[Flashback - Bronze Woods] Not Lost At All, Really. (Luke)

[Tessa Poe]

54th Spring 509AV - Late Afternoon

There was a soft snapping noise as Tessa released her shot, cursing softly as she watched it skip well wide of her mark, the mark being a particularly tasty looking rabbit that went bounding off into the undergrowth, and with it her dinner. Tessa settled herself again and ground her teeth. That was the eighth shot she’d missed. The eighth! It'd seemed like it'd easy. She'd seen the large patch of Kale and the usual angled bites that indicated rabbits were visiting it, she'd found a spot not too far away that was sheltered and hopefully wouldn't spook the little things, all that was left to do was hide here in the dirt and bag one for the pot. It'd been perfect. Well apart from the fact she couldn't hit a thing! This was ridiculous. She stared down at the slingshot in her hand, willing it to be more accurate as she reached inside her coat, hand slipping inside one of the many pockets that covered the inside of it and finding another bullet. She slipped it into its little leather cup with a sigh and tested the string again. If this kept up she’d run out of them, and if the snares hadn’t caught anything she’d be stuck with just those things that the trader had laughably called biscuits for dinner, again. Trail biscuits? Bah, the only use she’d found for them was that the thought of them made her less hungry. Maybe it’d been a bad idea to hike this far out from Syliras? She’d gotten lost a couple of times it had to be said, though that was only because she’d seen a patch of chives growing just off the road, and then there’d been that delightful clearing with those gorgeous flowers that she didn’t know the name of, she’d have to ask someone when she got back, and before she knew it she hadn’t been sure where the road was.

Still the weather hadn’t been bad, and she’d found a patch of Groundnut that had been wrapping itself around a pine until she'd happened along and dug it up, and the Fireweed not far off growing around a natural hollow. They'd definitely go nicely with the rabbit… if she ever managed to get one. She smiled at the thought, a nice rabbit stew with those fat little tubers thrown in and a little salt… or she could cook the rabbit on a spit and bake the Groundnut tubers with some of the chives? That went together didn’t it? Come to think of it did it matter? All she knew was that she wanted something warm to eat again. She was getting to the point where she’d kill for a taste of something warm. Well maybe not kill, just maim them? And besides it hadn't been so bad, the road hadn't been all that far at all, well if she'd gone in the right direction the first time at least, and now she'd found these rabbit runs and they weren't far from the road at all! At least it hadn't seemed to take that long to get here. Anyway, hot meal, traveller's shelter then back down the road with no distractions to Syliras. Yep, it'd all work out fine, just as soon as she managed to bag one of these damn little things. Who knew shooting a rabbit was this hard?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a flicker of motion off to one side, and before she knew what she was doing the slingshot came up, her off hand drawing it tight as she lined the sprinting rabbit up between the two arms and then loosed the shot. The bullet whipped through the air and for a moment she was sure she’d missed again before it caught the rabbit’s hind leg with a snap and sent it tumbling head over tail. With a little whoop of triumph and a silent thank you to whichever Gods might be listening at that moment Tessa was up and running to where it had fallen, the clatter of her buckler against her scabbard doing its best to scare off anything else in the area, or tell it just where she was. That wasn’t all that important really, she had her dinner already and she wasn’t going to let anything else claim it. She was going to eat well tonight. And they said she’d never hit anything when she’d picked up the slingshot, showed what they knew didn’t it? Maybe she wouldn’t mention that it had taken her nine shots to actually hit anything though? She came skidding to a halt over the fallen rabbit and watched it kicking weakly, apparently her shot and its tumble hadn’t actually killed it. Nothing for it but to put it out of its misery quickly… and then she’d have to try and skin it or something. “It’s alright, you'll be able to do this, you saw Gregir do it more than once, just do what he did.” She muttered to herself as she took hold of the weakly resisting rabbit and quickly wrung its neck before rising and throwing it over her shoulder. Now all she had to do was check the snares she’d laid and then head back to that traveller’s shelter she’d seen on the road… the road which was which way again?

’Kay, I set the snares over there by those runs by that big oak, which means the road is back… or maybe… oh dammit.

