Where do we go from here? (Zane)

[Vesper Frostbite]

Vesper had never been able to tell anyone about Skarn. She wasn't much for gossiping, for laying out one's life story in order to get closer, that feel good stuff was what teachers spouted about the aerial corp, and what the members of the corp showed her none of. She returned none, of course, but that was besides the point. I was nine when I fell in love.. She squinted...sounded weird to say it that way, and she looked up at him to meet his gaze when she explained Sorry, that didn't come out...the way I wanted it to, but it's really the best way to 'explain it. You can bond at any age with an eagle, you don't choose them, they choose you, you know? And I was nine when Skarn chose me. That's pretty early for Inartan standards. He was my love, the most beautiful thing in the whole damn world. Black with golden flecks, grew into a huge brute too... She smiles wistfully and looks away now, unable to meet Zane's gaze as the next part of her story came. I was never good with people. Good with birds...not people. I'd sit in the aviary for days hidin' from em, only Skarn gave me any reason to be around em too...bloody menace could tell it wasn't healthy for me. But I was good on an eagle, better than a lot of people my age, and some even older. So I was drafted into the military we got up there...cept I don't take well to orders. They...well, got a dishonorable discharge or summit, didn't much care, cause I didn't much want to be there in the first place...but...they figured I needed something more then that. She shuts her eyes tight Banished me pretty much, told me I couldn't come back till I learned about meself, some sort of bull like that... Her voice shudders And Skarn couldn't leave High Peak...

[Zane Felix]

Zane knew the feeling all too well. To be different, to be ostracized, to care about something... but he hadn't lost that something yet. Soren was still alive, with some effort on his part.

He understood more than just that, too. He could see the trauma welling up and he knew what it was: the loss of something she cared deeply for. In that instant, he felt like she was an old friend, very close and very in need of comfort. He pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her, shushing her softly.

Hey, hey, none of that now. You're strong. Be strong for Skarn, right? Someday you'll see him again, probably...

For some reason, his heart sank. He hated feeling like he couldn't measure up to some bird, but then, that was a fact of life. He smiled and held her close, which was something that bird couldn't do for her now. With a sigh, he rubbed the crown of her head gently, seeking to calm her.

How about you come with me and Soren? We'll take you back and set Skarn free! I'll beat up a mountain of people for you if you want.

[Vesper Frostbite]

Vesper smiled a little, feeling comforted by his closeness, and looked up at him, blue eyes wide and appreciative of his understanding As much as I would like that...I can't. I'm not ready to go back. They were right, I dont deserve to be a part of the Peak...not when I can't even get along with my own people in order to help defend it, to do my part. It could mean worse if I came back and hadn't changed...hadn't changed something about me, so I'll keep traveling... She looks at him, then smiles genuinely, running a finger along his cheek Traveling with...you.

[Zane Felix]

He tilts his head, letting himself pull away a bit to cross examine her. His eyes were wide with disbelief; after all, having given the opportunity and not expecting her to accept, of course he was in shock.

I mean, are you sure? We're pretty common criminals, and you could get in a lot of trouble along the way...

Zane didn't realize how silly he sounded, but then, he wanted her to be sure more than anything else. Running his fingers down her arm idly, he bit into his lip and stared rather deeply at hers. Zane was more happy than he could describe with words, and yet, he was also more cautious than he had ever been. What had brought on this change of pace from the woman at the bar who had been so foul to him? Was it really an act? Or was she actually this warm to him? It didn't really matter; right now, she was with him, and he felt like that was all that was important.

[Vesper Frostbite]

Vesper shook her head. I'm not worried about trouble. Not at all in fact. I could use with a change o' pace, even if it's the troublesome kind. She looks at him, lowering her hand as if seeing something I am really sorry about those things I said earlier... This was her first real opportunity to be with human company. It had been a year, and she had shunned it long before she had been exiled. Something tore at her to think she was so close but perhaps he would prefer his journey with his friend, it sounded like they had been together for a long time I mean...is it okay if I travel with you?

[Zane Felix]

I guess that's up to Soren, I mean, if you are going to travel with us... he's kind of the brains of the operation.

Zane was honest, after all, he felt like he was not all that intelligent himself, being the muscle behind the operation. Sometimes he felt inadequate around Soren, and secretly, they both knew it. But Vesper didn't, and something told Zane that the delinquent duo would have to endeavor to keep it that way if she was to go with them. She seemed the sort who was good at exploiting a situation, and Soren liked to stay the clever one.

