((OoC: Changing My Character’s Name and I hope its not ungodly long lol.))

The moon hung low in the midnight sky, seemingly so close as to touch it, if one merely reached out to it. The orb was settled on the crest of the earth where dark flowers were the only things to block it from full view. Ten, nay twenty,full-grown men could not have blocked out the sight. Its normally pale yellow light shone forth dark lavender, matching the flowers that encompassed the whole glade. Green flecks were scattered among the mauve petals, leaves and stems that had escaped the carpet that spread to the river’s edge. Almost hidden among the blooms a tributary of water emptying into a basin; the water shone beneath the moonlight. The dark blue expected of midnight had dissipated into a clear shimmer. Beneath the crystalline liquid an array of blue, green, and purple rocks rested, scattered amongst each other. Fronds grew from under the small spread, and fish, a myriad of colors, darted between them. Lilly pads drifted lazily on the surface of the water while frogs found leisure on their slippery surfaces, naught else do to in the dead of night but sing. Their small bass line accompanied by the insects that flitted through the grasses below the flora. A ripe scent, almost pungent and sickly sweet, drifted throughout the air, with no wind or breeze to carry it away. Quartz boulders lay beneath the water, the moonlight, eerily, reflected in diamond shades of purple, blue, and clear light, purer than the sun’s rays.

The drooping branches of the large willow tree parted, almost as a curtain parting to the morning sun, opening to the glade’s light. Where once it had been near darkness; now a lilac glow emitted from the orb resting on a bed of flowers. The sky above still shone deathly cobalt, so dark only the stars seemed to penetrate the barrier. They hung in neat patterns, named only by mankind, pale dots, perfectly circular. Almost as though a giant had taken a handful of tiny lights and threw them across the sky, left to lie where they fell. Azrael, Raphael, Gabriel, angels that hung in the sky, captured forever in little fragments of light. Lilith named them as she walked daintily through the mat of lavender, the individual flowers barely discernable. Letting go of the trailing willow branches, which fell to hang in drapes, covering the entrance Lilith had found herself wandering through.

The night had crept upon her fast; time never seemed to find Lilith in a mood where she felt she wasn’t being rushed by the set amount of hours in a day. The moon had disappeared while she had been walking, until she parted the curtains and stumbled upon a place where time hung frozen in the very air she breathed. The smell was sweet, so sweet her mouth watered, yet she wanted nothing more than to turn away from it. The time this place offered, the allure of a mere moment was too much to bear and Lilith found her feet moving through a parting wall of blooming lilac flowers. There seemed to be no other colors besides that of blue and purple. Lilith’s blonde curls stood out among the dark hues. Amazement was the only word to describe the feeling behind her eyes. Never had she been confronted with something so dark, yet pale. Somewhere where she pale skin blended perfectly with the rest of the world around her. The gauze caught on flora, and tangled up in the stems and leaves; its transparency blended into a light indigo.

She moved down to the water’s edge, casting a quick glance around the edge, catching a flash of white that disappeared behind a boulder. Turned her attention back to the water, she slowly stripped off the light material, and draped it over the closest rock. She was still clothed in her undergarment, although it was enough for her to move freely. Lilith dipped a cautious toe into the water, finding the temperature to her liking she slid her whole body into the crystal pond. She gasped with delight, the water was colder than first imagined, the shock kindly prodding her into a state of wakefulness she wasn’t aware she possessed. With one silent movement she disappeared beneath the surface.

Meaningless. That's what everything seemed to be as the moon hung low and oddly large in the midnight sky. INsects and amphibions chirpped and croaked their annoyingly constant music through the night, accompanied by the endless drone of the falls. A lot of noise where there would be little anywhere else. A lot of interference form other, more unnatural sounds... The man stumbled over his own feet as he ran, panting form his exertion. Breathing came in ragged bursts as if his throat was constricting, strangling himself for reasons unknown. A sheen of sweat was soaking the runner's body with a thick sheen of shimmering liquid and human stench. Eyes dull with fatigue darted about, searching the darkness in utter terror as he stumbled onward hopelessly. The man that seemed impossible to elude was like a ghost. He materialized out of the shadows one moment, was gone the next. Dressed all in white this celestial looking figure was anything but. Of that the man was certain. Even if he were not the deep cut on his arm was evidence enough. Blood still poured from that wound despite his efforts to keep it closed with his other hand.

Time wore on and the man gradually drew nearer the lake. That ceaseless droning of the falls was louder now, the sounds of animals in the night only a dull roar beneath it. His step was wavering as vision began to blur and blackness crept in from the edge of his vision. There was a distant thought about too much blood loss and then the man collapsed a the water's edge. Oblivious, in his reverie, of the girl who swam within the lakes depths. This could not be happening, his foggy mind screamed in protest. Someone like him was not supposed to be assassinated. Hunted down in the night like some frightened animal. But wasn't that exactly what he was? A terrified animal seeking some kind of refuge? A way to escape his impending doom? Whoever this evil man that hunted him was had somehow managed to turn him from powerful political figure to meaningless prey in the space of a couple hours. All the hard work; a lifetime of servitude to the people and secret dealings, was all being swept away by one simple man. The hundred of guards at his mansion had proved useless, for this man had gotten in without bloodshed. Even managed to get him out under the same circumstances. What else but a demon could perform such a trick?

Though the man's eyes were closed he could feel through his growing numbness that the man had arrived at his side. Soundless as he moved through the grass and as deadly graceful as a snake. Not even the cloth of that snowy cloak made a sound, though it shone in the darkness like a beacon to the other dark things lurking just out of sight. The moonlight reflected off of it, casting it's gleam across the dark pool of water before them. There was a soft sigh, a wordless uttering of annoyance as the figure knelt before his prey. Again there was no sound. Most people would have made a sound with such a shift but he somehow did not. Yet another sign of otherworldly origins, the man though.

"I told you running was pointless..." The man said into the silence of the night. Though the girl in the water was dually noted he did not grant her any attention for the moment. Eyes of a glacial blue regarded the bleeding man he knelt beside with a cold demeanor. That gaze studied the wound he had given earlier with a detached interest, clearly not caring that this man was dying.

"You'll never get away with this..." the bleeding man mumbled. He was feeling tired suddenly. His eyelids had grown heavy, making it an effort to open them after e very blink.

"I already have..." The figure in white stated simply. By the simple tone in his voice it was clear he was not bragging, but instead stating a simple fact.

