Origins

Raven looked around, large yellow lights surrounded them, dotting the sky and lighting the area brilliantly. She blinked as her eyes adjusted, to realize that they sat now in the boughs of a gigantic tree, the ground beneath them was hidden through thick leaves and general foliage. "Oh," She murmured, awed by the scene. It was one of the most beautiful, if not strange, things she'd ever seen.

Grimacing, Lisowin looked up to watch them as well while Mirth carefully walked over to them, licking his bonded's face. Chuckling, "Mirth- stop... Nngh!" He touched his fingers to his back and his hand came back with some blood and skin.

"Lisowin, your back..." Raven turned her attention back to him in worry, "I don't have anything I could use to clean or cover it."

"It... it's fine, needs no cleaning. I have my cloak I can wear over it so that they are protected..." He looked away, a blush on his cheeks, "Please don't worry Raven..." They were alone; Lisowin had never been so scared in his life.

"I... you were wounded because you helped me." Raven shook her head, "I've got to help in someway... To repay you for saving my life."

He closed his eye, taking a shallow breath before sighing, "A-alright." She wouldn't know that riders healed quickly, and were immune to many, if not all diseases and such. Lisowin stood with Mirth's help, one hand on his mane and in the darkness with the pale glowing insects lighting the sky, she looked hauntingly beautiful.

"There's a small pool down there!" Raven pointed far down towards the ground where water glinted in the faint lights of the evening. Her mind was processing information now as she glanced this way and that, some of the branches were thin enough that they could break them... Maybe if they got to the ground and got a fire started she could find a way to boil some water to use to clean Lisowin's back. It was a start anyway.

"Mirth... can take us down." Again, with the help of his bonded, he managed to climb onto the beast, lowering a hand for Raven. His back stung badly, but he ignored it. He had been through much worse then this and lived.

Raven rose from her crouched position, "Can he bring us back up after?" She inquired as she accepted his hand.

"Of course, Mirth can do many things..." Lisowin's eyes fluttered for a moment and he slouched slightly in the saddle, "Come now, lets hurry."

Raven quickly accepted his hand and swung herself up into Mirth's saddle. Her mind was a flurry of worry, Lisowin didn't look like he was fairing too well. "How are you holding up?" She asked softly.

He grimaced, "I'll live..." Mirth turned his head and whinned softly, which his bonded responded with a light pat, "Lets get down." The Lykodine tested the bark before making his way down, his feet faintly glowing as he walked. They reached the bottom without problem where the edge of the river echoed somewhere off to the right.

"Get your shirt off, Lisowin." Raven said as she leapt from Mirth's back she knelt and touched the icy water, hiding the blush that heated her face at the boldness in her tone.

Lisowin's eyebrow quirked at her order, but he obliged slowly, slipping from Mirth with a grunt. He couldn't help a slight gasp at the pain as some of his skin came off with the shirt.

"This looks bad..." Raven managed, the extent of his injuries knocked the air out of her, she stood to face him, "You've lost a lot of surface tissue, Lisowin. To be honest I'm not really sure what to do for it other than clean the blood and dirt." She frowned.

"I'll be okay, I heal a lot faster then a normal person..." Feeling her fingers on his back made him shiver. "If... if you can just clean it that will be fine," Lisowin sat down on a log, closing his eye while he prepared to deal with the pain that would most likely follow.

Using a rag torn from her shirt, Raven cleaned his back slowly, gently. She was trying to cause him as little pain as possible, though she knew it probably hurt like hell. He was tense beneath her fingers, muscles pulled taut, "There..." She murmured at last.

He let out a held breath, "Thank you, Raven." Pulling his cloak over the wound, he sent a pained smile her way before standing with a grunt. "This place... we need to be on our guard. We don't know what dangers are out here."

"It seems odd that we haven't come across anything yet." Raven agreed, she was slightly chilled, "It may be safer in the trees if the creatures here are as largely scaled as everything else. Will you be okay?"

"...Yeah." Mirth, with his ears to the foliage around them, let out a small growl. "C'mere," Lisowin asked, getting the Lykodine on his belly so he could mount easier, "Up we go again."

Raven's gaze was concerned, but she made her way over to them again nevertheless.

With them both on his back, Mirth carefully walked to a different, slightly larger tree and began a slow climb, stopping at a bough a good fifty feet in the air overlooking a gorge. Off in the distance the forest ended and a great bare desert showed its ugly head. The two moons, one blue, the other white lit up the sky, reflecting from the rock onto the brush. Lisowin, watching around them suddenly stiffened.

A deeper azhure light pulsed on the horizon.

Raven was still, her breath catching in her throat, "Lisowin? What's wrong?" She asked, her gaze not leaving the strange blue light.

He looked on, unsure, "Mayhaps a will-o-wisp, perhaps something else. It's far away, we don't need to bother worrying about it tonight." Lisowin looked away and saw what Mirth had found, "There is a hole in this tree. We'll sleep here."

