Mia (Winter), 81380 48th Shadow had been staying at his small apartment in Bhim for a short while now, taking some time from his studies to heal his still raw wound. He had slipped on a pair of black baggy trousers this morning as they didn't catch his healing gash as much. And with one crutch in his hand he hobbled down the stairs. Finally closing his old wooden door, he cast a small locking spell on it to stop intruders from entering (unless they too knew magic) Shadow sighed looking around him as he adjusted his eyes to the light. It was remarkably sunny today, but he was glad for his thick, soft fur as the wind bit into his ears. So with a slight shiver, but a cheery smile nonetheless, he made his way to the market for some food supplies. He was very glad for his closeness to the center of town as he rounded the corner into the colorful market. Rejoicing at the sound of happy chatter and the market smells as he clacked and padded to the nearest meat stall. His eyes looked over the delicious array of meat before his eyes, and choosing four hefty chunks of red yumminess, which he promptly paid for with a few note from his pocket. Shadow continued, hooking the bag onto the handle of the crutch as he then went over to his favorite fruit and vegetable stall. The lady clearly recognized him, giving a cheerful wave over to the arden. Shadow decidedly stooped over to her, exchanging a few happy words, and leaving with bags full of veggies. His eyes scanned the other stall as he made his way over to the Avain stall and some of the occult stalls too. He bought a few avian breasts, before finally getting to his favorite part... the wine section. He nodded to the old arden behind the stall, who brought out his favorite red. Shadow nodded thankfully before handing out more money for a nice bottle of white that also caught his eye. And last but not least he clacked over to the jewelry store - he liked shiny things - and looked thoughtfully at the different metals, all sitting cozily in their velvet lined boxes.
"A watch for you, my dear?" "You need a potion, lady?" "Ma'am, spare me some money. Please..." Veaji walked right through the crowd. She hated beggars. She hated those who tried to sell things for a high price, claiming it was cheap. Under normal circumstances, she would be torturing them already. But she walked on by. She didn't feel like wasting her time watching strangers' lives fade away from their eyes. Her sword and gun, for once, was without her. She had stashed her precious weapons somewhere in Bhim, under tree roots. Perhaps this was a day where she would take a break from killing. The war had left her devoid of any feeling for damage. Besides, if anyone were to attack her, she could always use her magic. Veaji noticed her skill had improved alot. The scent of pie filled the air and she let her nose lead her to where the food was. She wasn't hungry, but the smell of freshly baked meat pie was making her mouth water. Of course, she had to walk away. She had no money on her and stealing was not an option. Too many pendragons. She passed the bakery and walked into a jewellery. She was fond of shiny things, but not because she like it, but it because that these stones brought a good amount of money. As usual, her mind was already plotting which stone to steal in the night. Her paw reached up to her sea-shell necklace and a digit lingered on the center one. In that necklace held a precious stone, just like the one she was looking at. <span style='color:orangered'>My stone's on display.</span> she thought. But she noticed that the stone was a fake. It didn't shine as much like her one did. If this shop was filled with fakes, the jeweller must be earning easy money. She straightened herself and looked at another case. Her eyes caught fluffy black wings, a pendragon with his back to her. Could it be? Nah... She turned her attention back to the stones.
Shadow was lost in the array of shiny items before his eyes, His black wings twitched suddenly, causing him to lose his balance suddenly. He hopped for a moment on one foot, his crutch landing on the floor. Using his feathered wing he balanced himself, while the stall owner rushed round the front to help him gather his things. Once all was gathered he thanked her, gave her a small tip for the thought. Amber eyes connected with his pupiless ones and he saw someone he hadn't seen in a long while. <span style='color:blue'>Veaji!</span> He exclaimed happily to the thill, her paw resting on her shell necklace. She was missing her usual attire around her waist which for a moment caused a puzzled look on his face - till he figured that she must have hidden them - His smile soon returned waiting for the rusty fur to respond to his lavish welcome.
She heard a little commotion and that made her turn her head. She saw the store owner and a second after that, she saw familiar eyes. Eyes that made her heart give a weird jolt. The voice that followed was what made a smile appear on her usually serious face. <span style='color:orangered'>Shadow!</span> she reached out the paw that held her necklace to Shadow, touching his arm gently. She then playfully asked, <span style='color:orangered'>Have you been stalking me?</span> It seems like everywhere Veaji went, she was sure to bump into Shadow. She really didn't mind, not one bit. Because she liked the warm feeling that he gave her.
Her paw reached out to touch his arm and with his hands tied up with crutches and what not - he used his wing to press lightly on her hand. She made a playful comment and he raised his eyebrow in a joking suggestion that he had, indeed been stalking her. "i was buying a few bits and bobs for the flat, and i was drawn to the shiny things..." Shadow replied to the tawny thill, his voice cheery and somewhat husky, he blew a stray strand of his styled hair from his nose, as his tail wagged behind him as it regained his balance. "but i'm finished with the shopping, so tell me while we walk... Where have you been?"
