Shadow of a Life

Juna
Murasano Sanjuro



Leaning out of the curtained window, Juna with her blind eyes felt the air of the land, breathing in the fresh smell of the orchards with a soft smile on her lips. The other dancers did the same. This was the first time some of the newer additions had been to the Siikent orchards, city of nobles. They had just reached the outskirts where most of the fruit trees were when one of the guards in the front yelled something to the back.

Juna frowned, and ignored the cries of the fellow woman in the coach but instead focused on the problem ahead of the caravan. Several groups of bandits were attacking the guards, some were borne. She gritted her teeth and focused around them. With how many were attacking Juna knew this wasn't a good situation... and she knew she could not protect them all. Swearing under her breath, the windborne closed her eyes and opened her hands, swirls of silver air rising from them just as the first wave of arrows punctured the chamber...

Sanjuro had managed to cross the nessa river after a long day's journey. The sun was already beginning to set when his eyes caught something in the distance. Giving a gentle kick to his horse, he sped down the road he was travelling, approaching what quickly became known to him as a sieged caravan on the roadside. At first he found no trace of survivor's, but soon the stirring of one lead him off his horse and to one of the caravan trailer's, littered with arrows, and nearly blown open. The whole scene showed of windborne disaster.

Laying among the bodies was a woman, unconsciousness among the wreckage. The only evidence of injury was a shallow cut across her forehead, where it appeared an arrow had glanced across her skin. It was obvious her clothing was a costume, for it did little to cover her curves. Other then the dirt and some blood splatters she was undamaged. The bodies of her fellow dancers were beneath her, as if the blast had forced her back against them.

Quickly kneeling beside the girl, one arm found it's way around her upper waist, the other to her cheek, caressing lightly in an attempt to wake her unstartled. "Hello? Are you all right?" He said, shaking her ever so carefully before lifting and pulling her out of the cabin and onto the roadside. Having laid her down, he touched his index and middle finger over her lips lightly, a faint blue glow, cold water trickling slightly down her lips.

Flinching, Juna moaned slightly as the water was swallowed and her eyes fluttered open. Glancing around herself, "Wha... What happened?" Even though the action was useless, it was her body's instinct to look around and she struggled weakly against him for a moment. The bells on her ankles tinkled sadly and finally the woman was able to move one arm to release the hidden blade, but she was too tired to lift it to protect herself.

He looked down, then back up at her, moving back slightly to give her room. "Are you all right, m'lady?" He questioned, lowering his head to look her more evenly in the eyes, realizing now that she was blind. "I know not what happened here. I just now happened upon this incident, it seem's all of the others are...dead. Are you unharmed?"

"I... think so." The other hand lifted awkwardly and skimmed her face, wincing when it reached the small cut, "The others..." Juna extended her reach, summoning a slight breeze but it died shortly after. The dancer growled in annoyance, letting the strange man take most of her weight and her eyes stared blankly ahead as she answered softly, "I killed them."

"You killed them..?" He tilted his head, then helped her sit up. He could feel her power, though faint. It was now obvious she expended most of her power to fend off the bandits, who's bodies littered this recent 'battle' field. "Forgive me, Lady, I've not yet introduced myself. I am Murasano Sanjuro, though Sanjuro will do. What may I call you?"

"My name is Juna. And... I had no choice. They were all going to die anyway." She retracted the blade and made to stand, her limbs wobbly but finally she collasped to her knees, retching into the dirt. Juna didn't even have the strength to hold her body up and her hair out of her face.

Standing next to her, the one hand slid from around her and up her arm to her hand, pulling her up softly with him. "I have a horse, you may ride. Idling here will do little good, especially in your condition. Where are you heading towards?"

Wiping her mouth with the edge of her hand, "We were heading to Siikent, for a performance..." Juna shuddered slightly at his closeness, but tried to put her own insecurities aside; he was right. They needed to leave this place. "I fear I will fall if I ride the horse..." She admitted to him softly.

"Hmm..." He pondered for a moment, his horse trotting slowly towards them. "Then I shall help you." He smiled, though he knew she could not see, lifting a hand to gently brush the hair from her face. Guiding her over towards the horse, he helped her up first, then quickly mounted up behind her, letting her lean against him as he held the reigns, surpporting her. "I'm sorry, for the loss of your friends here. It so happens however, that I am also heading towards Siikent, so the least I can do is see you there."

Blinking, Juna stuttered slightly, but managed to get out a thank you. Swaying in the saddle, she grabbed at the pommel desperatly until she felt him slide in behind her, leaning back against him. It was an odd thing for her, to rely on someone else, but she knew she would be lost without him. "I thank you... I know... that you could have just passed this by without stopping..."

He nodded his head. "You're quite welcome. I could look over something like this with idle hands. I'm glad I arrived when I did at least, though if only I happened upon you sooner." His arms were around her, holding the reigns, he held her gently against him, keeping her stable as the horse trotted along up the road. "Do you have any previous arrangements when we get to town, or shall I find accomodation's for you when we arrive?"

"...The Rose Dove, we were supposed to have a performance there tomorrow night." Juna struggled to stay awake, and cautiously she leaned her head against his chest. Her posture was stiff however, and it was obvious that she wasn't used to trusting people. She had had enough of that in her childhood.

"A performance, you say? What do you do, if I may be so bold?" Her disinterest in reliance was all too obvious, and he gave his horse a quick, gentle kick to speed up a bit, hoping to at least hasten the journey to town. "I can take you to this Rose Dove then, if you'd like, as well."

"I... well we..." Juna swallowed, "I'm a dancer." She fiddled with her hands for a moment, moving a spare bit of clothe to cover more skin. When the article kept sliding off with the movement of the horse she sighed, and ceased trying. Her lack of clothing should hint what specialty of dance she was best at.

