lost

[Sam]

The man laid down as well but not in such a relaxed position. He searched through the bags again and finally brought out what looked like a few tin plates. It was all he had really. At one time one had been used to feed his dog but then that was ages ago. He kept that dish for himself.

Flipping the meat over he let it sizzle and drip into the fire. The oils and fat he didn't really care for. They only seemed to make him pudgy and heavier. He needed to be fast not bulky. It just occurred to him that he hadn't asked them how they would like their peices prepared. He himself liked medium rare or something along that section. Few, men at least, like theirs well done or so he assumed. Sam had never met a male that would turn down meat just by its cooking time.

Sighing he cut off another piece and switched them, placing the hot one on a place. "I apologize for earlier miss. I didn't mean to frighten you." he muttered looking at the fire. The way she had reacted anyone would think he had the plague or was missing an eye or something. She hadn't even the thought of mind to introduce herself.

Licking his lips, Sam momentarily played with the tongue piercing he had. There wasn't much else he could say. If they wanted to eat all they had to do was ask. Otherwise he was going to cook a few more, so they could pick and choose. Even though they pretty much all would receive the same treatment. He didn't know what else to call the woman. Woman seemed so rude and he didn't want to crude. At least not being so close to the male. Who seemed keen on watching him. Maybe they were married and he was the jealous type? Either way he didn't see much hope in pursuing her; unless her companion were to state his intentions or he were to be away for awhile.

The playing ceased and his tongue returned to its normal position in the mouth. This was such a ridiculous frivolous idea. Hitting on a woman whose name he did not know? Who might be married? Hell she might even be pregnant for all he knew. Shaking his head a bit another piece was placed on the fire, and the other joining its buddy on the plate.

The pieces weren't huge nor small. They would be what the size he would consider eating himself, but then he didn't gorge himself. Picking up the tin he stood up a bit then offered the plate to the woman. She might be more willing to accept it than the man. Who seemed disgruntled by his presence. "Might as well get started, before it gets cold" There really wasn't much he could say. Here take them? He didn't want to make himself look foolish by mentioning she might be pregnant. If she wasn't then the woman might take it as him calling her fat. Women were traditionally served first back home anyway. Once or if she did take the plate, he would sit back down and return to business. He wasn't going to try leaning over the fire.

[Nadia]

The woman just continued to watch him cook the meat. It was a learning opportunity was it not? Nadia felt relieved when Cato sat down nex to her, or within an arms reach anyway. She didn't like him walking around and possibly stepping on her when he seemed to be curious about Sam. Though she wished he would have positioned himself closer to her rather than what seemed to be the middle. "Oh. It's Nadia" she muttered. There wasn't much else she could say.

Don't scare me like that again? Think how you approach someone out of the blue? Either way he was done to the point of what he wanted. A fire. "It's quite alright" she said looking over to her left. Hopefully he wouldn't take this as they were flirting, even if they were; was it really any of his business? Perhaps so; it would be a different matter if they themselves hadn't flirted and exchanged touches so willingly. No to flirt with both men would be frowned upon and considered slutty? She wasn't sure.

Sighing she relaxed a bit more and spent her time shifting her eyes between the men. They were so different from each other. One being a huge bulking mass of muscle and power and one that was well...not. Nadia seemed to prefer men that were bigger than her, not in height to per se but she didn't need a girlie sized man. He wasn't girlie just...built different. He seemed to be a runner or someone that moved around a lot.

Cato seemed to move a lot as well but more so in the torso or at least his equine half wasn't popping with lean muscle. Sure it was there but she didn't need to see it. Nadia wasn't sure why she was thinking about such things. She hadn't committed herself to either men. Weren't women constantly comparing men though? Single women more so than those that were married but wasn't it just nature?

She could only hope so. Still she found herself fixated on the man's tongue. Just what was he playing with? This metal ball and bar thing? Why would someone get that done? Maybe it was for cosmetic reasons or some girls liked it. Nadia didn't particularly find it attractive and was grateful Cato didn't have such a thing. It might feel weird anyway. Still she found herself curious about it, but perhaps it was just simply metal shoved through his tongue.

How painful. "Thank you" was all she said taking the plate. She wasn't use to eating with a fork and knife so she picked pieces off, stuck them in her mouth and chewed. It was actually quite good. Usually there was a bit of grease left on but there seemed to be hardly any. Maybe that was because of the grate he used. It had holes in it and she could see and hear the fat dripping off and into the fire. She was impressed.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

Whether she agreed or not, Citadel thought of Nadia as his own. He would bitter if it came to be that he threw away everything he had for a girl that would not remain with him. Then again, it was his fault, anyway. He should not have been so foolish as to have thrown it all away so quickly, and for a woman he did not know. Up until now, though, he had not really been made to think about the possibility of her taking another. It made him bitter toward them both, but he subdued the feeling as best as he could. It would be a long hard road out of Hell for the both of them if they did anything stupid… or, that was what he told himself. In reality, he was probably too soft to get angry outright. He was not so aggressive.

