Spirits of the Earth

It had been nearly half a year since the onset of the mage war. Reajh was virtually weeded out of whatever was left of mages and magic users alike, having taken them up north, to camps suited with iron, well sealed within a mountain fortress in the Kilanthro mountain range. He, having seen first hand, some of the atrocities of this war, found himself at a war with himself as to his current position in aiding the cause. He was still a knew recruit, and only had a handful of experiences under his belt, but now that he was actually reassigned back into one of the cities to help 'keep the peace'; he felt himself become increasingly more guilty for it. And he was beginning to question everything this war to preserve Connlaoth stood for.

So he was happy when he was finally given some time to himself. Summer had long past, and a cold winter had set over Connlaoth, and Matron's Hallow was exceptionally chilly that day, a cold front having swept in from the north. He felt icicles in his nose and hair as he shivered and moved down the street. He hadn't a clue as to where he wanted to go on his week off from duty, but his boots carried him through town in a hurry, boots crunching into hard snow.

Perhaps he should pick up another scarf or better gloves, but he knew he had to be careful with whatever money he spent. He had, after all, wanted to send home some of the earnings he had made back to his family at the farm.He wondered how they were fairing and contemplated purchasing some paper, quill and ink when he rounded the bend, he heard some sort of commotion coming from down the way.

At first, he didn't pay much attention to it- that was, until he thought he heard a young lady asking for help. Raising his head, he noticed two rather gruff looking guards surrounding a young woman, and at first, he was surprised to see how they were treating her. Having already forgotten the mage laws were in order, and just becoming blatantly sick of what they represented, turning men into cut and dry beasts, forcing them to ignore propriety to preserve order, he tore forward and shouted back at the guards.

"That's enough!" His voiced echoed across the way, the men hearing it and turning around, arching their brows at the man.

"What do you want, soldier?" the large man sneered.
The other, taller, more gangly fella, turned to look at Killian as well. He had rat like features on his face as he bared his bucked teeth at the boy in a cold grin.

"This here is the matters of state. She was trying to steal, she was!"

Killian growled as the men seemed to ignore him.
"I think you've forgotten there is martial law. Soldiers hold the orders here. Let that woman go."

The men looked to one another, their faces furrowing, for they too, have become aggravated over the changes being made to rid the cities of mages. However, it was the larger man that gestured to the rat like one to hold up.
"Fine.." he said, grabbing onto the girl and tossing her at Killian. He made a grunt, barely managing to catch her in his arms. "She's yours to handle. Come on, Phil. Let's check out the streets in the south before my nose freezes off."

Killian watched as the men leave, glaring daggers at their back side before looking down at the young woman and inquiring, "Are you ok?" His blue eyes holding concern as small flakes of snow fell between them.

Solita was freezing, she could barely feel her fingers or her toes. She had no home, no family, and no money. It had been at least a day and a half, maybe long since she had had a taste of food. When one starved like she did, time was lost, days blended together into a mass of pain and hunger.

Her hunger had won her over, her stomach defeating her reason in her mental tug of war. It was cold, if she didn't eat she would have no chance of survival, she would surely die in the streets. So she tried to steal a piece of bread, a very small meager piece of bread. No one would have missed it, no one would buy it, and if they did they would only pay half a penny if that.

The men who caught her, and quickly surrounded her didn't seem to care. There were two of them, she tried to run but she got thrown to the ground by one. She hit the ground with a hard thud. The cold only added to the pain that shot through her small form. That was when she let out a scream, a plea. She wasn't expecting anyone to answer it. No one ever answered pleas of the poor and the homeless. People turned there heads when looking her, either out of shame or disgust.

That was when she heard the voice, it was a strong voice, no doubt a soldier's, her blood chilled. This could be worse than whatever the two men had planned for her. What if he somehow discovered she was a magic user, what if he sent her up to one of those horrid camps she had heard about. 

She coward on the ground, her body shaking from both fear and the cold. The next thing she was being picked up, she could barely get her feet under herself before she was hurled towards the soldier. The man caught her, that was a bit surprising, she was expecting to hit the ground again.

She looked down, her body still trembling. What would this man do with her?

She dare not look up at the man who towered over her, fearing she would get struck, her face still held a hint of a bruise from a beating not too many days before. Still she heard the concern in his voice, it was very foreign to her.

"I... I'm f-fine," She spoke, her voice soft, almost mouse like.

Killian looked down at Solita with a sense of guilt. It was evident the men harmed her, and considering how frail she felt, he figured it felt doubly horrible the way they had treated her, having tossed her to the ground.

"Are you sure those men did not harm you? If you are injured, I could escort you back to the barracks and have one of the doctor's see to your wounds."

It was then the baker realized what was going on and she made a huff.
"You there! Soldier! That woman there is a thief!" the fat old wretch of a woman cawed, hands to her hips as she ruffled out her feathers (well, she would if hse had any). "She stole my bread, tw'as worth two coppers easily, and now it's ruined by her soiled hands."

It was then Killian caught sight of the bread on the ground and frowned. So the woman was hungry. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a few copper and handed it to the woman.

"Here, this should cover the cost." And he bowed his head to her, then turned to ignore her, glancing down at Solita, asking, "Hey.. are you hungry? If you'd like, Thomas's inn is just down the way. I could buy you some soup and we could get out of this cold." he said, trying to laugh as she shivered along side her, hoping to lift the dreadful mood.

At the mention of going to the barracks a chill ran up Solita's spine. This man might not have noticed her ears, but a barracks full of soldiers would, especially a doctor. Yes, her hair did cover her eyes, put hair moved and could easily but pushed aside.

"N-no, I don't want to go to the barracks... I-I'm fine I swear," She spoke, pulling against his hold on her gently, a slight panic in her voice. She couldn't help it, she knew that a simple decline of his offer would have been less incriminating, but the fear that welled up inside of her wouldn't have it.

That was when the woman came out, she knew she was just trying to run a business, and if she let every starving person have bread she would starve herself. Still she often had leftovers, and instead of using them, she threw them out in the mud, so no one could eat them.

When the man paid for what she had stolen she was taken aback, what sin was this man trying to make up for. He was a soldier, so she was sure he had a long list of sins he needed to pay up for. She once again felt the man's gaze on her.

She nodded to his question, she was hungry, starving. Could this man not see she was famished? She slowly looked up at him, fear in her eyes though. Yes this man seemed nice, but what type of repayment would he be calling for once he got her a bowl of soup. She had never met anyone who gave her something and didn't expect something back in return, especially men, they always wanted one thing.

"I-I don't know if I should," She spoke again, her eyes lowering back down to the ground. "I don't have anyway I can repay you kind Sir," She added quickly, stepping back as if fearing he might try to snatch her or strike her.

Killian frowned when she asked about repayment.
"You don't have to pay me back. I'm offering it for free. Then when we are done eating, if you wish, I could escort you to where you need to be. The cities are not as safe as they once were. Too many people are .. afraid." And he turned, staring over at the baker as she gave the pair of them dirty looks from inside her shop.
"But if you do not wish to come, I will not force you. You just.. look.." he frowned. "Hungry." Or worse than that.

Solita thought a moment in silence, at least if she went with him she would be able to go somewhere warm for an hour or two, and he was offered food, something that in winter, she hardly got.

Finally she nodded. She didn't have to hear his warning about the city being more dangerous, she knew that first hand, she did after all, live on the streets. She had no place for him to escort her to once she got done eating but she would figure that out after she ate some soup, or at least that is what she hoped.

"I will go, I-I am very hungry."

Killian nodded, finding himself smiling that he was able to help her. It had been sometime since he had been able to show kindness. The sort of training he had to go through had been back breaking and was degrading. He was a man, not some brick wall that could feel nothing while rounding up the mages; be they innocent or not. So he was relieved that she wished to go.

"Here, it's just down the way," he spoke, his breath coming out in white wispy puffs in the air. "See that sign with the yellow bell at the door?" he pointed to it. "That's THomas's Inn. He's a good man. I heard about his shop when I was in training. They have very good pork fried stew." Smiling, in hopes, to again, lighten the mood, his blue eyes took her in. "Come on then." He gestured again with a nod of his head. "Let's be off." And he crossed the way to the Inn, the door opening wtih a clattering ring of the bell. Though the door was low, he had to hunch down to step in, but after he did, he kept hte door open for her, waiting for her to join him before glancing around. It seemed the place was almost empty, which was strange for this time of year. Either way, the soup smelled good as he cleared his throat and ordered a table for the pair of them to sit. They were seated, by his request, near the hearth and when asked for food, he refused the ale, asked for water and was quick to order himself the stew and bread, then, turning his blue eyes to her, they raised in concern. Now, in this sort of lightning, she looked even more frightfully frail. He wondered when was the last time she had eaten anything.
"Order whatever you like," he assured her, patting his hands over hers before glancing up at the bar maid and he smiled.

"So, who's your girl?" the bar maid asked, grinning widely from ear to ear.

Blushing, Killian rubbed at hte back o fhis neck. "Oh, just a friend," he replied softly. The woman only nodded, as if she'd buy that excuse..for now, then she turned to Solita and eyed the small girl up.

"So what would you like? The pig strew is fresh, as is the bread, and we've got Johnny biscuits today. They're full of bacon and cheese. An extra few coppers for them."

