lost

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

He plodded along at a steady pace, wondering to himself if he was only moving slow to spite her and her teasing. It seemed entirely feasible, really. With all the other childish things he had been up to for the past twenty-four hours, he would not be surprised if he was being lazy simply to be an indignant pain in her neck. The thought did worry him, in all honesty. What had happened to responsibility and honor? Valor? Duty, rules and religion? Citadel decided that this was the reason he had been disallowed a wife: they were just too distracting, too tempting and too persuasive in their bodies to be conducive to backbreaking labor and relentless dedication to one’s community over oneself. To be without family was to be without priority. Thusly, he decided that he would plod along here in spite of her, but also in spite of his home. He would chase her down and leave their petty whims to rot into dust.

Coming to a wooded area, he found his way back to her. It seemed to him infinitely more logical to skirt around the dense section of trees, but it seemed that Nadia was intent on breeching them in a more direct way. “The faster you move, the faster you make mistakes,” he corrected, peering into the treed area, coming slowly closer to her.

Cato looked for a moment at the tracks on the ground, following them with his eyes for as far into the distance as he could. Without a word, he wandered off again, in search of any other sets. It was not all-important that they find and kill anything today, but he would have at least liked to have known where his chances of finding meat were highest.

Mostly, he just found hoof prints of horses… some very small tracks that could have been fawns. By training, he was compelled only to take down creatures that were adult, and either male or females without child. This was, of course, an attempt to spare the species from over-hunting. At home, the idea had seemed silly, as they were often overrun with deer in the breeding season (it appeared as though his herd tended to take up residence where the deer thought it suitable to lock horns: they would often wait for the fighting to stop and then take down the fleeing loser). Here though, there did not seem to be many at all. Then again, he had only looked at this place superficially.

Faintly, he could hear her moving again as he stood picking the bark off a tree that had been marred. “I’m coming,” he told her in a drawl, picking his feet up in a mildly hasty pace for her pleasantry. He had not wandered far, but had managed to be out of view of her. When he found her, she was stuck. Citadel decided then and there that this was no place for him. “Well if you can’t fit, my big butt can’t,” he told her, laughing. It was quite amusing to peer into the trees and find nothing but a horse’s behind locked between pillars of trees. There was not much he could do for her, after all.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

In all honesty the woman was begining to panic a bit. She kept trying to pull herself free by backing up or perhaps pushing forward. Sighing she tried pulling her ribs in to squeeze through but it seemed only her torso responded.

"I'm not stuck!" she said pushing against a tree. "I'm...resting. It just looks like I'm stuck" she giggled. Lowering her hind end the woman pulled and pushed herself. Trying to get out. The bark scraped against her skin then finally after what seemed like an hour, the woman was released and stumbled backward. She fell with a thump. "Ow" she whined. She sat there for a few minutes trying to figure if anything was broken or seriously hurt.

Eventually she stood up and looked at her barrels. She could feel a stinging sensation on her left side. It wasn't that big of a scratch but it was bleeding a bit. Sweat was still frothing on her coat and the salt stung even more. "well at least I'm unstuck." she said turning around and weaving through the trees.

It was a silly idea to think she could easily squeeze through and between the trees anyway. At least he didn't try to take advantage of the situation. The woman emerged from the little grove and stretched her legs out. "and I'm not hurt." she brushed off her stomach and walked back up to him. "well too badly"

There would probably be some swelling later but she'd live. At least he knew where they were now. "What do you want to do now?" she asked walking off back to the trees. There had to be something in there they could get to but Nadia decided not to try squeezing in there again. So she would walk along the edge of them. She had the need to keep moving after all that pulling.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

Citadel watched her struggle a bit, but there was really very little he could do. What was he expected to do? Ram into her with his full weight? Perhaps knock a tree down? The inability to provide aid caused him to become antsy and embarrassed. It was not a comfortable feeling for him to have to stand by as someone failed miserably. Then again, if she had fit in there, there had to have been a way for her to get out. The only thing really stopping her was the fact that the motion of pushing through always hurt worse the second time around - you know, once the skin had already been broken.

“Oh, I bet you’re not stuck,” he teased in a smug voice, crossing his arms over his chest and lifting his chin to peer down his nose at her in a spectator-like way. A few seconds passed and he drummed his fingertips on his arms in mock impatience. A smile broke the falsified sternness of his expression. “If that’s true, Girl, you’re one of a kind,” he responded, chuckling lightly at her. The only thing he could really say about all this was that she could at least hold her composure with some sense of stability.