This was the reason he did not take his usual place a hair’s breadth from Nadia. He was protective, but untrusting of her. He was curious as to what she would do if given a chance. Most all of him knew that she would not act against him, but here was always the possibility that she would dare to do something hurtful.

Cato passed the time watching the stranger cook, rather uninterested. It only made him feel awkward for not having provided the girl with more in her time here. Then again, it was hard to hunt or fish when you spent all of your time chasing after a girl because she could not take a joke. For a moment he thought that Sam should take her off of him, to let him be free of her irrational behavior… but he knew this was all for not. It may not have been love that he felt for her, but it surely was an intense infatuation.

His body shifted, heavily feathered legs spilling out from beneath his barrel. Watching Nadia take the food, he realized how lost for words he truly was. It was better, he decided, to remain silent when upset. He knew well that it would gain him some sort of awkward aura, but also recognized his inability to make an ass of himself when stunted of vocalizations.

Antsy, he shifted frequently over the next few minutes. Why this whole situation bothered him so much, he could not place. He knew all well that neither of them was doing anything wrong, but was still angered. On matters of the heart, he was as versed as a child. He could not handle this with the grace he hoped so vainly for. Eventually, and without a word, but with gruff and forceful movements, he did rise up. He looked to Nadia, but the glance was stern and far from questioning or unsure. He did not know what he was doing, but it seemed dangerous for his sanity to sit here. He was too prone to anger, he would not risk lashing out.

It seemed best to retreat to his shelter, though a bit of the roof was as of yet unfinished. He would not run the risk of leaving the camp. Composure kept, he took his leave.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Sam]

Several more pieces were cooked and placed on a plate. This silence was deafening but he did not care much. He'd rather have it be quiet rather than a bunch of arguing or accusations. Maybe he was being too friendly toward the woman. Perhaps he should have just called her woman in fact? Offered the plate to the man first?

The beast rose and he almost did as well but remained calm and stayed put. He was just getting up, it wasn't as if he was charging toward him. Sighing most of the deer had cooked by now, the rest he could make into a primitive jerky. The man entered the structure and he was relieved. "I think it's best if I leave now rather than later." he said making a sack out of the skin. Standing up he slung it over his back. "Thanks for letting me use the fire" he said stooping down to collect his cooking surface. It was hot but nothing that the leather back couldn't handle.

Sam also took half of the meat and placed it in a greasy bag then into the opposite bag. He wasn't in that big of a hurry to leave. It seemed like only a few minutes since the man had left them alone. He strangely had been in a situation like this before and knew it was probably best if he left as soon as possible.

He would leave the plates that were being used. No sense in ruining food just to have them back. Looking at the woman his brain seemed to think it was a good idea to make her an offer. "You're welcome to come with me. If you want." he said quietly. Though he then took his leave without her answer. Now he most likely had to get out of here. Sam had crossed the line and for what? A woman he didn't know just so he could satisfy his own primal urges? Women were dangerous. A quick look around and he bolted off and away from the camp. Going what he assumed was south. It wouldn't take him long to get off this beach and onto another.

How stupid was he?

[Nadia]

She finished eating what she could. Though Nadia had surprised herself that she had ate everything on the plate. It seemed that Cato was nervous or restless. He kept moving around a bit. Wiping her mouth the tin was set down in front of her. She chewed the last of her meal and swallowed.

Nadia was confused at why the man would get up and leave. The look he had given her set chills down her spine. Had she done something wrong? No she didn't consider being polite or taking food when it was offered wrong. Was he getting jealous? Maybe, she wasn't sure what about though. She knew less of this man than she did Cato. Did he think she was going to run off into the sunset with this Sam? It was laughable, but understood where it might be coming from.

Sure he seemed nice but a little too forward? The woman wasn't sure. Either way she was a bit disappointed he had chosen to leave but better that then to be stared down at or get into a fight. The sun was just beginning to set it seemed. He spoke more and she just nodded "your welcome" she muttered. Nadia was glad he was leaving.

Though it seemed rather quick of him. Cato had only just stepped out a few minutes ago, but then she had never seen him act like this. It was usually her that was walking away from something. So was she to take this as he might have feelings for her? The woman stood up as well but took a step back so not to stand so close to the flame. "what?" she said a bit confused and quiet, she hadn't expected that. He left without answering her. So had that been his game all this time? To get her alone to offer something so vague?

She hardly knew him. Was that how some men acted? Completely by urges? Sighing she stood there for a few minutes, thinking the last hour or so over. Some man pops out of nowhere immediately introduces himself and asks to use their fire. It seemed unreal. Had he expected her to be alone? Perhaps so.

