Spirits of the Earth

Zantaric- known for it's crude, rude and filthy population, a scab constantly picked over on the world, festering and unkempt- with not a single ruler but many who try to stake claim with fists and swords. So many that came here came to stay, for a sanctuary for the seedy grows the shadiest of trees. Though that was not the reason that drew Iyla Krue. She had a lead, and a keen sense, that this was the place she'd find the seed of darkness- and not just the 'seeds' of darkness hidden within these men.

She was only in the city for a few minutes and was already regretting her stay. With one hand cautious and tense at her side, she stalked through the town. Though most wouldn't think much of her- for she was dressed as a man, and had only a few sparse sprigs of hair poking through the front of her hood ad falling over her ruby red eyes. A mask was tucked across her face, and because of the ways she bound her body, it appeared as just another lithe man stalking through their city like a cautious panther. There were many of these types, so she fit right in.

She wasn't here for the same reasons as most. Where dark and twisted magics and men converged, and skull cracked in brawls on the street for power and pleasure- no, she was seeking something much more dangerous than that- for a dark entity was present here, and she could sense it, even through the stench of men at the bar. The tavern: The Craggy Oak was nothing boastful, in fact, it was positively filthy and a little too crowded for her own tastes, but she needed a drink and a place to get her barrings.

This place made her dizzy, dizzier than most, but she assumed it was the lack of table manners and the grunts of men and their stench. That, and the fact the shadow seed had to be close. It was hard to discern where, but the ink-like matter that had replaced her blood sent a warm tingling sensation throughout her veins. So she knew she was getting close.

Ordering a mug of ale, it came in a dirty cup, but she didn't care. Pulling back the clothe about her mouth, just enough so that she could drink, she chugged down about half the mug before replacing the mask and peering through the darkness of the Inn. Yes, it was very close- perhaps too close, as her senses were drumming inside her ears, a sensation that was soon giving her a headache. But so was the noise inside the bar. Gods damn drunks.

In the pursuit of the leisures life has to offer Hunter found himself in Zantaric a rather unsavory cesspool of debauchery. Though he found that certain aspects of Zantaric were ones he could easily follow along with, however he was not here in search of his own vices but rather he had come here in search of a bounty he has been after. Though he did not like doing it, Hunter knew he had to spend coin to make coin and with thought in mind that is what he had to do in order to find out where he might run into the person he has been after, shelling out coin to various people as bribes for information.

It was this information that he managed to scrounge up, albeit at a cost to him, that had brought him to The Craggy Oak. Though it was not the most desirable of places to be Hunter knew it was here that the person he is after might be given what he had been told. Though he knew it was guaranteed given the fact that people do tend to lie about things and that the person he is after could not be here or not return. Hunter had decided to spend time in the tavern to see if the one he is searching for showed up.

Shifting his gaze from below the brim of his hat, Hunter scans the inside of the tavern, glancing from one patron to the next as he takes a sip from his drink. Given where he had found himself Hunter was more cautions then he would be if he were in a more lawful village. " Hmmm. " He murmurs softly to himself as he shifts his gaze idly. As he shifts his gaze he gives thought of how he should handle the situation, given the fact that he found himself in a place of drinking he knew there is a high likely hood of a drunken brawl breaking out. While that may be good it could also be bad given that he could possible lose the person he is after.

Berlious Rhecht; a man with only one eye and a shiny, bald head, mean, brown eyes and muscles bulging all over his body- made no effort to keep conspicuous on who he was. He threw out his name like it were worth a million dollars, and when the other men at his card table got pissed he was winning the game- it didn't take too long for a fight to break out.

Fists met to faces, and chairs to heads as broken mugs and plates crashed to the ground. There was fresh blood now splattering to the ground as fists cracked into loud mouths to silence them and a few men lost a bit of teeth, but it was all in a day's night in Zantaric.

When the fight broke out, Iyla's red eyes went over to observe the barbaric sight, thinking nothing of it- except when the tall, bald headed man by the name of Berlious was winding up for another punch, and his fist went clean into the other man's chest.

Her own heart lurched at the notion- and she could feel it. The very presence of the shadow seed had been awoken- and this seemingly normal mortal man was now throwing about this power in nonchalance.
"Damn." she cursed. What rotten luck.

She'd have to find a way to tear the seed out of this man, or kill him. And her eyes remained wary upon the men as the fight continued on- and it was evident the strength Berlious carried was anythng but human. No man could slam a fist through an entire table- but he just did. And in fact, no man could throw a fist through another man!

The shadow seed.. she realized he must have tapped into it's strength- or that this shadow seed's focus was on strength and in turn, lent it's own other-worldly powers to this holder who willingly merged with it.

Yep, this manw as going to die. Especially after he flung himself at the bar and exclaimed, "Who's next!?" His fists were ready.

Of course, curse her rotten luck, she was within his line of sight and his eyes met to hers, the brown color having long since faded to black.

Her nostrils burned, her veins tingled...
Yes... the seed was so near she could taste it.

"Little man, you want a piece of this?"

But before Iyla could answer him, her boot came up and hit him right between the legs. DOubling over, Iyla didn't hesitate as she used the shadows to heighten her speed, and slid just to the one side- A trick only the keenest of eyes could hve noticed, before bringing her boot up and kicking him on the chest, then wth a step and kick up his body, a boot met to his face. Kicking off his head, she did an aerial flip backwardsa nd away from the man before landing safely in  a crouch as the big man began to stumbled backwards. ANd giving one final, powerful kick, the man was sent sailing across the room- smashing into the side of the tavern, which his entire body went through- leaving a gaping hole int he wall.

As he shifted from one tavern patron to another in search of the man he was after he caught wind of a name, a name that hooked his attention causing him to perk up a bit. The name Berlious Rhecht had caught his attention as it was the man he had been hunting for. He felt he was in luck, the coin he had spent paid off which was a nice thing when everything lined up. It was not a good feeling when you had to spend your coin and did not get any of it back. Though he thought he was in luck since he his path had begun to cross with the man he is after, as the fight begins to break out he fills his luck turning from what he thought was good into bad luck as a bar fight was something he was hoping to avoid even though the bar fight was not something he had caused. " Just my luck... " Hunter grumbles lightly to himself as the fight begins to break out. Thought the fight had broken out he decides not to take part in it as it would not make his job any easier.

Watching the man he is after put his fist through another man's chest only made Hunter more sure that he should stay out of the fight. Though it made him more assured of his choice to stay out of the fight it also made him question, just a bit, why he is after this man. If he can put his fist through another man's chest then he could do a lot more then just that to someone. The idea of having a man punch through his chest or even break a limb with such ease as the man seemed to do so with made Hunter rethink his commitment to taking this man in. If he could punch into a man's chest then how hard would it be to bring a man like that down and even take him in for the bounty. " .. Blast, why do things have to be this troublesome. " he says with a sigh as he watches the man he is after. Though this new revelation made him rethink his commitment to capturing this bounty, Hunter knew he could use the coin after what he had to spend to find the man.

With his choice to stay out of the fighting Hunter remains where he had been and simply watches as the man goes after someone at the bar. Watching what was going on he gave thought to perhaps stepping in and trying his hand at bringing the fight to an end however he did not want a man punching into his chest. Though he thought Berlious was nearly unstopable in his rampage, Hunter watches as the man doubles over after taking a hit between the legs. Hunter turns his gaze from his target to the man he had gone after now, he didn't think anyone could bring the rampaging man down, however it had happened before his own eyes. Not only had the person brought Berlious but also waisted no time in following through with a number of strikes to deal with Berlious. Hunter turns his gaze back to Berlious moments before he is sent sailing across the room and through a wall, a feat that shocked Hunter. " I may have to ask for extra... " Hunter says to himself before he sets his mug down and raises to his feet. Given what had just happened and where his target now resided he thought it may be a good time to move into action. Picking up his crossbow Hunter wasted no time in following after Berlious through the hole, his gaze shifting around for a moment in search of the man as he stood ready for a fight, though he hoped going through a wall had done something to the man that would aid in his capture. " Berlious, I am here to claim the bounty on your head. " Hunter says after stepping out of the tavern.

Berlious Rhecht lay, arms sprawled, face towards the heavens, with splinters of wood and dusty debris sooting his skin. When Hunter came out using his phrasing, the man groaned just as his breath returned to him. And as he peered up at the crossbow, he wrinkled his face in anger.

"Get that fuckin' piece of shit out of my face," Berlious growled. "Before I make you eat it."

Iyla, having watched the blonde haired idiot chase after the man on the ground, rolled her eyes and went back to the bar. Her drink was still in tact. Sighing, she lowered her wrapped mask again to get another drink - this time finishing the whole cup. Let the foolish cross-bow maniac deal with him now. She needed a drink, and a plan. She never thought she'd run into the problem where another mortal would merge with the stone. This could prove problematic. But what could she do?

Peering over at the hole, she frowned. Perhaps she ought to help the idiot wtht he cross bow. But something about that didn't sit well with her, and then catching what Hunter said really pissed her off. Rising from the bar, she took a swig of someone elses's abandoned drink before storming out after the pair.

She stepped through the hole she made with Berlious's body and glared at the two men. And without so much as a warning, she kicked Hunter in the balls, too.
"Get your bounty your own damn way," she growled, her voice gruff and masking over her feminine tone. And her red eyes flashed from Hunter towards Berlious, who was now taking advantage of the two persons after him as he got to his feet.

"Where do you think you're going?" Iyla demanded, but Berlious already had taken off. "Gods damn." She cursed and took off after him, not caring she'd leave Hunter to eat her dust.


OOC: lol hope it's ok I had cc-ed some action from Iyla, if you want - just PM me and I can edit this post if you'd rather not have her do that XD

The threat from Berlious did give Hunter a moment of pause as he thought on the fact that Berlious could probably make him eat the crossbow given that he had punched into a mans chest and destroyed a table with ease. Though he thought on it he knew he could not go with it as this was his ticket to getting more coin and now he had found his target. With his full attention fixed on Berlious, Hunter did not see Iyla as she approached, though if he he may have been cautioned to her approach. He had not seen her on approach however he realized her presence only a few moments before she brought her foot up and kicked him in the balls. Hunter felt the day go from bad to worse as he is kicked in the balls, an action that causes him to lose focus and sink to his knees as he drops his crossbow, his hands moving down to cup his balls as he groans in pain.