Tessa sighed as she started to make her way to the snare lines, hoping that maybe she’d catch sight of the road after she’d checked them from there. If not… well she might find a clearing or something to pitch her tent in? Well whatever she decided it was probably best to do it soon, it might get dark soon, not that it was easy to tell beneath the forest canopy, and fumbling around here without any light seemed like a really bad idea. Snares first, then find the road. Always do what you can first, then worry. She could almost hear her Ma's voice in her head to go with her words and that brought another smile to her face as she set off up the long slope towards the rabbit runs.

[Luke Lammergeier]

It had been a while since Luke had to go on watch. Being high up on the picking order had its perks, but sometimes he just needed to be alone to think. He used to spend hours combing sections of the forest for Knights or travelers. Picking out which were a threat and which were a target. It was soothing and therapeutic. His best thoughts and inspirations came from wondering the forest. Damp green moss and low hanging ferns. Tree's older than most families. Every inch of the woods were alive and you couldn't get away from it if you tried. He had spent half his life. Constantly living in the elements and was still amazed. He led his horse Zephyr threw some thick underbrush until they came to the Karbin road. He never dared go on it much. Only used it as a land mark. From where they had set up camp The Karbin Road meant he was only half way done with his rounds. There was still a couple miles of North East to go. First before he crossed. He brought the horse to a halt and listened. His eyes a keeping close watch threw the thickets of trees. He keep a comforting hand on Zephyr's neck. Brushing her to try and keep her quiet. After a moment of silence he determined no one was coming. Threat or target. So he edged his heels in, and started at a slow trot across the road, and quickly faded from sight. The next half hour was trying to find an easy path threw the brush and tree cover. It wasn't until he came across a grassy clearing that his pace picked up. It looked vaguely familiar, as if he scouted here a while back. It wasn't a very wide clearing but it stretched on for some time. A few oaks littered the area but for the most part it was clear running. A great place to graze cattle but an even better place to ride. ”How bout it girl? How about we stretch out our legs!” He leaned in close as he spoke to the horse. Rubbing and patting her main. She didn't seem to have a problem with the idea so he dug in gently and started off. Slow at first, letting her warm up for a couple yards. The he took it to a sprint. Feeling the wind whip against his face. The nerve racking fear of going fast and liking it. The choppy movements of the horse made his adrenaline pump. It would be a lie for Luke to say he wasn't at least a little addicted to the excitement of riding. The clearing took a slight bend and Luke in his excitement followed. He knew it wouldn't take him that far off course. He had traveled this forest so much he could find his way with ease. After he cleared the bend. Something else came into view. He couldn't tell details but it was definitely someone. He almost rode in armed but thought against it. Gain trust, and then trap would be the safest route. When he came up to the person he kept his distance but could tell the man looked worn thin. A long leather coat covered most of his body and he was completely caked in dirt. Sling shot in hand and a hare in the other. Who the hell hunted with a sling shot? Must be an urchin of some kind. Fairly short and could even be a young lad. ”That is some catch you have there! Hunting with a slingshot takes some skill... May I ask what is your business out here? Straying so far from the road isn't wise. Creatures of all kinds and Bandits.” Luke spoke with authority. Anyone far from the road was fair game and there were much worse men out there than Kain and his gang. His newly oiled leather armor, slightly creaked as he spoke. ”Maybe I can assist you?” Once he noticed the others sword. His hand instinctively went to his hilt. It never hurt to be cautious.

[Tessa Poe]

Tessa heard the approaching hoof beats as the usual background noise of the forest quietened, most of the smaller creatures stilling themselves at the horse's approach. She turned towards the sound and dropped into a slight crouch as her hand still clutching the slingshot fell to the hilt of her sword. She glanced round the clearing, loathe to leave her catch and her snare lines she'd set earlier but better that then to run into someone unpleasant out here in the middle of nowhere. She could probably outrun the horse if she headed into the thicker undergrowth, it'd be hard going for the animal, or so she hoped. Better to hope that whoever's coming's friendly...

As the rider approached she looked up at him slightly suspiciously and took a couple of steps backwards, the slingshot falling from her grip to free her hand in case she had to draw, though since he was on horseback and seemed to know what he was doing she wasn't entirely sure if that would be a wasted effort. What was he doing off the road on horseback anyway? He was armed and armoured, and as far as she could tell quite large... though that was more of a guess since he was still mounted. The fact that his hand had just dropped to his sword as well wasn't exactly helping either it had to be said.

