OoC: All welcome with nothing particular in mind. Maybe throw something at him? =D That would be entertaining. Words – 300+
The sun had nearly set into the trees and cool shadows settled on the Sugar Woods. Below the canopy and on the stub of a broken branch about two meters of the ground rested a long, dark coat. A pair of fingerless gloves sat side by side near the base of the same tree. But a true treasure lay beneath them. A pair of blackened steel gauntlets sat visible under the thick fabric gloves and served to be a pedestal for them. The gold inlay that decorated them showed bright from the shadows. All items were the same color and easily made an outfit despite all looking a little warn and faded.
These invaluable items were not deserted. Their owner was nearby but impossible to pick out among the thick maple tree limbs above. His all black fur blended into the shadows easily. Jaden was stretched out on the limbs in an almost spider-like fashion. He breathed deeply and felt a light gasp of wind born from the falling sun caress him. The limbs he balanced on nearly five meters up swayed slightly before settling again. The optime man slowly pushed off the limbs around him one by one. First he let go of the branches in his left and right hands, folding his arms in. Then he pulled his paws onto the same, slim branch. There he balanced gracefully and stood slowly, holding his arms out on either side to make sure he didn’t fall. When he found his full height, he then folded his arms in once more and brought them in to guard his center as he had been taught so long ago by his father. He continued on to practice various movements, some were takedowns if applied to flesh, some were simple changes of stance, all while staying perfectly balanced. It took a lot of concentration and continuous flexing of various muscles to stay upright.
Before long, even Jaden’s trained physique began to tire but he didn’t stop. This simple ritual, as he repeated it nearly every night, brought him comfort and distracted him from the complexities of the world and his life. So, when he had to sink low and rest or risk loosing his balance, he caught his breath and stood again, assuming his stance, and enjoying the cool are on his heated body.
Amy had gone out a short distance to refresh her collection of medical herbs. She had to do something about this. Perhaps talk to the leaders about the garden that was being built, make sure that the medicines she needed were included. Amy wasn't able to take anymore from the plants that she had, stripped down as far as they would go in her care for the drugged slave. How anyone would dare to do such a thing was beyond her, and very, very infuriating.
Several rose hips had been found and put in the pouch to her side, as well as strips of willow bark. Continuing on her way Amy was rather surprised when she came across yet another assassin in the lands. There seemed to be a fair number of them. Or maybe she was just unlucky, running into them again and again. The deadly air that surrounded them was certainly there. Shrugging Amy stepped over, watching the practice. Idly she played around with a dagger in her hand before deciding to make things more interesting. Sharply she threw the knife, aiming for the exposed part of his neck, planning on striking right through the spine, killing him off. It'd be interesting to see if he could dodge.
Jaden noticed the woman just before her attack came. A bit of blond fur beckoned from the forest bellow. Her sudden movement and the metalic glint of her projectile were the only warning the former assassin was given. He jerked himself to the right and reached up next to his head in a reflexive movement. His perfectly maintained balance faltered with shock and the shifting of the limb below him in response to his dodge. The Alaskan gave up his perch and jumped to the forest floor below, rolling to dull the pain of such a far fall.
Jaden valued life despite being able to take it. That someone would try to kill him for entertainment made no sense to him. When he stood only a little ways away from the assailant a deep snarl rumbled from his chest. He reached down and peeled the blade from his palm, wishing he had caught it by the handle. I hope you have a good reason for trying to kill me. He said, his deep voice deceptively cool.
Before yesterday, Jaden had spent the last few months in total seclusion. He had avoided everyone and said nearly nothing at all. Now, two days in a row, wolves had interrupted his regular schedule with the intent to be a pain in his ass. The wanderer finally glared up at his attacker and was surprised by the finely curved individual before him. Though she hid it behind unnecessary clothing, this creamy yellow colored wolf had a wonderful body. That and her numerous armaments would have made a very attractive image had the man not been incredibly put off by the attempt on his life.
As things were, her appearance disheartened him slightly. He was naked without his armor and had lost his other weapons in the months before but he still stood menacingly. He was not about to show weakness to this most likely dangerous enemy. His fists balled, slowing the bleeding of his fresh cuts and squeezing the hilt of her weapon in his good paw. Whether he could make her regret what she had done he wasn't sure. No doubt she had more throwable blades on her. With teeth bared he simmered angrily and waited for an answer.