"Dancing, hmm..?" He trailed off, wondering if this were proper conversation, though now suddenly finding himself lost for words. "What got you into that career?" He finally picked up after a moment, looking around as the light faded from the sky slowly still.

"When I was young... a group of whores found me starving on the street. They took me in, but I had lost my eyesight before hand. I grew up there, and thanks to my birth given gift, I wasn't completely useless," Like I am now. Juna let out a shallow sigh, even that slight movement made her wince.

"Ah, I see. You have my sincerest apologies for bringing up such bad memories. I hope your life finds you much better these days, current situation omitted, that is." Trodding along, he felt almost as if he were distancing himself further from her, rather than comforting and easing her pain.

"Such is life," Juna muttered, closing her eyes. "This has happened before, but not everyone... well, died." Her hand raised to her forehead, lingering on the cut long enough that when she dropped her arm flesh blood splattered her arm.

"Are you all right..?" He questioned, noticing the blood. He hadn't thought the wound to be so bad before, but the fresh blood raised some eyebrows. "Do you need something for that?"

"I, can't tell." Turning in the saddle, she now semifaced him, small rivelets of blood dripping down her brow, "How bad is it?" Juna opened her eyes slowly, their gaze looking over his shoulder, then met his face.

"Not too bad..." He lied. It wasn't horrible, but it was bad enough. "I'll get a cloth to clean it, though." He reached down into one of the side packs on his horse, sifting around for a sizable cloth, wetting it a bit with some of his power, he pushed it lightly to the cut on her head, dabbing and alternating it to clean up the side of her face slowly. "You're really very beautiful, Juna." He said, softly, more so than he'd been speaking already.

A light blush graced her cheeks and she half shrugged, half slumped a little, "So... I am told." Her spine began to ache in the position she was in, so she turned around putting her back against his chest once again. Although one of her hands was on his thigh behind hers, she blamed it being there on the balance she was missing.

He smiled softly as she turned back, acutely aware of her hand on his leg. "Rest assured, they've all been telling the truth." He laughed fondly, looking off into the distance, seeing the edges of town on the horizon. "We're not far off now m'lady. What will you do once we reach town now?"

She hadn't thought much about that... she needed to find Maria, their coordinator before she could really tell anyone what happened, she just hoped it wouldn't be wholly blamed on her for the deaths of her comrades. "Our assistant said she would meet us at the Rose Dove tomorrow, but for tonight, I can offer you a room, if you need one."

He laughed slightly, quietly to himself. Here he thought he'd be looking after her. "Only if it's not trouble to you. I have no reservation's anywhere yet, and thusly, no where to stay. I'll stay with you and assist you for as long as you require, as repayment, if that is agreeable to you?"

At first she thought that Sanjuro was laughing at her, but she relaxed when he accepted her offer. "If it isn't a problem for you, then, " Juna's blush revisted, "Then I would very much like that."

His smile remained on his lips, holding her more comfortably now in his arms, as much as he could while still holding the reigns. "It's settled then, and I shall ensure that you never endure another night like this, for as long as you'll have me." He thought it strange, while he smiled. His compulsion towards this woman. He'd not felt this much like his old self in a long time. Perhaps it was the chance to do some good for someone else, to redeem himself, or perhaps she held another power over him...

They rode into the beautiful city, receiving some looks from the locals over his armor and her lack of it. It wasn't very far into the city where the sign of a dove perched on a rose appeared among the rest, the tavern was one of the largest, and most spacious of the choices. A stable boy took the reigns for the man while he dismounted.

Having dismounted, Sanjuro took Juna's hand with one arm, the other resting at her waist to better help her off of the horse. He gave her a moment to see how well she could support herself, before deciding it best to carry her and allow her to save what little strength her body had left. "We've arrived at the Rose Dove." He spoke softly to her, hoping he hadn't overstepped his bounds.

Her hand clutched his arm tightly for a moment, having not realized what he was doing and her knees almost collasped before he had lifted her up. "O-ok..." The dancer whispered, her blind eyes wide. A minute later, after he had carried her in, a man's voice questioned them, "Hello, did you have reservations?"

"Yes..." Juna replied, "Under the name of Maria." The inn keeper's eyes lingered on her own, and she shivered under his gaze, "Ah yes!" He grabbed a key, "Please, follow me."

He carried her gently, his arms around her in a protective fashion. He wasn't sure what sort of place this was, but he would trust that, for the night at least, it was good for her. "We're almost there. I'll get you into a nice warm bed and see about getting you something to eat to recover your strength. Do you feel you'll need any medicine as well?" He questioned thoughtfully. His was always the way of taking life, however graceful and beautiful his particular art-form was. He wasn't quite as keen at taking care of others, not in this way.

The man leading finally stopped at a door, unlocking and opening it, he held the key out to Sanjuro, bowing his head. "Your room, mistress and master." Taking the key, Sanjuro closed the door behind him, sighing slightly at the only bed in the room. He slowly carried Juna over towards it, laying her down gently.

"I just... need to rest, that's all." She replied to his earlier questions, slipping her left hand out of a sleeve, revealing the hidden mechanism underneath. Carefully, she removed it, the effort needed was surprising to her. "There should be other adjoining rooms," Juna offered quietly, noticing his small sigh. The other hidden blade was giving her trouble as she tried to remove it.

He almost seemed to have not even heard her offer of other sleeping arrangements, noticing her struggle. He placed a hand over one of hers, looking over her face. "Do you need a hand with this m'lady?" Sanjuro asked, polite still, offering her a faint smile. A second later what she'd said actually registered, and he smiled more. "Where to sleep matters not to me, I've had my fair share of rocky beds."

"Just call me Juna, please, I am not a lady nor a noble." Her hand under his quivered and slipped against her side, then slid up her arm to her other sleeve, "If you pull the sleeve off you will find my other chakram. If you would be so kind as to remove it, I would be most grateful." The dancer could feel his eyes on her and she shyly looked off to the side.

