On the Outskirts He Lies in Wait (open)

[Anonymous]

(OOC:  Open to whoever wants to wander in.  If no one does, then it will likely be a short playing out to establish a bit of Saat'bas' character (which I hope is ok ^.^;; ).  Takes place between his meeting with Elkor in Draconi Forest and their future meeting elsewhere.)

--------------------

Saat'bas didn't know how long it had been.  Time was more or less irrelevant to him.  The one reason he had to pay attention to the passing of it was to mark the growing of a child.  But, as he had none at the moment, it didn't matter and so he hadn't kept track.  It was probably just as well.  Thinking about the arrogant man served to upset his thoughts.  That wasn't a pleasant thing and he wasn't one to spend his energy on unpleasant things.

He sat in the shadows of the trees, his coloring and the surrounding underbrush a near perfect combination to keep him hidden from most eyes.  The clearing in which La'marri was situated lay before him.  It was a clean, bright village.  Not too large, not too small.  It was apparently peaceful and full of all sorts of different beings.  Many sentients would probably find it very inviting.

Saat'bas thought it looked much as any other mortal settlement.  A maze of shorn stone and wood on ground that had been scratched and scraped to make way for them.  But at least it wasn't as horrible smelling as some.

A human male, in his early twenties perhaps and a fine figure of health, strutted about on a path not far from the last house on this side.  He carried an axe propped against his shoulder.  It was possible he meant to go cut wood.  At the moment, though, he seemed more interested in showing off for the female leaning out one of the house's windows.

She giggled at his antics and he responded with puffing out his chest like a proud rooster.  It was a typical sort of scene.  She a fair-haired pretty maid, he a youthful lad just settling into manhood.

Saat'bas considered for a moment drawing both of them into his play.  What a delight to have two instead of one!  But that would involve approaching in broad daylight, with a crowd of others nearby who might interfere.  The man and woman had no magic about them.  Others in the settlement did.  He wasn't in the mood to take such a risk.  Especially since he hadn't decided whether his intended target was going to be playmate... or prey.

He kept his attention on the male.  The youth was strong and healthy and would provide good sport whichever way they went.  He simply needed to wait until the human made his way to the forest.  Saat'bas had observed him enough in the past several minutes to be fairly sure it would happen.  He could be patient for a while.

[Anonymous]

Jonathon grumbled to himself at this latest turn of bad luck. He was sopping wet from head to toe, not to mention covered in leaves, mud, and who-knows what else, including what looked like the remnants of a bird's nest that was stuck in his jaw-length, jet-black hair. His only comfort at the moment was the knowledge that there was a clearing nearby, and what certainly sounded like the hustle and bustle of a small village. He continued walking through the trees in its direction, pausing only when he cursed loudly after happening to get too close to a nettle bush. Though he didn't know it at the time, the location he chose to sit and pull the dozens of nettles out of his skin was very close to where this Saat'bas was sitting.

"Stupid thorns... stupid river... stupid..." he mumbled, sounding just on the border of being incoherent. "Ow!"

[Anonymous]

(OOC:  Hello, HeroMentality!  Nice to see someone join in.  Could you give me/point me to Jonathon's basic stats?  Just so I don't do something silly like having Saat'bas peg him as human if he's not :D )

[Anonymous]

(His stat page sits in the cobwebbed corner of the internet, since he was the brother of an old, old character of mine, and I'm in the process of getting new stat pages up for new characters as they're introduced, so he's next in line. :P But to put it simply, he's a clumsy, subpar mage with terrible luck and visions of grandeur.)

[Anonymous]

(OOC:  Ahh, ok.)

--------------------

Saat'bas' ears angled back and his nose twitched.  There was someone approaching.  Whoever it was, they didn't seem concerned about the noise they were making.  He thought it might be a human, though its scent was mixed with that of mud, plant, and some other things.  Most of his attention remained on the male still at the village.  The other didn't seem a threat at the moment.

It was only when the newcomer sat close by that he turned his head slightly.  The mumbling words floated between the leaves to him.  There was a little tremor in his antennae.  He sensed a hint of magic.  Not strong, perhaps, but such things could be deceiving.

Another giggle from the woman drew his attention back to the village.  The man was now leaning on the window sill.  The axe was on the ground, propped against the outer wall of the house.

