Don't Let Your Hope Fade

As she saw Jenna approach her, Rynn's grin widened. Yep. She knew she'd like Jenna. They could kick complete and total ass together. Her mind momentarily wandered to all the havoc they could wreak on poor Dark if he decided he didn't want to behave himself. "I couldn't help it..." Rynn shrugged, looking between Adam and Jenna, her cheshire grin never fading.

"Good point. I don't want to have to listen to my ring and look mildly crazy to find you guys again." She nodded as Adam suggested that one place in that one spot by that one thing that lord knows she'd never remember. But alas, it didn't matter as he was with her, and she could just follow him.

"I hope they attack in a small number. I really want to light a La'Ronk ass on fire." she chuckled, knowing the others likely found her to be inviting trouble. But honestly, she didn't care- after the morning she'd had watching the world burn sounded like a very, very good idea.

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"You're all morons. This isn't a game. If we die, we fail. We're only as strong as our weakest link, which, sadly, is me at the moment. It's noon and the sun is high in the sky. I'm completely useless with my magic, but don't count me out. I've trained my whole life. My older brother, Deks, always talked about saving the world. How he wanted to be one of the heroes of legend. He told me stories, tales, and rumors. Everything. We need not worry about an attack? Unless you want to die right off the bat. I'm not sure any of you have done your research. Have you no common sense? The leader of the la'Ronk army is Jenny Lynn Walker. She's not a woman to be taken lightly. She's wicked brilliant and she's probably ten steps ahead of us. Doing the obvious, staying behind and scattering, if falling right into her trap. Do you want to be struck out without even getting a fair fighting chase? I think not. I, for one, would like to live and give this hero thing a go. I can't do that if you all decide to die on me."

For being sound asleep, lifted, man-handled, insulted, and pawned off, Nick had been paying attention. There was a reason he was a part of the group. He, unbeknownst to the others, had undergone much training that would prepare his hero friends with the wisdom they needed to succeed. He knew that at some point they would need to pay a visit to the elders to seek out guidance. He knew the road there as his brother and he traveled it often. He also knew about the sacred grounds and even about the various chambers below the cities.

His remorseless eyes settled on Rynn. "Don't automatically assume I'm all doom and gloom. It does come with the territory, but I can behave myself. My brother taught me everything I know. Patience, politeness, kindness. I just chose not to wield those traits as they are useless in this day and age. What's the point of being friendly and charming when the world is within seconds of collapse? What's the point of forging friendships? Is it worth the cost of lives? I think not. I would much rather not waste time on such frivolous things and get started on the stuff that really matter. The fate of our world." With his eyes still staring into her soul, he allowed himself the pleasure of laughing. Ah, these mutts were too easy. They broke out in hysteria when Kris came running in with news that the la'Ronk were within miles of their location. They even had the brilliant idea to split up. Splitting up at a time like this was a huge risk. The gamble was not worth it. If a single hero died, the entire group would fail. But these imbeciles didn't seem to understand that logic.

"Listen, you can split up and get picked off one-by-one, or we can work on sending Water a message. Water isn't stupid. If we leave a cryptic message, we might be able to led him or her away from this area. Furthermore, we need to start THINKING before we ACT. We need a plan. We need to stop rushing into trouble head-first. We need to regroup, collect our thoughts, organize a strategic plan of attack, and save the world."

It was at this point that most of the heroes were actually playing attention to him. Heeding his words, as, from the looks of it, he was the logical one of the group. Granted, it was cold and without any real friends, but he was the one that was making the most rational decisions.

Finally getting up from the floor, the male landed his eyes on Adam. How dare he make moves on my Angel. I'll get him back for that later. "If you ever touch me again, I will send you straight to hell." With that little interjection out of the way, Nick rose to his feet. Though his wrist still ached, he was able to push past that and focus on the tasks before him.

"We need a leader. Not leaders. Someone that will take charge and make the final decisions. We also need a secondary leader. Should the leader ever be rendered useless, this other person would take over. We'll also need eyes and ears. People who are very in-tune with nature. The wind, the land, and the water whisper to us all. I can't understand everything, but they will alert us if there is any real danger. I don't feel as though the la'Ronk are upon us yet. We have enough time to relocate at a less conspicuous spot."

Shaking his head, he planted his forehead into his palm. With a sigh and a shrug, he looked at the heroes. "Rynn, right now, I think you possess the more qualifying leadership traits. For the time being, you shall assume the role of leader. If you would, please take everyone to the far outskirts of this town. You'll see a small meadow beside a forest. The la'Ronk army will sweep by that area first. So I want you all to go there, but take the south travel. There will be rundown buildings you can shelter, but DON'T USE THEM! The la'Ronk know we want to hid. So let's walk by them right under their noses. Either as couples or by yourself, walk by them. Don't hide your face and don't show any fear. Just strut past them like you're used to their presence."

With his head exhale finally being released, he breathed in a stomach-full of air. Just as soon as it was in, he allowed it to exit through his nose. Breathing now calm, he turned his back to the group. "I'll be joining you all there, but I have something I must do first. I need to verify something and I will also leave the message for Water. I shall meet up with you all in about an hour. If I don't show up, head to New Vegra. I've a friend there that will prove to be useful."

Back still to the group, he stared at the looming walls of the castle. A smirk on his face and a low growl in his voice, he twisted his head over his shoulder to glare at the group. "Leave now, or I will make a scene." Threatening to expose them seemed like the ideal way to get the group to move. It would also buy Nick some time to find this so called soldier Kris ran into. He had a few questions he wanted answered. The main one being, "Am I on the list?"

"Angel, thank you," he said holding up the ice pack.

With a smile on his face, he took out a small bladed object. Slitting his middle finger (or his left hand as he's right-handed), he watched the blood beaded up on the tip. Pressing it to the floor, he began writing in a foreign language that, for the most part, was lost to the world. Not even the la'Ronks could read it. Just how he knew what it said was beyond his grasp. He believed that it was his item that was causing him to spill blood and write a message. It was short and sweet, but it definitely got the point across - The la'Ronk are here. We have relocated to New Vegra. Follow the shadows, they will lead you to us.

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Her eyes were tuned out the other way. She was distracted and, because of it, the soldiers summoned to the table were filling the air with snide comments about her inability to lead. There were jabs at her fighting tactics and there were a few men that dared to insult her new look (prior to becoming a Mon la'Ronk, she was just an assassin hired by the Mon la'Ronk to kill the heroes. Though, when a riot broke out in Nazzinivia, Jenny Lynn was the first to be drafted to thwart the revolution. Within three days, she had slain the resistance and even evoked fear in the eyes of the natives.

Wrinkles were forming just above her brows. The bickering and babble was really starting to annoy the woman. She was usually one not to snap, but enough was enough.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Three shots were fired and five men were dead. The ricochet from two of the bullets ended up lodging in the skull of one man and the throat of another. With a large sinister grin now displayed on her pretty face, the woman hoisted her booted foot to the table's top.

"Anyone else wanna bitch? Bitch for a bullet. It's a hell of a deal." As soon as the rounds were fired off, the soldiers dropped into an eerie state of silence. There eyes weren't even rested on her. Instead, all the dogs of the military were hiding their eyes from her nasty temper.

"Right then. So you worthless mutts, I've assigned your commanders new orders. You WILL follow them. Should you fail to follow these simple assignments, I will not hesitate to lodge some bullets into your cock. Do I make myself clear, dogs?"

"You have quiet the temper. Killing some of my best men. I'm afraid I'm going to ask this meeting to be adjourned so I can deal with your outburst."

With a smile on her face, the female watched as the soldier pooled out into the hallway, leaving herself and Prince Arthur all alone. When the last of the men were gone, the blonde advanced and placed her arms around the body of the prince.

"Whatever will you do to me, my love?"

"I want you to stop ditching your Med la'Ronk. I assigned him to you for a reason."

"But... but... ugh. Ant is so dreary."

"Ha ha! Run along, my future wife. I hear that the wind whispers words that the heroes are feuding among themselves. They are in Ka'lent City. Go there and destroy them."

