Completed Foes with Benefits. [Raven]

[Markus Andres]

42-Summer-509

Markus could already now taste that it would take years of periodical exposure to the drink before him that he might grow an inkling to drink it of his own free will. But after the events of the day before, the squire needed something to calm and soothe his volatile mood. For almost an bell he had sat there. In the shallow water staring at the entrance, keeping an eye out for the dark haired beauty. But she did not show. The mere memory drew a gulp of dark ale into his mouth. As the liquid landed on his tongue he grimaced. Such a disgustingly bitter drink. It was a wonder that anyone could drink the terrible stuff. Markus looked to the empty mug next to his current one. Perhaps men with memories they wished to dull until they became a blur.

There was a buzz of conversation as the rearing stallion was quite full. Markus had through sheer physical size managed to capture a spot at a table full of strangers. None of them in the mood for a talk, none of them seemed interested in the youngster drinking at their table. Their conversation easily sailed around him as he was left to his own devices. To his own memories and defeats. He could tell that he was on the other end of the general mood of the place. Bright and pleasant, people laughing at some tables. Others a little more quiet as the low buzz as they discussed something. Occasional one of them spoke loud enough for him to hear some ship terminology. They had looked like sailors, so probably a discussion about a future voyage. The squire didn't care enough to listen more closely. But he was surprised how much one could pick up in a bar if one just took the time to listen instead of talk with your friend or spying for girls.

Markus had not many coin on him. Figured as a foreigner to alcohol that he would easily get drunk. Not knowing the simple fact that alcohol spread over mass and Markus had a lot of mass for the alcohol to spread over. He could feel the effects, his eyes a little more blurry. A tingling feeling at the bottom of his belly. A lack of awareness for things that he would usually have seen come from a mile away. Like when he looked up at the door and saw her. Wearing the usual attire that drew the gaze of men upon her. Of all the taverns she would of course step into the one he was in. Of all the evenings, it would be the one after she had left him to float. With a loud sigh he looked down at the table, trying to sink through the ground and vanish before the world. His clothes matching her in a way. Black. Mourning colours, though that had not been intentional. He had not had the energy nor desire nor will to actually clean his clothes and this was his last decent pair that didn't smell like an ox had used it as a sleeping blanket. Although the guy next to Markus smelt like that. Another reason to drink ale.

Eyes staring directly into the table as he drank the ale in silent rage. He could not approach her here. Would have to wait until she left the Stallion and then approach her. Press her against the wall and ~ his thoughts ended there. Look where such anger had gotten him the day before. Into a humiliating position. Best to take this one with a cool mind. It was strange to pray to the great Wysar in such a position. But discipline and not raw emotion was what he needed the most. Dark green eyes closed softly as he took a deep inhale. Forced the anger down.

Wait and see. Must be a way to get even.

[Raven Nightfoot]

A dark haired figure walked through the quiet streets of Syliras as Akajia loomed above, adorned by Leth an Zintila. The Rearing Stallion, that was her destination. Today had been a remarkably uneventful day for the young thief, nothing like the day before, no, not at all. Yesterday had been quite interesting, Raven had been strolling through the street, doing her rounds when she was confronted by a certain angry handsome blonde squire. The man had pinned her against the wall and attempted to retrieve his stolen mizas from her, but instead, Raven had succeeded in turning his anger into lust, much like their first encounter. From there things had heated up pretty quickly and a short while later both squire and thief were on their way to The Soothing Waters to relieve some tension. Unfortunately, as eager as they'd both been, Raven had spotted her mother in the changing rooms and instead decided to give up on her session with Markus before disappearing without telling him. Leaving the poor, horny, eager squire to wait and find out for himself. She'd thought about it when she got home, thought about him sitting there anxiously awaiting the sight of her body, it caused her to laugh slightly, perhaps she should have felt bad but the truth was that she enjoyed torturing the handsome squire, as far as she was concerned he had nothing to offer her...besides his body that is. His beautiful, muscled body. Raven shrugged her shoulders, shaking the thought from her mind as she neared The Rearing Stallion, she wore her usual tight black leather attire with her lips painted their usual deep red lips and her trademark sultry smirk firmly in place. Hopefully she'd be able to make up for the slow day by finding someone worth robbing in the tavern... drunk men were easy targets. As she entered, the dark haired woman paused in the doorway, amber eyes giving the interior of the tavern a quick scan which served two purposes, the first was that it allowed her to search for any potential targets and the second was that it allowed it's inhabitants a chance to look at her, increasing the chances of prey coming to her instead. It was a simple strategy, but effective, why hunt the prey when you could lure it in with a smile and a wink? Having stood in the doorway long enough, already receiving the usual flirtatious comments and whistles, she casually made her way over to the bar, hips swaying more than natural like they always did when she knew someone was watching. The tavern seemed different today, the usual reactions to her entrance seemed to have increased to higher levels and as she searched for the largest source of the catcalls she discovered why, "Sailors." she said to herself as her eyes fell on the rowdy bunch of seamen that called out to her. Sailors spent most of their days out at sea and away from women, so when they docked somewhere they usually only had two things on their minds and both could be found in a tavern. Raven had barely reached the bar when one of the men came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Hello there beautiful, can I buy you a drink?" she heard the man say in an eager slurred tone, the stench of alcohol thick in his breath. She tried not to show her disgust at his words, breath, appearance or hand on her body as she turned to smile at him, giving him a closer look and noticing a coin purse proudly displayed and hanging at his belt. "Yes, yes you can." she said with a smile as she turned to lean over the bar on her elbows, the new position forcing his hand off of her, to her relief.