His eyes fell from her face to her hands, following a path to her other sleeve. Sanjuro's touch was light and gentle as he pulled the sleeve away just enough to get at her other weapon, unstrapping it from her arm with care. He placed the weapon, and it's sheath, as it were, on the nightstand and knelt next to the bed. "Do you need anything else, Miss Juna?"

"Just Juna." She said again, this time a little louder. Pulling the sleeve off the rest of the way, she put it with the chakram, grabbing her left handed one and putting over there as well. The extra weight that they had represented lifted, "Thank you, Sanjuro, for your care."

"You'll have to forgive my formalities, miss Juna, it is my upbringing." He replied softly, lowering his eyes. He stood after a moment, turning halfway towards the door. "Do you need something to eat?"

She almost said no, but thought against it, "...If there is any fruit." Juna slid her legs underneath her and pulled the blankets weakly over her only to spread out again once she was covered. With how thin the sheets were, one couldn't hide curves like hers. Quietly, Juna touched her power, ever so slightly, to find out where exactly he was in the room.

He felt her power, however weakly she used it, being still so close to her. Sanjuro placed a hand on her shoulder to reassure her he hadn't gone yet. "Then I shall be back shortly with that. Any preferences I should be made aware of?"

To her credit she didn't flinch away. "Oranges." Such a fruit wasn't common up in larineth, but here it was a staple.

"I hear the oranges here are quite delicious." He smiled, his hand slipping softly from her shoulder as he moved quietly away from her. "I will be back shortly." He added, stepping out the door and closing it gently behind him.

It didn't take long for Sanjuro to return. He held a small bowl of oranges, which also had grapes, and a few other distinct fruits. He placed the bowl on the same stand as her weapons, keeping it within easy reach of her. "I hope this will help you feel better, miss Juna."

She shivered, reaching for an orb but stopping halfway. Juna panted at the effort, only her strong will was keeping her moving at all at this point.

Sanjuro took a seat next to her on the edge of the bed. He reached over for her and took an orange, peeling it gently for her. "You don't seem to be doing very well... are you cold?" His question soft, not even bothering for an answer before setting the orange down and removing the coat from over his armor slowly. It wasn't much in the way of cover, but it was somewhat thicker than the sheet she was using. He feared still however, that this would not be enough to warm her either.

"I'm... cold..." Juna closed her eyes barely managed a nod.

"I could lay with you...if you like?" He responded, his voice not faltering, but still giving off a slightly uneasy feeling of even asking. Sanjuro reached for Juna's orange again and finished peeling it, placing it in her palm.

This is going to become even more awkward... Even with that thought, Juna nodded again, this time a little resolutely. Her hand closed around the orange, one slim finger seperating a slice away from the orb. It had been a while since she had last eaten such a sweet rare treat, that when the tangy juices touched her tongue, a small tear slid from her closed eye.

Sanjuro nodded once more, standing slowly, he began to unfasten his armor, a procedure that would take several moments. "This might take a while, but I don't think you'd enjoy laying against hard armor..." he trailed off, realizing how long he'd gone already without his coat, and more precisely, the hood he'd always had over his head.

Juna curled into a shivering ball, wiping the tear from her cheek almost angrily. Even though the tavern and inn were considered top notch, the blankets were threadbare and thin anyway. It reminded her of her childhood.

Laying his armor against the end of the bedpost, he carried his katana's around to the other side of the bed with him, propping them up against the wall within easy enough reach. Sitting down for a moment before laying, he moved closer to her slowly, taking the shirt he wore under his armor and placing it around her as well, with his coat. "Forgive me if this is uncomfortable for you..."

At this point Juna didn't care. It felt as if she were becoming ice. With him behind her she began to thaw, and ever so she opened up to him, molding her shape to his to capture all his heat. The orange lay mostly eaten and forgotten to the side and she let out a breath, almost happily at their combined warmth.

Sanjuro closed his eyes and wrapped one arm around Juna to keep her close, and keep her warm. "So odd a place like this doesn't have blankets..." he whispered absentmindedly, sighing quietly. His mind wandered a bit to things of his past, his eyes opened and looked over to his coat and hood, thoughts of why he wore such a thing to begin with.

She mumbled an answer back, unsure of why there had only seemed to be one comforter as well before she jerked her head and opened her eyes. "Do you mind..." Juna began but stopped, turning her body so that she faced him and ignored his hand when it slid from her hip to her butt as she turned. Juna's blind eyes sought his face while her hand lifted and touched his cheek, sliding down to his chin while her thumb graced his lip for a moment. Her brow furrowed, "I... miss my sight."

"I..." He stuttered. This was rather sudden for him, and very unexpected, though he quickly regained his composure, sliding his hand from her side and over hers, moving it slightly up along his cheek. "No... It would be cruel of me to deny you..." He spoke hesistantly, his identity something he near always kept in secret, but he felt for now, just this once, things might be ok...

"Not cruel." Juna corrected, "Just, this way, I might be able to know who exactly has helped me." Her fingers came together and ran through some of his short hair before stopping, and her hand dropped to between them. "You are young, and handsome." She summarized, a slight blush on her cheeks and her eyes looked away, like a little girl with a crush.

A smile touched his lips at her words and he nodded absentmindedly, his hand caressed hers again for a moment before reaching out to touch her cheek, the back of his fingers gliding smoothly along her soft skin. "I would say the same of you again, if it did not make me sound so reiterative." A quiet laugh escaped his lips, and he looked her over gently, his eyes always returning to her face.

Her blind eyes closed and she leaned into his touch, yearning, but at the same time, holding back. "Do you always get into bed with strangers?" Juna asked coyly, after a few minutes of silence.

He laughed again, a bit of a blush touching his cheeks. "I tend to rather avoid people, actually. You're a special case however." He smiled back at her again, folding his arms around her to embrace her in warmth, letting his arms spread some of it over her back.

