ROLEPLAY HQ - claws-and-teeth

He could smell blood in the air and he rose on his back feet to get his nose higher to the wind. He'd been lingering about a village, taking scraps; a deformed calf. Baskets of fruit. Heading to the edge of the village, he kept eye on their movements as a cat perched on the roof. He knew they thought him a creature.... He'd watched the panic since he'd started lurking about. Heading along the top of the roof he whined as he slipped, hitting the ground with a whine. He hated being so small.... ears flicking and tail dragging behind, a small black cat crossed the square, holding a back foot up. @the.begotten

@Deleted User

The resounding smacks reverberated the hall as her father backhanded her across her cheeks. She didn't budge, didn't move an inch outside when the impact of her father's hand jerked her head from left to right. Of course she couldn't stop the bite of tears spilling down porcelain skin, yet she stood fast. If she didn't, a much harsher punishment would await her if she dared to move. The ceramic shards lay at her feet and various vegetables strewn atop the wooden flooring in a dirtied mess. All she had to do was give her father his supper at the table. Just some ten feet if that, she wouldn't have had to suffer like this. Strands of black masked her face in a shadowy veil and stuck to her cheeks from the wetness. Her ears were ringing at the obscenities her father flung at her, "You useless bitch! We should have given you to Slaver when he offered us gold for you! You can't do anything right!" He screamed. He was right, though. She was 20 years of age and not one suitor found her fitting with all the bruising and swelling she endured throughout the years of torture. It wasn't always like this. Her mother used to be kind, giving her love and affection when she was just a wee thing. But, she wasn't a boy, wasn't going to bring honor and fame to the household. She wasn't even good enough to breed from what her mother told her. When her parents did finally have a boy, but a couple years younger than herself, she was shut out from any and all love.

3:00 PM

"I'm sorry, Papa!! I didn't mean to trip, my foot caught a splinter!" She half-pleaded, knowing her words would fall upon death ears. She felt the warm liquid pool from her nose and a split in her lip that sullied her teeth and mouth with a fit of metallic. "Just watch where you're going you stupid wench." He shot a huff, thankfully another smack didn't come her way as he left the room. She wouldn't have stumbled if they would just give her shoes to begin with. Her tears and blood fell in droplets upon the floor as she picked intended on cleaning up the mess. Her fingers gently traced the sharpened edge of a ceramic shard, wishing she had the courage to slit her wrists and walk through the fields in her final moments. Instead, she gathered the bits and pieces within her palms and spilled vegetables and took them outside to the pit. Tossing the fragments away, her nose was a waterfall. Crimson dripped from her chin in a steady stream, wiping her hands upon her apron, she pinched her nose with a wince and tilted her head back attempting to calm the currents.

3:00 PM

Her nose felt broken, her fingers swollen and angry purplish blue bruises littered her hands and wrists from her mother slamming her hands, repeatedly, in the door humiliating her from her brother stealing her clothes as she bathed with the cattle in the near by pond. She wasn't human enough to be able to bathe like a real person in their bath house. Her mother said she should be outside like the animal she was. The sky was beautiful, clouds looking as if they were painted serenely on a canvas she seen one day in the market, and the weather holding a gentle, warm breeze. It was comforting, like an embrace she longed for surrounded her as her hair softly swayed with the gusts. Bringing her head back down, she looked to the road, a pretty black kitty was on its back playing with its foot hiked in the air, and what felt like a lifetime, she smile. Albeit a bloody smile, it filled her heart with the same warmth as the breeze.

3:01 PM

Kneeling down she extended her hand rubbing her forefinger and thumb together attempting to coax the cat to come to her, "Here, pretty kitty, come here." She cooed, as pale green pools gaze at the small feline determined on petting it and giving it snuggles. @Vox

@Deleted User

It happily crawled into her arms, and she realized it's hair was dark brown leaning nearly to black. It took it a good amount of time to move with the injured foot, but it didn't give up. Mewling, it reached a soft paw to touch her cheek, bright blue eyes staring at her with foreign intelligence. Pretty girl... It avoided her injured hands to rub against her wrists, purring. Its back foot was covered with dried blood. He'd been in this form for several days, trying to get his foot to heal. Frequent changes in shape would reopen the wounds. The villagers had put out traps and he hadn't seen it, too focused on keeping hidden. Who'd hurt someone like this... He meowed again, gently headbutting her cheek. I can't leave you here.... He decided, blinking slowly at her. Her smile was so pretty.... Normally, he didn't care what humans did. They fought and spit with each other and argued over land. He'd seen baby humans, and dead humans and humans killing each other. But her face with blood made his heart hurt....