Solita looked up at the man, catching a smile on his face. She found it rather odd. It had been a very long time since anyone had smiled in her general direction. Mostly, when seeing her turned away either from guilt or disgust or a mixture of both. The homeless, the weak, they were not desirable.

She nodded as he urged them on, her nimble limbs able to keep up, especially since they were headed towards food. Food what always a big motivator.
"Thank you," She spoke softly as the man held the door for her. She had never had anyone hold the door for her. She had seen men hold doors open for ladies, and she had many times wondered what it felt like, and here she was, finally experiencing it.

Once they were seated Solita kept her eyes on the table, not looking up. Most the time if someone like herself looked up at people she would receive nothing but hateful looks or sometimes worse, a hit or a beating of some sort.

If this new light it was easy to tell the girl was starved. Her body frail and delicate, like the wind its self could break her if a gust hit her just right. Her face was a bit dirty but not excessively so, you could still see her pale skin beneath the dirt. Her hair was cut just above the shoulders in choppy, uneven layers, clearly done with a dull blade. The bruise on her cheek was also very visible with the light of the fire.

Solita's posture spoke of how uncomfortable she felt, especially when she was asked to order. She swallowed, her mouth turning to cotton, or at least it felt like it. She blushed a dark red when the man called her his friend, she hadn't had someone call her that since she was a young child, it was a bit refreshing.

Finally she took a deep breath, "I'll have what he is having," She spoke in her mousy voice. She hoped she hadn't ordered too much, and she feared she did. She felt fear rising in her stomach, she should have just gotten bread, she was being selfish, she didn't need all the food.

The bar maid nodded to the pair of them.
"Well, I'll hurry back with it right quick for you, Killian," she said with a wink, causing the young soldier to blush. But then he turned to Solita and studied her a moment, his smile going crooked as he realized, with a nervous clearing of his throat, he had NO idea what to say.

"So.. um.. are you from around here?" he inquired, rubbing nervously at the back of his neck. He was wearing only partial armor right now, but it was still pretty clunky to maneuver in, and now that they were near the fire, he was getting quite hot beneath all the layers.

Killian, Solita thought to herself, that must be his name. She found it funny that the man hadn't asked for hers, that is how one usually started conversation, or at least that is what she thought. She looked up at him, a hint of a blush still on her pale face. She looked at him, was he nervous? Why would be be nervous around her, she did not understand. If anything she should be the one nervous.

"Connloath, yes, the Hallows, no," She spoke in her soft mousy tone, looking back at the table.
With Solita's flimsy clothing the fire felt great, if anything she would move closer, especially where her cloths had gotten wet when she was thrown in the snow.

Killian nodded. He was too bashful (and bubbly) in the moment to recall to ask her her name, or even give his.
"I'm not from around here either. My family owns an apple farm up north. So I'm not really a city folk myself."

Solita nodded, she still appeared a bit uncomfortable, she wasn't used to people, she had never been around someone who wasn't trying to use her so she found it hard to talk to him. Her mind was full of what ifs.
Taking a deep breath, her eyes locked on the table as he hands fidgeted on the table she told herself this man wasn't going to hurt her, that his intentions were good. She hoped she was right.
"What is your name? If you don't mind me asking Sir," she spoke, her voice shaky, nervous, afraid the question might offend him.
She already knew his name, she had heard the barmaid use it, still she figured it would be polite to ask.

Killian blushed, feeling like an idiot that he hadn't even given his name.
"Er, r-right!" he said, trying to pass it off with a nervous laugh as he rubbed at the back of his head.
"The name's Killian," he said, giving her a warm smile. "And might I be able to catch your name?" And his smile warmed a little more, as he caught the color of her eyes, and the softness of her cheeks..t he way her hair fell against it, framing it in short, choppy layers. And he also hadn't realized (quite yet) that he was starting to stare.

Solita did notice him staring though, she could feel his eyes before she looked up to see him staring. It wasn't a bad stare like he was judging her, or a scary stare like he was planning on where to tie her up and hide her for later. It was almost cute, and it made her blush a dark red. It was like he was taking her in, actually looking at the features she had below the light layer of dirt.
She coughed slightly as she looked up at him, letting her eyes linger on him only for a short moment, but looking over his feature well enough so she could remember them when she looked away.
"Solita," She answered softly, it had been a long time since someone asked her name.

Killian nodded, not realizing he had been staring until the bar maid came back with the stew, startling him and the young soldier nearly leaped out of his skin.

"Th-thanks," he barely managed to stutter out, as he lowered his gaze with a sigh, blue eyes focusing on the stew as he moved his spoon in to eat it. Though he chanced a curious glance over at Solita, and happened to miss his mouth, spilling soup down his shirt.

"Dang it," Killian swore as he got up, groping at the clothe napkin on the table and began to dab it at his clothes. "Er.. s-sorry about that. I guess I'm just clumsy." he admitted with a nervous smile over towards her. He reseated himself once most of hte soup had been wiped off and scooted himself into the table. Clearing his throat, he tried to eat the soup again, this time, ensuring he was leaned over the table a lot more than before, so that his white hair hung across his face and his entire body leaned over the table to where the bowl was resting.

"It's good, isn't it," he said after finally having a taste.

Solita couldn't help but giggle as Killian jumped, she wouldn't have expected it out of the man who had just saved her from a harsh beating, out on the street he didn't seem like the jumpy kind.

Solita tore off a piece of bread and dipped it into her soup before hearing Killain swore. Her eyes jerked up as she flinched slightly, as if afraid she had somehow offended him and expecting to be hit. It took her several moments to realize he had just spilled some of the stew down his shirt. She let out a sigh of relief.

Solita lowered her eyes as the man apologized, she didn't know why he would apologize to her about it. So she just nodded before moving the piece of bread she had dipped in the stew to her lips. It was good, she would have to admit, the best thing she had tasted in a long time. She was used to table scraps, so this food was nothing short of heavenly. She ate very slowly, she was clearly savoring every last drop of stew she tasted.

"It is," She answered his remark after a short pause.
She looked up at him, letting her eyes linger over his features for another short moment. His hair was the first feature that stood out to her, it was so white. Then her eyes moving lower she caught his eyes, they were a darker, prettier blue then her own. She tore her gaze away shortly after the thought. She didn't want to stare and offend him.

Hearing her giggle made his lips quirk leftward into a grin. He raised his head from his soup to look at her, and only realized, as he was looking at her, she was looking at him. Oh right..
He quickly averted his gaze, feeling awkward for it and cleared his throat, but before he could say anything, he stuffed more soup into his mouth.
"So.." he said, after swallowing the soup down quickly, that it made him cough. "You're name's Solita?"
And as soon as he said it, he was regretting it, because he probably sounded like an idiot. She did just say that was her name! ugh!

Solita caught his eyes, her heart skipped a beat. That was one thing a person in her position never did, looking someone in the eyes. Especially a soldier of nobility always led to a beating, always. She started to grow more nervous, hoping he somehow didn't realize, knowing it was impossible for him not to though.
"Y-yes, Sir..." She said, her voice wavering slightly in fear.
Her heads were shaking slightly as she looked down at her soup.
She was preparing herself to get hit, and she didn't want to get slapped with food in her mouth.

Killian's brows furrowed. She looked so.. so frightened. Was it something he did or said?

"Are you alright?" he asked, placing a hand gently upon her shoulder. "You look rather pale. Is the food no good? I could order you somethign else if you'd like. Perhaps some of the sweet pie? The old lady that runs the place makes them fresh. And the sweet pie is to die for. Here, let me order you a slice." And he moved to gesture for the bar maid.

Solita flinched as Killian touched her on the shoulder, her body tensing, her hands coming up to cover her face.

"The food's fine... No, no, there is no need to order anything else, I really shouldn't have gotten all of this in the first place, Sir, really, I'm fine," She spoke her voice a near panicked whisper. The kindness this man was showing was something she wasn't used to, and she felt bad. She wished she had the money to pay him back, enough money where she didn't have to steal. She was born in a hard spot though, and it was harder than one would think to crawl out of the gutter, especially if you had any sense of dignity.

Killian noticed the girl's alarm and lowered his arm, his smile fading as he looked at her.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he inquired, genuinely concerned. "You seem afraid."T hen he realized.. "I'm not here to hurt you." Had somebody hurt her before, besides those guards? She must still be upset over that and his frown deepened at the thought.

"Hey, don't worry about it." he said, realizing she was worried she might have too much food. "Just eat what you can. I'm sure you're a ball of nerves after what happened today." He shook his head. "It irritates me people can act so callous towards people. What with all of the chaos revolving around mages, it seems people are using that as an excuse to claim anyone who is poor or magical as a criminal." Cause he knew not everyone that was sent up north was a mage. Some of them were just poor nad wanted to remain with their family, that may or may not have been true mages, but had been accused. Some of them were just blatant criminals, being locked away with innocence, and it made his own stomach churn to remember it.

Solita took a deep breath, almost a sigh of relief, it seemed the man wasn't going to hit her. It seemed that he actually had a heart, which she found to be very rare among Connloath, especially now with the mage wars going on.
"Yes... I am fine," She spoke her eyes looking at the stew in front of her, her heart still beating frantically in her chest. Her heart skipped a beat when he spoke of not hurting her, she looked up at him, her eyes a bit wide, if his words were honest, it was shocking.
"Thank you," She said after swallowing, it seemed she had run across a patch of luck.