"Are you foolish? It is unwise to attack them there. Let them come to us. I've soldiers planted throughout the planet. One wrong move and we'll have them eating out of our paws for mercy. Just you watch, my love, they will crumble especially with my little black wolf among the blind sheep."

"Black wolf?"

"But of course. It was a precaution I took years ago. The little pup has no idea what I have in store for him." With an evil laugh escaping her jaws, the woman moved down the hallway. She was dead-set on meeting the group, but first she needed to acquire some loyal soldiers.

Kris frowned listening to Nick go on and on. All of his points were valid. There was no denying that. But still, he spoke of sticking together yet he wanted to stay behind, go off on his own. that's what she had down that got them into this convoluted mess in the first place. She just had to go investigate alone. perhaps if she had been with someone then she wouldn't have paniced.

As the others started packing up, Kris walked up beside Nick, watching as he wrote on the ground, her own finger already pulasating with the pain he inflicted on himself. Her shoulders were slumped as she waited for him to get to his feet. "You said yourself that it was stupid to go at all this split up. But you are doing exactly that. I don't want to leave you here alone." Finally she turned her eyes up to his. "I told you once, that i need you. That wasn't a lie. Don't aske me to explain it but... I just know that if something happens to you I'm going to feel it. I can't focus when that happens. I doubt you can either." A sigh escaped her as she glanced over her shoulder at the others. "Besides, being powerless, you are hurt right now. I know you can still fight and defend yourself but you are weak, even you have to admit that."

She grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop and look at her. "Let me come with you. You should have someone watching your back at least..." Her frown returned. "It's my fault for panicing the others anyway. The least I can do is help you. I think I know where he went."

She bent over and picked the ice pack up. Brushing the dirt from in she frowned and shoved it back into his hand. "Now keep that thing on your wrist. I don't know about your weapon, but mine is kind of heavy. I'd like my wrist to not be throbbing next time i go to swing it." Kris stared up at him a soft smile on her lips, but determination written on her features. Would he let her go with him? Or would she be forced fo trail after him in secret?

"I don't need your pity, so just fuck off."

Rejection. It was bitter, heartless, and practically uncalled for. Yet, Nick had made up his mind. No one was to come with him. Besides wanting to find this la'Ronk officer, he also wanted to spy on the soldiers that would eventually flood into the city. If he could sneak in close enough to hear their conversation, he could determine their next plan of action.


In his mind, he knew going to the elders would be a risky move. But, he also wondered if there was a chance the area would be less guarded. Why? He knew Jenny Lynn would assume that the heroes would not dare visit the elders. Though, in the pit of his gut, he felt this could have been a trap. No matter what, at some point, they would need to seek out the elders. Until then, they would go to New Vegra to beg for help from Nick's friend.


With his eyes closed, he shoved Kris backwards toward the others. "Disobey my orders again, and I will put a bullet in my own head. If I die, you'll all be fucked. And I don't give a damn if suicide is the weak man's way out. It does have its advantages such as getting rid of whiny pests like you! Can't you go worry about someone else. I've always watched my own back. I don't need someone, you of all people, to start watching out for me. So go find someone else to annoy."

Kris's eyes got wide at his outburst. For some reason she thought he wouldn't do that kind of thing to her. Why she had convinced herself of that she didn't know. She should have known better.

Nearly falling over as he shoved her back, Kris let out a puf of hot air as she righted herself on her feet again. She stood there staring at his back, tiny fists clenched at her sides. Blanched knickles shook as she glared at him. She couldn't stand it. She didn't deserve to have that kind of shit thrown in her face. It was a good thing she had brothers.

She ran at him, arms circling his waist the small woman tackled him to the ground. In an instant she had the shocked man flipped around on his back as she sat on his gut hands pinned down beside him. "Now listen. You are going out there to kill yourself! Yeah I through us all in a panic, I'm sorry. But don't you dare pin your idiocy on me. We all know who Jenny Lynn is. and i know she is here." Her face was red, she was fuming. "It wasn't just any la'Ronk I ran into. It was her personal medic. You know that means she is close." She adjusted her grip and slammed his hands back to the ground as he tried to get up.

"I'm not done!" She stared angrily down at him. "If he is here, so is she. She's just waiting for one of us to do something stupid and run off alone again. How I was so lucky I'll never know. But It won't happen again." She was shaking as she sat there on him. "Damn it Nick! You know we can't do this without you. We are all needed. If you go off galavanting alone that puts us in a really tough spot. What the hell am I supossed to do at midnight? huh?" The woman was unaware of the small forcefield errected around them. She hadn't ment to put it up, but now no one could pull her off of him.

"You think the world hates you and that you are expendalbe. You aren't. So if you go, I go." She glared down at him.

Ah, there it was. Li'ing listened with a thoughtful expression on his face. Nick truly was a voice of reason despite his harsh words. That was one of the reasons why Li'ing didn't speak up often, he knew he didn't give enough thought to his ideas before speaking them. But it was still dangerous for Nick to go off alone like that, no matter what he said to kris.

Li'ing had to give Kris credit though, she was definitely someone he wouldn't want to have mad at him. On a side note, those two argued like a couple in love or something. Uhh, not the time. Right. He shifted his weight a bit, tapping his fingers against his side. Pretend like they actually belonged here...that could throw off possible la'Ronks.

"Kris is right Nick. You might not like us, but you are a big part of this...team..."

Before he could even disprove her point, Nick found himself back on the ground. If he wasn't standing, he was sprawled out on his back. If he wasn't trying to pick a fight, he was dragged into a fight. No matter what the male did, he just couldn't seem to catch his breath.

"You're wrong! I know Jenny Lynn! Unlike all of you, she was my brother's girlfriend. We might be on different sides, but she wouldn't hurt me. Not without allowing me the opportunity to escape. The only reason she's a la'Ronk is because she's pissed that the heroes couldn't save my brother."

Turning the tables on Kris, Nick was now mounting the woman. Pinning her to the floor was a lot easier for him than it was for her. In fact, when Kris did seize his arms, he simply just let them stay where they were. You could say Nick was a fan of dominating females, but the tone in Kris' voice ticked the male off some. Taking matters back into his own hands, the male yanked at Kris' shirt collar. With her face now level with his (her head was slanted up while his looked down), he smirked.

"It's really hard to yell at you when I'm turned on. So why don't we just skip the fighting and have the hot anger sex?"

Joking, at a time like this? It seemed so irresponsible. Though, it wasn't a joke, it still wasn't the time or place to discuss such a thing. With a sigh, he released his iron grip and gently let her back rest against the ground.

"Listen, I don't want to drag any of you into my family's personal matters. If Jenny's medic is here, then we're fine. She does her best to avoid him at all costs. She's also, more than likely, hung up in Kittmund. Being the rumored fiance to Prince Arthur, I think it's safe to assume he would keep her in close quarters."

Nick wasn't one-hundred percent sure about his previous comment, but he knew that if Jenny Lynn were near, they would all be dead. Granted, Nick still had a few tricks up his sleeve. Most of them were dirty, but, if he needed to create a diversion, Nick was more than ready to pucker up and kiss his brother's girlfriend.

"But, since we've wasted too much time, I guess I have choice but to drag your sorry ass to New Vegra myself. Tch, if I want something done right, I have to do it myself. What a taste of time, but, hell, if we fail, at least I can say I tried."

"Good lord Nick, you are such a self-indulgent martyr. Allow the weakest member to go hunting on his own? Yes that's wise. And honestly? I don't give a shit if Jenny Lynn was your sister, she's still going to be a royal bitch to kill." Rynn said, doing her damndest to keep the actual fury from her voice. Everything this man said set off something in her. It was going to be a long journey. "But other than the you staying behind part to skulk around secretly, you are right. Water's object will tell her where we are I'm sure. But the message is a good idea, and I do appreciate you compliment as being the leader. But I have something to say to all of you." Rynn looked from each member of the group to the others, her emerald gaze unusually hard.