Another smile befell her cracked, wet lips as the cat limped its way to her but only then did that smile falter to a grimace as she soon realized it hadn't been playing with its foot, but minding it from an injury. "Oh you poor thing.." She whispered, her fingertips gently grazing its back and little neck as it nuzzled into her palm. Picking the feline up, she cradled it in her arms wincing at the sharp pains from weight pressing against bruised flesh and quite possibly fractures, but she paid them no mind. It's soft purrs enraptured her heart in a happiness she had forgetten about as it's head pressed to her cheek. It was an odd thing, the crystal blues staring up at her almost seemed to formulate silent words, it was a curious thing for such a small creature to avoid the more serious of her injuries. Nonetheless a quiet, whisper of a giggle parted her flesh as she limped towards the barn. She used to have her bedroom within her parents house, but the day her clothes got stolen from her brother, her father boasted that if she bathed like an animal, she should live like an animal.

4:18 PM

Going to the back of the barn, she hobbled into the stall she made into her room. Night was soon to fall for the air went from a gentle, warm breeze, to soft crisp gusts within the shoddy building. She had a bucket filled with fresh water, settling the kitty atop her bed of hay, she was tentive as to not hurt the animal. Bringing down her tattered gown, she ripped at the hem of the clothing, creating a small bit of cloth that she dipped into the water and brought it back to clean the open wound on the cats leg. Encasing the fabric around her forefinger as gently as she could to avoid sustaining anymore bruising to the digit, she softly began wiping away the dried blood after Whispering, "This is going to sting, Little Kitty, I'm sorry." Applying the least amount of pressure as she could, for both their sakes, she eventually cleaned both the infection and stopped the gush of blood.

4:18 PM

Ripping another strip from the gown, she bandaged it up with a subtle knot. "You can stay here as long as you'd like, just.. Don't show yourself to anyone here or they'll hurt you like they did me." She knew that if her parents or even her brother found her harboring an animal, they'd kill it in a heartbeat. Slowly, she laid down next to the beast, bringing it into her arms as the last light slowly faded and the insects sung their songs, she looked to the ceiling of her stall. "I wish I could run away, run far away from here and never come back." Her words were wishful, hopeful even as she longed for happiness. Anything was better than this. Anything. She continued, "Tomorrow night is the Summer Festival. We should sneak out and look at all the pretty things, all the pretty lights!" She looked down to those two piercing blue eyes and gave a determined smile, "I'll carry you the whooooole time!" Leaning down, she pressed a gentle kiss to the top of the cats head letting her fingertips mindlessly run through its dark fur. @Vox

It didn't flinch at the pain, keeping still for her hands. When she laid with him it curled up by her, eyes following her without pause. He meowed when she talked off the festival pawing her arm softly. He stayed until she fell asleep, then slunk out in the early morning. She'd wake to a flower on the hay where he'd been sleeping. He'd never taken a human form before, it couldn't be that hard.... He sat above a puddle, using it as a mirror, and focused. I can take her to Masters old house. He'd not mind now... He looked into the puddle and sighed not liking his eyes. I'll come back. I promise... He went back to his Masters house, unsteady on new feet. Some of his old Masters clothes fit him, and he fumbled with the fabric. He found the pain was easier to manage as a man, and he could make an old recipe he remembered. He kept the fabric she'd put about his foot, knowing she'd not know who he was. The festival was a common time to propose and ask families for marriage though he didn't know how. Humans like money... He searched the cabin for anything that might be valuable. A bit of old coins. A necklace. A tarnished ring.... He waited for the festival to start, hesitantly walking into the village. Several blue coats over loose trousers were belted at his waist, brown hair tied up and braided. He was barefoot, except one wrapped in fabric for bandages. He stared up at the lights, awed, avoiding bumping into others. Where are you? He turned up his face to try and find her scent.