She stood and listened to his warning and made no reply at first, eyes flicking warily round the forest. He'd just mentioned bandits and he didn't exactly look like the most trustworthy of people as far as she could tell. There could be others sneaking up on her out here and while she didn't have much she was damned if she'd let this man or anyone else take it from her. That was not a comforting thought and she could feel her pulse starting to pick up as her nerves started to jangle. This really wasn’t how she’d hoped today would turn out. Just a couple of chimes ago she’d been looking forwards to a nice warm rabbit stew and now? Now she was… stuck, with this stranger, in the middle of nowhere with no-one to help her.

Still, she couldn't see any sign of movement out there, which meant that it might just be this one she had to deal with if things went bad. Please don't let things go bad... He had offered to help though, maybe he could tell her where the road was at least? It was worth a try she supposed as she chewed the inside of her lip worriedly and thoughtfully for a moment. "Good afternoon, I... wasn't expecting to see anyone else out here... and thank you, I guess, you get used to hitting things with it when it's that or whatever you can scavenge for dinner." she replied to his compliment in what she hoped was a friendly sounding voice. She didn't want to antagonise the man. "If you could just point me to the way back to the road that'd be enough, I seem to have... ummm... misplaced it?"

And now I sound like an idiot. Great. She stood, trying to gauge the man's reaction as she squinted against the light, trying to get a good look at his face but finding it difficult. He was unshaven, that much she could tell, but the rest of his features were more or less hidden by the sun behind him. Her eyes flicked to the edge of the clearing once more, trying to work out if she could make it there before he was on her with his horse... the chances of that didn't look good. Still, that wouldn’t stop her trying.

[Luke Lammergeier]

Good afternoon, I... wasn't expecting to see anyone else out here... and thank you, I guess, you get used to hitting things with it when it's that or whatever you can scavenge for dinner." It was a she! Luke tried not to make a surprised face, but he was rather shocked. This crusty dirt caked young lad was in fact a young lady. With a very lovely voice. He suddenly felt like a fool for riding up on her like this. Where were her fucking parents? Even Luke had men and a camp to go back to. It was ridiculous to think of anyone out alone in the wilderness. "If you could just point me to the way back to the road that'd be enough, I seem to have... ummm... misplaced it?" Misplaced it? A wide smile spread across his lips as he looked at the young woman. She must be nervous, and for good reason. Nice guy or not he was a thug after all. ”Cute” He said laughing and turned Zephyr to face the woman better. ”Had me going a bit there! Thought you were a boy! All coated with dirt like that.” He leaned off his horse and narrowed his eyes to get a better look. ”I must being going blind. Your far to pretty to be a lad.” He chuckled to himself and looked around threw the bright clearing. Half expecting the rest of her party to come charging out. ”Alright whats the deal miss? Are you traveling with a group or something? Hell even I don't like running around in the forest alone. Your gonna get fucking killed I'm telling yah!” He gave her a thoughtful look and thought about the situation. How he must of looked and sounded like a threat. At least that's how she should think of him if she had any common sense. ”Fucking tell you what. You look decent enough and I've got the time. How about I take you back to the main road? It's a good ways by horse.” He pointed vaguely back at the bend he came from. ”By foot it will be a fucking hassle. And you won't come to no harm M'lady. I can swear by that. I just don't want to see you eaten.” Luke laughed again, lowering himself and holding out his hand. ”But don't waste my time, I'm a busy man. And you won't get a nicer offer from the woods either.”

[Tessa Poe]

He... he’d thought what? Did she look that bad? Maybe it'd been a while since she'd last bathed, and it didn't help that she'd spent most of the day crouched in the mud trying to hit a rabbit, but it wasn't like there were bath houses out here in the woods! What did he expect, that she'd smell of roses like some well-to-do heiress or something? There was a the beginnings of a snarl oh her face until his next words filtered through and wiped it away, replacing it with a look of confusion, he thought she was pretty? For a moment she considered him again, the sun mercifully moving behind a cloud and letting her get a proper look at him. She supposed he was handsome, sort of roguishly, like that guard Mr Jones had taken on for a season who kept beating her at dice. She knew he’d been cheating, she’d just never managed to figure out how, but now probably wasn’t the best time to be thinking about that. The shock of his pronouncement and sudden rush of memory left her with no idea how to respond at first, until he kept going and suggested, no flat out said she couldn’t take care of herself and then it was back to being angry again.

