Amongst the Natives (for Monique_Minx)

[monique_minx]

Catanga tasted some of the fish, she was careful and appropriately dainty for a princess while she ate. She listened to his words and realized he had not understood all the cards on the table.

Cat blushed at his words, she had heard similar things most of her adult life which was fairly short but she had never been a vision before. Though Catanga was constantly made aware of her beauty by compliments, she never let it go to her head and it still embaressed her to hear such things as she thought her friends were much prettier.

"No Sir, the tribes won't side with us for fear of angering the ever increasing number of bandits. We hold our friendship with you because we are not afraid to fight for our right to do as we please. The other tribes are not attacked by the main body of bandits because they refuse to side with us. A few bandits will occasionally rob them but they're generally alone and easily dealt with." She smiled, trying to make him understand.

Catanga felt the sheath of the blade dig into her as she leaned back, she had forgotten all about the weapon.

"I'm sorry Sir, forgive me I had quite forgotten my personal protection."

She stood up, hoping he would not be upset that she hadn't removed the weapon before entering his home and she unbuckled it from her waist. She resumed her seat and dropped the blade to the ground next to the chair so it would be out of the way.

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent watched the weapon settled to the floor, his eyes watching the weapon...but noting the blush on her cheeks that had spread from his compliment, and that had still not faded from her face. It was nice to know that some things remained the same no matter what part of the world you were in, women still liked being called attractive when you were honest about it. He waved away Catanga's apology without a word.

"Please, you need not worry me, you have concerns for your safety, far be it from me to dictate to you about the need for safety in these lands. I do not fault you for it. After all, look where we are." Vincent said with a laugh as he looked around the room and gestured with a wave, noting that Catanga's eyes opened slightly, and the blush faded as she relaxed a little more.

"I shall probably have to start carrying my own protection now that I have become a rather...unpopular in the region with my arrival. Though I do not think I'll be carrying a sword, it is not my preference." Vincent said, and reached down past the jacket of his suit and removing the handgun from wher it rested. He held the weapon up above the table to show her, the chromed finish of the Colt .45 automatic glittered in the candlelight. He saw Catanga's eyes widen in shock and concern.

"I am not a man who uses a sword, but a pistol is quite useful in my eyes." He explained and returned the weapon to the leather houlster, concealing it from view.

 

[monique_minx]

Catanga had seen these weapons before, she did not like them one bit. It was unnatural that a person should be able to kill someone else from such a far distance.

"You have your own preferences and I have mine Sir." Cat murmured, the concern fading from her eyes as a flicker of concern appeared in Vincent's at her words.

She smiled to calm him, letting him know she was not offended or worried that he carried such things.

"I don't like the idea of guns Sir, I prefer an honourable kill with a clean blade to one from a distance of 20 feet."

She ate a little more fish to show that she was not at all worried by this exchange and sipped her champagne, she liked the light headed feeling she was starting to get from the drink.

"I've never tasted a drink such as this before...champagne is quite nice but we have no such thing in our lands." She remarked in an attempt to change the subject from weapons.

"What will you do to occupy yourself out here? Aside from looking after the lands of course, I'm sure you must have had books and things back home but I'm afraid there will be few of those here." She stated sympathetically, she knew Xavier had loved to read; Annika had told her so but his small library was inadequate for his passions.

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent noted Catanga's stance on firearms and shuruged. She had her ways, he had his. He shifted his weight and ate some more fish, He chuckled as she complimented the champaign. The drink was average, but one could hardly expect the best here. He swirled the liquid slightly and took another drink, draining the glass at last.

"Sometimes expedience is more important than skill." He said, looking at the walls, his thoughts wandering for a moment, then focusing back on Catanga. He smiled at the question of what he would do to occupy himself. Truth be told, he couldn't do much but work on his administration of the region. He did read, of course, and his uncle had made quite a nusance of himself demanding numerous volumes and books to be shipped to him. There was quite a library within the estate, but he hadn't had time to examine it at length.

"Of course I could spend my time reading, though I would prefer to spend my time in more exciting pursuits, riding, shooting and the such. Since aparently it seems that other than reading, there is little that a young man can do around here. Of course one could add Romancing to that...but so far the only woman that I know here is you." Vincent said, laughing lightly at that.

 

[monique_minx]

Catanga blushed furiously at his words and wondered if he could tell that she was somewhat attracted to him. She joined him in laughter, her's light and slightly uncomfortable.

