Crossroads (closed for RogueWanderer and I)

[Hikari]

Mari sat towards the back of the old Tavern. The young mage of 20 years was not in the best of spirits. It had been ages since she'd had any work and her funds were running low. Who'd have thought that people would have no use for a mage with water talents. If only she could find a traveling party things might not be so bad. It wasn't as if she was strictly a water mage. She sat there twirling the water from her glass through the air then sending it back to the glass for a drink. Many men were eyeing her. It would be easy to flirt with a guy or two and get herself a meal, but the prospect disgusted her. However it was looking like more of option with every growl of her stomach.


"Time to turn on the charm" she thought.


It would start very subtle. A turn of the head, then a smile or maybe a wink. Then she'd slide the hood of her soft light blue cloak to her shoulders. It caught the eye of a few drawing smiles from them. Her dark brown almost black wavy hair and hazel eyes were just nice enough to draw in suitors willing to buy her dinner. As much as she despised this sort of thing she would have to humor them as they came to sit by her.


"Well hello fair lady.. New in town?"

"Oh yeah just passing through.." she said trying to smile.

"Well we would be honored by your company."


Her stomach was turning as she soon joined them at their table. After what seemed like an eternity of fighting stories and bragging she was finally invited to join them in sharing some soup and bread. Later on the men departed and she went back to her seat with a full stomach but was really no better situation wise.. She'd have to find a better gig or die trying..

 

[RogueWanderer]

Ryn had been around town for a few weeks now. For being in the border lands, it was usually fairly peaceful here, or so he'd been told. Once in a while some impish creature might dare venture outside the cover of the forest to poach from outlying farms. Usually enlisting some of the townsfolk to stand watches for a few nights. After one or two of the creatures fell to the pitchforks, hatchets, or (ill kept) blades or spears that the town could assemble, the rest would look for easier pickings, and not be heard from for months, maybe even a year. Rarely, the monsters would get a little more bold, and require a little more effort to discourage. Most of the time someone with appropriate skills for hunting down the monsters and giving them some real grief would pass through before too much damage was done to the farms, or even the town itself. A few days, and several free meals for whomever came by and helped out, and things got back to normal.

A few days. This had been a few weeks, and the monsters showed no signs of being discouraged; if anything, they were getting more active. Some of the days had been relatively quiet, but those lulls never lasted near as long as they were supposed to.

Today had been a long day, and not entirely painless at that. For now though, he was headed for the town's only tavern; he'd had no time to hunt for anything edible today, and it looked like rain on the way, so it was best to be inside for the night. Besides, it was nice once in a while to get a meal he didn't have to cook himself. The rain might be a small blessing too, if there was enough, he might be able to backtrail some of the impish things and find out where they're comming from. Maybe. For now though, the need for someplace that would provide food, and remain warm and dry for the night took priority.

Once at his destination, he made his way to the bar, to order some stew, and something to drink.

"Rough day?" the bartender asked after relaying the order to the small kitchen. The look on Ryn's face was about the only response he felt like offering. "Say no more," the bartender continued, "I'll send someone over with the food when it's up."

"Thanks," Ryn grunted, and migrated over to his favored spot, on the few nights he'd come in to this place. A table near one of the sides of the building, he sat with his back to the wall, which gave him a reasonable view of the bar, and the entrance.

The barkeep and a few of his assistants were about the only ones here that'd recognize him. The farmers around the edges of town would be more likely to know him, but they rarely had time to stop by the tavern. The regulars here were usually too busy with their drinks, or a game of chance, or a fight to take much notice of him. Tonight more of the attention in the bar was directed at one of the central tables than usual. Ryn didn't stop to care why. He sat with a grimmace; he could tell already today's activities would see him a bit sore in the morning. With a little luck though, tomorrow wouldn't be near as busy.

He only had to wait a few minutes before his meal arrived. Handing over a few silver coins and the assurance that he required nothing else tonight, he started to eat his meal, hopefully in peace...

 

[Hikari]

Mari went back to her seat to find that her glass of water from before was nearly empty. Someone was now sitting close to her old seat but she paid him no mind. She went to the front to replenish her glass and sipped it happily on her way back. Only she didn't realize the liquid that had been spilt on the floor. She slipped a bit but caught herself on a chair..


"Whew...That was a close one."