Impressive. The wolf dodged the knife, even catching it with his hand. Too bad he caught the blade instead of the handle, the sharp sweet scent of blood in the air. Hitting the ground he rolled, pulling himself up to a prepared stance. Pleased a wide smile was on her face. Eyes roamed over him, admiring his muscular physique, the strength that he possessed. There was no anger in his voice when he spoke, despite the slight tautness in him revealing otherwise. So much control. It was absolutely beautiful. She'd found true art with this one.
Her warm brown eyes met his cold sea blue ones. Slowly she approached him, hips swaying sensually. Of course. I saw your training, and was wondering how good you are. I suppose I helped out a little as well, with your reaction times. Sweetly she paused before him, the distance closed. She stood a single arm's length away. If he reached out, he could bury the knife that was in his grasp into her throat. Whether or not she'd stop him was still to be seen of course. Or if he'd even make that choice. It was very well done.
The air stung as it clawed it's way between the creases of Jaden's fist. The new cut wasn't very deep but still bled generously. He could smell it. He also caught the familiar scent of the woman's pack. He had dealt with others that carried it. They too had been more trouble than they were worth. The Alaskan was still trying to figure out exactly what this stranger's intentions were as he watched her flaunt her way toward him. His eyes swayed over her curves as they swayed tantalizingly.
The answer wasn't something that offered strength in morality. She had been testing him and didn't seemed phased by the near loss of life. Jaden's pack had all been killers and he knew the different sorts. Her's was specifically dangerous. She either didn't see value in life or looked at killing without remorse. Both meant that she wouldn't hesitate to kill him if he proved to be a pain for her. To offer an even playing ground between the two killers as unarmed as he would would take care. While she made her way closer and closer the wanderer spun the blade in his hand once. Then he spun it again. The movement was only a flick of his fingers that made the blade sing a metallic note when it slid over his soft fur. He kept the movement up, a constant reminder that he was just as much of a weapon as she.
When they were only an arm's length apart the female stopped and met his blue eyes to her soft brown. Her compliment was sweet despite the situation and the air between them stayed tense. Jaden's dark body swooped in slowly, closing the distance between them to only a few inches. He could feel her breath now.Well done? And who do you think you are to test me? He demanded softly, darkly. The ring of her blade in his grasp was all that filled the silence between them while he waited for another yet answer.
The blade danced in the black wolf's hands, humming through the air. It was a sweet sound, deadly. Amy knew she wouldn't die, that he wouldn't kill her, but it was still so beautiful to listen to. The gleam in his eyes, angry and cautious, was rather amusing. She'd certainly managed to tug on his emotions quite well. He would be dancing to her tune if this kept up. The control he'd displayed said this wouldn't be easy though, the assassin able to break free if he saw through her.
The male swooped close, his breath on her face. As fast as he'd been, Amy had reacted defensively, claws pressed into his stomach, ready to tear him open at the first sign of a threatening move. The question drew a smile from her. Amy stepped back, removing her hand from where it had been. Someone who knows what it is to live as a death giver. Someone who needs to know how much risk there is in confronting another. She hadn't just seen beauty and power. She'd seen someone who might be an enemy, and taken the opportunity to measure his strength, to know what she would be up against if it came to that.
Try as he might, Jaden’s anger was dwindling. There was something mysterious, something exciting about being so close to death and now so close to another dangerous person. Two weapons of flesh stood together in the peace of the forest. Maybe it was because the Alaskan had grown up around such violence and cruelty as her that it brought feelings of similarity and intimacy. Maybe he was just in shock from nearly being killed. It wasn’t the first time he had been in such a situation so the chances of that were slim. Still, he wasn’t sure why he suddenly felt the way he did and decided to be open minded on the subject.
This woman was becoming amusing regardless of why. He felt her claws pressed against him before she stepped back. It was a good thing. If she hadn’t reacted in such a way to his advance it might have meant she thought him to be no threat. He too had no fear that she intended to kill him, not yet anyway. If she tore at him he could have the blade in his hand between her ribs before she could escape his reach and he knew she likely understood that. He listened to her answer and his lip tipped slightly in amusement. There are other ways to measure strength. I no longer kill for any reason that isn’t my own anyway. So long as you don’t come looking for a fight, I might not have to test the skill you have with the other tools at your disposal. He let his eyes fall on her curves and their caparison again. Then he brought his gaze back up. The spinning blade in his hand stooped as he brought his arms up too, letting one fall over his chest and using the armed hand rub his chin in a careful and thoughtful way. Besides, wouldn’t it have been a shame if you had killed me? Then we wouldn’t have gotten the chance to truly meet.