As he sank to his knees he felt the urge to vomit though he fought back against it as he held his balls while watching the man he is after begin to take leave of the two. He tried to speak and call out to Berlious however as he tries to speak nothing comes out but a groan of pain. His gaze shifts to the person that had kicked him as she gives chase to his target, though given what she had said it sounded like she too is after this man. With what had just happened he knew this was not going to be an easy thing to accomplish if Iyla was willing to kick him in the balls and she seemed rather angry, though given how she spoke and acted Hunter figured the person that kicked him to be a man. Grabbing his crossbow Hunter musters enough strength to climb back to his feet and give chance after the two though he felt pain coarse through him with each step. Not only was he after Berlious but now he wanted to give the person that kicked him a piece of his mind or rather the same gesture that had been given to him though he could think of other things he would like to do to Iyla for the kick.

For a man as big as he was, Berlious sure ran fast, and to top it off, he was laughing at them. Mocking them! Glaring at the back of Berlious's head, she continued to make chase, and the second the man moved intot he shadows, her body shifted, and like the winds, she was suddenly moving through them with ease. The speed she exceeded as incredible, and in a mere second she was before the man and punching him in the face.

"Get back on the ground! I'm not done with you yet!" Though she hadn't expected it, the man kicked out her legs beneath her and Iyla found herself on the ground, a few extra pieces of fiery reddish blonde hair falling over her face. ANd a moment later, the ground shook and a crunching snap was heard as the behemoth of a man that was Berlious pulled out a tree from the ground- roots and all.

"I'm going to bash you with little boy!" Berlious cackled and slammed the tree over top of her- and Iyla was seeing starts. Hitting her a second, then third time, he let the tree drop over her body before he toook off again, giving Hunter the middle finger since Berlious was making a get away before he could even arrive on the scene!

Gripping his crossbow with it at the ready Hunter chased after the two, though only one of the two he truly gave chase to. He wanted to get the man he is after and perhaps give the man that kicked him int he balls a return kick and then with any luck be on his way to get his reward money. That sounded like a good plan to Hunter if only it would go that way for him.

Having been crippled momentarily thanks to the kick, Hunter had ground to make up in order to catch up with his target. Working to make up the ground he had lost thanks to Iyla he had started to grow frustrated at the situation. What he hoped would be a simple task as tacking down the man and rounding him up to be taken in had turned out to be an adventure of its own, a rather painful one at that.

Drawing upon the two he watches as Berlious uses a tree in the same fashion one would use a hammer to strike Iyla. Given what Iyla had done to him only moments ago, Hunter did not feel very sorry for the man that was being pounded by the tree. What concerned him was how Berlious was using the tree as if it where nothing to him. As Berlious gave him the middle finger while he begins to take off Hunter frowns at the man as he brings his crossbow up, pressing the stock against his shoulder as he takes aim at the man and fires, his target one of the man's legs in an attempt to cripple him and bring him down.

The crossbow's bolts hit true and Berlious went down, gripping his wounds as he cried out in agony. But Iyla, being too stunned to really notice, lay on the ground, trapped beneath the tree- and completely stunned and motionless-
and such a force knocked the cowl back on her cloak, revealing more effeminate hair beneath. THough with the mask drawn over her mouth,s he could still pull off the pretty boy look-
after all, her body was hidden behind wraps and leather...

and now a somewhat large tree. Ugh.

Hitting his mark with the bolt, Hunter watches as Berlious goes down from the hit and grips the wound. Seeing that Berlious had went down Hunter nods his head faintly and casts his gaze to Iyla as he draws closer to the woman stuck under the tree. Drawing closer he notices the cowl had been knocked off revealing part of her head, though only really her hair, something that did not sit well with the demeanor of a man.

Turning his attention back to Berlious he takes a moment to pull the string back on his crossbow and load another bolt into it, this time choosing a bolt that had a paralyzing agent on the tip of the bolt. He had brought his prey down for the moment though now he had to ensure that the man would not be putting up a fight. " Alright, let's try this again. " He says as he watches Berlious, though he couldn't help but glance to Iyla for a moment. Though he had been kicked in the balls by Iyla he did not think being beat and pinned by a tree was a good thing to have done to someone. Though he was not sure if he could do it, he lifts a leg and pushes his foot against the large tree, trying to push it off of Iyla, his crossbow still trained on Berlious.

When Hunter gave the tree a kick in attempts to push and roll it off of Iyla, she let out a cry of pain. Though the tree did mve, it was sitll quite heavy. The man might have to give it a heftier push- which would be easier to do if he were positioned over top of it's center. Though turns out, that's exactly where Iyla now lay.

Though as she groaned and grit her teeth in pain, Berlious was doing the same, but by now, he was trying to get back on his feet.

Though he tries to push the tree off of Iyla he finds it is going to take more then just a simple push with his leg. " Just my luck.. " he grumbles lightly as he gazes down at Iyla for a moment as he tries to figure out how to go about doing this. His willingness to help the injured and pinned person was getting in the way of him getting his bounty though he did not think he should just leave Iyla laying here like this.

Turning his gaze back to Berlious he seen the man was already working to get to his feet so he could make his escape. " Hey, Hey. And where do you think you are going? " Hunter asks as he watches Berlious. " Why don't you get your ass over here and remove this tree and I'll think about not shooting you again. " he says while watching Berlious. He was the man that put the tree on Iyla in the first place so why not make him remove the tree as well? That sounded like a good idea, it meant he had to do little to no work in removing the tree from Iyla but he could take the credit for saving her.

Removing the tree was slow goings, and Iyla was growing desperate as she clawed at the wood, though when the question was asked of Berlious- even she knew it was a dumb idea. The large man just barked out a laugh and grabbed a nearby rock, one that was about the size of a football, and heavy, and hurled it towards Hunter's head.

Iyla's eyes went wide. She had barely managed to slip one leg out from underneath the tree as she exclaimed, "Watch out!"

Though it was indeed a bad idea, Hunter hoped the man would go along with the order and remove the tree from atop Iyla, that way he did not have to exert himself. He expected the man to laugh at him and protest against the order, perhaps even try to retaliate and as Berlious went for the rock Hunter seen that he would be doing the heavy lifting on his own.

Having already been put through a deal of pain one time today, Hunter did not want to get hit with the rock and with this desire he took measures to prevent such a thing from happening. Shifting to the side as Berlious threw the rock, Hunter takes aim at the man again before he fires his crossbow, his target the man's chest. Unlike the first bolt he shot the man with, this one had a paralyzing agent that should render Berlious incapable of taking action, or at least this is what Hunter thought.

Berlious let out a cry of pain. The shot would have proved deadly in the chest had the shadow seed not been residing within his body. The bolt went into the seed, however, the paralyzation took effect and the big man dropped to his knees, grabbing onto his trembling torso as he doubled over in pain.

Grunting, Iyla was working at trying to get herself free from the tree. one leg was still under it, and since she had her arms available she reached back to grab her spear and used that to help wedge the tree up. To her relief, it worked and she slipped her last leg free and rested her forehead against her arm while leaning into her weapon for support. Then as she did so, she realized her hood had come off and quickly worked at returning it over her  head. Had the man noticed? Hopefully not. This was a man's world and in Zantaric, it was ten times more dangerous to be a woman.

Wiping at the blood that had been trickling down her nose, she slowly rose to her feet and stared over at Hunter warily. She didn't see him as an ally, but was he a foe? She'd have to wait and see.

"Why are you hunting after this man?" she hissed, her voice coming out gruff from behind her half mask.

Having taken the shot at Berlious, Hunter watches as the man succumbs to the effects of the poison he had on the bolt. Given what the man had done before, Hunter was not sure if it would work and was not sure what he would have done if it did not work on him. With his target taken care of he turns his gaze back to Iyla and sees that she had managed to almost get out from under the long on her own. That was a relief, he did not have to do much to help her then again she had hit him in the balls so he felt he had all the right not to help her.

Keeping his gaze fixed on her he pondered more on why she had her face covered and had the hood, the only reason to do such a thing was to hide ones identity from others. This was something he gave some thought to, running around in some form of mask. As he watches he sees her realize the hood was off and hastily work to get it back up to cover her face, something that makes the man smirk faintly at. As he watches Iyla, he reaches down and rubs his balls some, still feeling sore from when she had kicked him earlier, listening to her as she spoke. He could hear the gruff tone of her voice, something to hide how she really sounded he figured. Grumbling softly he glances to Berlious " Well first off, you're welcome for me saving your life even though you did kick me in the balls. " he says as he turns his gaze back to Iyla. " Second, I am hunting this man because he is wanted... And seeing as how I brought him down after he beat the day lights out of you, I figure he is mine to turn in. You can go find your own. " he says with a nod, a light smirk taking form on his face " Though, I could possibly be persuaded to maybe split the bounty with you. " He says, slowly shifting so she would not have a clear shot at kicking him in the balls again.

Iyla's red eyes narrowed at him and she snapped the pointed end of her spear towards him, the tip glistening off the evening light.
"I make no negotiations and I work alone. This man is mine. You can not have him."

As the end of her spear shifted to point at him, Hunter glances to it for a moment and lets out a soft sigh as he looks back to Iyla. As she spoke he listens to her throw the idea of shearing the bounty out the window. Though she had done some of the leg work, Hunter seen the man as his given he had brought him down after she had been beaten bloody by the tree.

" I'm afraid that is not how I see it. " he says with a faint nod as he watches her closely now that she had her spear pointed at him. " While you lay under the tree I brought the man down. Hell, I practically saved your life. You should be thanking me and show some appreciation. I could have let him kill you after what you did to me back there! " Hunter exclaims, a slight tone of anger in his voice as he spoke to her.

Iyla narrowed her gaze at him and gave a warning thrust with the spear.
"That's not how the end of my weapon sees it. Now, casually walk away, head back to the Craggy Oak and forget what you've seen here. Find another bounty, there's probably plenty at the bar. This entire place is thriving with criminals and thieves. I doubt you'd be much at a loss. Now leave." ANd her voice was laced in a dangerous promise if he did not oblige, for she had no qualms with forcing him out of the picture, either.

Hunter glances to her speak for a brief moment as she gives a quick thrust with it, an action that makes it clear she may be willing to use the weapon. Bringing his gaze back to her face as she spoke, Hunter couldn't help but chuckle softly at the comment of her weapon not seeing it how he sees it, though he was connecting it with something else with a more dirty context. Though he knew she was right about being able to find another bounty in the tavern, he could not just leave the one he had already caught. He had put in the effort and now wanted to get paid. The tone in her voice makes him narrow his gaze and frown faintly at her. She was serious about this matter however so was he which posed a problem.

Dropping his gaze from her face, he glances to the spear for a moment before looking back to her " Perhaps if I had not done the hard part I would be willing to let it slide... " He begins while gazing into her eyes, " But I have already invested coin and effort into this man and now I have him in my grasp. " He adds as he lowers his arm and lets his crossbow fall to the ground before carefully taking a step closer to her, though he isn't able to move far since she had her spear pointed at him. As he steps closer he slowly brings a hand up, moving it close to the spear as he gets ready to deflect it if needed. " So babe, perhaps it best if we came to some form of deal because my weapon sees it my way. " He says, a faint grin taking form on his face at the mention of his weapon, though his had a more phallic connotation.

