Of wolves and men. (neekra) [job thread]

[Ximal]

Xi solidified himself, hardening his posture ever so slightly as the wolf kelvic drew closer to him, would it attack ? Would it shift ? Only time would tell. The slow breaths that had been pulsing through him continued but something in his chest began to beat slightly faster, only enough because now he fight or flight instincts were starting to override him as the wolf drew closer still. His breathing kept it's steady slow rhythm, but his arms were braced to attack should the kelvic just lunge at him again. Then the wolf arced up and placed it's paws just beneath Xi's ribs, and then the change began to occur. His heart beat slowed but only lightly not knowing what to expect, maybe the kelvic was a male, and this was just an attempt to get close enough to strange Xi. Then Xi saw the results of the transformation. Thick midnight black wavy hair long and full, ruby red lips. Where her paws previously rested now they were replaced with delicate fingertips. Her face was now closer to his, and one thing didn't change. Those molten gold eyes remained the same, something feral and powerful behind them. Just as his own Dark royal blue eyes shone with their fire of presence and determination. Her face now only a dozen and a half inches from his face, he remained stony and hard in his expression but not malicious. Instead calm, controlled and sincere. Her soft voice, soft and light, as she said hello she let that word just hang in the air, and so did he. With that hanging of the word, her gaze dropped as she hands fell from his lower chat and brushed his cloak lightly. Strangely her face was as stony as his. Maybe she had something she wished to hide? A torrent of emotion like Xi himself? The focused anger, the directed hatred, and the contained lust for a vicious revenge. Taking another slow breath he calmed himself the fight or flight instinct fading quickly now. And now her soft voice flowed again. saying he had no reason to apologize, that he wasn't in the wrong and that she was glad to see him? Confusing but as her explanation rolled out from behind those supple lips he let his ears drink in her soft tone and the words. He watched her fidget uncomfortably now. The time in the spires had started to take it's effect, he didn't feel foolish and childish, he only felt asif he was having a conversation with another. Though that did not stop his eyes from giving her body a glaze over, bot taking account of her form and measuring her strength. Though there was one thing he could not stop, liro filtering words into his head, and flashing up rather...provocative images. One of his favourite tricks, though Xi bit back hard on liros attempts and held his composure before her. He wasn't a knight he was just a freed slave, but he held his honour like a knight. "It's alright, i understand your reasoning for attacking me. You probably thought i was a poacher, or perhaps even a... Xi almost growled out the word at the thought of himself being like those people. Slaver. Xi kept the distance between them as a show of both good manners and restraint. Though his attitude lightened considerably. "Besides, no harm no foul. I'd also like to apologize for tossing you. is your jaw alright? I tend to get a little bit carried away when i'm in a fight so if i've hurt you i must say sorry i had no intention of harming you. I Also don't worry about the thanking me part, its what i do. I've personal reasons to hate slavers...And poachers are just slavers of animals." A small smile now crept onto Xi's face, as he looked over at her locking his eyes with hers and making sure that she could see that he was being honest when he spoke. " I am happy to see that you trust me enough now to see me in your human form. OH sorry, i forgot to introduce myself, my name is Ximal. But every-body just calls me XI. May i ask your name? "

[Neekra]

Why was he so unshakeable, unmovable? How did he keep his composer no matter the circumstances? Where did he get this strength? She wanted to know. She’d love to have it for herself. He seem to be unchanged by her transformation. In fact, she didn’t see his expression vary at all except for the brief movements in his eyes. Neekra noticed his focus trace over the surface of her body. She expected that. What man could resist? But still he kept his composer, surprisingly enough. He wasn’t a child and apparently this wasn’t the first time he had seen a woman or a kelvic in its true form for that matter. So standing in front of him didn’t make her feel abnormally uncomfortable. Then he spoke again. She was glad he accepted her apology and he was right, she did think he was a poacher or a… slaver. Slaver. As the word escaped his lips with a slight hesitation, Neekra picked up on his sensitivity to the word. She tilted her head slightly but held her tongue and continued to willingly listen to every word he said. In the next few words, she was surprised to hear the word come up again and this time he proved her assumption correct. There was something about slavers that triggered some emotional response. She supposed it was because of some sort of memory but there was no way to be sure unless he told her himself. Before his words ended she discovered that his name was Ximal, Xi for short and that his smile temped one of the corners of her lips faintly crease. She didn’t know how or why but it did. She blamed it on his relaxed attitude and kind tone. It was hard to believe that just a few seconds ago, she was trying to kill him. “Neekra,” she pronounced after he asked for her name. “You can call me Neekra. It’s nice to meet you Ximal.” She held his eyes the whole time she spoke. “Please, don’t feel bad about doing what you did to me. I was… asking for it I guess.” She thought about asking him about those people that he seemed to hate but decided against it. It was to soon. Hopefully someday, he would tell her. Who knows, maybe it would relate to her own story. She continued. “You’re a very good fighter, Xi, and I respect that. That’s why I didn’t see a point in fighting you any longer. I knew you weren’t a hunter by the way you spoke.”