"We are a shitty team of heroes. Like we are off to a really bad start due to some... personality conflicts" Rynn said, eyeing Nick hard "I understand if you don't like us and you want to be a bristling porcupine to everyone, but please, keep in mind we have to do this and if we are constantly at each other's throats, we are that much weaker. If we don't like each other, we won't help each other." her eyes were going around the group, making brief eye contact with everyone as she spoke "I'm not saying we have to be family, or even true friends, but we need to behave ourselves enough to where we are a team."

"Right now we are a bunch of people, some who get along, some who just want to have as little trouble as possible, and some who want to stir everything up for no good reason." She drew in a breath, looking back at Nick. He would hate being singled out, but Rynn had a reason. "I don't know what you're problem is, but how do you expect us to want to help you when you treat us all like you think you're better than us and could do this alone? Fact is? You can't. None of us can, but you can't especially. You have a whole time of day where you are fairly useless, but when you're powerful you're powerful. We all need each other, we all need to learn each others faults and strengths so we can be the best damn hero team the gods ever put together. We all want the La'Ronk gone don't we? Then we need to suck up our pride, and get over ourselves, myself included. I've let my temper get the best of me today, and thats not good. "

"We all have room for improvement and for the sake of the people you love" she set her eyes on Kris "and the people you love" Nick this time "and you" Jenna "and you" Li'ing "and you." Adam. "We need to do this not for ourselves, but for those we've lost, the ones murdered in cold blood. Would our families be proud if they knew this was how we're handling their justice? I think not. This isn't fair to them. They deserve better than that, they deserve better than us. Or at least better than who we are right now. It can always be rememdied." Rynn finished, feeling like she'd made her point in far too many words, but she'd been unable to stop herself. They needed a wake up call, and she hoped this would be it. Good enough for now at least.

[[Since I realized not everyone reads the OOC, I'll thrown in here. If you've recently posted, please hold off until the others do. We don't want to powerplay through actions and thoughts. I also want to give water a chance to maybe show up. :D
Anyway, I'm keeping my post short and simple... mainly because I want Nick to bitch. XD]]

"Who died and made you my boss.... fuck... I picked you. Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Even though his tone still had that angsty, cruel snap to it, his eyes were actually far more playful then usual. Dismounting Kris, he remained standing over her body as if he wanted her to check him out from the underside up. When he realized her feet were in perfect kicking position, the male recoiled away and found himself before Rynn (on accident, might I add).

"Fuck." His eyes dropped to the ground below as he waited patiently beside Rynn. It was almost (key word, almost) as if she had finally gotten to him. Singling him out was probably the best move she could have made. It definitely shed some light on things he didn't realize he was doing.

Kyle nearly ran into a bullet when he walked into the meeting room of the la'Ronk, lucky for him he just ducked under the bullet. It barely touched his hair. He was late. He knew it. He honestly didn't care. He sat down at the end of the table facing the great Mon la'Ronk Jenny Lynn. He knew she was a former assassin and former had the job he was holding. The Hero Assassin. It was a job indeed. Having to assassinate some seven people with the ability to control the elements. It wasn't going to be easy but if he succeeded he would be able to take a very early retirement. Maybe actually settle down, meet a nice girl, take up a trade, beside killing. The only sour part was when he figured out just who he was working for, The la'Ronk. Your basic bane of everything good. He didn't like them and would make that point evident at the end of this wonderful meeting. He was doing this only for the money, He didn't believe in the la'Ronk way, and wouldn't be pinned as such. He was going to do his job and then leave. He didn't want anyone to know he had done this. It would peg his conscience enough. He knew he'd have to get away the second this job was over. He was never in any academy he was taught by a non-la'Ronk and he would stay the same. The la'Ronk was wrong but the first rule of wet-work was this, You take the job, not the employer. he was intent on keeping it that way. He was not going to become a la'Ronk. He refused to. He sat quietly, looking at the leader in front of him, waiting for her to give directives. At the outburst of the prince, or at least he presumed it was the prince, HE walked out. He waited outside for Lynn to come out. He needed orders. When she walked out he walked up. "Kyle Alan Gear. Trained assassin and non-la'Ronk. You're paying me to hunt down some heroes. I need orders."

(Not as long! Sorry! Is this good?)

Even though he was an ass Adam knew Nick was right, it wouldn't be smart to split up, which confused Adam greatly when Nick said he'd go off alone. He couldn't help but laugh when seeing the tiniest hero tackle Nick to the ground and was happy to see her showing some passion and strongly voicing her opinion.

His happy gaze and laughter over Light were suddenly halted when Nick turned the tables and was then on top of Light. His fists clenched around his bow staff, his face grew cold as stone, his caring eyes turned into ones that would make even Nick appear as the happiest person in the world. It took all of his willpower not to rush over to Nick and kick him off Light. He crossed to Nick and met his gaze.

"Look! I don't know what your deal is because currently you're not making sense! You scold us for wanting to spilt up you call us completely stupid! But then you're saying how you're going off BY YOURSELF! As a distraction, now...now Nick..."Putting his arm around him as he said this to spite Nicks previous claims about sending him to Hell if Adam touched him again."Can you honestly look at me right now and truly believe that your plan of you and apparently Light running off as some distraction team is a good idea? Let's look at some facts A) You're hurt, right now you can't do much. B) It's day time I'm not saying you're weak, I agree with Rynn that you're probably really powerful at night! C) You aren't the most...hmmm...how can I say this without pissing you off...don't think there is a way to do that...I'm just going to say it! You stick out like a sore thumb here no one in Ka'lent is wearing all black. Any well trained la'Ronk will be able to tell who you are, or at the very least they'll pull you in for questioning. I think we need to all stay together currently."

He shifted his gaze to everyone in the room "Rynn is right, we aren't heroes right now we're squabbling children who can't decide what to do. BUT I know what to not do!" He turned so that his back faced everyone and his eyes were locked on Nicks. "You don't run off as distraction when there is a high likelihood you'd die if you did, and not just you would die Light would to probably. And our grand adventure together probably wont be so grand if two members die right before we actually start adventuring." He stepped back from Nick and turned towards Rynn "In the end this is your call, Nick is right out of all of us you're probably the best fit for the leader of the ragtag group of 'heroes'." Making air quotes as he said the word 'heroes' he went on "I'm not the leader but my opinion is we all stay together, leave the message that Nick wrote on the wall and all head to the outskirts of town and wait for Water to arrive. But once again Rynn it's your call."

Adam walked away and passed by Nick patting him on the shoulder as he said "We may fight and you may hate me but know this Nick. I'm not going to let you just run off and die."

Teresa sat in her sitting room, in the suite of rooms she shared with her mother, father and much younger brother in the Royal Court at Kishmal, trying to read. Trying because she had to read one of the books her mother approved of, which were all about being a lady and proper manners and such, and they were SO boring. She knew somewhere else in the Court everyone important would be at a meeting to discuss what to do with the new so called heros that had popped up. Her father had mentioned it this morning. What she wouldn't give to be able to know what was going on in there.

And why couldn't she, there was no one to stop her. Quickly setting the small book onto a dainty table that was next to her chair and got up intent on trying to figure out if there was anything interesting to be heard. she purposely walked to the main door of the suite who was going to stop her, the cleaning staff? She had no thought that she might get caught or that she probably shouldn't listen in on war planning meetings, or that the blue dress she was wearing that matched her eyes so perfectly and crinkled when she walked was hardly ideal for snooping. She was just curious.

It was a brief moment when she lost her focus that Nick was able to spin her around and switch up their positions. She struggled o my a moment before resigning to just lay there glaring at him. It wasn't until she caught him staring at her chest that her face turned a bright shade of red. The mini field around them fizzled into nothing as he spoke. "You wish." she tried to come back at him before Rynn started speaking. It was odd, receiving a lecture while being mounted by someone. But Rynn had good points. They weren't ready for this, especially with Kris's little problem... Which meant Nick probably had a similar problem.

When Nick finally got off of her, Kris just laid there a moment staring up at him. She idly wondered if she kicked him in the nuts, how exactly would that pain transfer? Before she could contemplate the experiment, Nick moved and she was able to sit up.