"Babe?" Feeling her blood heat behind her concealing clothes, she let her rage take over reason and with a roar, she swept the shaft of the spear and used it to take out his legs. Then in the same swift motion as he fell to the ground,s he angrily placed a boot and slammed it into his throat, and as she gave he weapon a twirl,s he directed it towards his face her eyes narrowing at him.
"What the hell are you getting at? Now I've warned you once,"s he growled, keeping her voice hidden and not believing he could see through her guise. "Cut the bull shit out and I won't leave you here in a bloodied heap."

His bounty? Ha. He had no idea what value this man had to her! And she was not about to let the shadow-seeded get away so easily. Her freedom depended on it.

The grin quickly faded from Hunter's face as he felt his legs being knocked from under him by Iyla's spear. Without the support of his legs he fall to the ground, hitting the ground he let out a groan though it is cut short as a boot strike him in the throat. A strike that stunned Hunter for a moment though as he recovers he gazes up at the spear she now had pointed him and past it to her face. ' Great, now I probably am going to die. ' Hunter thought to himself as he gazes up at Iyla as she speaks to him.

As he listens to her he lets out a soft sigh as she threatens his life more. How much further screwed could he get? Given what he had seen when she had her cowl down, he was going out on a limb. Perhaps this person was a woman but then again it could be a rather effeminate man. " Easy, easy. " He says before coughing lightly, finding the strike to his throat had affected his voice somewhat. Slow and carefully he brings one hand up from the ground, reaching up towards the speak though he does not try and grab it. " Just takin' a stab at the dark here... But I'm gonna call your bluff and say your no man. " He says, trying to keep all of Iyla's attention fixed on his words as well as him going for the spear.

With his free hand he carefully moves it to his coat and reaches into his pocket, he was trying not to draw attention to what he is doing with his free hand. He slowly fishes around until he finds the bolt he is looking for and withdraws it from his pocket. In one swift move as he pulls the bolt from his pocket, he tries to catch Iyla off guard and stab it into her leg. He did not give much though to where he hit Iyla as it was the same kind of bolt he used to bring down Berlious, one with a paralyzing agent.

What? Why was this man caring to call her out on her identity? Was't this fight over the bounty? But the very idea he felt it was something to bring up while he was in this sort of predicament made her growl as she dug her boot heel into his throat.

"Keep this up and they'll be at least one female amongst us," she threatened. Though a groan from Berlious had her turning her eyes momentarily from Hunter- which gave him enough time to strike her with the paralyzer dart. Letting out a cry of alarm from the pain, Iyla doubled over and found herself grounded as she clutched the wound. Though even as she did so, she managed to growl you, "YOU IDIOT!" and turning from Hunter towards the forest, she saw Berlious was actually running away. "He's getting away!"

With the heel of her boot digging into his throat Hunter knew he had to get her off of him one way or another. Her remark about turning him into a woman did not help his situation any as he would like to stay a man and perhaps explore her as a woman, that sounded like it may be both a good idea and a bad one given how she is treating him at the moment. Though he didn't think he would get her with the bolt, he catches a break as Berlious' groaning catches her attention long enough for him to strike her with the bolt as he had intended.

As she doubled over Hunter rolls to the side and begins to climb to his feet. As he raises to his feet he reaches to his throat and rubs it as he looks to Iyla as she yells at him. Looking away from Iyla he looks towards Berlious who was already making his escape. " .. Great. " Hunter grumbles as he picks up his crossbow " It's your fault. " he says, glancing to Iyla for a moment. Given how Berlious had come to rather quickly from the effects of his bolt he figured Iyla would as well so he had no problem with leaving Iyla here like this.

After placing the blame on her, Hunter begins to give chase after Berlious. He had scuffled with Iyla for to long and now his target was getting away after he had the man practically in his grasp. As he chases after Berlious knew he could not reload his crossbow, all he could do was push himself and try to catch up with the man as he tries to escape.

Iyla glared at Hunter. As IF it were her fault! DId he not realize HE was the one throwing about threats with a damn crossbow? And of course, so far none of Hunter's threats were any good! Or else Berlious Rhecht wouldn't be running away!

His chest still stung and made each step laborious, but Berlious was in survival mode and he wasn't about to get caught so easily, but as he watched Hunter gain on him, she snarled out a few swears and picked up another rock and threw it his way.

The two were almost out of view, but Iyla could see what Berlious was doing. Glaring at the pair of them, she muttered, "Idiots." And found herself struggling against the stunted poison now coursing through her veins. Oh, this bounty hunter would pay!

Having given chase to his target, Hunter keeps his attention focused on Berlious. Given what the man had done before he did not want to fall prey to what he could do, being pounded repeatedly by a tree wasn't something that seemed to be any form of fun. Keeping a close eye on Berlious, Hunter notices the man pick up another rock before throwing it at him.

With the rock being thrown at him, Hunter evades the make shift projectile and grumbles lightly. Given how Berlious had been injured, Hunter figured he would not be doing any form of escaping or at least he hoped the man would have not tried and escape but here he was chasing after him.

As he runs after Berlious, trying to catch up with the man, Hunter reaches into his coat and pulls out one of his daggers, sheath and all. If Berlious was going to throw things then he figured he could do the same. Though he was not sure if he would hit his mark, Hunter drew back the sheathed weapon and hurls it at Berlious, not really aiming for any where in particular, but rather just to try and hit him and with any luck cause him to stop or fall over.

It must've been terrible luck for the bounty hunter, but good for the 'bounty'; as Berlious turned around just in time to grab the sheathed dagger an din turn, sheaths it in one flowing motion to throw the dagger at Hunter's face. It missed, but barely by a hair as the entire dagger sunk into a tree next to him.

And it was only then Berlious turned around, squaring off his shoulders like a bull and rushed the bounty hunter, tackling him fully and grabbing up the man by his arms. If he was trying to use his cross bow- good luck! For in mere seconds Hunter would find his feet off of the ground and his ENTIRE body being thrown-
and a second later, he would land painfully on the ground next to Iyla.

Iyla, who was still partially paralyzed, peered down at the bounty hunter with a scowl.
"You deserved that." She growled.

Though at the time it seemed like a good idea, throw a sheathed dagger and hope to bring the man down, though as the dagger is thrown back at him Hunter finds it might have not been the best of ideas. He did not have time to react however the dagger misses him and sinks into a tree next to him, though he knew it could have been him in place of the tree.

As Berlious turns to face him Hunter slows to a stop, wondering for a moment if the man was going to give himself up. However he is taken by surprise as Berlious bull rushes at him and tackles him, knocking the wind out of Hunter as the man collides with him. Though he wanted to struggle he found he couldn't not as Berlious had his arms preventing him from going for any weapon to fight back.

He was only in Berlious' grasp for a few seconds before he is thrown into the air. He flew through the air for a few only a moment or so before he came crashing down painfully hitting the ground. At first he did not realize he had come to rest next to Iyla though as she spoke, growling at him he groans and looks to her, seeing the scowl on her face. " ... It's nice to see you to sweetheart. " he says, managing a brief chuckle before it fades into a groan of pain.

In the leg that wasn't completely stunned, she used what strength she had and suddenly kicked him hard, on his shin.
"Don't call me sweetheart!" she growled, red eyes flaring.
"And what sort of bounty hunter ARE you!? Your bounty is getting away."A nd she paused, and felt the need to add. "AGAIN."

OOC: Lol, sorry, short post

With his gaze fixed on her face Hunter did not see her leg as she begins to move it. However as she kicks him in the leg he inhales sharply as he pulls away from her some, trying to get out of her range so she couldn't hit him again.

Her growling caused him to chuckle lightly again as his comment angered her greatly. As she brings up the fact that his bounty is getting away again he lets out a soft sigh. For a moment he was enjoying simply laying on the ground next to her, it gave him a brief moment of relaxation all be it in pain and hit once again by Iyla.

" It's not my fault he is getting away this time. " He says while looking at her " Someone just had to get in my way. Not to mention kicking me in the balls. " he says with a hint of anger in his tone. With a soft groan he begins to climb back to his feet, his gaze turning from Iyla as he looks in the direction he had last seen Berlious, though he figured the man was already out of sight and on his way to freedom.

Iyla was easily annoyed by this man. The bounty hunter was obnoxious and she couldn't let Berlious get away. The man had the shadow seed she needed- a piece of the puzzle that would help gain her freedom. Despite being partially paralyzed, she tried to move, feeling her powers tingling as she tried to reach into the shadows. She wasn't sure if it's work- but she had to at least try it. Closing her eyes, she felt her body becoming lighter, then hotter and suddenly- she was cold.

She had managed to shift through the shadows. But had only managed to travel through to her destination partway- for now she was standing int he shadows, partially blended in and leaning against a tree that was between Hunter and Berlious. Falling to the ground as her leg continued to remain a dead weigh, and paralyzed, she growled and turned towards where Berlious was taking off yet again in the forest.

And she decided to do something foolish.
She shadow hopped again- moving swiftly through despite the pain and numbness of her leg and right when she had caught up to Berlious- she tackled the larger man to the ground.

Glancing back towards Iyla, Hunter noticed that she was gone, which was a strange thing given the fact that she should have still been under the affects of the paralyzing agent he stabbed her with. With the disappearance of Iyla from his side he felt the day growing even more stranger and confusing first a man punches into another man's chest and destroys a table like it was nothing and now this person hunting the man he is after had disappeared which could mean only one of two things given she was after the same man as he.

With a growl Hunter had already begun to move, heading in the direction Berlious had ran off in. The first time he had caught the man she gave him a great deal of trouble and caused even more pain to him and now she was probably on her way after Berlious once again. " Damn it all. " Hunter grumbles once again giving chase to Berlious. Given how she was before Hunter knew if she got to Berlious first she was not going to share the bounty with him which meant he would be out and have to do the work again to find another without having a nice pay day in between.

As he gave chase he reached into his pocket and pulled out one of the last bolts coated in the paralyzing agent, holding it in one hand as he held his crossbow in the other. If she was going to be a pain in his ass again he felt he may need to hit her again though he also knew he may need to use it on Berlious. Making his way upon the scene just as Iyla tackles Berlious to the ground Hunter comes to a stop, gazing down at the two as he quickly works to reload his crossbow " Good work partner. Berlious stop running! " He exclaims, though exhausted from the running he has been forced to do.

Annoyed Hunter showed up, Iyla let out a growl- but it was not as loud as the growl coming from Berlious, for the man ws furious and turned his rage onto Iyla, hefting her up and onto his shoulders before he used the woman as a weapon- and HURLED the crossing-dressing girl right into Hunter!