"You have no idea," She started, tearing a piece of bread to dip in the soup. She moved her hand to her face, feeling the bruise that was still there. No one could really understand unless they grew up in the middle of the abusive crazy chaos she had.
She dipped the bread in the stew, "Why did you save me, most soldiers wouldn't have, most would have joined in," She spoke before putting the bread into her dry mouth.

The woman was so shy and meek, and he could not help himself but let his heart go out to her. But it was her last question that really got him as he found himself staring at her, uncertain what to say.

"I.. I um.. well I..." he was fumbling over his words, and the crust of bread upon his plate. "Well, to be completely honest," he said, stilling his hands over the table as he sighed. "I've been a soldier for such a brief time, but even I've grown tired of their philosophy. The entire nation seems to try to drill it in our heads that anyone could be the enemy. But I don't see it that way. How can everyone be our enemy? Who would there be left to protect?" He looked upat her, then quickly blushed and cast his eyes back down onto the table. "Er, I'm sorry. I misspoke. You probably didn't want to hear the bantering of a soldier anyhow. And I didn't bring you here to have you give me pity. I.. well, perhaps we ought to just enjoy this soup?" he suggested, trying to smile, but it was a smile that did not reach his eyes and quickly faded away from his lips.

Solita took several sips of stew as she listened to him. She found it rather curious the way he stumbled over his words, almost as if her presents made him nervous. She couldn't understand how it would, she was a starving girl covered in dirt. If she was attractive no one could tell, or at least that is what she thought.

"It is nice to be the one giving the pity for once," She spoke, looking up at him briefly, catching the fading smile. Her nurturing caring side felt bad, wanted to somehow comfort him but she was afraid, she didn't want to overstep her place. She slowly reached across the table, putting her hand gently on his, her thumb gently running over his skin.
"Actually, I would love to hear your thoughts, I haven't seen the world from a soldier's point of view, it would be nice... You can continue if you wish," She spoke her voice soft, barely above a whisper with a hint of fear.

Killian's eyes shot to hers the moment her eyes met to his. But then he down cast his gaze and shook his head.
"No.. unfortunately, I've probably said to much." He tried to smile, but it was a little forced. "As a soldier, you obey orders." And he looked up at her, studying her, realizing.. if he had to, he'd be forced to take her to jail. He was relieved to be off for the next few weeks. He should probably head home. the only problem with that was by the time he'd get there, he'd have to leave the same day to get back to duty. "This week I was just lucky enough to have off since they're regrouping and reconfiguring my order." He shrugged lightly, sighing after he did so and just looked at her with a more genuine smile.
"What about you? Do you work somewhere in Matron's Hallow?"
Naturally.. he had no idea she was so poor or a beggar, and had almost but forgotten what dragged her in here. He was just happy to put the conversation away from talk about soldiering and maybe onto something a little less... tense.

OOC: lol...

Solita pulled her hand back slowly. She could see the forced smile, it made her feel sad for him. She would consider giving him a hug if she didn't fear his reaction, she didn't want to get beat again. Yes he had said that he wasn't there to hurt her, still, people could change their minds or worse, lie.
"Who do you think would hire me?" She asked her voice soft as she looked down, "Plus, do you think I would have tried to steal if I had any money?"
"I was born an orphan in a debtor's house," She revealed after a moment, her voice soft, almost fragile sounding, it lacked the gentle warmth it usually held.

Killian felt a million daggers boring into his back. He felt awful. Why did he always choose the wrong things to say?

"I'm sorry," he said quickly, staring down at the table through long lashes. "I hadn't realized.. I.. you don't have to talk about it if it makes you upset." Though if she wanted an open ear, he'd be obliged to listen.

Solita sat there in silence for a moment, taking a deep breath.
"I'm sure you don't want to hear my sob story," She finally spoke, offering a forced smile, tearing off a piece of bread.
"I didn't come here for your pity," She said, mimicking what he had said earlier, offering a more sincere smile. 

Killian's face went long. But he understood.He simply nodded, cleairng his throat, since it had been tightening and gave a nod of his head.
"So ..er.. would you be interested in some of that sweet pie? As I said earlier, it's very good." And again he tried to smile, hoping to lighten the mood.

Solita looked down at her half eaten bread and barely touched stew.
"I don't want to waste this... I, I need to try to eat this and I doubt I can eat all of this and a piece of pie. I am already nearly stuffed," She explained, eyes cast down in a bit of shame.
She didn't want to make him feel bad, that wasn't her intent, but she didn't want to waste anything because she knew what it was like to go without.

Killian smiled.
"Are you sure?" he said, still pressing the question jovially. "The pie IS really good. But perhaps I can order myself a slice and you can merely try it?" He raised his brows at the question, waiting to see if she'd oblige.

Solita took several more sips of the stew in silence, looking back up at him after she swallowed the stew.
"Well, I guess I will try a bite if you order some, if you want me to," She said with a soft blush, looking back down quickly.

Killian smiled. Despite the fact he seemed rather pushy about this pie, it was definitely something to brag about. He had only been here a short time and it was already his favorite pie in all of Connloath.
"Alright then. I shall order us some," and he turned around, gesturing to the bar maid and ordered a slice. Then, as the maid went off to get some, he turned to her with a smile, which soon turned awkward as he was trying to figure out what else to say.

"So erm... do you have any family nearby?" Again, another dumb question- he had almost forgotten she mentioned being an orphan until he corrected him. "I mean to say her.. you know, friends or somethign that er.. live nearby." Wow, was he making himself appear quite the fool!

Solita took a few more bites of her stew as Killian ordered. If she ever got the coin somehow she would definitely spend it here on the stew, it was amazing. All the food was good, of course when one didn't hardly eat, most food was heavenly.
The mention of family made her frown though, it made her heart hurt a little. She had none and it was hard to make friends when you were poor, plus with the mage wars it was even harder. She felt ashamed. Her blush grew darker,

"No, I.. I don't have anyone," She spoke, her voice clearly showing her sadness.

If Killian already wasn't feeling an idiot, her sad voice definitely did him in.
"Hey look," he said after a time, drawing in a careful breath before reaching out a hand to her's. "I didn't mean any offense. I... sort of didn't realize the question. You sort of told me you were an orphan and well I... I just thought well..." he shook his head. "I'm just ... sorry."
Yeah, it was best to keep quiet now before making things worse. Ugh.

"No, no, no," She spoke her voice just a whisper, "No reason for you to be sorry, you didn't know," She spoke, trying to be as comforting as she could. She knew he hadn't meant to upset her, it was clear that he hadn't by the way he responded.

It was then the pie was served. Thank the Gods! Once it was placed infront of them, Killian was smiling again.
"Here, do you want the first bite?" he offered, pushing it near to her.

"No, it is your pie, you should have the first bite," Solita replied before taking another bite of her stew, it was now almost gone. Half of the bread on the other hand remained untouched.
She looked up at him, waiting for him to take a bite.

Killian blinked, but shrugged when she refused.
"Alright, alright. But I'm telling you.." he said, digging his spoon into the pie. "The first bite is normally the most heavenly." and he slipped the spoon clean into his mouth and moaned a little.
"Gods, this pie.." he shook his head, not able to believe it could be so good. And he even helped himself to a second bite before pushing the plate towards her.
"Go on. At least give it a small try." And he smiled at her, his lips tugging more left than right.

Solita had an odd look on her face as he moaned, she found it a bit odd. She didn't judge though, to each their own. She hesitated after the plate was passed to her, slowly though she took her spoon and got a small bite. She looked at it carefully before putting it in her mouth.
She quickly understood why he moaned. He was right, that was the best thing she had ever tasted. If happiness could be made as a food, it would definitely be that pie. A broad smile spread across her face. She wanted more, her stomach seeming to magically make room. She sat her spoon down and looked away though. She didn't want to eat all of his and didn't want to add to his bill anymore either.

Killian gave her another broad grin.
"It's good huh?" And he took another bite and gestured for her to have some more. "Go ahead and have another bite. I did order it so we can share. And if you like it enough I dont mind ordering another slice."

"Actually.." the bar miad interrupted as she came back with clothe napkins for the pair of them. "That was the last slice, Killian. But they should have some more made for tomorrow."

"Oh.. well then.. perhaps I can treat you to some mroe tomorrow then?" Killian said with a laugh and smile. "That is to say, if you'd like to come back for some more at that.. erm.. time."

Solita watched him as he took another bite. She knew she should have just let him eat it all but it was just so good. So when he offered for her to take another bite she did. This bite though she savored more than the first.

She was just about to plead more him to get another slice when the barmaid slashed her hopes. She frowned softly. She couldn't get mad or upset, she should be happy that she was getting to experience that pie at all. So she took a deep breath, pushing the negative emotions away.

She looked up once she heard Killian's voice once more. Was he asking her out on a date? If he was it would be a first. She looked down, a dark blush forming on her face. She knew she had nothing better to do and she liked the man's company.
"I would love to," She sighed deeply, "Though I am sure by the morning you will change your mind."

Killian's smile broadened, but then soon he was laughing at her words.
"I highly doubt that. Especially if there's sweet pie involved!" And his grin now reached his ears as he looked her over. "I"m just happy you seem to enjoy it as much as me."