Looking over to the shelter she took a few tentative steps toward it. "Cato?" She wasn't use to having to comfort a man. Comfort didn't seem the word but she really couldn't think of anything else to call it. "you...you can come out now if you want honey.." She wasn't going to tease him about this. If it had been a woman Nadia might have done the same thing.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

From within the rounded structure, he heard them talk back and forth. Generally, he was fine with their conversation, as he did not pick up any sinister undertones. Banter went on about food and thank you’s and this and that, but overall there was very little said. Even though they could not see him, he still felt as though he should keep himself occupied in the interest of the charade. A wide strip of tea-dyed fabric was pulled from his bag and he tacked it up over the door with an assortment of small, recycled nails - most of which he pushed into the wood with a swift hit of the heel of his hand. It hurt, but the calloused state of his palm prevented it from being too bothersome.

Some shuffling, he stood dead still in anticipation. Sam’s words came, and the offer almost caused him to burst from the shack the instant it met his ears. Instantly, though, he decided that he would wait for Nadia and see what her response would be. She seemed… confused, flustered. He could breathe again. Citadel would not have to wring any necks today. Well, there was one that deserved it (by his standards), but Nadia’s response had saved him from a more sealed, decisive fate. Hoof beats. A retreat? Cato only picked up one set, and was again relieved. He was still suspicious. He would have a talk with this Sam if they ever crossed paths again.

A few more steps, slow and deliberate. A heavy, annoyed sigh left him. Even though there was no reason for it, he felt a bit betrayed. Was she such a harlot? She had assured him before that she was not, but perhaps her standards were lower than his own. He lay down at the back of the room, glancing up through the hole in the center of the roof. Later tonight, he decided, he would gather more stones to build the type of fire pit he was used to. They would need one here in the winter… if she had not run off with another, that was.

His name. He did not move, but was satisfied in the promise that she had not snuck off or some such nonsense. Citadel did not answer her, just shifted his weight to lean against the wall. More words. Another sigh left him. “Am I hiding?” he asked, forcing a lighter tone into his words. He would try not to be crude or bitter openly. That was something that had been trained out of him a long time ago.

Slowly, his body rose up and he came to the doorway, pushing the fabric aside to look out at her. “I’m just trying not to kill anyone,” he told her through clenched teeth.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

The woman couldn't help what others thought of her. This wasn't the first time an offer like that had come along. As usual she hardly knew the man to begin with and as usual he ran off after a rejection was given. This one though ran off before she could answer him. Obviously it was a 'No' but he had enough sense to get out of the area at least. "No. I would hope not." she replied looking back at the fire.

More words and she turned to look at him. So. He was a bit jealous? "Yes, I see. you're more than welcome to chase after him. If you want." she smiled and walked toward the door. "I much rather have you stay here though." she stopped and brushed her stomach off. "with me." Committed to him or not, Nadia felt a form of affection for Cato. Perhaps as a friend for now and lover later on?

"If you want some food there is some left." She wasn't going to discuss what had been said. He obviously knew or was too worked up that she didn't need to add more fuel to that fire. Turning around she hesitated a moment before walking back to the circle of rocks. He would have to come out eventually. In all actuality she could have ran off with him but she didn't know him nor how he treated his women. Who knew? He might have fifteen back home all pregnant with babies running around.

She didn't like the idea of being just another woman to get on top of. "I think we need to talk about where we stand with each other Cato." surely he didn't get possessive of his friends like that? She stopped and turned back around. She gave him a curious look then smiled. "Surely you didn't sulk off because we're just friends?" Did he think she was too preoccupied to not notice? The woman crossed her arms over her chest and stood there watching him. Eventually after a few minutes she came over to the doorway. "I would hope not.." Her arm relaxed and went back to her sides.

There really wasn't much else she could say. I love you? No that seemed too soon. I like you? I'm willing to have your baby? Now that seemed ridiculous on its own. Nadia wasn't sure how either of them would take to being a parent.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

She would hope not? The last thing he would do was hide, and he considered this to be more of something as “purposeful avoidance” than hiding. Citadel did not wish to sit and watch the ruination of his hopes, and would rather simply come to find her missing than watch her walk away. It came down to it that he would either seethe in public or seethe in loneliness, and he had decided that the latter was more appealing. “I think we’d both rather I keep my composure,” he told her with a frustrated sigh. Citadel could be a pounder of fists and a shaker of resolves if he so chose to be, but knew that it was probably appreciated when he kept his wits about him.

A short, decided laugh left him at her next words. Obviously this stranger had been smart enough to take his own leave! Citadel was above the idea of hunting down someone who had fled: especially after they had already lost the battle as well as the war. It was not worth his energy. “If he comes back, I may have a go,” the words were tinged with something resembling humor. Some real transgression had to occur before he would lay hands on another, but he had thought it would be obvious enough to this Sam that she was well spoken for. Only an idiot would have tried. This one… he had a lot of gall. Cato could respect this.