Juna giggled at that, curling into a ball again at his chest, now comfortable with him as much as she could be. It had been a while since someone had wanted to hold her and not do anything else.

Sanjuro continued to smile in her embrace, his eyes closing again as he held her to him. It seemed like little time had past however, before the sun came beaming into the room in the morning, forcing one of his eyes to squint open. He moved very little, looking down at Juna to make sure she was all right. She seemed to be fine, and still breathing. He sighed softly and laid back down, waiting for her to wake before leaving the bed.

When he sighed a part of her subconsious awoke, feeling the movement of air briefly before fading back into nothingness. Juna opened her eyes and tilted her head, a breeze drifting from her to him and her lips upturned slightly, "Good morning."

He bowed his head softly for her, responding in kind. "Good morning miss Juna. Are you feeling well this morning?" He adjusted slightly, unfolding one arm from around her and sitting up, leaning back against the headboard of the bed, noticing then that his other hand had been idly running through her hair during the night.

Slowly, she sat up as well, although shakily, "I think so." Swinging her legs around, she cautiously stood and took a few steps and the air around her was constantly moving, as if she was the center of low pressure in the room. Turning back, she smiled, "I feel a lot better."

Sanjuro smiled once more, stepping out of the bed as well, he pulled his shirt from off of the bed and slid it back on, running his hands over the coat laying there before pulling it away and towards the end of the bed where the rest of his armor lay. "That's very good, I'm glad, miss Juna. You mentioned last night that you would be meeting someone here, do you know when?"

Her face fell, "Sometime this morning. In the lobby." The smile completely disappeared and Juna's eyes stayed trained on the floor. It was at this time there was a violent knocking on the door, making Juna jump. "Its the road wardens, open up!"

His disposition saddened with hers, aware that what he'd said had dampened her spirits. Fortunately, or unfortunately as it may soon be, the current disturbance curbed that immediately. It took little time for Sanjuro to procure his weapons, his coat flapping wildly as it was swiftly flung over his back, his hood over his head. He was silent, moving up next to Juna with a weapon half-drawn. "Road Wardens? Do you know of them?"

Juna glanced over at Sanjuro, "They are the law in this land..." Carefully, with the small bells on her costume tinkling, she stepped forward and opened the door. Four, very large men, two borne, two not pushed their way into the room, the two borne grabbing onto Juna. "Your company was attacked by bandits, but evidence shows you killed several of your companions before the attack." One of the borne grabbed onto her wrists and pulled them behind her back, creating cuffs out of his hand.

Sanjuro moved with the speed and grace of the fiercest lion, his blade unsheathed, and his body dashing forward in one swift motion. The edge came out silently, and just as silent, the tip was pressed at the throat of the borne attempting to cuff Juna's hands. "You would do well to treat the lady with some respect, and give quarter before you lose what little you have."

The other borne lifted his hand to point at Sanjuro, lightning racing up his length as he warned, "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Sanjuro!" Juna cried out, pleading, "Don't do anything foolish, please, just let them take me."

Sanjuro's eyes went from the first borne to Juna, then to the second and his lightning. Sanjuro's eyes narrowed, a faint blue gleam in the one eye that was visible, his hood and his hands wielding his weapon blocking off the other from sight. He waited only a moment before tapping his foot against the wooden floorboards. The sound wasn't quite what one would expect, a faint 'splash' echoing each time his toes touched for wood.

"You use that, you attack yourself, and all of your allies as well."

"-You fight me, and the road wardens will never let you out of the city alive." The borne countered, static lightning starting to form in his eyes.

Juna opened her mouth, then closed it, but discreetly, she touched her inner power as well, barely evening alerting to Sanjuro that that was what she was doing. Her already silver eyes began to swirl, and she locked her gaze with him, before closing them and bowing her head.

He stood still, silent and statuesque for a brief moment, sizing up his opponents and the clearest course of action. Seconds seeming like hours as he meditated on the room, the area, everyone's placement and stances, taking in every detail before finally acting.

Both of Sanjuro's hands thrust forward, the blade sinking into the first borne's neck, slicing deep and cleanly halfway through as he dashed forward. His blade left his hands, thrown straight up as he dropped swiftly, his coat falling from his form as he ducked under the second borne's lightning attack, delivering a quick kick to his gut while gripping his second katana in both hands, immediately engaging the two normal humans ahead of him.

Juna shattered the rock holding her, ducking with unnatural speed under the fray. Lifting her hands, she threw a wall of air at the warden, throwing him towards the window. Once he was away from the others the woman looked as if she was grabbing onto the air, weaving it in front of her. The lightningborne tried to counter attack, but Juna grabbed him in a pocket of air, lifting him from the ground. He sputtered, fighting her but her pressure was relentless, and soon his lungs collapsed. Juna dropped her hands, and in turn, let his corpse fall to the wooden floor.

Skillfully using his katana to deflect one warden, Sanjuro used his weapon to spin the first off balance, coming around to crush the seconds nose with the butt of his weapon, each movement fluid, unending and perfect as a river's stream.

The last human made to end Sanjuro's life but Juna flipped around with an angry scowl on her face. In a burst of white and silver feathers, Juna extended a hand, shooting forth a powerful burst of air. It hit the warden square in the chest, spraying the nearby wall with blood and viscera. Sagging slightly, she breathed heavily, feeling the feathers fluttering to the ground.

Sanjuro turned quickly and slammed shut the door. Lingering here would be quite an impressive mistake. His first katana stuck to the ceiling, and he yanked it out, sheathing it as he moved towards Juna, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Miss Juna, are you all right? Are you unharmed?"

"I'm... ok...." Her breathing steadied and she let out a small cry, clinging to him as she let out a sob.

He held her for a moment, looking around the room, his hand caressing down the back of her head and over her back slowly to calm her. "We mustn't linger, there will likely be more soon." He released her slowly, his armor wasn't easy to re-equip, and did take some time, he had to hurry.