"I wonder how Ckor and Asities are doing..." Raven hadn't been happy with her companions for trying to seperate them, but she missed them dearly already.

"I'm sure they're fine." He replied, slightly annoyed at her friends, "However we need to keep ourselves safe in the meantime." Setting his feet down on the bark, he grew nausous and paused. "There is jerky in his saddle."

Raven nodded and quickly approached Mirth. Patting his head in passing she rummaged through the saddle and returned to Lisowin's side, "Here, eat." She said softly.

He sucked on it for a moment to soften the hard meat then sat down, dangling his legs over the edge. "There should be a blanket in the back compartment, so we are going to have to share tonight." Lisowin shivered, from the cold or the idea of them sleeping together, one knows not.

"All the better. I'll know if you gain a fever over the course of the night." Raven replied and went back over to Mirth to retrieve the blanket.

Lisowin uttered a gutteral sound, not saying anything. Standing, he carefully walked towards the shelter, shuffling the leaves around to make them flat. It smelled of oak sap, and must, but no dead animals.

"Are you feeling any better?" She stood now a few feet from him, the blanket folded over her arm as she took in his palor and stance.

He shrugged reluctantly, "A little." His blush was evident as he looked at her, before Lisowin blurted, "The twin moons pale in signifigance next to you." Swallowing the meat hastily, he stuff the rest in his face to hide his embarassment.

Raven blushed and turned to hide the fact, she masked the movement by pretending to scan the horizon and when she had control of herself once more she turned back to Lisowin, "Lets get some sleep."

"Oh... alright." He winced as he stood and entered the small opening, "Hand me the blanket?"

"Here." She held the blanket out to him, Raven forced the thoughts of sleeping so close to a man she'd only recently met to the back of her mind, it was necessary after all.

Settling it down against the leaves, he tucked the corners under and set himself down, a quiet sound of pain leaving his lips as he relaxed on his side, sweat beading on his forehead that gleamed from the reflected light.

Raven knelt beside him, "You're still in so much pain..." She whispered, "I wish there was more I could do..."

He swallowed, "Lay next to me... Keep me warm?"

Raven drew in a deep breath, and as she exhaled she curled up next to him.

His skin was very warm, but his core was cold and he shivered as she touched him. One arm twitched, then slid over her hip to pull her closer, not sure if she wanted it but daring enough to try.

Raven scooted closer to him and closed her eyes, he was burning hot, probably with fever.

In reality he was hot from embarrasment and pleasure, for this was the first woman who had ever touched him so intimatly. "Raven...?" His voice was hoarse, slightly with emotion and the pain of it all, "What do you... uh... look for, in a mate?"

"I-in a mate?" Raven shook her head, heat building in her face, "I don't know... Somebody who meshes well with my personality I guess." She shrugged awkwardly.

He closed his eye and swallowed, "Am... I a suitiple... canidate?"

"I... well, I haven't known you long... but you're definitely an interesting guy." Raven managed to say.

Lisowin winced, "I... see." An awkward silence set in and he was breathing in shuddering gasps, his body twitching every so often. Inside, he fought a battle against the fever, slowly winning and eventually he was breathing calmly. Sleep had taken him, and along with it he cuddled against her.

Raven lay next to him quite awake for a good portion of the night, her worry for his health far outweighed the exhaustion that leadened her limbs. When his breaths calmed and his body temperature went down she allowed herself to doze.

Mirth had slept quietly outside for a few hours, but near dawn he awoke and yawned, standing and stretching. The far off light had gotten closer, and the Lykodine watched it for a moment, then stepped off the branch. Landing on the ground, he lifted a leg and set his scent on the trunk before bounding off happily. It didn't take long for him to reach the desert pavement, sending out a soft woof into the growing light. An odd sound replied, a mix of a yip and a howl.

Waiting patiently, Mirth's tail rustled in welcome to the strange wisp of light that appeared over the edge. The creature's yellow eyes pin pointed as the light died, and in it's place revealed a beast similiar to Mirth in height and weight, an obvious female. In the dim light it looked as if she could be a giant wolf, but upon closer examination her face tapered off to more of a point and her ears were also quite pointed and thin.

Her short bushy tail went between her legs and Mirth stood and trotted over to here, where they sniffed noses. Like a husky her tail curled over her back and she shook herself pleasantly.

The Lykodine licked her face when her ears lifted from their previous position and she let out a soft grunt. Introductions over, he padded around her as she walked forward, eventually working up to a trot, then a full fledged run. Together, they disappeared into the foliage, heading in the direction of their tree.

Raven awoke with the early morning light, rubbing her eyes as she continued lying next to Lisowin. For a moment she wasn't sure what had awoken her, and then she realized that Mirth's soft snores had been replaced by silence. Puzzled she moved away from Lisowin and stood.