"I could take you to meet some of my tribe Sir? If you would like to meet new people...then you would know more women than just I." She said, her voice teasing him a little.

"I'm sure they wouldn't be adverse to the idea, most of them wouldn't at any rate. Like I said the elders will take time. As for horse riding and shooting, I can ride a horse when necessary but much prefer solid ground or trees and of course I've already given you my views on guns." She bowed her head to him in mutual understanding.

"Do you like children Sir? Not referring to having them, just in general." She smiled as his eyes had lit up in slight confusion at the sudden change in subject.

She ate a little more fish and sipped her champagne until the glass was empty once again, she was something of a bird when it came to food and ate very little. Cat took the small braid from behind her ear and let it swing free to frame her face again as she did not need her hair to be held back any longer.

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent smiled at Catanga's offer to introduce him to her tribe. He was curious about the women of the tribe... Such an offer was nice on her part, but not something to leap at immediately, it would not do her people well to think him merely looking for a woman to bed and ease his lusts in this land. They were the only friendly tribe, angering them would not do well.

"I thank you for the offer, but I don't want your people to think that I only wish their friendship for your attractive women." Vincent said with another chuckle, taking a bite of fish, almost missing it as she asked him about children. He was shocked, and he looked up, the confusion showing in his eyes.

"I like them...some of my best childhood friends were children." He said, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Why do you ask?"

 

[monique_minx]

"I like them...some of my best childhood friends were children."

Catanga burst into laughter at this, she covered her mouth in an attempt to cease it but her body's shaking gave it away completely. She had only ever found one other male who could make her laugh like that; Domascus and even then she only laughed at him because she beat him at almost every game they'd ever played.

"Why do you ask?"

Catanga finally calmed down enough to speak, her eyes were watering and she couldn't help but smile at him.

"I'm sorry...that was just....funny..." Cat didn't know what to say but she felt the ice was well and truly broken now.

"I asked because I teach children, it's likely that if you come to visit my tribe with me as your guide there will be plenty of children surrounding us. The rewards of being a beloved teacher I suppose."

Catanga set her empty champagne flute on the table and placed her hands in her lap.

"The children and I watched you get off the train actually, they seemed to like you although I think the white suit may have had more to do with that Vincent." Her use of his name was deliberate, she wanted to do away with the formalities now.

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent blinked in suprise, he hadn't exaclty expected his joke to go over so well, but with the laugher he could feel that the tension in the room ease perceptibly. He let out a laugh of his own, more from relief than anything else. As he saw her relax at last he lifted his glass in toast to her.

"Well, I can certainly say that being a teacher has some more pointed rewards than anything money can provide." He said in a rare moment of honesty, his rich noble history cracked sightly, and he looked down at the table. It was true, he did think that teachers gave so much, though his skills did not lay in that direction.

"They are lucky to have you, Cat." Vincent said in reply to her use of his common name, a layer of formality gone, greateful for that. He finsihed his last bite of fish. As he finished, he was struck by a strange thought that hadn't occured to him.

"But how I wonder does a warrior become a teacher? The two don't seem to be very closely linked." VIncent asked.

 

[monique_minx]

Catanga nodded in agreement "You're quite right, warriors and teachers have no real link except that warriors have the ability to teach their skills. Just as princesses have no links to warriors or teachers. But I cannot call myself a warrior, I can fight for my own defense but to fight in an army is another thing entirely."

Cat was a little grateful her champagne glass was empty, she felt words sliding from her like eels unable to be contained and it felt like she was going on a bit much at times.

"I know enough to keep myself safe but I would not presume to do real battle, my parents would never allow it for one thing and believe me I have asked!" She grinned and rolled her eyes in frustration with her parents.

"For another I have no desire to lead men into battle, to watch them slaughtered if I make a single mistake and I have seen too many slaughtered by bandits as they defend our village. I would think it was my fault..."

Cat let her words drift off, she had no wish to complete the thought let alone voice the words and she had considered this many times. Her expression was solemn and sincere, Vincent knew she had thought of this alot and had seriously considered becoming a soldier for her people.

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent nodded to Catanga as he listened. He could understand the yearning in her voice to become a warrior. There was a noblity and romance to it. Vincent couldn't deny that he had dreamed of being an officer as a boy, leading his people's soldiers into glorious battle and victory, taking command of the field. Though that had been a passing fancy, although now he found himself in the shoes of ledership, and it was a sobering prospect.