"Hey! I'm not stupid you know, I live out here most of the time and I do just fine by myself!" Tessa leaned forwards, her hands moving to her hips, the dead rabbit still clutched tightly by its ears thudding into her thigh as she leant forwards slightly, eyes blazing from her tanned face as she kept right on going, "Just because you're scared of the big bad woods doesn't mean we all are! I know I shouldn't be this far from the city, I just got a little lost alright!? It's not like I planned to get stuck out here with a... a... a big bully like you yelling at me!" Tessa paused to suck in a deep breath, not entirely sure why she was yelling at him, especially since she was fairly sure that if he decided to be unfriendly, or unfriendlier... well things wouldn't end well for her, but she was tired after tracking through the woods all day and irritated by how long it'd taken her to get this one rabbit and his attitude wasn't helping things one little bit.

She was still breathing hard as she stared up at him defiantly. He swore she’d come to no harm? And he expected her to believe that? "And just why should I trust you!?" She half surprised herself by shouting back once more, she hadn't meant to say anything but something about his words had got her going and she didn't seem to be able to stop. "For all I know you're out here with a... a gang or something and you're just looking for people to..." Her voice dropped and tailed off, that thought really wasn't a good one and in response to it her hand slipped from her hip the few inches it took to take hold of the hilt of her sword again, she really didn’t like the way this way going. From now on, if she ever heard hoof beats out here again she’d hide in the nearest bush and wait for them to go away. At least this… this… bastard had pointed out the direction back to the road, that should be enough. She could probably find her way back to it before dark without him, in fact that was probably preferable to being in his company for even a chime longer. Plus, it wasn't as if she couldn't take care of herself for now if she couldn't find it before nightfall. She took a couple of shuffling side steps to the left, anger fading into nervousness and fear once more, trying to get a little closer to the edge of the clearing to give herself a better chance of making it, every little would help if she hoped to get away from him, and she had to admit it was looking likelier all the time that she might have to try and do just that.

[Luke Lammergeier]

He expected a kind word of thanks. For him trying to get her back to the main road. Lending a hand to a fellow traveler from the kindness of his fucking heart. Instead what he got was much better. Apparently she was offended by him and simply pissed by his views of her. He couldn't help but smile as she yelled and placed her hands on her hips. Such a strong woman for being so small! She looked a little older now that she was yelling. Perhaps late teens or early twenties. Either way she was just precious. It was making his day. "Just because you're scared of the big bad woods doesn't mean we all are! I know I shouldn't be this far from the city, I just got a little lost alright!? It's not like I planned to get stuck out here with a... a... a big bully like you yelling at me! Said the young woman. Ablaze with frustration and a sudden wave of anger. Luke out right laughed at the part of him being a bully and had to quiet his horse from all the noise. "For all I know you're out here with a... a gang or something and you're just looking for people to..." As she spoke his smile and laughter stopped. Replaced by an uncomfortable smirk. He finished her sentence without missing a beat. ”Rob... Murder and probably rape? Especially since your a young beautiful woman. You would be passed around the men as payment for a long days work and then sold off to slavery. Set for Ravok or Sunberth. Where you would face a life of beatings and rape until you died naturally or killed yourself. Or just got to old to fuck and beat any longer...” There was a long uncomfortable pause. Luke kept strong eye contact as he thought about his next words carefully. The clearing was silent except for the heavy breathing of his horse. ”I won't lie to you.. What ever the fuck your name is. Yes I am apart of a gang. A very large one in fact. Now if you really do live in the woods as you say you do. Then you know you have two choices before you. Either you listen to my offer or I run you down for good measure. We both know I'm trained for one more than the other...” Luke looked the woman up and down. Checking for any other weapons she might be hiding. Other than that sword she kept fidgeting with. ”Now here is my offer. I am in no mood for killing or raping people. To be honest I find it gritty work and I would rather wash my hands of it today. Now a part of me says leave you and your adorable attitude. But if the others find you. You will be the next breeding mount around camp. And I would rather avoid the extra guilt on my head because of it. So I can either take you now and on my honor as a man. You will reach Karbin Road without harm. Or you can be a child by freaking out and running away cause your fucking stupid. You have two choices girl. But I have work to do so don't waste my time.” With a genuine but slightly irritated smile. Luke lowered his hand for a second time. Hoping he didn't have to ask again. He hated to hurt innocent people but he wouldn't care to put an arrow in a stupid one.