The feeling of cold steel was suddenly upon the man's throat and all drowsiness vanished in a wave of panic. There was almost no time left. He knew it as surely as this man held his blade before him "B-b-but, I can't die." the man spluttered in mad terror. He tried to force the blade away but he was quickly fading and the figure's forearm felt like a piece of iron itself. " I am the chie..."

"You are a means to and end." Lokiri cut in coldly, his voice adding a terrible chill to that air that made bleeding man shiver and the creatures go silent around them. Oddly enough, the man opened his eyes and stared directly into the frigid gaze of his killer. A final display of bravery that was completely unexpected given the person and the circumstances involved. Still it was not enough to even cause the Ithilian to hesitate. The blade of a dagger, taken from the man's very own belt, slipped across his throat with little resistance. Distantly, a dark spark of amusement flashed within the High Prince's mind. he man had been so afraid of him he had forgotten about his knife. He had not even taken it until just now when there was need to do so. That spark died immediately, however. Overtaken by the disgust he found in such weakness. Such was the nature of an Ithilian, though.

Dropping the blade back onto his victim's chest Lokiri rose to his feet. Those eyes, so cold before, had thawed to an almost gentle quality much like that found in the ocean on a calm day. Such a look belied the coldly efficient way he so recently took a life. A necessary death unfortunately. There was still much to do, and now that this kill was made the clock would be ticking. The manipulation of certain persons were often simple if insulted in some particularly drastic way. The Brotherhood of Shadows, a society of thugs, assassins, and thieves, would soon learn of this man's disappearance. Once they discovered the death of their Chief Administrator they would be out for blood.

The faint twinkle of smile sparkled in those sapphire eyes, though his expression did not change in the least. There was a maniacal cunning in that gentle twinkle. A disguised cleverness none every bothered to realize. The girl who swam within the lake, it seemed, was forgotten. A gentle wind played across the snowy cloak as it's owner gazed up at the starry sky. It was almost as if he sought guidance form the heavens...

The woman moved through the watery depths in long languid strokes. Fish darted by her, moving out of the way for the intruder. Her blonde hair flowed out behind her as she dipped lower into the water. Each movement she made held no real significance to propelling her forward. Instead they were calculated so that she would be able to spin in a given direction for a better view of the underwater inhabitants of the lake. Lilith moved beneath the surface, oblivious of what happened on land. It seemed the perfect evening to be alone with her thoughts. Nothing seemed the same to her anymore and wondering why had given her an awful headache. She wanted nothing more than to plunge into the depths of this lake and be lost within its watery confines. However there were always things to do and people to see. Errands and jobs, life itself got in the way of living. How odd...

She surfaced quietly, she was a ways out from the shore now. She hadn’t realized how far she’d actually swum. When she gazed back at the shore she could faintly make out two figures standing on the shore line, whispering to each other. Lovers? It was too far to make out anything but shapes, although Lilith had heard of people coming here as lovers to spend away the night hours. Perhaps she might even get the chance to spy on a few of the moves the locals knew. She smiled to herself and sunk back into the water. Her movement had more purpose now as she kicked towards the shoreline, careful to stay silent and not intrude.

When she finally surfaced her moved towards a bolder, pulling herself up onto the rocky surface so that her head rested on her hands and her body pressed against the rock. It didn’t seem to be lovers at all. Instead she saw a dying man and his assailant. Why they were here... She didn’t know. She moved lower pressing herself into the rock so she could watch the proceedings that followed. A man with his throat slit lay dying, if not dead, and another man with him. Assailant. She got a close look at him, although that didn’t help much either. He seemed to be so draped in his livery that he wasn’t supposed to be seen... An assassin perhaps? But Lilith couldn’t see that being true. Assassins probably wouldn’t leave witnesses behind, and she was just that. Although if he planned on killing her as well perhaps it made sense.

She was torn. Lilith wanted so desperately to approach the man. But in turn it would risk her own life. She wasn’t sure if she was confident enough in her skills to risk something like that. But then again when did one ever get a chance like this. Some never. She was lucky. She’d have to be careful though. But the thought of an assassin’s at her side was enough to propel her to speak. She brushed back her hair and kicked out the material of her undergarment. She pinched her cheeks so that they gained a bit of color. It was all she could really manage at the moment. She hadn’t come here for other people.

“Am I interrupting something?” She cocked her head to one side as it rested on her hands and smiled at the man.

Even beneath the glowing pinpricks of stars in the sky and the luminescence of a quarter moon it was impossible to see the tiny stream of crimson liquid that flowed steadily away from the stiffening corpse. It traveled downhill, a slope so gentle it would have never been noticed otherwise, toward the water's edge. Lokiri was not watching it. His back was turned toward the water, those oceanic blues turned upward toward the cloudless sky as if searching for something. The woman's steady approach was not enough to draw anything beyond a passing interest and it was hardly enough for him to greet her just yet. Some people, the smarter ones, chose to not get involved with things they could not understand and were so very obviously dangerous. If this woman was among those people then there was no point wasting effort with pleasantries. Even if she choose to watch the event of this night from afar he had no business with her. To have a witness for this night was actually convenient. It spared him from having to spread the tale on his own.

The blood trickled nearer the water's edge, coming only an inch from the lake and steadily drew nearer. The girl spoke, a light tone of rehearsed cuteness that, no doubt, was designed to draw attention. Lokiri did not even turn around. With a soft sigh his gaze dropped to the ground, lids sliding closed as if he had suddenly grown fatigued. She should not have gotten involved, he thought to himself. There was a resigned set to his shoulders but in an instant that was gone and he stood cool and poised yet again. Turning, he locked eyes with her. A gaze so chilled it would send shivers down even the most daring of men and women. It was not for her, however. The tiny rivulet of blood reached the waters edge and, after several second of pause as it built up enough for its weight to drive it forward and over, it hit the water with a resounding drip. The sound of it carried unnaturally through the air like the aftershock of an explosive just as a single ripple expanded all across the lake's surface.

"You're going to want to get behind me." he said quietly, dangerously. There was a darkness to his features, a deep set anger that burned deep within that glacial gaze like cold fire. Even in the simple act of standing still, flawless white cloak flowing around him, there was a palpable air of deadliness enshrouding him. Not the usual kind found among people where threats and simple intimidation that gave power over the timid. This was another thing entirely. That rare kind of danger found only in the rarest of occasions. The kind that whispered warning in nothing but a simple glance. The kind that made every one of a persons senses scream to get away. That was what enshrouded the Ithilian now, as a figure began to rise out of the water's depths, and that was what the blond woman who had approached him had to witness.