"I can understand your concerns. I've been placed in that situation, and it's a dangerous burden to carry." Vincent said, solemnly. He looked at the slightly glazed look in Cat's eyes and listned to the smooth rolling sound of her speach.

"Perhaps you should avoid more of the champaign Cat, It would be difficult for you to find your way home after another glass. And your elders might worry if you spent the night within my mannor." He said with a smile.

 

[monique_minx]

Catanga barely surpressed the smile that threatened to form at the idea of her staying within his walls that night. The looks the elders would give her came to view in her mind and then she really did smile, the idea of annoying the elders so greatly gave her a strange sense of pleasure.

"I would love to see their expressions if I did stay the night Vincent" She giggled a little showing that the idea was enticing.

"I think a few of them would like suffer grim death at the very thought of their dear princess in the arms of a stranger."

Cat realized what she had just said and blushed, she covered her mouth with her hand as the blood rushed to her cheeks.

"I'm sorry...I didn't...I-" Cat babbled, tripping over her own tongue, she didn't know what to say to fix this.

She fell silent and dropped the eye contact she had with Vincent for the first time; she was truly embaressed. Silently she cursed herself, I shouldn't have come here! I'm not ready for this!

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent was enough to smile as Catanga joked about what her people might think, even though in a mannor this big there were plenty of rooms for her to sleep in far from his own chambers...but was shocked as Cat's face fell and she stood up to excuse herself. He wondered what had happened, what had so embarassed her. Before he could say anything she stood up and left, a vivd blush upon her face as she turned. Before he could stand she had left the room. HE got to his feet, following her.

"Cat? Cat!" He called to the door, confused about what had happened as he darted thrpough the door looking to see the flash of brilliant red hair walking down the corridor.

"Cat, what is the matter?" He called to her, worried all of a sudden.

 

[monique_minx]

Cat suddenly stopped at the concern in his voice, she was practically storming out on him; no matter how embaressed she was, she knew how her father would react to such news and the idea did not bode well.

She turned, her eyes unable to meet his "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have walked out like that but I just....I shouldn't have come here, I'm not ready for all these responsibilities my father keeps piling on me. I can't even keep my head in a conversation long enough not to embaress myself!"

She had to practically yell at herself in her own mind to keep from crying, Cat obviously could not handle embaressment well.

"I'm not fit to call myself a princess if I can't even deal with this! How will I deal with the tribes? And the elders? And-" She couldn't go on, the tears burst forth and Catanga was further humiliated by her display of emotion.

She had almost said 'And my murder.' But that was not set in stone though she was certain she would be overthrown the second her father died and the man was not in good health as it was.

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent looked at Catanga, about as embarassed as she was. He reached out and touched her arm, the impropriety of it ignored at that moment. His face was etched with concern.

"You don't need to feel embarassed becasue of anything you've said to me." Vincent said with a frown on his face.

"I might have been well trained, but I'm just as new to this as you are Cat. We're both young for this duty, you were sent because your elders trust you, and I was sent because my family decided I was the most useful one to place here." He said quietly, his hand still resting delicately on her arm.

"I might be the chief administrator of these lands...you might be the daughter of your tribal elders...but I guess we're both still new at this." Vincent said, and looked over his shoulder, making sure that the hall was clear.

 

[monique_minx]

Catanga looked up at his words, smiling through her tears at his understanding and she took his hand from her arm and held it.

"You're kind, I'm not usually like...please understand, I had no idea of what to expect here. This is a whole new jungle to me, I'm at home in the trees and the branches, not the mortar and the brick as you are. We are quite possibly the most different people on the planet, neither of us want to be here and yet here we are thrown together by such a silly thing as duty." She sniffed a laugh through her tears as they finally stopped flowing.

Still holding his hand, she used her other to wipe her tears away and looked at Vincent. She could see he felt just as uncomfortable as she did.

She laughed lightly "Oh look at us, I've got us both as red as my clothes and me; here in tears. How stupid!" This time she was clearly attempting to make light of the situation.

Somewhere in the back of her mind was the concern for herself if she tried to make for her village in the dark when the bandits were at their most active. Bit Cat ignored it and kept her concentration on Vincent, a man she had only just met, felt attracted to and then embaressed them both in only a few hours. What a mess!

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent looked down at Catanga and smiled at her laughter of her own embarasment. He was willing to let things relax, both of them were in unfamiliar territory. He nodded to her.