Hearing the growl from Iyla he was worried though not as worried as he is hearing the growl coming from Berlious. The man was like a monster and now he shown that even more. As Berlious picks up Iyla, Hunter thought he was going to run off with her at first. However he finds that not the case as Iyla is hurled at him. Only having a few brief moments Hunter knew he could probably evade the incoming human weapon, though instead he chooses to drop his crossbow and let Iyla hit him, his arms coming up to try and catch her in his grasp as he is knocked over.

THe collision was painful as Iyla let out a gasping cry of pain,a nd as the two smashed into the dirt, her form crumpled over his, their faces awkwardly inches apart. Her chest was rising and falling, repressed tightly beneath the bindings well concealed underneath all the leather armor she wore, and her mind was in too much of a whirl for her to say anything at first- but hearin ga few twigs snapping, she jerked her red eyes away from Hunter's face and stared over at where Berlious was running off again.

She bared her teeth, though it was concealed behind her mask. The man was getting away again!

When he thought of catching her it sounded like a good idea, be a nice guy and catch the person being thrown. However as they made contact Hunter realized the idea was one he should have ignored rather then following through with. Laying under her after they collided he gazes up at her, for a moment there faces only inches a part though Iyla had a mask covering her face. As he lay under her Hunter thought this would be a good position to be in if he was not in so much pain from just being hit by Iyla.

Though he thought he could lay like this for some time, as it gave him a moment to relax, the moment was brought to a abrupt close as Iyla turns her gaze from him. Shifting his gaze Hunter looks towards Berlious and lets out a soft sigh as his bounty was yet again getting away. Turning his gaze back to Iyla he brings a hand up and moves it onto her side " Well... as much as I would like to stay like this. For now, I think it would be best if we teamed up. I'm sure we can split the bounty equally. I'd be more then glad to share. " he says, mustering a light grin as he gazes up at Iyla.

Iyla turned towards him with a glare.
"I'm not after him for a bounty," she hissed. And she still hadn't moved off of from where she was perched on top of his body.

As he gazes up at her he sees the glare as Iyla looks back down at him, no doubt something he said angered her more. What she had to say puzzled Hunter, he figured she was after the bounty like him though she said she isn't. " Oh, well then you wont mind me taking the full amount. " He says, still gazing up at her as she rests atop him. With her not moving off of him he found he could stay like this longer and longer though in the back of his mind he knew he had to get up. " Still, we should work together given we have a mutual goal at the moment? " He asks as he brings his other hand up and places it onto her other side, his gaze remaining fixed on her.

Iyla's gaze went red-hot when his other hand came up to touch her and she smacked it away.
"I work alone." And she used what strength she had to roll off of him, but she was still nursing her paralyzed leg. She'd have to owe him another kick in the balls for this one!

Before he could get his hand onto her side she smacked it away and spoke about working alone. As she rolls off of him he turns his gaze and watches her for a moment before glancing down to her paralyzed leg. It seemed she was still under the effects of what he had stabbed her with though they were wearing off. " Well if you do not wish to work together on this one then I guess I'll leave you here. " He says with a soft sigh and climbs back to his feet, picking his crossbow up before looking down at her once last time " And, sorry about stabbing you in the leg back there, guess it was kind of payback for kicking me in the balls. You should be right as rain in no time. "

Iyla glared at him.
"Don't worry, I'll return the favor soon enough." Though she wished she could say it with some dignity. It was difficult to bark out threats when she was useless on the ground. But her eyes strayed from his and went to the forest, seeking out any hint for what direction Berlious had ran.

Gazing down at her he sees the glare she is giving him and in return he offers her a soft smile rather then anger since she had enough for the both of them. Listening to her he nods his head faintly in response to what she has to say, no doubt she wanted to kick him in the balls again. " Indeed, I'm sure you would love to do that again. However I would appreciate if you did not. Now, if you will excuse me my dear. I have a bounty to track. " He says with a faint bow, " I do hope to see you again sometime. " he adds with a playful tone before he turns and begins to move towards the forest.

Unfortunately, it seemed Berlious was no where to be seen. The forests around Zantaric were thick and unruly- like it's men. And as Iyla watched Hunter disappear after her prey, she cursed beneath her breath and nursed her leg. Gods, stupid paralyzing darts. She couldn't even feel her foot anymore!

Thankfully, it only affected one leg and not her entire body, even though her entire body was tingling by now by the 'poison', she still managed to use her other leg and her arms to push herself up as she stood and leaned against a nearby tree. She used this moment to slip into the shadow and became unseen, one with the darkness, and while she was in it- she could visualize Berlious still running farther and farther away.

And thebounty hunter was probably running the other way. For now, however, she could still sense the shadow seed and she'd have to keep a tab on it, though when she tried to use her dark magics again- and to use the shadows for travel, she found herself halting halfway in her 'shadw run' as she stumbled into a small creek with a curse.

Shadow running was a lot easier when your entire body cooperated, but the paralyzing arrow was doing a number on her- and it seemed she wasn't as strong as Berlious was to ignore or let the effects wear off so quickly. It was probably because she was so much smaller than the man, though as she picked herself up out of the waters, she held her breath and noted-

Berlious was plowing his way through the trees, just North of her.

Ah.. she got the bounty now! Drawing up the energy to slip into shadows again, she found herself floundering again in this ability and dropped into the shallow waters once again- but this time she gained the attentions of Berlious Rhecht- and when she lifted her gaze, the man's shadow was over top of her.

"I knew it was you,"t he man growled through panted breaths. "Not sure why you're still following after me, but let me demonstrate why you ought to give up now.." the man growled, and grabbed Iyla by the throat and lifted her clean off the ground, choking her of breath- and as he did so, her mask began to fall back, and it was then he realized- with a laugh.

"Wait- are you a woman?"

Iyla's face said it all and the man laughed at her all the more.

"Dressed in men's clothing? To deter what?" he said wth a dangerous purr, his hand still tightened around her neck.

"Get your paws off me," she growled, trying to claw at his arm, but it was to no avail. he had leather bracers that protected him and he only laughed and took her clothe mask and yanked it off- tearing it clean from her face, then moved next to rip the hood of her cloak from her head and appreciated what he said as his eyes sparkled lustfully.

"Well, well, well, such a pretty face under there," he said, his hand still gripping and bruising her throat while the other one forced her chin to look up at him. "Yeah, you should have stayed where you were, girl," he said, and drew out a blade, which she only saw in a flash of motion befre suddenly, the man stabbed it into her side int he very same instant he kissed her, which hushed her screams so as to avoid alerting the damn pesky man with the cross bow.


"Shh.. It'll be alright," he whispered to her, jamming the blade in deeper to her side- not realizing that the blood that spilled out was black and unnatural as his eyes were glued to hers. "Just die quietly and if you're lucky- you'll enjoy it..."

Making his way to the forest where he had last seen Berlious, Hunter kneels down and begins to search for any tracks the man may have left behind. Though he was hoping to find some tracks left by the man, he found it hard to locate any as the forest was rather thick. " Blast.. " Hunter grumbles softly to himself as he shifts his gaze while scanning the ground for tracks. He managed to make out a few that looked like they would be the size of Berlious which caused him to move into the forest, however he was not completely sure they were the tracks of the man he is after.

Moving into the forest Hunter brings his crossbow up at the ready. He did not want the man to get the drop on him but rather he wanted to get the drop on Berlious so he could bring him down again. " Where oh where did you go.. " He murmurs softly to himself as he shifts his gaze from side to side. As he shifts his gaze he scans the area for any sign that Berlious my have been in the area he is currently in.

" Maybe I should ask for more. " Hunter grumbles to himself as he trudges forwards while shifting his gaze from side to side. He had already expended a great deal of resources in his attempt to get this man. Though he knew if he had not been attacked at the tavern he would have had Berlious and been on his way to get his bounty.

THough the blade was painful, and Iyla presumed she might be doomed, recalling what her master of shadows said, that she can't die in this form, she finds extra strength in that and clenched her teeth as she growls up at the man and spits in his face.
The moment he's distracted she's uses the shadows to her advantage and yanks his knife out of her body and slams it into his.

Berlious let out a cry, one that echoed through the forest and started the nearby birds, causing them to take flight.

As he searched on, Hunter felt he may be going the wrong way or at least not exactly in the direction he needed to be going. Shifting his gaze from side to side as he scans over the ground all he could make out were bits and pieces of animal tracks and signs caused by animals moving through the forest which meant he was more then likely going in the wrong direction. " Blast.. " Hunter grumbles to himself as he stops for a moment. Having come to a stop he begins to look around searching for any sign of Berlious that he may have missed.

While glancing around a sound caught Hunter's attention. A cry or perhaps a scream, he was not completely sure though he could tell it came from something other then an animal. This meant only one of two things, either it was Berlious or someone was in danger or injured. Bolting into action Hunter begins to rush in the direction the cry had come from. He was not sure which it was though he knew either way he would be going this way to find out. If it were someone in need of help he was more then willing to offer it and on the other hand if it was Berlious he will have found his bounty once again.

A second cry echoed out when Iyla stabbed the man again. Frustrated, the behemoth of a man went to reach for the girl, but this time she melted into the shadow and completely vanished from sight. Letting out a frustrated growl, he moved to rise off the ground when suddenly Iyla was on his back, the blade to his throat. But like a wild animal he bucked and stumbled back, bashing his back side against a nearby tree and winding Iyla, who, as Berlious trampled away, she slid to the ground in a painful, groaning heap.

Moving towards the source of the cry, Hunter hears another rattle through the forest giving him cause to push himself harder and go faster. Though he was not sure if it was someone being attacked by a beast in the forest or if it was the man he is after though deep down he hoped it was the man he is after rather then someone being attacked by a beast. Shifting past trees as he runs forwards he grips his crossbow tighter, ready to bring it up and fire at a moments notice in case it was indeed a beast attacking someone.

Coming into the area where Berlious and Iyla are located, Hunter comes to a sudden stop, his gaze falling upon Berlious as Iyla falls to the ground. For a moment Hunter glances down to Iyla wondering how she had found Berlious when he was not able to find him in this forest. Though he wished to know how she found him, Hunter knew that question could wait until later. Turning his attention back to Berlious he brings his crossbow up, taking aim at Berlious " Stop right there! " Hunter yells out, his finger on the trigger and ready to pull it in Berlious made any attempt to escape or retaliate.

And retaliate he did as the man turned towards Hunter and came barreling his way, and if Hunter wasn't careful, the man would find himself beneath Berlious's raging fists.

He hoped Berlious would stop and give up but instead he did exactly the opposite of what Hunter wanted. As he came at him, Hunter growled softly and gave the trigger of the crossbow a squeeze, loosing the last of the paralyzing bolts at Berlious. Though he fired the bolt Hunter also shifts out of the way, moving to the side to evade Berlious.