He watched her struggle a bit more, pacing a bit and trying to find any sort of fix for the issue. Of course, there were none… but it never hurt to try. In a moment, she broke loose and fell back. The thud that resounded as she hit the ground made him cringe. “Ah,” the sound was sympathetic to her pain, sounding almost as if he had hurt himself. “You okay?” he offered, knowing all well that she was, for all intensive purposes, perfectly fine. Cato’s head craned to inspect the wounds down her side as she rose up and made her approach.

“Well, yeah,” he agreed, “but let’s not try that again.” When she approached, a half smile came over his lips at her words. His body moved to meet hers halfway, one hand cupping her cheek, head shaking in a melancholy way. A laughing sigh left him, mouth struggling for words a bit as he felt some sort of amused amazement. “I, I guess, Nadia,” he agreed before kissing her forehead, “but you’re the only one to ever be attacked by a tree.”

His hands fell away from her at her next question. What did he want to do? Geeze. He had no answer to that one. It was a horrible, wicked question that he could not help but take in the worst of ways. “I don’t care,” he finally told her after a few moments of pause. It was no lie.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

She leaned into his hand and smiled as a kiss was placed on her. At least he hadn't made it worse than it was. Nadia hated admitting she needed help in situations like that. It had been a bit of trouble for her to even get out so the woman had to get unstuck herself. Sighing she brushed off his stomach and ran her hands up it. "hey the tree started it and I won." she teased gently poking into his abs.

Nadia seemed to be fixated on them, rubbing them up and down. She guessed it was just the feeling of touching someone else. "Oh you don't care huh?" she cooed looking up at him. The woman smiled and slowly ran her fingers down his stomach. What could they do? She really didn't care either, that was the main reason why she had asked him.

"today is my birthday you know.." she said pulling her hair back and brushing off her stomach. Nadia really wished she didn't do that as often but it was a habit and a quirk. Still she looked up at him and cocked her head to the side. "we could play a game of truth or dare."

The game usually brought up subjects and actions related to sex. It really was a game for teenagers but anyone could play it. "unless you're too scared..." They could play another game of tag but that never was that much fun with just two people. Nadia didn't feel like running around anyway.

Licking her lips the woman leaned up and kissed his chin. "or....we could just cut to the chase and kiss each other." she replied softly wrapping her arms around the man's neck. Nadia really didn't mind what they did as long as it wasn't life threatening. A game could be fun though, rather than just making out and groping each other.



^{ooc; I actually forgot she was 19 instead of 18.}

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

Citadel was the type to try and help, and it made him feel a bit awkward when he could not manage to. Still, she had managed to free herself on her own, and he was happy with that. The end of it all had not come out a tragedy, and he accepted the obscure blessing in a defeated way. The only thing that lingered was the wound left on her side: he hoped with much intensity that it would not scar. Having already covered the topic with her, he would not bring it up again, but had decided to himself that the scrape was big enough to remain evident. It was not as if he would be distant from her if it did, but that he was the type to appreciate things that were unflawed. Something in him would feel guilty every time he saw it.

Fingers met his stomach, tickling him slightly in their grazing motions. She felt warm to him and it was an interesting feeling. Somehow he could be cold in the dead of summer… maybe two hearts were not enough to supply his entire body with blood efficiently. Maybe they were and he was just crazy. “Well, I guess you could call that winning,” he told her, shaking his head. Her constant contact was not unappreciated.

“That’s what I said,” he responded with a shrug. His hands rested in the curve of her waist. Such actions always made him remember how fragile she seemed. He knew his strength, but was not as of yet convinced that her ribcage was not in fact made of paper. His body weighed a bit over a ton, and he could hardly grasp at the numbers that might have applied to her. Half that? Certainly not more than that.

An eyebrow lifted at her next comment. When was his birthday? Sometime in the winter. He could not remember celebrating it in any way, but was sure he had as a child. He had been at work since he was fourteen, and had been allowed nothing remotely fun since then. Cato was not bitter about this. “Really, now?” Hands squeezed her sides lightly: he enjoyed the feeling of a body that was delicate and not bound with muscle. He was quite accustomed to women with abs harder than his and breasts that were nearly nonexistent set upon pecs that threatened to smash you on their own accord. It was gross, really, now that he looked back on it… but mostly only because it challenged his own masculinity, which was lacking. “We can do whatever you want, but don’t embarrass me too bad. I may cry.” Truth or dare? He was unsure of this, but figured that she might spare him from too much stupidity in the interest of their blossoming relationship.