"Duty is important...but I won't think any less of you, and I won't rembmer any of it. I have convinently come down with a minor case of amnesia." Vincent said, a coy smile on his lips. He gestured back to the sitting room.

"If you like we can sit back down in the sitting room, perhaps have some more chapaign? If you don't have to return to your people just now?" Vincent said, speaking as if nothing at all had happened just now.

 

[monique_minx]

Cat smiled at him as he tried to pretend as if nothing had happened, it might have worked too were it not for the telltale reddening around her eyes caused by her tears.

"I'd like that very much, I have no pressing reason to return to my people."

She followed Vincent back into the sitting room, he poured her another glass of champagne and Cat eyed their fingers brushing as she took it from him. It sent a curious shiver through her veins and she relaxed by resuming her seat, leaning back and sighing.

"If you have any questions about our lands Vincent, please don't be shy. I'd like to help you become more familiar with this place...as you were so very...understanding" She didn't say anymore than that, the look in his eyes said enough, he had caught her meaning and the ordeal was forgotten.

"If your amnesia will permit you to remember everything I tell you that is?.." Catanga recalled his previous joke and teased him with it.

He probably didn't expect her to be so good at joking but her tribe wasn't so serious that they couldn't see the fun side in life, it was just that duty came first in order to keep their structure.

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent smiled as Catanga walked back towards the sitting room, a small smile had replaced her tears. He was grateful for that, since like most men he never wished to se a woman harmed by his actions. The entered and he hadned her another glass, her fingers brushing against his. He wondered for a moment if he saw a shiver run through her body at that moment...but dismissed it as she sat down.

"So tell me of the enemies of your people, Since they are my enemies as well. My uncle may have written about them, but the input of someone with a more intimate understanding of the sitaution would be welcome. What of these bandits? Are there any people of note?" He asked, starting another glass of champaign, pacing himself carefuly. Losing his head to spirits would not be a good move. He almost snorted some as Catanga teased him with his little joke.

"Yes Cat, my memory is just fine, what was I supposed to forget again?"

 

[monique_minx]

Cat giggled but didn't respond to his joke this time, instead she chose to turn her attention to his question and thought of the bandits.

"Well there are some lone bandits, most of them aren't dangerous at all, just joining the chance to rob for no reason but the main group is quite deadly. They've been amassing numbers for years now which is why holding them off becomes more problematic everyday. There is one woman...she was apart of my tribe once but her heart blackened with the idea that we would become traitors..."

Catanga sighed, this bothered her very much as she had been friends with this woman and wished that this hadn't come between them...

"Come with me Cat!"

"I can't! This is silly, please don't do this!"

"I won't lay down for the western dogs!" She snarled.

"It's just peace! You think joining the bandits will be better?"

"I already lost my marriage to the chief's son of the Harikani's so yes! Yes I'd prefer being with the robbers than with traitors!"

"Don't say that, my father just wants what is best for us."

"What of you Cat? You're a beautiful woman, no man will marry you now..."

Catanga snapped back to reality and shook her head, "She was very upset by the loss of her marriage with Harikani's, she blamed the tribe for a bad decision and joined the bandits. She gave them great knowledge of our lands and our tribes, which tribes would be more likely to join them and so on. We lost alot of people's loyalty to the bandits after that....I hope that answers your question..."

 

[FaeBites]

Saita

A lot closer then either might expect, the object of their current conversation lingered in the shadows as the sun began to set. Gruff voices broke out into argument behind her as she watched bustling village that sorrounded the offending mansion. Her lips twisted into a snarl just at the sight of the hideous atrocitiy. Anger smoulder within her soul, a deep burning ache that screamed for justice, for revenge. She’d spent the past few years clawing her way up a hierarchy of lawless and brutal bandits, the dream of freedom she had expected when she left the tribe nothing like the truth.

Her initiation to the bandit’s warriors had involved her rape, branding and a harsh cost of her dignity. She’d made them pay for that though, and had learnt quickly that to have a bite worse then your bark earnt respect, fear, and survival. And the figure head for all the atrocities she’d endured and committed? The figurehead for all her pain, rage and sense of revenge? The one person she was quite happy to blame all her bad decisions and heartache on? Well Catanga had strolled calmly into the western devils home, to strike deals with death. Saita’s anger blistered.

“Shut up!” She snarled to the men behind her, wondering again why she had even bothered to bring them. They were her men amid the bandits, and she trusted their loyalty as much as you could trust the loyalties of a lawless society. She found she accomplished missions better alone, without lumbering idiots to make mistakes. Besides, this was too important, she’d been waiting years to get back at her former friend, and their tribe.