The sound of something moving along the ground caught her attention, almost as if two people were wrestling, or fighting. Whuffing, Mirth pounced on the newcomer, as the two of them played joyfully. The other creature paused and looked up, once she spotted Raven watching them she bolted out of sight. Mirth whinned and watched her go, then climbed up into the tree, his ears wilted.

Raven held her breath when she caught sight of the two creatures playing below, she was disappointed to see the other go. "Found a new friend, have you Mirth?" She frowned and stepped back from the edge, "Sorry I scared her away..."

The Lykodine shrugged and licked her cheek, slipping into the hole that Lisowin currently slept in. In reward his bonded raised a hand and scratched his cheek, "Good morning," He uttered softly, then turned his head to see Raven, "Good morning Raven."

"How're you feeling today?" Raven made her way back over to his side, patting Mirth affectionately as she passed him, "You don't look as pale, that's for sure." The sun settled higher into the sky and the heat of the day began to settle in, thick and cloying upon the air.

"Better. Thank you." Lisowin stood up with a grunt, sweat still dotting his forhead, but this time from the climate. Mirth woofed, then slipped back outside where he wagged happily. "You hungry?" His stomach growled.

"Quite." Raven replied, wiping the beaded moisture from her forehead as she assessed his condition, "You still look a bit pale, Lisowin, don't overwork yourself, okay?"

Lisowin nodded, avoiding her eyes, "Alright, I'll try not to." Chuckling, "Let's have a look at my back, yes?" It itched, and the Lykodine rider grinned, knowing it was most likely half healed by now.

Raven paused for a moment then nodded, "Sure, it would probably be wise to clean it again as well, to ensure that an infection doesn't settle in."

He lifted his shirt and turned his back to her, a slight grin still faint on his lips.

"Oh!" Raven released a gasp of surprise and couldn't resist touching the flesh of his back, her fingers carressing the half-healed wounds gently, "You really do heal quickly." She blushed and pulled her hand away from his flesh.

Quickly kneeling, he turned toward her and smirked, "Another perk of being who I am." Lisowin's grin faultered, when he realized how close they were before he fell back on his butt. "Ah... sorry."

Raven laughed softly in amusement and held out her hand to help him up, "You're definitely an interesting guy, Lisowin."

Hesitantly, he took her hand and rose to his feet. Turning his head, "You are far more interesting then I am, that I am sure of." Moving past her, he touched the Lykodine's fur, paused, then looked at his hand. "Mirth, what's this?"

"I'm not that interesting, just a boring girl from a boring world." Raven replied, turning to face him once more, curious as to what was on Mirth's fur.

"...Ash? Mirth-" Lisowin was puzzled, "What have you been into?" The beast shrugged, as much as a giant dog can really shrug, and whinned softly, "Whatever it is, his friend must mean us no harm." Reaching into the saddle, he retrieved some jerky with crushed berries, tossing her some.

"Friend? Ah!" Raven caught them as she remembered Mirth's company earlier, "I saw his new friend earlier, seemed a bit shy and left poor Mirth when she saw me."

"She?" Lisowin chewed on a piece of jerky, then replied, "Hmm, no threat then if he befriended... her... then we won't have to worry." In truth, Lisowin was more worried about the rest of the population on the planet.

"I'm making more of an educated guess." Raven blushed and took a bite of jerky into her mouth, silent for a moment, "Are you okay?" She frowned at the expression on his face.

"Just, well." He swallowed, "With the size of the trees, I'm worried about the rest of... the wildlife."

"Do you think their sizes can be compared in proportion to the trees?" Raven finished her piece of jerky, "I mean... do you think they're as overgrown as everything else seems to be?"

"Well, how large was his friend?" He asked her after a moment of thinking.

"Close in size to himself." Raven replied easily, "But... remembering those lights last night, they seemed like insects. It's pretty weird here."

"Those were fireflies I think, nothing to worry about. And if this creature is Mirth's size, then I don't think anything else is larger." Lisowin murmured, thinking outloud.

"Can we be absolutely certain about that, though?" Raven asked, sitting on the large bough now, "I'd like to believe everything else is normal in size but... Well, I can't really explain it." She looked mildly frustrated.

"How about this," Lisowin sat next to her, "Mirth will take us through the treetops, that way, we'll stay safe."

"Now that's an idea I'll readily agree with." Raven nodded, "Where will we go though? Do you think this place is even really inhabited?"

"We'll soon find out won't we?" He chuckled, moving his hand to touch her shoulder briefly before he stood and scratched Mirth, brushing off his coat.

"I suppose we will." She glanced over at them for a moment, "I hope... We'll be able to find our way out of here."

Lisowin fondly slapped Mirths ribs, "He knows the way, I never doubt him."

"Whenever you're ready to go." Raven finished the jerky and stood, brushing herself off.

Retrieving the blanket from the shelter, he packed it away then climbed up into the saddle, lowering a hand for Raven.

Raven grasped his hand and pulled herself into the saddle behind him.