It seemed his target was not intent on coming out to the trees anytime soon.  That was disappointing.  He could wait still, but...  There was someone else here now.  Maybe he was a stranger to the village, maybe he had been gone a while.  Maybe it wouldn't be noticed if he never showed up.  There was also the fact that if the newcomer was here when the other came, he might interfere.  But if the other wasn't going to come out for a while, he could have two in a day instead of one.

That was very pleasing thought.  Saat'bas grinned, moving silently, close to the ground, searching for a spot where he could observe this newcomer.  As he did, his mind raced with the possibilites.  Playmate or prey?  Which shall it be?  He'd decide once he got a better look.

He settled into a small space between a bush and the trunk of a tree.  The shadows weren't as deep here, but it gave him a clear view of the black-haired man.  He didn't rush out, taking a few moments to observe him.

[Anonymous]

Jonathon pulled the last thorn out of his shoulder, wincing and biting back a rather unpolite curse, then slapped a dock leaf on it and sighed. "I wish they'd start giving me a little advanced notice on these assignments..."

He paused, however, and frowned a little. Though his magical abilities were nothing like those of the rest of his family, he could detect, albeit faintly, that someone else was about. Despite his clumsiness, Jonathon did have a fair bit of common sense, and reasoned that if he was correct - which didn't happen often - it would be best to simply continue on his way, very slowly, in case whatever was near hadn't seen him yet and would let him pass without any interference.

[Anonymous]

The human wasn't going to get his wish.  Saat'bas quietly vacated his spot between the bush and tree.  He headed around a bit, circling so that his new target would be forced to run farther into the woods, rather than out of it, if the man chose to run at all.  It was a risky move.  He'd be more exposed to anyone approaching from the clearing.

He crept slowly from the cover of the underbrush, going on all fours.  In spite of the odd mode for something that appeared humanoid, the movements were as controlled and graceful as a panther might manage.

His closed eyes were fixed on the human.  He was watching, waiting for any sign that this man was receptive to him.  If he was, then they could indulge in other pleasures.  Very willing playmates weren't always so easily found on magic heavy worlds.  It wouldn't be good to miss an opportunity to delight one.

If he wasn't, well Saat'bas was still in the mood for a hunt.  And this one appeared healthy enough.

He crouched, but only slightly, keeping himself ready enough for a chase if it came to it.  His attention was riveted on the man.  An intensity came from him that promised he wouldn't be easily lost by his companion simply running away.  It was a wait, now, to see what the other would do.

[Anonymous]

Jonathon showed no outward sign of picking up on the humanoid's presence. However, inside he was seething. He was sure this was to be an unpleasant encounter, given the soft, creeping noises he was catching. However, he continued to walk in the same direction, with the same slow, casual pace as he contemplated his options. Finally, he settled on one, and stopped in his tracks.

"Alright, what is it?" he asked, looking directly ahead with eyes half-lidded.

[Anonymous]

Saat'bas watched as the human continued walking towards him.  That was certainly intriguing.  Either the man had truly not seen him or he was brave... or foolish.  Whichever it was, the human came to a stop and spoke.

"Alright, what is it?"

He considered the question.  Was it a sign?  Or just the mortal's hope to stall in an unknown situation?  There was only one way to find out for certain.  Saat'bas raised his hand, palm up.  A small whirlwind of light came into being.  The minuature threads twirled and collapsed onto their center.  And when they dissapated, a bright red apple was left in its place.  He held the fruit out to the man.

[Anonymous]

Jonathon looked at him warily, unimpressed by the humanoid's display.

"Thanks, but no thanks," he said with a polite smile, "though perhaps a trade?" At that, he slung his travelling bag so that it was against his stomach rather than his back, and fished around momentarily. Much could be said about Jonathon's character, but he usually attempted to make the best first impression that he could. After a few moments' searching, Jonathon pulled half a loaf of bread out of the bag, along with a small bunch of grapes. He knew the thing he was facing could pose a threat to him - even greater a threat if Magic decided to elude him as usual - and had decided on the diplomatic approach.

"I'll let you have this," he said, holding up the bread and grapes.