Berlious roared as he stormed forward, and the moment the arrow sunk into him, the big brute continued to run, until eventually he crashed into a heap several feet away and went stll. Iyla, who was still on the ground, watched with wide eyes as Berlious fell over. Then, from where she was on the ground, she lifted her head up to notice the bounty hunter had returned.

She narrowed her gaze at him and kept her hand and arm over her wounds, but cold, black blood was spilling everywhere, staining her arm, seeping through her fingers and staining the grass and her clothes.

Stepped out of the way Hunter watches Berlious as he charges forwards for several feet before he finally went down. As he went down Hunter lets out a soft sigh of relief, though Iyla was here so no doubt Berlious may get away again. Lowering his crossbow Hunter looks to Iyla as she lay on the ground still.

Looking at Iyla, Hunter notices that she seemed to be injured. Seeing that she is injured a frown takes form on his face as he moves over and kneels next to her, setting his crossbow down " Are you alright? " He asks, his tone shifting to a more soft and kind one as he shows a hint of caring for the fact that she is injured. As he gazes down at her he catches sight of the blood that stained the grass as well as her cloths, it was not red but rather it was black, something that did not seem natural.

Iyla bared her teeth at him like an animal.
"What are you bothering me for?" she snapped. "Go see if that man has gotten away." Really, what a terrible bounty hunter! Or so she thought. For all he knew, Berlious was getting away again, but as she peered over at the man's fallen form-s he began to wonder-
was Berlious dead?

He certainly seemed still enough and he wasn't making any noises.
"Go and check it out," she hissed again, smacking his arm.

Gazing down at Iyla, he could see now that it was indeed a woman and she was bearing her teeth at him like some kind of animal. As she spoke he lets out a soft sigh while gazing down at her. Hunter could see why she worked alone, she enjoyed kicking people in the balls and was rather mean towards them as well. With the thought of him getting away, Hunter looked over to Berlious for a brief moment before looking back to Iyla.

When she smacks his arm away he shakes his head faintly at her. " I guess this makes what... the third time I saved your life? " He asked as he rose to his feet and moves over to Berlious. As he approaches Berlious, Hunter reaches to the hilt of a dagger and grabs it as he reaches down and checks to see if Berlious was either dead or unconscious, the latter being the one Hunter was hoping for.

With the arrow jutting out of Berlious's chest, it was more than evident to assume the man was dead. He was no longer breathing and appeared stiff as a board. ANd while Hunter was checking it out, Iyla winced and pushed herself to her knees.

"Is he breathing?" she asked gruffly.

Reaching out to Berlious, Hunter could already see the man's chest was not moving which was an indication he was not breathing. Shifting his hand over Berlious' neck for a moment, Hunter lets out a soft sigh as he looks down at the man. Though he was hoping to keep from doing it, he had killed Berlious.

" No, it appears he is dead. " Hunger grumbles as he looks down at the dead Berlious. " Damn it! " he says in anger as he makes a fist and hit Berlious' chest. Now that the man was dead, Hunter knew he would have to carry him back and tote a dead body around, though he also had Iyla to think about given it seemed she was injured, however the black blood gave Hunter reason to wonder more about her and grow cautions in her presence.

Iyla let out a sigh, and leaning herself into the shadows, she closed her eyes and melted into them- appearing a moment later nearer to where Hunter was. Though as she reappeared, her vision went blurry, her mind hot and dizzy as she stilled herself on the ground and held a hand to her temple. Once the dizzy wave passed, she painfully crawled her way over to where Berlious lay.

She too, confirmed he was dead as she kept her head low and contemplated what ought to be done now to the body. She could sense the shadow seed inside of it. But how would she know where it was? And how could she get it out?

With his attention on Berlious, Hunter did not see Iyla as she shifted through the shadows to move closer. However as she came closer to check to see if Berlious is dead like he said, Hunter lifts his gaze and looks at her frowning faintly as he watches her. He was not bothered by the fact she doubted him, what bothered him was the fact that she was bleeding black blood instead of red. He had never came across someone that bled black blood before.

" Here, let me treat you're injure before it gets infected. I can bandage your injury up but that is about it right now. " He says as he watches Iyla closely. If she could not walk he would have to carry her as well though he had Berlious to deal with too, it seemed like a rather troublesome situation as he did not give any thought to leaving her behind in the forest.

Iyla just glared at him and said nothing,t hen returned her focus on Berlious. She had to figure out where the damn seed was. Ghosting her hand over the dead body, she tried to see if she could sense it, but just about every aspect of the dead man's body was oozing with sensations of shadows. SHe grimaced. She'd have to cut the man open- and without so much as a thought, she grabbed onto the dead man's dagger and slammed it into his chest. Blood bubbled up, and soon she was cutting down his chest, basically gutting the man open right before Hunter's eyes.

Though he offered to bandage her wounds up he is met with a glare as she looks at him. Every turn he was met with anger from this woman which Hunter did not like since he was trying to help her given she was injured and had been beat up. As she took one of the man's daggers Hunter thought at first she was disarming him even though he is dead, however as she plunges the dagger into his chest he grows shocked at her actions. " What the hell are you doing?! " Hunter exclaims as he reaches down and grabs her dagger wielding arm to try and stop her from cutting him open. " Stop it! " He yells at her, his anger becoming apparent as he tries to push her away from the dead body.

Iyla fought back and managed to wrangle the knife from him and pointed it at HIS throat now.
"What do you think you're doing?" She growled. "I told you I was after this man for a different reason. You can use his gutted body to turn in for your gold when I'm done."
ANd she probably looked crazy with all of Berlious's blood coating her hand and that dagger in her grip held towards him, threateningly.

Before he could pull the dagger from her she took it from him and pointed it at his throat. Pausing for a moment now that he had the dagger pointed at him, Hunter frowns and listens to her as she spoke. It seemed for some reason this woman wanted to gut the man though he did not know why. Looking at her now that she was covered in blood it seemed as if she was a crazy woman rather then a sane one and given how she is acting it only added to the appearance. He had grown fed up with the woman and how she was acting. With a growl Hunter quickly reaches up and tries to grab the hand holding the dagger to his throat and pull it away. At the same time as he went for the dagger he also shifted his weight and tried to use it against her and pin her to the ground under him.

As he went for the dagger, she cut at his arm, but the sudden shift in his weight and movement had her offset- and somehow,s he was knocked to the ground, and his knee pinned over her. Blinking, she snarled and clawed at his limbs.
"Get off me!" she snapped. "Or I'll use that dagger to gut you!"

Before he could get her pinned she managed to cut his arm though he did get her pinned below him. With a growl he grabs a hold of her wrists and forces her arms to the ground. Though he was atop her Hunter makes sure to put enough of his weight on her to keep her pinned to the ground. He did not want her to escape nor did he want her to lash out at him again given how she had treated him before. " Damn it just be silent and stop! " He yells at her, his gaze shifting into a glare as he looks down at her, his anger more apparent in his actions and the force he is using against her.

Iyla, defiant, jutted out her chin.
"As if you could keep me here!" ANd before he could stop her (not that he could) she tapped into the shadows around them and disappeared from his sight. However, this time as she moved through the shadows, all of the wear and tear from the days events was taking it's toll on her- and she reappeared moments later, collapsing onto the forest floor in a heap.

Black blood was still seeping from her wounds as she clutched her side and trembled.
"S-shit.." she had over done it. Damn it. If she were to pass out here... she'd never forgive herself for being so stupid but as it turned out, when she tried to use her shadows again for one final escape, that had been enough, and suddenly the woman reappeared just a few feet from where she collapsed but a moment ago-and passed out on the forest floor, her face eating dirt.

Gazing down at her he could see the defiance in her. As she spoke he listens to her, fingering she would use her strength to try and over power him. Though he thought he had her pinned as she seemed to lack the strength to force him off, she does something that surprises him, seeming to vanish right before his eyes. " Uhh... " Hunter says as he shifts his gaze, glancing around for a moment in search of Iyla now that she had vanished. Raising to his feet Hunter glances to the body for a moment before turning his gaze back to the forest. " What in the blazes... " He murmurs to himself as he tries to wrap his head around how she could just vanish. It had to be some form of magic, that was the only real explanation of it.

As he shifts his gaze trying to figure out where she had went to he hears the sound of someone hitting the ground not to far from him. Glancing to the dead man for a moment Hunter figured he wouldn't be going anywhere so he goes to investigate the source of the sound. Given how she had vanished Hunter did not expect to see the woman again, however as he approaches he finds her laying face in the ground passed out. Seeing her laying on the ground Hunter moves over and carefully scoops her up into his arms. Having picked her up he takes her back to where he had left his bounty before setting her onto the ground not far from the dead body.

Once he has her down on the ground he shifts his gaze over her form for a brief moment before setting his gaze upon the wound on her side. Against his better judgement given how she had treated him before, Hunter decides to treat what he thought was a wound she had sustained. Taking one of his daggers he cuts open the side of her top more to get a better look at the wound before reaching into his coat. Slipping a hand into one of the pockets of his coat he pulls out some clean cloth and presses it against the wound before he begins to bandage it to her side. " Stupid woman.. " He grumbles lightly as he works on bandaging her side. After bandaging her side he begins to pat her down for any weapons she may have, taking time to relieve her of any should she have any on her. Since she was unconscious and thus unable to defend herself, Hunter felt he should stay with her until she woke up given he could not carry the both of them with ease and he felt like a break would be nice to take for a change. With this in mind he does take extra precautionary measures and uses some cloth to bind her hands in front of her though he does not bind her legs. After binding her he sits down to have a rest and wait to see how long it would take her to come too.

It was about an hour later before she came around. Groaning, her eyes flutter open, but she's not quite fully there. ANd her head was bounding something fierce. But when she goes to sit up, she realizes, with a jerk of her arms, her hands are bound around her body. ANd that's when her eyes open all the way and dart around, furiously looking to see why.
And her gaze narrows dangerously upon Hunter.

"Why the hell did you tie me up?" she asked, squirming beneath the bindings.

Not having his attention set on her, he did not realize she had woken up until he heard her jerk her arms. Turning his attention to her Hunter watches her, figuring she would not like being tied up though he thought it best given how she had treated him. Looking down at her he sees the gaze she is giving him and reaches over to the dagger resting next to him " Well, given how you treated me before. I thought it best to tie you up. It was either that or sit atop you and pin you down like before. " He says as he picks the dagger up though he does not reach over to cut the bindings. " I have to admit, the latter sounded good to me though I figured this would be the best. I treated your wound as well. Now, are you going to answer me? " he asks before he reaches over with the dagger and cuts the bindings on her " And please, don't try anything. At the moment I have grown tired of our little game... "

The second he releases her she lunges ontop of him, pinning him to the ground in one fierce move and moves her hands to strangle his throat.
"I ought to kill you, you jerk!" she growls, anger being her only logic as she seems to have ignored the fact he had decided to help her at all. Possibly, a smarter man would have left the seemingly crazy woman for dead!