I don't think there's a problem if you want to come, so long as you do your part and we help each other out. The idea is that we're a family; you watch our backs, we watch yours.

Zane smiled at her, suppressing the fact that he would, indeed, be looking at her back. Quite frequently. Red brushed his cheeks as the thought came and went, and he brushed the hair out of her face, letting her lean against his chest.

Friends are a good thing to have, and I like having you as a friend.

[Vesper Frostbite]

Vesper nodded. She closed her eyes slightly, suddenly weary, and feeling as if she could fall asleep right there, but his last words sank into her mind, and she realized that maybe he didn't want her in such proximity. Indeed she was very confused, the way his finger drew across her forehead...but maybe he was just being nice. She sat up a bit quickly, and nodded, then glanced at him I suppose...well we should probably be heading back to your friend Soren, right? I mean, wouldn't he be wondering where you are? By this time, Falchion was taking a snooze and so was the Glidling gelding that was sitting down and leaning his girth against the wall, and Vesper wanted to join them after the long day.

[Zane Felix]

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

Zane spoke quickly, helping her off of him and up to her feet. He made sure that all his belongings were in their proper places on his person, though not so forthright that it would seem offensive to the girl.

He was wary of her, and how he was feeling about her. Mostly, he was denying those feelings because he felt like there was some glimmer of truth in the way she had treated him initially. He did want to remain kind to her, but he did not want to be hurt by her.

The youth stared quietly down at their interlaced hands, a reflective look on his face. He loved this closeness, and how secure he felt with her, but there had always been for Zane that false sense of security. He didn't trust himself, and he certainly didn't trust her with his emotions.

But he did trust himself to take care of her. Friendship was easy, and since he didn't understand the way he felt, let alone the way she felt at all, he kept it simple. Though it almost looked like... she was disappointed? Nah...

He's getting some sleep, I'm pretty sure, and it's a little ways from here, so we can enjoy the walk.

He kept his distance from her as they went, though not so far as to seem rude. Though he wasn't so sure he could judge how rude he was being...

[Vesper Frostbite]

She watched him, quite a bit perplexed. He trusted her, it seemed, but not completely, held hands with her, but appeared to want nothing more. Was kind, but not overly so. She, however, was not ready to let go of his hand, and was still missing the whole reason as to why, so she kept it there even as he separated himself. Her free hand kept a hold on the reins as they walked, each step reminding her of how much she'd prefer to stop. She wondered what this Soren fellow was like, if he would rather she wasn't around. She wondered if she'd have to leave her new found friend so soon after she had found him. This seemed like an ultimately sad thought, and she pushed it away entirely, watching him as they walked, smiling slightly. I'll enjoy it as much as these leg'll let me

[Zane Felix]

He noticed that she had kept holding his hand, and a sense of urgency bit at him. Zane blinked down at the connected parts, his heart jumping up into his throat before he forced it back down and managed to keep control of his breathing.

Something's wrong with your legs?

Zane was more confused than before. She wanted to stop now? Everything about her seemed so paradoxical. He tugged at the hand as if to break free, finding that she was not letting go. So she wanted to hold his hand, but she hadn't wanted to talk about herself earlier? What the petch was it that this Inartan woman wanted from him?

What's going on, Vesper? You're going to have to tell me eventually. Why not make it easier for both of us?

He stopped dead, turning to face her. Zane held her hand because he couldn't get her to let go, and though he didn't truly want her to, he didn't know why she wanted it there to begin with. She had sent so many mixed signals, all that he could assume was that her loneliness had gotten the better of her and he had become the ideal target for a one night stand. How was he going to explain to her that he didn't do things like that...?

Look, I don't know what's going on, but I'm not the kind of guy who just meets a girl, comes on to her, does his thing and leaves. If that's what you're looking for, then you're on the fast track to being let down. Sorry if that disappoints you...

Zane cringed. He hoped, with all his being, that it wasn't like that. It was possible, one way or the other, but he hoped she was a better person than that. It hurt to say, and it might even upset her enough that she left, but it had to be said.

...I'm just so confused... you send me all kinds of different signals... I don't know what to think, and I want to be your friend... but I don't want either of us to get hurt, you know?