It seemed they were similar. Amy had left behind the assassin business as well. She hadn't cared for those who thought themselves superior to her, ordering another's death. Amy had made quite the exit, murdering those who had once asked her to kill for them. Never again would she kill for the reason of another. Death was her own, a deadly cloak she kept around her. There was no reason for them to fight, and Amy was pleased with his reaction. Very entertaining.
The blade halted, and Amy plucked it from his hand, returning it to the pouch with the rest of her knives. His gaze fell over her, appreciating of her form. She knew that she was beautiful, turning it into as much of a weapon as the blades that she held. The male's body was quite nice as well, sculpted with form, only the occasional scar to mar his appearance. Far less than those who were truly trained. Asked if it was better that he had survived Amy shrugged. You're certainly proving yourself worth the time. Trained, intelligent. Her breath softened with the last word. Handsome.
Being disarmed was a little disappointing for the naked assassin. He still didn’t trust the woman even if it seemed she was content to only try and kill him once. He watched her put it away with a collection of others. It made Jaden the slightest bit jealous that she was so well armed and he now had no weapons besides his defensive gauntlets. But only slightly and he quickly forgot it when she complimented him. It was enough to make him smile and for his tail to sway in content.
The man turned his back to her for the first time, fairly certain of his safety and walked a small distance to the tree he had been training in. Handsome? He paused in front of his hung coat and said more then asked. It had been a very long time since anyone had complemented the Alaskan in this way and her words flattered him more than he showed. He took his coat from the tree and swung it on smoothly. You are quite beautiful yourself. He complemented kindly. There was absolute truth to his words but he found her beauty the exotic sort. Few sported clothing that hid so much and fewer still had such a tony color in their fur. Lighter colors in fur were something Jaden truly appreciated on women and her blond was a wonderful oddity to the expected. The man rolled his shoulders and pulled coat tight over their broad slope. He left his gloves and gauntlets on the forest floor and leaned against the maple tree. From a hidden inside breast pocket he pulled a full flask of liquor. I will admit, Jaden called, wondering if his newest acquaintance would approach him once more. I haven’t seen your fur color before. It is quite attractive. Where do you hail from?
His tail swayed at her words, obviously surprised and pleased by them. The assassin turned his back to her, correctly measuring that she wasn't interested in a fight. Not unless it proved more entertaining than this conversation, and even then picking a random fight with a trained killer was not a good idea. She watched him move to where a black cloak was hanging, swinging it onto his body. That was better, dressed instead of naked.
Amy lifted her head, accepting his words. She knew she was beautiful, full of great pride over that. Sure, the clothing she wore covered scars, which was why she couldn't wear some of the outfits she wanted to, but she was still very beautiful, generous curves and a body men panted over without thought. She moved towards him, hips swaying again to allow him to fully appreciate it. Europe. The color's from my mother. Managed to escape the darker side of the blood line. She smiled, holding out her hand to take a drink from the flask as well, smelling the alcohol inside.
To his pleasure, the blond woman shortly approached him. He watched her sway with content eyes. The distraction had him paused midway in the motion of uncapping his flask. Jaden hadn’t been much of a drinker before recently but had taken a liking to it. It helped quell the mind when it otherwise wanted to energetically recall painful subjects. That, and he knew it to be a great cleanser of wounds. The latter purpose had been his intent when drawing it. Seeing her expectant gaze made him grin and change his mind.
The man took a small draw and held it on his tongue before splashing a bit on his cuts. When the stinging of his flesh started, he swallowed then sighed out a breath for the double burn. After a moment he flicked his hand away from them to rid it of the excess liquor and offered his flask to the woman. The whole of my bloodline is dark and those I didn’t kill butchered each other. He shared this with her without putting much thought into the painful subject. He instead wondered what a more malicious wolf with this woman’s body might have done if they had wandered upon him. It kept a grin on his lips. We are not only similar in skills then. What may I call you, besides dangerously beautiful? He questioned innocently.