4:55 PM

@Deleted User

She awoke before the sun rose, a new found anxiety as she cracked open her eyes, the pretty kitty was no where to be found and a loneliness crept within her chest causing it to ache in ways that hurt worse than the beatings even her father could manage. Perhaps, the creature would return, she thought to herself. Or rather, she hoped. She wanted to share the night of the festival with her new friend, even though it was a short time spent, it was probably the single most happiest time of her pitiful life. She busied herself throughout the day collecting an assortment of flowers and arranging them into a circlet, big enough to fit around her head. She still had the pale green dress her Aunt had gifted her for her 16th birthday as her coming of age gift. Her Aunt Vessie was a kind woman, always wanted to take her away from this family and give her a proper home. Aunt Vessie said the dress would compliment her eyes and she would surely make a gentlemen swoon over how gorgeous she was.

4:15 PM

Kadence knew she wasn't ugly, but she didn't find herself nearly as pretty as what her Aunt made her out to be. Maybe it was the degradation, mental and physical abuse she endured after all these years that she's seeing herself through her families eyes. If it wasn't for the bruising she had across her cheeks and the broken bones, maybe she would. She went down to the creek and washed the blood from the day prior off herself, carefully tending to her hair, and soaking in the icy waters hoping that she could reduce the puffiness of both her face and fingers. Thankfully, her parents were staying in and haven't came to hunt her down, and hopefully that would remain that way until tomorrow. As soon as nightfall struck, she put on the plain black flats, slipped on the dress and put the flowery circlet atop her head - taking a look within the dusty mirror the bruising was an angry purple to her chin and old yellowing bruises to her cheeks blending in with the new. She did manage to get the swelling down, so she was at least passable.

4:15 PM

Slipping through the woods, she walked the mile to town. Anticipation hit her like tidal waves as the further she walked, the clearer she could hear the bustle of the Festival. She was beyond nervous to make an appearance after being away for so many years, and that nervousness crept in her stomach like maddening butterflies. Even through all the pretty glamors, the vendors and overhanging lights, she found herself thinking about her companion from the night prior, hoping the little kitty was fairing okay. @Vox

He paused when two girls started talking to him, voices light as birds. He couldn't smell her so he let the two pull him along. They seemed intent on making some impression on him, and he couldn't help but smile. So insistent.... He paused at a booth with little sugar candies in the shape of flowers and gave a coin to get four of them. Poking them about his palm with a pinky, he slipped away from the girls back into the crowd. Candies tucked safely in a bit of fabric in his belt pouch Armel became distracted by the fighting pit. He knew how to fight, though he never had against a man. He stood against the rail excited by the yelling. Armel stood out like a sore thumb. He was big and built, dressed like a vagabond, his hair a lions mane barely tamed by braids, and several of the men noticed and badgered him into a match. Keeping a nose to the wind he tried to make out her scent but only could smell the food booths. I'll make some money first. Then go find her. He became quite a popular watch. He hit hard and moved fast for his size, and found he had to hold back. They weren't wild animals after all..... @the.begotten

4:42 PM

@Deleted User

Eventually, she found herself enamored by the hustle of all the street side vendors. Some offering clothing of such elegance that her eyes danced in reflection from the diamonds embedded in some of the dresses she fancied. Or the sweet wafts of food that filled the air from fresh baked pies and meats with vegetables on small wooden skewers. Though, she had no money, she did enjoy her walk through. She felt the stares on onlookers as she continued down the street, she hoped the veil of night would have better concealed her face, but she couldn't help the closeness of some people or when she stepped under the overhanging lanterns. She didn't have many moments like this, moments where she felt so alive, so free from the claws of Vullen Family. They didn't come from wealth, but her parents made enough coin to live well enough. But, she couldn't help but selfishly wish she had enough an allowance to at least buy one pretty dress.

3:12 AM

Her attention was drawn to the shouts and yells of violence a little ways down the street and she found her feet walking towards the noise. Blood and sweat permeated the air and she had to resist the internal urge to gag as she grew closer. A group closest to the ring bound by rope leave cussing as they handed the large man a wad of paper, assuming having lost a bet, she filled the space and looked on. Heavy blows rung out, smacks and punches as her gaze found two men inside the ring. One a bald, vicious looking man that's body was littered in new and old wounds and blood covering his face as the other held the bald one by the shoulder perching atop him delivering blow after blow with punches. A whistle rang out shortly after as the man went limp and unconscious.

