The Morning After

[Nihael]

The moment the rolling stopped and Onyxia evened out her flight, Nihael started to mentally berate her.

Blood and bloody ashes! What the hell did you think you were doing!!!

I told that if you could not keep your wits about you, I would be forced to do something

Could you not settle with a mental kick or something? You could have killed us!

Your precious little Shade would have been fine, she was strapped in, whereas you weren't. And I knew are experienced enough not to fall off.

He ignored the sarcasm in Onyxia's voice when she referred to Vavrin as *his precious little Shade* and realized with a start, that his arms were still around Vavrin's waist. Hastily pulling them back, he tried to apologize about Onyxia's actions, ending up mumbling before he managed to get anything out. "Sorry about that."

[Vavrinec]

At last the rolling stopped and Vavrin opened her eyes again. She loosened her grip though her legs werent as quick to relax. Their muscles twitched as she snapped through gritted teeth. "Quite alright." Nihael quickly withdrew his hold on her waist and she straightened up a great deal. Feeling altogether unimpressed by Onyxia's antics, she knew that it was no accident and wondered how long it would be until they landed. She narrowed her eyes and decided upon contacting the twins.

"Listen, I want you two to set up camp wherever you are. We may have to backtrack a bit to find you. Start a fire if you can."[/colour]

How far away they were from the twins and the wagon was undetermined. She glanced downward momentarily and reached out with her mind for thier postion down below. Luckily, Vavrin felt that they were not all that far behind, though still a considerable distance away. Feeling somewhat relieved, she also discovered that Yin and Yang were nearing a river. "I think it would be best if we met up with the lads soon. They are not that far." It was a shame to cut their flight short, which was enjoyable for the most part, but she had no desire to have another toss in midair.

[dannylam4]

Good,[/i] the twins answered. We were bored anyway. Not to mention you're going a different route that we'd prefer, but we will speak of such matters later.[/i]

The horses slowed down as Yin and Yang hopped off. Yin untied the horses and guided them down to the stream as Yang walked off towards a large formation of rocks and a few bushes. He unsheathed his sword and cut appart a few pile of broken branches and leaves, tossing them into a pile back near camp. He returned to the rock formation and tied a few branches to his sword. Running his sword against the rock, sparks flew into the air and the branches lit aflame. He walked back to the camp, branches and sword burning, and jabbed it into the pile for the fire. It lit on fire instantly and Yang pulled his sword out, pouring water from a flask onto it and dousing the flame.

Yin brushed the horse's hair as they drank from the river. They nibbled on the little grass that grew and looked around. You should be safe here. If there's any danger, run towards the fire.[/i]

[Nihael]

Before Nihael could say anything, Onyxia started to turn back around, to find where the Twins had set up camp. Nihael was almost glad, as he did not want to start arguing with Onyxia as would most likely happen if they spoke with each other at the moment. Feeling Vavrin stiffen infront of him, only deepened his anger with Onyxia. Trying to get a conversation started once again, he queried, "How far are the Twins from us?"

[Vavrinec]

Onyxia changed course just as she was getting the words out of her mouth. "Not far. We should be able to see them anytime." Vavrin had nothing to do but wait until Onyxia could see them, then eventually land. Keeping an eye out for the twins, she sighed and pushed a stray lock of hair from her face.

"I told them to start a fire..." she began. Perhaps the smoke from the fire would give away thier position faster. "They took a different path, I am positive it is by a stream." It wouldnt be long until the wagon being pulled by the three horses came into clear view. She pondered how the twins fared on thier journey, and if they came across anything of interest.

[Nihael]

"Too bad they didn't have any bodies lying around, they would have started a fire for sure then."

I think I see smoke to the west.

Looking ahead and to the right, Nihael was able to see a thin trickle of smoke. He pointed it out to Vavrin, and soon they were able to see the glow of the fire. "Maybe we can finally question that prisoner tommorrow, as I am sure you have been looking forward to this whole time. You can show us how effective those fishing hooks of yours are." he spoke with a smile.

[Vavrinec]

She had almost forgotten all about the prisoner if he had not brought it up. Vavrin nodded and said, "Good idea. I have been looking forward to putting those hooks to good use, and I do not mean fishing."

At once she began thinking of places to jab the barbed hooks into, and grinned at the thought of the prisoner's cries. Hopefully he would have some information of interest to offer, maybe something about the bandit's camp. Either way, he wasnt going to live.

