OoC - This post features two of my characters - Leuka and Dark. Anyone's welcome to reply. :) IC - The sun finally rose brighter over the horizon and threw spectacular rays of sunlight over the water, where the shadow of a Skeekipper could be seen flickering beneath the ripples. Breaking the blissful silence was the creak of a door opening - the tall doubledoors, in fact, of Jyta Hotel, which stood handsome upon the prow of a house-scattered hill. Emerging from it were two tall young pendragons, the female and youngest of which was looking extremely awkward. <font color = #2E8AF1>"Well..."</font> she said sheepishly to her dark, male companion without looking at him. <font color = #808080> "Yes"</font> he replied, with a little more dignity, surreptitiously buttoning up a rugged cufflink. <font color = #808080> "Nice meeting you, then. Bye."</font> <font color = #2E8AF1>"Wait!"</font> Insisted Leuka, daydreaming of the ground swallowing her up, <font color = #2E8AF1> "Er... thanks for keeping me company, erm. Last night."</font> Ludwig Dark raised an eyebrow in faint surprise. <font color = #808080> "No problem. Bye now."</font> <font color = #2E8AF1> "Just a sec!"</font> Insisted the teenager once more, feeling ever so slightly annoyed that he was so eager to leave. This 'one night in a hotel equals never see you again' thing was making her feel very uncharacteristic. <font color = #2E8AF1> "Didn't you say you were going to Watani? Yeah? You can walk me there, I'm going that way."</font> Dark paused for a moment, looking at her searchingly with a small frown on his face, and she stared back defiantly. Giving in, Dark began a steady stride. <font color = #808080> "Okay. Come on then."</font> And the pair began a definite but silent pace over the hill towards Watani and away from the hotel in which a meeting had been performed to produce, now, a very quiet walk-away.
'Nam struggled his way through the crowd with significant effort, before breaking away and dashing down the street, jumping into a yard. <span style='color:grey'>Why do I have to be blamed for everything!</span> he said alound to noone in particular. His sharp ears jumped at the sound of footsteps on the other side of the nearby fence. He listened for a moment. one was lighter, and probobly female, by the sound of her walk. the other was heavier, and definately male. He swiveled his ears slightly, picking up what seemed to be an argument of some kind... Well, at the very least it was not some guards or soldier or something... or police... He sprung up onto the fence, balancing on it with little effort. he simply watched the pair walking, and though he hated to break up their little moment, he needed to blend in... and he was not seen with others before. He slipped on his blue coat and dropped down onto the sidewalk lightly leaning on the fence. <span style='color:gray'>Hey...</span> he said to himself, they bolth older than him, it seemed. He unhooked and opened his alchemal notes and began to draw a complex transmutation circle with little effort, having had much practice with them. He snapped his head up as the two were just a few feet away, dropping his book with a thud, all the loose bits of notepaper from between the pages scattering. He looked down at them for a moment, then looked up at the two standing there. <span style='color:gray'>erm... Hi.</span> he said flatly, never having been the best speaker around. He glanced down again and began gathering the pages into a pile, quickly stuffing them into the cover of the book.
Ignoring the obvious feeling of extreme nervousness radiating from the young female who walked beside him, Dark felt quite at ease with the silence. His gray gaze watched a handsome bird of prey flutter the clouds away with the greatest of ease. The morning dragged on, and Watani drew nearer. Here, perhaps, he could shake off Leuka. Sure, she was cute, sweet and funny, but Dark didnÂ’t really go for that type; not being totally selfish, but very much enjoying a solitary life. Whilst Dark was gazing meaningfully about him, Leuka had her eyes on the road ahead and, following her gaze, the pair were soon both watching the weary youth up ahead. Dark faltered, but Leuka ran ahead to help him pick up his papers. As the snowy teen drew closer she noticed that he was about her age. Jeez, it was a day for attractive kids about-her-own-age turning up out of the blue. <font color = #2E8AF1>"You okay?"</font> She asked kindly as she helped him scoop up his work, without glancing once down at the diagrams of poetic alchemy.