[Ximal]

The air between them now hung with an air of some what, familiarity. The feeling of mutual trust now hung where caution and danger hung just a few short moments prior. Taking a further deep , slow breath he eased himself into the air around him, now settling and listening to the bushes for movement, but he kept his eye's fixated on hers. Mostly for politeness, partially to prevent them from wandering elsewhere. Watching her face he thought he caught a glimpse of something, perhaps the faintest traces of smile prying and playing at those full red lips of hers. The thought of being on familiar terms with someone who'd tried to kill him not moments prior was a normal mindset for Xi. Spending large amounts of time in sunberth had drilled into his mind that true friends could only be attained after fighting them. Though now as he watched her he let hismelf listen to her voice again as it flowed out almost melodically. Neekra? A nice name, a little strange but then again his own name wasn't exactly a common one. Now she was trying to ask him to not feel about about doing what he did to her. That it was her own fault and that she was asking for it. I'll tell ya what she's damned well asking for stood there infront of us with no clothing on. Blotting out liros infernal and infectious voice, he continued to listen to her voice now she was praising his fighting prowess. He had been training every day since he'd gotten here and put it into practice more than once but truth be told this was his first fight against a creature, which want a human. Or at least in a humanoid shape. Rolling his shoulders back he snapped his neck sharply and very audibly. Now it was his turn to respond to her yet again. As well as ask her his own questions and if possible hail his own praises. His voice rumbled out in the same manner as before light but low, strong but kind. "It's a pleasure to meet you too Neekra. I didn't hurt you too much did i? That throw was just me trying to knock you out. I wouldn't feel right trying to kill an animal or anyone for just protecting themselves from a threat." The smile still rested across his face as he continued speaking. " I'm not that good of a fighter. If I'd of been half a second slower i'd probably be missing a large portion of my leg. And i'm not a hunter, that's failing of mine i've less skill at hunting than anything else. I'm a guard for the spires as i mentioned earlier. I'm, less of a blade, than i am a shield, in simpler terms. I'd rather protect those who need it, than attack those who deserve it. By being a guard i can do both, and give those who cannot defend themselves a fighting chance at surviving." Xi took a brief pause and a slow rumble could be heard echoing out through the area. Rain, and a lot of it. It would be here soon. perhaps Xi could speak to this woman somewhere else. I'm sorry miss Neekra, perhaps we could continue the conversation somewhere else. It's going to rain any minute now and don't know about you but i'd rather not get caught in the rain. I prefer being dry." The smile kept it's place across his lips as he looked at her. It wouldnt be good to be caught out in the rain. Not now. Besides he still had some questions for her, and where better place to ask her than where he could write down some answers? "Would you mind accompanying me to graths rest, i've a room there and i'd like to get an idea of what you know about the situation down here. Getting some information from one who hunts here regularly could be invaluable. "

[Neekra]