[Markus Andres]

Of course she has the attention of everyone in the stallion. pfft, fitting name, everyone wants to be the stallion that mounts- Markus' thoughts trailed off as he saw the sway in the woman's hips as she went to the bar. Already someone had approached her. Put a hand against her and Markus turned his gaze away and onto the ale. Why did he have so little of the deliciously wonderfully obnoxiously bad tasting drink. Reminded him of the woman in the bar in some ways. In small doses it is just a bad taste that won't go away. The more you get in, the better the taste gets, or rather, less horrible and you get used to it. Then you feel the intoxication with the dark wonderful scent. Markus shook his head as he realized he was losing the angered edge. His mind wandered and drifted too easily. Ale had its advantages but also serious disadvantages. He took his gaze back to the men around his table. Some looked bitter that they were not the ones putting their filthy hands on the raven haired woman at the bar. It was not them with her scent. Her sultry smile aimed at them.

Markus closed his eyes again as his grip on the mug tightened. Bone white knuckles as the blood drained from his hand. Why did she have to be so ridiculously attractive. Why did she have to know this and play every sucker in the bar.

Why tonight... Why did it have to be tonight. Can't I get a single night away from that temptress.

Markus heard the smelly man next to him make a lewd joke about wanting something raven coloured to pull in at the evening. Markus decided to ignore the crude joke and even more the vicious laughter that followed. He placed an elbow on the table and rested his head in the palm of his head. Tired eyes stared at the table. He could not leave now. Then Raven would see him and probably have some mocking and most decidedly derisive comment to him. Best to act like he was invisible to the world at the table and drown his sorrows in a liquid that also reminded him of the seductress.

Stop. Think of something else. Think of getting even for yesterday. Think of a method. Markus did his best. Pushed aside everything and started thinking. Once in a while throwing a glance to make sure the annoying woman was still there. Seeing her with some guy. Did make him eager to think of some petty way of getting even. Her main method of getting him the last couple of times had been the sexy body of hers. The allure. The way she knew how to wield her body as a weapon against the other gender. Short of swinging for the other team, Markus had no conceivable way he could resist her if he went to confront her. With a deep sigh he used his free hand to play with the mug, making the ale swirl around in the mug as he tried to keep his attention off of Raven as much as possible.

[Raven Nightfoot]