He looked up at her again, dumbstruck. <span style='color:gray'>er... uhm... yeah, I'm fine... just got a bit startled...</span> he said, grabbing another handful of papers and putting them into the cover of his notebook. He had not seen how attractive she was from farther away, and was scarcely able to speak at this point. <span style='color:gray'>so... uh... whats your name, miss...?</span> he said lamely, obviously not the most charismatic 'dragon around. <span style='color:gray'>I'm actually...</span> He said, taking the rest of the papers and stuffing them away. <span style='color:gray'>heading the same way as you two... can I come with?</span> He said, obviously talking to Leuka, not Dark. He was already standing next to Leuka, his book chained to his left hip again. He ran his fingers through his shoulder-length hair, then became intent on watching Leuka. To Nam, she was the most beautiful person he had ever seen.
Leuka chuckled slightly as she handed him the rest of the papers she had scooped agilely from the ground, but this amusement was cut off quickly when she realised he looked more awkward and embarrassed than humoured. She gazed at him, apologetic for startling him. <font color = #2E8AF1>"Leuka."</font> she replied softly with a smile, before gesturing to Dark behind her, <font color = #2E8AF1>"This is Ludwig Dark, but he prefers just ‘Dark’. What’s yours?"</font> Meanwhile, Dark stood some while away, glaring at the younger male, his handpaws crossed over his chest. <font color = #808080> "How do you know…"</font> he began in a lower voice than usual, <font color = #808080>"…That you’re heading the same way as us?"</font> Perhaps it was the fact that it meant new company, or perhaps he was suddenly and uncharacteristically protective of the girl he had spent intimate time with last night; the girl who had suddenly appeared rather distant.
He rather liked Leuka. <span style='color:gray'>oh... I'm Namsuletn Nudekcu... but I'd not expect you to remember that. You can call me 'Nam, or 'Namsu, or make your own name. I don't really mind.</span> He said, wondering if he should try and get Leuka with some pickup lines, then decided against it. His eyes narrowed to slits when Dark spoke. <span style='color:gray'>You were walking in this direction, and this street goes some ways...</span> he said, suspicious of Darks intentions with the question.. <span style='color:gray'>I don't have any place specific to go, really... I go where the wind takes me. I don't have a place to call "home"</span> he said in all seriousness, in hopes that the truth would help at least Leuka trust him. <span style='color:gray'>I just hate travelling alone, you know? nobody to talk to for days at a time, and when there is someone to talk to, they're a stranger. its no fun to be alone all the time...</span> he mumbled, dropping his gaze to the ground and boosting himself up onto the fence and walking it like a tightrope. <span style='color:gray'>'sides, what trouble could I be...</span>
Dark returned the suspicious glance, disapproving of the younger male’s disliking look. Instead of replying, however, he merely turned away slightly, as was his fashion. Leuka, however, still had a friendly expression on her young features, and shrugged lightly, <font color = #2E8AF1>"Jeez, that is a mouthful. I’ll just call you Nam."</font> The tall male stared at the other darkly at his last words, believing the opposite of what was said – the stranger was trouble, there was no doubt about that. But Leuka – honest, trusting Leuka – couldn’t pick up a hint of irony. <font color = #2E8AF1>"Me neither,"</font> said Leuka in relation to having no home. It seemed now that she had almost an equal amount in common with both guys, though she was leaning more towards Nam. Nam seemed to like her more, despite the night-time goings-on elsewhere. The sky gave an unhealthy growl, and both Leuka and Dark glared up sharply. Black clouds were quickly forming, and Leuka was first to speak; <font color = #2E8AF1>"We can walk for a bit if you want, Nam, but maybe we should find a café for breakfast, or something. For shelter, like."</font> Nimbly, she tugged Dark’s sleeve coaxingly, <font color = #2E8AF1>"C’mon…"</font> But he drew back sharply, glaring at her. <font color = #2E8AF1>"What!"</font> She exclaimed defensively, <font color = #2E8AF1>"If you hate me so much, what was last night about? And if you don’t like being touched, well… hey, I beg to differ…"</font> She said all this in a voice quiet enough so that Nam would not hear. Dark looked positively murderous and said in a growling whisper between his teeth, <font color = #808080> "Okay, then… let’s find shelter."</font> Leuka sighed exasperatingly, then turned to Nam, smiling apologetically. She tugged Nam’s sleeve in turn, beginning to walk as the rain began, <font color = #2E8AF1>"Finally won him over,"</font> she murmured, <font color = #2E8AF1>"C’mon, let’s go."</font>
He fell off the fence when it started to rain, not to mention his sleeve being pulled on. He fell flat onto his back, and reflexivly brought his knees to his chest and spung into a standing position. He seemed a little confused, but allowed Leuka to lead him along. he was rather starting to wish he could hold her hand right now. the nearest cafe was a little ways away, wasn't it? He decided it was best to give it a shot. He carefully slipped his hand into hers, suddenly very interested in what was in store windows, and the like. He didn't want her to see the bright red color turning his blue cheeks purple, but couldn't help but look to see her facial expression. He wondered if she would slap him... but then thought that it would be worth it.