Stay here with her… Why not? Frankly, he would rather stay here as well. Her approach was taken pleasantly, even though he was encouraged to take it as a cover-up for some evil she had committed. He had seen nothing, however, and so was at no liberty to be suspicious. “I’d rather that, too,” he told her, voice near a whisper, nodding slightly.

“Not sure that sounds so appetizing,” he told her flatly, looking at the food that lay there going cold in the open air. It was not even the temperature that made him turn it down, but the origins of it and, above all, his pride. She moved away. He again retreated into his shelter. Something about anger always beckoned him to sleep. Citadel figured it was the unwillingness he held to deal with such things. It was easier to sleep than to dwell on a petty argument.

Having not had the chance to move away from the door, he peered back out when she spoke again. Oh no. Oh dammit no. She was always trying to drag him into talks about feelings and other things he could not handle with ease. Grey eyes simply stared at her until she turned back around and continued speaking. “I don’t sulk over this,” he told her softly, “and if you were my friend, I would not care in the least.”

She approached him, spoke a bit more. He stood in silence for a moment, eyes meeting hers when they could. “… and surely you don’t stay without the want of something more, Honey.” His weight shifted to lean against the doorframe. “We’re both here for a reason, and I won’t be used.”

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

She was delighted that he didn't spew forth his feelings so willingly. What he had said pleased her in a way. "Alright then. That's all I really need to know..." she sighed and ventured back toward the fire. To burn the meat would only leave the air smelling foul. The woman simply chose to gather up the food and let it be by the fire. They or she could deal with it in the morning. It was fine where it was. Was it not?

So that was his game was it? She wanted something out of him and he of her? She pawed at the soil and laid down near the fire. It was growing darker later and later. Surely summer was near. "If you think I'm looking for a husband then think again dear." Was there really a need for such a ceremony? Most didn't abide by the rules anyway. Why not just stay with someone and if it didn't work out? Then who cares? No divorce or shame in getting one. There was always shame in living unmarried with a man, but there was no one else around!

"I doubt we could get a priest out here on such short notice anyway." She giggled and allowed her legs to splay out. Nadia would not sleep in that structure unless he asked her to, but then what would that mean exactly? "It's not like anyone is here to watch us" she said quietly.

She wished he'd join her though but wasn't going to ask. That might seem to eager for his company. She laughed softly at thought of all this. "I should have known he was a bit odd. Just walked right up to me, said his name and what he sought after." She giggled more. Of course if she had said no there was no fire, what would he have done then? Nadia wasn't sure. She was sure that she felt safe with Cato though. If he did try something cruel she could easily outrun him; or try to.

"Will you join me Cato?" she looked back to him. "only for a bit then, we can go to bed." Was it so bad she wanted to be next to him? They weren't doing anything all that wrong. Sure she had gotten overwhelmed the night before but she was allowed to regain her senses. Most men wouldn't do that. To turn down something but then maybe he didn't bother to think of it like that. No it seemed he wouldn't do 'that' unless something on her end were to happen. Was that suppose to mean she had to love him before anything more would happen? Sighing she wiped the corners of her mouth and moved to get more comfortable. She would accept that. It was not like she was in a rush or anything.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

And that was all she needed. He felt as though he had said nothing at all. Well, nothing of importance, anyway. Cato would explain himself thoroughly if he could ever muster the words to make it possible. He was not the most agile of tongue, and thought it impossible to explain yourself so thoroughly to anyone that they could even begin to comprehend. You were the way your were in response to thousands of events, criss-crossed and seamed together on threads the like of a spider’s. Your life was better represented as intersections in a web than in a timeline. His… his would be small, but rather densely populated.

She turned away again, and he wondered why she moved back and forth so frequently. Was there something interesting there? Or was he somehow hard to look at now? It felt suspicious, but there was nothing he could say. The doorframe, however sturdy he could have built it, creaked as his heavy body repositioned itself against it. She lay down.

If you think I’m looking for a pain in my ass, then think again, Dear. A husband? As far as he knew, he had never put himself up for grabs in that manner, and had never tried to coax her. First and foremost, he had nothing to give her parents if he decided to take her… and they probably would not accept anything he had to offer anyway, simply because of his genetic standings. Second, he was not about to commit himself so religiously to a person who was so likely to take off with another. The greatest insult he could imagine would be to have a cheating wife. He would probably have to kill her, as sick as it would make him feel. “What makes you think you’re so fitted for the job?” he asked her, a bit insulted but quickly getting over the feeling. His demeanor softened, an eyebrow lifted precariously. “You’re pretty brave to assume that I’m that interested. I could just be playing you.”

Her next words made him smile. A priest. A priest! She had thought about this way too much. The only thing he could surmise was that she thought she was being clever, pulling that age-old routine of hard to get. Who tells you that you have no chance but them immediately turns it around into that? How cute. “Nope, no one,” he agreed, rolling his eyes, “so I guess I’ll be doing as I please with you.” A heavy breath left him in stead of a laugh. It was indeed a great risk for a woman to run by being out here with him. He was a stranger after all.