A thick mane of long white hair shone wet and brilliant as it rose from the water. The woman's back was to him so Lokiri could not see her face just yet, but that hardly mattered. Time enough for that later. As she rose higher and more of her curvaceous figure was revealed she tossed her head to one side, unleashing a spray of droplets from her hair. It was a girlish gesture, one that held the feminine grace of a youth just starting to come into her prime. She gave a low laugh, the sound sultry and seductive as it rippled forth from what he imagined to be rosey lips. A gown of sparkling blue sapphire clung to her form, accentuating her lavish figure instead of disguising it. It was dry despite the rivulets of water that cascaded down it and Lokiri did not fall for the distraction of wondering why. Instead he kept his icy glare on her back, recognizing every move she made as an attempt to catch her supposed victim off guard. She had already made a grave tactical error in not learning who it was that had summoned her, and that was what he would enjoy exploiting most.

"How fortunate of me..." She said softly to her over a shoulder. Her voice was musical and it pulled at his senses, attempting to lure him in. He brushed the subtle magic aside, more annoyed than anything else. Even in speaking her voice was seductive, alluringly feminine and as irresistible as a siren's song. Clearly she had begotten practice since they had last spoken. "I was just beginning to wonder what I might snack on tonight." She began to turn, a beautiful smile already splitting her lips. But as her eyes, as blue as his own and just as cold, locked on his they widened in shock. The smile vanished, her alluring figure suddenly going rigged in fear she did well to hide. In an instant the sultry woman who stood suspended just above the lake's surface had turned from beautiful predator to frightened prey and Lokiri could only smile. Even that simple gesture, a showing of pearly white teeth, seemed to hold some kind of malicious intent.

"Good evening Raya..." He said, his voice strong and completely calm. All of her magical seductions had left him unruffled and he took a step forward to prove it, smiling as the woman took a step back. "You've gotten better at intimidation, I'm proud of you..."

(OOC: Uh I didn't really know where you wanted this to go so I just pulled something out of my hat and this is what developed. Hope you like it. lol :OOC)

((OoC: Hope this is good))

Lilith’s feature’s twisted into something that would have been ugly on any other woman. Instead it made her look dangerous and all the more beautiful. She pulled herself up and stepped onto dry land, glaring at the man that showed her no attention. She made her way over to him, making sure her every move held some sort of sexual undertone. Clothing catching on her thighs or pulling tight against her breasts, anything that made her seem more desirable and drew attention. It infuriated her when she didn’t get attention that was due her, or that she felt was due her. It didn’t happen often, but once or twice a man like this came along, showing no interest in her whatsoever. Usually they were warriors, or very attractive, much like herself, thinking themselves above others. When he finally turned and locked eyes with her it almost made her stop or stumble. Through years of rehearsing she kept her composure, although the shiver that ran down her spine was very real.

"You're going to want to get behind me."

She opened her mouth to comment but ended up saying nothing. Instead she moved behind him and stood, watching him with shrouded curiosity. She wasn’t sure what she should be thinking of this man. She wanted to reach out and touch him, find out how real he was. She swallowed her questions for now about what was going on and who was he, although she wouldn’t ask them in that way, and looked out to the water she had been swimming in earlier. Lilith was more confused than anything, and that ate away at her as well. She shouldn’t be lowered to ignorance. But at the moment the figure that rose from the water commanded her attention.

Taking the opportunity that was given her she moved closer to the man and let her body brush against his. She watched from around his body as the figure slowly appeared from the water’s depths. She was something of an interest to Lilith. The events unfolding before, although she couldn’t understand them, she felt they had deep importance. Something was happening here and she wanted to be a part of it. Although it looked as though she already was.

“Good evening Raya...”

Lilith watched the woman floating above the water’s surface. Her white hair and musical voice. Lilith tilted her head to the side and gazed at the woman. She wasn’t sure what she was exactly and it was starting to really annoy Lilith how left out she was. She also felt a touch of jealous that this man would show this woman attention. Although the attention turned on the water lady had a little more malice than the encounter Lilith wished to have with anyone, it was still attention.

Lilith didn’t want to wait anymore, however the mistake she was about to make was unavoidable. Lilith was just Lilith, and that’s what she did. “Excuse me,” She stepped out from behind the man and waved a tad to the woman. “Raya, was it?” She cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow at the woman. “Look before we continue whatever it is you’re doing here I’d like to know just what the hell you’re doing?” Lilith was a woman who liked to be involved in something instead of standing around and watching it. If she were to go and watch gladiators fight in the area, chances are she put one of them there, or set up the fight, or was betting on who would win. She didn’t like to sit and watch, mostly she liked to be the one who had all the power and here she didn’t. “It’s wonderful that you two have a history but, I just saw you kill a man, and you,” She glanced over at the woman, “Just came up out of the water for no good reason. I’d like to know what is going on.”

The grave had been dug, bed had been made, all she had left to do was wait and see just how deep she’d gone. Lilith knew she could get killed, could very well become wrapped up in something she didn’t want to be in, but until she knew what was going on how could she know what she wanted. Better to understand and be dead, than ignorant and living. Watching the ritual just wasn’t going to be enough. She could easily pulled a dagger on the man. She knew that if she did though she’d be the one bleeding by the end of it. Ask and Demand. She’d find out what was going on one way or another, and become involved, because even if she didn’t want to, it was too late now.

The Ithilian Prince regarded the sanguine form of the creature he had summoned with carefully calculated hostility. There was a kind of electric quality to the air around him, his focused so intense it seemed to give off its own current. Then the golden haired woman that had recently approached him was brushing the front of her wet, barely clothed body against his back and that concentration wavered. In an instant he became acutely aware of a lithe shape and athletic muscles. Raya watched the sudden shift with the calculating gaze of a predator, her eyes gleaming with hope that he might reveal an opening for her. Lokiri's demeanor suddenly turned even more frigid, his focus returning in a snap of regained control. The girl's presence was pushed away, distanced so that she could not distract him.

"You have something of mine." he said, his tone cold enough to make the night air itself seem suddenly chilled. "I want it back."

"Whatever do you mean?" Raya replied in a smile of innocence that somehow managed to seem threatening at the same time. Perhaps it should have come as a surprise that she came dangerously close to sounding sincere. That it did not clearly pointed out just how little the High Prince trusted the woman.

"Don't be coy, Raya. You could not have possible believed I wouldn't have noticed your presence during the struggle. I want the Cognition back, and your going to give it to me."

The woman's pale eyes narrowed, a cold wind suddenly sweeping by him in a flutter of white cloak. Lokiri did not even flinch, showing no visible sign that he had noticed its passing or the goose flesh that was not appearing on his arms. Her lips parted to speak, no doubt to throw some spineless threat or a baseless justification, and it was then that the golden haired woman choose to speak.