3:12 AM

The ring master stepped inside and with a booming voice lifted the Victor by his arm and raised it in the air as a couple other men drug the loser out of the arena. "Ladies and Gentlemen!!! Armel has won yet another round, does this man, no beast, ever wear down?! We shall see as The Barbarian enters the ring!!!" People began shouting and applauding, screaming obscenities in the background calling for blood, death, and more violence. But Kadence looked at this hulking man and found herself staring as all noise began to drown away. He was absolutely breath taking, she had never seen someone so foreign and beautiful as he was. The blood and gore trekking down his chest and well defined abs caught her gaze going down his form and back to his face.

3:13 AM

His forehead coated with crimson and sweat filled beads, a toothy grin that made her knees weak and heart patter like a drum against her chest. He had strong features, a chiseled jawline that she could see clench as his teeth gritted, pearly white canines and brilliant sapphire pools that seemed to suck her in, and suck her in did they as his gaze slowly caught her pale green. @Vox

He showed a palm to her, a little black strip of fabric tied about his finger, knowing he was going to get pulled away into the fight before he could reach her. Please recognize it. Please stay. Ill get us money. He had to look away for the final fight, closing his fingers back over the fabric. His good luck charm. He fought lower than most people seemed to be able to handle, grinning and laughing the whole time as he forced the fight to the ground and Flexible enough to twist out of their holds and into his own. He was having great fun and it showed, even a face of determination crossed by a smirk or smile. But this fight was dragging and he kept worrying she'd leave the ring so in a time of pause, he tried to leave, a quiet word of congratulations and a smile on his lips. His ears were ringing too loud to hear their response but he felt the spit hit his back. He visibly took a minute to calm down and turned back around, standing quietly for a second before all at once; snapping. He rained down his response to the slight, hitting with full strength. Cracking bones on a first hit, breaking them on the next, forcing him backwards. His jaw, his ribs, stomach, and a kick pushing him backwards out of the ring. He'd hit like the hailstorm, giving no time to settle a breath and form a response. He'd wanted to play and have fun. He made it a fight. Armel got his money and forced through the crowd, tugging on his coat and belt as he went. He knew she'd been there. He'd seen her. She'd seen him. And he wouldn't stop looking for her. He scanned the fight crowd, lifting on his toes careful of his reinjured leg. Using it to kick hadn't been very smart.... Where are you?

4:21 AM

@Deleted User

She wanted to stay, wanted to watch the fight, but her arm got yanked by her forearm as her brother, Jake pulled her from the ropes. "You just had to be here, didn't you?" Jake Cackled evilly as his grip tightened with alarming strength. "I knew you were dumb, but are you this dumb?" He spat, Kadence's eyes widened in horror, she knew she stayed out longer than she should. But, it had only felt like an hour at best. Has it been hours? She wanted to stay here, wanted to figure out why that mysterious man showed her his palm, and why did that fabric look like the cloth from the barn? Why did he look at her like he knew her? "Stop it, Jake, you're hurting me!!" She yelled, her fingertips attempted to pry off the grasp he had on her. "Just wait until Ma and Pa find out you're here too, they're just down the road, you know." He didn't hesitate in his unspoken threat, his words low and deadly, "They're going to make sure you can't walk this time. You're a disgrace to our family."

4:45 AM

She never did anything other than their bidding, why was she such an outcast? Had she done something wrong when she was little? What did she do to deserve any of this? She should have just run away when she had the chance, "Please, please, Jake. Let me go. I'll go back to the barn, I won't bother you, I promise. Just, please let me go. Don't tell ma and pa." She pleaded, eyes beginning to brim with tears, she more than anything wanted to stay and stowaway on a carriage out of the town and leave this life. She would die before letting them lay their hands on her one more time. "Did you steal those clothes? Steal those shoes?" Jake wrenched her to his face, his eyes narrowing down on hers and she tried to look to the ground to avoid the distaste and disgust. It wasn't that she was scared, she was scared that this was the last straw, that she finally was going to snap. The fire burned in her chest leaving a sour, bitter taste in her mouth as her head was jerked upright by her chin.