He blushed and cleared his throat before finally commenting, "I need you in front, I don't want you to fall off..."

"I, ah, I'll be fine where I am... I'll just make sure to hold on tight." Raven was glad to be behind him as it hid her own blush, "I may not be experienced with riding Lykodines, but I've ridden my fair share of horses. I know it doesn't compare, but it's given me the general how-to..."

"I see." Lisowin whispered something to Mirth, and the Lykodine grinned, and steped off the branch. Bounding off of a lower branch, he raced through the treetops, the desert to the right always visible.

Raven wrapped her arms firmly around Lisowin's waist and kept her face pressed closely to his back as she glanced at their surroundings. A short while later she let out an exclamation, "Lisowin, look there!" She freed one arm long enough to point to their left, several trees lay crookedly almost hiding the remains of what appeared to be buildings, giving it a mythical appearance, "What could have happened?"

A few massive trees were on their sides, looking as if they had been there for quite some time. Mirth turned to leap closer, landing on a thick bough over looking a swiftly moving creek. "Looks like the bank gave way and some trees fell because of it." Lisowin replied. The Lykodine bounded off some branches before reaching the ground. "They must have abandoned the village." Stone houses, looking to be quite cozy lay together, organized into neat rows with gardens in between.

"They seem to be a semi-ordinary height." Raven replied, as they reached the ground she slipped from Mirth's back and stretched, "Should we look around?" Her curiousity was getting the better of her.

Eyeing the large trees, Lisowin nodded before slidding from Mirth as she had done. "Let us still be careful, but since there are no remains of any people, we can assume this place is decently safe." He glanced around them cautiously, but eventually relaxed.

"Mmhm," Raven nodded and moved around the area, exploring the ruined buildings and general area, "These people were very... primitive." She commented aloud.

A few minutes later she paused, her gaze falling on a small burlap bag no bigger than the palm of her hand. It was wedged between two pilars that were placed together just over a small gorge. Curiousity overtook her and she moved cautiously forward and pried the bag from its hidding place, inside rested a small bloodred amulet.

"What's that?" Lisowin asked quietly, walking up from behind her. He stared at the necklace for a long time before he spoke and when he did his voice was hollow, "That... is from the Assassin's Guild... it's a sign of membership that they use to identify each other. Normal people don't know what it means, but whoever wears it, people tend not to pay attention to, like they forget the person after a few seconds of seeing them... it's almost like being invisible unless another member sees you. Very, very old magic." He touched the amulet with a finger before shuddering and stepping away.

"Assassin's Guild?" Raven replied questioningly, glancing down at the amulet as the color began to swirl and change, "Lisowin, look!" She exclaimed, holding it out to him.

The blood red color looked as if it were fighting against itself, slowly beginning to lose to a deep azhure as it was taken over. Lisowin blinked, "Strange..."

"Does that usually happen?" Raven asked, lifting it by the chain so that it dangled before her eyes, glinting in the light.

"...No." He shook his head, and sighed, "However, this means we'll be able to get off this planet." Mirth perked up his ears at something in the distance, which Lisowin immeidietly turned to look also. "Is that... his friend?" He asked Raven.

Raven turned as well and squinted into the foliage, after a minute or so she gave up and turned to Lisowin, "I can't see anything, though that's probably more due to you having better eyesight than I. You would do better to ask Mirth." She let out a small chuckle.

The Lykodine whinned for a moment before letting out a quiet woof. Lisowin kept his eye trained on the dark splash of color amongst the green and was rewarded when it moved. "Are you the winged child?" Asked a voice from the shadows, feminine in nature.

"What is the winged child?" Raven asked, peering into the trees once more as she caught movement in the corner of her eye, she saw the movement of a dark shape amongst the foliage and glanced back over at Lisowin, hoping that maybe he could make sense of the question.

"Huh?" Lisowin shook his head, "All I heard was a warbling sound." The creature shifted again, coming closer, "I have seen you in my dreams, winged child."

"I hear her voice as plain as day, you really can't understand what she said?" Raven asked, her tone confused, she turned her attention back to the creature, "Who are you?"

The being now stepped into view, long ears held back naturally as the head was at chest level. Her bright yellow eyes wide as her stare was only for Raven, "My name is Kesser."

"She must only be allowing you to understand her," Lisowin commented, looking the creature over, fascinated.

"Kesser? What an interesting name... I am Raven, and this is Lisowin... I believe you have already met Mirth." Raven replied automatically, awed by the creature before her, she didn't know what else to say.

They stood frozen in one spot as she came closer, Mirth trembling in excitement but also staying still. Kesser breathed in Raven's scent, approaching her and touching her black nose to her shoulder. "You are the one I have dreamt about."

"You've said that once, but I don't really understand, you've dreamt of me? What did you dream?" Raven drew in a breath and reached out gently as though to touch her as well.

This time Kesser touched the palm of her hand with her nose, "You beckoned me to follow you, and spread your black wings and flew away. I know now that I am meant to go with you. You are not human."