Citadel’s face contorted in a mix of anger and frustration over Sam. He crossed his arms over his chest. “And he should have known better than to be so forward,” he told her flatly, “I mean, he didn’t do anything wrong… but he made himself as suspicious as he could be.” Citadel was still a bit convinced that Sam had sought her out purposefully, attempting to avoid him. “I’d be more hospitable if I wasn’t so intent.” On her. Intent on her. But somehow the last two words were too crude to spit out. There was no way to say that he was possessive and greedy of her without sounding like a creep.

He paused a second at her invitation. Without a vocal answer, his body prepared to move, the doorframe creaking back into place. His arms unfolded when he moved to lie down, the gap between them miniscule. Cato felt rather beat, but it was mostly just the constant blur of smoke against his eyes. He always smelled like that smoke, as ash and burnt sap, and his skin seemed evolved perfectly for hiding the ash and soot that clung to it by the end of a night. “You tired?” he asked, for she did not seem tired, but spoke as if she was ready to turn in.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

Sighing she had wrapped an arm around his waist as he sat down. Letting him talk and what not. She was tired but felt the need to scratch him. So they both might possibly be intent on the same thing? The woman looked up at him and smiled, allowing her hand to rub up his back. "I doubt anyone can match your big and cute Cato." Without it being dangerous. Any bigger and the woman might be crushed under the man. She had been thinking about it a lot lately or since Sam had left. It would be nearly impossible to find someone else like this man. "I never said I was. Is it not up to the man to decide if I'm fit enough to be his wife?"


"True...but men will be men. I'm sure he's made that offer to many others. I've had many offers but they're too vague and not well planned out. I mean go with him? Where? What would we do? How many others? I will not be shared or share." she sighed and scratched the back of her neck with her free hand.


Still having a big he man around wasn't the easiest. He didn't share what he felt or thought but then maybe didn't know how to. Such a shame. "I...have affection for you Cato. If it isn't obvious by now." she looked up at him. Nadia doubted he would return the same string of words but she'd let him know now rather than later. She sighed and looked back to the fire, her hand still scratched at his torso though. Even an I know would suffice for now. He didn't have to confess his undying love for her. Something she doubted he felt. "My mother would have liked you." She wasn't exactly the same color as the rest of them. Still she sighed again and comforted herself by brushing off her stomach a few times with both hands. She was not going to cry in front of him.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

His place was taken and she, as usual, fell into a position of envelopment. It was pleasurable to be touched with such frequency, especially because it was in such a manner that he could recognize as affection… or at least trusting and open. His arms returned the gesture, easing about her small frame before settling snuggly around her, pulling her minutely closer.

A sigh came at her words, but it was not one of displeasure. “I’m sure there’s plenty,” he told her, defeated but accepting of it. A million times she would find herself in a situation to grasp something better, and he knew that she could take hold at any moment. If she chose to leave, he would have to let her. What could he do to stop her? Becoming angry would only give her decision more backing. Who would reconsider staying with someone who did not grant you your free will? Citadel knew that such outbursts would only deepen the issue. Nor would becoming angry at her new beau help him. The outcome would be affected in nearly the same way. “But if you like big and cute, I guess I’m the choice. Pretty much the only one you got here, anyway,” his face was half buried in her hair, the smell of her intriguing as always.

Her words on marriage made him stop his musings, however, and he pulled away a bit to look at her more directly. “Maybe,” he told her, squinting a bit, “but you’ve still gotta’ decide on him, as well.” Arranged marriages were another matter, of course… but those were not even in the game for them. There was no one to tell them, goad them, force them. Hell, there were not even any other choices. In a way, it was almost arranged. Either they came together and procreated, or they refused. If they stayed here barren, both their lines would fall to pieces. Otherwise, they would again be nothing to each other.

He did not comment on Sam, unwilling to bring up the parallels between himself and the stranger. It was safer this way. The only actions he made were to settle into their contact once more.

So she cares for you, Boy? What does that mean? Does it mean anything to you? Do you care? He tried to subdue a nervous laugh, and only succeeded in part. For a moment, a thick hand rubbed between her shoulder blades, mouth unable of unwilling to break the silence. He chewed his lip thoughtfully. “That seems to evolve quite often,” he spoke in a whisper, shaking his head. “All I can hope for is that you’ll decide in favor of me.” The rubbing stopped, he pressed his fingertips into the soft flesh of her back. A sigh. “Then again, what do I know?”

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

She felt better having him touch her. In an unknowingly way he was comforting her. She sighed and leaned into him. She patted the area she had been scratching and moved slightly to the right and began scratching there. "yes, but there is such a thing as being too big and too much of an ego." she mused a bit and placed her head on his arm. "you're about right. Not too much and not too little. From what I've seen anyway." she cooed softly. A man had to be proud of himself but not so much that he bragged and showed off. Cato seemed humble most of the time.