[Anonymous]

A trade?  Saat'bas sat back on heels.  He tilted his head, his attention going first to the apple, then back to the man.  He was confused.  The human had refused the apple, but wanted to trade?  What did he want to trade for?  Not the apple, something else?

Rising to a stand, Saat'bas walked closer to the black-haired mortal.  His movements were no longer those of predator in wait and his expression held curiosity.  He stopped a few feet away.  He kept the apple in hand, he wasn't sure what to change it to yet.  A questioning sort of noise was directed at the human.

[Anonymous]

Jonathon smiled, albeit slightly. Though he didn't outwardly show it, he was still very suspicious of this creature. "If you're a conjurer, which you appear to be, you could trade me something to get a fire started, perhaps?" He was still sopping wet, and shivering, though doing his best to surpress it. "I have no money, so chances are I won't be able to stay anywhere indoors tonight. A fire would make things much easier."

[Anonymous]

Saat'bas grinned.  A fire?  The human wanted a fire?  He purred happily, this was something he could take much pleasure in.  He dropped the apple and started darting about.  It seemed to be a chaotic frenzy, though somehow he managed to clear a spot and gather wood and kindling in less than two minutes.

By the time he crouched next to the pile, he was breathing somewhat quickly, though it was more excitement than weariness.  He did indeed conjure up something.  It was little handheld tinder, with the pieces connected so they couldn't be lost.  He sat in such a way that the human could see how it was used.  After another moment, the fire was sparked and growing.

Saat'bas rose again, still grinning, and walked back over to the man.  He offered the tinder to the him.  He wasn't really interested in the bread or grapes, but he would take them as they had been offered and to refuse would be an insult to the mortal.

[Anonymous]

(Sorry for being gone so long; Internet kind of freaked out yesterday and it wasn't until tonight that it started acting correctly again. x_X)

Several seconds passed as Jonathon watched Saat'bas conjure the fire. After he was finished, Jonathon smiled and handed the humanoid the bread and grapes with a smile. "Thank you," he said, still smiling. Perhaps the day wasn't turning out as badly as he had originally thought;even though he had no money, he could at least dry himself out, and maybe even toast a bit of that bread he had left over.

[Anonymous]

(OOC:  Don't worry, the forum was down and nobody could post ^.^ )

--------------------

Saat'bas gingerly took the food, still grinning, and moved back over to the fire.  He crouched in a spot a little away from the human.  For the moment, it seemed he was distracted.  The bread and grapes were set aside as he tended to the sparking wood.  His movements had the sureness of one who's done this so many times the actions have almost become instinct.  Perhaps they were.

The fire grew under his care.  Even though it was daylight, the flames managed to throw wavering light over the two.  It wouldn't be long before it was a proper size.

Satisfied that it no longer needed nursing, Saat'bas turned his energies to other matters.  If there was a fire, there should be a Revel.  He already had one human.  Perhaps more would join in.  The thought thrilled him and he set to work.  He purred as he produced a cloth with a bright design.  This he laid out on an open area far enough from the flames that errant embers wouldn't fly off and burn it.  He put the bread and grapes on it, then proceeded to conjur other food and drink to add.  After a few minutes, a fair picnic feast was on the ground.

He tilted his head towards the man.  The human couldn't be very comfortable all wet and covered in mud and debris.  He crept over, sitting back down a foot or two away, then made another cloth.  This one was thicker and obviously meant to be used as a blanket or covering.  He held it out with a friendly smile, making motions to indicate the man should put it on.

[Anonymous]

(I wasn't aware of that. It wasn't just this site that was messing up for me though; I couldn't access my home page, for starters. But oh well. XD Anyway.)

Jonathon, now that he was warmer, and certainly on the road to being dryer, felt almost comfortable, and would have most likely accepted this creature's continued friendly gestures were it not for a small hint of suspicion that was gnawing at him somewhere between his stomach and small intestine. Jonathon might not have been much of a mage, or anything for that matter, but he was not a fool. Most of the time, anyway. He could think of absolutely no reason for something that had seemed to be hunting him to suddenly turn friendly, even neighborly, at something so small as grapes and a remnant of bread. Though his mind was wheeling, however, he kept a jovial smile on his lips.

"Thank you, but no," he said, very politely he thought, "I'd rather keep these on." He couldn't quite understand why, but he was getting rather nervous as he kept thinking. Something was definately not right about this, though he was very much torn between a basal need to get warm and stay that way, or to carefully walk away from something that could quickly dissolve into a dangerous situation.