A kiss met his chin and he smiled sheepishly at the words she offered. “Ya’ know we do that, anyway,” he told her with a laugh, kissing her nose. “So don’t tempt me if that’s not what you really want.” His arms settled around her torso in a firm way, as he half expected her to run off in play.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

Once again he neither agreed nor suggested something they could do. Nadia was growing a little frustrated by what seemed like indecisiveness, but accepted that might be how the man was. A hind leg picked up to rest itself and she began tracing a finger along the curves of his chest.

"Oh? And how could I tempt you?" she cooed wrapping her arms around his waist. Her fingers could barely touch together, when it seemed that just his hands could wrap around her abdomen. This wasn't completely true though. The woman was curvy not a stick. She was sure if he really wanted to try he could but it be uncomfortable. The pain had subsided a bit and now the torn skin was twitching every now and then.

The leg lowered and a hand moved to scratch the area between his forelegs. Surprisingly it was soft or softer than what she expected. Sighing she smoothed the fur and laid her head on his chest. She didn't seem to mind just standing here like this. It seemed to be perfect. Perhaps too perfect. Petite hands smoothed up his sides and the woman sighed.

"Cato....how do you feel about me?" she didn't need to hear that he was infatuated with her. Nadia just wanted to know, even if he was unsure. Why continue the charade if he only thought of her as a friend? Surely the affection was wanted between both of them. She didn't mind it all. He had stated before that she didn't love him and so she wouldn't stay. Nadia wasn't so sure if she did love him or not but would stay if she needed to. So far there was no reason for her to leave.

This whole thing was confusing to her. This wasn't done back home. Marriages were usually arranged by the parents and the couple forced together it seemed, unless someone else showed interest; and had something of value. Most married couples didn't love each other the day they were married, just....tolerated each other. Then being allowed to show affection, eventually fell in love or some never did. Those that chose to not follow the laws of matrimony were cast out. It was a confusing culture in itself. Those that had stuff could get away with sleeping with another man's wife while those that were considered poor couldn't. Nadia never really understood the ways of things; one of the reasons she had left.

No one seemed to care, not even father. Not that she cared either. The old man seemed distraught and distant since her mother had died. Understandable but he didn't have to be bitter about it.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

He was only indecisive because he was afraid. It seemed awkward to him to be asked what he wanted to do when genetics dictated something so obvious. In addition, he felt some sort of pressure to suggest something that she already had in mind, and did not want to make her do anything she thought was stupid. It was shyness that made him so indecisive.

Citadel faked a guise of thought as her arms found their way about his waist. How could she tempt him? She always tempted him no matter what she did, it seemed. Every move she made was taken as an advance or a decline in reference to his status. His weight shifted a bit, posture slack. “You know that’s a silly question,” he told her, running his fingertips up and own her spine slowly. One large fore hoof lifted and repositioned itself a few inches forward and beside her own. There was only so much that slouching could do to bring them to eye level of each other. “But, really… maybe we should worry more about you throwing yourself at me,” the statement could have been a question, but it came in tease. “I mean, I’m gorgeous, I know it. But you’re pretty willing. What are you trying to get?” The words came teasingly, accompanied by a smirk. He was trying to work something out of her, but was not even sure in himself what that was. Maybe just a confirmation.

The question that came from her was surprising and caught him off guard for a moment or two. How did he feel? He felt this was some sort of trick question, but was not going to worry about it too much. There was nothing to say besides the truth. “I feel like… I hardly know you,” he started thoughtfully, “but that I’ve got a chance.”

here lies the littlest of lambs

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OOC: Gosh, too sick for this... but I either write this or a gigantic essay, and this seems more fun.

[Nadia]

Was she throwing herself at him? Maybe but he didn't seem too upset by it, but then what man would? Still the woman pulled herself away from him a bit. She was a bit offended that he could tease her about such things. "I don't know about gorgeous...but you are pretty good." she smirked up at him. Maybe she was being too forward but then he didn't have a problem with it. At home she would have been reminded about her morals and they would have stopped. None of this playfulness between them would be going on.