Neekra observed him as he stretched his shoulders and neck that concluded with a couple of deep cracks from his tense bones to release the stress from their previous fight. At least now she felt the air around them thinning and changing into a calmer environment that they could both relax in. She could also see this in his consistent smile. He trusted her and she trusted him. However silly it sounded, their fighting had brought them together. Then he began to speak in the same tone that she was learning to like. Its a pleasure… I didn’t hurt you to much did I? She did feel the string of his counter but it wasn’t to bad. Suddenly the the throbbing in her head made itself known. With her hand, she felt over the area with the most pain and touched the developing bump. Her human body was so fragile and brittle; she hated it. What could be done in solid her wolf form could never be done in her flimsy human form. If she would have pranced into their fight as a woman, Xi could have mercilessly ripped her apart and she, after throwing a handful of harmless, clumsy punches, would be dead. Her humanoid form was a weakness for her and that weakness led to one of her greatest fears, being collared as a human and defenseless. As he continued to speak, she listened. He went on about how he wasn’t that great as a fighter. A half of second slower and I’d probably be missing a large portion of my leg. His attempt at self-effacement was pleasant to hear and it showed that he was far from conceited in his own abilities but Neekra still gave him the credit he deserved as being an exceptionally talented fighter. When he paused, she picked up on the distant crashing of thunder. The rain was coming. She could tell he heard it too. He immediately asked her to accompany him to the Spire’s local tavern known as Grath’s Rest. “I wouldn’t mind going with you and I believe I have some information that can help you.” Neekra paused at the sudden bolt of lightning that flashed above their head with a crack of thunder. “I…” she said, hoping to continue but the subtle rustling in the brush behind her caught her attention. A common forest animal just trying to get away from the storm was her first thought. She stepped back and twisted her body so that she looked sidelong at the disturbance and waited for the unknown cause to reveal itself to her. While waiting, she contemplated whether or not to change back and commence in a quick hunt for breakfast if it did so happen to be something small since she never did find breakfast. No more than seven seconds later, a pile of white fluff jumped from the bushes and ran in between her feet. Lupa. The little dog cried and pawed at her leg. She should have known it was her seeking comfort; Lupa was terrified of bad weather. And her conversation with Xi had made her almost completely forget about the little dog that she left behind in the overgrown ferns. She picked Lupa up and cradled the puppy in her arms then returned her attention to Xi. “As I was saying, I’ll go with you but I should return home first and grab some clothing. The Jamoura tell me that walking around in my human state make some people uncomfortable, even though I don’t see how.”

[Ximal]

Xi was pleased to hear that she would be accompanying him, back to the tavern. Business matters only, no frivolity here. And better yet she might actually have some information that could help. Success, Xi now finally could possibly get an idea of where the slavers were making camp. Almost everyday he'd had to deal with groups of either poachers or slavers. And Xi wan't the only one who'd had to do so. More and more guards who were patrolling the ground of the spires had come across slavers. Which wasn't a good thing. Still Xi was now somewhat relieved that he could get a grip on their location. Then the flash of lightning, the bolt of illumination. The sudden thunder that followed was damned near deafening, and close behind the bolt. This storm was very close, and Xi was a make shift lightning rod with his armour on. Though right now that wasn't wasn't what was concerning him it was more the fact that the bushes moved. Xi felt his body tighten up again. Ready to intercept whatever creature came out from behind the bushes. Within less than ten seconds a bolt of white darted out of the bushes and hud between neekra's feet. A little bemused Xi looked at the situation ? Was this her child? As she lifted the small dog off of the ground and into her arms Xi didn't raise the subject out of both a mixed feeling of respect and courtesy. Next she mentioned about returning home to grab some clothing ? This was more of a shock to Xi than anything else. And this he did raise a comment on. "i say this honestly, your the first kelvic i've met in the spires who actually wears or even has any clothing of their own accord. And if you want to go back and grab some that's up to you but in the city as i'm sure you've noticed, not one kelvic...Nor myrian for that matter, even bothers wearing clothing." Xi twisted his shoulders slightly and looked over at the entrance. Taking another slow breath he flicked his head back to her again. "If you do wish to gather some clothing. Then please allow me to accompany you. Lately things have been happening in the spires that are... a little unsettling. "

[Neekra]