Only she'd spoken too soon. All it took was a misplaced foot to send her flying onto an unexpected victim and cover them with water.


"Oh gods, I'm so sorry.."


She looked up to see that it was the guy she'd seen before and he didn't look too happy. Mari rolled off of him trying to dry up the water that he was now covered in.


"Look if there's anything I can do..."

 

[RogueWanderer]

He hadn't payed much attention at all to the girl when she first approached, retrieving her glass, and deciding to get a refill. The part of his mind that kept him out of harm's way in a fight (or at least out of the way of most of it) was paying attention on her return. Mostly because she was not as she planted her foot right in the middle of a slick spot, and found not enough traction.

"Whew...That was a close one."

Spoke too soon... came the wry thought as her second attempt to cross the puddle started to go worse than the first. Reflexes kicked in as one hand pushed his food a bit farther down the table before she landed in it, or a flailing arm scattered it. After all, I paid for it, I should get to finish it; it's the principle of the thing he might think afterwards, if he chose to reflect on the details of the encounter at all. The rest of him braced for impact, catching the falling body with a whuff of escaping breath and a thud against the wall behind him.

"Oh gods, I'm so sorry.." she spoke as she was getting to her feet. "Look if there's anything I can do..." She was already trying to dry his now damp shirt.

"It's just - " he interrupted himself, taking a cautious sniff of the shirt. No alcohol; she's probably not drunk, just clumsy. Or stupid... "It's just water, it'll dry." He waved off her aid, and attempted to get back to the last of his food. So much for a peaceful meal... and staying dry for that matter

 

[Hikari]

"It's just - " he paused sniffing the shirt.

"It's just water, it'll dry."

She wanted to protest when he refused her help, but she figured that she'd done enough already. Gathering her things she pulled up her hood and sank into her seat.


"Great one Mari. You're really good at making friends.." she said to herself.



Looking over to the side she got a better look at him. Whatever he'd been doing today must've been exhausting. He certainly looked a little rough around the edges. He looked over causing her turn her head so as not seem like she was staring. Shortly after she was looking at him again turning everytime it seemed like she might be caught looking. Then for a moment she could swear she caught him looking. "Damn did he see me?"she thought.

 

[RogueWanderer]

He'd gotten back to his food, but kept sensing movement to his left, and always catching the girl conspicuously looking elsewhere if he turned to look. Once, she was a little slower in her reaction. She was definitely looking at him. Oh great, now what... He shifted a little in his seat, partly to place her a little less in his peripheral vision, but also to cover a quick check of his pocket. Money still where it's supposed to be, that's not it. So what is it? Was there something other than water in the glass? My shirt isn't changing color; maybe she's waiting for me to keel over dead? Not likely, spilling something on me, and then falling on me would leave her in the same boat as me. Probably wants to keep apologizing.

He finished his meal, catching more quick glances from the girl the entire time, then settled back in his chair while he debated asking her what her problem was.

Maybe if I ignore her, she'll just go away... Not betting on it though.

 

[Hikari]

She looked over at him a few more times. He looked like a traveler maybe a bounty hunter. Clutching her staff she readied herself to move in case she needed to. Just then he turned. He'd definately seen her this time. Something was bothering him. The rain began pouring down harder onto the roof. Neither of them were going anywhere for quite awhile. She'd paid for a room earlier so atleast she didn't have to worry about lodging for the night, but tomorrow night would be a different story altogther. She needed work badly. She looked over at him once more to find him looking right back at her.


"Oh no..What do I do now..He looks angry.." she thought.

 

[RogueWanderer]

Figures. No such luck tonight. Given the look of panic she'd adopted, Ryn was sure she knew she'd been caught peeking. Looking like that, she's probably not up to anything. Or she is, and is very very good at it.

He was sure his building annoyance was probably visible on his face, still he tried to not let it bleed into his speech too much when he spoke.

"Something bothering you?"

 

[Hikari]

"Something bothering you?"


"I..I..it's nothing really..It just looks like you've had some day.."


She was doing her best to keep calm and hoped her nervousness wasn't written all over her face.



"It's really coming down out there.."



She said peering out the window.



"I apologize if I've offended you in anyway. It's just that I don't see many people like you around and well.. Forgive me.."



She got up and walked towards the Tavern Rooms. Looking back to him once then trodding up the stairs.

 

[RogueWanderer]

"I..I..it's nothing really..It just looks like you've had some day.."