As he fell off the fence, Leuka couldn’t help but laugh, yet in a harmless way, <font color = #2E8AF1>"Haha… sorry!"</font> She insisted, wondering if her gentle tug on his sleeve had been powerful enough to knock him sprawling, or if Nam’s body was likely to fall at any tiny gust of breeze. He didn’t look weak, so Leuka guessed it was just the fact that he hadn’t expected physical contact. Unfortunately, as they began to walk (Dark slightly behind them), she thought that she had subconsciously invited physical contact, for nervously he grabbed her slender handpaw. She was surprised, but would feel exceedingly guilty if she had snatched her hand away from the poor, nervous guy (not that that was instinct), and felt a wicked pleasure in taunting Dark. She felt rejected by the tall figure that walked behind them, and felt some dainty satisfaction in making him jealous. She gave Nam’s hand a silent squeeze (sure, he was a stranger, but whatever), and looked back at Dark. Sure enough, he had stopped in his tracks, staring at them with sparkling black eyes. <font color = #2E8AF1>"C’mon Dark!"</font> she yelled back at him. He was positively seething, teeth bared. Leuka’s smile faded. <font color = #2E8AF1>"Dark!"</font> But the tall young pendragon was heading in an opposite direction. <font color = #808080>"I’ve got my own business, Leuka."</font> She could distinctly hear in a hoarse voice, as he faded into the distance. Leuka gazed after him a moment, then at Nam – then at her own feet. She let go of his handpaw gently, and continued walking, the cogs in her mind feeling somewhat rusty.
'Nam was that she didn't pull her hand away quickly. in fact, she seemed to like the contact. He felt a bit less nervous now. He looked back to see Dark had stopped, then started walking away. He looked back too, obviously wondering if he did something to offend the other. <span style='color:gray'>Did I do something wrong?</span> he said, his thoughts racing. He frowned, and, not waiting for an answer, continued, <span style='color:gray'>If you would rather me not be here, I'll go...</span> He said, seriously doubting that she'd want him to leave. He very, very slowly, and very, very carefully, put an arm around her back, then gently pulled her into a hug. He did not hold her so tight that she couldn't pull away, but tight enough to show that he cared. He wanted her to feel safe with him. he already felt Leuka to be his best friend.
Much to her own annoyance, Leuka still had her mind on Dark’s tall and retreating figure, and when Nam pulled her into a hug she drew back, shocked and gazing at him. He seemed nervous and perhaps lonely, thus the embrace of a complete stranger. Not even warm-hearted, affectionate, overly-trusting Leuka would readily jump into the arms of a complete stranger. Last night would beg to differ said a nasty little voice inside her head. <font color = #2E8AF1>"Sorry, Nam,"</font> she said softly, trying to repair whatever damage she had done to his disturbed mind by rejecting his hug. She took hold of his wrists. <font color = #2E8AF1>"Let’s go to that café… okay?"</font> She let go, and tried a smile, without directly answering his question.
<span style='color:gray'>okey...</span> he said, not feeling sad or anything, but quite confused. He wondered if it woud be stupid to try and take her hand again, but only for a moment. he decided that it was. He let himself be led by his wrist, not wanting Leuka to think he was feeling rejected or anything of the like... perhaps he was? he didn't quite know. his feelings had almost vanished totally from the long time he had spent alone. He spent the rest of the walk in silence, thinking hard about... everything. He considered what it would mean to travel with Leuka most of all, his head filling with a hundred fantasies of happily-ever-after. He sighed sadly and returned his mind to the real world, looking at Leuka for a moment, then looking at the ground in front of him. He glanced up. it seemed like they were in some kind of shopping strip now. stores, right and left. He scowled with a deepening hate in his gut. He rarely had enough money to do more than eat, and people would come here to waste their money on frivilous novelty items. He sighed deeply and looked around for that cafe.