Still red faced she kept her head down, avoiding eye contact with the others. Was she just bad at communicating, or was it that she just sucked at persuasion. She wasn't cut out for this. She was the baby of a family, and now it seemed like the runt of the group. She was meant to follow not lead. She wasn't as vital to this mission as the others. But she knew Nick would be needed, she had to stick around and be his anchor. But that was all she was needed for, Rynn could pretty much do anything she could.

Without a word, Kris rounded the corner, not really disappearing like before, but gone jus enough that she was out of site. The others woul here a loud crash, breaking wood and then finally a release of pent up breath. Kris returned a moment later, nothing different, expression blank. The only clue on her was the bead of sweat on her forehead. The shattered bench would reveal nothing, a girl Kris's size couldn't do that much damage with out her powers, could she?

Falling to a seat behind the others, she idly examined her wrist as she waited on a final decision to be made.

Mouth wide open Jenna watched everyone argue. Were they really doing this at a time like this? They needed to be preparing for the la'Ronk, not jumping down each others throats. Jenna now knew that being with the other Heroes was not going to be fun. Not if they kept this up. To her Nick was the problem, so prickly and always right. She really wanted to strike him with some of her lightning but she thought it would be a bad idea.

Glancing over to Rynn she couldn't help but nod to everything she said. The girl was smart, that's for sure. Rynn would be a good leader for them. She seemed level headed, even with her fiery temper. Having just about enough of all the arguing Jenna slammed her staff on the ground, and the air cracked with little lightning bolts. "Would you all just shut up! Listen to yourselves! Do you honestly think this is helping anything? I could just walk outside and down the street a bit and yell for the la'Ronk. Want me to do that?" She asked sarcastically and walked over to the stairs. "Just say the word and I'll go. With all this fighting it seems like you want them here? No? Why don't you all stop arguing, just everyone close your bloody mouths and take a breather. Then when your all nice and calm start speaking again. Don't go bashing each other it doesn't matter anymore. If Nick want's to go he can go. I'm not saying it's a brilliant idea but it's his choice." Jenna stopped talking and glanced at each one of them.

Putting her hand to her forehead she grimaced. "You all are giving me a headache," she growled and dropped her hand. "Now are we all calm so we can talk like adults and figure out what's best for the group?" She once again glanced at each of them. Jenna was not expecting this when she set out in search of all of them. She had hoped they would all instantly band together and work as a team. Jenna hadn't considered conflicts between individuals.

"Kyle Alan Gear," she said in a sing-song tone. With a grin spreading onto her face, she clasped the males hand in her own. A reassuring squeeze came next as did her arm slinging around his neck. Walking rather boastfully down the corridor, the woman came to a halt when she noticed a very peculiar site.

"What's a Cor la'Ronk doing here getting her pretty little nose and fancy dress all wrinkled up for?" Jenny Lynn's blue eyes mimicked Teresa's gorgeous pair. "Ah, no need for alarm, Miss Relline. I know you are the daughter of our finest two court heads. I thank you for gracing myself with your beauty. Might I ask why you were on my turf?"

Her left vest was form-fitting and exposed just enough cleavage to make the boys drool, but not enough to piss off a female peer. With her hair cropped in short layers, it did a nice job making her face appear thinner than it was. Another smile gracefully decorated her pretty face as she reached out a hand in welcome to the young woman.


Recalling that Kyle was at her hip, she let out a giddy giggle. "Perhaps I should leave you two youngsters alone! Teeheehee!" Her nose wrinkled with each little laugh that escaped from her full pair of lips. "But on a serious note, Kyle, would you object to Miss Relline and I accompanied you on your hunt? I sense that Miss Relline seeks the life of adventure. And I? Well, the prince has instructed me to reunite with my buffoon medic, Antykins."

Teresa was shocked, she hadn't even gotten all the way to the meeting and she was stopped. Not by anyone either, it was the famed Jenny Lynn Walker. And some man. Quickly she dipped into a low curtsey. "Ma'am, i merely happened to be walking this way," Rising from the curtsey. she looked Jenny Lynn in the eye. her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. " though if you are serious in your offer for me to accompany you, and kyle did you say his name was, i must go ask my father. It won't take but a minute and i would love to see more of the world." She curtsied again before turning to walk back in the direction she came.

She couldn't believe her good luck, Jenny Lynn Walker had given her a perfect oppurtunity to see more of the world than Kishmal where she had spent her whole life. She'd begged her parents for ages but they said it was too unsafe and not proper, but they wouldn't dare defy someone of such high rank.

It had taken her far longer than she imagined it would to reach her destination. Granted, she spent far more time than deemed necessary to prepare her mind for this trip, it didn't help she had to sneak her way out of her home and village under the cover of night to even begin.

Only at the outskirts of the city, her holy ribbons shined powerfully as the all too familiar voice of her grandmother echoed in her mind. You're late!The old womans scolding voice brought a panic to the girls face. Just me? The voice was quick to respond back, Yes you bumbling child, now hurry! An exasperated gasp escaped her lips as she picked up her travelers pace, her long flowing peasant skirt flowing behind her.

Her stomach was turning, every second felt dangerous to her, and now knowing that she is holding up the hero's was making her feel even worse. Would they all leave her behind? It's your own fault.A scowl spread across her face before she murmured under her breath, "I wasn't talking to you... and please don't do this when I meet them, It's bad enough I can never hear anyone else speak because you're always filling up my head..."

Really, Gavyn needed to stop speaking out loud to the spirit that traveled with her, but it was hard for the girl to keep wits about herself when something so mythological was happening to her. But everything these days were starting to sound like story books, being summoned to Ka'lent city, somehow being expected to fill the role of hero. To be honest, Gavyn had been wanting some kind of trail to appear before her mundane life so she could prove not only to herself, but to the world she was useful... but was she really up for the task? Only time would tell.

The long haired brunette kept a canteen at her waste, tied onto a leather strap. It was with her at all times, luckily for her the air was moist today but on a dry day the only way she would be able to conjure water was through some other physical source... and seeing as she can't always be near a lake or pond the canteen was a useful tool.

It wasn't long before the female with the eyes of sapphire came to the road where the Steps of Dawn lay, but what was this? They hadn't left yet? Sighing with a sweat of relief she kept close to the walls of a building nearby. It wasn't something hard to see, but a tense air was thickening around the group hanging about the area. Looking about, she knew it had to be them... raising her hands she counted the heads she saw in the area; one, two, three, four, five and six.

Sitting back and watching them shout back and forth, it seemed they all wanted the same thing. Eyes widening she pressed her lips together, What if this is my fault? For being so late! Things would probably be far more organized if I had just shown up on time! Knocking herself on the head with her fist she punished herself for taking so long.

Enough lurking, it was time. Taking a deep breath, she was ready for the inevitable fury that was going to be thrown at her once she appeared. Moving out of the shadows she stepped lightly, her sandles scuffling the mix of dirt, rocks and seeds under her. "I...I'm very sorry for holding everyone up, please forgive me...?" God she sounded like a mouse under all these bellowing voices around her. They're never going to notice you if you speak like a mouse, speak like a hero, girl!" Closing her eyes she raised her voice louder to get the groups attention. "I am the water element Gavyn Locke! I apologize for being so late! I hope you all can forgive me!" After a moment she opened one eye, then the other and looked around at their faces. "..eh... sorry..." Her voice returned to her regular quiet tone.

Kyle had not expected the warm embrace he got from Lynn. He had met her before, and at the time they were both fellow assassins. He shook her hand but did not enjoy the arm over his shoulder. When they came in contact with the noble woman he nodded respectfully. He would not bring up his distaste of the la'Ronk way of doing things. He didn't mind the la'Ronk per say but he disliked the way the operated through fear and intimidation. He thought of the ramifications of bring them along. He couldn't find any that would harm him indefinitely. Save the dress of course. "I can foresee no trouble bringing the two of you along. Of course my work requires stealth, as you well know Lynn, and that dress does not help it. So a change of wardrobe would be in order." He said simple. "I am Kyle Alan Gear, Miss Relline by the way"

He looked around for a bit waiting for the reply of the two woman. His said everything with an impassive look and voice. He wasn't one to be over happy or excited, especially going into a job. He knew that he would be on this job for a long time. He would be glad to have another assassin with him, but taking a noble along may cause some issues, but he didn't care. He could never deny someone the chance to go on an adventure.