The youngest man, Ari, new to join her crew, shifted his weight nervously, glancing over the man-made walls. “Saita… are you sure about this?” He asked, licking his lips as he crouched before the tree trunk that sheltered them. Saita froze, her breath hissing between her lips as she spun towards him, stalking forward in a manner much to like a large feline predator. “Are you challenging my authority?” She inquired in a dangerous voice, a soft ‘shick’ sound announcing the unsheathing of her dagger. Ari backed up quickly until the tree trunk brought him abruptly to a halt, the seething female before him an intimidating sight even if he cleared her height by a good few inches. Silence fell as the other two men stopped their arguing, excited by the hope of blood, watching Ari's quick negative shake of the head with sneers. Saita glowered - animals, they were all animals.

“Well then.” She replied dismissively, turning away from him again. “But – what if she doesn’t walk back? It’s getting dark – and the tribes are starting to get more worried about us. What if she stays the night?” He cringe slightly, as though expecting her to turn on him again, his words coming out in a nervous rush. Years ago she might have been impressed with the ability to bring a young man trembling with the threat of her dagger – but years ago she wouldn’t have known what it would take to reach this point.

Saita rolled her eyes, throwing a dirty look over her shoulder at the male that kept interrupting her planning with his mindless gibbering. “Your mother must have tricked your father, because you definitely have the brain cells of a warthog.” There was muffled gwaffling behind them as the other two – more muscle then brain – snickered at the insult. She ignored them, they were only here for the heavy lifting, and Ari… well god knows what Ari was for besides annoying the hell out of her.

“If she stays… then I go in and get her. It’s really not a hard concept.” Her eyes scanned the foundations, she’d already mapped out the entries and exits, and marked guard changes and positioning.

“And remind us again what we get from this?” One of the other men, Natis inquired gruffly, nudging his brother, Mati. Saita sighed, and rolled her eyes. Regretting bringing them once more, as it seemed she was to get no peace before their curiosity was alleviated. “First pick of the woman when we attack the tribe, and the loot, if everything goes according to plan. And you shut up before I cut off your tongues.”

“Ah but without my tongue how am I to please you, Shunkaha-Luta?” He said, leering obscenely as he slipped into their native language, using her nickname of the Red Wolf. Saita didn’t even bother to bat a lash; Natis had tried many a time to seduce her. Now would be no more successful as the others. “By remaining quiet, Natis. Before I order your brother to beat the other side of your head in.” Her voice now emotionless, Natis couldn’t help but raise a hand protectively to where the scar was visibly healing across his left temple. He’d been under the influence of the sweet-grass and had decided not to understand what ‘no’ meant. Saita wasn’t about to let him forget it.

“Ari, go get the rope and the vial of sedative from camp. You two stay out of sight of the patrols and watch in case she leaves early. I’m going to scout it out once more. And if you do see her – do not touch her. She is mine. Tonight’s the night, boys.”

She gave a chilling grin, swinging up into the canopy and moving quickly from tree to tree to get to a better viewing position of the main entrance. Trying not to remember the hours they’d spent together, chasing each other through trees and plains, dancing in the rain and howling with the wolves. She shook her head, her anger drowning the momentary nostalgia, all that had changed when Cat abandoned her to her choices. Tonight was the night that she started the pay back of all that was due. And the tribe that rathered to consort with western evils then value their own... well they'd bleed for it to.

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent could see that Catanga's eyes had glazed slightly, her thoughts had drifted back to something private and far away. He didn't clear his throat or try to snap her mind out of it, instead he politely waited for her to drift back to with him. He wondered just who this woman might have been to Cat, she ddin't seem the type to reminiss about a foe, but probably a friend.

"Sometimes the people we care about are more dangerous than those we hate." He said, beconing to the servant in the door to bring the dessert. The servant responded with something chocolate and drenched in cherry liqure, it was decadant but delightfully so.

"I've never had enemies who wished me for dead, but I have made enemies of those who I had once thought friends. But the problem was a woman came between us. He threatened me to a duel over her hand, but I was not going to kill my friend over the hand of a woman that I barely knew. I refused, and such a mark on one's honor of a refused duel is a terrible slight." Vincent said with a sigh.