The night continued on with Raven sitting at the bar and the sailor chatting away, telling her far fetched stories about his triumphs at sea, obviously in attempt to impress her. Raven of course had barely been listening, the constant flow of words from the man's mouth had been horribly bland and uninteresting, so instead she'd just tuned him out and pretended to listen. Pretended to not be extremely annoyed in his company. Pretended every time he touched her she wasn't grossed out... She had to, he was her target for the night. About a bell after she'd entered the man was still droning on and three of his shipmates had come to join him at the bar, all standing around Raven, shamelessly examining her lustfully and trying to seduce her. Their stories became more ridiculous with every drink they had, they'd offered to buy her several more but she needed to be clear headed and instead was still on her first, taking miniature sips now and then. By now, Raven was feeling so uncomfortable with the sailors surrounding her that she was actually considering leaving, the drunker they got the more perverted they became and the more drinks they bought, the less coin was left for her to steal until eventually, so much time had passed without a window of opportunity, that it was clear there was barely enough money left to be worth the risk. As this new realisation dawned on her, Raven felt her annoyance take a big leap and begin bordering on anger, she had put up with these annoyingly obnoxious perverts for so long for no reason. It was definitely time for her to leave. "Well boys, this has been fun but I've got to go...See you around." she said in her usual tone as she hopped off the bar stool and made to walk away, only to be stopped by the first sailor who now stood in her way. "Where do ya think you're going?" he said sternly as he grabbed her upper arm, his words even more slurred than before. Raven's smirk remained on her face as she looked up at the slightly swaying drunken man, "I'm going home. You're going back to wherever it is you came from." she said more assertively as she tried to walk around him only to be blocked again. The three sailors with him laughed, probably at seeing their mate get rejected. One of the men was thin as reeds, like he either lived on booze or had some sort of internal parasite. Either way, he was a little more than washed up driftwood. "Hah hah! Yeah, you gotta home here. In the street. Behind the bar. On my lap." The man's dark tongue slurped over his lips, his shallow eyes lowered taking in Raven's body, the very sight of the action sent some shivers of worry down her spine. The situation had just gone from annoying to bad, as the four sailors surrounded her, clearly having no intention of letting her go. The first in front, two on her right and one behind her, to her left was the bar, not much room for escape. The men continued to stare at the beautiful dark haired woman between them, a perverted smile on each of their faces as they undressed her with their eyes, "Gods. I hope you're good with those legs." the one behind her said as he slapped her butt roughly, sending a sharp pain through her body and her anger flaring. That was the final straw, she'd just about had enough of these disgusting men. "Oh... I am." she said before raising one of her legs and thrusting it backwards into the man's groin, the pained welp confirming that she'd hit her target as she retracted her leg quickly sending her knee into the crotch of the man in front of her and earning another loud welp while at the same time grabbing is almost empty coin purse and sliding it into her pocket. "See." she said smugly as she looked back at the man who was bent over in pain. She gave him a gently push and watched the man keel over onto the ground before doing the same to the one in front. The other two sailors standing at her side simply stared at their downed friends, watching them roll around in pain, both with a look of absolute shock on their face. Of course. They'd assumed she was little more than a guaranteed great petching, their mistake. The men stood there in shock for a moment longer until finally it seemed to hit them and they raised their eyes to her, anger evident in both. "You stupid whore!" one of them began to shout.

[Markus Andres]

Markus was quickly growing bored. The initial rush of adrenaline when the blasted woman had appeared had worn off and replaced with a very dull simmering in his stomach of worry that she might spot him. It was not long before he started to listen in on what the guy next to him said. It was better than staring at a dull table thinking up far fetched plans and ideas for something that was probably not going to happen. The man continued, talking about how he would wrap his hand in her long black hair and pull it back. Markus' eyes widened at his tone of voice and choice of words. So straight forward. Dripping with a disturbing amount of lust and experience in this particular aspect. The man's large hand swept over like he was slapping something while guttural grunts escaped his lips. The eyes of the squire widened even further as he forced himself to look away from the man's depraved act. Worst bit was that as he looked away the horrible stench from his raised arms struck him like a Tiaden warhorse. Markus almost choked as he held back the tears. Hid his face and sense of smell in the mug as he greedily drank the rest of it in 3 might gulps and to his surprise when the mug hit the table the man opposite him nodded a little in a sign of either respect or he was too drunk to know what he was doing. Either way, Markus now had no excuse to stay sitting. The attention of the people was not of his liking. By no means.

But he looked to the bar. She stood there. Still talking to the singular man who had her undivided attention. What she saw in that miserable cur was not something he could ever understand. It was another petching sailor, a dime and a dozen. Especially for someone like Markus who came from Zeltiva, a city run by sailors and their mum. Markus groaned annoyed as he focused on the men around him. Each telling the stories of their best conquests. The women they had been with over the years. Markus realized, slowly, too slowly, that they were taking turns in some weird game of cards. Luckily the smelly oaf started and by the time Markus caught up it reached him.

'And you boy? Ever been with anyone?'