Yes, maybe she wouldn't touch him as much now. She was throwing herself at him after all. "boy, I haven't even started throwing myself" she cooed. Nadia turned and trotted off to the other end of the grove. She didn't necessarily need to cool off but to get away and recover. The woman wasn't hurt exactly but had been reminded she wouldn't be doing this. Normally at home anyway.

Sighing she stopped when something popped it's head up near a tree. Just a fawn. One that didn't seem to get the concept of not moving to stay hidden. Then it could just be a day or so old. Still she walked by it. Fawns were usually tough and hardly any meat anyway. Once again she was in a meadow that seemed never ending. It seemed these were built around the idea of horses rather than those of her own species. Nadia hardly ate grass and when she did it was only if she was too sick to get her own food.

A hand reached back and touched the wound on her side. She winced a bit but brushed the loose bark away, licked her hand and smoothed out the fur around it. There was no telling if this would be another scar or it if would simply fade underneath her fur. It didn't seem likely but she didn't mind it. Things happened. Her legs were throbbing a bit now though, so the female laid down in the grass. A rest was needed anyway after all that. If only she had some of mother's oil to rub on the wound.


^{ooc; i can't focus either =P}

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

Citadel only said what he thought, and was sure in his standings that others should be willing to respect that. When a woman begs you for sex, no matter if she says such a thing so directly, she is throwing herself at you. That was how he saw it, anyway. If she was going to rub all over him and suggest they continue on with other such eroticies, especially after her previous antics, she should be open to his view.

“Hmm,” the sound was that of one who was highly amused. “You’re pretty cruel, Honey.” Not gorgeous? Pretty good? He could deal with that. He knew what he was, and was satisfied in her willingness to show affection that he was well good enough for her. Citadel was also aware that she was likely going to tease him within an inch of his breaking point. Luckily that was pretty far off. “But I guess one as pretty as you ain’t going to throw the compliments around, huh?” One eyebrow lifted, and his eyes rolled slowly in their sockets. She could say what she wanted, he would skim it off. It was a far-fetched idea to think that anyone who groped his body so willingly found him at all unattractive.

Her next words coerced a laugh from his chest. “If last night was you being innocent,” he told her in a whisper, leaning into her face, “then I’m not sure I can handle you on a filthy day.” He kissed her nose lightly before backing off a bit, a smile forming. Arms were loosened about her body, his own torso leaning back a bit to get a look at her. “Cause, you know I’m an innocent.” An innocent. Right. A virgin. Afraid of masturbation. Afraid of the first time… but certainly unafraid of alcohol and inebriation every time the mood struck him. Really, he could very well be the town slut and not even know it. He was missing days. Luckily enough, that was not against his morals.

When she turned to leave him, he was not at all surprised after her previous outbursts, but was (as he would always be) rather annoyed. The only thing he could figure was that she was lucky in the fact that he was not the type to grab her and force her to stay every time she ran off to sulk. It was childish and stupid to him, as he thought it irresponsible to hide from someone every time you had a bone to pick with them. Eventually he let the ordeal slide off of him, however. There was no point in crying over the loss of something that was not yours.

For a while he paced the area, hoping she would return but knowing that she would not. His body entered the grove of trees, but maintained its freedom. Reemerging in a moment or two, Cato stood with his arms folded over his chest. He would not chase after her, and he would not let her feel as though she had won. There was nothing in him that compelled him to chase her down whilst spurting apologies. He would just go home. Bitterness lurked, hooves pulled him forward.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

The woman laid down farther, her torso touching the grass. She sighed. Nadia didn't expect him to follow her. She giggled to herself about the pass few hours or days even. It was rather foolish of her to say such things. Nadia wasn't really going to rub herself up along his body. An innocent huh? He seemed pretty well open to the idea but then so was she. Perhaps she wasn't as pure as she tried to pull off. No maybe not.

Nadia had given into a few advances but it was just a simple kiss or touch here or there. She knew what drove the others wild or at least she thought. Cato seemed to have a lot of restraint. She liked that. He didn't try to get on after a few kisses or touches. That gorgeous hunk of man. The woman giggled again. Surely Cato didn't expect her to agree with him about that had he? Sighing she stretched out her legs and carefully rolled onto her back then over. Of course it was always good to scratch ones back on the ground, she guessed. Hers had popped and cracked more than itched though. It was one of the reasons why she did it occasionally.