Lisowin didn't know what was being said, but he remained quiet and shushed Mirth.

"Not... human?" Raven echoed, then turned to Lisowin, "That demon, remember what it said to us before bringing us here? There is a purpose to every world, something that needs our attention. Could we have come here for Kesser?"

Lisowin brought a hand to his chin, frowning slightly, "That is a good observation... I don't know, but it sounds logical." He noticed that the creature flinched when he had moved his hand, "She is nervous around humanoids looks like."

"She was skittish this morning when she saw me too." Raven replied, "Kesser, you don't need to worry about us... Neither Lisowin nor myself have any intention of harming or wronging you."

"Ah... habits die hard, I guess." Kesser uttered quietly, lowering her head, "I have avoided others for so long." The creature shook herself, sending some ash flying.

"Kesser... just what exactly are you?" Lisowin asked gently.

"My kind are called Sparkbeests, we are an acient race that are akin to phoenixes."

"Where do you come from?" Raven asked, "I wouldn't think that you'd originate in a place like this."

She tilted her head, "I was born here, in the desert pavements, and it is where I have lived for my whole life." Kesser looked at Mirth, who whined again.

"Would you then know if there are other... humanoids here?" Raven asked, "Obviously there were settlements at one point." She waved her arms around the ruins.

Kesser didn't respond but looked to the east, "There is a city, a ways from here."

"That's good news... I hope." Raven replied with a small sigh, "Maybe we could find our way there and find our way from there..."

Finally Mirth couldn't hold back any longer and pounced on the Sparkbeest, as they playfully tussled Lisowin touched Raven's arm with a fingertip then took the amulet from her. "Being that I am a Lykodine rider, the will assume this is mine."

"Do you think that the assassins guild is in that city?" Raven asked, watching as the lykodine and sparkbeest played distractedly.

"I have a feeling that it is a main hub, being that the smaller villages are all wiped out from the natural surroundings. Logically, the city will be on the edge of this forest and the desert Kesser spoke of." He replied to her, thinking about how they were going to do this.

"And they'll help us if you have the stone?" Raven asked, "If so, then the question lies- do we spend a night here, or do we continue on our way?"

Lisowin faintly blushed and looked away, "We should stay here a night," He said. His loins went aflame as he through about it but tried to ignore his thoughts.

"Then we'd best get ourselves set up to camp. Do you think a fire would be alright or should we go without?" Raven stretched and took her gaze off of the playful pair.

"We can have a fire. Maybe we can convince the two predators to hunt for us." He replied to her, his mind on other things while he hoped she didn't notice the front of his pants.

"What, and spoil another night of dried foods?" Raven laughed, her tone playful, "I think that's a fantastic idea, Lisowin." She turned her back to hide the heat building in her face at the prospect of another night alone together, it was a different concept than spending nights with Asities and Ckor, different because she was most definitely falling for Lisowin.

"Lets find a suitable place then..." Lisowin said before motioning Mirth over. Kesser stayed where she was, but Mirth obeidiantly trotted over. Whispering something in his ear, Lisowin smiled as his bonded then slapped his hindquarters. Grunting happily, Mirth ran off with the Sparkbeest close behind him.

"Some of these old buildings look like they've got sound structures." Raven replied, walking into one of them cautiously, her gaze moving along the broken walls to make sure that it was indeed sound. "Sure there's a skylight, but if the creatures of these forests aren't as abnormally grown we should be pretty well protected."

Lisowin chuckled, "Well, we also have two quite large animals protecting us." He walked in after her, testing the ground with a toe. "This will do." He began the process of putting stones in a circle in the middle, underneath the hole in the roof. "Would you mind gathering some wood Raven?"

"Easy enough of a task, I'll be back soon." Raven turned and reentered the trees. It wasn't long before she returned, her arms laden with dead wood, after several trips she slumped to the ground against one of the walls, "You think you can get it lit?"

He nodded and slipped the cloak off of his shoulders and handed it to her while he crouched at the circle and rubbed his hands together. Taking out a flint, he scratched a file of tin against it, creating a spark. A few more times after the spark caught fire to some dried grass and tinder. Wasn't long before the fire started to spring to life.

"Now all we've got to do is wait for Mirth and Kesser to return so we can eat." Raven sighed, relaxing, "You think we've got enough firewood for the night or should we see about gathering up some more?"

Watching the fire, "I think we'll be alright." He murmured, "I'll get more if we need it."

"Why don't you sit down, get comfortable?" Raven patted the ground beside her.

Swallowing, "Okay..." Lisowin stood up from his crouched position and stretched briefly, then walked over to where she was sitting. Placing himself only a few inches from her, they both watched the fire silently. It was still early evening, but the desert's terrain blocked the setting sun and soon the light began to fade. The fire crackled and popped, breaking the silence. Then, boldly, Lisowin raised his arm and set it lightly over her shoulders.