4:45 AM

Her hair scattered over her face in a mess as she glared in defiance at her brothers dark pools, bystanders stopped and stared at the two, but none intervened as she bit out between gritted teeth that ground into her cheeks causing blood to well within her mouth, "You are a plague, your parents are useless. You are useless, Jake." She spat in his face, small beads of blood flecked his cheeks as she continued, "All you've done was terrorize me since you were born. You've all used me as a maid, to tend the farm and the animals and you've all gotten fat off my back!" As soon as that last word fell from her lips, his hand came down across her face and all she could do was laugh, the townsfolk gasping in distaste and whispers, yet still, no one helped. That was her last hope, help. And she crumbled to the ground letting the blows land upon her as she did her best to make herself small.

4:46 AM

@Vox

Armel found her and got hands on the man's wrists, snarling in the man's face. He made a sound so close to a bear some villagers in the distance came running, afraid it'd returned. Hold the shape. Hold the shape. He'd seen her fall. Seen him hit her. Rage boiled in his throat, threatening to tear out his skin. His grip tightened on the boys arms making his bones creak. "I'd run off before I take out your eyes. This is the last time you hurt her." He shoved him up the road, carefully collecting Kadence from the dirt. He lifted her up into his arms and walked down the road toward the square, glaring at any who tittered or came their direction. "You'd promised we'd look at the pretty lights, the pretty things." He murmured softly, finding a tucked away place to sit and settle his mind. "And that you'd carry me." He set her gently in his lap, leaning his back against the edge of the house. "I'm sorry I left this morning. I hope they didn't hurt you while I was gone..." He carefully set her ribbon in her hands, which had been tied about his foot. "I have money now. I can pay to get you away. I don't have many things. I don't have a village. But I have a house." He said softly, praying she'd come with him. "And if you don't want to come with me you can have the money and run away, run far away from here and never come back." He quoted her words, arms wrapped about her, holding her tight. They were only set just inside the mouth of an alley between two homes; barely concealed but still able to see the square and the dancing and the lanterns. "I can't explain everything now, but I was that cat. And now I'm not. I want to help. I want to keep you safe. If you are to sleep on straw it's with a full belly and warm without bruises, because you want to. Not because they say." He had a slight slur to his low voice, making him seem a bit dumb with his ramblings, but he hugged her and talked all the same. "Please. Let me come with you home to get your things. Or let's buy yo

6:00 AM

u new things.... Don't go back to that barn..."

She barely registered what was happening, she tried her best to detach herself, to think about how that man looked at her, how that black kitty listened to her with a knowing gaze. But, pain was pain, with all that she suffered these past few days she wanted to give in and succumb to the Darkness that ebbed at the edges of her vision. She heard Jake's arm swing back, Instinctively, she raised her own in attempts to fend off yet another block, be it a kick or a slap, but one never came. She heard his pained gasp and struggle. Peeking through Squinted eyes, she looked up finding that man threatening her brother with such violence it made her heart beat doubly against her chest. A quiet, soft gasp fell from her lips as he picked her up and cradled her within his arms she wrapped her own around his neck and held on tight not ever have been carried before. It wasn't long until the man found a place to settle, his grip soft and light around her.

5:09 PM

Why did you help me..? She thought to herself as she leaned back and gazed within those haunting sapphire spheres, she was so close to him that the agitated puffs of breath fanned across her face and made her shiver against his lap. Yet, those two orbs looked so familiar.. She stayed silent, just peering up at him, her hands falling to his chest as she listened intently. He placed a bit of ribbon within her palm and the tears began to roll down her face at his promises of her freedom, of her companion she thought she had lost. It wasn't sad tears, but tears of relief, even if everything was so far fetched that it couldn't possibly be true, but in her heart she believed his words, every one. Her heart broke and slowly stitched back together all at once as she threw her arms around his neck, her tears fell to his chest as she leaned in placing but a soft kiss to his cheek and whispered, "You came back for me, Kitty, I thought you left me all alone.." She was in the clouds, a euphoria she never felt before. The freedom she so dared to wish for was within her grasp, the first time she was ever held out of kindness, or shown any kindness for that matter was almost overwhelming. She wanted to leave, wanted to start a new life other than wishing her family would just rid themselves of her or if she had enough courage to end her own life. Was he her salvation now, or would he be her downfall? "I… I want to leave.. Why do you want me to come with you..?" She asked as she brought her head only an inch away from his face as she looked him over for answers.