As he told her that her absence of clothes was perfectly normal, she found herself slightly embarrassed from her lack of common knowledge about the area she called home. But this mistake was forgivable considering she’d only been there for less than a season and spent very little time in the social part of the city since she preferred to stay in the depths of the jungle. After abiding in the forest for so long with no direct contact from other humans, different standards of behavior began to imprint on her mind and personality and she became completely dependent on herself with little want or need to be with other people. A human put her to shame then collared her and forced her to pick up the habits she carried now. The last time she was human, which was throughout most of her childhood, she was forced to where clothes, not because of decency, but because of the year round freezing temperatures of Avanthal. Therefore, wearing cloth felt right socially but wrong instinctually. She simply never broke the habit. Today seemed like a good day to start and besides, Xi didn’t seem to mind and if what he said was true then neither would anyone else. Things have been happening in the spires that are… a little unsettling. Confusion flashed in her eyes. Was he still talking about the hunters, poachers, and slavers in the jungle around them or had he moved to a new thought completely. She tilted her head slightly, allowing a portion her hair to fall over her shoulder. After hesitating for a moment to form her words, she spoke, “I suppose there’s no need to return to my house if what you say it true. Besides, if we did go then we would surely get caught in the rain.” She repositioned the restless puppy in her arms then looked up at him with her big round glowing eyes and said, “And what do you mean by unsettling, Xi? You do mean the poachers, right?”

[Ximal]

Xi took a deep breath whilst listening to Neekra speaking, Xi now took scope of the area. As he listened to what she had to say he began making a march towards the spires stairs hoping she would follow and they could talk on the move. But no it was too late, the heavens began to open and within minutes the light rain had become a torrential downpour. Xi sighed at the rain now soaking him to the bone... Damn it. She asked him what he meant about unsettling referencing to the poachers he'd mentioned. He partially was but there had been some other strange going's on in the actual spires. Xi made a waving motion with his rm beckoning her to follow him. He'd have to hope that she wouldnt think too much into it heif he got undressed slightly when they got to his room. aqs right now everything on him was soaked. "Neekra what i mean by unsettling is that the spires, have had a lot of poachers and slavers around the ground floor and there has been a thief on the loose up in the actual city. So the guards are being worked ragged by both an upper and a lower menace." Now that he was soaked anyway he thought it might be polite to offer her something. Unlaceing his cloak from his shoulders he offered it to her. Displaying his massive form beneath. He tossed it to her, beforte saying. "Put that over your shoudlers it may already be wet through but at least it'll prevent you getting any wetter and it'll help keep that puppy dry. We'd better get a move on so excuse me for doing this. " Xi walked back over to the kelfiv woman and before she could utter aa word of objection he completely swept her off of her feet and becgan to race back to the tavern with her in his arms. Being both cautious of the damp wooden boards being slippery and begin mindful that he didn't bang her head or feet against anything whilst racing there. This was just faster to get done than for the pair of them to walk bac. especially in this horrendous weather.

[Neekra]

As he began to walk, she noticed his motion to follow him. Without a moment of hesitation she did. But before he could give her an answer, the clouds dumped their cold, miserable contents over the jungle. It always amazed her how fast the weather could turn. Like the floodgates of heaven were kicked wide open, Neekra felt every part of her body was drenched and dipping instantly from the sudden deluge. She blamed her human form once again for being incapable of protecting itself. As she wolf, she would have been substantially heavier but considerably more capable of fighting to get to a drier place. In fact she seriously considered changing back until she realized Lupa’s claws were digging into her arm. Changing back now would mean making the little dog fend for itself. She knew the little dog was scared but worse than that, she imagined that Xi was fit to be tied as well. Earlier he said he hated the rain; they should have run in as soon as the first sign of thunder rolled around. She hiked through the rain beside the man as walls of rain fell on them. Visibility was becoming limited. She didn’t expect an answer to her last question and was surprised when he gave her one. Even more unexpected was the fact that he tossed his cloak in her direction and commanded her to protect herself and Lupa with it. She did just that. Neekra wrapped it around her shoulders and held the puppy close to her chest and underneath the thick fabric of the cloak. At first sight, when she looked back at him and saw him coming for her, he looked as if he was running to hit her from the side and tackle her but then, in one graceful moment, he picked her up and cradled her wet, cold body in his arms and began to run. Neekra buried her face against his chest to avoid the cold stringing rain that pelted against her skin as he ducted and maneuvered through the jungle’s overgrowth of plant mass to desperately get to a drier place. As he raced she felt his body working: every powerful muscle flexed in sync with the each another, every breath control. She could even track the continuous pumping of his heartbeat. The way his body worked together was beautiful and so precise; he’d obviously worked an extensive amount of time to get his body into this condition. Later she’d have to praise him but now was not the time. Neekra felt the rain stop as soon as they entered the bar. She turned her head to see the several pairs of eyes staring at her. She could only imagine their wildest thoughts considering her condition: in his arms, naked, in his cloak, and both of them were soaked. And quickly heading upstairs. It was impossible to number the rumors that could form because of their little entrance. But at least they were dry not and out of the brutal weather.

