>`Ice`<

[Anonymous]

A solitary form rested in the thicker branches of a wide-growing tree. He was fairly raggid looking, but he didn't mind. His clothing consisted of well-worn blue pants that reached to just below his knees, the edges tattered, and a sleeveless tunic top of the same fabric and just as tattered. Perhaps the strangest part was what covered his remaining skin. All of it was wrapped in fairly thin strips of white cloth. From his shoulders all the way to each individual finger, and the same on his legs. His neck was also wrapped, and at times, he even covered his face. For now, however, it was freely viewed, showing that his skin was actually a rather dark brown, a few shades lighter than chocolate. His hair was a silvery gray, boardering on white. His eyes were a startling ice blue, like the inside of a glacier.

Relaxing as he was, Drejan allowed one leg to dangle off the side of the branch he was laying on. His back was propped comfortably against the smooth trunk. He had been traveling for a few days now, and was glad for a rest. He still wasn't sure if he wanted to stay in this particular area for very long.
In any case, he was content to sit and observe from his leafy retreat.

[Anonymous]

Following her pet squirrel, Kiho was getting ahead of her sister - actually, well ahead. But Kiho's attention was well diverted away from her older sister to the bushy little tail that almost disappeared as it clung to the tree, scrambling up. Kiho was watching it, laughing to herself, until she caught sight of a leg. She stared at it. She quietly moved closer to the tree, peering up to see the man and her squirrel staring at him suspiciously.

"Why are you wrapped? Why are you laying in a tree? Is it comfortable? Your hair is very pretty," Kiho's voice was quiet, and somewhat reserved, her hands resting on the trunk.

Kiho wore a high collared robe with a square-necked dress over it, and a short jacket. They were various shade's of green, her robe being the lightest, the over-dress darkest, with the jacket a medium shade, matching the sash around her waist. She wore soft-leather brown boots, and although they were worn, they looked relatively in good shape.

"Nan says you smell funny," Kiho said, her long-haired, pointed ears perking up, the right ear tipped with tan, no longer meshed with her dark hair. Her bushy, tan and white tail flicking out behind her, her curiousity apparent.

Nan, her squirrel, scurried back down the tree and clambered onto her owner, perching on Kiho's head.

[Anonymous]

Drejan had just began to doze off when the sound of scruffing and sniffing reached his ears. It was quiet, and he opened those icey blue eyes to the sight of a little squirrel eyeing him curiously. Quirking one light brow, Drejan smirked mildly. He must be quite a site, sitting up here as he was.
It was then a young voice made him realize that the squirrel was not his only visitor.
His cool gaze moved down to take in the appearance of a rather well dressed young girl.

Boy did she ask alot of questions. "Hmm, well, I'm wrapped for the saftey of others. I'm laying in a tree to rest, and yes it is comfortable. And thank you." Interestingly enough, she never thought to ask his name.
He again arched an eyebrow at her next response.
"Well, I'm not human, if that's what you mean. Though, by the looks of it, you aren't either, hm? I'm Drejan, who are you young lady?"
As he asked, he sat up, letting a leg dangle over each side of the branch.

[Anonymous]

Kiho reached up, running her fingers on top of Nan's head, still watching Drejan. She blinked her dark gold eyes, smiling slightly. For the safety of others? Kiho wondered what that meant, and then when he confirmed that he wasn't human she giggled slightly as he mentioned that she wasn't. Oh? So the ears and tail gave her away? Aw, shucks. But Kiho was still the reserved little girl, and as he sat up she stepped away from the tree, her squirrel companion winding down to perch on her shoulder instead.

"Ki---" She paused and turned slightly, her ears twitching as she heard a loud 'KIHO!!'

Aoko, practically running full force, barely managed to avoid mowing down her own sister. Gripping Kiho's shoulders, staring down at the younger girl hard, panting before catching her breath, which, Kiho thought, took too soon.

"Haven't I told you not to run ahead?! What is wrong with you? What if something ATTACKED you? Nan isn't going to protect you, for God's sake!" Kiho blinked, being slightly shaken by the shoulders, pushed away, then tugged sharply back to Aoko.

"Mm...!" Kiho said, tugging at the short, belled sleeve of her sister's over-dress, then pointed up at Drejan.

Aoko blinked, pushing her sister away, "Huh?" her head tilted, until she followed the finger's direction and stared at Drejan. At first, her nose twitched, then her eyes widened, then her mouth opened slightly, before her cheeks burst into a bright red color. "...Ah.." she yipped, turning rigid from humiliation, tail falling limp behind her.