5:09 PM

@Vox

"I'm lonely. And you helped me. And you're hurting here." He said softly, lashes stuck together with blinked away tears. "Do you need things from the barn? I'll take you to get them. Else we buy things here." He smiled softly. "They'd never find you." He promised setting her hand against his face. A reassurance he was real. "I'm not safe either. But I won't hurt you." He promised, his hand set over hers against his face.

6:05 PM

@Deleted User

A smile befell her lips as she looked at him, she couldn't deny her skeptism she felt, but the way he made her heart flutter in her chest caused a momentary bout of shyness set over her. A blush crept along her cheeks, her thumb gently traced the outline of his cheek. "I think.. I think I'd like to just go with you. I don't want to see them again. Ever." She spoke, her voice breaking with each word as tears began to well within her eyes. Pressing her forehead to his, she murmured, "Anywhere but here.." @Vox

"Do you want to stay here? For festival? We can flee now or I'll protect you so we can see the lights." He held her gently, hands respectfully at her back. "Whatever you want I will make happen. I promise." He murmured, a soft purr in his throat audibly rattling. He got up, gently holding her sat on his arm. She was so light that it was easy.... Using a bit of money, he bought her some food at the booth, handing her the steamed bun. The dough was filled with meat and vegetables and definitely settled his worry if she'd eaten. Her set on his arm, he rejoined the crowds looking to her happily. "Where shall we go. And whats your name?" He tipped his head, blinking when he realized he didn't know.

7:36 PM

@Deleted User

It was an odd feeling, the way his eyes seemed to see nothing but hers. It was one that she didn't know she had longed for, but didn't quite understand what she was feeling. Another blush darkened her cheeks as he whispered the sweet promise of protection, she wouldn't have to feel the back of a hand or a balled fist no longer. She didn't have to worry, she was safe, she wanted to believe that. Wanted to believe that this cruel life she held bared meaning and she could be happy. Was that what she felt in this moment? Happiness? It made her chest ache in ways she never felt, it was a sweet kind of ache, especially when he looked at her through those sapphire pools. There was no way she would leave a wounded animal, the thought was almost quizzical for how the pretty kitty she saved turned into such a handsome man. She read about different creatures and species in her fantasy novels, novels that she snuck into her barn. She barely was able to read, but was able to catch on quite quick once she got ahold of the pages that transported her into another world. A world filled with fantastical beast, romance, and love. She was nervous being perched atop his arm, omitting a squeak from cracked lips ; Yet as they walked in strained silence, he bought her food that she had never tasted before. The liquid that oozed from the bun was like a euphoric flood within her mouth. She was only used to scraps, so any semblance of different foods had her head in cloud nine. She merely nodded her response as they continued through the festival, all of the lights were beautiful. Different colored parchment covered the lamps emitting a faint glow of purples, blues, pinks, and oranges was simply breath taking and unlike anything she had ever seen. She seen the happiness twinkle within his eyes as he looked up at her, casting a smile that stole her breath in one fell swoop, but his words made her giggle as she talked endlessly to the kitty, yet never spoke her name, "It's Kadence."

12:41 PM

@Vox

He made a happy sound, a little chattering noise, heart racing. Kadence. He shifted her to better balance on his arm making sure she finished eating. They stepped to the shopping stalls looking at the wares and debating to what to buy her. Pretty necklaces set with sparkly stones or gowns of big soft fabric.... He'd learned his basic numbers and mathematics, but it was clear he wasn't completely sure of money. He'd bought them both a drink, carrying the small cups, and he set her down to be able to hold hers peacefully. He kept an eye on the crowd reassuring they were staying away from her. "What should we do with the rest?" He blinked, holding out the rest of the money to her.

2:50 PM

@Deleted User

"Whats your name?" She blinked at him after he set her down, a never fading smile still painted to her lips, her fingers threaded through his own. Thumb taking to a subtle sway across the expanse of his palm. Giggling at the gesture of the money, she shot up at him, "That depends on what the house needs, Dearest. We need fabric so I can make clothes and tend to them. As well as flour and yeast for bread." She casually shrugged her shoulders, this being the most she's talken to someone other than pleading for beatings to stop. It was a wonderful feeling, being able to express oneself and speak freely was freeing in of itself. Placing the ceramic to her lips, she let the liquid flow into her mouth. It was sweet and tangy, never had she tasted such a thing outside some of the herbs she found at the forests edge to bring some semblance of life to the water. "Tell me about where you live, do you have a village? I want to know more about you." She said excitedly, her hand giving a gentle squeeze to his.