The woman looked at the fire and shuffled her legs a bit. "There is always the task of trimming my tail if you want. If it gets too long then I step on it." The thing was hardly past her hocks though. Maybe she just wanted another reason for him to touch her and to kiss him?

She looked up at him "there's no rush though." the woman smiled "Or I could trim those feathers of yours." They did look troublesome. It would seem much neater if they were kept trimmed?

"I think I have already decided." She twisted a bit and looked up at him. Her hands caressed his face and she rubbed the corners of his jaw. The woman even tilted her head up for him and licked her lips. All he had to do was...lean down. Take the initiative for once. It didn't have to go farther than a kiss or few or several.

Still she couldn't take the chance of him not getting it and leaned up placing a kiss on his chin. Damn her short stature, would another three inches really hurt? The offer was there though, all he had to do was take it. Nadia wanted to goad him on but remained silent and just stared up at him. Gently caressing his jawline. Did she really have to spell it out for him? Another kiss was placed on his chin.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

There was little that Citadel could say in response. An ego? Once upon a time Cato had known such a thing. It was all faulted, however, as his current actions were only stripping away any of the justifications he used to have. When he had been pious, he was allowed to carry such a thing proudly. Now, under the many eyes of gods, he was little better than a blasphemer or a fornicator. He was a hair’s breadth from being an adulterer. The worst part of it was that he never bothered to ask for forgiveness or work his way back to right. He was too busy doing wrong to save his own soul.

“Eh, if you say so,” he finally offered, shifting a bit into a slouch. It was strange for him to look down at someone all the time, as he was used to being the one looked down upon. Maybe this was why they had teased him in his young life: a subconscious hatred of a sore neck which manifested itself in essential isolation. No, that probably was not it, but he would have liked to have thought there was a reason beyond simple ignorance that they harassed him so.

A smirk came to his face. More tail stuff. More grooming. They both knew where that led, and he was not at all upset by her assumed intentions. Really, he was not entirely sure why he got slobbered all over in return for detangling a tail, but he was not going to turn that down. It would be crazy to say no to that… even if he pushed his soul to the next level of damnation with each taste. Cato would deal with that when he was dead. “Whatever you need, it’s what I’m here for.” The words were quiet and unassuming.

Grey eyes narrowed a bit at her next words, but in an amused, anticipating way more than anything. Decided she may have been, but he knew her well enough already to recognize her shifting, evolving ideals. It seemed each minute she had a new stance on him, and he was not always moving upward on the scale. To have her hands on his face was always exciting, though he was unsure entirely why. Perhaps it was just universal.

A kiss met his chin, and a soft chuckle came paired with the most sheepish smile. “And what’s it that you’ve decided?” he asked quietly, leaning in slowly. Another kiss. Only an idiot would not have figured her out, but it was still an awkward thing for him to initiate. He had no idea what he was doing… it just spilled out of him on its own accord. A kiss was left on her cheek, and in a moment one found her lips, but there was an innocence about them that he was not in control of. Somehow, he was not thinking of sex… and he wondered why not, but figured he should not force it. It seemed to him that forcing those kinds of kisses was almost an insult.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

The woman was delighted he hadn't picked up on her devious thoughts or perhaps he had. She didn't know as he acted no different. A kiss on the cheek and she was disappointed for a second before another met her lips. She kissed back of course and smoothed her hands down to his neck. If only their torsos could somehow lay on top of each other. She guessed if they had a complete human body they could, but then everything would be within reach of their hands. It would be much harder to resist.

She pulled away slightly. "I've decided...that you're a good kisser" Nadia smirked and kissed his chin. For possibly not having any previous experience he seemed to catch on quickly. "and I'm ready to go to bed...to sleep." she added that last bit on anyway. The last thing she wanted to do was seem like she was offering herself to him; in a way she was but it was just for a kiss or touch here and there. The only problem was Nadia didn't know if she was sleeping by the fire or in the shelter with him or where ever he chose to sleep.

"I'm just not sure if we are sleeping together or separately." Either way she was tired. It hadn't been a big day but neither had it been boring. Tomorrow they would have to try not to spend so much time together. She would find different fruit or something else to eat. What were they going to do if winter came early? They would need to have some pile of food and she would need something to cover herself. Nadia didn't know about Cato but she needed something to keep her warm in winter. Though the winters weren't harsh they were still cold.

One problem, there wasn't a loom here. "I...think tomorrow I'll fetch the rest of my belongings and bring them here or the ones that would come in handy," It wouldn't take her long to go back. Maybe a full day there and then another the way back. Her tribe hardly moved and when they did those that didn't take their stuff it was left behind. Hopefully no one would notice her coming back or they had moved on. "You can come with me if you want? It will only take a day or so to get there." She looked up at him curiously. Would he want to come with her and back to get her stuff? It was really only a few clothes, a few birds and that was about it she thought.