Lokiri's only reaction to that musical voice as it permeated the night air with an undercurrent of annoyance was a slight tension in the muscles. Inwardly, he cursed her timing. The anger that flashed through him was groundless, however, and it passed quickly. Raya, in turn, shifted her pale eyes quickly to the woman, a smile that could not have been more sinister is it contained fangs brightening her features. A sudden hunger flashed across her features for a moment and the it was gone, replaced by a carefully controlled mask.

"Who's your friend, Lokiri? she asked, her voice practically bubbling over with amusement. Her gaze roamed up and down Lilith's form in open appraisal, admiring every sensuous curve of the woman's lush body. "She's really very beautiful. Is she your lover?"

IN answer Lokiri neither affirmed nor disproved the theory. Their was a disquieting calm in his demeanor. A dangerous set of his shoulders and feet hinted that he was preparing to attacking at any moment. Lilith had quite literally dug her own grave by including herself in this. Under the laws which bound the worlds together Raya could not harm him unless given an opening to do so, as he was the summoner. But the summoning had been done for one and Lilith had no part in it. The protection of those laws did not extend to her. By stepping out from behind him and exposing herself she had basically offered herself up on a silver platter and Raya was probably hungry. The way the woman kept staring at the girl suggested she was hungry for more than just food, as well. The woman, her golden hair flowing in delicate rivulets would suffer the worst of torments for years if Raya saw fit to do so, and there was little he could do about it. That did not, however, stop him from stepping in front of the woman again.

"She is with me and of no concern to you." He said, an arm crossing over the woman's front as he gently forced her back behind him. It was a useless gesture really, as he could not rightfully stop Raya form taking her without violating the laws himself. Still there were options, if only he was willing to sacrifice the Cognition to use them...

Lilith’s initial thoughts were those of pure vanity, the things that flashed through her mind went along the lines of “finally someone notices me,” something that was very expected when it came to Lilith. But those thoughts retreated into the back of her mind and were placed with something menacing and dark. She watched Raya’s gaze turn from one of wanting to one of hunger and malice, but yet just as she caught a glimpse of the expression marring the girl’s face it was gone again. It made Lilith’s skin crawl and she found herself tempted to take a step backward, back towards Lokiri. But she wouldn’t show her weak side, if she retreated now she knew she would look weak. It never entered her mind that she would seem smarter if she were to just move back behind the man’s protection, but such was Lilith. Whoever these people were with her now they had no right to see her be a coward.

Lilith was almost regretting coming here tonight, even though the water had called out to her like it longer for her to move within its depths. The way the moonlight hid the water, the way it cradled her body, it had been a need more than anything, yet she had no need to approach this man when he was at the river bank. Who was she to get involved in something like...like...this? Whatever “this” was. She stood, caught in her thoughts, for what seemed like an eternity, although is actuality only a few seconds had passed. She stared into Raya’s eyes as the girl regarded her. They almost seemed to bore into her soul. Yet it was entirely possible since the girl didn’t seem quite human.

Despite the fact that Lilith loathed being perceived as weak she was almost—almost—grateful for Lokiri’s arm moving her back and his body moving in front. It irked her still, even though her subconscious spoke words of gratitude. Her face was a different matter, revealing only the most calm of features that bespoke a woman who could easily handle herself in any given situation. But Lilith had been working on her outer appearance her entire life, and so it came easily to her even if her mind screamed: RUN! She held her place bravely behind Lokiri.

Raya’s eyes seemed like soulless orbs, almost as though she were a bird of prey watching her victims for a sign of weakness, a chance to strike. The girl was lovely. It was hard to ignore, and in a way she reminded Lilith of herself. Suddenly it felt as though someone had slapped her. Her breath caught for just a moment, just a second, but she felt as though she was drowning. Could she really be this cold? This abusive? Lilith mentally shook herself, snapping back to her cool demeanour before she stared at this... creature before her. A very exaggerated version of herself, once again Lilith snapped herself out of it and back to her... self.

“Perhaps you’d be willing to make a trade?” The sweetness in Raya’s voice was like honey soaked words and passed her lips, yet each was calculated and cunning. Somehow the girl was able to hide a great amount of menace below the surface and Lilith felt...felt what?

Fear.

It was the first time she had ever truly felt afraid, because she knew what this girl wanted, and although she didn’t understand quite what was going on she knew that something would happen, and it wouldn’t be enjoyable. Her beauty had always been like a protective shield that kept emotions like fear, love, and despair at bay. Then again she had only dealt with mortal men, easily seduced, easily tricked, easily convinced that she was everything they ever wanted: No need to harm her. This creature before her wanted something more, something her beauty and whispered promises couldn’t satisfy, and that scared her too.

“What do you say...hmm? A trade sounds fair, don’t you think?” Raya smiled and it seemed something purely evil to Lilith. The water rippled, moving out from where Raya was. It bulged and flowed towards the shore, breaking once it met the earth. The water made a rhythmic sound like a heartbeat, slow and steady. Then Raya moved forward coming closer towards the pair standing on the shore.

Raya strode forward with soundless steps, the water rippling out from each step as she just barely disturbed the surface. There was a seductive roll of her hips as she came forth, a smile of utter delight upon her pale features. Crystal eyes sparkled with both amusement and hunger and they never left the golden haired beauty who now hid carefully behind the Ithilian. There was a gentle breeze of something stirring within, as he felt that woman's body pressing against his back once again seeking comfort, but that was pushed away with cold annoyance. This was not the time to be distracted. The next few moment were going to be critical and if he did not proceed with caution, choosing his words carefully, this woman would be lost forever. There had always been a noble part of Lokiri which upheld ideals that women in distress were to be protected, no matter how chauvinistic that might seem. He had placed himself between Raya and the woman, denying the creatures right to take Lilith even though he technically could not do so.

Raya was on the shore, her heals stepping onto the delicate threads of grass without crushing them beneath the wait of her slender body. There was a small gem held between thumb and forefinger, its surface reflecting the moonlight in a shade of gold. It was displayed openly, revealing that she did indeed have the object the high Prince sought. "Yes.." she purred, a hand reaching up and over Lokiri's shoulder to cup the woman's face s if testing the tenderness of a piece of meat. "A trade sounds most delicious..." She never got the chance to touch her presumed prey...