Getting to her feet dirt was brushed away and she picked up a canter. Surely he either went off or was returning home. Had he ever thought about following her? Perhaps not. It was nice to not be followed or chased after an argument. Eventually he came into view again and the woman ran pass him at a full gallop. She ran for about another five hundred or so yards before prancing to a walk. Really did she need to prance? Perhaps she did. It seemed like late afternoon now and she was hungry again.

Maybe she should have taken that fawn but that would be wrong. Her side itched and she stopped to scratch at the scab or more or less to pick at it. It was another quirk of hers it seemed. Sighing she looked back to him, flicked her tail a few times and continued walking. What did he want her to do? Run by and slap his ass?

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

Citadel wanted nothing of her, nary anything to do with her really. He was to be content with what she gave, and would not ask for nor force anything more from her. Did he have a right to do so? He thought not. By any means, however, he was going to have this go his way… even if that meant he had to change his own ideals.

His body strode slowly, the leisurely aura of his walk broadcasting openly. For a moment before she crossed paths with him, he could hear the thundering of hooves. Cato considered looking back at her, but as there was nothing to fear from her, and he was quite sure it was her, there seemed no point. He could have dealt with a few more minutes alone. It wore on him to be in the company of others for extended periods of time as he was not used to it. He wondered if maybe he should imagine up some tasks to keep her moody, argumentative spirit occupied. It would not sway her, he decided, for she would only try to simplify and correct his routines.

She passed him, and he said nothing. There was nothing he could muster that needed to be vocalized. He was just going home; to work, to eat, to rest. For all he cared, she could be trying to find the end of some god forsaken rainbow. Citadel would not put the task past her. The eventual halt of her body meant nothing to him, as she was obviously not waiting on him. He figured that she was attempting to make a point of some sort, but was unmoved by the prospect. The closest that Citadel ever came to anger was disownment. The man did not feel like waiting on her emotions any more today.

Women. A sigh. He strolled, appreciating the occasional breeze that met his warm flesh. Grey eyes watched her move off again.

Eventually it came to be that the sea was in view once more. At this point, his stroll had lost all semblance of aim and he strolled toward the water without purpose. A few sea birds on the dry strip of sand between grass and water fluttered off from their scavenging at his approach. It was depressing that they avoided him, but made him smile in some obscure way.

A few more pieces of wood were gathered along with a few shells and oddities. With the constant fire they tended to keep, more would be needed to last them for any length of time.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Sam]

Sam had been traveling for quite some time. His body was covered in dry sweat and he certainly wasn't that presentable. He didn't really care though, there wasn't anyone around it seemed. The male just kept walking brushing off bits of dirt from his stomach. Eventually he found a shallow pool which he rinsed himself off in. It didn't seem like anyone was using it for drinking. No tracks or markings, so he dropped the body of the deer on the ground and cooled off. It seemed so hot today.

Eventually he came out and shook off and placed the carcass over his back again. It seemed so peaceful here. He could hear the faint thunder of hooves though they stopped. So quiet that it seemed he was hearing things. He chose to investigate. Following his ears the male moved swiftly up the hill. He stopped, pawed at the soil and looked around. Off in the distance he saw a woman walking toward him. Well, indirectly but still walking his way nonetheless. Odd how this girl was alone.

He pursued her at a trot then a walk. He couldn't see anyone else nearby, was she even claimed? It didn't seem so, but then she was not of his culture. What should he say though? What was his purpose for coming here in the first place? To find a home really and maybe something to eat or to cook it on. The man had a small buck accompanying him. Laying dead across his back of course. Already gutted. Sam didn't care much for the entrails. He guessed if times were hard they would be prepared but for far the body was all that he ate.

"Uh...hello. I'm Sam. You wouldn't happen have a fire I could cook this deer on by any chance?" he pawed and gestured to the carcass slumped over his horse half. He still couldn't quite understand why a woman of her size would be alone.

[Nadia]

The woman sighed and continued her walking. She didn't really care where Cato was going, just as long as it wasn't with her. Nadia wasn't going force him to do things he didn't want to. It didn't seem like he was too interested in her anyway. It seemed any man would let a woman kiss and rub up on him these days. It didn't matter if he liked her personally or if it was just the attention.