Given the fact that he had stayed and treated her injury and looked after her, Hunter thought she would have been calmer and much more nicer. However he finds he was wrong, greatly wrong, as she lunges for him, forcing him to the ground. Pinned under her he finds her hands around his throat as she begins to strangle him. Struggling under her he begins to panic a bit and though he did not want to hurt her, Hunter knew it was his only option. Lashing out at her he punches her as hard as he can in her injured side in the hope that it would stop her, though at the same time he brings the dagger he still held up and presses the blade against her throat.

THe blow to the wound was painful, and enough to make her drop her grip from him- And in the second it took her to grimace in pain, she gasped when she realized the blade was at her throat.
"Go ahead and try to kill me,"s he challenged. "You don't have the balls to do it or you wouldn't have bandaged up my wounds."

Pressing the blade against her throat his gaze narrows as she says to kill her. Did she really wish to die? She spoke again this time seeming to call his bluff. Hunter was not sure if he could actually go through with it, though he had succeeded in his initial goal of getting her to stop strangling him. " You would like that wouldn't you. " Hunter grumbles as he keeps the blade at her throat. Gazing up at her he tries to use his weight and shift them, rolling her off of them and at the same time moving so he rested atop her, pinning her beneath him once again.

As Hunter force her onto her back, it does nothing more than to keep her gaze angry upon his. SHe pressed her throat closer to the blade, feeling the soft kiss of the blade's sharpness against her throat.
"I'm sure you really wouldn't mind,"s he added with a growl. "Besides, I can just get away again." But even she knew her powers were weakened now and her attempts would be pathetic, if not more so, than her last attempt.

Then as one final challenge, she asked, "So what are you going to do with me now?"
He obviously couldn't drag back both the dead corpse AND his new hostage.

Gazing down at her now that he has her pinned beneath him, Hunter looks into her eyes as she gazes up at him angrily. He knew what he was doing probably was not helping him much, though given how she had treated him he figures he could be a little rough with her. Though she had kicked him in the balls and caused him other pain, Hunter did not think it warranted him taking her life but rather causing her an equal amount of pain if such a thing could be possible.

As she posed the question as to what he was going to do with her, Hunter shifts his gaze, glancing over her body for a moment before he brings his gaze back to her face. " Well... I could think of a thing or two I would like to do with you now. Though I doubt you would be willing to go for any thing right now. " He says, keeping the blade of the dagger against her throat for the time being " Also, I figure if you could do your little vanishing act again you would have already done it.. "

Iyla only found herself growing more upset when his eyes roamed her body. Not that there was much to see with her tight leather armor, but she should have assumed he was a pervert like most of the other men in Zantaric. And he was probably just imaging what she was hiding underneath there.

"Maybe I'm just biding my time," she growled at him,t his time seemingly using less of her gruff, mannish voice than before. No sense in trying to keep the truth behind what gender she was. He had already figured out, and she was demasked. Though if he was going to try something funny, she'd make him regret not keeping her bound. Though she was weakened, she still had her fighter's spirit and she was stubborn to boot. He'd not get very far, and her mean glare promised him that.

Too bad he was the one on top seeming to call the shots.

"So what are you going to do with your corpse?" She still had to get her damn shadow seed out of it. And if Hunter wasn't in her way, she would have procured it by now!

Hunter nods his head faintly at her comment about biding her time. He figured she is doing something like that, at the moment she could not use whatever power she had perhaps because she is weakened though he knew as soon as she could she would use it. She still looked at him with a glare and though he did not like it Hunter knew there was nothing he could do about it really. As she brings up the corpse he glances to it for a brief moment before turning his attention back to her, a soft sigh escaping him.

" Well, I had hoped to bring the man back alive. But him being dead will be fine too, I just won't get as much. " He grumbles lightly as he gazes down at her. " Now, how about you tell why were you bleeding black blood and why are you after this man? " He asks as he slowly leans down so his face is closer to hers. To be on the safe side he keeps the blade of the dagger against her throat though he does not press it to hard against her flesh.

Iyla's glare never left her face.
"Why should I tell you?"

With her response Hunter lets out a soft sigh seeing that this was not going to be easier if she were willing to tell him at all. " Well, you don't really have to tell me. I'm just wondering and besides it would be the nice thing to do " He says while gazing into her eyes, offering her a soft smile " Would saying please help any? " He asks and slowly beings to pull the dagger back some though he remains ready to use it if she forces him to.

WHen he drew the blade back, she jerked forward and offered him an angered, "No."
Yep, she was a difficult one.

Though he thought removing the blade was a bad thing, Hunter wanted to show her he had no intention in causing her serious injury. As she jerks forwards he holds his ground and does not pull away from her, rather he remains on top of her. " Fine. Don't tell me. " He says with a growl as he gazes down at her. Still holding onto the dagger he does not move to use it. With his free hand he places it on the ground next to her head " So, if I agree to let you do what you want to the body... though it may affect the coin I get. Will you agree to play nice? " He asks, trying to come to some form of deal with her. He did not want to keep her at knife point while she recovered, though he was enjoying resting atop her.

Iyla was hardly enjoying this as much as him.
"I only need one thing with the body. You can do whatever you want with his remains." And her eyes never moved from his, but the fact the weapon was gone did not leave her mind.

Though he hoped she would agree with what he had to say, as he listens to her Hunter sees that she may be willing not to attack him and he had no problem giving her what she wanted. However he did not know what the thing she is after was and he had grown somewhat curious about it. It must be something of great importance given how she was willing to fight for it.

" And you have to mutilate the body to get this item I take it? " Hunter asks as he gazes down at her, though he knew as long as the head remained intact he should be able to get the bounty or at least some of it. He was not sure how he felt about her mutilate the dead body, but then again he was willing to take whatever coin the man had on him after turning him in so how much different could that be.

"All you have to know is there's something inside his body I have to retrieve."
The less information she could spare, the better. but hopefully he wouldn't put her peculiar power together with what Berlious had done. After all, men should not have the type of strength he possessed and she was a bit worried about how he had even come to assimilate himself with the seed. Either way, she had only one choice- to dig it out of his body.

Gazing down at her, Hunter listens to her as she explains that it was something inside the body that she needed to retrieve. With her answer Hunter frowns faintly at the thought of her having to get something out of his body, did she want one of his organs? " I see. " He murmurs lightly as he give a faint nod. Though he had gotten an answer from or at least enough of one as she was willing to give him it seemed. He wondered if he should get up now, though he was rather comfortable atop her. Gazing down at her he slips the dagger into his belt before shifting atop her, his body pressing into hers a bit more though he makes sure not to put his weight into her " So, perhaps you could tel me your name now? "

With the knife secured, she contemplated many ways to escape, but for now- it seemed the damn bounty hunter was harmless- which was ironic to his profession. She wondered if he was just enjoying annoying her. Glaring at him, she merely replied, "Or, perhaps I could not and you could simply get off me."

As she glared at him he simple looks down at her with a soft smile, trying not to seem as threatening as she was now that he had put the knife away. He did not expect her to give him her name and as she makes the comment about getting off of her he sighs softly. " And here I was hoping you'd let me stay... I was rather enjoying it. " He says before moving off of her and sits next to her. " I'm Hunter by the way. " he says as he looks to her, introducing himself.

She quickly rose off the forest floor, but it was evident she was still in pain and having some trouble. She looked him over.
"Hunter?" she made a face. "Sounds kind of cliche for a man in your work, don't you think?" She said, brushing off the forest floor dirt from her back before she turned from him and glanced over at Berlious's body.
"I don't suppose you could lend me that knife.."s he said, realizing he had disarmed her and she might need to cut more of the body open. She gave a cautious gaze his way, narrowing it as if challenging him to question her request.

As she gets up Hunter watches her, he could tell she was still in pain and had some trouble moving though he did not offer her help. Listening to her he cant help but chuckle softly as she makes the comment about his name. Though she had not said she would, thus far it seemed she was being nice or at least willing to not attack him again since she would be getting what she wanted. With the question about getting the knife, Hunter glances down to the knife for a brief moment before looking back to her " Ehh, I'm not so sure about that. At least not just yet. You were trying to kill me not to long ago. Besides, our friend isn't going anywhere. " He says knowing it may make her angry again. With his answer he moves over to the dead body and begins to pat it down in search of anything of value.

Of course she was upset, but she knew this man couldn't be that stupid. And they had no trust between them, besides. But still, she needed something sharp if she was going to finish cutting Berlious open, but peering over at the body, she frowned. Maybe she'd have to just make do. It was dirty work either way and without so much as another word, she moved over towards Berlious's corpse and sat right next to it, and a second later, her hand was pushing it's way inside the gash she had opened earlier.

The blood was still warm,a nd the soft, fleshy insides allowed her easy access, but it was hard to concentrate as she felt sick to the stomach for doing this.

"Where is it?" she growled beneath her breath, and sunk her hand deeper inside the corpse, until she was almost shoulder deep in blood and organs. And as she was searching her hand grazed over something htat made her entire body surge with a spark of power. Her eyes widened and her hand gripped upon it, and yanking her hand out, she stared down at the black pebble-like item resting in her palm. Both she and the pebble were coated well in blood, but she couldn't help but smile as she felt the power within it.

Finally, the first shadow seed had been obtained. She could go home now, return to Adela and let her mortal body heal. She was not looking forward to reliving all the pain she endured while in her shadow form- for that was the price to pay- she could be immortal while out in this form- however, returning back to where her mortal body was trapped inside that tomb like cave...

Well, she'd have to worry about that later. Pocketing the seed, she didn't even bother to look Hunter's way as she stood up to leave.

Having denied her to the use of his dagger Hunter thought that she would wait until he let her use it or gave her weapons back to her. However he found he was mistaken as he watches her move over to the dead body before sinking her arm into the open wound where she had cut into him before. Watching her sink her arm into the man's chest his bottom jaw drops slightly. He did not think she would do something like this, her actions showing just how desperate she is to get what she wanted from the dead man.

Watching Iyla as she drives her arm deeper into the dead body Hunter's gaze narrows into a light frown as he notices the color of the blood coming from the man is the same as the blood that came from Iyla. This made him wonder what the relation between the two are, did she have the same strength that he did and the same powers? Watching her he lets out a soft groan, though he had grown use to the sight of blood and stomach churning things, it was still displeasing to the eyes to watch a woman move her arm around inside a dead man's chest.