She took a moment to study his features. He was better than when she last saw him and she was glad. He seemed even more cheerful. Her heart beat a steady and comfortable rhythm and she smiled. <span style='color:orangered'>Me... I haven't been anywhere. Just stuck in a cave in the forest for a few days.</span> she answered him. She took smaller steps than when she was walking normally. She didn't want to walk faster nor slower than Shadow. <span style='color:orangered'>I'm glad I came out. It's been sometime. We should stop meeting like this.</span> They passed pendragons after pendragons. It was crowded and noisy. But somehow, Veaji did not seem to notice.
They passed pendragons after pendragons. It was crowded and noisy. But somehow, Veaji did not seem to notice. Shadow listened eagerly to Veaji watching her eyes speak of where she had been, he was still puzzled with the places Veaji would stay instead of her own place, but he liked those little quirks from her. He was glad she wasn't walking to fast for him either - although his leg was healing up he still found it hard to powerhop around the place - She mentioned how she was glad to come out and he couldn't help nod his head in agreement, giving a chuckle when she said they should stop meeting like this. <span style='color:blue'>"i know"</span> he said after his little chuckle, licking at the side of his mouth as it dried out <span style='color:blue'>"but seeing as your here now, why not join me and Khumdap for dinner - i could use the company" </span> He added in a rather hushed but cheery tone at the end.
Shadow had mentioned Khumdap and she was a little surprised the feline was still surviving. Even still sticking to Shadow far from its own jungle for that matter. But then, that panther-like creature truly has a character of her own. Despite Veaji's distaste for animals, she missed Khumdap. <span style='color:orangered'>Dinner, of course.</span> she agreed, or rather, her stomach agreed. Eventhough she wasn't in the adolescent stage anymore, her stomach would always ask for more food. It was either she has a high metabolism rate or she wasted all the calories on wandering around everyday, her body would still stick to the average weight. Not that she cared. Alright, maybe a little and she was thankful for whatever made her stay on averageness. <span style='color:orangered'>Company, Shadow? I've always thought that Khumdap would make you feel less alone, the way she follows you around. By the way, how is Khumdap?</span>
Veaji sported a slight look of surprise at the mention of his pet, but he didn't wonder why. Khumdap had stuck with him since that first encounter - even though she was far away from her home. But he had taken the utmost care - even turning the spare room into a jungle paradise for her - with exotic plants and trees similar to her ones at home. Khumdap lived the luxury life, which she seemed to enjoy. Veaji had agreed to accompany him for dinner, for which he was glad. In real facts he had missed Veaji rather than the general company of another random dragon. Not that he would admit it to her of course. He didnt wish to scare her off. That and she was looking a bit on the skinny side - Her metabolism was a fast one - even out of its more adolesenct stages and needed a supply of rich food everyday. She finally asked about Khumdap, and He was glad for the change in his thoughts. He passed her a smile, before opening his mouth to begin. <span style='color:blue'>"she's doing quite well actually - very well infact. She has the spare room as a little paradise of her own, so she doesnt seem to miss the jungle too much... we're taking a wander there tomorrow actually. To give her a refresher of home..."</span> And upon his mention of home they were now standing outside of his. Heo[pened it without his key - merely using a spell to open the door for them. He ushered Veaji to go inside first, Closing the door behind them. <span style='color:blue'> "she'll be pleased to meet you - i think she misses your company..."</span>
"<span style='color:orangered'>Khumdap must really like you.</span>" Veaji stated before walking inside Shadow's house. His house, like any other houses of normal pendragons who have houses, was a homely one. Veaji felt a pang of nostalgia. Not that Shadow's home reminded her of hers, her home was a different one entirely, but it had been a very long time since she had had a real place to stay. "<span style='color:orangered'>Comfy,</span>" she commented. The moment the door clicked shut behind her, a big ball of black came charging towards Veaji. Veaji was about to strike when she realised it was only the big feline that came to greet her. Veaji only stared. She never had a pet before and she didn't know how to react to one.
Shadow uttered a thoughful 'hmmm' at khumdaps liking for him, she had transgressed from wild to tame so quickly, he couldn't help but wonder why. He glanced at veaji as they stepped onto the landing. She seemed to always do this thing when she came into his house... like a little hopeful look. maybe she missed her home - he never knew exactly what... Veaji commented on his home - it was more homely than last time she had visited. He had changed quite alot with the company of his pet. He clicked his tongue in thought, waiting for Khumdap to run to investigate the vistor. Khumdap would be thrilled. Thud-thud, thud-thud Looks like Khumdap was on her way. The panther like creature was making a beeline towards Veaji, a hoarse meow escaping her whiskery mouth. She came to a stop at Veaji feet looking up expectantly at her. But Veaji just stared, if somewhat dumbstruck by her appearance. It was most likely the red collar around her neck... But That was because all pets needed to be liesenced - however unsual. <span style='color:blue'> "she wants you to say hello and give her a pet..."</span> he chuckled, moreso as the pet gave a very loud meow in agreement.