She startled a bit seeing another come so close just to introduce himself. The woman stopped. A fire? She could make one right here if he wanted but there was nothing to contain it so a grass fire would surely be the end results. "oh. um. yes there is a fire. I'll go ask Cato if it's alright. You stay right here" she murmured and backed up a few steps. He didn't seem like a threat but still she cantered away with haste. It was Cato's camp after all. He tolerated her being there but probably not another man. Plus it was always good to have another around in the presence of a stranger or so it seemed.

Moving along the beach she slowed to a trot. Nadia had found him but what was she to say? "there's a man here that wants to use our fire to cook on." That seemed to work. She stopped about twenty paces from the brute. The woman was fiddling with her hands as she grew nervous about the situation. "and I didn't know if you would want that." A man's camp was his castle no doubt? She wouldn't like it very much if a woman had come barging in on her home. Still she turned to the side, ready to either take the man to the other or to simply run away. Whatever needed to be done. The deer did look appeasing though. She was hungry after all. They couldn't really survive on just fruit.

Still she thought back to this Sam. He was very strange looking. Normally skin alterations were frowned upon but she found it interesting to say the least. Nadia had a vague idea of the procedure and surely it was very painful. She wondered how much pain Cato could tolerate.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

Citadel really liked this girl, to the point that it was painful that they did not always get along. He gathered the wood slowly, thinking deeply on the topic all the while. They were both so quick to spit out words that were likely not even meant! He figured that this was simply a side effect of their differing backgrounds, and would dissipate in time as they became familiar with the customs and moral stigmas of each other. Maybe then they would figure out their feelings and be able to set them aside. Maybe then she could feel love, and he would believe that she truly did. It would take him a while to trust her enough to believe in something so foreign in notion, even though he found the idea of loving her to be easy and natural.

Looking up as her approach closed in, he expected something entirely different from what her lips spilled. Honest, he had not expected an apology, for there was no reason for that… but if he had been obliged to guess, he would have thought that maybe she had found food or, you know, the end of that rainbow. A man? He paced slowly toward her, only a few steps taken. Grey eyes looked her over lightly. He did feel a sense of franticness in her actions, but she seemed fine.

“And what’s this man’s name…?” he questioned slowly, thinking the other brave for entering the home of another with such little concern. Cato thought for a moment that it could have been someone he knew, fearing for the worst possible scenario. It had occurred to him many times that he could be fetched from his retreat and returned to his endless duties back home. He dreaded this, but was sure this was not the case.

His heavy body came closer to hers yet, feeling a bit remorseful for his flagrant actions toward her. There was too much pride in him to mention it, but that did not mean he was not looking for a sign that things were okay between them. Thick arms folded over his chest, and his face contorted a bit in thought. “Let’s go look, Nadia,” the words fell quietly. The softest kiss he could manage was left on her forehead, and he turned toward camp.

It was not a long distance between the water and the shelter of the cliff, and he dropped the few small pieces of wood when he felt that he was within his territory. He watched the other, but not in an obvious way.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Sam]

He was a little upset that she felt the need to ask permission from someone. Who was this Cato anyway? Another woman? No that seemed unlikely. Hopefully he hadn't wandered into another man's home. The thought of it was not a pleasant one to say the least. Though it seemed his species were a little less territorial than their counter parts. Still he couldn't imagine that this woman was alone and certainly didn't have some, huge, hulking man to take care of her?

Sam was a bit surprised by this. If she had a companion he had expected it to be female or at least a man of her size. This didn't change anything though as he was here merely to cook the stag he had caught. Offer and leave some with them of course but the man wasn't here looking for a fight nor to attempt to steal the woman. Even if he had been thinking of that all hope would be wiped away upon seeing something so big. The man didn't dare approach them, he could wait or try to start his own fire. Yes, why hadn't he done that? Just a mere simple little fire to cook on?

He should just leave right now but he was hungry and raw venison wasn't his favorite thing for a meal. No, his had to at least touch the fire for a few minutes. The man didn't even make an attempt to tidy himself up anymore than what he was. He wasn't covered in dirt at least nor mud. There wasn't much of a point to unless there was some formal tradition he needed to do before using the fire? If the giant would allow him to that is. He began to pace a bit. Most in nervousness and the thought of something so big chasing him away was unsettling. He wouldn't back down from a fight but it was suicide to stay and defend yourself when something so huge was trying to pummel you into the ground.

Still he would take this as a don't judge a book by its cover sort of thing. Well by its size in this case. Who knew? Maybe he was friendly and didn't have an interest in the beauty that walked by him? He could only dream.