 

[monique_minx]

Catanga nodded "I understand, for a man to refuse such a thing in my tribe....well eventually the shame would have them driven out. I have had a few men kill each other over me...it is not something I ever wanted. Some people forget the terrible guilt the woman must carry over watching such things..."

She ate the chocolate so as not to offend Vincent but did not really like to eat sweet things, it left her feeling slow and lethargic. Once again she looked to the window, the sun was completely gone now and the candles were lit along with the torches outside the castle and in the village.

Catanga stood slowly "I should be going Vincent, this has made for a lovely evening though and I would hope that you will accept my invitation to show you around my tribe and our lands."

She smiled "But the hour grows late and I must get back, the road does not make for safe travels at night. My parents will grow worried for me."

She picked up her knife and re-buckled it around her waist, once it was secured she looked up at Vincent again. She didn't really want to leave but she knew her parents and the rest of the tribe; especially Domo would worry about her if she didn't return soon.

 

[Bsquad]

Vincent nodded as Catanga stood up slowly. He could see a slight tremor to her stance, perhaps champaign was not the best thing to have served her. But he could not offer for her to spend the evening inside the mannor, her sensibilities would be offended, and her family would get the entirely wrong idea from it. But he stood and bowed slowly to her before walking towards the door.

"Of course Cat, I understand. I have much enjoyed your visit, though it is a shame that it ended so soon." Vincent said, escorting her out of the sitting room and down the stairs through the main hall.

"I would very much like to see you again if it were possible...and I do hope that you will be able to give me a tour of your lands." Vincent said with a smile, hoping that his not too subtle request to meet with Catanga again was not overlooked. As they reached the main door and opened it, he looked out into the darkness, a small twinge of worry in his heart. Before Catanga could leave, he slightly touched her arm.

"Cat...I'm worried about your journey home. Would you care for an escort from my guards...or to spend the night within the mannor, despite the impropriety of it?" He said, his voice not betraying the deep concern that he felt.

 

[monique_minx]

Catanga smiled "I would also love to see you again Vincent..."

"Cat...I'm worried about your journey home. Would you care for an escort from my guards...or to spend the night within the mannor, despite the impropriety of it?"

Catanga looked out into the darkness and then back at Vincent, she shook her head.

"I will be fine, thank you but no...I must get back or the elders will worry and my parents will fret. The more people that I travel with; the slower I will be and therefore the more danger we shall all be in."

She hugged Vincent briefly and in a friendly manner despite her breasts pressing against his chest as she did so.

"That is how we say goodbye to friends in my home." She smiled and waved at Vincent as she made her way out of the village and past the various security points.

When Cat was out of the village she made for the nearest tree at a run, she flipped up into it and started her way back carefully, feeling for branches and keeping herself alert. The champagne was slowing her progress and she moved at half speed, having care not to slip on anything.

Catanga froze, a twig had snapped and she quietly shifted on the branch for a quick look around. She sighed in relief at seeing nothing and shook her head; I'll never drink champagne again! It's giving me awful paranoia!

 

[FaeBites]

Saita was motionless as the day turned to night. She checked back in with the men once, just to make sure they were keeping themselves out of trouble. It was more like babysitting then a mission, she snorted softly at the thought. Her eyes were trained on the mansion, the entrance illuminated by lights, making her job that much easier. Her breath paused in her throat for a moment when she saw the two at the door, her fury raising unbearably as she saw the exchange of affection. It seemed her former friend had taken one more step closer to her demise, not satisfied with consorting with them Catanga was now a devils whore. Well, she should then get treated as such.

Saita stalked her prey through the trees, reminded swiftly and painfully of the hunting games they played when younger. When Catanga glanced around at the noise, and quickly convinced herself otherwise, Saita knew it was time to act. Sneaking up on someone through a network of branches is a lot harder then on foot, as one might imagine. She swung herself into the branches above Cat though, and the slight rustle of leaves was the only give away a split second before she landed on the branch behind her rival.

She’d slipped her dagger free, and it pressed against the soft flesh of the princesses neck, her free hand tangling in her hair and yanking it back harshly. “Yield?” she purred dangerously in the darkness, the word a direct memory from all the times they’d tried to catch the other unawares. Yield symbolised naming the victor, she wondered if Catanga remembered, or if she’d forgotten about her old friend completely. “”You smell like a devils touch, Cat. How far the mighty can fall.” Her breath hissed against the other girls neck, she topped Catangas height by an inch or two but she was also use to fighting larger and stronger opponents. Not drunk princesses, so she was definitely confident in her abilities.