There was no warning from Lokiri. No shift of muscle or tensing of muscles beyond what they already where. There was not even a blur of motion as the deed was done. One moment he was standing there, left arm slightly behind him as if to ensure the woman was still near, and the next there was a sword at the creatures throat. The ring of steel being drawn came after the fact that it was upon the delicate and tender place where a single stroke would make it neigh impossible to breath. The sound rang out in an eerie sing song, made even more frightening by the fact that he had already stopped by the time the sound cut through the night. All was silent as the tension among the group held. The confidence Raya had just been showing was gone now, replaced by a trembling dread that she did rather well to disguise behind an angry glare.

"A trade sounds wonderful..." Lokiri whispered. No hidden threat lay buried in that soft uttering. No sense of anger toward the woman he now held in place by the thin blade of a scimitar. That's what made the entire statement all the more frightening however. The fact that he dd not bother with trying to raise his voice or intimidate with those words alone. There was a sense of surety about the way he spoke and that made it that much more terrifying. The sword was held with a delicate grace, never wavering despite it being held at arms length where its weight would be the greatest of burden. "I'll let you keep your life and the Cognition... for now."

"...And in return?"

In the face of everything the Ithilian simply smiled, a picture of ease amidst dangers most could never fathom. "The girl stays with me..."

The silence stretched out and in that time Raya was able to regain control of herself again. The bottom of her lip ceased its slight quiver and she took a deep breath, expelling any sense of fear with that breath. Turning, she headed back out to the center of the lake, all cool and confident once again. A light was already beginning to glow from the depths of the lake where she had emerged moments ago. It began to disturb the lake's surface, causing it to bubble up as if an underwater geyser had just erupted somewhere deep beneath. Once there she turned, her feet already beginning to sink into the water depths.

"You are a fool for protecting her, Father. It's only going to create problems for you."

The ring of steel snapped her out of the daze her had entered when Raya’s hands had touched flesh. Her lack of warmth had chilled Lilith, and as she gazed into the woman’s eyes a chill ran down her spine that was too real for her liking. She wanted to move back but something had taken over her body and made her freeze. Now Lokiri stood, his sword steady against Raya’s throat, and for a moment the girl went wild-eyed. It made Lilith have a very satisfied moment that Raya was on the receiving end of fear and steel. Lilith stood back, watching the encounter between them, not wanting to bring attention back to herself for once in her life.

When he spoke those words her heart jumped, pounding against her chest for just a moment. It was a selfless act that saved her life, and she knew it, although she didn’t know why he did it. He really didn’t have anything to gain at the moment when he clearly wanted the Cognition Raya had within her possession. It gave her a bit of a pause to have someone act on her behalf without her offering anything in return. However she was still filled with relief that she wouldn’t end up with Raya in her watery grave. Then the girl retreated back to the lake, it made Lilith take a breath she didn’t even realize she had been holding in.

"You are a fool for protecting her, Father. It's only going to create problems for you."

“Father...” Lilith whispered the words and gazed at Lokiri’s back. It was then she came to see how little she knew about the man. She didn’t know his name, or who he was, where he came from, ect. She’d find out after Raya had fully gone into the lake, it seemed to be happening to slow for Lilith’s liking. Raya sunk into the lake, even after everything that had happened, gracefully. Lilith could see where the girl got her appeal looking at her father.

Before she sunk fully into the water below Raya smiled at her father, almost as a promise that she would see him again...soon. Her head disappeared below the surface without a single disruption. The water lapped against the shore a few more times before it faded as well. It was only then that Lilith stepped out from behind Lokiri and gazed out at the water.

“Who are you?” She voice was melodic yet confusion flowed through the words she whispered. She didn’t turn around to face the man, she didn’t know if she could just yet. Her body shook, although she did her best to not let it show that she was shaken by the experience. “She’s your daughter?” The thought of Raya still sent a tingle down her spine and she wrapped her arms around herself, feigning cold. “And... What’s a Cognition?”

She stood staring out at the water, now looking like glass. Lilith took a hesitant step backwards before she dropped her arms back to her sides and turned back to face Lokiri. She could tell he was handsome, even with his cloak hiding some of his features. She wasn’t sure whether to move closer to do him or just stay where she was. She decided on the latter and merely faced him, cocking her head to one side as she studied the man who had taken a step in from of her and saved her from Raya.

“The girl stays with me..." The words echoed through her mind as she stood and regarded the man standing before her. She stood up a little straighter and addressed him with a little more confidence in her voice than there had been a few moments earlier.

“Who are you?” She turned back to the water, “What was all... this?” Her voice was still soft, the initial threat gone now she could relax again.

Kyrus sat watching the two from a branch in a tree nearby, they had yet to notice him which did not surprise him in the least. He was an elf and his kin could be very sneaky when they needed to be, he studied these two, he liked to observe people for awhile and see if they were a threat or not before he interacted with them. He watched their body language and gestures and from what he could tell these two were somehow related. But the actions of the man showed that he was not entirely comfortable or there was something that he was keeping hidden, Kyrus then looked to the young woman. From her body posture he read that she didn't know much about the man before her, and that she was curious to know more. These two were obviously related, but how? Deciding it was high time that he made himself notice Kyrus lifted his flute to his lips and played a light elven song to alert them to his presence, but how long would it take them to notice him he wondered.

Silence reigned over the lake, falling about them like a heavy, suffocating cloak. Apart for the return of his scimitar to its scabbard Lokiri had not moved the place he stood. For most this would be the part where the body began to tremble, the adrenaline of danger fading away to allow them to realize just how foolish their actions had been. For him there was only calm, and emptiness as certain as an unfilled tankard. There had been no adrenaline to fuel the Ithilian through the last few moments and there had been no recognition of danger. Fear was an emotion so alien to his people that he would not even recognize the emotion should it ever grip him. Still some part of him gave an inner sigh, relieved that the golden haired woman standing before him now had emerged relatively unscathed. She had her back to him, staring out over the now tranquil lake as it reflected moonlight back at the sky. She had done well to mask her fear in the presence of a creature such as Raya and for that she had his respect. Not many could stand their ground against a Faerie even with the aid of one such as himself.

Eyes of glacial blue gradually melted into a softer, more human appeal that belied the everything he had displayed only moments ago. Those eyes turned to the sky as before, searching the stars for some kind of answer that could not be had. Fate was cryptic in her games and, though he could not imagine what purpose she had in sending this woman to him, he was certain there had to be a reason nonetheless. The woman was strong willed, he already knew, but from what she had openly revealed of her personality she was also rather vain. Annoyance had been coursing through her from the beginning when she first approached simply because he did not give her the attention she so thought. It was a childish game, one that the Ithilian could not see a relevant point to. Sure there was some small satisfaction in knowing you are desired by others... but that was no reason to go out of your way to do so. Within the Court such actions would have garnered herself a terrible rape, if not more.