Solita didn't understand this man, she quickly wondered why everyone in Connloath couldn't be more like him. If they were it would surely be a better place. '
Her blush grew darker as she sat there in silence for a moment, "I meant you might not want me to come, you don't need me to eat pie," She replied looking up at him from beneath her thick blonde lashes.

Killian was just in the middle of taking another bite of pie when he suddenly choked on it after hearing her words. Inhaling the pie was no where near as good as actually chewing and swallowing it, so after a good few fist pounding to his chest, he chugged down some water and finally got the thing down.
By then, his face was a burning mess, but despite that..
he smiled.

"Well I.. er.. it just seems you're awfully lonely and well, er.." he rubbed nervously at the back of his neck. "I haven't had some sane company for a while. You wouldn't understand. A soldiers life... well.." he paused and frowned a little as he looked down at his cup of water. "It was a lot different than I had expected before I had joined the ranks." His frown deepend as he noticed how distorted his face had become while he continued to study his reflection in the glass of water. "A lot different."  And there was no speak of an internal war...

Solita jumped as she heard him cough, she wasn't expecting it. It honestly made her panic, was the only man who had ever been kind to her going to choke and die? With her luck there was a possibility. She still looked a bit sad, though she doubted he would see it. She knew he would get orders once off leave and be gone. Once again she would be left without a friend, on her own.

"I'm sorry," she finally spoke. She felt bad for him. She also understood how it could be something completely different then what he had expected. She had often heard boys speaking of becoming soldiers, especially those in the more rural parts of the country. Talking about becoming brave heroes. The thing was, being a soldier was rarely that glamorous. She wasn't a soldier, no, but she had seen some of the horrific things they had done.

"What are you apologizing for?" And here, Killian smiled at her. "You haven't done anything wrong." And then to prove his point, he pushed the plate forward with the last piece of pie on it.
"Here, why don't you have the last bite? I don't think I could eat anymore of it anyways." he said, patting his belly pleasingly.

"You should eat it... It is your pie," Solita spoke softly.
She slowly moved her spoon to the pie, giving him plenty of time to change his mind. She knew he had to be giving her that pie because he felt bad, not because he couldn't eat anymore. He was a man, a soldier, so she was sure he could easily eat more than she ever could.
Still she ate the last bit of pie without a fight, enjoying it while it was there for her to enjoy.

Killian smiled then settled into the chair, feeling sleepy and enjoying the warmth of the tavern now that he was full. The fire in the hearth was heavenly, which sure beat the chilling cold of outside. Connlaoth winters were very harsh, and this one was no exception. It was after a time of studying the place, the decorations on the mantle above the fire place, and the people who had come to gather in such a place did he finally turn his blue eyes back to Solita.

"It's sure nice in here, huh?" he said, never the best man at small talk. "Nice and well.." he rubbed his hands together with a smile. "Warm."

Solita put her hands on her stomach and leaned back in her chair. She could probably fall asleep right there. For once her fingers and toes were not numb and her stomach was full. It was an extremely nice feeling. Though Killian's next words did nothing to help the warm feeling of happiness that was spreading through her form.

His words reminded her that she would have to go back into the harsh cold. Spend the night out in the harsh cold as she tried to seek any type of shelter that would block just a portion of the bone chilling wind.

Her silence had him concerned, so when he was complacent a moment ago, now he leaned forward in his chair.
"Hey, are you alright, Solita?"

Solita looked down, a soft blushed rushing to her cheeks, warming her face.
"I was just trying to enjoy this while I have it... I don't get these types of luxuries... I'm..." Solita looked down in shame.
"Once your break is over and there is no one left to take pity on me I will be stuck out there," Solita said, her hand motioning to the door.

Killian frowned. He had not stopped to consider that his act of good will would only last a moment. He was happy to be able to do it, but now it was becoming increasingly laced with guilt. He realized, afte ra time, he had gone silent and stared at her, and cleared his throat, but he still felt a knot lodged there, so his voice was a bit scratchy as he spoke.

"I.. I'm sorry to hear that. I.. I hadn't meant to offend you in bringing you here. I... I just thought you looked like you could use a break, a bit of better luck, but I suppose it was foolish and naive of me to assume a single act like this could fix something like that." He lowered his gaze shamefully. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," Solita spoke, her word soft and warm. She reached forward, placing her small hand upon his.
"Why should you be sorry? You haven't offended me. You are giving me something I have never had before, and it is something I will cherish. It is a memory I can hold onto when thing get bad," She spoke, her thumb gently running across the skin of Killian's hand.

Killian lifted his eyes at her gesture, smiling subtly, a smile which grew the more he looked at her.
"Say.. I have the whole day off to myself. Have you ever gone fishing? I know it's pretty cold outside but... the fish bite well in the colder months, and not a lot of people try it. Besides, it would give me an opportunity to procure you another meal for free. I've got some equipment stashed in the barracks. I could go fetch it and perhaps this evening, before the sunsets, we could go to the river and see what we can catch."

Solita laughed softly, her eyes lighting up.
"No, I have never fished, I don't have anything to fish with, and I would love to go fishing. I am sure the skill could come in handy for me eventually," She spoke. She pulled back her hand slowly, looking down at what was on her side of the table. She picked at the bread slowly, looking down the smile slowly fading from her face.

"So it's a date?"
Did he really just say that? Ugh. Either way, he was still smiling.
"If you want, you could wait here while I go fetch the supplies."

Solita's face turned a dark shade of red as she looked down. She had never had anything called a "date".
It took a few moments to gather herself enough to reply to Killian.
"Yeah," She spoke, looking up for only a moment before she returned her eyes back down.

Killian was all smiles as he left the Inn. There was an extra bounce in his step, an extra swing to his stride, and he actually found himself humming on his way back from the barracks- fishing line and equipment in tow. Stepping back inside the place, it seemed the cold now hardly affected him as he approached Solita again with a broad smile.
"So.. ready for that fishing date?" he said with a gentle laugh.

Solita sat in her seat silent. She was a bit nervous if she was being completely honest with herself. She wanted to be happy and excited but her past had taught her to be suspicious of everything always.
She was snapped out of her thoughts by Killian's voice, he was back.
"Yeah," She spoke, a small smile spreading across her face but never reaching her eyes.

Killian adjusted the weight of his equipment over his shoulder and gave her a bigger grin, blushing even more when the tavern owners gave the pair of them a once over and a wave as they shouted, "You two have fun!"
Killian waved back, adjusting the equipment once more before smiling down at Solita.
"I hope I didn't have you waiting very long. It took me a while to find everything, and I had to borrow an extra fishing pole from one of my friends. Here," and he handed one over to her as the two walked down the road. "Feel the weight on it. It's light, though pretty sturdy. It's what we'll use to catch us a few fish."

Killian seemed so excited, she found it rather cute, almost boyish.
"No, you didn't take too long. I'm not so full that I can't move anymore," She spoke with a soft chuckle.
Solita took the pole. It wasn't really heavy, she figured she would be able to manage it well enough, especially with all of the food in her belly.

Killian gave her a grin.
"Well, be sure to stay close!" and then as he pressed on, he shivered and adjusted his clothing, keeping the scarf tighter to his neck. It was then he realized her lack of clothing, and as the pair began to walk off the beaten trail towards a nearby forest, he began to unravel it from around his neck.
"Here," he said, handing it over to her with a warm smile. "So you don't freeze to death. Take it. We'll be out int he cold for a while. Well.. depending on how well the winter fish bite."

"I wasn't planning on running off. I would surely die," Solita spoke as she walked close beside Killian. She looked over at him as he began to take off his scarf, she found it to be very odd, was he not cold.
When the scarf was offered to her she looked down, a bit of shame on her face. He was giving her his scarf. She took it in her small hands, not putting it on right away. She could feel Killian's warmth still on it.
"I-I shouldn't," She spoke as she looked up at Killain. Still she slowly started to wrap the scarf around her neck. She could smell Killian on it, it made her smile a bit. She looked up at Killian, her mouth now covered by the scarf that was much too long for her small petite body. She feared that once he was gone that someone would think she had stolen it. At least with him here, no one could accuse her, so she pushed the fears of the future out of her mind for a bit.

Killian smiled.
"It looks good on you!" he commented with a laugh. "Now come on, you can step where I step. The snow can create drifts, with snow up past my waist, but I'll try to be careful so we don't get stuck out here. Though it's only about a twenty minute walk in good weather, it might take us near an hour just to trek over that way. So stick close." And here, he took her hand and began to slowly walk out through the snow, boots crunching through and his hands and legs pushing forward to make a path. Thankfully the snow was lightly packed, and not the harder stuff. Fighting snow when half of it was ice or like ice, would have proved difficult. But this snow was powdery soft, adn as Killian worked his way through, occasionally wisps of the soft, wet snow would flutter behind him, catching the sun and glitter like silver.

After a time, the pair would crest a hill and Killian ducked low beneath a low hanging tree branch.
"Here, the river's just ahead." and he paused to help guide her so she could paue with him to where there was only a few inches of snow, a small patch of dirt even exposed, beneath the tre. It was harder for the snow to meet here. He was shiverin ga bit, but simply shook it away.