"... why did we attack? The road wardens will hunt us down!" Juna tried to stiffle her cries, "The only place they do not go is the Saronot mountain... think we can make it?" They would most likely have to fly.

Sanjuro paused with his motion's, stepping back over to Juna, placing both hands on her shoulders, looking down at her while part of his armor hung loose "I told you, I would stay by your side and look after you for as long as you'd have me. If I let them take you and end your life now, not only would I have failed you, my service to you would have been painfully too short." he ran a hand through her hair slowly, then stepped away to finish the last touches on his armor, throwing his coat on, he took her hand. "I'll take you to where ever you need to go to feel safe, and I will get you there. You have my word, and my vow."

Juna flushed and stuttered for a moment, before finally going to her weapons and slipping them on, grabbing an apple as well and devouring it swiftly. "I... I can't fly. I haven't yet reached that power yet." Juna looked at her bare feet and twiddled her fingers.

"Then we first need to escape this town. We'll find shelter in seclusion elsewhere, and we'll find some way to get you to the Saronot mountains." He looked around them, then moved towards the door. "Do you know anyone in the area who may be able to help us?"

She shook her head, "No, none." Closing her eyes, Juna concentrated, and succeeded in blasting the room with feathers, but the wind made manifest didn't appear. Shrugging, "If you can..." Juna looked at him, slight envy in her blind eyes, "You could get us out of here."

Sanjuro sighed a bit, nodding as he pulled her into his arms, holding her against him. He closed his eyes and concentrated hard. He was never one to use his powers in any way other than focusing it through his katana, or similar at least. It took him a moment to build the condensation around him, the room filling with a mist that soon settled around his feet, levitating him slowly as he took control, lifting both he and Juna off of the ground. "This is dangerous, so you know...but I can do this long enough to get us to safety, at the least."

"...I understand." Juna answered back, in a whisper, "I will help with what I can."

(insert epic massive air battle here)

(insert epic escape here)

They landed on the mountain in the chill air, Juna shivering violently. She dare not change the temperature of the air for the fear of draining her energy even more.

Sanjuro stepped from a cave directly behind Juna. His coat was in his hands and he slipped it around her as he approached her from behind, pulling the hood over her head to keep her at least faintly warmer. "It's clear, and goes back far enough to shelter from the worst of the cold..." he called out to her, the freezing winds howling and groaning around them, their very whisper a punishment from nature. He pulled her under his arm to shelter her as he led her into the cave to escape the harsh weather.

She might as well had been powerless in the winds, for it made her more blind then she was, but as they trod deeper into the cave, Juna calmed down, and was able to see. As soon as she could she crouched on a dry rock, trying to keep her feet warm.

Sanjuro knelt next to her, sighing deeply as he undid his armor once more. he pulled his shirt off and laid it against Juna's legs. "Perhap's it'd have been wise to bring what few sheet's there were at the inn..." he trailed off. Looking down for a moment before tilting his head back up to hers. "Miss Juna, I promise that I, Murasano Sanjuro, will protect you with my life. I will see you safe."

Juna smiled with chattering teeth, "That is oftly kind of you, Sanjuro." Making sure he was where she thought he was, the borne carefully leaned forward to kiss his cheek.

A blushed touched his paling cheeks. They were indeed deep inside of the cave, away from the ravenous cold, but it's touch still held dominion in this barren hole. Sanjuro leaned forward and braced one hand softly on the back of Juna's neck, holding her close by slipping the other arm around the small of her back, nurturing what small warmth gathered between them.

His movement startled her as her blind eyes widened slightly and Juna tilted her head. He was so close. Moving in closer, Juna touched her lips to his own gently, not knowing if this was what he wanted, but daring enough to see.

He paused, his own eyes widened as she kissed him. Slowly then, his arms moved more tightly around her, holding her close to him as Sanjuro pressed his lips into Juna's, closing his eyes, accepting her kiss and returning it with a gentle passion.

The reaction caused Juna to stumble in her own reply, for only once had she been in a similiar position, and that time had changed to violence within a heartbeat. Flinching backwards, Juna let out an apology, her hands against his chest but as she tried to turn away, the windborne changed her mind, pressing herself against him with renewed fervor.

A deep chill spiked it's way through him the moment she turned away, leaving him breathless and more than confused. She left him little time to react however, her hands warm on his chest as she returned to him, his hands spreading over her exposed back. His movements were slow and sensual, lifting her slowly, leaning into her and in turn pinning her a bit against the cave wall, Sanjuro kissing her deeply now.

Juna on the other hand was more lustful, her hands moving his head so that her lips and teeth could reach his neck, nibbling lightly. Her tongue soon left a wet trail on his skin as she went down to his collarbone, then down his sternum, all the while pressing her hips against his own.

A soft cry escaped his lips, gasping while Juna teased him, he slid his hands up her back and over her shoulders, removing his coat from her smaller frame. He gasped again as his hands slid down her back, pulling her against him by way of pressing his hands into both her butt and tugging at her hips. The light fabric of Juna's dancer attire leaving little to the imagination at one's touch, yet still more than enough to drive one wild for more.

She shivered as her skin was opened to the bare air, smiling at his reaction to her attention. Juna lifted a knee, pressing it between his legs as her smile increased. The borne let him do what he wanted with her, going as far as to wrap her other leg around his hips so that he was holding her weight off the ground. It no longer felt cold in the cave.

Sanjuro's kisses now followed a similar path as hers had to him. His lips were at her jaw, her ear, down her neck and more as he held her up above him a bit. The touch of his fingers along her rear was enticing. The fabric she wore was smooth, and carried it's own sensual feeling to the touch, but it was nothing compared to Juna's soft curves, his hands sliding around her butt and up to her sides. He pulled the bottom of her outfit down one side at a time, exploring her body more intimately, his kisses dotting and touching all over her chest and breasts.