Aoko wore an dark blue overdress with her collar rising higher in the back and front, with large, short sleeves which were widely belled, and slits up the sides, revealing a brown underdress. Her own shorts boots were the same as her sister's.

"Drejan, Nan," Kiho said, introducing her squirrel first, gesturing to it, "Aoko," she said, pointing to her sister and then quickly grabbing Aoko's gold dog-ish ear, causing her to yelp again.

"Uh- uhm, I'm sorry!" Aoko stuttered, still half surprised, batting at Kiho, ducking her head slightly, her hair as dark as her sister's, tied back, as her sister's was, but longer and unbraided.

[Anonymous]

Drejan blinked rapidly at the sudden shout, and he could only guess it was this girl's name. Kiho, eh? Cute. Craning down a bit, he watched as an older girl ran up and nearly ran the other over.
By the time this older girl noticed Drejan, he again had one eybrow arched, and a slight smirk on his lips.
Well, that had been an interesting entrance.

Drejan swung one leg over the branch as the squirrel, and then the older girl, were both introduced. Leaping gracefully down, he did a sort of half bow. "Nice to meet you all. Are you alright? You look a bit flustered." He said, grinning mildly at Aoko and her stuttering. Crossing his wrapped arms, he leaned against the tree calmly. "So, what are you two doing out here anyway? The way you're dressed, you're just asking to get robbed."
Drejan had a habit of being fairly blunt, but he wasn't trying to be mean. The way the two were dressed, so nicely and all, they really were just asking to be mugged. Especially since they were both female.
Just trouble waiting to happen.

[Anonymous]

"I--I'm fine... Nice to meet you too," Aoko mumbled, head stilled bowed slightly, her bangs shielding her eyes for a moment.

Kiho again noticed his wrapped arms and was reminded of her earlier question. She blinked at him and then peered up at her sister. Robbed? That was never a pleasant experience. Perhaps he was right, but she was largely unwilling to get rid of her homeland's clothing.

"Ahh.. We got lost," Aoko shot a pointed glance at Kiho who only blinked her big eyes at her older sister, as if to ask, "Who? Me? Whatever do you mean?"

"I'm sorry. Thank you for your concern. I suppose you're right. We're... not from around here, and.. this is really our only clothing," Aoko said, laughing slightly.

Heck, even the money brought over from Gaieartet was unuseable. Therefore, Aoko was rather wholey unaware of the danger's here. She knew what to expect in her home world, and the small fact that they had been unprepared to come here to begin with. It just happened that way.

"Everyone's safety?" Kiho said bluntly, pointing at Drejan's arms, having been blissfully unaware of what her sister even said.

"Kiho! Pointing is rude," Aoko reprimanded her sister who only glanced at her and dropped her hand.

[Anonymous]

Drejan's grin only widened a bit as Aoko insisted she was alright. He then snickered a bit at the pointed glance Aoko shot her sister. Hmm, wonder who's fault that could be...?
Oh well, it really wasn't that hard to get lost. But then, can one get lost when they have no destination...?
Good question.

"Well that's obvious. You should be careful. Do you know how to defend yourselves at least?" His was a glancing concern, but he wasn't a bad person, so he really did worry about them getting robbed, or...worse.
Drejan then glanced at Kiho as she once again spoke. It took him a moment to realize to just what she was referring.
Ah, the wrappings and his answer about them.
"Maybe it would be easier if I demonstrated."

Drejan pulled the wrappings off of his index and second fingers. He then placed his bare fingers against the trunk of the tree he had just been leaning against. Where his tanned flesh touched, the bark froze solid. He then rewraped his fingers and turned back to the two.
"For everyone's safety." He repeated, grinning slightly, if not a bit sadly. It always bothered him, for not only was it a horrible burden to bear, it was also mainly his fault that he had it.

[Anonymous]

"Um... not really," Aoko said, ducking her head again.

But both of the girls' attention focused on his demonstration. Aoko blinked and stared at the frozen bark - he was wrapped because whatever he touch froze. Everyone's safety... That made sense. Aoko frowned slightly, realizing he couldn't... touch anything. He couldn't feel it.

Kiho blinked and moved closer, although her attention was fixated on the ice. She leaned forward and poked out her tongue, lapping at the frozen bark four times before pulling back, "mmm"ing and flashing Drejan a smile before bouncing beside her sister, tail lashing out behind her.

Aoko nodded slightly, her hands clapsed in front of her. She thought about the things she new about defense and her species and her home. Nope, not really. Mostly, speed, agility, and luck was all they really had. And anything worse than robbery had never even entered her mind. It wasn't her nature. Unfortantly.