They walked in silence for a short while, Leuka’s mind on other things. As they approached the nearest café, the pendragon sighed – it was jam packed with Watani residents who watched the soaking pair as they approached. And soaking they were, for the rain had quickly come down, and Leuka’s clothes were sticking to her uncomfortably. The teenager stopped and sighed once more, turning to her companion. <font color = #2E8AF1>"I don’t much fancy going in there, and it’s not as if we can get any wetter, like."</font> She chuckled, attempting subconsciously to make up for her fleeting ‘rejection’ of his arms, <font color = #2E8AF1>"How about we just walk? We could follow this road and stay under the trees."</font> she gestured towards the road leading out of Watani where, sure enough, the canopy of trees would keep them drier than they were now.
He had scarcely heard her, replying with a contented "Mmm..." sound. He had tilted his head back and closed his eyes, miling up into the rain. <span style='color:gray'>No... the rain is... nice.</span> he said, the cool rain falling to the ground with a pattering noise and the feel of it on his face always made him happy. He was calm now. in his happy place, so to speak. He took off his royal blue coat, gently putting it around Luekas shoulders in a kind, almost loving gesture. He smiled and put a hand on her shoulder, then turned and began walking slowly down the way she had pointed out. at this point, 'Nam couldn't feel anything but happily calm. He smirked and wondered what was down the road. <span style='color:gray'>Another road, Another adventure.</span> he said, grinning. he stopped in place for a long second, bending his knees and looking as if he was about to sprint. <span style='color:gray'>How fast can you run?</span> he said, cool, calm, and collected. <span style='color:gray'>Lets find out. Race you there... wherever we're headed to.</span> he said with a smirk, then he was off like a gunshot, his feet noiseless in the rain. The rain was raising a thick white mist, and it was quickly growing dark. perhaps it was not such a good idea for them to be away from each other, but 'Nam had no mind to this, as he didn't know they were headed into a small ghetto of sorts. He vanished from sight in the mist momentarily, swinging himself up onto a soaked treebranch and dangling his legs, his feet falling low enough so as to be visable.
Leuka remained carefully still as he placed his coat round her cold shoulders, feeling very much now that he was disturbed (but oh so nice), and trying not to offend him. Before he could finish his proposal of a race, Nam had dashed away into the rainy mist, but Leuka was already hot on his heals. She had always been very sporty; very fast, with long limbs and a fair amount of stamina. As he leapt up into the tree, she slowed then stood there leaning casually on it. She guffawed. <font color = #2E8AF1>"Cheat!"</font>
He looked at her, smiling. <span style='color:gray'>How so?</span> He said charmingly, turning on the branch and hanging off it backwards, his knees over it holding him. He held out a hand to her, his bangs "Falling up" so to speak. <span style='color:gray'>Want a lift?</span> he said, smiling. <span style='color:gray'>or are you a bit of a climber yourself?</span> he said, withdrawing his hand slightly, then putting it back out.
Leuka smirked, placed both paws on the branch, and sprang expertly onto it, tucking both knees beneath her as she sat by the younger pendragon . She looked over at Nam – this nervous guy had suddenly grown with more confidence. <font color = #2E8AF1>"So. What do you do for a living, Nam?"</font>
He thought for a long few seconds, then mumbled: <span style='color:gray'>steal, fight... I tend to go hungry alot anyways.</span> He said, scowling. His long, anubial ears perked up suddenly. <span style='color:gray'>but my art...</span> he said, aloud now. <span style='color:gray'>Transmutation. changing something into something else...</span> He smiled wide. <span style='color:gray'>Alchemy.</span> He swung up next to Leuka, and simply could not help looking her up and down again.
OoC – I think we should start to wrap this up, seeing as we’re already in another thread together. :) IC – For once, Leuka frowned. He stole things. Not good. She turned away in distaste, but soon whipped round again, morals forgotten. <font color = #2E8AF1>"Alchemy! What do you know about alchemy?"</font>
He frowned when she looked away. He began to think of some way he could make it seem noble. His ears perked up when she changed the subject. <span style='color:gray'>well, yeah. I'm an alchemist. a transmuter manly, but also a conjurer and summoner... I enjoy alchemy. it is an art, and a science.</span>