[Nadia]

The woman brushed off her stomach as she calmed a bit. There was no real reason to be nervous was there? The man had approached her in quite a friendly manner. "Sam" she shrugged a bit. Nadia personally didn't know of a person by that name, but then she hardly talk to any of the men. There was a Samantha but that was it. Now was hardly the time to think of patching things up with the man. There was nothing to patch up. Everything was alright. She hadn't called him a big thick headed jerk had she? No, the thought hadn't really crossed her mind. He seemed a little too prideful for her but Nadia could get use to that.

After all she didn't want a man that apologized all the time, nor one that clung to her side like mud. A man that cried as a matter of preference. For Nadia it had to be a really good reason for a male to cry. Like losing a loved one or something among those lines and reasons; not because they got into a heated argument with vulgar and unpleasant words being exchanged. He was about perfect. Was there such a thing as the perfect man? The woman wanted to wrap her arms around him but other matters were at hand.

"a-alright" she replied softly. The woman melted slightly as a kiss was placed on her skin. She sighed quietly and followed him. Nadia stayed on the side that would keep her farthest from this Sam. Though her tail had other ideas and occasionally slapped against the beast's flanks. Sex would most likely be difficult for them, maybe even impossible. What was she thinking? That was hardly a topic to think about at the moment.

"It seems he's not going to willingly come up here dear." she said quietly looking up at him. "You can be intimidating at times" she smiled a bit then looked at the fire. Why not find a dead tree to use as fuel? Surely a dead one burned better than one that was still alive? Still the woman looked over to where the man had stood. He was still there.


ooc; i am going to assume we're at the fire now? >.<

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

Sam… Sam, Sam, Sam. This was no one he knew. It was a relieving fact, to say the least. He felt at ease knowing that no one had come to collect him. “Hmm,” was the only response that came of him, and it was rather gruff. He sucked on his teeth a bit in thought.

Cato had never been the type to feel protective of property. Then again, he had never had any land… or even a home that he owned outright. The hut he had lived in back at home had been on the land of his parents. He was not permitted to own his own, in the interest of the prevention of him forming a sense of superiority over others. This, needless to say, had not worked. Somehow he had come into the ownership of land and the company of a woman in a very short time. It was an era of firsts for him.

To have her follow him in such a quiet, obedient manner was strange. Still, he could not manage to find a complaint about her proximity. Somehow the presence of this stranger changed her: it made her meek, and he was a bit wary of this. She had seemed almost scared. Citadel could not comprehend this alteration, as she had always acted so wild and untouchable when they were alone. He considered the idea that there may have been more to this story than she told him, and it caused him to feel the first symptoms of anger grow into a knot in his belly. Was this other threatening? Was he mean to her? Did she know him?

At first glance of this Sam, all the questions he asked himself faded into a rather confident “no.” Comfortably within the confines of his camp, he disappeared into the nearly finished building for a moment. A loud laugh came from within at Nadia’s words and he stepped from the structure again. “Well if he’s not going to come up, maybe he doesn’t need to,” the words were only half joking. He popped the knuckles of his right hand and then his left. It was a horrible habit, and one he promised himself daily he would quit.

Stooping, he picked up a piece of wood from the pile beside the hut and tossed it into the fire which had begun to dwindle yet again. In a moment, the pale wood began to blacken and then crackled into life. Sap bubbled up from the cracks. “I’m not intimidating,” he told her, looking at the fire. His gaze shifted to her, a smile appearing on his face. “Not unless you give me a reason to be.”

Again, he looked back at the intruder, arms folded over his chest. Looking him over, he did not bother to be discreet. “So, what’sit you want?”

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Sam]

Eventually he ventured closer to what he assumed was their camp. Sam wasn't exactly sure about this anymore and he should have just made his own fire. Oh well no turning back now. He didn't want to seem like he was wary of the male but for the sake of bread. He was huge! He pretended not to hear the laughter nor how exposed the woman was.

It wasn't unusual for him but it was still temptation that he didn't need. "Just something to cook this deer on." he pawing at the soil. He kept his eyes moving though, he had been watching the woman but then turned his attention to the man. Then slowly back to the woman.

They both had to admit she was nicer to look at than each other. Sighing he pulled the carcass off and continued skinning it. The job was only half way done and in a few minutes he had the two separated. Of course he laid the bare muscle on the skin. He didn't want it getting dirtier than what it needed to be.