5:14 PM

@Vox

"Armel is what my master called me. So that!" He laughed holding his comically small cup. It was tiny in his hands. "I don't think my Master would mind of you staying in his home. He can't use it." He gave back the cup to get back some of his coin, returning his hands to hers. "I've only lived as an animal. I've never found anyone else." He said lightly, shifting on his feet debating how to explain. He eventually just stayed silent, forehead furrowed in thought as he gently picked her back up. Fabric. Flour. He convinced a seller to trade him a pack for a knife, finding several small bags of flour and yeast to bring home. He clearly didn't know fabrics so he gently nudged her forwards into the small shop, following her in. Any money that was left was for her to use. He gently touched the skirt of a yellow dress, blue eyes silently absorbing the sight of the store, racks ladened beneath bolts. The sellar greeted them brightly, offering to take her measurements. "That yellow dress should fit her if my eye is right!" She patted Armels arm as she passed and he laughed embarrassed. "We are here for whatever she wants. Not me."

8:12 AM

@Deleted User

"Armel.." It was like his name rolled from her tongue in the sweetest of honey leaving her wanting for more, but the utter glee from the man caused her to erupt in a fit of giggles, especially after seeing the small cup in such a giant palm. His story was odd, one would only think to come straight out of a fairy tale, yet she lived such a sheltered life that the idea of magic didn't seem so fairy tale like anymore, which made her all the more excited and intrigued. She watched him, bartering for what she requested as if it was nothing and it filled her heart with such warmth - It was such a funny thing, a few days ago, she was wishing for her death or her escape. And this man, this.. Armel.. Came out of nowhere and picked her. Soon, a blush painted her cheeks from what the woman said, she wanted to hide her face, shield Armel from the disgust others would clearly see with the different colors and patches of bruises, but she couldn't help imagining herself in such a dress, "It's a dress for a Princess.." She whispered to no one in particular, but she was fascinated by how beautiful it was. "Mm.. I.. I just need some assorted fabric rolls.." She stumbled over her words as she peeked around Armel's large arm, looking at the store owner.

2:12 PM

@Vox

He gently moved her hands from her face, concerned she was crying or upset. The marks didn't worry him. The bruises would fade. He didn't fear others response to her, it didn't matter to him.... The seller helped her pull out bolts and yardage, spools of thread and ribbon. He passed coins to the seller and then extra, motioning to the yellow gown that'd distracted him since he had enough. He made sure the rest of the money went in her pockets, a small leather purse being set over her head. Armel liked seeing her smile again, even if it was just about purchased things. He set the packs across his back, but the weight meant she needed to walk. He tucked her hand in his rough one, staring up at the lanterns. "I like this. It makes me happy." He smiled, purring under his breath.

2:28 PM

@Deleted User

A faint blush graced her cheeks, it was maddening that she had never felt this way before and she was being peppered with gifts she had no means for. Yet, the gestures did bring a crooked smile to her face. One hand, grazed the leather band, her fingers gently stroked the smooth surface, while the other intertwined within his own. Pale green pools looked up at him as he spoke, she never knew the meaning of happiness until she met that injured kitty, locked eyes with that ferocious man bloodied in that ring, and yet so gentle now as he looked to the sky. "You.. Make me happy." Her words but a whisper as she shot her gaze down to the ground, watching as her feet hit the grassy surface. She was nervous, ready to start her new life, her new story. Ready for the world now that she wasn't laying waste in that barn. It was surreal, one moment she was alone, miserable and broken down.. Now? Whole, undeniably happy and within comfort.