Kris looked up at the approaching female. The ribbons in her hair were bright, or maybe that was just the light, either way, she could tell that water had arrived. The others were still bickering, Lightning finally throwing her two sense in. Frowning her eyes went back to her wrist, it was still aching. It would be hell to swing her hammer with it. Damn Nick and his refusal to listen, the ice pack had been tossed somewhere in the scuffle.

Finally water spoke loud enough for her to hear. The girl was timid. She couldn't blame her, especially walking in on all... This. Getting to her feet she gave the other girl a small nod. Then turned her eyes to Rynn and Nick, but they onl landed on him for a moment.

"Are we ready to depart now? Since water is here..."She asked, voice soft, back to it's normal tone rather than the angry yelling she had done earlier.

Looking off in the direction of where they were supposed to head Kris frowned. Noon was passing, and she could already feel her powers deminishing. She grit her teeth and clenched her fist, the action making a bright light that would have blinded anyone looking at her. Damn, she hated when things happened and she couldn't control it. It was as though she could feel the power surging through her, yet her body was an unfit vessel for it. It tried to escape it's small prison within her. These escape attempts of her energy would get in her trouble. She just knew it.

She glanced back over her shoulder to see I any of the others, or any towns people, had noticed her bright little outburst.

Teresa stopped mid turn, her auburn curls bouncing trying to escape a complicated hair-do that held them pinned to her her head, and skirts crinkling still. "It's a pleasure to meet you Kyle Alan Gear" she gave the barest of nods, he was certainly not la' Ronk, and even if she was mistaken he was below her rank, he didn't deserve the full blown curtsey Jenny Lynn did.

"Now if you excuse me i'll just go ask my father, and pack, and i suppose change clothes" she looked down at her dress, smoothing it with her hands. "It really won't take but a minute, i can meet you right back here?" while she kept her voice calm with years of court training, excitement made her speak a little faster then normal.

She figured if she didn't find her father in his study, she would just write him a note and leave it there. Its not that he could deny her this time, and that way he wouldn't worry. it would be just like asking permission since he couldn't say no. And then she'd be off to have adventures and see the world, which was new and exciting.

Well at least they listened to her, there was that. She stepped aside and let the others bicker for a few moments, although they all seemed to agree with her. And oddly enough, she saw something flicker in Nick's eye, like he was looking at her with less hate. Perhaps, for the moment, he would retract his claws and allow the group a little peace. Rynn had assented with both Adam and Jenna as they spoke, she knew she liked those two.

Thankfully enough, a young woman came bounding up to them before any decisions would have to be made. At least the woman's loud introduction shut off all the bickering. Rynn would have likely singed everyone a moment later to get them to calm down. She turned to water, smirking at her.

"Nonsense, you're just on time! We were about to depart and you managed to just catch us." She grinned, her voice was a lighthearted tease, less an angry sound and more of an amused one. "Nice to meet you Gavyn, sorry you had to see us in so... unflattering a moment. We are experiencing a few.... growing pains? Not everyone has been able to get along quite so well, and it was just coming to a head. I'm Rynn by the way, fire, at your service." she smiled again.

And then she found herself quite momentarily blinded, her eyes going over to Kris accusingly, but then calming a bit as she saw that the girl hadn't meant to do that. "Well... now that we have shown a beautiful beacon of light on our location, I suggest it is time to move on to New Vega." Rynn nodded with a grin, twirling a little string of fire between her fingertips. "Sorry to rush us off so soon after your arrival Gavyn, but we do need to make haste. I'm sure you'll become aquainted with everyone on the way."

Kris hung her head a bit as she caught the angr glare and sarcastic comment from Rynn. Great, another enemy. She hadn't meant it, honestly. Her powers just... Did things on their own. She never meant to broadcast their location, but he woman was right. She kind of had.

"Sorry." she mumbled softly.

See this was exactly why she didn't tell anyone her name. She wasn't going to make friends here. She would only screw things up and piss everyone off. Why I've them a name when they would likely forget it in mere moments. Kris still couldn't figure out why she had wanted to connect so much with Nick. Not even romantically, just as friends. They were compliments, they were based off one another. It would only make sense, yet she seemed to be screwing that up as well.

Shrinking into the background, away from the others, she avoided eye contact and merely waited for something to do. Waited for there new leader to lead. Rynn was better than she was. Never useless, Rynn could use her ability whenever she wanted, and she probably had more control of her powers too.

http://data.whicdn.com/images/116297...CKee_large.jpg

She's hot. I wonder if... oh, hmmm? Rynn's looking at me. Maybe I should smile? Whoa... bright light. Blinding white light. Okay... what the fuck was that for? Angel? God, she's more emo than me. Maybe I should... ugh, but if I do then... ugh. Fucked either way.

With his hands sliding into his pockets, the male nonchalantly strolled over to Kris. Once beside her, the male leaned into her. A smile was painted on his face and his red eyes seemed less menacing. For once, they almost looked 'normal.' There wasn't a visible hidden agenda and there wasn't a scowl or even a frown.

Tugging at her hair, the male watched her face. She still seemed distraught and distant. Looking from Rynn to Jenna to Gavyn to Kris, he sighed. His eyes almost hinted that he had admitted defeat. Just what was the male thinking? And why was he so silent? Surely his mind was thinking dark and twisted, right? Wrong! He was actually trying to figure out a way to put a smile on Kris' face. With only one scenario playing in his mind, the male executed his vision.

The bridge of his nose bumped lightly into her cheek. Sliding to her ears, he said the first thing that came to mind. "Smile. You're prettier when you're happy." Being twice her size, it probably looked like the male was swallowing poor Kris whole, but he wasn't! His arms wrapped around her for a snug embrace. A slight pink hue could be made out on his cheeks as he held the woman intimately.

His mind had so many things it wanted to say, but he knew now was not a time to speak. The stillness in the air was refreshing. Granted, he knew it was his fault the air was always thick enough to cut. Still wearing his smile, he turned to look at Rynn. The look that played on her face caused the male to break into a laugh.

"What? I can be sweet when I need to. Though... I'm not... well... yeah. Ummm... Angel, please stop being the emo. That's my job. If you're sad, that means I have to be happy. And I look fucked up when I'm happy. See!" A cheesy grin broke onto his slender face.

Snapping his head toward Gavyn, the male bit his tongue before speaking. He wanted to say, "Don't worry, sweetheart, you'll get some loving next." Refraining from that, Nick peacefully spoke. "Mr. Doom and Gloom, Nicholas Allen Fusion, at your service, my lady." Releasing Kris, the male bent into a sweeping bow. As he rose, he walked over to Adam and looked the male dead in the eyes. "You and I, I can foresee a great friendship between us. As for you," he said turning to Li'ing, "I'm sorry about early. In all honestly, I think it would be neat to wear a tiara. At least you could demand respect. After all, royals wear crowns like that."

One left. Well, technically two... but I can't kiss them both.

"Boss," he said approaching Rynn "I think it's time we start heading out. The more time we waste here, the more time we allow for the la'Ronk to arrive." Brushing past her, the male whispered only high enough that she might pick up a few bits and pieces (or the whole thing if she was paying attention). "You know, you don't have to be jealous. You're beautiful in your own way." With a quick wink, he returned to Kris' side. Jabbing her cheek with his pinky, he shrugged. "I'm hungry... I blame that on my sudden mood swing...."

Kris's eyes flashed up to Nick as he walked over beside her. This couldn't be good. He started playing with her hair, she merely batted his hand away, rather effortlessly, not exactly caring what he was doing. It was more habit. That was when his face inched closer, even before his nose hit her cheek, a light lick covered her own cheeks. His words stopped her, eyes getting wide a moment. Compliments weren't exactly something she was used to.

A startled cry escaped her lips as Nick wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground. He was a good bit taller than she and she wasn't so used to being so high. Her face turned an even brighter cherry red as Nick held on to her and looked around. It was definitely new, but she found she rather liked his arms around her.