Markus blinked. If they had asked him ten days earlier the answer would have been no. But now. He had been with someone. It felt wrong to him to talk of such things to strangers. They had no reason to pry in his private life.

"I am not telling you guys." There was a brief, very brief moment where they stared at him. Then their lips parted and they laughed. 'Still a virgin, eh boy?' Markus held his tongue and instead looked away. Fury painting his cheeks a little red, unfortunately the men took that as a sign of something else and they laughed louder. He endured their poking and prodding for information. Asking about his age. Asking if they should bring him to the heralds arm or the golden dragon to become a man. Endured it for as long as he could before he snapped and turned to the oaf who was leading the charge

"Shut up!" He roared as he glared at the oaf. "I have been with someone. In fact, you see that ridiculously attractive woman up in the bar. Being swarmed by a flood of sailors. Yes, I was with her. Not more than ten days ago. That is all I am going to say."

They looked at his extended thumb at the woman in the bar. The foxy thing standing there with enough men around her to fill a small vessel. Then they looked to him. There was a brief moment where some believed him, then another moment before they all laughed at him again. With a heavy sigh he looked to his sadly empty mug of ale. How he wished he had had more to drown his rising anger in and cool himself down.

'Nice try, kiddo. Pick someone in your own league next time.' Markus rolled with his eyes as he looked to the bar again. 'Though does seem like she likes it rough. Four guys all around her. Perhaps I should line up.' Markus glanced at her and the look on her face was not the usual one Raven carried. At least not the sultry look of lust she used to use on him. Markus saw the hand that came in for her rear. The oaf saw it as well and he roared with laughter. Markus, pushed himself to his feet. He had a pretty good idea of what would happen next. Hearing the oaf confirm to himself that Raven liked it rough.

You have no idea, idiot. The squire thought as he saw Raven respond to their provocation. Markus winced a little at that kick. Seeing the man lying on the ground. His eyes immediately sought the owner. A former knight some said, retired after losing an arm. But Markus was not alone, a barmaid ran out back to fetch him. With a heavy sigh Markus stepped in as one of them shouted at Raven. Although he agreed with the words shouted, it did not stop him from stepping in to rescue Raven from another petching situation. The man on Markus' right of those on Raven's right moved to attack or otherwise harm Raven. The squire could not allow that. He owed the woman quite a bit for rescuing him in the forest. Even if she had abandoned him only a day earlier.

Markus right foot came forward. Hitting the man on his right in the back of his knee. Markus did not kick. No. Markus stomped. Following the man down as the knee gave away to Markus' superior weight and muscle. Once he connected with the ground there would be an ear shattering howl of pain from the man. The man would grab his knee. Markus' right elbow came in, struck hard against the back of the man's neck as he lay there on his knees in front of him. The guy on Markus' left reacted faster than he had anticipated and Markus felt a stinging fist connect with his lip. Sending the squire stumbling aside. Almost falling over the grounded man in the process. The man pursued. Markus felt knuckles rap across his ribs and a mouthful of air and spit was coughed from his lips. The squire found something solid and pushed off. Neither arms ready for what came next. Nor was the man whose angered, but surprisingly coordinated eyes that turned to shock when Markus' head hit him in the chest. The squire twisted his torso. Right arm flew high, hit the man with a solid hook in the side of his head. Left hand came from below and went directly into the middle of his stomach. Sinking deep before organs slowed his attack to a halt and the man stumbled back. Unsure what to hold. His cheek or his stomach. Markus tasted blood. Felt the pain from his lower lip that was undoubtedly split from the punch. He paid no heed to it as he pursued. Right foot raised as he push kicked the man in the stomach he had so unwisely decided not to clutch. A terrible kick by any standard. But the man grunted in extra pain as he fell back and stumbled over his sailor buddy of a friend. Markus breath came quickly as he tried to recover from the two punches that had connected with him. He looked to Raven, hoping she had performed a miracle and taken down the man behind her at the start of the fight. That or Markus would have to recover quicker and let adrenaline and the gods deal with the pain.