Raven tensed slightly for a moment, surprised by the action, before relaxing and allowing herself to rest against his side. They were still quite alone, though this she didn't mind as she felt quite safe and comfortable in his presence. She released a content sigh and leaned her head gently against his shoulder.

They were only like that for a minute before he stiffened in alarm, "Ah... Mirth and Kesser are back." Together, they were pulling something large and quite dead behind them. It looked to be some sort of deer with the floppy snout of a pig.

"Looks like they've brought supper." Raven gave a small, nervous laugh and stood, "I've got to be honest though. I've, well, I've never butchered my own meat before." She made a face.

He smiled, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it." Reluctantly standing, Lisowin took off his shirt and set it off to the side, then rustled around in Mirth's saddle for a knife. He carefully skinned a part of the creature, carving out two steaks and setting them on a rock. It wasn't long before Lisowin had crafted two spits and stuck them on. Mirth and Kesser again took the carcass off to the side, digging in with gusto.

"Smells better than it looked." Raven commented, standing. She stretched and stepped outside, relishing in the evening air, "How long do you figure until its done?" she called back inside as she gazed at the sky.

"About ten minutes," Lisowin answered, staring into the fire. A vision of their bodies wrapped together beneath the open sky flickered across his eyes, and he blinked it away quickly. What was that about?

"I'm going to go wash up then." Raven replied, "I saw a decent sized stream pretty close to here that I'd like to utilize." She was also hoping to straighten out her thoughts, her feelings for Lisowin were nearly silencing every other thought and feeling in her mind.

He tilted his head to her and watched her go, "Alright." Kesser also watched, and lowered her head, trotting after her like a dog.

"Here we go." Raven sighed in relief as she knelt by the stream, dipping her hands into the cool water. She splashed her face several times, wiping away days of dirt and grime then she sighed.

"Is there something the matter?" Kesser nudged her questioningly.

"I... No, there's nothing wrong." Raven shook her head, "Just losing myself to my thoughts." She smiled warily.

"Raven!?" Lisowin called, looking around, "The food is ready!"

Raven stood, "We'd best be getting back." She murmured, Kesser nodded and followed her back to their camp.

Lisowin by then had taken the steaks off, and placed them on some cracked plates. He was waiting for Raven to get back so they could eat.

Raven reappeared with Kesser a few seconds later, "Smells delicious." She said, "Let's dig in."

---

Licking his lips and his fingers, Lisowin sat back with a happy sigh, "Now that, I believe, was a good meal." He nestled into the cool leaves, comfortable within them and opened an arm for her."Getting chilly?" He asked, watching with a keen eye as goosebumps started from her arms and made a trail to the back of her neck. In every light he saw her in, her beauty grew with each experience.

Raven nodded and curled gratefully against his side, "How do you manage to keep so warm?" She sighed, glancing up at him. They were alone, Mirth and Kesser were off doing who knew what, though the pair could hear them occasionally racing through the trees outside.

"Well," Lisowin started, looking down at her with a slight grin, "I do not know, perhaps it is because I am a man. It always takes snow or rain to get me chilled." His eye wandered across her features, his smile growing slightly before he looked away to the fire.

"Maybe that's the case." Raven replied with a small laugh, "It doesn't take much to chill me, but maybe that's because I'm from a generally warm area." She allowed her gaze to wander further upward, through the hole in the roof and to the stars beyond the trees that very nearly filled the expance of the sky.

Lisowin rubbed her back lightly, still staring into the fire while he thought about his past in the assassin's guild, thought about all those he had killed before he had had enough. Being a Lykodine rider, he had never given them his name, this time however, he knew he would need to. They had to get in, and it was a matter of survival for the both of them.

"What's on your mind, Lisowin?" Raven reached up, trailing her fingers along his jaw. I wish I knew more about you Lisowin... And your kind... She thought, quashing the curiousity that burned within her. She knew that Lisowin undoubtably had a lot going on in his mind, his life, a lot that she probably would never learn about, though she wanted to know who he was, what drove him.

He leaned into her hand, though it took an angle for him to move his eye from the fire to her, a seriousness to his tone and posture, "People will try to harm you, Raven, for being near me. Lykodine riders beget violence, it is attracted to us, and I am afraid that you will get hurt. Raven... I've never been afraid in my whole life, why so now for you?" His eye searched her gaze, emotion making his voice shudder slightly.

"Violence, danger, near death experiences... They seem pretty attracted to me lately. You shouldn't wory too much though, I'll be fine. It's you that I worry for... Nobody seems to need a reason to hate, fear, distrust, and try to harm you. You're a good man Lisowin, I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I can take care of myself," Though, he hugged her closer for her complement, "You will find that everyone has a past, and mine is not one of purity." He went quiet at that, his right hand gently tracing symbols on her arm against his side.