As she pulls her hand and arm out of the man Hunter figures she had gotten what she came for. Though he could not see what she had taken from the dead body he was curious as to what it is and why it was so valuable to her. As she stood Hunter looks at her from behind and raises to his feet. It seemed she was ready to go. " Hey wait.. " he says as he steps closer to her, reaching a hand out to her.

Iyla turned around in a quick whirl, eyes glaring in sharp towards him- the look, and her body language, promising nothing but pain and trouble if he dared try to touch her.

"I've got what I've come here for. The corpse is yours." And she turned away, not bothering to look back  as she stalked off.

As she turned to face him, Hunter seen the look in her eyes and the way she moved her body and he felt it best not to touch her right now. He had already been put through a great deal of pain by the woman and right now he was not feeling up to any more, at least not right now.

Turning his gaze from her he looks to the body for a moment and lets out a soft sigh " Well.. thanks. " He murmurs lightly before looking back to her as she walks off " And thanks for offering to help. I can carry it on my own. " He grumbles lightly as he watches her walk off. Though she was a pain in his side he did enjoy her company.

Not even bothering to listen to what he said, Iyla stalked off into the forest, pushing her way through the heavy foliage and ferns and tall grasses that got in her way. Red eyes were ever cautious, ever alert, but the sound of the stream from earlier caught her attention. Though it was too small to do much help to clean her entire arm of the blood, she took a moment to dip her hand into the shallow, one inch deep of cool water to at least clean off her hand, and when the waters ran clean again, instead of rosy with blood, she dipped the stone into it to clean it before repocketing it within her leather clothes.

Staring down at the stream, she began to follow it to where it was going, and the moment she began to hear a larger water's source down the way, the quicker she moved. Eventually, the water ended and went under ground, but a few feet before that, it poured out from the hills side and into a small pool of water that connected to a small river.

Knowing she couldn't go into town half covered in blood, as she wished to gain the least amount of attention as possible, she glanced over her shoulder not just once, but three times to ensure no one was looking before carefully slipping out of her leather armor.

The cloak was removed first, naturally, and was carelessly tossed aside. But grunting as she turned her attentions to her armor, it was quite the feat, as most of her leather armor was skin tight and held by tight clasps. Once those were undone, she folded the leathers into a tall section of grass and reeds, then worked at unbinding her form from the wraps that kept her gender hidden, and placing those aside, she then removed her gloves and finally turned back to the water- glancing twice more over her shoulder to scout the forests for anyone that might be near. Seeing and sensing no one, she stepped out into the water to bathe.

The waters rose up hip deep, and she used cupped hands to splashed water up over her chest and shoulders, cleaning away the sweat and grime from the day, and the blood. Soon the waters around her swirled in a rosy color as the blood was being washed off her skin- and once she felt she was nice and washed, she stood there, body glossed over and shining int he golden rays of sunlight that broke through the trees and carouseled in a dance around her body.

Despite the binds on her body, she had a modest build, curvy hips and she was nicely toned. Though her face was pretty, there was something about it that made her appear anything but gentle, as most females were perceived-
perhaps it was her strong jaw, or how her eyes were red like blood, either way,  as she examined her finger nails and arm, it appeared as if the blood had been all but washed away, and turning away, she paused when she thought she heard something, and her eyes began to scout the river bank.

Was someone there? She stooped down lower, her eyes ever searching before she noted something in the shadows. Narrowing her gaze, she had to wonder who was there- but said nothing and simply glared at the dark figure. If it was that damn bounty hunter...
she was going to kick him in the balls again.

Moving through the forest with the dead body over his shoulder, Hunter slowly shifts his gaze however as he trudges forwards he gets the feeling he has become lost in the forest. Having ran after his bounty through the forest he must have lost his way and now he had no clue which way was back to civilization and which way lead deeper into the forest.

" Great... Just great. " Hunter grumbles to himself. Without a clear direction to move in Hunter continues to move through the forest in the hopes that something would stand out and help lead him back to Zantaric. With each step Hunter questioned his decision to move through the forest as well as going after the man once he went into the forest. Things had taken a down hill run the moment he went after the man or rather was kicked in the balls by the woman.

As he moves through the forest the sound of running water catches his attention. With no clear direction to go in, Hunter decides to head towards the water at least then he could take a break and have a drink, perhaps wash up some since he had to deal with strange black blood. Shifting direction he moves towards the source of the water.

Drawing closer to the river Hunter spots someone in the water and for a moment he did not recognize who it is until he sees the color of the hair, which leads him to believe it is the woman from before. Against his better judgement and self preservation Hunter carefully sets the body down making sure not to make a sound before he inches a bit closer, staying hidden in the shadows and watches the woman as she bathes in the water.

Given how she acted before he did not think something like this would happen, though Hunter was someone pleased it was happening. He had thought of how she looked under the armor though did not think he would get to see her nude. Though he could not see all of her body his gaze shifts over what he could see, taking in the sight before him. He was enjoying the sight, that was until he shifts a bit and cause some noise. Instantly he freezes and watches from the shadows, though perhaps not hidden completely. He watches her, seeing that she might have heard him and seems intent on finding whoever may be watching. Though he may have just given away his location and the fact that he is watching her, Hunter does not come out, instead he hopes she will go back to washing up so he can enjoy the show.

Whatever it was, it seemed it was not about to reveal itself. Narrowing her gaze, she took a few steps back into the shadows from the trees that stretched out over the river-
and vanished from sight.

As he watches her, Hunter wonders if perhaps she did not hear the sound. That would be a good thing or at least he thought it would be. Keeping his gaze fixed on her he watches as she steps back into the shadows before vanishing from sight. Again she had vanished from sight and he was not exactly sure how she had done it and it gave him reason to worry.

A roar came from behind him as Iyla Krue reappeared. WIth the shadows to mask her, he wouldn't have seen her fist meet to his face as she socked him hard, driving him into the water with a loud splash.  Standing at the edge of the river, she glared down at him.
It WAS that Hunter. Her eyes widened at the realization.
"YOU!" she growled, baring her teeth as water rivered down her nude form- which, she seemed not to even really notice or care about at all.

Though he did not know where she had went, Hunter is caught off guard as a fist comes out of nowhere and strikes him in the face. The blow to the face sent him reeling, knocking him into the water. Having landed in the water after being hit, Hunter gave little thought to the fact that his cloths were now soaking wet. Instead he looked to Iyla as she stood on the edge of the river nude.

Though she spoke an beared her teeth at him, his attention remained focused on other areas of her body. Recovering from the blow and seeing her naked Hunter begins to return the growl and glare as he looks at her. He thought perhaps not the best thing to do though he was standing up to her however they were probably going to tussle again now that she had found him spying on her.

"What the hell are you doing out here? Zantaric is the other way," she growled. He'd better have a good excuse, or she'd... she'd, drown him or something, she was so upset!

Keeping his gaze fixed on her Hunter listens as she yells at him, her anger causing him to grow angered in response. With another growl Hunter begins to move towards her. " I would be heading in the right direction if I didn't get lost! " He yells at her as he takes on a more aggressive demeanor.

"Lost?" Iyla made a face. Was this guy for real? "Why would you chase after a bounty if you weren't familiar with the turf?" Really, was he an idiot? And as he took a few angered steps towards he, she began to believe that!

Hunter pauses for a moment, not moving any closer to her as he grumbles softly, a look of anger still upon his face. " I didn't know the forest was so think nor did I think I would get lost. " He says as he watches her closely, his gaze slowly shifting over her nude form. With a soft growl he begins to advance towards her once again, trudging through the water.

Iyla narrowed her gaze on him. What was he doing? Seeing where his eyes went, she growled.
"Come any closer and I'll take our bounty into the shadows and you'll never see either of us again."
It was a bluff, but hey, she wasn't about to let this man advance on her when she had no weapon and was still weak.

Though he heard the growl he did not stop, however what gave Hunter pause in his advance was what she had to say. It was a threat to take the bounty and disappear. Now before that would have been something he worried about and he did to some degree. However at the moment he gave little concern to the bounty he has been planing to collect. She had beat and threatened him multiple times and he was getting fed up with it. With a growl Hunter springs forwards and tries to close the gap between them before tackling her to the ground which was perhaps not the best choice of actions.

Iyla was taken off guard, only because of her injuries,a nd when he takes her down, she let out a cry as she felt her wounds rip open again. Struggling beneath him, she manages to get a slug to his face as she rolled out from beneath his from and remained crouched low, looking over at him in a panic before taking off. And the moment she does, seh spots Berliouss body and immediately hops over a nearby fallen log to get to it as she changed directions and began to make her way to the corpse. She had to be fast, she had to be quick.
She slipped into a shadow- just briefly enough to get to Berlious in seconds.
Then once she was at the corpse- she hefted up the body and did the most foolish of things-
and hurled the body at Hunter.
Though it was a foolish attempt and used up all her strength, she hoped the dead body hit it's mark before she dropped onto the ground, face first int he dirt as she clutched her wounds and felt the world around her beginning to spin.

Having taken her to the ground he moves to pin her down, however before he can get her arms pinned she strikes him in the face. The strike to the face stuns him for a moment, giving her time to get away from him. Recovering from the attack he lets out a growl and looks to her as she takes off. Raising to his feet he gives chase to her. Seeing her going for the corpse of Berliouss, Hunter figures she was going to do what she had said she would do, which meant he would be out of any form of bounty.

Though he thought she was going to take the corpse and run with it, instead she does something he was not expecting. She hurlers it at him. Given the size of the man Hunter easily evades the man projectile before moving over to Iyla after she collapses to the ground. Gazing down at her as she lay on the ground clutching her wound he lets out a soft growl. Though he was still angry at her it seemed she was in pain, having done something to her injury. " Damn it... " He grumbles lightly as he kneels down next to her " Let me see it. " he says referring to her injury.

When Hunter reaches out for her, she instantly reacts by slapping his hand away, and she melts into the shadow, reappearing several feet away from him and groaning even more in pain as she doubles over, hands still on her wounds.

As she slaps his hand away he frowns at her however this time he gets a good look as she melts into the shadows, vanishing from sight for a moment. Hearing the groaning not to far away from him, Hunter moves over to her and kneels down once again " I'm trying to help you damn it... Stop whatever it is you are doing. It does not seem to be helping. " He says  as he reaches down to her again expecting her to slap his hand away.

Angered, she reared back away from his hand, but she had no strength to strike out.
"I don't need your help,"s he growled, her body shaking in pain. Though before she could say anything else, she retched black ink colored puke onto the ground.

Hunter pulls his hand back when she pulls away from him, her actions angering him since he wanted to help her though she did not want it. She was a rather large pain and all he wanted to do was help. As she begins to puke he shifts closer, placing both hands onto her as she makes sure she is on her side, holding onto her lightly. " Just shut up and accept my help. " He says with a growl as he gazes down at her.