Give her a pat. Now how to you pat a pet? And what the heck is 'pat'? Veaji looked blanky at Khumdap's big, hopeful eyes. Not wanting to seem like a total idiot, Veaji simply replied, "<span style='color:orangered'>I don't pat.</span>" She then looked around the house and walked further in. She missed her home more than ever now. She missed her father, Dev and especially her mother. Oh, what a mistake she made so many years ago. Being evil doesn't mean she has no compasion. She was, afterall, pure before chaos broke loose. But then going through all that and morphing from pure to evil made her less in touch with her emotions. It made her numb. So why now does she feel as if she would feel again? She was getting vulnerable and she was determined not to be so. She turned around and faced Shadow. She knew exactly what, or more precise, who, made her like this and she was determined not to let him change her. After that thought, she shut out every emotion she was having while staring at the pupiless eyes in front of her. From now on, she would try to just take every advantage she's got befriending this pendragon. <span style='color:orangered'>No, not try. You must do it, you idiot.</span> "<span style='color:orangered'>So, what do you have to eat? I'm starving.</span>"
Shadow shrugged at the feline who meowed at the femme before trotting off to the jungle room, her tail swishing behind her lazily as she disappeared into a plant. Veaji didn't pat: Well Khumdap would show her how eventually. Veaji again looked around the room, making shadow look questionly at her. She was so full of thoughts now - strange. Hobbling with his crutch into the kitchen space he placed his crutch near the small window, before lightly limping over to the counter. The Bags rustled upon the marble surface, showing a few veg and some wine from his trip. Finally Veaji said somethig a little more constructive. Hunger must be in both their stomachs for he too was rather peckish. <span style='color:blue'> Umm, there some raw meat in the fridge - you can have that til i rustle something more up... you staying for a few days or you got places to be, veaji?</span>
Veaji went into the kitchen and went straight for the fridge. She opened it and browsed it for a moment, enjoying the coolness it gave off. Her tail lazily whipped side to side. After that moment, she reached a paw, took out the meat and closed the fridge. She nibbled at the meat as she pondered on the question asked. "<span style='color:orangered'>No, I don't have places to be.</span>" She said and nibbled some more, growing a little nervous each second. "<span style='color:orangered'>I've never... I've never stayed over anyone's place before.</span>" She looked at the bags Shadow was rummaging through. It was vegetables and wine. It has been a long time since she had good food. Long ago, she has been living to eat. During these years, she has been eating to live. She wanted the former eating life back. Now would be a good start, she thought. "<span style='color:orangered'>Do you cook, Shadow? Can you teach me how?</span>"
Shadow flashed a smile to the tawny female. Her behaviour must have been hunger. She was getting too thin - Did she not go food shopping? Mind - he had never seen Veajis' "home either" Something never seemed right about that... <span style='color:blue'>well, your most welcome to stay - as i said - i could do with the company... and if you want to learn how to cook... we may as well start now. That bag - has the carrots in them... just try and cop them up a bit?</span> He indicated using his tail to the bag. It was bulging with vegetables and fruit of all sorts, He'd placed the wine on the counter beside the same bag... before pulling out a knife from its block.