"I don't care what happened in your past. I only care about the Lisowin I know, sitting next to me right now." Raven replied, shivering slightly as he trailed his fingers over her arm.

When he felt her goosebumps again he stopped and just settled for his fingers lightly against her skin. Am I doing this right? He wanted to ask, unsure of what he was doing but he was hesitant. "You accept what I am, that I have killed... and murdered?" Lisowin uttered quietly, hushed.

"I accept you no matter what you've done." Raven replied, I don't really understand why though... Why do I care so much about you? She thought, raising her hand and entwining her fingers in those of the hand on her arm. Raven sighed, not sure if she should voice her thoughts aloud.

He closed his eyes at that, incredibly happy at even the small amount of affection they were showing. Then, "Raven..." Lisowin looked back to the fire, "May... I have permission to court you?" He felt that their current situation meant that she would accept, but he wanted to know if it was ok, if it was what she wanted.

"I... I would be very happy if you would." Raven replied softly, "There is a lot that you make me feel, Lisowin. Mostly it's comfortable and happy... I also feel safe with you. I want to keep feeling this way for as long as I can." She smiled up at him.

Lisowin smiled back, but in the back of his mind he wished she hadn't accepted. This meant that her fate was now tied to his... and his as a Rider was not too bright. "Your answer brings peace to my heart," And sorrow. He didn't voice the second part.

Raven sighed, she couldn't resist it any longer. She leaned up slowly and then gently touched her lips to his. A moment later she pulled back, blushing furiously, "I-I'm sorry." She murmured, though she really wasn't. She'd been wanting to do that since they'd landed on this planet.

Lisowin flushed, but he didn't know why, "Was that a kiss?" He had always wondered what exactly a kiss was, as he had never seen one given, nor received one. Before she could answer Lisowin bent his head and kissed her back, boldly bringing her more against him.

Raven wrapped her arms loosely around his neck, leaning up further from her kneeling position though their kiss remained unbroken. Her mind was abuzz with emotion, nothing else existed but the two of them. Her heart hammered in her chest as heat built up and flooded her body.

Moving his other arm, he slipped it under her knees and lifted her up and into his lap, blushing further when she could easily feel his lust for her, embarrased, but not willing to stop on that account. Pressing her harder against him, his hand slid up her arm, over her shoulder and into her hair, gently slipping his fingers within.

Slowly she slid her arms from around his neck to his back, carressing him lightly. Raven lowered her hands down his back and gently slid her hands up under the hem of his shirt. She traced the outline of muscle and scar alike, her touch gentle.

It was then that Mirth jumped over the fire at them woofing with his tail rustled in excitement. The Lykodine did a double take, with his tongue hanging out, but this time he was shocked into not moving as he stared. Lisowin also froze, his eye looking up at his bonded questionably.

Kesser came bounding over the flames as well, pausing when she saw the pair that she and Mirth had left behind. Raven blushed and retracted her hands, pulling slowly away from Lisowin to sit beside him again.

Tilting his head, Mirth silently asked the question of, 'and what are YOU two doing?' but didn't even wait for an answer and instead sniffed at them for a moment, then curling up against Lisowin's free side with his head against his thigh.

Kesser padded over and curled against Raven's side, giving a small, comfortable sigh. She didn't speak, and it was Raven who at last broke the silence, "Should we get some sleep then?" She murmured, clearing her throat.

Lisowin laughed lightly, "I do believe that seems the only viable option." Sitting forward and grabbed the saddle, pulling out the cloak and wrapping it around himself, then opened the end so Raven could lay in his lap, "I will sleep sitting up."

"You don't have to do that." Raven murmured, curling close to him with a yawn, "Won't it be uncomfortable?" Kesser scooted closer as well, leaving the four of them in a comfortable cushion of body heat as the evening grew cooler.

His finger tips touched against her cheek before shaking his head, "I'll be alright, you sleep."

---

Morning came, and Lisowin slipped from Raven, stretched, then went to find Mirth, who had left sometime earlier. She would be safe with Kesser there, and as he saunterred off, he found his bonded's path and walked the incline, and onto a ledge. Mirth was there, staring off into valley. "What is it?" Lisowin asked quietly. Mirth woofed. There, in the distance, laid a city. "Good boy," He whispered, patting his head.

Raven awoke to the realization that she was no longer laying against the warmth of Lisowin's body. Slowly she sat up, careful not to rouse the dozing Kesser, who lifted her head a few seconds later regardless. Raven stood, stretching and stepped out into the morning sunlight. "Lisowin?" She called softly.

Barely hearing her, Lisowin called back, "Over here!" He wondered how they would get by with all four of them, knowing he naturally should wear the amulet, but he didn't want Raven to appear alone, even if she was with Kesser.

Raven made her way in the direction that Lisowin's voice came from, and shortly she came across both he and Mirth, "Is that a city way over there?" She blinked in surprise and squinted to see better, "I didn't think we'd see any sort of civilization in this area."