Juna let out a small moan, arching her back as her hands lost themselves in his hair and a light laugh escaped her lips. Bringing her head down, her breath carressed his ear, her tongue escaping her to pull his earlobe into her moist mouth. Sucking on it gently, another soft moan murmured against his ear as his hands discovered more of her skin.

A heavy gasp escaped his lips, forcing them apart as Juna claimed his ear. He let out a moan, soft and silent, but just for her. His hands went from her lower back down around her butt, even under and between her legs, her thighs were delicious beyond compare to the touch, and he had to have more. Sanjuro's hands found the clasps at either side of her outfit and quickly discovered how to remove her clothing. And how he did, his fingers moving with a ghost of a touch along her lower body, exploring her even more intimately.

She quivered above him, her blind eyes seemingly watching him, but she was not connected to the air around them. Instead, she was letting her other 4 senses enhance his attention. Sliding her hands down, Juna trailed them beneath the hem of his pants briefly, bringing them back up, letting her finger nails drag against his skin gently.

Sanjuro moaned out for her again, louder this time, more clearly. In response to her tease, he held her with one hand, squeezing her butt hard, the other moving directly between her legs, holding on to her there, his hand spread out underneath her. He then moved his hands from Juna's rear, sliding it along the thigh of the leg she had between his legs, pulling it out and around him to join with her other leg. He now pressed his body fully against hers, lifting his head to kiss her deeply, switching both hands to her hips to hold her passionately against his hips.

Feeling his throbbing manhood against her naked pelvic region caused an incredible longing behind her kisses that eventually lead to her tongue exploring his mouth. She wanted him badly, and it was obvious by how wet she was. Unintentionally, Juna thrusted against his hips, a small intake of breath on her part when she realized that she had done so intentionally. One of her hands then teased a nipple, but then quickly headed south.

He responding to her action's with a reciprocal rocking of his hips into hers, and yet he still wanted more as he moaned into her mouth, his tongue swirling and dancing intimately with hers. Sanjuro slid a hand softly up her back, finding the cloth and latch holding her last real remaining article of clothing together. Loosening the cloth, he undid the clasp and pulled it away. His lips were at hers for a long moment more, kissing her hard before he made his way down her neck and chest, suckling one of her nipples between his lips softly.

Juna gasped and again arched her back, holding his head against her chest with one hand, while the other teased the hair just above his member. Somehow she had managed to undo the button to his pants, giving her access to his lower body. The bells jingled faintly as she repositioned her legs.

Sanjuro lifted one hand to her other breast, both squeezing and massaging as his lips and teeth delicately worked the nipple of the breast opposite. His other hand rest at Juna's hip, fingers stretching down to graze her butt slightly, holding her steadily in place as he moved his hips softly against her, her every touch sending delicious chills up his spine. Every touch of her perfectly smooth skin enticing him further.

"San...juro..." She managed to get out, shivering in anticipation and excitement, however it was obvious what she wanted to say. Juna then discreetly scanned the cave they were in, looking for a good spot. She wouldn't be able to stand this much longer. Grasping the rock above her, Juna squirmed out of his grip, using the air to keep her up and she flipped over him, landing in a crouch. Her naked form was lithe and agile, waiting for his reaction.

"Juna..." He'd whispered in response, then was taken quite by surprise by her acrobatics. He turned with her as she flipped over him, taking her hand as he moved closer to her, the other hand reaching for both his coat and the shirt he wore under his armor, allowing her to lead him to where ever in the cave it was she wanted to go.

A little ways away there was a large flat open space, free of moisture or stalagmites. Juna sauntered over, her hips swaying to some beat that was in her head. Turning next to the spot, "Here."

Sanjuro bit his lip as he watched her. Her body was perfect, and the way she moved her hips was more than suggestive. She was driving him wild, and it took more than a little self control to keep calm. Moving closer to Juna, his lips met hers again, holding his hand out and shaking it a bit, dropping the clothing he'd brought so it'd fall flat and spread. He then folded his arm around her, pulling her body up against his while slipping the fingers of his other hand through her hand, squeezing fondly.

She squeezed back, pushing down his pants till they hit his ankles. Smiling, Juna carressed him, rubbing her wetness along his now exposed thigh. She let out a sound of lust, her tongue wetting her lip before she turned them around, forcing his back against the rock.

Her action's milked a pleasured moan from his lips, stepping out of his pants just before she'd forced him back, his arms were around her completely, kissing her lips hard and passionately. One hand moved up and down her back, pulling her against him, the other freeing from her fingers after a moment, moving down to her hips, pulling one of her legs up around his hip. Sanjuro's shaft was now painfully close to Juna's core, and he pulsed for her, moaning softly against her lips.

"Not yet..." Juno murmured teasingly and she turned around, pressing her bottom against his manhood, pressing her spine against his stomach and chest. Her hands found his, lifting them up to her breasts while she bent her neck and turned her head to the side, seeking his lips again.

Sanjuro blushed suddenly, his hips instinctively pushing up against her the moment she teased him with her butt. His hands massaging and squeezing her breasts, the tips of his index fingers and thumbs pinching her nipples lightly. "..Juna..." He whispered softly, kissing her deeply and sensually in return for the moment, his breathing picking up, gasping for her gently.

Bringing her butt up tantalizingly slow, Juna arched her back away from him, showing off her curves before squirming against his touch. When she was done, she faced him once more, and solemnly nodded, "...I'm ready."

His breathing picked up sharply as he watched her, pulling her down against him again, kissing her deeply, running his hands intimately along her back and down her hips, pulling her against him. For the first time, Sanjuro's shaft contacted Juna's core, and he moved his hips to rub teasingly against her, payback for her previous teases.