His gaze was on her, unable to stop watching her movements. Just the way she liked it. Amy wondered how easily she could kill him, the small poisonous ring she held on her hand, placed around her neck and quietly activated. It would be quick, only time for brief shock before the convulsions set in. It would be so delicious to watch. The cut she'd given him was quickly washed out before the flask was held out to her. Amy knew alcohol could be used that way, but preferred using other things, spending the drink on herself.
Amy took a quick drink, lowering the flask back down for him to have another pull on it. His words had her lips twitching with amusement. That hadn't been what she'd meant, talking about the tendency for the darker fur patterns to cover her family. Very few had inherited the blond fur she sported. He would be very surprised if he learned that she did come from that darker side, if far more disciplined than the fools that would destroy their own clan. Charmed by his words she shifted back, taking on a more seductive pose. Amy Sunders. And who is the dark killer I've been speaking with?
Jaden wasn’t aware of his misinterpretation. His speech was fluid but his mind was over busying itself. He wanted desperately to know what Amy was after. He had experience reading others and everything he knew told him that he should be weary of this woman if he wasn’t smart enough to avoid her all together. But the way she moved said the opposite. It called to a deep and long tamed desire within him, a primal need to be as absolutely close to her as possible. There was a possibility he could get it out of her. But she was good at what she did.
The effect she had on him wasn’t fair. The more it came to mind the more he came to that conclusion. Every sway of her body, every play of her pretty brown eyes, every step she got closer attracted his attention and sped up his heart. Though it hid well on his trained features, he had to put a lot of effort into keeping his eyes level with hers. The last thing he wanted to do was reveal exactly how much she was affecting him.
Jaden Ohanzee He replied lightly. Originally from Alaska, in case you’re interested in that too. When she tipped the flask in his direction he put a palm up in a movement of rejection. Have yourself another take. Losing my mind to the drink tends to make me a bit suggestible around fine women. Though truthful, he wouldn’t avoid taking a draw of his own for long. So long as she ended up consuming more than he, what could be the harm?
It seemed he wasn't too interested in the conversation. His voice was a tad more distant than she would have liked. It could be that it was simple discipline, making sure that he didn't get too deeply involved with what was around him, focused on the environment. Amy was fully aware of what was around them though, casually noting a bird that had rested in the tree, and still managed to be fully engaged in the conversation. Her frown was done purposely sexy, trying to draw his attention back to her, where it belonged.
The last name sounded foreign, though Amy quickly memorized his name to store for future reference. Alaska. Wasn't that the frozen wasteland that nobody should ever be forced to endure, including slaves? No wonder he was tough. Noting his reluctance to drink Amy laughed. Don't worry, I'm sure I could handle whatever you sent my way. Tipping back the flask again Amy pretended to take a long swallow before passing it over again.
Training was something Jaden was used to. It was easy to do, easy to get lost in. Practicing for real hits, real kicks, making the body able to perform at its very best seemed natural. There was no real way to ready his defenses for desire. He wasn’t the type of man who practiced teasing the opposite sex and had very little experience resisting it. She was twisting him in and he was having trouble finding reasons to fight his way out.
She had tried to kill him. That was all he had. He clenched his fist to make the pain in it impossible to idly dismiss with her attractive expression of discontent. Despite this small movement, his inner turmoil still managed to stay hidden behind the cold waves of sea blue eyes. We only just met and you sound so sure, He took the flask from her and allowed himself a drink though not a generous as her’s. He could feel the warmth in his belly beginning that would render him less defensible should he continue this way. What if I am truly a monster, one who goes looking to take advantage of gorgeous women. Would loosing your mind to the drink be such a fine idea then? The attempt now was to put her on the defensive, to make her body relent in it’s beckoning so he could compose his unstable desires. He held out the liquor for her, a dangerously devious grin easily forced upon his strong jaw.
Her eyes dropped down to his hand, noticing the slight clenching of his fist. It appeared there was more going on with him than was being revealed. She lifted her eyes up, the scent of blood in the air once more with the reopened wound. A crocodile smile spread on her lips at his words. I'm always sure. Whether we've met only once or not, I can take care of myself. She didn't feel fear. Amy caused it, feeding off it from others.
She watched him take a drink, knowing that he had just exposed his vulnerability, admitting his weakness to drink before her. True, she was weak with it too, but at least she hid that fact better. Until the alcohol kicked in, that was. His words brought a laugh from the dog, noting the devious grin. She matched it with her own malicious smile, meeting his dark eyes. I might not lose my mind then. You might be surprised though. Perhaps I like the monster.