"It looks like a city, but who knows, it could be abandoned as well." He answered her, leaning in to gently kiss her cheek. "I will have to wear the Heartstone, so that we will not be attacked." He hoped she understood.

"Heartstone? Oh! That amulet for the assassin's guild. Just in case it isn't abandoned and they're there?" She frowned thoughtfully, wrapping an arm around his waist, "How long do you figure it'd take to get there?"

He smiled, "Not long, not with Mirth and Kesser taking us." Mirth gurgled and stuck out his tongue, pushing his face towards Raven's. Chuckling, Lisowin scratched at his forehead, but didn't stop him from begging a tongue pull from Raven.

Giving a soft laugh Raven pulled his tongue before reaching under to scratch his jaw, "Always so playful." She cooed affectionately to the Lykodine, "When do we want to head out?"

"Soon," Lisowin responded, then smirked and grabbed her legs, swinging her up into the air and into his arms.

Raven gave a soft, amused laugh and brought her arms up and around his neck, "I wasn't expecting that." She managed.

He grinned, "Yup, I know." Then, while carrying her, took her back to their campsite and got the fire going again. "Can you go and get some jerky, then wet them in the stream?" He asked, after setting her down on her feet and handing her a small pot.

Raven nodded and made her way over to the bags against the far wall. She rummaged and pulled out a small pouch which contained the jerky, "There's not much left..." She commented, turning to Lisowin and holding the pouch up, "Is this going to be enough?"

Unwrapping some herbs, he looked up then nodded, "Should be. Won't be much to eat, but better then nothing. Besides, if there is a city down there we can buy more food."

"Alright, I'll be back then." Raven replied, walking out into the trees. Kesser stood, stretched, and padded after her as she made her way to the stream.

Filling the pan, Raven turned to leave. She paused as she saw a gleam in the trees nearby and, setting the pot down, she went over to investigate. Buried nearly to the hilt was an old, jeweled sword, gently Raven dug around it and pulled the ornate thing from the ground.

"Wow." She murmured, turning it in her grasp as she pulled the blade from its simple black sheath, the blade itself was a brilliant saphire in color and was inlaid with swirls of a deep red, "Who would leave such an expensive looking katana lying around?" She murmured, looking around.

Kesser sniffed it delicately, "There doesn't seem to be any scent to it." She replied, looking around the area suspiciously, "We should get back." Her tone was edgy.

Raven nodded as she tucked the blade under her arm and picked up the pot once more, "Lisowin may get worried if we're out here too much longer." She said, and they both made their way back to the dilapidated building that was their shelter.

He looked up as they returned, glancing to the sword in the crook of her arm before taking the pot from her, "Found something?" Lisowin asked, placing the pot in the embers.

"It was out by the stream." Raven replied, holding the blade out to inspect again, "I figured that if nothing else we could sell it when we came to that town... Considering we probably don't have the currency that this planet uses." She made a face, as though it was something she'd rather not have to do.

"Currency?" Lisowin repeated, slightly confused, "Most planets use minerals and jewels for... buying things." Standing, he went to Mirth's saddle and looked around, then held out to her some odd quartz, topaz and garnet. "These should work."

"I didn't realize that most places were like that." Raven replied, "From where I'm from we have different forms of currency, sure minerals and jewels are worth something but we don't use them to buy what we need. I've definitely got a lot to learn."

He shrugged, stirring the pot with a stick as the water began to slowly bubble. Proceeding to cook, Lisowin added some leaves, and pressed the jerky against the wall of the pot to break it up. Soon the water was now brown and thickening, making the small building smell delicious.

"So what are you cooking?" Raven asked curiously, peering into the pot and sniffing hungrily at the air.

"Turning the jerky into Morning Goop," He joked, then chuckled as he continued stirring it, "Think of it as a quick morning soup or porridge type of meal." The Lykodine trotted in, sniffing around in quick jerking movements before he pounced on Kesser and the two of them shot off into the underbrush. Lisowin frowned at that. "I think Mirth likes her..."

"I think they like each other." Raven replied, watching them go, "It's cute really, watching them pounce around like that." She stretched and sat against the wall, waiting out the time for their meal to finish cooking as she scratched at the dried mud on the sheath of the katana that she had found.

"I mean like... He REALLY likes her." Lisowin hinted at some underlying action they were doing, and didn't figure Kesser would talk about it. "Oh, it's done," He said happily, lifting off the pot with the edge of his cloak and setting it down for it to cool.

"It's easy to see the attraction that is practically bursting from their games and general runs." Raven replied, "Is it a bad thing to let them have some fun out there while they can?"

"I guess it is just that... I don't want him humping her at every turn. It's obvious he isn't as smart as her and I don't want Kesser to get offended." Lisowin muttered, slightly embarrased for his bonded.

Raven laughed, amused, "I'm sure that Kesser can fend off his attempts should that be the case. let's just let them have their fun and eat this delicious meal that you've prepared for us!"

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