[Ximal]

Xi kicked open the door to his room i the tavern. Minding neekra's head as he went in. the room wan'r large nor particularly spacious but at least it had what it needed. A bed a desk and a fire. Nit a large one but just big enough to leave his items and let them dry off, and possibly let neekra dry herself as well. Xi let her go slowly and gently placing her feet on the ground before turning and closing the door. Taking a slow breath he knocked the realization out of his head. The last time he'd been in a situation similar to this it was with a different kelvic back in sunberth. And he wan't in control. Xi stretched inside the room before removing the vambraces on his arms. The leather and cotton padding inside of them was soaked. as was more or less everything else he was in. Still not much he could do about that. Sorry for the brisk, speed here. It was either run or end up soaked completely to the bone. Oh and don't read anything into this. Well i mean me having you here naked in my room." A visible shot of nrevousness shot across his usually stony visage. Sill Xi had to get out of hiis sodden clothes. He could remove a lot of stuff but he'd better leave his pants and undre clothes on. Sliding his shirt up and over his head the completely soaked shit he placed infront of the fireplace to dry itself. Stretching out his chest he he eased the slight strain on his muscles. Slipping both his boots and greaves off he put his boots next to the fire. Leaving on his pants to preserve his modesty. Even if it meant he had to sit in completely soaked clothing. Sitting at the desk he reached down to pull a piece of parchment, a quill and a vial of ink out of the bag next to him. Placing it on the desk , he then ran his hands through his hair brushing the length of it out of his face. Scratching the light beard he'd been growing for the winter months. His eyes flicked over to neekra. Would she sit? Stand? That was up to her. Still Xi offered her a seat. Then fire cracked as he put quill to paper. Writing out neekra's name and the date, he popped the quill back into the ink pot.

[Neekra]

Her feet hit the ground safely and she stood, slightly shivering, and watched as he began to remove his armor. She did the same. After dropping his cloak from her shoulders, she moved closer to the fire to absorb its heat that would hopefully warm her icy skin. Lupa squirmed until she put her on the ground. At the sight of her puppy shaking from her nose to tip of her tail, Neekra itched with the desire to do the same. The urge was almost to much to resist but she knew she couldn’t do it. If she did, every corner of his room would be soaked and that would be very uncivil. His words turned her thought away from her itching desire. She turned in just enough time to see a flash of nervousness cross his face. A slight smirk crossed her lips while she tamed her inching urge to scratch by wringing her wild black hair in his wash tub. Then she glanced at Lupa who was making herself at home near the fire then focused back on Xi. Now half naked, she noted that he was just as she imagine, completely covered in ripped and lean muscle. Every move caused one muscle or another to visibly flex beneath the surface of his skin. Her first thought: delicious. In more ways than one. After watching him for a moment while he removed his tools from his desk, she approached him and spoke still with a hint of her grin, “I’m sure the witnesses downstairs will understand when you tell them that I’m a Kelvic.” She took her seat on the edge of his desk, crossing her legs and keeping her shoulders straight. Her grin faded back into her usually poker-face as she began to spill facts about her hunting grounds. “Now about the poachers… I have located several of their camped throughout my life in the woods, five to be exact. All five are hidden deep within the jungle. It’s certain that they avoided the routes most traveled when setting up camp. I came across all of them on accident and I must say, as a wolf, I’ve never had fear so deeply instilled within my heart. The sight of furs like mine nailed to their bloody walls is truly horrifying. The location of these camps in actuality are difficult to explain, but if you have a map, I’d be more than willing to point out the area where they’re positioned.”