Lokiri's gaze flicked to her, a soft sing song of a voice whispering from her lips like a gentle breeze. Three questions... each of them as important as the next. It was the second one, however, which caught his attention most. He looked out over the water again, letting the silence stretch onward while carefully deciding on just how he should answer. In all fairness the girl was now involved in things she had no knowledge of and could scarcely fathom, and therefor deserved to know the truth of things. The High Prince of Ithilian's could not afford to pass out trust as freely as a copper, however, and so it was probably not wise to reveal everything. This woman was a stranger to him, and a bit immature in her quest for attention. If she was anything public like she was with him it was not much of a stretch to think she gave herself to anyone and everyone willing to make it worth her while. It was not a picture he enjoyed painting on such a lovely woman's face but it was a possibility, the worst of them in fact. For the Prince it was always best to assume the worst and be surprised later on. That did not change the fact that she needed to know at least some of it, as it was a distinct possibility they would encounter Raya.

Those gentle blues, the color of the deep ocean, regarded her with quiet study. Taking in the ringlets of golden hair that framed her delicately sculpted face. A hint of dampness still clung to her hair and skin, adding an attractive gleam to both. Her skin was fair, though he would not call it pale. Instead she seemed to be precariously balanced between that and a fine tan. A look that no doubt took time and effort to maintain. There was no disguising the act that she had been swimming and Lokiri pointedly kept his gaze leveled on her face. The thin fabric she had worn under whatever dress she had brought here clung to her body in every kind of indecent manner imaginable. It wasn't because he found the entire look unattractive, of course. To say that one would need to have lost all sense of sanity. It was more a need to be polite. That she was a stranger and dressed in such a way before him was bad enough without him openly admiring the genuine appeal the look provided. Unfortunately she would no doubt take it the wrong way, as she so obviously craved such attention.

"Once upon a time, she was, yes..." With a single deft movement of the fingers the clasp that held the chest of his snowy white cloak was released. In the next moment it was off his shoulders and twirling through the air in a flutter of white as he stepped closer to drape the thin, silky fabric around her shoulders. It was a cold night even without the added problem of being wet and, though the cloak did not look even slightly warm it would push out the cold the instant it touched flesh. "The creature you saw tonight is nothing like what she once was... My daughter is dead."

A moment of silence passed when the calloused hands of a swordsman lingered on Lilith's arms, slender fingers holding them gently while his gaze searched the lake's surface again. Then the touch was gone, the Ithilian's focus returning along with his obvious sense of protocol and decency. "My name is Lokiri... and you saw the Cognition just now, as Raya approached you. It's a small round gemstone. Nothing important, really, but it has some sentimental value for me." The lie came smoothly to his lips, two hundred years facing down politicians and seekers of his thrown having been more than enough practice. It was never a deed he enjoyed doing and he did so even less now. Unfortunately discretion was necessary for now, at least, until he could decide just how much this woman could be trusted.

The gentle melody of a flute was just beginning to invade on their conversation, but it was not enough to draw the Ithilian from the moment just yet.

(OOC: sorry about the tiny mention. >_< I had everything else written up already and wasn't expecting anyone else to join in. lol But welcome, of course. :OOC)

Lilith’s eye’s watched the man as he spoke; the earlier attention she sought had been forgotten now that all this was over. For some reason she was grateful that he didn’t lustily move his eyes over her body now, for she sought serious answers and a genuine understanding of what had just unfolded before her. It seemed odd even to her that she valued the information more at this time, yet her wasn’t in the tavern drinking anymore, or taking a swim, or anything that meant... well... nothing. Something had actually happened and Lilith had almost been pulled down into a lake with Raya... this man’s daughter. His dead daughter. The silence stretched out after he spoke those words. Lilith said nothing, what could she say? She didn’t know the man or his daughter and hearing ‘I’m sorry’ from complete strangers meant little.

Lilith’s stared into his eyes during the silence that hung in the air. He had brilliant blue eyes and she almost lost herself in them for a moment. The cloak he had swung around her body captured the warmth and she shrugged herself deeper into it. She had forgotten how little she had been wearing, and she glanced over to the rock where she had originally left her clothes. They still hung over the side, almost hidden in the darkness. His hand lingered on her arms and she drank in his warmth as well, and suddenly it was gone and he had distanced himself again.

“I’m Lilith,” She pulled the cloak tighter around her and turned out to the water again, trying to remember the gemstone Lokiri talked about. It had gone from her mind, replaced by the burning image of Raya’s hungry features. Lilith shuttered, playing it off as merely the cold in her bones, and not the fear that tingled her spine. She would walk away from this experience yes... but at what cost? It seemed to her that Raya could drive a man insane, and Lilith would probably have found herself at the same end if Lokiri hadn’t decided that his Cognition wasn’t more important than her life. Another thing, Lilith glanced over her shoulder and eyed the man, this Lokiri. He was handsome. His deep bronze skin stood out against his blazing blue eyes, and he stood with a firmness that bespoke strength, both mental and physical. He seemed a warrior and Lilith admired him after Raya. She didn’t usually admire anyone. Yet the feeling he was lying to her didn’t seem to leave.

She thought back over the trouble Raya had caused him and the hungry look in the girl’s eyes. Was sentimental value really worth all that trouble? She didn’t think so. She had nothing of sentimental value in her life but it didn’t change the fact that she didn’t believe his words... It wasn’t that she thought he was lying, more so that he wasn’t telling her everything. She wanted to say it but she didn’t, instead she eyed him once more, letting a little suspicion creep into her eyes before she dropped her look to the ground and changed the subject... for now.

“So much for my swim,” She stared out at the water and moved closer towards it, cautiously dipping in one toe. The fear that Raya would reappear and drag her down into the depths was enough to make her pull it out after a second. Then something caught her eye. A body... a man... or a sacrifice. She nudged it with her foot, death had never deterred her. “Who was he?” She backed up from the body and moved closer to Lokiri, it wasn’t hard to believe this man had killed. He had saved Lilith though and that meant that perhaps he wouldn’t hurt her to get Raya to come back, since he could’ve just given her up. “A sacrifice?” She turned her eyes and gazed into Lokiri’s own blues. Perhaps he would think something more of her if she didn’t prove herself to be somewhat of a dumb blonde.