He stared her over a minute as he placed his sack of supplies down and  began to go through it.
"So.. do you know anything about fishing?"

Solita followed him through the snow, staying only a step behind him the entire way.
She was quickly thankful for his scarf, it helped her fight against the bitter cold that surrounded her. Plus it smelled like him, a scent she found quickly that she liked.
Then she was asked about fishing. She would have loved to say yes, that she did. She was poor though. So poor she never had that money to get  the gear to fish. If she had she doubted she would be as hungry as she was most of the time.

"N-no," She finally spoke, casting her eyes down in shame.

Killian turned back to her with a smile.
"That's quite alright. Not everybody does." And he shrugged it off as if it were no big deal, and began to wrok on his fishing pole, readying it before setting it down across his pack and then moving over towards the frozen river bed.

"Looks like there's a nice layer of ice over it. Hrmm.. " his eyes searched the grounds, looking for some sort of item to break through the ice,a nd found a decent sized rock. Bending over, he brushed the snow off of it before lifting it up with a grunt, then threw it at the river, and wiht a crack and splash, it broke on through, making a nice, cleaning opening.

"There, that ought to do it, we should be able to fish through there. Though we'll have to wait a bit. I bet I scared most of the fish away from that action>" And he rubbed his hands together before looking over at Solita again, studying her sort of attire in the snow.


OOC: What sort of things are Solita wearing for this sort of weather? Just curious XD cause if she's not wearing gloves or something, he might give her his. or if hers are holey, he might trade XD

Solita stood there shivering, standing as close to Killian as she could without making herself feel like she was crowding him. She was half scared the ice would start to crack from where Killian had broke it. She would surely die if that happened. She was small and would sink like a rock to the bottom, plus she doubted she would have the energy to fight to the surface once she fell beneath it.

She looked up at Killian her arms crossed over her chest. Her clothes were worn and ragged. She had cloves but they were fingerless and on their last thread so to speak. She wore a dress, it was a little bit thicker than a summer dress, but not by much and she had managed to find a coat that someone had thrown out, though it was stained and had several holes in it. She had boots on, and from the top they appeared to be in half way good condition, but if one were to look at the soles, or the near completely lack there of (having holes worn completely through underneath the balls of her feet) they would see that the boots were no count, especially for winter. 

"H-how long d-do we have t-to wait?" She spoke, shivering.

"Not too long, here, why don't you cast your poll in? Just like this," and Killian demonstrated with his own rod, plunking the hooked head into the icy waters and turning to her with a smile. He hadn't quite realized she was freezing cold, despite her shivering, and waited for her to take a turn. "Then we'll have to just wait for the fish to bite."

Solita felt a hint of nervousness well in her stomach. What he did seemed easy enough, she still feared messing up somehow. Still she copied his movements the best she could, her body still shivering.
"I-I, hope it isn't t-too long," She spoke looking up at him, taking another step closer. She looked up at him, was he not freezing. She knew he had better clothing and was a strong man but still, the cold was biting into her like a vicious dog, she didn't see how it wouldn't be doing the same to him.

As Killian and Solita stood at the edge, in the snowbank that resided along the bank of the river, he started humming softly as he waited to see if the fish would bite. It was only then he realized Solita's shivering,a nd noticed her gloves.

"Say.. er.. aren't your hands freezing?" he said, noticing the hole and patches. "Here," he moved to pull off his gloves, using his teeth and handed them over to her. "Put this on over top of your other ones. They'll keep you nice and warm." ANd before she could protest, he was yanking down the sleeves of his jacket. "And don;t worry about my fingers from freezing, I'll keep my hands inside my sleeves. Like this." and he showed her to where his hands disappeared beneath the fur trimmed jacket he wore.

Solita started to protest, opening her mouth and words starting to come out before he spoke again, cutting her off. Showing her that he wouldn't take no for an answer. She slowly slid the gloves on. They were too big of course. His hands were at least twice the size of her own.

"T-thank you," Solita whispered.

Killian smiled. "Don't mention it. It was my fault I dragged you out of the cold." BUt the his smile slowly faded as he began to realize how thin and ratty her attire was, but at that exact moment, her rod began to tug and pull.
"Hey! I think you're getting a bite! Give the rod a pull and see if you can bring him in!" And he moved behind her incase she needed his help.

Solita looked down at the hole in the ice, she didn't even  notice Killian's eyes or her line until Killian said something.
Solita did as he instructed, pulling the rod, leaning back slightly as she did so, her back leaning against Killian's strong body as she continued try to pull the fighting fish up.

"No, you've got to pull harder. No, a little harder.. here." and he leaned over her, gripping his hands besides her. "Let me help." and with the two of them pulling, the fish gave way, but the give on it snapped back, setting both Killian (and poor Solita) off balance as Killian fell back onto the snow, Solita ontop of him and the rod above them dripping ice cold water on the pair...
off of a soggy boot they had caught.

Killian lay there for a time staring up at it, his breath in white wispy puffs. But then,a fter a moment, his body began to shake, as he laughed and laughed.
He sat up and drew the boot closer. "Looks like we caught ourselves a fine boot." He unhooked it and handed it to her. "Here, who knows, it might taste good if we season it and cook it over a fire."

Solita tried pulling as hard as she could and was glad when Killian began to help her, that was until she was knocked off balance. She laid there for a second, her head spinning from the fall. It took her a moment to realize she was on top of Killian.
He was warm, and part of her just wanted to curl up and not move, but with a dark blush she quickly moved to her feet.

She began to shiver more soon after she stood, the cold seeping to her bone since she was now partially wet.
"I think it would give me indigestion," She spoke, her words broken up by her chattering teeth.

At her words, Killian paused in his laughter, but then was laughing again.
"I .. I suppose you're right," he said, shakig his head, then glancing over at her as he noticed a frozen leaf from the boot had fallen onto her hair. "Oh.. here, let me get that," and he leaned forward, so they were mere inches away as he removed the leaf. "There." and he held it between them, only then realizing how close he had gotten as his face flushed.

And in that moment, his rod gave a jerk. Killian stumbled forward, bumping into her nad barely catching the rod before it was to be pulled under the water. He gave a pull, a jerk... "Hey.. I think I really got a bite this time!" and when at last he pulled the string clear of the water, there was infact, a flopping fish caught on the end.

As he brought hte fish towards them, it kicked about, splattering ice cold water on the pair as Killian laughed.
"Hey, this one's a decent sized one! I bet we could get a bit of meat out of it!" he said, and proudly held it up to her.. when it suddenly smacked him int he face. "Owe!"

Solita looked at him as he removed the leaf. He was so close, she could almost feel the heat radiating from him. Her face was soon blood red, she couldn't look up at him, embarrassed of how red she knew her face was.

Then the moment was broken as quickly as it began, she heard something behind her then she felt Killian's body bump roughly into hers, enough to knock her down. She lay there a moment, her vision blurry from her head smacking against the ice. Once she was standing she felt more water hit here, she blinked a couple of times, trying to get her vision to focus in. Her vision cleared just in time to see the fish smack Killian in the face.

Solita started to laugh, but the laughing made her head hurt a bit so she didn't keep it up long, though she found it hilarious.

Killian turned to her as she began to laugh only ot have the fish smack him int he face again. He grunted. "Hey now, fish, calm down." and he moved to rod away from himself and turned to Solita, shaking his head. "Well, at least you think it's funny. Come on, let's see if we can't catch any more fish. If we catch just a few more, we could have a real nice meal before the sun sets." and he unhooked the fish and set it in the snow to let it flop about and die, before turning around and throwing his fishing line back into the crack opened i the ice above the water.

Though Solita felt like she was freezing to death she too casting her line back into the crack. The moment where she was so close kept flashing in her mind. She wondered what he would have done if she would have closed the space between them. She was sure she would be much warmer if she had.

It seemed they were standing there for a solid hour, when it was really only about twenty minutes. Killian began to dance in place, well, more like moving his legs, but it was so cold his teeth were chattering. "Boy, I hope a fish bites soon. It would be kind of sad if we only caught one fish after all of this. " And then after he thought it over he released, sheepishly, "Er., and sorry i knocked you over before I.. er.. must've gotten excited." he gave a sniff, eyes remaining onhis rod. "Are you er.. ok?" he asked, peering over at her. He felt silly he hadn't helped her to her feet, and ignoring the fact he had knocked her over onto the ice would hae been more rude than him accidently ignoring it, which is what happened. Ugh. "Ice can be tough on a person when they fall. It can hurt like hell."

Solita looked up at him blushing. She was shivering heavily, her muscles tensing so hard it hurt.
"It's, okay, I'll b-b-be f-fine," She spoke reaching up to touch to place on the back of her head that had hit the ice the hardest. She didn't think it was bleeding, or had bled, but if it did Killian would see it once she turned her back to him.
"I'm r-really c-cold," She spoke after a moment, she really no longer cared about the fish, warmth seemed far more important.

Well, to him it seemed they had waited long enough. He nodded his head at her. "Well, perhaps we ought to get back to a fire then?" He raise dhis brows questionably at her. "I.. I'm sorry to keep you out here in the cold. I hadn't realized.." he began to say with a blush and a shiver, and a smile. "That t-t-today would be so cold. Come on," nd he gestured for her to remove her fishing rod from te ice, and he did the same. the hole was starting to freeze up again anyways, and once the things were packed, he wrapped up the fish and turned to Solita, adjusting his packs and bags over his shoulder.
"So.. would you mind sharing a table for dinner tonight? I don't think we'll get muhc meat out of one fish. So it'll be my treat." he told her with a smile.