"Aoko. I'm hungry," Kiho said quietly.

"Yes, yes," Aoko sighed. Then her golden ears perked and her gold tail started wagging behind her lightly.

"Do you, by chance, now which way is out?" Aoko asked eagerly.

[Anonymous]

Drejan had been afraid of that. No defensive skills what-so-ever. Oh boy. Would he be able to forgive himself if he just left them to wander off??
Erk.
Probably not.
Damn.

Drejan laughed lightly at little Kiho. She liked that, did she? At least somebody did. In any case, an opportunity to help them came about.
"Out? Eh...In a sec."
Turning, he quickly climbed his way up the tree, higher than before, until he dissapeared into the foliage. There was a few moments before Drejan descended once more. Hopping onto the ground, Drejan brushed some leaves out of his hair.
"Well, the actual settlement is roughly in the direction you're heading. Do you want me to walk you there?"

[Anonymous]

"Mm!" Kiho said in response to him asking if they wanted him as an escort. She waved him on, pulling at Aoko's ear and giggling before jumping away.

Nan scurried between Aoko's feet before chasing after Kiho. Aoko sighed and touched her head, smiling lightly. She looked at Drejan and frowned slightly. "Thank you... But you really don't have to," Aoko said, rubbing the ear Kiho pulled.

"I'll get you for that, Kiho," she called after her sister who was following her squirrel carefully.

Kiho was well ahead, and the anxiety that Aoko felt was written all over her face. Then Kiho came running back and slammed into Aoko. She buried her teary face in Aoko. Aoko blinked but wrapped her arms around Kiho.

"Hm? What's wrong?" Aoko said softly, Kiho looking at her sadly.

"T-there's a dead animal," Kiho hiccuped, pulling away from Aoko as her sister tugged gently on her braid.

Kiho gathered Nan in her arms and hugged the squirrel, petting her carefully. Aoko sighed and scratched behind Kiho's ear, making her calm down a little. Kiho peered at Drejan, just looking at him for no particular reason.

"Kiho, it's not nice to stare," Aoko reminded Kiho who then turned her slightly watery deep gold eyes on her sister and then back to Drejan.

[Anonymous]

Drejan grinned lightly. "I know I don't have to. But I offered to." He responded, keeping half an eye on the enerjetic Kiho as she skittled off ahead. However, the girl was not gone for long. Teary eyed, she came running back to her sister.
A dead animal?
He sighed softly, rubbing the back of his head with one wrapped hand. Soon the young girl was looking at him, and he smiled lightly at her.
Now really wasn't the time for an in depth discussion about how everything must eventually die.
He knew. He had already died once.
It wasn't an experience he was eager to try again.

Moving from the tree, Drejan walked a few steps ahead of them. "Shall we then? We should get there by dusk. Then little Kiho can eat, and you guys can both get a place to sleep." Standing where he was, he waited for them to follow after. Apparently he was intent on walking them all the way to the city.

[Anonymous]

Aoko nodded - Kiho may not complain aloud that she was hungry but she'd certainly tug at Aoko's sleeve or dress. She'd make herself well-known to her sister, even if it didn't seem like she was annoying anyone. Aoko pushed Kiho ahead of her to begin walking. Kiho tupped ahead like a trooper, but would now and again turn to Aoko and pull at her sleeve and whimper.

"I know, cut that out already! You're hungry, I know," Aoko snapped, somewhat testily.

She couldn't help it - Kiho didn't feel the stress like Aoko did. Aoko had to be the adult, but she wasn't being much of one. It wasn't her fault that they wound up here, or that they wound up in the forest or even lost. But it was her fault that she didn't know how to protect herself or her little sister. And what would they do for money?

"Thank you very much, Drejan. We really are sorry to trouble you like this," Aoko said quietly, looking at the thick bangle around her wrist.

But it was better then going back. They spoke the same language - that was enough to eventually get by. Now, they just needed to find food... money... shelter... Would they find something regardless of lacking funds? Aoko sighed. She certainly hoped so.

[Anonymous]

Drejan walked ahead of them, mentally counting. How much money did he have? Hm, not enough for food AND shelter for the three of them. Well, he didn't really need to eat all that often. Just a bit of water was fine. As for food, he could pay for that. Shelter...? Eh, that might take some...pursuasion.
He was good at that.
Ok, no problem.
He had this all covered.