He finally set her down and Kris straightened out her skirt.c"I'm not emo I just... I hate when I mess up." she half mumbled as she tried to explain. His embrace and sudden shift of demeanor seemed to lighten the mood. Kris felt a smile trying to tug it's way onto her face but she held it back. For now.

Nick went around briefly addressing everyone, trying to get them all back on the good side so that they could move. Her returning good mood was soured briefly hearing nick cast out more compliments to the other girl. She shouldn't have cared, but for some reason it irked her. Taking a deep breath she tried to let the thought slip off.

Her eyes reopened when his finger poked her cheek. Turning her head she snapped her pearly whites at his finger, just missing. "You should be careful where ou poke that. You might not get it back." she let a small smile show as she looked up at him.

Maybe she hadn't screwed things up with him as much as she thought she had. Hopefully things would keep getting better. Hopefully. "If you are hungry you should have eaten the other half of my apple from earlier."she said simply, her tone not suggesting it, but she was teasing.

Adam agreed with Jenna arguing was getting everyone no where, he was sick of Nick advancing on Kris. But now wasn't the time or place to get angry the anger in the room already was so thick a knife would cut it.

Adam moved his hand in a circular motion causing all the seeds on the ground to collect in his hand. He re-opened the bag they came in and carefully put them back in and re-attached it to his belt. He then re-sheathed his Bow Staff to his back

Adam walked over to Gavyn, lowered his hood, and introduced himself "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you Gavyn. My name is Adam Celt Earth Elementalist. Glad you got here when you did, I'm quite certain Rynn is about to singe off Nick's eyebrows if he makes one more snarky comment."

Adam stepped away from Gavyn and stepped in the middle of the room and raised his voice "Well now that our ragtag group of heroes is assembled I suggest we A) Stop all this arguing and B) Leave before the la'Ronk get her." He turned to Rynn "Captain" ushering his hand towards the door.

He then turned and began heading out the door.

The grimace Rynn had been wearing when she first entered Ka'Lent returned to her lips as she watched Nick attach himself to Kris like a tick to a dog. She sighed, casting her gaze anywhere but on the brooding couple before her. She wasn't sure how more of this she could take.

"Ugh... I've seen about enough of that for one lifetime, thank you very much Light and Nick for proceeding to restrain your untameable animal urges. We really don't need that right now." She smirked at the two of them, and shortly thereafter Nick had walked away, proceeding past her and making some flirty remark in her ear. She simply scoffed, turning towards Adam who seemed to have the right idea.

"Did you hear the man? Let's go." she said, having no more patience for Kris and Nick and walking outside to catch up with Adam, making a small comment to him only "Disgusting, aren't they? she grinned, saying it before the others could catch up.

((WOw....short post /fail))

Looking over to Gavyn, Jenna flashed the girl a smile and waved. "Hey there Gavyn I'm Jenna, lightning." Then as she glance at the new "couple" Jenna shook her head. Light and Darkness coming together. This was just going to be a joy. Jenna glanced around at everyone else and wondered how they were all going to get along.

As Adam and Rynn walked outside Jenna followed after them. Sneaking up to the side of Rynn, Jenna replied to what she wasn't suppose to have heard. "I have to agree with that sentiment," she said with a grin. Twisting her staff it slid back to it's smaller size and she tucked it back in her boot. She pushed the sides of her cloak off her shoulders so she wasn't hidden behind it. Nick had told them to look like normal people and not like they were hiding.

After her little outburst she had begun nervously braiding the strands of hair that were tied together by one of her ribbons just beside her ear. All the attention on her had brought her nervous habit to the surface as she nervously scanned the faces before her.

Those wide eyes of hers were soon blinded by the fair skinned, blonde girl not but a few steps in front of her. "Oh my..." She blocked her eyes with her forearm for a moment but the girl tried to adjust her eyes to the light so she could catch glimpse of this phenomenon. She must be the Heroine of Light, Gavyn thought. That power was amazing, and quite strong.

Once the brilliant light dimmed down, she was soon greeted by what had to be the leader of the group. The red head had the spirit of a leader, and possessed an air of beauty and maturity far beyond her own, she was also quite nice. Happily greeting her triggered a sigh of relief within Gavyn. It was something about the situation she had walked into, but she was very glad to have come late. Being caught up in heated arguments like that tends to scare the little mouse into hiding.

But of course, she is the Heroine of Fire... oddly fitting physically but it somehow fit her personality well, from what she had gathered upon a first impression.

It wasn't long before another introduction came along, his name was Nicholas and he seemed like quite the gentleman, the way he was treating the group since she arrived, which was far from what she would assume from his looks. He had to be the Hero of Darkness, he looked like the Prince of Darkness to be quite honest, but the way he smiled and the way he treated the Heroine of Light was too kind for his element.

He mentioned the la'Ronk, that was when Gavyn knew it was time to leave. The threat of running into them worried her, even though she was much more powerful now that she had come to meet her group, or at least half of them formally.

Gavyn was greeted by the smile of the Hero of Earth, who was as equally formal and polite as the previous male who greeted her. Things were going rather smoothly, but were Rynn and Nick really not getting along that well? Perhaps she hadn't seen them at there worst, but surely this was a stressful situation to handle and keep composure under. "Really? He seemed quite nice...hmm..." she peeped finally bringing her fidgeting fingers to her sides as she followed behind Rynn.

These two are such a riot! Look at her, she's bubbling over with excitement. And my oh my, is she polite. Cute as a button, too! And Kyle, he's a rather handsome brute. I am looking forward to tagging along with these two. It's been forever since I last explored the world and it's been even longer since... I last saw... the Fusions. I wonder how Nick is doing....

When she caught a glimpse of Teresa leaving, the woman objected. "Nonsense. Allow us the pleasure of joining you. I'm sure your father would be most honored to know that I am taking you under my wing. Besides, it'll only further insure that you will accompany us. I would hate to be the only female on this adventure. Whoever would I gossip with?"

With a grin being worn from ear to ear, she tagged along behind the woman, beckoning Kyle to join them on this little hunt. Her blonde hair was in her eyes some, but it didn't hid the joy that sparkled in her beautiful blue eyes. Even her facial muscles were smiling, well, they were making her smile far more warming and friendly.

Blinking as if he were one of those 'home-side-characters" that were unimportant to the story line, he just watched as everyone filed out of the castle and began their journey without him. His hands immediately mounted on his hips and a frown caused his forehead to wrinkle some.

"Oh sure, yeah, let's leave the guy who knows the location of his friend behind. Brilliant plan! Let's show up at the doorstep of the enemy because we didn't want to wait for Nick. Jeez, what am I? Someone you can just cast away and expect to return? I'm not a pest... oh no... wait, I am. Huh, I really am one of those annoying bugs you can't get rid of. I come back like I'm some short of disease. Nothing you do will shake me from your body... ha ha ha... body... shaking. Heh, I need to stop being so perverted. Uhhhh... crap, now they are out of sight. I talk too much. Le sigh."

Just as he was about to take a step forward, the male recalled he was not alone. His head tipped down and looked at Kris' face. Great, she must think I'm mentally insane... talking to myself. Real smooth dude, real smooth. Head cocked slightly to the side, he took in the brief moment he was left alone with Kris. Though his body begged him to pin the woman against the wall and make love to her passionately, the male knew doing such an act would require some more preparation. Besides, he had just met the woman a few hours ago.

Cupping her cheek in his hand, Nick placed a kiss on Kris' forehead. It wasn't anything too flamboyant, but it was enough to show the woman he cared about her. Though, the intensity was up for interpretation. With his lips still rested on her forehead, the male fought off the sudden urge to undress her. Though it seemed like his sheer willpower was winning, it would soon be noted that his body had, in fact, managed to pin her to a wall.

Subconsciously walking her toward the off-white marble walls, Nick's hands slid down to her hips. However, they didn't stay there for very long. His left hand was planted on the wall behind the two while his right hand suddenly appeared beside the woman's chin. Tilting her head up (he used her chin as a steering wheel), the male pressed his soft lips against hers.