Come on

[Raven Nightfoot]

Having already taken out two of the sailors Raven turned her attention to one of the enraged men on her right, clearly furious that a woman had just beaten two of his mates. The man shouted at her before lunging at her angrily but just as Raven's hands rose in order to defend herself the attacking man's eyes widened and his face took on a pained expression as he fell backwards to the ground. For a moment she was completely confused as to what had just happened, one moment the man was lunging at her and the next he had fallen over in pain. It wasn't until she looked up to see the last remaining sailor strike someone in the face with a quick punch that things began to make sense. The large man, dressed in clothes as dark as her own had come to her aid and as she watched the figure getting beaten by the sailor her eyes widened in surprise as she realised who it was. "Markus." she said to herself. Of course the squire was here. Of course she'd bump into him again the day after she'd left him all riled up and anticipating her body at The Soothing Waters. Of course. She had no doubt that the young man was furious about her disappearance the day before, yet here he was, getting beaten up on her behalf. Most people might have felt gratitude toward the squire for the help but Raven wasn't most people. No, she was more annoyed at him stepping in than anything, it wasn't as if she couldn't handle herself and besides, the fact that it was Markus made it all the worse. The fight lasted only a few moments with Markus taking the first few blows before quickly turning the tables and beginning his own volley of powerful attacks. A headbutt. A hook. A kick. All backed with the immense strength that the squire's large body held. All serving to turn her on as she watched the display of strength and skill. Raven found herself biting her lip lustfully as her amber eyes observed the fight which had ended just as fast as it started. Her eyes went to his clothing first, a smirk tugging at her lips at the thought of how they matched, next they went to his concealed chest, the way it rose and fell with his heavy breaths, reminding her once again of their time by the lake. Finally their eyes met, her deep amber ones locking with the dazzling emerald of his and her smirk grew slightly more as she made her way over to the handsome squire her annoyance completely replaced by arousal. It took only a few steps for her to reach him, her hand coming to rest on his muscular bicep as she smirked up at him, "Well if it isn't my squire in matching coloured clothing..." she teased, "I had it covered you know." she said as she glanced back over her shoulder at the four downed men before returning her gaze to his as her hand slid from his arm to the bend of his neck as she moved even closer, her front pressed against his. "I'm beginning to think you're stalking me..." she said as she leaned in closer, seemingly unphased by his busted lip. Gods, she hoped that wouldn't be a problem when it came to sharing her affection.

[Markus Andres]

Markus must have seen wrong. In his eagerness to help perhaps he had seen wrong. That was the only clue. Or else it was the alcohol that swam in his bloodstream that was the reason for the mistaken belief. It did help dull the pain, alongside a healthy dose of adrenaline. His breath had quickened a bit from the short fight. A small dull pain from his left ribcage for each breath. It was only a bruise. It was probably the blow that caused it to still ache. Though that ache vanished when he felt a hand on his biceps. Eyes focused again, the seductive form of Raven right in front of him. A smirk on her lips. His back stiffened a little. The two were undoubtedly the centre of attention and she so casually touched him. Moved closer. The woman certainly didn't waste time to play her tricks on him. He couldn't deny that her touch on his arm was rather soothing. Did well to make him forget the bruised ribs and lip. Didn't like she called her his squire. Didn't like that they wore matching colours.

The hand moved up his arm to his neck. They both knew what would happen next. She might be the one to suggest the action, play him up. Initiate the kiss, but she would not be the one to kiss him. No, she would wait for him. His willpower would be the one to break and give in to the temptation. Today would be different. He was determined to make it different. Somehow. As she leaned in he turned his head ever so slightly. Away from her lips. Tonight his willpower would not break so easily.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. Pulling him violently from Raven. Somewhere he heard the smelly oaf yelling a jubilation. Something about the kid speaking the truth. Markus turned to face the man who had pulled him from Raven. Kevith. He recognized the man.

'Explain!'

"Uh, I'm sorry. These men began feeling up this girl. She took action. I stepped in to try and help her. I am sorry ser, we didn't come here to start a fight." Somewhere an oaf laughed and somewhere else someone agreed that the men had been quite rowdy with the woman towards the end. Markus took a deep breath. It was quite sobering to look into the eyes of the one armed former knight. "I am a squire, I wouldn't break th-"

The arm was raised and Markus shut up immediately. Squire habit of his, especially with a master like Stern Mason who communicated half in gruff sounds and gestures. The man looked to those on the ground. Only the guy Markus had attacked initially seemed to have any serious injury and that was an injured knee. The others had superficial damages that could be taken care of with ease. Or that was Markus' assessment of the situation.