Solita blushed. She didn't understand why this man took her under his wing like he had. She didn't understand why he was being so nice. Part of her wanted to thank him, she had never been treated so kindly and the other part of her wanted to run, because she knew she couldn't get used to such kindness. She was considered a magic user and if he was to find out he would have to put her in the prisons she had heard so many horror stories about. When he was gone she wouldn't get treated like this. She would have to start starving and fending for herself once again.
He was a soldier, he couldn't be her knight in shining armor.

Still she couldn't help the soft blush that filled her face as he asked her to dinner, and she couldn't refuse the invitation. So she nodded slightly, her arms wrapped around herself, shivering so hard it was hard to make her legs function right.

By Angsar's beard, it felt like an eternity before they made it back to Thomas's inn. His legs hurt so bad from the cold, that they began to sting the moment he stepped inside and felt the warmth of the fire.

"Come on, let's take a seat near the hearth," and he moved his way towards an empty table, smiling up sheepishly as the barmaid from earlier looked the pair over with her hands on her hips.

"Where have the two of you been?" she asked.

Killian gave a lopsided, bashful grin. "Fishing."

Her mouth fell open.
"Fishin'?"

Killian nodded. She shook her head.

"By Angsar's breath, you're crazy." and she shook her head and noticed the shivering Solita, then smacked Killian on the arm.

"Hey!"

"And you took HER with you? Looks like the poor dear could have caught her death. Here, let me go fetch you a blanket deary and fetch the pair of you some hot cider and soup."

Killian gave a guilty shrug, then turned to Solita, before glancing guiltily away.
"Yea.. er.. I guess hse was right," he admitted, rubbing at the back of his neck. "It does seem sort of foolish. Some were even saying this might have been one of the coldest days of the year."

Solita sat down, the warmth burned her skin but she welcomed the pain, it meant that she wouldn't be cold for much longer.

She nodded at first, her teeth chattering so badly that she couldn't make words. She could definitely believe that it was the coldest day of the year. She took off the scarf and the gloves, both were wet so neither were doing her any good, just sucking the heat from her body.

"It's ok-kay," She spoke finally through her chattering teeth, turning slightly to look up at him.

Killian smiled a little, but was glad when the barmaid returned.

"Here, deary, a blanket for ya. And don't hesitate to move your chair nearer to the fire. Now, I'll be right back. The hot ciders will be right up."

"Thanks." Killian said, then looked over at Solita, then down to his lap. "Hot cider sure will be nice." ANd he sat there, feeling awkward once again.

"T-thank you," Solita spoke to the barmaid before taking the blanket. She pulled her chair closer to the fire and wrapped the blanket tightly around herself. Even with the blanket and the fire it would take her petite form a little while to warm up.
Solita looked over her shoulder at Killian, she made a slight waving motion for him to join her my the fire, she knew he had to be cold too right?

Noticing her gesture, he gave her a hesitant lop-sided grin before moving to take a seat beside her. Her rubbed his hands together, breathing into them to give them warmth before moving them forward.
"Well, a tleast we have time now to let our fingers and toes thaw out," he said, giving her another, more reassuring smile.

Solita nodded.
"I think if I had been out there a moment longer I would have turned into an icicle and you would have had to carry me back," She spoke, offering up a gentle smile. She hoped her playful attitude wasn't enough to get her into trouble. He seemed like he was friendly enough, of course, sometimes she could have been wrong.

Killian blushed at her comment and laughed softly in reply.
"Yeah, along with our fish," he said, glancing down to the bag beside them before he sighed and shook his head. "Well, at least we caught something.." And then he smiled as he remembered, "Too bad we didn't keep that boot. I'm sure it would have made a nice meal."

And the barmaid had returned at this time, hot cider in hand that she placed upon the table.

"What's this about a boot?" she inquired.

Killian turned to her with a laugh. "Well, you see, we only managed to catch two things today," he began and the barmaid stared at him expectantly. Killian hesitated in informing her, but eventually blurted out. "Well, one was a fish.. an the other.. sort of an old boot."

The barmaid had a good laugh, shaking her head befre saying, "Soups up too." And placed two bowls upon the table. "Eat up. I'm sure you both deserve it."

Solita grabbed the cider soon after it was placed on the table. It was warm in her hands, and that was nice considering her hands were freezing. She sipped it before looking over at Killian. He seemed so chipper, so happy. She was glad, she was sure he had seen horrible things, maybe even had to aid those horrible things. He was a soldier and had to follow commands after all.

She moved her eyes back to the fire, taking another small sip of the cider as a small smile slide across her face. She remembered her back pressed against his chest as they struggled to pull in the boot. It was a nice feeling, and one she would keep close. She had a feeling that she would keep all the memories of that day very close, someone was actually treating her like a human, and it was nice.

"So what are you going to do with the fish? You should let it just sit in here too long, it will stink the whole place up," She said as she continued to sip her cider.

"Oh!" His eyes shot open from where he had been once focused on his cider. "That's right!" And he waved to the barmaid. "Hey, Millie! Think you could cook up this fish?" he said, giving a lauhg as he waved the wrapped fish above his head.

With her hands to her hips, she shook her head.
"Let me see if Abigail would oblige," and she rolled her eyes at Killian, then winked at Solita as she left.

Killian was still all smiles.
"Oh boy, I didn't think they'd go for it but it seems like we might also be able to eat our catch!" And then he looked over at Solita, and after finding himself staring, he cleared hsi throat awkwardly and went back to his cider, stating, "THe cider's good." And tried to avert his eyes elsewhere.

Solita sipped her cider as she looked Killian over slowly. He looked pained with awkwardness. She found it hard to understand why, was she making him feel awkward or was that just a part of his personality. Most soldiers, as far as she could tell were confident, they had to be to do their job.

She bit her lip slightly, before she decided to speak. He was averting his eyes, she yet against didn't understand why, if anyone should be averting their gaze it should be her. She was the one who was poor. He was a soldier.

"Is... There something wrong?" She finally asked, her stomach feeling as if it were in her throat.

"Wrong?" Killian's eyes finally looked up into hers as his brows raised at the question. "No.. why?" he laughed, albeit a bit nervously, his cheeks being a bit flushed.

"You just seem so nervous," Solita spoke softly, her voice starting to grow nervous. Was he trying to set her up? Was this some type of undercover operation the soldiers had started to try to find more magic users? It didn't make sense that he told her he was a solder if it was, but still. The way he acted was making her nervous now. She could be over reacting and she knew that it was most likely that. Her over reacting was what had helped keep her alive though.

At her comment, Killian laughed nervously again. He was even rubbing at the back of his neck by now.
"Er.. that's just cuase-"
and the bar maid finished his sentence as she winked, "Cause he's no good with the ladies. His tongue twists into knots. But you'll get used to it." She patted Killian on the shoulder with a smile. "It took him a few months to warm up to me."

Killian's face was beat red. "Er.."

"Oh, and the fish'll be ready soon." and with another wink, Miliie had left them, and Killian thought for certain his face would catch fire as he stared over at Solita, then down at his boots.

"Yeah, er... ss-sorry, I just.. I get nervous around er... any ladies that I think are sweet and pretty. I guess you could say it's my Achille's heel." he said, trying to laugh it off with a joke.

Solita took a deep breath, relief washing over her form slowly.
"You t-think I'm p-pretty?" Solita asked after a few moments, his words slowly sinking in. She had never been called pretty.
She looked down quickly, her face quickly matching the red hue of his as she felt the heat rush to her cheeks.

Solita was no longer cold and that was a good thing she supposed, definitely not something she was expecting to hear. She took her cup of cider and finished it off and wished that it had a bit of alcohol content to it. Unfortunately for her it did not.

There was a long, long, long, LOOOONG moment of awkward silence shared between the pair, as the fire's crackled and Killian remained in his chair, half his cider still not touched in his cup.


"Yeah, I er.." he began, but hten Millie returned and set the plate upon the table, the noise causing Killian to jump.

"Here's the fish. Seasoned special, courtesy of Abigail." she said, giving the pair a wink. "Can I get you two lovelies anything else?"

"N-no, I'm fine," Killian barely go tout in a squeek of a voice. He cleared his throat. "I er.. oh!" he turned to Solita. "Unless you want something?

Solita jumped at the sound of the plate with the fish on it being placed on the table.
"I.. uh, no, I'm fine," She spoke as she looked from Millie to Killian.
She took a deep breath as she moved her eyes down to the floor. He thought she was pretty, that was something. She wasn't going to let her mind linger on it. Why get emotionally attached to someone who was just going to be sent off in a week.
Solita waited for Millie to leave in silence.

"Maybe I should go...." She spoke her voice shaking softly, "It is getting late and I will have to find a place to sleep."

Killian perked up at her question.
"But you haven't tried the fish." And then he looked at the two bowls of unfinished soup upon the table.
"Or the soup. If you could at least oblige me, then I could walk you home. It is rather late and it's become quite dark already outside."