Juna chuckled at this, leaning down a hand to push him inside of her when he didn't expect it, moaning softly as she felt him slide in. Wincing slightly, "Just... take it slow." Juna said softly, kissing him lovingly.

Sanjuro froze, his body wracked suddenly with pleasure as she slid him inside of herself so quickly. He nodded his head, kissing her lips slowly and gently several times, placing one hand on her cheek, caressing as his lips locked with hers. His other hand rest at her hips, guiding and supporting her as she adjusted to his length moving deeper and deeper.

Breathing against his neck, Juna pulled some stray hairs behind her ear opening her mouth to latch onto his neck with her teeth. She didn't press very hard, but it was enough in combination with her tongue.

Gasping again quietly, he let his eyes fall back, running his hand through her hair now, placing several soft kisses on the top of her head. His other hand gripped and held onto her hips, Sanjuro pushing his own up into hers, sliding himself in and out of her slowly and sensually, moaning Juna's name on occasion.

Trembling above him, Juna squirmed in pleasure, her muscles clamping down on him, releasing, then clamping harder. Her lips were open, her breath heavy and her body responded to Sanjuro's breathing. A slight film of perspiration appeared on her back as their bodies moved in rhythm, becoming one being.

Sanjuro gasped again, continuously. His breathing spiked as Juna worked him so skillfully inside of her, calling out to her. His hips instinctively thrusting him ever deeper into her, clutching her tightly as the passion rose, beads of sweat forming and falling along muscles all over his body. "Oh Juna..." He whispered for her, the sweet ecstasy of release building within him.

Smiling, the windborne settled against his chest and kissed him with all the emotion within her soul, moaning into his mouth as her body writhed above him. Juna came, mostly silent with her eyes wide and her body spasmed.

Sanjuro moaned for her sensually, shifting and groaning as she came over his member. Throbbing and pulsing deep inside of her, he was wracked with pleasure, thrusting several times more into her before his own orgasm hit, though he switched his liquids out with water, due to his powers.

They lay like that for a moment, each catching their breath and relaxing in each other's arms. The cold sweeped into the cave and Juna slowly began shivering. Finally, she lifted a hand and trapped the air above them, keeping in the heat.

Curling up close to her, Sanjuro held her tightly in his arms, kissing her lips slowly and softly several times as he nodded off to sleep with her, breathing a gentle sigh of relief.

(Insert epic sleep scene of pro win)

The morning came quietly, the sun shown into some depth of the cave, and the raging winds had died down to more calm gales, but they were certainly still present. If they were to move, now would be opportune.

The light filtered into the cave, but not directly upon Juna, with folded legs and fully dressed. Meditating, the borne's open eyes flooded with even more silver then normal and a burst of feathers let it be known she was trying to bring out the wind in physical form. Sighing, she tried again and another burst of feathers sprayed the air in the cave.

Sanjuro sat adjacent from Juna. He was silent, though not meditating himself, he allowed her every bit of concentration he could by remaining as quiet as possible. Though not fully dressed, wearing only his undergarments, he was still warm enough for the time being, given that the storms had subsided outside and Juna constantly fanning the cave with her own wind, it kept much of the cold out. He rested against the side of the cave, smiling at her once in awhile, contemplating where to go from here the other moments.

Soon the floor was coated with a layer of feathers and Juna slumped slightly forward, disheartened by her progress. "I just... can't seem to do it." She sighed heavily, "I know what I want to do, I see their image in my mind, however they just won't form..." A tiny breeze brushed past his lips as she mentally looked at him, her sad smile being projected forward even though it was meant for Sanjuro.

Sanjuro pushed slightly off of the wall, walking quietly over towards Juna. Slowly brushing away a few feathers near her, he picked one up while sitting down. He examined the quill in his hand, a smile on his face. "They're beautiful, you know." He turned his gaze towards her, then leaned in to kiss her forehead softly. "It will be worth it miss Juna, when you succeed at this, you simply must remained focused."

"Still calling me miss?" Juna joked, running a finger along the fluff of the feather, "Some borne can't do it, so I'm told... I wonder if I am one of them." Standing gracfully, she walked over to her weapons and slipped them on, then the sleeves. "We should get going, shouldn't we..."

Sanjuro followed her lead, equiping what was left of his armor and his hood. "It's a show of respect, miss Juna." He smiled back towards her, tieing his weapons at his waist. "You are right though, we should be going. Do you know where we should go?"

"Well..." Juna thought for a moment, trying to remember where they were, but, alas, she had never seen a map before, "-what do you think?"

"Hmm.." Sanjuro possessed no map of the region. In fact, his intent was to travel from town to town, by simply getting direction's to the next stop on his way. He placed his thumb at his chin and index finger under his jaw, pondering where they might go. "Are you familiar with any towns or such around the mountains? You said the Road Wardens do not venture here. Why is that?"

"This is the Saronot mountain, highest place in Tnemele." Juna explained, retelling what she had been told, "Since there are no commonly used roads or trails, nor cities up here. They just patrol Macheeko pass."

"I assume if we learned the mountain well enough, it should be easy to slip passed without them finding us. We still have yet to decide where to head, however...I'm afraid I know not these lands. I'm from much further to the northwest..." He sighed softly, afraid that he was really of no help here.

"Well... I know there is a place called Certlin's Cove, not far from here, but, I have never actually seen a map before. I am of no help I am afraid." Juna shrugged her shoulders and shook her head.

"Then we'll do what we can to find this Cove." Sanjuro whispered optimistically. He placed a hand on Juna's shoulder, then gently traced his fingers down a bit before softly wrapping said arm around her, pulling her against him. He held her for a moment before releasing her and taking his overcoat off, placing it around her shoulders appropriately. "In any case, we should be off of this mountain soon, the cold won't do for long."

She nodded in reply, "I agree." Juna headed outside, her eyes wide even in the sunlight, "We need to be on the lookout for road wardens, just in case."