[Tessa Poe]

Tessa stood there, the fight draining out of her as he spoke, flatly, seriously and without embellishment. The angry flush of her cheeks faded and they turned paler and paler, her eyes dropped to her feet with the fire in them fading, and he just kept talking in that same no nonsense way. He was painting the worries she usually kept locked away in the back of her head and bringing them to life in her mind's eye despite her best efforts to shy away from them. That with his laughter too was almost too much for her to take. The worst thing of all though was she knew he was right. It was dangerous this far out of Syliras, and if he’d been of a mind to take her she’d not have stood much of a chance. She could feel her bottom lip starting to tremble and bit down on it, hard. She wouldn't start crying in front of him, she wouldn't give him the satisfaction, for all that he might be right about her situation.

By this point she was less than surprised that he was part of a group that worked the road, a group just the like the ones he was talking about, that she couldn't stop thinking about... so what were her choices now? Trust him and hope he'd keep his word to let her go safely once they reached the road? Or try and run and have him hunt her down and... Stop it. Don't think about it. Just get through this. If you get on the back of his horse and he tries anything funny he won't be in any position to defend himself... and that’s better than trying to outrun a horse, or fight him while he’s up there. That realisation practically made her decision for her. She'd have to accept his offer, and be ready to do whatever became necessary to avoid what she was still refusing to think about. The thought of trying to do that to another person, even this bandit didn’t sit well with her, but sometimes it was that or… well something far worse.

"Al...alright," she stopped and cursed silently at the shakiness of her voice, bringing her sleeve up to wipe her nose harshly and cleared her throat, not wanting to sound like a child as she looked back up at him again. "I don't want, well you know what I don't want, I'm sorry for getting so... angry and all, it's just... sorry... but I need to get my snare lines though, do you have time for that? They're not far, just on the other side of the clearing, by those rabbit runs? I can't leave them, I can't afford to replace them you see." Tessa vaguely gestured towards the rabbit runs as she spoke and then knelt briefly to scoop up her sling shot, slipping it into its pocket within her coat. It wasn’t entirely true that she couldn’t replace them, it’d be a pain to do so, and expensive… and she had to be careful with her mizas at the moment, she’d not found a job in Syliras for weeks now on her infrequent visits. "But... ummm... I don't like charity, so..."

She paused again, trying to think of what she could offer him to repay him for giving her a lift to the road. It couldn't be money, that might tempt him to go back on his word. He was a self-proclaimed bandit an all, and she knew exactly what she looked like, poor prey for a hardened bandit like him, and that's what she had to stay like as far as he was concerned. Who knows what he'd do if he realised the mizas she had on her at the moment? It wasn't exactly a fortune, but it would be enough to keep him in drinks and whatever else bandits bought for a couple of weeks perhaps. So if not money then what? The only other thing she had was... her dinner. "I don't have much, but there's the rabbit? The rabbit in exchange for a lift back to the road?" To emphasise her point Tessa moved closer to his horse and held the rabbit out, still dangling by its ears, close enough for Luke to take with his outstretched hand.