Statement of the obvious. Is there a point comming here?

"It's really coming down out there.." She said peering out the window.

Also obvious. Well, at least she's not completely oblivious to her surroundings...

"I apologize if I've offended you in anyway. It's just that I don't see many people like you around and well.. Forgive me.."

Ryn spotted the staff she was clutching as she got up to leave. That's all I need, a spell slinger to bring my day up from merely annoying to downright aggrivating. People like me? Always so smug and supperior, the lot of 'em. At least she's gone, finally. Maybe now I can have a bit of quiet...

He sighed and tipped his chair up on its back legs, leaning the back against the wall. He let his feet dangle for a few moments, resting his head against the wall before deciding he could use another drink. The way this evening was shaping up, tomorrow couldn't start too soon. He broght the chair back to all fours, and rose, making for the bar for one last drink, and then to arrange for a room for the night. With any luck, he'd have more important things to think about tomorrow, and this annoyance will be passed.

 

[Hikari]

She she went to room 3 and opened the door. The bed looked comfy and she was weary. She dropped her bags to the floor and plopped down on the bed. A sigh of relief escaped her lips.


"What was that guy's problem anyway?"


Mari closed the door behind her and went to change out of her robes. Her clothing was soon replaced with a nightgown. The rain wasn't letting up and she wondered what happened to the guy from before. He'd looked around her age. Was he really travelling by himself? It was then that she hopped into bed and let sleep overtake her.


___________


The next morning she got up and started out early. She'd somehow managed to save some bread from the night before and was eating it on the way. It was then that she saw someone ahead of her. She'd catch up to who ever it was upon reaching the crossroads ahead.

 

[RogueWanderer]

Ryn woke up, and had to take a moment for his mind to jump a few tracks, before he was entirely sure of his surroundings.

'The rain's passed' he thought. 'Still before sunrise though. Already shapping up to be a long day. That damn dream again... how did it go?' He rolled over and lay still for a while, but sleep wasn't comming back this morning. Deciding there was little to be gained staying where he was, if he wouldn't find any more sleep, he got out of bed, pulled on some clothes, and gathered his gear. He crept down the stairs, and out the front door, silent as a ghost. Of course, it did help that he'd been here a few times before, and knew which boards creaked, and which didn't.

He paused a moment once he was out on the street, taking a deep breath, then guaging the position of the moon.

'3, maybe 4 in the morning. Too dark to do anything useful yet, but the ground is a bit soft now. Maybe I'll be able to find some useful tracks once there's light enough to see them.'

Since there was so little to do at this hour, he made his way to the temple, which was down closer to the cross roads. It was always open; probably because there was little of real value kept in the building, and the cleric's home was a separate building across the road. He'd never been a particularly religious sort, but he found this place was often quiet, and well suited to a little meditation. Something he'd need to focus his mind, and set aside the dream that kept cropping up, and maybe even make up a little for not getting as much sleep. Most temples he'd ever been in were just buildings; this one, along with a scant handful of others though, always made meditation easier, even seeming to dull sounds from outside the building. 'Perhaps,' he'd noted, the first time he set foot in this one, 'the clerics and sages really did their job before the first stone was laid.'

____________________

A few hours had passed before he became mobile again. The sun was up, although playing hide-and-seek in the cloudy eastern sky. It would be a cool morning. He gathered his gear, and left the building, setting a rather leisurely pace toward the farmland on the far side of town.

'No reason to rush yet, plenty of day ahead.'

 

[Hikari]

She began running up to catch the person ahead of her. It was important that she find out more about her surroundings. For some reason it hadn't occured to her to ask those lastnight for information. Why was she being so scatterbrained lately? It was those dreams again. She could never remember it but it was always the same. She soon caught up the the person.


"Excuse me do you know any places in need of a skilled water mage? Any jobs would be good in general.. Please sir I'm badly in need of gold.."



Then she got a good look at him. Then him at her.. "Oh great now he'll think I'm following him" she thought.

 

[RogueWanderer]

Ryn turned around hearing the questioning voice fairly close behind him. Recognizing the source, he suppressed a sigh as he answered. "No, I really wouldn't know where you'd find work around here. You might consider asking someone who lives here."

'At least she isn't holding a drink this time. Shoulda picked up the pace earlier though.' Not seeing any real reason there should be more to the conversation, he resumed his walk out of town.