'You a squire you say?' - "Yes ser, under ser Stern Mason." - 'Hmpf. Didn't he teach you not to fight inside the city?' - "He did, but he also taught me to stop fights, ser." - 'Perhaps a bit too well in that regard.'

The squire did well in hiding the smirk that crept up on him. Praise? Or another way to berate him? Markus responded half calm every time. Perhaps a bit too sharp. But he was used to making excuses for his actions to Stern Mason and despite the best efforts from ser Mason, Markus still retained some of his jerk like attributes. Being questioned after helping Raven out was not his idea of gratitude.

'Be happy nothing was broken. Or ser Mason would have had to pay for the damages. Go, get out of here.'

Markus simply nodded and muttered a low yes ser before he turned around. Eyes falling on Raven briefly before they went to the door. Somewhere in the distance the oaf howled in joy. Though that soon turned to a boo. For Markus moved up to Raven, didn't pause as he brushed past her. Muscular body pressing her against the bar as he moved by. Making sure not to press too hard, but still hard enough to have her feel his body. Lips almost brushing by hers as he passed by. But only almost. Make her want him a little more than he wanted her. Which was easy. For he was still angry about the previous day. Markus left the Stallion and had half a mind to linger around for Raven. He could have spoken to her in there. Told her to come with him, but that wouldn't have worked on Raven. An order would probably have struck her deep and caused her to stick around and ignore her own lust for him. Though still, he wanted to wait for her to come to him. Give her a chance to explain herself. With a huff of annoyance he glanced back at the tavern. Shook his head and began to walk. Slowly, but still towards his home. She would have to come quick if she wanted the chance to explain herself. Or if she wanted other things from him.

The squire touched his split lip. It wasn't bad. Not as bad as it could have been. Should have asked them for a towel of some sort. Something to stop him from bleeding on the ground. His lips brushed over the lip and he grimaced a little. Only a small cut.

[Raven Nightfoot]

She stood there with her lips hovering only inches from his, like a fisherman dangling his bait and waiting for a fish to bite. He would, she was sure of it. They'd played this game before and she had won both times, so why would this time be any different. But when Markus turned his away ever-so-slightly she was greeted with the unfamiliar icy sting of rejection and slowly distanced her face from his just in time for him to be yanked away from her, as she let out a small exhale of disappointment his lack of compliance. Unfortunately it seemed this time they might deviate from the status quo...perhaps. As Markus spoke to the former knight like the obedient squire he was slowly being brainwashed into becoming, Raven crossed her arms and leaned against the bar impatiently. It was an odd thing to see the handsome squire so polite, she'd certainly never met this side of him and even though there was still a trace of that arrogant jerk-ness that ran rampant when he interacted with her, this demeanour still felt alien to her. A few more moments passed until finally the former knight had dismissed him and he stepped toward her, her body visibly perking up in preparation as she heard some loud encouraging shouts from some men and then...nothing. The handsome young man had brushed by her, their lips almost close enough to graze but alas, they did not. Instead Raven found herself staring after Markus' muscled figure as it disappeared out of the door and into the street, a look of confusion on her face which was only magnified by the boo's coming from a certain table. She stood there for a moment longer to regain her composure, that was the second time she'd tasted the icy sting of rejection and she didn't like it, not at all. It took her a moment to realise what the men at the table had been cheering and then booing for, which was herself and Markus. Were they friends of his? They certainly looked disgusting so she hoped not. She pushed herself off of the bar and shot them a flirtatious wink before turning and strutting out of The Rearing Stallion. The cool air encompassed her as she stepped out into the street and it took her only a moment to spot the familiar large darkly dressed muscled figure of Markus walking not too far in the distance and with a smirk she followed at her own pace, hips swaying yet again. "Really? Is this what we're doing now?" she called after him as she continued to strut in his direction, hoping that he'd stop and allow her to catch up, but if not she'd continue to follow him at her own pace.