[Luke Lammergeier]

This was the worst part. The times that made him feel like such a scumbag. Low life and monster. The times when he someone knew about what he was and they just shrivel up. Can't take it and suddenly fear him like a wild animal. All the past failures ran threw his mind. The women and children he tried to save by warning. Telling them to get the fuck away before the others came. Urging and begging them to listen to his warning. Then sadly having to slit their throats when they didn't listen, and Kain always knew. When it was Luke leading the raid. That he didn't want to truly take any lives. Kain trusted Luke with everything but his heart. Kain frequently tried to “break” him in. The words still remembered clearly. ”Your a bandit boy. You need to get that though your head. The sooner you realize the better you off.” This was right before he forced Luke to strangle a caravan guard that got in the way, in cold blood. Kain loved Luke and his big heart. He felt it was a good quality in any man but not for the life he chose. It was Luke's choice to go with Kain. Luke's choice and he had to walk the line or leave. Luke admired Kain like a father he never had. Did his duty and served him happily, but it was these moments that him him curse the man. When he saw that look in other peoples eyes. The look at said he was a monster. Now this woman in front of him. Little more than a girl. Who was trying to hide a trembling lip and wet eyes. Was just another person he scared. Made out to be a beast in her eyes. Despite how he really felt. She would never consider him good. In fact she might even run. It would be a kindness to run her through then. Compared to what the others would do, but even that thought sickened him. To think he would even consider that and option. "I don't want, well you know what I don't want, I'm sorry for getting so... angry and all, it's just... sorry... but I need to get my snare lines though, do you have time for that? They're not far, just on the other side of the clearing, by those rabbit runs? I can't leave them, I can't afford to replace them you see. As the young woman spoke. Lip still and eyes held firm. Luke began to have a slow almost proud smile spread across his lips. She took the truth and made a hard decision. Held back her fear to do what was needed.. A truly brave person. Her next sentence surprised him. She offered to pay him back for the kindness. A truly smart woman, offering to pay him, but her next offer was simply cute. "I don't have much, but there's the rabbit? The rabbit in exchange for a lift back to the road?" She walked forward and offered the admittedly delicious looking hare. ”The day I take hares from young women is a sad day for me my dear. Keep your Hares. Besides you have earned that in my opinion.” He patted the horses mane and when it had calmed he quickly dismounted, and grunted in discomfort as he got down. Standing tall Luke was a surprising height of 6'4 and built like an ox. Covering most of his body was thick brown leather armor. Under it all he wore a simple rough spun dark green tunic over a black wool shirt. Hooded cloak of the same color, faded from too much sun. It was held together at the shoulder with a silver clasp in the shape of a bird with outstretched wings. He smiled curtly at the woman and nodded towards the horse. ”I'll help you up. And I know a street urchin like you probably only eaten a horse. But were going to ride this one today.” His words were matched with a crooked grin. Hoping a little humor would lighten the mood and dry the tears. ”The only thing I want as payment is company. It gets petching boring some times out here looking for an invisible threat.” As she walked closer he got on the side of her. Slow to not make her nervous. ”Don't go frightening yourself now but Imma pick you up.” He didn't wait for a response and simply grabbed her by the hips and hoisted her up, placing her on the horse. It wasn't a difficult thing to do either at Luke's height. ”There you go. See I'm not all that bad. No need to cry now you see?” He chuckled lightly as he mounted and turned around to make sure she was situated. ”Your as green as I was at your age. I was a little cry baby as well. But don't worry your fine with me... Now your gonna want to wrap your arms around me, other wise your small ass will fall off. And put that petching rabbit between your legs so it won't go out either. I'm assuming you want to eat tonight... Alright not hold on miss.” Making a clicking noise with his mouth. He set Zephyr on a slow walk leading into a trot. Heading towards the area she pointed at.

[Tessa Poe]

He was... big... kind of intimidatingly so once he was down from his horse. He towered over her as Tessa craned her neck upwards, eyes wide as she watched him approach. She almost took a step back from him, but held herself still. She wouldn’t look weak in front of him again, no matter how… he really was a big one. It was probably a good thing she didn't decide to run, she wouldn't have stood a chance against him. That did mean she was pretty much stuck trusting his word though, and that wasn't exactly a comforting thought. It could be worse though, he could've just taken her and given her over to his gang, it was a good sign that he hadn't, right? He seemed to be being a bit nicer too now, she had no idea why that might be, but it didn't matter really did it? She frowned a little as he refused her offer, she wasn't entirely sure what else she could do to repay him for his favour. She'd have to think of something before he left, maybe she could dig out a small amount of her savings, just enough to repay him, without making it seem like she had enough to raise his interest. For all that he was being nicer, he was still really quite rude.