Sanjuro followed her out, standing just behind her as they came to a stop. He slipped both of his arms around her from behind, already concentrating on the condensation of water around them. It built up and formed slowly, the cloud appearing at his feet as it had before and the pair began to levitate from the ground. "Let's see if we can't keep a vantage up high while we search for this place."

(Insert flying around, talking, possible sex in the clouds, avoiding a few Wardens, and finding the cove.)

(insert money findage, rentage of a inn room, and an awesome amazing dinner)

Fingering the light silver key, Juna found which one they had been given, opening it to a semi decently sized room and a queen bed in the corner.

Sanjuro's eyes scanned the room as they entered, closing the door behind them as quietly as Juna had opened it. He took in everything. The bed, two nightstands, a dresser with a mirror, two small tables. The room was fairly basic, and had enough space for extra addition's to it's small list of contents. "Hmm.." He hummed lightly, his eyes ending at Juna's back, curving his lips into a slight smile. "It is not too late, miss Juna. Would you like to go out? Perhaps see what there is around town, before we retire?"

Smiling, Juna tilted her head slightly and looked to the side, "We should avoid the city, in case the wardens are around," Moving to the bed, the born placed her hand on it, testing it's softness. "We should most likely try to get as much sleep as needed." Bending over, Juna intentionally showed off her curves, knowing he was watching.

Sanjuro blushed the moment Juna bent over. Her curves would be too much for just about any man. Straitening up, he looked away for a moment, nodding his head. "While I don't know the extent of their patrol's, you are right. I merely wanted to do something for you, to help you relax." His eyes had wandered back towards her, still knelt teasingly over the bed. Stepping over towards her, he sat down slowly beside her, his eyes moving from her perfectly tone rear up her body, taking in every incredible detail before reaching her face, smiling softly. "Sleep it is then. The trek from the mountain was... somewhat taxing."

She turned to him, touching his face with a slender hand, "Why do you blush, Sanjuro?" Juna slid closer, and settled her head next to his neck, breathing lightly upon it and taking in his scent. "Sleep... I guess I will need to find a way to become more tired then I am." Her hair rustled as she edged even closer, her sternum against his shoulder.

"Because of you." He whispered, turning his head to nuzzle her warmly, moving slightly into the loving touch of her hand. "You are as hot fire in the coldest reaches of night to me...an enigma, and a friendly presence. Inspiring..." He added, touching his lips to her cheek warmly, bringing one of his own hands up to caress tenderly along her cheek and up through her soft hair.

"Are you so used to hostility?" Juna asked, nibbling along his neck's skin, "Not used to the comfort of another's flesh?" She ached for it, and so wanted someone to want her in the same way. Her hand moved from the bed to his chest, slipping it across to his shoulder.

A cold chill claimed him, just as Juna's teasing bites claimed a stuttered, quiet moan from his lips. He moved into her, leaning slightly towards her. "I have made my life, and survived by being prepared, ready..." His voiced lowered continually, finally dipping into a gentle whisper "But you...you disarm me, miss Juna...a feeling I'm not so entirely used to..." He bit down on his lip, nuzzling closer to her before whispering huskily into her ear "I do...crave you..."

She chuckled at that, using her other hand to cause him to face her. Leaning back, Juna pulled him with her, "Please Sanjuro," She said in a deep voice, "with those words just Juna would have been more effective." But she purred nontheless, "Crave away." The dancer whispered back.

Gazing down into her unseeing eyes, Sanjuro froze for a moment, his head then lowering slowly to kiss her sweet lips, closing his eyes as he fell into her, holding her tightly. His kiss was slow and gentle for the initial moment, allowing both hands to travel and caress the extents of Juna's taught body, enjoying the feel of her flesh under his hands. He gripped eagerly at her thighs, over her butt, her hips, pulling her sensually against him.

Juna let out a quiet moan of wanting against his lips, pressing herself to him just as eagerly as him. Her hands slipped beneath the hem of his pants, stroking his already hard member before squeezing him playfully. Letting him go, the borne smiled and curved her hips, successfully flipping them around in an skillful maneuver. Settling her hands in his lap, Juna undid the ties.

Sanjuro let out a soft moan as she teased him. Her hands around his shaft and her lips at his were sending his mind spiralling out of control. He wanted her, to be inside of her, all around her, to be that much closer to Juna. His hands were around her waist while his lips met hers again, laying back against the bed as she worked his armor undone.

Moving some away, she pressed her slim body against him, rubbing her skin against his stomach before she continued removing his protection till he was vulnerable to her. Juna smiled and grinded herself against him, tossing armor pieces this way and that to make room for them on the bed.

Running his hands along her body gently, he gripped at her hips, another moan escaping his lips as she teased further, his hands coming around to her butt. He slid his fingers down her body, pushing her light garments with them, caressing bare flesh with his skilled fingers, his lips finding hers once more and he nibbled, kissing Juna passionately.

The next moment his shirt was gone, Juna giggled against his mouth and kissed him back, an animalistic drive behind her actions. Her hips dug hard against his own, and her top vanished in another act of disappearance.

Sanjuro's hands ran the expanse of her body, flesh on flesh causing him to pull her down against him, kissing her deeply, grinning at her giggle, and responding in kind to her hips by tilting his into hers. A soft moan left his lips, rocking in rhythm with her, running his hands up her back and through her hair.

Gasping, she arched her back, pressing her stomach to his and squirming above. His hands on her back caused her to shiver, and goosebumps appeared on her pale skin.

Sanjuro pulled her down into him again, moaning her name and biting her lips, trailing his tongue along hers as it slid into her mouth. gripping her hips and her butt tightly, he helped Juna move over him, pushing upwards into her just as she dug her hips into his.

Juna let him invade her mouth, touching him with her own, gasping again as his hips pressed against her. The moisture between her legs was apparent and she grinned, wiggling in his embrace.