As she stared at him she couldn’t help the itching feeling that the Cognition was somewhat more, somewhat else, greater, and more dangerous than he made it out to be. She told herself to let it go...just for now. Let it go. She sighed, “Excuse me for a minute.” Lilith moved away from Lokiri and walked towards the rock where she had draped her clothing. Once she arrived she removed his cloak from her shoulders and draped it over the rock next to her clothing. She didn’t look back or ask Lokiri to look away, she had the feeling he just would once he realized what she was doing. She dropped her soaking clothing from her body. The mass fell around her ankles and she stepped out of them before grabbing her white gossamer dress and slipping it over her shoulder. It cascaded down her body and hugged her curves while billowing about her at the same time, as it was carefully designed to do. She wrapped the cloak around her once more and threw her wet clothes over the rock before she made her way back to Lokiri.

It's difficult to truly describe the changes that have always gone through Lokiri's demeanor when danger arose her passed. Amidst killing and death he was cold, distant. His eyes froze over with an ice to make the arctic winter's seem something near to summer by comparison. He was ruthless, unforgiving, and never hesitated to make the kill when the need arose. There was never any sense of regret, though the face of the killed would be burned into his memory forever as another fallen enemy. When it came to fighting the High Prince of Ithilian's played to win, committing himself completely to cut, to best his adversary in the best way he knew how. Death was a cold hearted mistress and he courted her as any other noble might a fare dame. Outside of that, though, where conflict lay only in memory and there was even the briefest moments of peace, Lokiri was a different man all together. His eyes melted, growing kind and gentle that belied the killer that lurked within. it was in those times that he allowed himself some measure of relaxation and joy, taking comfort in whatever might have caused the respite at the time. That change overcame him now, as Lilith dipped her toe timidly into the water's of the lake, his shimmering, snowy white cloak draped snugly about her shoulders. There was no way of knowing why he felt at peace with her, a total stranger, but perhaps it was something in her manner.

I startling contrast to the cloak Lokiri's clothing beneath it were a deep shade of black. The only armor being the bronze colored bracers that guarded his forearms. His shirt fit rather snugly to his form, hinting at a toned, athletically muscled build beneath. Evidence of that was clear in what could be seen in his arms too, the muscles distinct and well shaped, rippling accordingly with every movement. He was not in any way a large man, but he obviously held strength just the same. That combined with the deadly grace of a snake and he was a force to be reckoned with even without the unimaginable sword skills he had been blessed with. The shoulder length hair that framed his features was the color of raven feathers and it did wonders to accentuate that blue eyed gaze that now seemed almost soothing where they had been terrifying only moments before.

"A corrupt nobleman." Lokiri stated easily, completely unperturbed by the fact that he man was dead by his own hand. Without even meaning to he suddenly made it inescapably clear that he was accustomed to performing such acts, though it was more often than not on the battlefield where death came in numbers. Lilith's lack of unease around a corpse was respectable, as it seemed many a woman of this world reacted a lot more childish. It was good to see someone who did not turn to liquid at the site of a dead man or even blood. "He made a habit of smuggling slaves, many of them young women stolen from their homes. I chose him to be the sacrifice because of that, more than anything else."

As the High Prince of Ithilril, the commander and chief of an entire race of warriors, Lokiri had done things he could never be proud of or condoned. The greatest of these deeds being a battle with the barbarian races form the south of his home world. The berserk savages had given their children weapons and pitched them into the fray, at the front lines no less. No doubt they had expected the Ithilians to hesitate, to be unwilling to strike down the young ones even though they attacked with steel and wild abandon. Lokiri had struck and his men had quickly followed suit, cutting a swath through the ranks of teens and some and children without remorse so that they could destroy the adults soon after. That particular battle still haunted him on occasion, the experience rising to life in his nightmares. The clash of steel, the screams and cries of children not even in their teens as their lives were snuffed out as simply as a tiny candle flame. Killing this man was not one of those moment, as the death had been justly due. he only wished he could have gotten his hands on him sooner and saved some other woman unfortunately soul from a terrible fate.

The golden haired woman went to her recently discarded clothes and Lokiri averted his gaze out of reflex more than anything else. Strangely enough there was a hint of temptation the moment he realized what she was doing. A tiny whisper within the back of his mind that said to look her way, to allow himself a glance of her while she dressed. It was a dark thought, one that was crushed almost immediately. Instead he kept his sapphire colored gaze aimed at the crystalline surface of the lake. It was smooth as glass now, it's surface still and at peace as nothing remained to disturb it. The moon shone brilliantly nearly directly in the center, a silver disk upon the water that glowed with a simply brilliance that could not be ignored. There was no way of knowing what would happen next, though the High Prince could make a couple guesses. Lilith had pranced around, demanding attention and now that she had it she was no doubt content. Most likely she would leave him to his own machinations and go elsewhere seeking some less controlled man to practice her feminine wiles upon. There was also the chance that she would want to accompany him and, though he thought it foolish, he had no problem allowing it. Travelling alone can be decidedly uneventful and boring. Having someone as beautiful as her with him might at least liven things up a bit. There would be risks... but he was perfectly capable of keeping her from harm. In the silence that stretched on while she dressed, Lokiri found himself pondering the possibilities of just such a journey with her...

As Lilith made her way back to Lokiri her step lingered. She had been right in her guess about him looking away when she shed her clothing, now he looked out at the glassy surface of the lake. She took the hesitance in her step as time to watch him. His body was clearly that of a warrior, and although she had noticed it before it was hard not to notice it again, and she would probably notice it again later on, perhaps again even later. It seemed something that would never get dull. She also took the moment to think over the current situation events had taken, and about the dead man laying by the lake. It seemed like something out of a play you’d find in the city of Taras, or a poem read in the taverns, even something bards would sing about, but not something that actually happened.

She thought about the slave girls first. A man forcing them to his will to commit horrible acts that should never be done, let alone forced upon someone. Somehow it enraged her, and yet she had become adept at hiding what she really felt and so it hid behind a mask of beauty. Her eyes held levels of sadness for the woman that man had gotten his hands on, and his death, one that meant nothing to her before, filled her with a certain relief now. It was always possible Lokiri was lying about the man’s identity but she doubted it. Why would he lie about a man’s death, it didn’t make sense.

Next she thought about... Lokiri himself. He had saved her life and she owed him a little more than her... womanly charm if you will. She wouldn’t mind being whisked off her feet at least once in her life. Not many would turn away when she changed, not many would save her from something they would kill for. She watched him watch the water, and her eyes became soft for a moment. She wondered what he would do now that the ordeal was over since she would never be the one to force the matter of staying with someone. She delayed her arrival to ponder over things but eventually she would find herself standing beside Lokiri and gazing out at the same pool of water he was. She wondered then what was on his mind as he gazed out into the darkness. Was it Raya? Was it the Cognition? Was it her?