She nodded as he said he'd lift her up, it was probably a good idea, it was quite a big horse and she didn't want to try and get up on it only to fall flat on her face. Knowing her luck that's exactly what would've happened if she'd tried to get there herself. "I'm not a street urchin you know, I chose to live out here... it's nicer, no-one bothers me, well not usually, and I can always visit the city if I really need something, like work or stuff I can't get out here for myself." She made sure to keep her voice steady, not wanting to let him see her being nervous again. For some reason his opinion mattered to her. He seemed like he knew what he was doing, like he was at home out here. Well that and she didn't care to be called 'green' and whatever else he thought of her, she'd been taking care of herself all alone for a while now, and... she wanted him to know that, again without quite knowing why she should care a whit for what he thought.

She followed his instructions all the same, carefully settling the rabbit between her thighs and putting her arms hesitantly round his waist, not wanting to hold on too tightly. It really was high up here, on the back of his horse. She could count the number of times she'd been on a horse on one hand, and she really didn't care for it. If you weren't able to get somewhere on your feet then you shouldn't go there. That's the way she'd always done things and she wasn't about to change now. "Look... if you won't take the rabbit, then... would you eat dinner with me? I can cook, well a bit, it won't be brilliant or anything, but I've got some things to make it taste better even if I burn it a little, and I found some groundnut tubers earlier, I could put them in a stew with it... or something like that." She realised she was babbling a bit again, but she couldn't help it, she could feel her nerves building again, why was she trusting him like this again? Up here on his horse... she had no control over where they went, he could take her anywhere. She couldn't exactly just jump off the thing while it was moving, she'd break her ankle or something and where would that leave her?

But... they did seem to be heading for the rabbit runs she'd pointed at, why go to all that trouble if he was only going to take her off back to his gang? She sighed softly, resting her forehead against his back and starting to relax, for good or ill she was stuck here, but that didn't mean she'd forgotten her promise to herself. If it turned out he was just being nice to set her up and betray her later, he'd not live long afterwards. Even if the worst happened to her, she'd take him with her. It was all she could do, and sometimes that had to be enough.

[Luke Lammergeier]

Not a street Urchin? That was a funny way to look at it. She was covered in dirt and probably stunk to high heaven. She was out hunting rabbits with a slingshot and in the woods far away from the city. Probably couldn't afford to live in the protection of the knights themselves, and decided to live out on her own. All in all she looked, talked and smelt like a urchin. Something he himself was as a child and could spot with ease. It was queer of her not to man up and admit it though? Must be a girl thing, but it wasn't his place to judge a lady. "Look... if you won't take the rabbit, then... would you eat dinner with me? I can cook, well a bit, it won't be brilliant or anything, but I've got some things to make it taste better even if I burn it a little, and I found some groundnut tubers earlier, I could put them in a stew with it... or something like that." Her voice was nearly carried away by the wind as they rode but he got the sum of it. He had to bite his lip not to laugh. It was a cute offer to be sure. It wasn't often that someone would dine with a bandit but he had to remember she was doing it for her own safety and not desire. She was smart to want to make him happy though. Seeing as he held the power in this exchange. Although she did have a shortsword and if she truly wanted to... She could just slit his throat and be done with it. After all this was the wild. ”I haven't been offered dinner from a beautiful lass in a long time. I am tempted..” He turned around to yell over the wind. Leading Zephyr into a strong run as they bent around the clearing. ”But I am on duty still M'lady. It would be unwise to abandon my post, even I would get lashes for that. Although your offer is greatly appreciated.” ”And I know a Street Vermin when I see one, girl. At your age I was little more than a dirty boy with cheap steel in my hand. There is no shame in it, but if your smell offends even the horse I think you are an Urchin.” He laughed loudly, bouncing as they rode. He came up to the area she vaguely pointed towards and slowed a bit, pointing as they came close. ”Is this your snare's, child? You have a good head for not wanting to leave them.” If she confirmed his thoughts. Luke would hop off the horse and take the girl down unceremoniously. Trying not to think about her hips as he did so. It had been a long time without warmth in his bed and it was starting to get to him.