No need for five or six bags of pebbles and rocks. There was also her cart that carried it all. Everyone seemed to have one or those that had a lot of heavy stuff. No one cared to help her push or pull it though were keen on hooking and unhooking her up to it. This was all in the theory that father hadn't traded her stuff for a new bride or something he didn't need.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

Citadel curbed his disappointment at the fact that she ended their contact so soon. She was always up in his face, it seemed, trying to get a kiss, a touch… anything… and as soon as he responded she would pull away. He was not sure if it was that she was worried of the possible outcomes, or if she simply enjoyed yanking his chain. It was, he decided, most likely the second one. Through observation of her prior antics, there was no doubt in him that she would toy and prod until he snapped. He could be forceful, and he could take what he wanted, but it took a lot of denial to work him up to such a state of frantic need.

His eyes narrowed at her words. Of course she would beat around the bush on such things. She thought she was so funny. Then again, he should have expected such an answer. Citadel had been hoping that in a tender moment she would perhaps be honest with him for once. The blunt truth would have been incredibly sexy. Whatever. A kiss landed on his chin, and he let it hit him. “You’re quite the little whip, figuring that out on your own,” he told her, nose scrunched in a teasing way. A quick kiss was placed on her jaw before she spoke again.

“Already, now?” he asked softly, deciding not to comment on the quick addition she managed to add. There were a thousand filthy things he could make that into, but he was not so childish… nor that comfortable in her sanity. He was never sure when she was going to snap and get puffy about something. Cato did not answer her right off when she spoke again. Arms squeezed her for a second, then eased. “Well, I dunno,” he drawled, avoiding saying anything suggestive. “Your call, but I won’t have you by yourself.” As comfortable as he tried to act, he was still convinced she would run off… or that that Sam would come back in the night. He tried to pass his possessive nature off as a flirt.

Her things. He was not sure if he wanted her out of his sight in the morning, either. The night was bad enough, but to have her wander off for days made him feel terribly vulnerable to abandonment. “If you want me to, I’ll do it,” he said, patting her back softly. A yawn left him and he turned his head away to disperse it, as he had no hands open.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

She liked it when he squeezed her and she leaned into him a bit. The woman giggled at his statement. "oh you won't?" Her eyes narrowed as she looked up at him. "Afraid he'll come back and steal me away?" Her head tilted slightly, might as well get down to it. "I'm not going anywhere Cato. I'm here because I want to be." She kissed his chin and smoothed her hands up his stomach. There seemed no end to the reminders that she was short compared to him.

Hands went to his face and caressed his jaw. She opened her mouth to say something but it shut slowly as he said more. She let go of his face as he turned it and she looked down. Her fingers rested on his shoulders. Why couldn't he make decisions for himself? Like I'm going rather than a do you want me to? She had asked him for crying out loud! Maybe he wasn't use to having a decision. She sighed. "Of course I want you to come with me." she cooed Why else would she ask?

Nadia had been gone only for a mere week it seemed they surely hadn't packed up and moved yet. Still father nor would the group be happy about it. She hated their close mindedness. Mother was almost black and she was treated with respect but that coudl have been because of her husband's rank.

Another sigh. She licked her lips and looked up at him, hands went back to his face and turned it back toward hers. Her mouth opened slightly but she couldn't seem to say what she wanted to. "you're coming with me and that's final." she said sternly but tried to slip in a slight flavor of humor to it. If he wasn't going to decide for himself she would for him, until he learned how or he could just do survival tasks. A thumb went over his lips and she moved one of his hands closer to the front of her body. Just at the bottom of her ribcage.

It was just simply where she wanted his hand. She didn't need him groping and squeezing her breasts but a slow move to the vicinity wouldn't be shunned away. "I've decided on you Cato, why do you seem to doubt that?" Was it because he never had anything of his own? Or was it because another man offered to take her away? She had not gone with him. Still she kept his hand there gently stroking the arm it was attached to. The other running its thumb along his chin.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

“No, I won’t,” he reiterated flatly, voice stern but obviously caring. Citadel returned the look she shot at him, narrowing his eyes as well. He did not find the whole situation to be anything worth a laugh or a tease. When it came to something he felt was his own, things of likeness to his family or beliefs, he guarded them with a normally uncharacteristic ferocity. At first glance, you could imagine him to be so for his stature and swagger, but then you came to know something softer and more delicate… and in the end, he turned right back around into something monstrous. The wheel just kept spinning.

Citadel let her continue speaking, finding it hard not to interrupt. Steal her away? Well, yeah. And how about the cold? The bugs? Snakes? The hundreds of other god-forsaken men that must have lived on the island? He himself was not the type to sleep outdoors: the nature was disconcerting to rest in. At least a shelter deterred most pests. His would be even more effective once it had a suitable door. “Among other things,” he said with a sigh. A kiss found its way to his chin. “And I trust that, but not everything is in your hands.” Really, he was lying. He did not trust that she would stay or that she even wanted to. In time the idea would grow on him.

