothermia." She announced, running her hands along his chest to create friction and warmth. "If you don't warm up quickly, many of your muscles are going to deteriorate and you may lose a limb or a toe." She stated, crawling on top of him. She settled herself to laying against him, her head resting on his shoulder as she rubbed his arms with her hands. He should merely be happy she did not think his condition was so grave that skin-on-skin contact would be more efficient since she had not removed her own clothing.

"A man with me experiance should've died a lon' tame ago." Van replied, shivering in passive delight as his body greeted the warmth which she had presented to him. His head rested as his eyes closed in quiet contemplation. Maybe this was better after all. Though - why was she awake? "Couldn' sleep?"

"Bad dream." She responded as she remained upon him, feeling the shiver of relief his body emanated when she had presented it with her own warmth. She could feel his body greedily feeding upon the warmth of her own as she brought the covers over the both of them before resuming in rubbing him as another source of heat derived from friction. Depending on how quickly his body recovered would determine whether she would have to take further steps in aiding him as she would have no qualms in having her skin against his own if it meant to save his life. For now, she placed her head ontop of his chest to listen to the cadence of his heart and the rhythm of his respiration.

Van would look up at the ceiling, taking a deep breathe as he began to remember that he possessed his body., and thus he began to organize his respiration, almost trying to command the body to relax and ease his mind. His hand passively lifted to take hold of Blue's cheek. "A'm sorry." He spoke gently, brushing it with his hand.

Blue would raise her eyes as she felt his hand rest upon her cheek, coaxing her to look up at him as he spoke. His words brought confusion to her, though. "Sorry? For what?" She asked as she did not see anything that he needed to apologize for. If he thought that she had any attachments toward Crow, he was sorely mistaken.

'That ye'd have ta deal with this." He explained, face expresaing that he was finally settling into the fatigue as his fac.e lazily tilted, despite the shivering frenzy. 'A think- might give into a lil sleep...Stay."

"It's no trouble." She responded, noticing the exhaustion that expressed itself on his countenance. "I will." She reassured. "Just get some rest." She stated as the continuation of his shivering body was still giving her concerns. She may have to do more drastic measures so that he could see another sun rise. She knew his fatigue was not entirely from the exertion of effort in the battle he had recently had. Hypothermia also brought it. Blue considered her options while she regarded the man solemnly. It appeared she may have no other choice now that he was going to resign to sleeping.