2:17 PM

@Vox

Her hand in his, he lead the way down the road and past the last archway. Out into the wilds.... The stone bricked road trailed to packed dirt, framed by grass that slowly turned to fields. He waded into one, heading for the trees in the distance. "This way." He smiled, holding her fingers. "I'll keep you safe in the dark." Eventually he helped her over a small creek and amongst the trees, their shadowed boughs a new entry way to his world. The quiet woods welcomed her into their darkness. The moonlight cast long shafts of glowing light across the dead needles across the forest floor. Armel smiled and led the way amongst the trees, half dancing about amongst the trunks of the trees. "You're a forest princess now!" @the.begotten

3:43 PM

@Deleted User

It seemed like hours had passed as he led her through the thicket and brush. Her smile never waned, the scenery was breathtaking, even more so.. Him. She couldn't help but to wonder how on earth a plain girl like her with a despicable family had ever caught the eyes of such a man.. If he even was a man. His promise of keeping her safe, her visibility relatively poor, yet the moonlight provided just enough for her to watch where she stepped. Her hold on his hand tightened, the dark never scared her, but if someone like him existed, surely there would be monsters and that thought alone sent a chill down her spine. She giggled at him, watching as he pranced the fallen trees and showed her exactly what freedom was. Because she was free. Free from her life, free from the torment and free from loneliness. She twirled her dress, her raven locks spinning and spiraling in the air as she cast her arms out wide, her feet daintly twirling her form as the moonlight veiled shadows across her own dancing Visage. "Does that make you my Prince?" She asked, her twirls and giggles seemed Neverending.

1:06 PM

@Vox

"Lady of the wilds and Prince of the animals!" He happily crowed and spun again, kicking up glowing fireflies like motes of stars. Her eyes would adjust to the dark to see him change. A quick twist of his clothes and a cat dug free from the pile, dancing around her feet. And then a mink, a flash of brown leaning and twisting from the grass. A wolf on toddling paws. He barked and trotted about her then grew in size slightly, nudging his head to her legs motioning to ride. Picking up his clothes and bag in his teeth and princess of the wilds firmly upon his back, he wound through the forest ears flicking. The trees grew older, larger, wiser. Their trunks grew wider and their great spreading boughs blocked out the stars and the shafts of moonlight. The cabin slung to a riverbank, the water burbling over rocks like a song. It's walls were old and the building was clung with moss like a great coat. Armel let her down at the door, nudging it open with his head, then gestured her within.

5:02 PM

@Deleted User

She hadn't expected this, she knew what he was but couldn't comprehend the shifts, the blur of his change from man to animal was indeed fascinating. Her smile grew wider as he nudged her in the form of a large beast, she made no hesitation in climbing atop his back. Hands curled inward holding onto the fur as they made off through the woods. Her eyes drank it all in, hungry for more as the sky lit up in a colorful display, the moon full and hung high within the abyss. She felt so free, no one demanding her to do things, she had time to actually think for herself and she found herself slowly laying down, embracing the man that she had only just met in a gentle hug as her cheek laid to the nap of his neck. After several more minutes, they soon arrived at the cabin, the place she was to call home. Though it was old, it was breathtaking. The small cottage clinging with nature was gorgeous, she giggled softly at the display and invitation. Wasting no time, she moved within a gasp stealing her lips. "It's perfect.." She whispered more to herself than Armel. The kitchen was quaint, dishes of all proportions lay dormant within the cabinets, spices and herbs hung up to dry along a string in the kitchen over the dish tub. She danced around the cabin, moving to explore the bedroom, it was a rather large bed in a larger area giving enough space for a chest and other various things. Spinning to her back, she flopped atop the cushion a content sigh leaving her lips as emerald pools found Armel, Patting the feathery top spare next to her a blush staining her cheeks, "Join me?"

9:28 AM

@Vox

He hopped up as the wolf, laying besides her until she slept. A wall of fur and warmth beneath her hands. ~ She woke to the green morning light filtering through the dirty windows, the dust spinning and dancing. Armel was outside to cut wood, using only the head of a broken axe as a split. He had a considerable pile made already. Across his back, bare as he'd left his shirt hung to a tree, spidered large deep scars in an odd sygil. Circles in a line with arches about them like swirls and spirals. It'd been burned into his skin from his neck to the base of his spine. He left the axe head on the stump and stacked the wood by the house. The front of the cabin had been cleared of undergrowth, leaving behind clean dirt. He looked up as he saw he was awake, beaming a smile. "Good morning." In the morning light, the massive trees stood like giants about them, their boughs turning the light dappled green and shady. The normal heat of the season was tampened by the canopy. He didn't wear pants, merely a loincloth of thick fur tied about his waist with leather ties, bearing high up his thighs. "Today is the final day of festival. It's important. Last day of the moons full phase."

12:05 PM

@Deleted User