Solita swallowed at the mention of a home, it seemed he hadn't realized yet that she had no home.
"I-I don't have a home, Killian," She spoke, feeling tears begin to fill her eyes. She tried her best to blink the tears away as she looked away.

"I guess I will stay for a while, at least it is warm in here," She spoke before moving her chair to the table so she could try the soup.

For the longest time, Killian stared at her with the most stupid expression on his face.
"You.. you haven't a home?" he stammered. His cheeks went pink as he stared down, completely at a loss and feeling ashamed.
"I.. I'm sorry." And he released a breath and frowned before his blue eyes looked to her. "I didn't know."

And now he felt so lousy, he was pretty sure he couldn't eat.

Solita reached out, gently touching Killian's arm.
"No, you don't feel bad for me, don't be sorry, it isn't your fault, I don't want your pity," She spoke, her voice soft, gentle, yet holding a stern quality to it.

"Now eat some of your soup, or at least try," She spoke, as she looked up at him with her big ice blue eyes.

Killian smiled back at her.
"Only if you eat some, too," he said, and gestured to the table. "We should at least enjoy this moment while we can. I'll have to return to the barracks at night fall, and my duties start up again in the next few days so I ..er... well, that is to say, I'll be back out o the road again, I mean."
And he felt awkward rambling over it, so he went quiet, and just stuffed a spoonful of soup into his mouth.

Solita smiled softly with a nod.
"I understand, that is the life of a soldier," She spoke before she lowered her eyes down to her soup. The thought of him leaving did make her a bit sad, he was the only one who had treated her with kindness ever. Still she couldn't let herself linger on that. She to moved a spoon full of the soup to her lips, eating while food was available.

So the pair ate in silence. It was odd, and Killian was never good at social calls, well, ones where he was to personally entertain anyone- especially that of a sweet and attractive young girl like Solita, so as the day was coming to a close, he cleared his throat and looked timidly after her.
"So er... is there no where I could at least escort you? Some place you are staying?" he knew it would be far fetched, and might be cruel to press it, though he wasn't sure what else he could do. He barely had a few silvers in his pockets left from this month's salary, and wasn't sure if it was enough coin to procure her a room for the night.

Solita forced a smile as she reached across the table, placing her hand gently on his.
"No, I don't have a place I normally stay, I will have to find one, but don't you worry about it, I will be fine, you have been far more generous and friendly then you had to be. I'm a tough one, I'll be fine," She spoke.
She wasn't sure if she was telling the truth, she could very possibly freeze out there. If she had found a place before it grew dark it would have been one thing but now, with it being even colder and dark she didn't know. She didn't want to worry him though, and she wasn't going to ask him, or even accept anything more from him. She didn't feel it was right after he had been so kind to her.

Killian frowned, staring down at his hands upon the table for the longest time, even long after she had touched them and tried to reassure him.
"I just wish there was something I could do.."
and he reache dinto his pocket, knowing it was foolish to do-
He'd have to ration or something until his next pay, then slipped out three silvers towards her.
"This is all I have. Please take it. It's better to go to you so I know you'll have a warm bed for at least this one night nad a meal in the morning. And it will at least let me rest easy for one day." Ad he looked up at her, his blue eyes imploring her; and only wishing he could do more.

Solita looked down at the money for a long time in silence as she slowly pulled her hands back to her  side of the table. She didn't know what to say really. Her first reaction would be to shove the money back to him, she was a beggar, yes, but she didn't want to feel as if she was using someone, and if she took his money, that would be exactly how she felt.
"I don't want to take your money, what will you do until your next pay if this is all you have?" She asked as she slowly looked up at him, searching his blue eyes with her own. 

Killian was still smiling, though it twitched a little in uncertainty at her question.
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm a soldier, I can be resourceful." And he offered her a sweet, lopsided smile. "Maybe I can eat that old boot we caught if times get desperate?" he teased.
"But I'm sure I just would have wasted the last bits of my pay this month on something I didn't need." Though truthfully, his extra money had gone back to his family..a nd into a savings account he was so proud to have started. But this was worth it. It made him feel as if he was helping, ten times more helpful than the feeling he got while serving as a soldier, as a knight.

Solita looked down at the table, she could feel tears stinging her eyes. She knew the man would have a place to stay, he was a soldier, they slept in the barracks, still, this man had been so kind to her she didn't want to take his last.
She stood up and walked over to his side of the table, giving him a big hug. If he tried to push her away, well so be it, the attempt of at least trying to give him a hug would make her feel better.

The Gods knew Killian wouldn't have pushed her away were he able to- and at that moment, he was not. His mind and body froze up, tensing in the moment she was suddenly holding him. And with her so close, soft, warm skin against his, her sweet scent... it sent a tingle inside his body, fluttering his heart and causing his cheeks to ripen with a blush. It was then the barmaid had come back, chuckling behind them as Killian turned around suddenly, inadvertently pulling away from the embrace, but holding Solita at his side, a hand against the small of her back.

"I knew you two would be a couple before the day was through," And she gave the pair a wink. "Hope you're enjoying the fish." AN dhse placed two fresh new cups of warm cider on the table and walked away as Killian's ears now went red. They hadn't really touched the fish...

With the barmaid's words Solita's face quickly began to match Killian's in hue. She looked down at the floor but didn't pull away from Killian, feeling his hand against the small of her back. She stood there frozen in silence, waiting for Killian to say or do something. She had never been in this situation. What was expected of someone in her shoes?
She didn't want to deny the barmaids words even though she wouldn't consider them exactly true. She didn't want to hurt Killian's feels and she liked the idea. She didn't want to pull away because it felt nice to be close to Killian, it made her feel safe.

Killian cleared his throat, turning back towards Solita, but his eyes never meeting to hers.
"You'll have to excuse Millie. She's er... been trying to play match maker with me for a while and her seeing me with a pretty girl in her tavern, well er..." he rubbed at the back of his head, ruffling some of his white hair there. "She just er.. sort of assumes, but I er..."
And he looked up at her once, noticing the blush on her face and immediately dropped his gaze away from her.
"But I guess she wouldn't be completely wrong.." and his lips turned into a hopeful smile. "I... well er, that is to say, if you'd at least consider us friends, I'd be happy knowing that before I return to the barracks tonight."

"How could I not at least consider you a friend after all you have done for me?" Solita asked with a bashful smile. She could tell he was nervous, she knew he wasn't the best with words while around her. She didn't care though, it was cute, or at least that was how she looked at it.

"Oh, well er, that's a relief!" Killian stammered. "At least you don't hate me after I dragged you out in this freezing weather!" And he gave a light laugh, one that was laced with nerves, but helped to ease the tension at least somewhat (but not all the way).
"Though please pay Millie no mind, I would never be so presumptuous to assume you'd be my girl. That is to say, you know, we've only just met and er, it's just n-nice enjoying some fish with a freind." ANd he decided he ought to be shutting up right about now as he clamped his lips together and stared bashfully at the fish.

"Though I suppose we should at least give this fish a try.." his lips twitched into somewhat of a crooked grin. "It does smell tasty.." and he gave Solita a curious look. "You sure you don't want to eat some more food? If not.. er.. perhaps we can ask them to keep it in the kitchen and you can have some in the morning? I mean at least then you'd get something to eat..."
and at the reminder she was homeless and poor brought a frown to his lips.

Solita blushed a deep red before finally pulling away from Killian and walking back to her seat. She tapped her fingers on the table a bit nervously as she glanced up at Killian.
"You caught the fish so you really should eat it, especially since you gave me your last bit of coin," She spoke her voice soft.
"I am used to not eating much, and where I ate so much today I can go a while without eating, my body is used to long periods without food, I doubt yours is considering you are a soldier. You need it more than me anyway, you have to keep your strength up," Solita spoke as the blush on her face grew a deeper red.

"But the army will feed me. We get at least two meals a day. So please.. I insist," Killian pressed. "It would make me feel even better about abandoning you, and I can tell Millie to have Abigail keep it for you in the kitchen until morning."

Solita chewed on the inside of her cheek as she sat there in silence for a few minutes.
"I-I, I will if you insist," Solita spoke as she slowly raised her eyes to meet his. She really didn't want to but she didn't want him to feel bad that he had to leave. He had no choice, he had to leave, so she wanted to make it as easy as possible for him.

Killian smiled.
"Well I do insist," he said, and then waved Millie on over, who was instructed then to keep the fish until morning. "And see that she eats it, too."
Millie,w ho was quite taken by the story, went on to tease the pair again.

"So.. is it official yet that you two be dating?"

Killian went pink cheeked. "Millie." And he shook his head. "I'm doing this to be nice." And then he pressed. "We're just.. friends."

Millie rolled her eyes.
"Well, when you're sneaking into her room tonight, which will be room eleven, at the top of hte steps second door on the left, I'll keep my lips sealed." and she made a motion as if putting her lips under lock and key before walking away, fish in hand.

Solita's face grew a dark crimson at Millie's words more because she almost liked the idea than not liking what she had to say. Of course what the two would be doing was probably a lot different than what Millie probably intended. If anything they would cuddle, but it wouldn't happen so she pushed the thoughts from her head.
Someone like her didn't have the expendable resources to fantasize about anything, including cuddling with a cute boy.