She got out a plate from one of the cupboards and set the half-eaten meat on it. She then proceeded to the bag of vegetables. Delicately pushing the opening of the plastic bag wider, she peeked in. Cooking was already her weakest point so imagine what preparing food would be like to her. She don't even know how to cut up any of the vegetables in there. She took out a carrot in one hand and a knife from the block in another. She stared at the orange food for a little while and then pushed the knife deep into its body. She managed to cut off its head but it fell on the floor. Her second attempt in trying to cut it made a piece fly to the opposite side of the room. Her third attempt sent a piece of carrot flying straight for Shadow's face. By the last attempt, she got slapped by a piece. Not wanting to waste anymore, she set the knife down and frowned at the now mutated carrot. "<span style='color:orangered'>Can't we just eat it whole?</span>"
Shadow was pulling out the vaired foods and drinks from the bags he had left. Meats in white polythene were sitting in a neat row along with some herbs and other delicous smelling treats. But what was to be dinner? The steaks? or the burgers?? Pondering momentarily he was interruped by the rogue carrot peice which decided on taking a holiday in his ear. Shadows' head shook sending the orange minx onto the tiled floor. Pesky carrots. What was Veaji doing with it anyway? HE tried to watch her subtly as she murdered the poor veggie into strange shapes. Smiling he grabbed the burgers and put them in a handy freezer compartment that pulled out from beside the sink. Chuckling at her defeated response he sidled up beside her, his blue flamed tail swaying as he limped a little, Shaking his head in good humor he pulled a chopping board of a light wood from behind the toaster. and set it in front of her. <span style='color:blue'> We could, but thats not cooking. I'll show you... First a chopping board so the surface doesn't blunt the knife...</span> Taking the knife her stood close behind her, putting her paw around the handleof the knife. Using the same massacured carrot from before, his hand sat atop her to show her the works. <span style='color:blue'> okay, now, we chop the carrot this way so it forms little circles, holding the other end with our paw so it doesn't shoot off into the unknown... </span> He spoke as he directed her paw, making sure she was doing the task right but not controlling her hand either. Technically she was doing it herself, his hand being a barrier if you like - to stop her hand straying from the orange stick of doom. Circles of carrot piled neatlyin row as she made it further down the carrot.. <span style='color:blue'>you, getting it now?</span>
Veaji was only half aware that Shadow was in very close contact with her. She was more focused on the carrot which, just seconds ago, gave her more trouble than a random pesk in the streets. She was actually a little embarassed. For she, a well bred Anubi from a well bred family, didn't know how to cut a carrot. She nodded in reply to Shadow's question. <span style='color:orangered'>It's that simple... I feel so stupid. Of all the things my mother forgot to teach me it has to be cooking.</span> It was when she reached the end of the carrot did she become fully aware that Shadow was extremely close to her and that his paw was atop hers. Her mind started whirling as did her emotions. For a moment, she felt a little lighter. But somehow, it felt almost comfortable. It felt... what was that word? Safe? Well whatever she was feeling, she liked it. However her mind was arguing whether or not to move away or stay. She got more confused by the second. Finally, she decided to just listen to her heart. Afterall, it only gave her one option while her head gave her a hundred extra. Not thinking, she leaned back agaisnt Shadow.
<table width=410px" cellpadding=0 cellspacing=2px bgcolor=#000000 style="border-left:4px #993300 solid; border-top:4px #993300 solid; border-right:4px #993300 solid; border-bottom:4px #993300 solid"><tr><td><font color=#993300><div align="justify"> me thinks i had better reply :P <font color=#993300>~i wish i wasn't this way...~</font> Who had known that cutting a carrot with someone could be so, fun? Shadow was happy to show his dear friend the ways of being a domestic cook. And it always made the meal taste better if you had achieved something along the way. But what Shadow had achieved was much more. Trust was clear as the rusty female leaned back into him, and Shadow found his heart in his throat as he resisted the urge to lean his head on her shoulder. It was a natural reaction that happened in that silent moment, his arms folded around her toned waist and he ended up resting his maw on her. He swallowed a little nervously as he realised what he was doing, and slowly unwrapping his limbs he took another vegetable from the bag, this time it was an onion. his hand moved atop hers again spiling the onion in half, before placing it on its side for dicing.<font color=#993300>"The trick is, not to cut the stalk off, or it falls apart and is so much harder to cut, you see. " </font> swallowing again, he moved behind her to take the weight off his bad leg, brushing forward for a moment. <tag /></td></tr></table>
<table width=410px" cellpadding=0 cellspacing=2px bgcolor=#000000 style="border-left:4px #FFFFFF solid; border-top:4px #FFFFFF solid; border-right:4px #FFFFFF solid; border-bottom:4px #FFFFFF solid"><tr><td><font color=#FFFFFF><div align="justify"> <font color=#FFFFFF>~But please don't break it~</font> Well, so much for not letting anything or anyone change her. Veaji was more of a strong headed person. But in just mere seconds, she switched from listening to her head to listening to her heart. And Shadow was not helping her in changing back for he wrapped his arms around her. Despite the alarm bells ringing in her head, she found that she enjoyed this type of attention. In the nineteen years of her life, she had never fell in love. Now, she wouldn't call this love, she wasn't even sure what love is, but it was certainly something. How can it not be something? Her heart was beating faster than the normal speed for a jet plane. She couldn't even find any words to sound out. It was like having a different type of rush of adrenaline. She nearly opened her mouth to ask the arden to remove his arms from her. But when he did so himself to take an onion, she found that she wanted his arms back. However, she did not say anything. He was already teaching her on how to cut the onion. His voice was so near. She nodded to his comment. <font color=#FFFFFF>"What are we going to cook with these vegetables?" </font> Hopefully they wouldn't bring up the subject of this unpredictable moment for she didn't know how she was to explain. Plus, she wasn't sure if she could utter another word if they were to bring up the subject. She became certain that she would be a little more quiet when Shadow brushed forward. And she shivered. <tag /></td></tr></table>