He knew she wanted him to come, but was not the type to be so forward. It would be horribly embarrassing for him if he came to feel as though he were imposing his presence. “And so I’ve agreed! It’s settled then.” A heavy foreleg repositioned itself under the weight of his barrel, having fallen slightly numb as he lay. A body so big was not the most suited for contact with the ground, and standing up again was always the worst part of the battle.

She made him laugh inwardly on a rather frequent basis. The idea of her ordering him around seemed strange from the outside, but perfectly plausible to one in the know. This tiny woman could string him along so easily, and he was not prideful enough to stop her. Smart enough, but not set on it in the least. To only prove the point further, she adjusted his position to her liking. He allowed her, saying nothing, but did shoot her a glance. Fingers contracted a bit, running over each rib in succession before laying flat against her body once more.

For an instant, her next words left him deft. What? Why did they need to talk about this? Ugh. “Because,” a sigh, “we’ve got a long way to go. Let me get used to this.” Citadel hardly knew the feeling of a kiss! A hug was only slightly more familiar. Love was altogether inoperable. Sex was a fable. Orgasm was a tall tale. He felt antsy in his skin. Legs begged for the opportunity to retreat into his little home.

He pulled himself together and again established eye contact. “I feel so much for you, but I’m not where you are.” His head shook a bit as he spoke, shoulders pulling into a shrug. Eye contact fell away only to reconnect. His free hand cupped her face. There was nothing else he could muster by way of words… just a kiss.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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[Nadia]

A quiet gasp left her as he ran his fingers along her side. She really had expected him to place the hand on her back again. The woman smiled and continued caressing "alright dear." she cooed. Nadia would try to not push him so hard into acclimating to kisses and touches. Still she wasn't use to some touches either. Having him touch her side like this for instance; was new on its own.

Nadia nodded a bit at his words. She didn't exactly love him but wanted to be with him. Eventually it would or might become love if it worked out. She didn't say anything just smiled and caressed his face reassuringly. In return his own lips came to hers and they kissed. He had actually done something on his own? This excited but yet frightened her.

Goosebumps ran up her body making everything stand up and she felt tempted to move his hand up north a bit. The thought was pushed back. The woman just continued to kiss him slowly for a few seconds or minutes really. Nadia could feel herself getting excited again. Her breathing became a little heavier and her lower half twitched under its fur in random places.

She had to accept the fact that they both were virgin but she was a little more experienced than him. Her mouth parted but her tongue didn't venture in search of his. Gently she pulled her head away. "We need to get to bed before the obvious happens" she leaned in and kissed him again. This time she was focused. Just kissing no matter how much more she wanted, kissing and a few touches were all that was to be done. Still she wanted to run her fingers through his hair, she wasn't sure why but felt the urge to. It was tied back though.

She didn't feel it was right to set it free and run her fingers through it. That might seem like she wanted more from him. She did but was still afraid of actually going through with it. She settled for scratching the sides of his torso instead.

[Citadel]

beneath the eyes of the gods,

Her gasp amused him, but he only showed it faintly. He thought it possible that she would not be so amused by the teasing that he could have supplied. It was not like her to act without the most forced composure, and he found this intriguing. It egged him on: What else could he do to peruse such a response? What would she let him do? Cato would not try, for her honor and his own. A nod at her words, thankful for her agreeable nature, but little more.

Feeling the goose bumps rise from the skin beneath his palm was yet more enthralling. It only proved to him her excitability, and made his power ever more defined. Kisses. Involuntarily, his breaths came heavier in response to her own suddenly labored breathing. Did this happen to everyone? Was your body so much more intent than your mind as to fall purposely into sync with a potential partner? It seemed so, but he could never be definite. Cato thought not of her current ability to drag him to ruin, as he was too taken up in the prospect of women.

When she pulled away, he could have whimpered. His body was agitated, and he was rather tired of being led on in this blatant way. Following her upon retreat, a few kisses were allowed her cheek and jaw. Citadel wished his hardest to be oblivious to her words, but it was to no avail. Fingertips pressed into her ribs, subdued but savage. Something in him could have been mad at her if he had let it. A sigh. He could feel the hot breath deflect off her skin and back to his own.

Cheek still pressed against her own, he decided it best to not push the envelope too far. How far was too far, he was as of yet unaware. “You’re awful,” he whispered, breath returning to normal. The words were sincere, but not cruel or hurtful. He did not know whether he wanted to laugh at his stupidity or cry over the throbbing ache that she so frequently granted. Two nights now he had lost out.

A kiss was left on her shoulder before his cheek rested there, hand sliding down her stomach and then back up… perhaps higher than before, but he did not even admit that to himself.

here lies the littlest of lambs

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