The initial contact immediately sent a shiver down his spine. Eyes dilating and heart skipping a beat, the male stumbled backwards after he realized just what he had done. A deep red blush shaded his face as he looked away. Cussing to himself, he did the next logical thing - ran after the group. Leaving Kris dumbfounded and awe-struck wasn't the smartest move from the male, but he honestly didn't want to stick around to find out what actions would follow. He half-feared nudity was in the future, so rather than 'raping' the woman (note the quotes), he decided it was time to regroup with the idiots who were, to his dismay, heading in the wrong direction.

"Uhhh, not to rain on your parade, but we're going the wrong way. The house I'm talking about is this way," he said pointing in the direction they all just came from. "But if you want to go that way... we can. It'll just require one hell of a detour."

Walking up beside Gavyn and Rynn, the male smiled. "Pardon my delayed following. I was trying to map out the house's location in my head. When I finally came to I realized everyone had left. Erm, and since we have to walk back that way, we can also pick Angel back up. You seemed to leave her behind too." As soon as the words slipped from his tongue, he immediately covered his mouth and picked his brain for the right recovery. "N-not that it's a bad thing! I... I guess I should have dragged her along. She probably stayed back to make sure I ended up tagging along. Ha ha. You know me, I'm never one to follow commands..."

I need to get on Rynn's good side. If I hang out with Angel too much, I'll end up falling for her. I can't let that happen. I need to stay on the market so I can flirt around. Ya know, find the right woman. I think Angel might be too prude for me. Her innocence far surpasses mine. And, like her... or so I assume, I've not done much with the opposite sex. Hell, I just had my first kiss without even knowing it. Ugh, I just keep getting myself into trouble. Maybe I should just handcuff myself to Rynn... kinky. Ha ha!

"I think I need to be handcuffed to someone responsible.... to keep me out of trouble," he hadn't meant to say it aloud, but it just sort of happened. Shrugging it off, as he prayed no one was listening, he fell behind the group so that he would bring up the rear. In the back, he was less likely to start fights. It also allowed him to gawk at some fine asses.

Hearing Jenna walk up beside her and comment on what she'd said to Adam, Rynn grinned. They were quite on the same page. She hadn't walked very far when she looked over her shoulder and saw Gavyn come up, commenting on Nick. Her comment, of course, elicited a bemused chuckle from the redhead.

"He only seemed nice because you walked in on the tail end. Also he probably wants to get with you. Seems to be a bit of a ladies' man." Rynn cast a glance at Gavyn, a smirk still on her lips, though the smirk was not at Gavyn's expense, it was Rynn's default facial expression "Just to give you an idea of how nice he is, the first thing he said to me was 'does it look like this face cares who or what you are?' Charming man, really."

A moment or so later, she heard Nick bound up and stopped as he spoke, telling them they'd left Kris behind (leaving Kris and Nick behind would have been a perfectly acceptable course of action had not all seven of them been needed). Although the fact that they were going the wrong way was a bit of concern. "I just assumed you two were intelligent enough to follow rather than stand around blushing at each other." a grin crossed her lips, her bemusement at Nick showing in her facial expression "I mean I thought it was a pretty simple course of action. We'd been talking about leaving for like ten minutes, and the only way we were going to get anywhere was if someone actually started moving. But we can wait for Kris to catch up, considering you didn't think to bring her either."

A scoff mixed with a laugh came from the attractive redhead's lips "Handcuffed to someone? I would have thought that would be the worst thing for you, considering how much you don't like people. Not to mention it would hinder your fighting ability immensely." Another grin as she waited for Kris's appearance or his response, whichever came first.

Kris watched as the others finly started moving. She frowned though, sensing the Rotherham woman's strong distaste for the odd relationship forming between her and Nick. That's when the man beside her started rambling. It was actually rather cute. She couldn't help but smile. Before she could suggest that they move to cath up with the others though, Nick leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Kris hadn't been expecting it.

A pink hue covered her cheeks as she looked up at the man who was now pinning her to the wall. Her heart was pounding, blocking out everything but him. She had no idea what to do, but was it wrong that she liked this?

His hands guided her before moving to direct her chin. Bright eyes trained on his lips watched them get closer and closer before they finally connected, her eyes now closed. Instantly all breath seemed to flee from her.her heart almost stopped and her knees grew weak, so much so she almost let let buckle beneath her. Lost in the small moment, her eyes didn't snap open until his lips left hers.

The color on her face probably matched his as they stared at one another. Then he took off and left her alone there. Heart still pounding she leans back against the wall and tried to make sense of what had just taken place. She knew this mission would come with a lot of firsts for her, but she never expected her first kiss to come with it.

Now she couldn't really deny that she felt something a bit more for the man. But how was she supposed to procede from here? She ran her hands through her hair, still a bit frazzled. She could taste him on he lips. Was that even possile?

Shaking her head she glanced around. oh right... I might wasn't to catc up. she tried to cool her face down but he redness would be impossible to hide. Then she walked off, her short legs urgin her to hurry to catch up before the others left her behind for good. But would Nick let them?

As if the first time blushing wasn't bad enough, this second blush that was brought on by the handcuff comment cause Nick off guard. How could Rynn joke at something like that! Not only was he enjoying the thought of being handcuffed to the woman, but he also managed to, subconsciously, walk over and stand beside her. Twisting his wrists up, he looked at the woman with slightly dazzled eyes. It was almost as if his mind was set on autopilot. He was actually presenting his arms to be cuffed to someone (he was hoping it would be Rynn).

Though, as soon as he lifted his arms up, he dropped them to his side and shook his head several times. It was almost as if he were shaking water off like a wet dog. Shuddering a few times, his oval-shaped eyes locked with hers for what seemed like years.

Even though they were a shade of jade, they boar the familiarity of a flame. There was a burning passion in her eyes. They sparkled and cracked with each wavering movement they took. The lashes that decorated her eyes were flawless and without a single lash out of place. Each was placed perfectly on the lid. As if they were trained soldiers, they moved in unison as she blinked. Mystified by her eyes, the male found himself a little closer to her than he wanted to be. Though her body was emitting heat, the male still felt like ice beside her. Perhaps it was the difference in their personalities. She was fervid, spirited, and warm. He was caustic, sullen, and cold.

Not a word came from his mouth. Unsure how to form words, he just sunk back and bit his tongue. Spineless coward, he cussed to himself. How was he allowing such a woman to subdue him. She was winning in a battle he had started. Even though his distaste for her burned brighter than any flame she could muster up, his heart seemed content and almost at peace with her. She wasn't, for the most part, that bad. Wishing he had behaved better earlier, he wondered if there was going to be a chance to recovery their rocked relationship. Though he foresaw it wouldn't get further than friendship, he still couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to taste her lips and to feel the warmth of her body against his own. In a way, the two were alike. And yet, at the same time, they were total opposite.

And then he was so near to her, so close, presenting himself as if he wanted her to produce handcuffs and chain them together. Such an odd action on his part, completely unexpected by the flame standing before him. She cast her eyes to his hands for a moment, a quizzical expression appearing within them. What was he doing? She cocked her head to the side slightly, silently asking him what was occurring.

Her eyes were but a moment later taken captive by his own. She stared in the depths of his crimson ones just as deeply as he bore into hers. The electricity of the moment shocked her, her gaze reflected every question running through her mind. What was he doing? Why as was he staring at her so? What was he thinking? She didn't understand, but Rynn refused to look away. She never backed down from a gaze, but even if she'd wanted to break it, Rynn felt like she didn't have a choice, as if her eyes were locked there for the eternity within which he chose to gaze at her.

The woman searched his gaze, curious as to the lack of emotion in his eyes, though there was something there that she hadn't suspected, some semblence of feelings, some semblence of a personality beneath the glamour of hate and pain and cold and dead. Perhaps she had been mistaken, perhaps Nick was capable of emotion, but was just guarded to let it show. He hid behind his cold walls, acting on any animal or negative instinct that chose to rear its head, but never acting on anything that made him truly vulnerable. But in that one moment between the two, Fire and Dark, Rynn could see a small crack in the facade Nick so adamantly upheld. Perhaps she should give him a chance to prove to her that he wasn't a cold monster, that he could be helpful, could become something of a friend at some point in time.