Solita's face wasn't the only one that turned crimson. Killian couldn't even retort. He felt so embarrassed that after Millie had left, he attempted to sputter after her, but she simply giggled and disappeared to tend to her tables. Then wide eyed, he turned to Solita.
"Oh! D-don't listen to her! I.. I would never do such a thing! At least not to a girl who wouldn't want it, not to say you would want it but er.. we just met and Gods.. " he buried his face into his hands. "This is so embarrassing." he shook his head and looked up to her. "I'm so sorry for all of this. I hope you're not too embarrassed. Perhaps I ought to leave. It is getting late and I'd hate to give you or Millie the wrong impression." And he kept his eyes averted of hers, plastering them upon the table.

Solita looked down, her hair falling to hide her face. She was silent for a long moment, the rush of heat to her face making it hard to piece together what she wanted to say. She wanted to say that she would like for him to sneak up to her room and simply hold her through the night, keep her nice and warm but her mouth wouldn't form the words. It wouldn't be right, it wouldn't be proper. Of course she was a beggar, who really cared if what she did was proper. She was the only one who was worried about herself and her dignity.
She cursed Millie in her head for giving her such ideas, ideas that would do nothing but haunt her when she got cold.

When Solita went quiet, Killian stared back at her, before clearing his throat.
"Solita?" Had he offended her somehow? Was she upset with him?
"Look.. I'm sorry about all of this. I truly am. I just was hoping you could just keep warm and off the streets for at least one night... I.. I'm sorry I haven't more silver to have you stay here any longer." ANd he frowned, wondering if something else was actually wrong? Was he over looking something?

"Why are you sorry, you shouldn't be sorry, none of it is your fault," Solita finally spoke.
"Even if you had more silver I wouldn't take it, I would feel bad. I was just...." Solita trailed off with a deep sigh.
"I was just thinking about if you did do what Millie said, and just thinking about cuddling with you through the night... I have never had that, I have never had a friend like you.... Its... It stupid, just ignore me," Solita spoke her voice barely above a whisper. Her last few words filled with frustration, now Killian definitely wouldn't want to talk to her anymore, even if he had a chance.

Killian could have just about died right there. Was she actually being sincere!? Though by the looks of things, she didn't appear to be joking, and his entire face lit up in a blush.
Though he'd never in his wildest dreams (ok, maybe in his wildest..) would consider compromising a woman's modesty to enjoy a night cuddling at her side (no matter how tempting it was), here he was with the possibility of it.. and just moments before he was stuttering over them being just friends to the bar maid.

Did that mean.. did it...
Did it mean that she liked him!?

Several minutes probably had passed for Killian to process this all, as he began to mutter out one word here..a  garbled sentence there, before some semblance of his mind was able to catch up to him. He gave a shake of his head.

"Well I er... I'd never compromise the modesty of a lady," his tongue stumbled out. "That.. that is to say er.. that I.. I wouldn't wnat you to become the talk of the t-ttown or anything.. you konw if.. if people were to whi.. whisper if they saw me coming in here and that er.." and her ehe paused him, sucking in a breath and holding it a moment to keep himself composed.

"That.. that is to say, Solita, perhaps if.. well, maybe we could just settle on a brief kiss goodbye.... we might be able to consider something more fruitful perhaps next time I am on break from the knighthood."
And here, he had to release a breath, finding himself finally able to still the shakes that had almost all but consumed him when he almost had lost his nerves earlier from even considering asking this at all.

But then he averte dhis gaze rather quickly, losing his back bone after the moment had passed as he sheepishly added, "That.. that is to say if you.. if you'd want a kiss goodbye."

And Gods.. he swallowed hard. If he offered one... did that mean on the lips?

The silence had Solita grow tense with a million thoughts running through her head. She had overstepped her bounds, she had ran off the only friend she had managed to make, that was how she felt.
Then came Killian's nervous jumble of words. A bit of relief washed over her as well as realizing that he was offering her a kiss. She had never had a real kiss before and her heart fluttered at the thought.

"I am a beggar, people would not talk about me, no matter what we did, they would talk about you," She spoke, her voice sad and soft. Her eyes remained on the table, her thick lashes hiding them from Killian's view though she doubted he had the nerve to be looking.
She didn't see how he could be a soldier, he seemed so soft, so tender.

Finally after several minutes of silence Solita looked up at him, batting her blonde lashes a few times before taking a deep breath.
"I will take that goodbye kiss though, we may never see each other again," She said simply, a sad tone to her voice.

Killian's entire face was red, he felt his hands grow clammy as he grew quiet, simply staring at her.
"Al..alright," he managed in a whisper, and moved to stand. "Shall... shall we take the kiss here or.." and he grit his teeth, embarassed and not quite sure where they ought to take it. He cringed at his own nerves. "Or..or.. I could erm.. kiss you after I escort you to your room? Room eleven I think it was?"

Yes.. that way, he could recooperate SOME sense into his brain.

Solita stood, offering Killian a soft smile, hoping it would ease his nerves even though her face was still bright red with a blush.
"Would you escort me to my room first?" She asked softly, at least if they were standing by the door to the room Millie wouldn't be watching, that should help him some shouldn't it?
Solita took the few steps to close the gap between them. She gently wrapped her arm around his as she glanced up at him.

Killian's cheeks kept their blush as she moved to stand near him, her arms around his as she stood so close. Even through his layers of clothing, he could feel her softness. He simply nodded, swallowed back the knot in his throat and gestured for her to come.

Thankfully, Millie was no where to be seen, so as the pair began to ascend the steps, Killian chanced a smile her way, but clumsy he tripped at the last moment and fell into her, but caught both of them before they fell, ad found himself in a position over her, their faces but inches away.

"I.. I'm s-sorry. I'm so clumsy." he said, helping her to her feet and now stepping with her to the top of the steps. Could the blush on his face get any hotter?

Solita found herself beneath Killian as they walked up the steps. She looked into his eyes for a moment before looking away, her face growing hotter as she was helped by Killian to her feet.
"I-It's okay," She spoke softly, still not looking up at him.

Instead she looked up at the room numbers until she found they were in front of room eleven, her room. There she turned to him, only glancing up at his face for a moment before looking down. No one had ever let her get that close to them. The simple thought of being so close to him made her heart flutter in her chest.

Pausing just outfront of her door, Killian smiled after he released a held breath.
"Well, here we are. Infront of your room."
Which was obvious.

He stood there a moment, awkardly, his smile twitching a bit in it's uncertainty as he stood before her.
"So uh.. guess it's time to say goodnight?" he said, feeling his lips and throat grow dry as his hands sweated as he took hers.

Gods..t he kiss the kiss...
Yes, and before he lost his nerve, his eyes finding hers, looking into their shining depths, he leaned forward and kissed her..
but softly upon the cheek.

ANd her skin was so soft and warm there, and she smelled so wonderful, that one kiss turned into two, as he took a moment to be daring and bold, and went from kissing her on the cheek now, to full and softly upon the lips.

It was only there he lingered a moment before pulling away and staring down at her through his eye lashes.
"Goodnight, Solita." And he felt his heart flutter, his cheeks flush. "Goodnight. I hope you sleep well." and he took her by the hand and kissed the top of it softly, before turning to leave.

First Solita felt Killian's lips on her cheek, which made the blush on her face grow hotter. She felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach and before she knew it Killian's lips were pressed against her own.
She closed her eyes as soon as he kissed her, her body leaning into his slightly. The kiss only lasted a few moments but to her it felt like forever, and even that wasn't long enough. Her knees grew weak as Killian pulled away, causing her to to her hand against the door to help support herself.

She couldn't speak at first, shock making it hard to even think let alone form a coherent sentence. As he made it to the steps she managed to throw her hand up in a goodbye wave. She was still unable to speak though. She brought her hand up, touching her lips softly, she had really just kissed someone, the thought alone was enough to keep her face blood red.

She stood out in the hall for several minutes, what just happened playing in her head a couple of times before she finally turned back to her door and entered her room.

OOC: I kept debating ending the thread and starting  a new one, but suppose we can have a bit more fun on this one before we 'move things along' XD so yeah, just a quick little posty of Killian's 'after the kiss' reaction lol
--------

Killian could not sleep all night as he lay in the barracks, his eyes wide and open, smiling broadly as he looked up at the ceiling. THe men around him grew agitated, and eventually, he was teased, but he didn't care. His mind was going a mile a minute. Solita.. Solita.. Solita...
and she was the only thing on his mind right then as he drew in a breath that swelled out his chest and he sighed, closing his eyes and trying to sleep.
But even his dreams were of her, though this time their snow-fallen fish fiasco turned into something a little more...
and the kisses there, in his dream, were hot enough to melt the ice.

SO when he awokened with a cold fish flopping ontop of his chest, he let otu a scream and leaped to his feet, and everyone in his garrison was roaring in laughter.

"So, who's Solita?' one of the men asked, giving Killian a playful nudge with his arm. Killian's face turned bright red.

"Oh err.. um, just some girl I met in town," he replied.

"Oh?" the boy quirked a devilish brow. "You'll have to tell us all about her, but for now, we've got to get to practice. You know how the General is." The boy rolled his eyes and Killian nodded, smiling as he quickly got dressed, Solita still on his mind.


OOC:
THIS THREAD HAS MOVED ON!
If following up with it, please check out the new thread, here:
Waking From the Dead (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=14934.msg141068#msg141068)