Nihael pointed out the weak smoke trail and she glanced over to where it was coming from. They were almost upon the campsite, and her eyes spotted the little light the fire gave off in the middle of a small clearing.

[Nihael]

Onyxia lowered he flight, this time alot smoother, slightly adjusting to end up right at the camp. In a few moments they had reached the camp. Nihael lithely leapt off as Onyxia landed and started to undo the straps securing Vavrin's ankles to the saddle, he profferred his hand to help her off.

Look at you, scrambling to help her. You would even grovel at her feet if she asked you to.[/i] Onyxia said to Nihael, flicking her head away in disgust.

I will discuss this with you later when there are fewer things to be done.

You mean when *she* isn't there

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin reached out and took Nihael's hand, setting foot on the ground again. Glancing around at the surroundings and trees, she saw the crackling fire but did not yet see Yin or Yang. She figured they were either by the stream or with the horses.

Glancing back at the Rider, she smiled and said, "Thank you for the ride." Vavrin held his gaze as she slowly let go of his hand and began walking toward the fire. Taking her cape off with one hand, she draped it over her arm and knelt by the fire. Vavrin prodded it with a nearby stick that was lying on the ground, and she played with it until it caught fire. She tossed it in and watched it burn with the rest, occasionally looking over her shoulder.

[Nihael]

"It was my pleasure." Nihael smiled back at Vavrin and couldn't help but follow her with his eyes as she went to sit by the fire. Staring at her for a moment, he finally realised that he had been standing there just staring at her, admiring her grace and reminiscing on how soft yet firm her body had felt during the ride. Shaking his head to snap himself out of it, he turned his back to the flames and started to unpack his gear and set it in the wagon, noticing the prisoner staring at his every move. "Don't worry, your time will come soon. Maybe if you co-operate enough, we might let you go." Laughing inwardly at the fact that there would be no chance the would let him go, alive.

[dannylam4]

Welcome back, glad to see you're alive, Yang said, walking out from behind the wagon. Yin sends a message to tell you that he is by the stream and to tell Vavrin that he borrowed your hooks for fishing. He also asks if any of you wish to attempt to go on a hunt in case he catches no fish.

Yang stood still as he watched the rider, the shade, and the dragon. Not being much of a talker, he was rather uncomfortable without his brother around the others. He gripped his sword tightly as he watched the others and waited for their reply.

[Nihael]

"I have no problem with going hunting. It would provide me with something to do other than just sitting around here and waiting. I think I'll head out now before all the game digs in for the night." Removing his cape, Nihael folded it and placed it in the wagon, picking up his bow and quiver of arrows, he slung it over his back and started to head off towards the forest. Calling back over his shoulder, "I shouldn't be gone too long." Nihael ducked under some outcropping foliage and soon disappeared into the woods.

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin watched as Nihael disappeared into the forest, then looked up at Yang. Quite aware of his gaze, she stared back and replied, "Yes, I am alive. I certainly hope Yin catches something, as I am bored with fruit." Folding her cape and setting it aside, she sat down and crossed her legs at the ankle. She frowned slightly and kept staring at him, noticing how uneasy he seemed. Judging by his grip on his sword, the last thing he probably wanted to do was converse with her. It was anyone's guess what he was thinking at the moment.

It was probably the first time Vavrin had been left alone with Yang. He was not much of a conversationalist, and she was unsure of how he would react without his brother at his side. She figured she may as well at least try to get him to talk. Vavrin gestured at Yang's hip, "Are you worried I am going to attack you while we are alone here? Or are you just... nervous?" she said, half-jokingly. She tilted her head to the side as she gazed at him, anticipating some sort of remark.

[dannylam4]

Yes... fish are stupid, yet swift, Yang said, watching Vavrin, his grip not lessening. But my brother is must swifter. They should be no problem.

"Are you worried I am going to attack you while we are alone here? Or are you just... nervous?" she said, gazed at him.

He watched her for a moment and looked around quickly. I do not hear anyone around for miles, so no, I do not believe we will be attacked. he slowly walked towards the fire and sat down. Why is it that you ask?