[Anonymous]

Saat'bas tilted his head a little further.  Human morals.  So concerned about things like nudity.  Not that he had meant for the man to shed his clothes, but he certainly wouldn't have objected to it.  Either way, the refusal was disappointing.  Perhaps the human would be more inclined to eat and drink and be warm once the Revel started.

He laid the blanket down, in easy reach if the human decided to take it.  Then, he returned to his previous spot alongside the fire.  He sat perfectly still for a moment.  His face was directed towards the flames.  His closed eyes seemed to belie the impression that he was staring into them, watching them.

It was time.  The fire was ready.  Though he usually chose to initiate these celebrations in the twilight, once the flames were set, there wasn't much choice.

The heat of the blaze and the scent of woodsmoke began to work into him.  He could feel the warmth wash over his skin, seeping into muscle and bone.  The smell swirled into his head, into his thoughts, acting like a key to unlock even his few restraints.  He dug his claws deep into the earth.  His body leaned back and his face turned up to the sky.  A deep purring emitted from somewhere inside him.

Saat'bas rose with a fierce, infinite grace.  His hands came up, spread out, and the long fingers curved slightly in a way that seemed to emphasize those sharp talons.  The flames appeared to dance and leap with his movements.

The flickering glow from the fire threw strange shadows over his features.  The red and orange and yellow cast his emerald skin in shifting hues.  Maybe it was these things, no more than an illusion -- a trick of sight, that made it seem as though he had become infused with a peculiar wildness.  Maybe it was these that chased away what small vestiges of civility that seemed to exist before.

Or maybe it was the almost hypnotic and trance-like way in which he began to sway in eerie synchronization with the flames.

Under those things moved silent mental tendrils.  Little fingers of thought reached out, searching for other living spirits in the area.  When they touched one, they beckoned... they conjoled, they coaxed, they offered, they gently probed for and tried to draw out the hidden desires and wants and needs in that soul.

And their first find was the dark-haired man.

[Anonymous]

Jonathon watched, though he had no choice to do otherwise, and felt himself begin to relax. Perhaps this fellow wasn't so bad after all...

No! He shook his head vehemently. This was not good, not good at all. He had heard of such things as this before, though never experiencing them firsthand. He had to keep his senses in check...

...but it would be so easy to relax. The fire looked so warm and inviting, as did the blanket, and the dancing, and the thought of completely letting go...

"Jonathon!" he all-but screamed to himself in thought, "Focus! Get out of here!"

And as if there were two completely seperate parts to him, Jonathon rose and made his way toward the fire with a glazed-over smile that was quickly replaced by a tight-lipped grimace as he pulled away and tried to get away.

[Anonymous]

At first, Saat'bas didn't appear to even notice the man.  He was lost in the swaying.  A feral grin pulled at his lips as his fingers glided over the outer reaches of the flames.  But then the human moved away.  Saat'bas turned, smoothly, his movements flowing as though they were nothing more than another part of the dance.  He brought all of his attention to bear on the other.  It was just as intense, perhaps even more so, as in the beginning when he'd looked on the mortal as prey.

Those tendrils became even more insistent, more numerous, drawn to the crack in the man's resistance.  They didn't force, they tenderly stroked the edges of that break.  They called to the spirit hiding within.  It was like the gentling hand that tries to coax open a reluctant door.

Saat'bas' hands and arms stretched towards the human.  He motioned to the other with inviting gestures.  It was similar to what those mistresses of the veil and the savage temptresses capture in their own seductions.  Only those were the shadows and this was the entity that cast them.

The purring continued, growing... spreading.  There was promise of undiscovered pleasures in it, in the untamed lissomeness of every move.  The sound caressed the human.  It courted him.  It was laced with the most feral and dangerous vow, the one to help the mortal shed every inhibition to the wonders that lay in wait.

[Anonymous]

Jonathon felt his defenses slipping away. While previously his feet had been carrying him away as quickly as possible, he found them now pulling him closer to the fire. It would be so easy...

...and before he knew it, Jonathon was beside the fire, the glazed expression back on his face and his movements almost mocking that of the creature who had created it.