 

[Hikari]

"No, I really wouldn't know where you'd find work around here. You might consider asking someone who lives here."


He kept walking, but she had a few more questions and he was the only person in sight for miles.



"I'm sorry it's just that I guess I assumed you'd been through this area before."


There was a long silence...


"So..You must be a really good fighter. Anyone traveling alone would have to be."



He seemed to be annoyed by her presence. What was his problem.? Here she was trying to be friendly and he was being so cold.




"You're really not much of a talker are you?"

 

[RogueWanderer]

"You're really not much of a talker are you?"

She was still following him. 'Will this never end?' came the thought. Out loud, he said, "Not in the habit of wasting breath on things that don't need saying, no." He kept walking; the way things were starting to shape up, it'd be sunset before he'd get anywheres today.

 

[Hikari]

"Not in the habit of wasting breath on things that don't need saying, no."


The nerve of him. Sure asking all these questions wasn't normal, but she had never once given him a rude.


"Look if you were still hung up on the water incident you should have said so. I was just trying to be nice..."



She pulled up her hood held her staff over her shoulder and ran as far as she could ahead of him before needing to catch her breath.



"The nerve of him.. Sure I spilt water on him, but it's not as if I did it on purpose. I let him know I was sorry. Apparently he's not one to forgive so easily.. Well good riddance. With all my luck he'll pass right through the town ahead of this one and I'll be rid of him.."



She continued trudging along through the new mud. It was a good thing that she'd worn her boots today. Her staff seemed to help her keep a good pace and the next town seemed another half a days walk ahead. This was going to be a long day.

 

[RogueWanderer]

He shook his head after the girl ran past.

"Crazy girl," he mumbled as she dashed farther away. He thought it unusual to have said anything at all after, but it was probably just a side effect of his building annoyance. 'Typical mage, dropping insults like trees drop leaves, and thinking nothing of it after. "Just trying to be nice." Try a little harder next time. Maybe now I'll finally be shed of her though, so I can keep my mind on something worth while...'

He continued his paced walk out of town, turning off the road and cutting through some open field the farms used as a collective pasture for the various animals they tended. He checked in with a few of the farmers that lived closest to the forest; it had been a quiet night. There had been a few sightings, but nothing seemed to want to get close enough for a fight. Maybe they were finally getting bloodied enough to want to look elsewhere for their mischief. Still, those few sightings were enough to show they were out in the muck over night, he had someplace to start looking for a backtrail.

__________________

It had been a few days since he'd started following the tracks. He hadn't run into very many of the creatues in that time, so he was reasonably confident things were still pretty quiet back in the town. The tracks he'd been following had joined up with a few more sets, so that made the tracking a bit easier.

While he'd been around that town, he found the beasts were more active right around sunrise, and sunset. They seemed not to like the midday sun, and were only active in the middle of the night around the time of the full moon. Ryn guessed from that, they couldn't see much better than he could. Being under the tree cover sort of equalized their patterns. The shade seemed to diminish the creatures dislike for noontime, but also rendered moonlight nearly useless to them. Small blessings.

It was now late morning on his third day into the forest, and off to the side of the trail he was following, he could make out something through the trees. It may have been a large stone outcropping, or something else. The path he followed was still drawing closer to it, although not directly at it; he could wait till he got closer to decide to check it out or pass it by.

 

[Hikari]

It had been several days since she'd seen the man from the Tavern. She'd somehow managed to achieve temporary employment. A nearby well had gone dry and she was able to find a better area on the water table for the new well. She'd been paid well enough. She could have asked for a bit more but she could see that the villagers were honest hard working folk that could only afford what they'd given her. Sure a bit extra would have helped to buy her a new sleeping bag. Hers was full of holes and falling apart. She'd be in trouble the next time she went to sleep in the woods, but she could wait just a bit longer. Provisions and equipment were far more important than homey comforts a this point. It had been a nice day so far. Just then she heard a voice.


"Ah..Young mage.."


"Yes?"


She turned to see a woman with a child hiding behind her.


"Well you see there's a bit of a problem.. My daughter here went into the woods the other day with her basket and her doll. Usually those sorts of things wouldn't be important, but they were not hers to take. They were both given to me by my mother. She left them in the woods and it's been overrun with monsters lately. I'd go myself but.."