Every so often, Drejan took again to the treetops to make sure they were on the right path. It was a good few hours of walking, but finally, as the sun began to set and their path darken, the city came into view.
"Ugh, finally. Alright, first thing is food, alright?" He scanned their surroundings with those piercing blue eyes, but ended up following his nose to a food place.
Standing outside it, he produced a pouch from within the inside of his tunic.
"Here you go. It isn't much, but its enough for a meal. I'll go get you guys a room, alright?" Without giving Aoko time to refuse his money, Drejan trotted off to find an inn.

[Anonymous]

Aoko wound up carrying Kiho, as she had a good idea that she would have. Being born in the country had paid off, thought Aoko. At least, the women in her village blamed their strenght on them being 'country women'. And perhaps that was true, or maybe it wasn't. But it was nice to think about home, even if she felt a slight pang. She missed the hills, the forest... She missed the flowers, and the people she knew. Aoko was never more appreciative to having a little sister.

When they arrived at civilization (much to her relief), she had woken Kiho and let her slide to the ground. Aoko stretched, her tail wagging weakly, although Kiho's was going full force. Kiho wanted food - and she couldn't wait for it!

"W-wai..." Aoko tried to say as he gave her his money, he was already gone. She sighed and glanced at Kiho, who whimpered and rubbed her hand over her stomach to remind Aoko that she was -very- hungry.

"Okay, let's go," Aoko gave in, pushing Kiho along who skipped into the food place.

When they were seated and had ordered, Aoko tried to not use all the money, getting just enough for them. Aoko's tail flicked and wagged as she ate slowly and calmly. Kiho, on the other hand, dove in. Her little tail was wagging furiously, brushing her bangs to each side of her face before continuing, Nan only peeking out at the people before tucking close to her again.

"Yum!" Kiho said, although muffled by the food.

"Don't--- ah, nevermind," Aoko was going to remind her sister not to eat with her mouth full, but refrained, for no particular reason. She smiled and glanced around herself, looking at the people carefully, her tail finally settling and going limp.

[Anonymous]

There was a sudden weight on Aoko's shoulders and head, and a voice to match. "Happy?" It was Drejan, and he was...well, resting on Aoko. His forearms were placed upon Aoko's shoulders, a wrapped chin on her head. He seemed perfectly content to stay that way too, his hands hanging limply from his wrists.
"Well, I got you guys a nice room to stay in for a few nights. Oh, looks like you didn't spend all the money. Actually, that works out rather well. I'm sure I can gamble up enough for you guys to get some less...conspicuous clothing."
Finally, Drejan removed himself from his living perch and set himself in a chair, where he could easily look at both of them.
"Hmm..." He rested his chin in his hand. "And there's your safety to wonder about...hey, do you guys have a specific destination in mind, or are you just wandering?"

As for his 'procuring' living arrangements without money. Well, he wouldn't really admit it, but a large slab of ice suddenly covering a particular bar had something to do with it. Hey, sometimes intimidation tactics were necessary.

[Anonymous]

The sudden on her shoulders and head made her stop, her fork halfway to her mouth and her tail having went stiff. She relaxed when she heard Drejan's voice - although if she had actually thought about sniffing the air she may have realized who it was. But either way, she glanced at his arms.

"Yes, I am... and I'm quite sure Kiho is, too," Aoko said, laughing softly at her sister who had paused to look at them, blinking in a cutely childish manner, before continuing to eat.

"Eh-heh, thank you very much, Drejan!" Aoko said, reminding herself of her manners, beginning to wonder how long he'd remain like that.

Aoko placed the money pouch by him, before placidly eating. She looked up at Kiho, as if just to make sure her sister hadn't run off. Which was always a risk with little Kiho. Anything that caught her eye immediately drew her attention, and her mind was somewhat one-track. But Kiho was staying put, almost finished with her meal.

"Aoko! We haven't had food this good since," Kiho said, not needing to clarify what she meant with her sister.

"...Hm? Oh... No, we don't have anywhere in mind. We don't know anything about this place, so I guess we're just content to find a place to settle for awhile," Aoko said, focusing on her food again.

Of all places to wind up, hm? A place she had no information about. She knew nothing of this place - or even the name of where they were. It seemed this would take some studying. And, with a slightly uneasiness, she was reminded of school. Oh god! It never ended, did it?

"...I don't how to repay you. Thank you for taking care of us so well," she said, Kiho's 'mmm!' echoing her.

[Anonymous]

Drejan replaced the pouch in his tunic, knowing full well in such a ragtag city as this he could find plenty of people willing to gamble with him. Winning games of chance and luck (and a bit of cheating) was one of the few skills he had retained from his old life as a human.
In any case, he knew what he'd be doing almost all night.