Fights were won threw cunning and wit, something Jaden usually had aplenty. But he knew he was now loosing this battle for that is exactly what it was turning into; an internal battle to keep her from getting past his defenses. Her words, the tempting curves of her, her apparent lack of fear it all pushed and beat against his barriers, spoiling every good reason and honest try he could muster to keep her out. Now he was faking something he was not and liquor was already melting away his need to keep her at an already undesirably safe distance. The woman too easily seemed to be stripping away every piece of protection he had.
Someone dangerous was how most saw him and now that danger had to be exaggerated. His options were slim. She had retreated from him once, after he had invaded her personal space. Of course she had also almost disemboweled him with her claws. That showed that she knew he was still a threat, that her flirting was only flirting and not something to truly worry over. That this strategy also fed his need to feel the heat of her body so close was something he would have to work around, he needed her to retreat, he needed her to do anything by flaunt those curves and speak so dangerously.
So he moved forward again and invaded the space until there was barely room for air between them. Then, if he got this far without a desired effect, he would drop his muzzle low until his voice was right next to her single brown ear and his breath on her blond fur, Perhaps I like you.
Jaden approached Amy, a dangerous glint in his eyes, perhaps a hint of desperation. Amy didn't know what over, but she had stirred him. He was responding to her, reacting to what she had said. Her eyes glittered as he moved closer, trying not to stiffen as he invaded her space. There was no room. She wanted to step back, but that would be weak. Instead she stilled as he spoke in her ear. Perhaps. Sharply she struck him, a push to send him away from her, let her breathe.
With the distance at a comfortable one again, if still closer to him than she had been before Amy leaned forward slightly, her words a low whisper just for him. She was venomous, a snake waiting to strike, knowing that her victim was still and couldn't fight back. But do you really think you'll get anything from me that easily? She leaned back, letting him contemplate it before she took the flask from his hand, walking a short distance off to take a drink, knowing he wouldn't just leave her alone.
Dark thoughts filled Jaden’s mind in the moments he hovered so close. He could feel her warmth, her breath on his neck it was intoxicating and numbing. It seemed to short a second before she shoved him back showing again that she had strength in her small form. He was now pinned against the tree he’d had his back to and the woman’s words after were acidic and dangerous. For the first time, he realized she could have killed him. Right then, leaning into his unarmored and undefended form and leaving him no room to dodge, no way to defend himself, she could have drawn the short blade on her hip and spattered his warm blood all over her blond coat.
The thought was striking and Jaden kept silent the whole while she spoke, a narrow-eyed expression of defeat on his futures. Amy was the first person to ever gain such an advantage over him. Never before had he been so careless as to give it. She didn’t say how vulnerable he was. It didn’t even need to be pointed out. He could feel the weakness and it burned.
But she didn’t kill him. The flask was whisked from his grasp and the Alaskan found his gaze falling on her behind as she stepped away from him. Now was his chance to escape. If he weren’t a trained killer, not only would he not have made it this far alive, but he wouldn’t have had the courage to follower her as she strutted away from him. Something about her having beaten him was irresistible. It made her dark personality and wonderful body only that much more sexy.
I ruled out easy when I first felt your blade, He breathed and slowly followed her, but now you have proven, again, that you want me alive for something. What might that be? I doubt it’s our small talk or that drink in you paws.
Her ears turned, listening to him follow her. A smile painted her lips, intrigued by his actions. It seemed that he was a lot more interested in her than she'd given him credit for. Amy found that most males calmed down after she showed herself off like that. It was a rare one that chose to approach her, even rarer that they valued her darkness instead of hating it. His words came out soft and low, bringing a low chuckle from Amy. His initial anger had so quickly disappeared, devoured by this longing.
She turned to face him again, eying his smooth body and the muscles that enveloped it. The cloak did well, a swirling form against his body. Jaden was clever, even if he had fallen prey to her movements. Amy held the flask, considering his words. It was true. She had stuck around for another reason. Deliberately she tipped the drink on the ground, teeth flashing. You're right. It doesn't have a hold on me. You're alive because you've proven yourself to be worthwhile. If I need something, I know you'll be able to help me. If you prove to be an enemy, well. I know your weaknesses now, don't I?