"I understand perfectly..One would not wish to lose such priceless heirlooms."


"That is why if it isn't too much trouble.."


"Sure I'll go get them for you just tell me where it is you think they are.."


The little girl clung to her mother's dress. She spoke softly.


"There's an old shed not that far in.. I left the doll in the basket. She was afraid of the monsters.."


Mari smiled.


"Thank you so much for this.. I haven't much but I'm certain I can offer you a meal atleast.."


"Why..That would be wonderful.."


They pointed her in the correct direction finding herself in the woods that they spoke of. She could hear noises almost whispers in the woods.



"The little girl must have left her things after getting scared. I know that I
would certainly be if I were that age." she thought to herself



She soon came upon the shed they'd spoken of and grabbed the basket with the doll inside. It was amazing that it had survived the night. It was then that she saw someone walking through the woods in the distance. Were they aware that it was dangerous to be out here alone? She went back to the village and returned the doll telling them that she'd join them for dinner some other time. She'd been watching the woods no one had come out of there. Perhaps the person had become lost. She ran back into the woods where she'd been before. There were bootprints in the dirt. She followed them quickly trying to get to that person before sunset. Maybe if they were nice she could travel with them. She honestly disliked traveling alone. It was something she desperately wanted to remedy. Then she began following a path to what looked like a temple of somekind. It was just then she heard a rustling in the trees behind her. She turned towards the sound. The crystal on her staff glowing a light blue color.



"Who goes there?"

 

[RogueWanderer]

He'd continued following the trail until it got as close as it seemed it would get to whatever it was he'd spotted before. It was definitely stone, but there was still a bit too much tree cover to determine what it was. He took a few moments to get a good fix on where he was standing, so he'd be able to find the trail again later, then turned left and started slowly toward the stone.. whatever.

The ground became more stony as he closed the distance, several large chunks of rock poking out of the ground here and there, although the trees didn't seem to take any notice and found enough places to grow that the forest was almost as thick here as it had been through his last day's journey. As he continued to weave through the trees, he determined that whatever the stone ahead was, it was a fair bit bigger than he first thought. When he was about a hundred yards out, he could finally make out enough to tell it was worked stone, a structure of some sort. He paused to confirm his bearings, and was about to continue towards the structure when he spotted movement off to his left. His hands instinctively dropped to the pair of sword hilts that hung at either side from his belt, as he made a quick side step to gain some cover. Slowly, and nearly silently, the pair of blades came free from their sheaths.

A couple quick peeks around the side of the tree, and he found the movement again, and cautiously began to move, closing distance, but aiming to end up behind whatever was out there. For all the careful construction and the effort that went into maintaining the blades in his hands, surprise was still a far deadlier tool, and he aimed to make use of it whenever possible. As he closed in, he found a few better looks at what it was he'd seen - more of those creatures, three or four maybe. He was still over a dozen yards off when when he heard a voice, definitely human, from a bit past the creatures.

"Who goes there?"

Well, that was good, tell 'em right where you are. Sparing a glance around his current patch of cover, he spotted five beasts jumping out of the brush toward the voice. Not good; four on one is difficult for me, much less five, and anyone fool enough to call out to those things won't have an easier time of it...

Checking his grip on the blades in his hands, he launched into a headlong dash after the monsters; stealth was less of a concern now, but with their attention occupied, he might still have surprise.

 

[Hikari]

Mari jumped backward as five large beasts lunged at her. She'd blocked their first intial attack with a weak shield. Enough time for her to get to her secret weapon. Sure she could take out one or two with her staff but this would pack a bit more punch or atleast serve as a distraction. She'd opened a small pouch of tiny crystal shards almost the consistancy of sand. They were small but they were sharp. She took a handful and quickly put the rest back. With the other hand drew up a puddle of stagnant water and threw the crystals into it in one swift motion. The barrier gave and she had only a second to react. The water went by in a quick stream. The effect was not apparent at first but she'd given each of them a deep gash across their abdomens. She split them into two streams cutting in a cross like motions. Sure they were bleeding but their hides were a bit thicker then expected and the crystals tended to go blunt after a few attacks. She struck three of them one more time before sending a distracting splash to their faces. Her staff became her new weapon, delivering harsh blows to their heads. One fell and the others pressed on. She drew up the water once more freezing it to a point on the end of her blade. She managed to spear another then slash through the neck of another. The point broke on the hide of the third and she knew instantly that she was in trouble. The monsters were overpowering her and she was running out of tricks. The blows from her staff were only doing minor damage and her shields were beginning to give.