The ice sprite relaxed back into his chair, watching them eat. "Well, that's fine. This place is called La'marri. I don't know much about it, but it seems pretty secluded and of mixed company." As he spoke, he was unwrapping his chin, having only covered it in order to place it on Aoko's head.
"Well, I'm glad you like the food. And it's no problem. I've got too much time on my hands as it is. Might as well put it to good use, right?"
He waited patiently for them to finish their food. Then he could show them to the inn, and then be off to gamble that night. Hopefully by morning he'd have enough money for them to each buy some new clothes.

[Anonymous]

Aoko smiled at him, glancing at Kiho. More of a subconscious act, but it did well, as Kiho had been scootching off her chair. Aoko's eyes narrowed and Kiho slid back into her chair, giving a dissappointed 'mm' and finished her food. Kiho then grew interested in her own white and tan ears, tugging at them, tilting her head this way and that, but it was pointedly at her sister just to show how -bored- she was.

Just to satisfy her sister she ate faster then normally, finishing up soon after. Aoko scrunched her face slightly, as if saying to sister, 'THERE, HAPPY?' But her sister seemed awkwardly prepared for this moment. Kiho rested her hands on the table, looked at her sister, tilted her head with her tail wagging behind her and then spoke.

"Oh... It's about time, I thought I'd have to ask Drejan to touch your tail!" Kiho's grin was playful.

Aoko stared at her sister, her face flaring bright red. She pushed her plate away and placed her face in the crook of it, her ears drooping and her tail limp. How embarrassing! Just because her tail, and Kiho's too, was sensitive and made them happy, she didn't have to SAY that!

"La'marri," Kiho said, her attention already focused on the place again, looking around her before scootching out of the chair.

"Nan wants to go outside," Kiho then said, then tugged at Aoko's sleeve after rounding the table.

Aoko lifted her face and stood, more composed, but a faint blush. Now she was afraid for her a tail - Drejan may not touch it, but little kids (Kiho too) like to grab at it. Great.

[Anonymous]

Drejan chuckled lightly at Kiho's show of boredom, finding it cute. It had been awhile since he had been around a child. He had forgotten how amusing their antics could be at times. Speaking of antics, those between the two sisters were just as amusing.
He couldn't remember if he had any siblings in his past life...

Suddenly Aoko was blushing like crazy, and he couldn't help but laugh. Her tail, eh? He'd have to keep that one in mind...
Drejan stood as Kiho did, waiting for Aoko to compose herself. He couldn't help the grin on his face though.
At least he wasn't laughing anymore.
"Alright, here, let me show you guys to the inn."

Walking out ahead of them, Drejan led them down the main street for just a short distance. They came to a fairly nice hotel, and Drejan opened the door for the two ladies, entering in after them.
Inside, a pale and clammy manager was wiping up water and ice off of the bar/counter in the front.
"Heya! Got that room ready?" Drejan called happily, making the man jump.
"Uh, y-yes sir! Here's the key!"
Drejan took it from the man's quivering hand and gave it over to Aoko.
"There ya go. The room has one large bed and its own bath. I'm gonna go get you guys some extra money so that tomorrow you guys can go shopping. Any questions?"

(Omg, this post took so long...the tv and my brother kept distracting me!!)

[Anonymous]

(LOL! You could beat up your brother? Haha XD That's okay. One time it took me over a few hours to post something, too. I kept getting so distracted... I felt like I needed ritlin or something.)


"O-okay," Aoko had responded, following after them.

Kiho was bouncing around - rather enthusiastically. She was circling Drejan or Aoko at times, following Nan, who seemed to find it her job to let Kiho chase her. Aoko almost collided with the squirrel on to occassions, but Kiho seemed rather oblivious to anything except the squirrel.

"Why's the bar have water and ice on it...?" Aoko said, glancing at Drejan, remembering how he froze the tree bark.

Kiho watched as Nan clambered up onto the bar and slid on the ice and off the bar and Kiho errupted into giggles, retrieving Nan from the floor. But to Kiho, the ice and water didn't ring any bells - well, they did. Don't worry, she had a question still stored for Drejan.

Aoko took the key and listened to Drejan. To looked at him, suddenly worried. "You don't need to do that.. Do you have a room?" She asked, also remembering he hadn't ate. "Arn't you hungry?"

Kiho trotted to Aoko, peering up at Drejan with her dark amber eyes curiously. What Aoko said was definitly making sense, even to her. She wondered too, her ears perked up, waiting for him to answer.