[Markus Andres]

The cooler air of the summer evening didn't phase Markus much. It was a welcome change to the Stallion. Much welcome change. It did little to soothe him though. Very little. A step before the other and in the relative darkness of the city he found his vision far from perfect. A pair of mugs and the waning adrenaline did much to impact his ability to walk. The problem with the hastily thought up trick he had employed on Raven, he wouldn't know whether it worked or not until she appeared behind him. Is it a loss if it didn't work, though? Could you even picture a relationship with her? - Much to his dismay, there was a part of him that didn't agree and could see a relationship with her. He heard the door shut behind him and the steps. Silent. Very silent. Almost inaudible to the squire. Must be Raven, she was impossibly silent, he had noticed. Even when she were in a hurry, her feet didn't make much sound. He did notice, however, tonight, his senses were more alert. Some of them. The vision was not up to shape, but his hearing was excellent. The darkness did much to sharpen his other senses. Would she call out to him? Was it even her? Markus wanted to turn and look, but he did not want to give her the satisfaction. Not until she made her presence known through other means. However long that might take. He did consider what he would do if she followed him all the way back to his dorm room. That might make for an interesting confrontation. Though luckily that would not be the case.

The familiar voice called out. Asking a simple question. We? So she thinks there is a we. Curious. Or of course, a ploy of hers. Familiarity? There was a smile on his lips. The little play had worked. She had come for him after all. The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. It was time to play a game he had lost too many times. Markus took a step or two before he paused and turned his oversized body around to silently observe the woman as she moved closer. The way her hips swayed. Fortunately, he was before her and not behind, or that favourite trick of hers would have worked on him. Enticed him to look at her physical perfection and forget the manipulative woman that hid behind those amber eyes. The woman who used and abused men for her own little whims. Twice. Or thrice. He had lost count already. He had been the one used. The woman knew how to wield his anger like a toy and turn it into lust for her. This he recognized. Something the young squire would have to try and avoid. For it was her and not him who was going to be the one craving the other tonight. This he promised himself. Dark emerald eyes found her amber ones with a raised brow.

"Are we doing what, Raven?" There was a hint of annoyance under the mild curiosity. The anger that he felt so clearly was not present. Hidden under a layer of almost genuine tiredness. The problem with Raven, he found, was that there was no place on her body he could rest his eyes without being reminded of her surreal beauty. It was a blessing when it came to bedding the woman, it was a curse when he wanted to resist her advances. "You will have to be a bit more clear." Again, the same annoyance lingered in the voice and expression after he had spoken. Was annoyance his weapon of choice tonight? What he used to stave off his raging hormones and their incessant demand that he forgot the folly of pride and simply bedded the woman. A notion he resisted. He could see the pleasure in that particular action. The body inviting for a revisit, but he would not give her the satisfaction of winning. Not a third time. Not after what had happened yesterday. He steeled his will and a side of him he had been trying to subdue for years purred at the thought of being the manipulator and not the obedient slave.

[Raven Nightfoot]

Markus continued to walk after she called and just as she was about to give up, not wanting to chase after a man who was blatantly ignoring her, he stopped and turned to face her. Her mouth twitched at the edges, begging to widen her trademark smirk but she did not allow it to, instead a small smirk remained on her lips as she approached in the darkness. She was still thrown off by the complete lack of effect her seduction had on the squire back in the tavern, it had gotten her of guard and even still she could feel the remnants of the recent rejection. As she neared him he spoke, two simple sentences that Raven had no interest in answering because they both knew to what she was referring to, or at least the general topic of discussion. The annoyance in his voice did not go unnoticed and this time her smirk did grow slightly at the familiar ring it had, was he really that riled up already? "Aww come now Markus..." she started as she stepped in close with a mischievous look on her face as she placed her palms on his chest. "Did I do something to upset you..." she paused for a moment before adding, "...more than usual.". As she spoke her body would once again close the gap between them as she pressed her soft front against his hard muscled one, enjoying the heat that came off of his body. Raven was still feeling slightly aroused from the sight of Markus' beautiful body in action back at The Stallion, even if he hadn't needed to jump into the fray. The close proximity between their bodies was already to draw out the lust in her as she gazed up into his emerald eyes, the moon hitting her amber ones and giving them an eery glow. As was usual when her body was pressed against his, Raven couldn't stop the memories of their time by the lake from intruding the thoughts. Vivid flashes of the handsome man naked, wet, his moans as they'd enjoyed each other, it seemed that she was cursed to recall that moment everytime their bodies met, or at least until they were replaced with new memories. She couldn't help but wonder how upset the man was, was he angry about the fights? Annoyed that he had taken a few hits? It was his own fault for joining in. That of course was probably just the icing on the cake of his annoyance which she didn't doubt was mostly fuelled by her. Oh well, she'd just have to coax that annoyance and anger out and turn it into lust, lust she knew he still had hidden beneath.