[Vavrinec]

"I ask because you seem very uncomfortable. I can sense these things, you know." She smiled curiously at him as he slowly sat down by her. It was like watching a young deer taking its first steps, unsure and a bit untrusting. Turning her body to face him, her maroon eyes never left his. "So, what shall we talk about?"

Leaning in a little closer, she waited a while. The fire was crackling and spitting nearby, and there was a calm breeze that whipped around every now and then. Keeping her expression as calm and serene as possible, it took every ounce of self restraint not to say or do something brazen. Though she knew very well she had to hold back if she wanted to gain his trust.

[dannylam4]

Yang watched Vavrin for a little bit until she came closer to him. He turned and stared into the fire in a momentary silence. Yes, I suppose you do, though I hide nothing,[/color] he said, still staring into the fire. And we can speak of or do whatever you wish. I am not a conversationalist like my brother, I am afraid.[/color]

He watched as a small twig snapped and burned until his eyes tingled, staring at the light. He turned and looked at her. Your horse is safe, in case you were wondering.[/color]

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin gazed attentively at Yang, listening carefully to his every word. She raised her eyebrows slightly. Surely she had heard him correctly. Don't tempt me. Running a hand over her shoulder idly, she folded her legs to the side. He seemed to be rather genuine and upfront with her, which she did not expect. Yang mentioned that he was not much of a conversationalist, and she glanced away momentarily.

"Sometimes, words are unnecessary. Just because one choses not to speak does not mean they dont say it in other ways." She was serious, though she looked over at him and grinned slyly. "Of course, I don't mind skipping dialogue and getting straight to the deed if thats what you prefer."

Vavrin turned her head and gazed at the fire, watching its flames dance and grow higher in the air. Stretching her arms out in front of her, she said "Yes, I knew Indy would be in safe hands." Wrapping her arms around her waist, she fell silent.

[Nihael]

Nihael carefully stalked the buck, whose trail he had been following for the past while. Carefully nocking an arrow and drawing it back past his ear, he waited for it to bend it's head, to drink for the small pond once again. The moment it had its head ducked down, he let a shaft fly swift and true, embedding itself in the buck's neck. Nihael was rewarded with the sight of the buck collapsing onto the ground, twitching and kicking it's hind legs in it's death throes. He waited a few moments after it stopped moving before he went up to it and swiftly slashed it's neck to make sure it was dead. Bleeding it almost dry, he hoisted it up onto his shoulder before he started to head back towards the camp, still silent as a shadow.

Parting his way from the last few outlying trees and foliage, he stopped when he saw Vavrin and Yang sitting by the fire rather closely. He froze for a second, an unreasoned anger flashing in his head for a moment before he realized that he very badly wanted to spill Yang's blood for no apparent reason. He had never liked the Twins, but he had never wanted to kill them at any point, atleast not this badly. Shaking it off, he forced a smile onto his face before he resumed heading towards the fire. "Looks like I caught dinner before Yin could even come back with his fish. I suppose we could always keep them to eat for breakfast."

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin looked up from the fire to see Nihael and his catch. "Yes, Yin has yet to return. Hopefully he brings back a worthy bunch of fish for breakfast, then." Glancing at the buck over his shoulder, she was relieved that they wouldnt have to resort to more fruit noshing.

She looked back at Yang and said quietly, "I'm going to check on Indy." She quickly got to her feet and past the Rider on her way to the wagon. She hopped onto it and crawled in, being mindful of the prisoner who was still awake. Snarling at him, she gnashed her teeth menacingly as she crawled over him to reach the bag where the fruit was kept. She grabbed a yellow apple from the bag, leapt out and made her way to where the horses were being kept.

Midnight and Moonlight were nibbling off together on some grass. Vavrin gave them each a pet as she approached Indy. Feeding him the apple and stroking his mane gently, she was glad to see him again. Vavrin had missed him since they left Yazuac, but she knew he was well cared for when she was away and his eyes were bright.

[Nihael]

Nihael set about cleaning the buck, skinning and cutting it into portions and setting up a spit on which to roast it. Carefully removing his arrows from the buck's neck, he washed it, and finding it still serviceable, he stuck it back in his quiver. Finishing cutting up the meat and sticking it on branches, stripped off their leaves, he started cooking the meat and, trying to pass the time, he tried to start up a conversation with Yang. "So when did you and Yin start following Vavrin around? I don't imagine you have been doing it ever since you started to work for Galbatorix."