"Damn it!!"


Their scraping attacks were coming through ripping at her robes. There were too many of them. Her mind tried to think of something but she was drawing a blank. She remembered her water jug and she sent the contents into the air. She froze the droplets as best she could and sent them through the body of one sending it to the ground. Her strength was leaving her...

 

[RogueWanderer]

The battle had already started as Ryn tore through the brush. Equal measures of instinct and training taking over, he evaluated the situation that unfolded before him.

One with a nasty hole in its throat - no threat. One sprawling backwards - can wait. Two still attacking - priority. One getting back to its feet - opportunity.

He charged full force into the melee, driving a blade deep into the chest of one of the attacking creatures, which gurgled and staggered. He left the blade as he pivoted on one foot to face the one that had been getting to its feet. It wasn't quite up, and off balance. A sweeping slash, continuing the momentum of his turn cut into its arm, and knocked it over again. He planted a foot and turned again to retrieve his other blade from the first victim. It had sunken to its knees but hadn't quite completed the fall as he grabbed the blade lodged in its chest, and gave the body a good kick as he removed the sword.

Two dead, two down, one attacking. The one still standing had noticed its friend getting skewered, and decided to reevaluate its priorities. One clawed hand was already coming down for a swipe, and Ryn barely had time to avoid the intended blow, leaning back as he batted it aside with the flat of one blade. The creature lunged to try with its other hand, and was denied once more.

The second of the creatures Ryn had hit foolishly thought to rejoin the fight. Unfortunately, just because it was at his back, didn't mean he couldn't hear it. It was about to pounce, as its friend before Ryn made another swing, and this time left itself open. Ryn thrust one sword blindly behind him, which managed to find its mark, as he drove the other into the monster in front. They both gurgled and expired almost in unison, ending the action.

Four dead, one down. The last of the creatures had been the one falling backwards when he'd entered the fray. It looked pretty well perforated, and hadn't moved since hitting the ground. Having freed both blades from their last victims, Ryn took the few paces to the one beast he hadn't addressed yet. One quick downward thrust removed any doubts about its condition.

The threat now passed, Ryn turned his attention to the one who might otherwise have been lunch. She'd lost consiousness, and seemed a little tore up around the edges, but nothing life threatening at first glance. As he rolled her onto her back, he immediately recognized her face.

"Oh no, not you again. What are you doing here??"

 

[Hikari]

Somewhere along the line things had gone black. She heard things but they we're all that clear. She felt herself being turned over and heard a voice.


"Oh no, not you again. What are you doing here??"


Her eyes began to flicker open and she couldn't make out the person's face. She muttered something incoherently then spoke something that could be understood..


"uhh..mmm..What am I doing? Let's see.. I guess I'm bleeding a bit.."



She tried to sit up but fell back down again..



"Guess I should lie down..I should really thank the two of you.."

 

[RogueWanderer]

"uhh..mmm..What am I doing? Let's see.. I guess I'm bleeding a bit.."

She tried to sit up but fell back down again..

"Guess I should lie down..I should really thank the two of you.."

Ryn could only shake his head at the response he got.

"Well, it's your blood. Keep it to yourself. Although I suppose you'll be wanting help with that too..." With a sigh, he unslung his pack and dug around for something that would make suitable bandages, while he looked her over to see where the worst of her wounds might be.

"You are still alive, but I'll let you decide later whether or not you're lucky to be so."

 

[Hikari]

"Well, it's your blood. Keep it to yourself. Although I suppose you'll be wanting help with that too..."

She was still a bit delirous but things were getting clearer.

"You are still alive, but I'll let you decide later whether or not you're lucky to be so."


He tended to her wounds. If she'd been in her right mind she would have protested. Some of her wounds were in places that a girl wouldn't usually let a stranger look.


"Wait so if I'm alive..Then your not an angel? Thank you so much for your help..Whoever you are. You sound really frustrated, but I like the sound of your voice.. Could you tell me your name? Whoa still dizzy.."


She rubbed her head, but got a better less fuzzy look when he came to get a scratch on her cheek.


"You have really nice eyes. I've seen them before haven't I?"