And then he backed off the gaze, stepping back into the proverbial shadows he cloaked himself in. Rynn parted her lips to say something as she gaze at him, to tell him of her realization, but the moment had passed and the words wouldn't come. And then everything came back to her, Kris standing right near them, likely watching their silent exchange with a hurt and a jealousy equal and to Rynn and Nick's mutual amazement at discovering the power of each other's gazes. But Kris had nothing to fear, Rynn's heart had not fallen for Nick in that time, no, she'd simply realized that there was more to him and perhaps she shouldn't jump so quickly to casting him in the role into which he was already so vested. Perhaps she should take a second glance, give him the oppurtunity to become more than the wretch in the corner. And so, for the last moment that Rynn held his gaze, something in her own softened, telling him that, perhaps, he had the oppurtunity to prove himself more than his behavior.

And after that moment, Rynn returned her look to the group, hoping that they didn't notice the incredible momentary tension between the two.

"Of course the pleasure is mine. Its right this way." Teresa led the way back through the the Royal Court to her family's suite It was horribly long walk, but it was long enough for the girl to become nervous. What ifs swirled through her head all more unlikely then the last. And what did Jenny Lynn mean take her under her wing. As they reached the door she paused "My famiy's rooms are just through here, May i personally welcome you to the Relline Residence. She opened the door allowing the guests to step through before her with a slight curtsey. After everyone entered she closed the door behind them.

This is it she thought, i just invited one of the most powerful Mon la'Ronk in all of Kishmal to my home. This could be interesting. Still smiling and polite, Teresa beckoned both of her guests to follow her down another smaller hallway. " My Father's study is right down this way, he was home when i left so he still should be here." Reaching a sturdy wooden door, she knocked politely, but opened the door before she could get a response. Technically not proper manners, but she was excited and father never punished her. luckily her father was sitting at the desk writing a letter. From the door way she gave the proper curtsey from daughter to father. stepping into the room, "Excuse me father may i present to you my companions,
Miss Jenny Lynn Walker of the mon La'Ronk and Mr. Kyle Alan Gear. to her companions she added, "this is my father James Relline."

The way Rynn had snickered at what Gavyn had just said caught her off for a moment. Casting her gaze over at that smirk of hers she blinked not fully understanding until she used the term "ladies man" sending her nose and brows to crinkle as her lips puckered out in distaste. Him? Really? I wonder which face of his holds true? The girl tended to ponder a lot inside her own skull as opposed to actually formulating conversation so she nodded in silence, clearly mulling over the story the red head had just given her.

Those thoughts were interrupted by Nick, suddenly bursting up behind them to warn them of venturing in the wrong direction. "Eh.. Oh... I was sort of just, following along..." Pressing her lips together she gazed down at her feet and smiled to herself, it was easy to follow Rynn around, she just seemed like she would always be right. I wonder what it's like to be a leader like that? Although Rynn and Gavyn stood at the same height, they carried themselves in a completely different manner.

Rynn swayed as she walked, her shoulders strutting alongside her proudly standing neck that held her head high. Her strides were smooth and confident, nothing like her brunette counterpart. Gavyn had a tendency to keep her long arms close to herself, and due to her high rate of clumsy moments she walks with her eyes to the ground to provide extra precaution to avoid falling on her face. It didn't help she had a tendency to hide her face under her long wavy strands of chestnut colored hair. Maybe if she spent more time around someone with a personality like Rynns she would be able to take a few pages from her book.

But at that very moment something was happening, between Nick and Rynn... something that was hard to explain. It was strange, the feelings emulating off of their skin were filling up the air around them as their eyes practically shot off sparks between each other. The feeling was so strong, Gavyn had to take a step back and to try and keep her attention off their moment her frantic sapphire eyes stared into her satchel as she 'pretended' to look around for something, but was just fumbling her hand around the various trinkets and food stuffs she had cooked and baked before departing inside the cloth bag.

Romantic expressions like that made her all too uncomfortable, which was sad for someone who was almost 20 years of age. Call her a late bloomer, or maybe just painfully shy to the world of romance, but something was brewing between the two elements before her and it was making Gavyn come off even more awkward than usual.

Kris caught the tail end of Nick and Rynn's exchange. Instantly she felt sick. She couldn't really explain it. Was Nick just messing with her? Was that kiss just his idea of some twisted joke? No... she saw that same completely confused look in his eyes. He hadn't been expecting to kiss her.

Chewing on her lip she filed into the group, still quite red faced. She went to the back of the group. She needed time to think. Time to try and understand it all. Damn it. It was never supossed to be this complicated. She silently wished that Jacob was there. She could have talked to her brother about anything. He'd never get mad at her, he'd simply try to listen and help her understand.

Her eyes flitted up and landed on Rynn and Nick for a moment before finding the back of Adam's head. He reminded her a lot of Jacob. But she didn't really know him. Still, maybe he'd be a good person to talk to... but.... Kris didn't talk to peoploe besides her brother. It was so hard to open up like that.

Letting out a frustrated sigh she turned to look at them all. They had stopped for the little staring contest those two had and were probably waiting on her, but they should be moving again.

"Well, are we going to go or have more staring contests with one another?" She asked, averting her eyes. Rynn already disliked her, and Kris had a feeling her little comments weren't going to win the other woman over. She really just needed some alone time to think, too bad she wasn't going to get any of that till this stupid mission was over.

Kyle nodded at the invitation to follow Ms Relline to her home. He followed slowly, careful not to tread on the noble woman's dress. He stepped quietly as always. He was a trained assassin, it was part of the job description to be extremely quiet, in your voice and your steps. He barely made a sound the entire trip and his mind wandered back to his first kill.

It had been very quiet night in Ka'lent City. His father was snug in the bed of at a friend's house, accompanied by a woman. That only enraged Kyle further. It was not even the man's wife. Another courtesan. He had brought a new one to his home more than once. With his wife home. The Arrogant man had to be killed. This wasn't just a deed of revenge. This would cleanse the world of one more asshole. He didn't know it at the time but he was also killing a retired Kni la'Ronk. He jumped the gap to the window and smirked. The courtesan had begun to stir. He walked over to her, lifted her out of the be and made a simple statement. "Leave." She immediately left, seeing the look on Kyle's face and the sword, which was already drawn. Raven had taught him never to stab someone in the back, for it would only dishonor them both. He also said to allow them last words. He woke the man by rolling him off the bed. He gave the man the opportunity to have his last words, but the man just spat at him, claiming the boy didn't have the guts to kill. Boy was he wrong. Kyle sliced the man's throat, stepping out of the way so the blood wouldn't get on his clothes. It was hard to explain having your clothes covered in blood. He let the man drop and, carefully watching out for the blood, he waled over to the night stand and placed a piece of paper with a simply mark on it. He jumped from the window he came through and went to his mother's death bed just before she died.

Coming out of his flash back, Kyle realized they were in the Relline household and in the father's study. He bowed politely but stayed silent.

Adam walked next to Rynn wanting to get out of the city as soon as they all could before the la'Ronk got there. The walk was somewhat quiet until Nick came up and said they were going the wrong way. Adam chuckled to himself just now realizing be began walking with no idea where he was going. He was happy go see that Nick was able to pry himself off of Light. Adam's face turned onto a scowl just at the thought of Nick on top of her. Not because he himself had feelings for Light but she looked so much like his sister and hated seeing someone like Nick advancing on her.

His face resumed it's usual happy expression as he kept walking he glanced over to Rynn and noticed the intense staring contest between her and Nick. "Careful Rynn if you stare to long you'll catch the bitterness, and you twos staring contest is weirding me out immensely so I'm going to fall back." Adam fell back and noticed Gavyn's face she looked somewhat distraught.

This saddened Adam, Gavyn seemed like a nice person but probably felt somewhat left out. She hadn't been that late meeting up with everyone but a lot had happened. Adam slightly frowned at the thought of someone feeling alone in the group, he made his way over to her and in a friendly tone said

"Sorry you kind of got thrown into this...hmm...for lack of a better word mess of a situation, you didn't really have a chance to meet everyone. You doing okay?"