She moved a step closer to him so that their skin would brush, just slightly. She shivered then, as the night finally penetrated her chilled bones. She wasn’t sure how she had stood against the cold for this long... perhaps it just suddenly got this cold. Perhaps it was the company? She gazed at him for a moment then whispered. “It’s cold,” She turned her head back out to the water.

“So what now?” She didn’t want to force the issue but it was eating her inside, she wanted to know! What happens now? Would he leave? Lilith stared out at the lake and she just couldn’t stop herself from... from talking... what was wrong with her... “I mean what are you going to do now that Raya is gone and that well it’s all safe now and..”

Shut up!

She quieted herself and sighed and looked out again she wouldn’t say anything more she moved a little closer to him, just leaning in with her body while keeping her legs planted. She wasn’t sure what would happen now that everything was said and done... well her question would continue it for a few moments but what if she wasn’t included in anything past the answer. What would she do? Go back to the tavern and drink away her missed opportunity? Probably. Would she enjoy it? She wasn’t sure if she would be the person who kept thinking back on this moment and asking herself why it went so wrong. Actually nothing had happened yet and she was condemning herself.

(OOC: Kind of short... hopefully you like it though. :OOC)

The golden haired beauty known as Lilith had dressed surprisingly quickly. Where most women took their time, ensuring that every lace and string were set into perfect order and that everything fit nicely she had simply thrown the simple yet elegant gown on. When she came to stand beside the Ithilian again, the skin of a bare arm brushing against his like warm silk, his attention immediately shifted from the lake to her. For a time he simply said nothing, accepting her close proximity with apparent ease. The slightest shift in either of their stances brought their flesh together once again, an electric contact that refused to be ignored no matter how much the thought was pushed away. The surface of the lake gleamed with a pearlescent pallor, brightening the night around them and even doing so much as to cast slight shadows behind them. It was as if nature itself was conspiring to make this chance encounter as romantic as possible. Lokiri hated the meddling will of Fate but, to be perfectly honest, he could find little to complain about at the moment. What man could when they had the attention of a woman such as she who stood near him now, shivering with cold.

Lilith had returned the cloak without word and he had accepted it within his slender fingers. It had been a long time since he had allowed someone to feel the power of his cloak around their shoulders. In fact he could not recall a time when he had done so at all. It was an item that was greatly revered among all the people of Aratarndor. A piece of clothing worth a kings ransom, though people rarely realized it. The power to nullify magic was deeply ingrained in its weaving, the thread like shimmering silk that contained microscopic shards of crystalline nether rock. Rocks that existed like voids within a world full of magic. With that cloak on, a person could stride right through the most powerful of spells directed toward them. Were Lilith to ever become aware of its value, the High Prince wondered idly, would she be tempted to steal it? Surprisingly enough it was a risk he was more than willing to take, a decision he made obvious when he once again draped the fabric over her shoulders. The thing fabric was more than enough to keep her warm, but he let an arm drape around her anyway, his hand resting on her arm and drawing her near his strong form while he remained silent for a moment.

Somehow the High Prince doubted this woman was accustomed to rambling as she was now. her voice carrying on in a seemingly endless, harmonic ring of melodious anticipation as she question his intentions. Part of him insisted it was none of her business, rebelling against her questions with an instant of rage. However another, more prominent part within was mildly amused. A smile crept to his features, brightening his dark, brooding expression as his soft sapphire eyes turned down to regard her form. She seemed to recover rather quickly, though a certain level of embarrassment was impossible to hide in her demeanor when she finally did. Her attention shifted toward the lake, affecting an air of detachment that could have rivaled his own elf control. had it not been a facade Lokiri was intimately familiar with he might have fallen for the ruse and thought his answer would not effect her all that much after all. He knew what she hoped for, as it was clear in the subtle ways she acted around him, if in nothing else. The question was simply whether or not he was willing to accept her. The road ahead would be dangerous and, while he did not doubt she could take care of herself in most situations he had already needed to protect her once. having to keep an eye on her would make things a little more difficult, but could he really deny the comfort her company would bring?

"There's an inn back toward town." Lokiri began, his gaze shifting to the water once again. He was seemingly unaware of his hand as it still lingered around her. "How about we have something to eat, then, after you've rested, we'll discuss everything you're curious about."

The cloak settled around her shoulders and she pulled it a little closer around herself before she noticed the weight of his arm around her. She smiled, content beneath the weight of it. When he drew her nearer she made no resistance but didn’t hurry to rub up against him either. She didn’t want to seem overeager, and so she shifted her weight and leaned into him. She watched the water for a long time, the lapping of the small swells against the shore was calming and the Lokiri’s arm around her was enough to make her drift into her own mind for a short while, just imaging.

She breathed in and came back to herself, thinking of going out to dinner with him. It was almost a date. Actually she was more interested in Lokiri himself. She wanted to know things about him. He was so... exotic. “Exotic,” She rolled the word around her mouth, happy with how perfectly it fit him. Strikingly unusual, exciting, different, and unfamiliar. She wanted to know everything about this... exotic man before her. She could feel strength emanating from him, just by the man he stood and moved, and the slight flex of his arm around her. She acted still as though she hadn’t noticed any of it, and prayed she hadn’t whispered exotic out loud.

“An inn sounds inviting after tonight. A roof, good food,” She whispered the last, “Interesting company.” She let her hand brush against his thigh. “Everything?” She turned her head and rested her light green eyes on him. “What if you don’t like the questions I ask?” She smiled and laughed a little. “Never mind that,” She gazed back out to the waters, the memory of Raya fresh in her mind. What Lilith wanted most at this moment was to leave this place and forget about... that creature. She took in a deep breath and let it out, trying to hide the shiver in it.

The more she thought about it the less appealing an inn was at the moment. Here she had him all to herself for the moment, yet in the tavern’s their combined good looks would draw people naturally. Another shiver caught her body and she decided that an inn was warm and that was good enough for her. Besides if dinner went over well perhaps he wouldn’t find her such a burden and take her with him on his trek. The more she thought about this man the more interested and captured she became. It was so unlike her but she didn’t care. She shoved the thought into the back of her mind.

She moved out from under his arm and once it had fallen back to his side she slipped her arm through his. “Lead the way,” She pulled the cloak about her as a wind picked up. They had chosen a good time to move indoors for sure. Liltih brushed back her golden hair, and set her green eyes forward. The things she would ask him paraded through her mind as they started walking.