"you're more than welcome to have some" he said looking at the woman. "both of you.." It wouldn't be right to just share it with female just because she was a woman. A pretty woman that he would most likely never see again; well very often anyway. Of course he had his own bag that laid over his barrels. Kind of like a saddle bag but the deer held in place.

Searching through one sit he placed the knife back in its sheath and fished out what looked like a metal stand. It was charred and smelled faintly of cooked meat. All he had to do was lock the legs and stand this thing up and he could cook parts of venison. So he did exactly that. Placed it over the fire, waited for it to grow hot then cut a piece off the body and placed it on there. Of course he stooped and knelt awkwardly but soon he was up brushing his hands off.

[Nadia]

Cato seemed to forget that some hadn't seen a man of his size. She herself had been a little scared or awkward around him. Still she said nothing really. They would talk later of such things. "I'm not so sure about that..." was all she said to the man. Then the other, Sam, had gotten enough guts to come up here it seemed.

She really didn't quite know what to do in such a situation. So she stayed away from him on the opposite side of the fire. The men could do whatever they wanted. They could surely handle themselves against each other. Though it wouldn't be much of a fair fight. One being bigger than either of them and the other so stringy looking. He looked like he barely got enough to eat, with all the lean muscle poking out. Maybe he ran too much. There had been someone like that back home. Small and stringy but could run for miles if needed.

Nadia did notice he was looking at her quite a lot though. Well if she had a choice to look at another woman or a man she'd chose the man. It was a matter of comfort? She didn't know and didn't particularly mind it. He wasn't drooling over himself so no harm?

The woman watched him drop the deer and remove its skin. How horrible that must feel but then it was already dead. She couldn't imagine what horrible barbarian would skin something alive; other than to torture it. Sighing she brushed off her stomach and laid down. Not in a lazy way as usual but something a bit more stiff. Eventually though she relaxed and her legs slid a bit from under her. She wasn't sure what to say either at the offer. Nadia would gladly take it off his hands if he so offered it but that might seem as a different reason to another.

Why didn't she carry such a packing bag? Then she could carry much more with her and not have to worry about straining her shoulders. What would she carry in it though? Her few grooming tools then a bunch of pebbles and rocks she found along the way? It seemed quite feasible but either way would be bothersome.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

Stern as ever, Citadel would allow the other in his space as long as no transgressions were committed. He did not care if he used his fire or preyed occasionally on the woodland creatures that dwelt within his range, fished on his coastline, gathered fallen wood, ate from native the plants. These were all renewable things, and they belonged to nature before they ever belonged to any man. Still, Cato reserved the right to cast him out if need be. There would be no theft, no lies and no advances on Nadia. There would be no friendship either, as far as the black beast was concerned. As he stood currently, Citadel was much more willing to befriend a female than a male. Males were only trouble, except those he found to be good drinking buddies.

He did not answer Nadia’s comment, for he knew very well that he was of rather impressive stature. It seemed that she would never let him make light of such things, but it did not bother him. It was a reassuring though to him that he could hold his own out here simply by way of looks. At home he was scrawny and easily picked on. Out here, his presence was somehow transformed into one of grandeur and command. Citadel was not especially fond of being assumed a Neanderthal at first sight, but he could deal with scaring off a few potential problems.

As he approached, Citadel kept an eye on him but went about his own business. “Alright, then,” he agreed with the man without ever looking at him, granting him use of the fire. Nadia’s place at the opposite end of the fire was noted, and he made an effort to be between the two of them as inconspicuously as possible. She was obviously uncomfortable, and he wondered why. Surely she was not assuming he would do something rash! How could she already be at that conclusion? Again he wondered what had been said in his absence, but knew he would have the chance to question her later.

A grunt was all that left him at the stranger’s offer, and he eventually settled a bit to Nadia’s left at the fire. He watched the man prepare the meat between glances shot at the girl in wonder. She was calming down, but very slowly. In his recollection, she had never been this uncomfortable about him when they had met.

Shifting in discomfort and slight anticipation, he felt as though he should be standing. He felt...vulnerable. This, however, was known by him to be another bout of paranoia. This Sam had done nothing out of line, but Cato’s guard was still up. Having him around made such an eerie silence that it made him nervous. He said nothing about himself, and so conversation fell through the cracks.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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