She felt sick, angry, tired, frustrated- and the second she realized Hunter was over top of her she freaked out. Using the last of her strength, she socked him in in the gut before completely passing out in the dirt.

As she begins to freak out and hits him in the stomach he lets out a groan and doubles over her, garbing his stomach. Holding onto his stomach he did not realize she had passed out again at first however as he recovers he sees that she has passed out once again.

With a groan Hunter carefully scoops her up in his arms and takes her back close to the river where they had first been. Setting her down he looks down at her, taking a moment to wipe some black ink like puke from her face before shaking his head. " Stupid woman... " he murmurs lightly before he raises to his feet.

Given that his cloths were soaking wet he begins to strip down, setting his cloths aside to dry though he does not strip completely. After removing most of his cloths he moves into the woods and fetches some dry wood before coming back to where he had left her and starts a fire. His day had taken many strange turns and though he had grown angry at the woman he was now taking care of her once again.

Though he was not sure how long she would be out for, Hunter takes the time to do a little hunting and gathering in the forest to get some food they could eat.

Iyla awoke when Hunter was gone- and shivered when a breeze swept through the forest. It was then she realized she was naked and sat up suddenly, staring down at her body before glancing around. She noticed some of Hunter's clothing hanging on a nearby tree, drying in what sunlight broke through the trees, but as she looked around- Hunter was no where to be seen.

Rising off the ground, she crept over to where his clothing was and began to get dressed in them, not caring they were wet. Though it only dawned on her while she was getting dressed tha the might have tried something funny when she was passed out- considering she wasn't dressed stilla nd he- now without clothes- and inwardly she promised to kick him in the balls again if she saw him again.

Having gathered some food for the two of them Hunter makes his way back towards where he had left to rest. On his way back he wonders if she will still be unconscious or if she has woken up by now. Out of the two he felt it would be best, for him at least, if she were still unconscious. That way he would not have to worry about her attacking him but then again she would probably anyway after seeing him next to her while she is nude.

Stepping from the treeline Hunter first looks to where he had left her, however she was not there. Seeing she was not laying on the ground he shifts his gaze, scanning for her for a moment before he spots her. Setting his gaze upon her he finds her already dressing in his drying cloths. Looking at her he narrows his gaze " Hey! " he calls out to her, a few berries and a dead rabbit in his arms as he looks at her.

Iyla turned around suddenly at the sound of his voice. Once she saw he had come back, she swore beneath her breath before using her magics to disappear. She didn't notice what he had in his arms, nor did she care. She had to get away from him and get back to her clothing- and to the shadow seed. She could feel it nearby, but her body was still weak, so only after a few seconds of moving through the shadows, she found herself dizzily reappearing as she stepped near to the river's shore. She wasn't too far from where Hunter had made camp, but she might not have been visible from where he was.

It didn't matter to her- she had a job to do. Jogging towards the river, she scooped up her clothing and began to make her way back towards Zantaric. The quicker she got out of this place, the better!

And so, it was- for now, she left HUnter behind- almost naked in the woods with a cut open caucus. Night would be falling soon, and by the time she had gotten back to Zantaric, the inn was nearly full. She was able to get a bed for the night and climbed into the nice soft, straw padded bed before passing out- not even caring that she left the man without his clothing and awoke the next day a lot more refreshed.

Her wounds, already being treated, didn't need tended to- so the only thing she had to do was get herself something to eat, so she made her way down to the inn's main floor and ordered herself a drink and some bread. She was wearing her leather armor again, and her cloak- not that it mattered. No one knew this woman from the night before- and she didn't expect Hunter to show back up here- after she left him high and dry in the woods the night before.

She had to get back to Adela anyways. She had to get back to her cave, heal- then start another journey to find yet another shadow seed- wherever one might be hidden int his world. She'd travel anywhere to get them- for she hadn't any other choice.

He was glad to see that she was up and able to move though he was not glad that she was wearing his cloths or rather what he figured she planed to do now dressed. With his gaze on her Hunter watches as she vanishes from sight, melting into the shadows once again to escape him. " Damn it! " He yells out as she makes her escape wearing his shirt and pants. Now not only had she assaulted him she had stolen his cloths leaving him almost completely naked in the woods, she was turning out to be a rather charming woman.

Now that she had taken some of his clothing she made it more personal then it had been before. He was fine with letting her take what she wanted from the dead body however he was not fine with her stealing his belongings.

Though she had left him in the forest, Hunter knew where she was going and he wanted his things back. Knowing that he could not make it back to Zantaric before she left, Hunter decided to leave the body behind though he knew he was taking a bit hit in doing so. Slipping his boots and coat on Hunter grabs the rest of his gear and gives chase after her, heading back to Zantaric.

Unfortunately it took Hunter some time to make it back to Zantaric as he got lost on the way before finally making his way back. Though he was tired Hunter knew he could not stop until he found the woman that had left him in the forest. He did not know if she would be there, however he made his way to the tavern where they had their first run in.

Entering into the tavern he had his coat pulled around him and buttoned up to cover his almost completely nude form. He did not search for her, instead Hunter makes his way over to the bartender and begins to speak with the man. It took a bit of coin and some convincing however he managed to find out the room she was staying in for the night.

Making his way up to the room where he was told Iyla had rented, Hunter gains enter into the room. He did not know if she was in the room or not however at the moment he did not care. All that was on his mind was getting his cloths back and doing something to teach the woman a lesson.

She recognized that jacket and could have spit out her beer.
"Hunter.." Glaring at his form as he disappeared, she too- slipped back to her room, and watched him from the shadows unseen as he entered. Not about to let him get the better of her, her invisible form slammed the door shut and when he'd turn around to see who it was- she appeared in front of him but he would not see her as she reappeared, fr she assumed he'd be looking at the door and she? She was approaching him and pointed a knife towards his throat.

"What are you doing in here?" Iyla demanded, eyes darkly focused upon him.

Having gotten the door open Hunter steps into the room and shifts his gaze, glancing around for a moment. Their was no sign of Iyla which was a relief to Hunter. He was hoping to get his things and be on his way. Though it seemed his plan changed as the door is slammed shut behind him.

Quickly turning to face the door to see who had slammed it shut. He is promptly greeted by the same woman he was hoping to avoid, at least some of him wanted to avoid her. His gaze narrows as he looks down at her, a soft grumble escaping his lips before he spoke " What, did you think I would let you just leave with my belongings? " He asks as he watches her. Given there brief history together he expected to have a knife to his throat and showed little concern for it, rather he brought his own up and pressed the tip of the blade against her an unarmored portion of her side.

Iyla narrowed her gaze. She didn't think he had the guts (or brains) to pull a knife on her as well, and she smirked, albeit subtly as she glared back at him.
"Your belongings?"
Then she paused to realized, "You mean you snuck into my room to steal back your clothes?"

Hunter keeps his gaze locked on her, if she planed to slit his throat he would plunge his dagger into her side though he doubted she would die. Either way he was not backing down from her now. " Well, I would not say steal them back. More like take them back but yes. " He says with a faint nod. " I snuck into your room to get my cloths back. Though given what I had to leave behind I think you owe me more then just my cloths. " Reaching up with his free hand he slowly brings it up towards the knife she has at his throat.

With a quick motion, she cuts at his hand- in a warning for him to keep his hand down while her eyes remain dangerously upon him.
"Don't touch my dagger,"s he growled.

As she cuts at his hand to keep it away he frowns faintly and beings to lower it. " Alright alright. " Hunter says softly as he brings his hand down close to her side. " I wont touch it. " He says with a soft smile as he gazes into her eyes. " Are we going to stand here like this all night? " he asks, glanicng from her to the knife for a brief moment before turning his gaze back to her.

"No."
And like a ghost, she disappears into the shadows of the room, and a moment later- his clothing is thrown at his head.

Hunter lets out a soft sigh as she disappears into the shadows. With his cloths being thrown at him he gets hit in the head with them, his head tilting to the side as he grumbles lightly " Ouch... " he murmurs as he looks down to his cloths. Not really caring if she is still in the room or not, Hunter takes his coat off and tosses it aside as he looks at his cloths. The thought of getting dressed was a nice one, however so was the thought of getting some rest. Turning his attention from his cloths he looks to Iyla " Thanks. " he says with a faint nod as he looks at the woman.

Iyla only glared.
"You got what you came for, now get out."

" Get out? " Hunter questions as he watches her. Rather then get out he wanted to sleep and she had a nice comfortable looking bed to do so. " I'm tired. Can't I just sleep on the floor? " He says, gesturing to the floor with a free hand. Granted it was not where he wanted to sleep right now he would take it if he could get it. " I'll even let you hold onto my weapons. Besides, we still have to discuss how you are going to pay me back. "

Iyla narrowed her gaze.
"Get out of my room or I'll throw you out." And the way her tone indicated it, there was no negotiating.

As she spoke Hunter could tell staying in the room was not an option. " Such a cruel woman.. " He grumbles as he watches Iyla closely. Not only did he wish to know what she had taken from the man but he also wanted some form of compensation for having to leave the body behind and go after her.

Though she wanted him to get out, Hunter begins to kick his boots off as he reaches down and grabs his pants. He planed to get dressed before leaving, walking around almost nude was not something he wanted to do in front of a lot of people. As he begins to slip his pants on he casually glances around the room in search of windows or other ways into the room.

Iyla eyes him suspiciously and kept her blade pointed his.way.
"Hurry up, before I throw you out!" She warned.

Hearing her speak Hunter glances to her for a moment and grumbles lightly as he pulls his pants up. " I'm working on it. Being tired and sore does not help. " He says as he shifts his gaze over her for a moment before turning his attention back to his cloths. " I had to fend off wild beasts while trudging through the forest after you. Least you could have done was stay, all I was trying to do was help. " Hunter says with a soft sigh as he picks his shirt up.

"I never asked for.your help," she reminded him, a.glare fixed upon him. And her dagger remained pointed his way.

No, she did not ask though Hunter thought she needed help. Shaking his head fantly he lets out another sign. " Sometimes people need help even if they do not ask. They are to stuborn to ask for it, much like you seem to be. " He says as he picks his shirt up and pauses for a moment as he looks to her.

"Call it what you will, I don't really care," she growled at him. "Now hurry up and get out of my room!"

With his gaze resting on her, Hunter listens as she speaks up. He did not think she would admit to something like that, though he could probably add a few more in with stubborn. Keeping his gaze fixed on her he slips his shirt back on. Once he has his shirt on he reaches down and picks his coat and crossbow up before he reaches to one of the pockets on his pants and pauses as he looks at her " Wait... where is my coin pouch? Don't tell me you took it too. " He grumbles as he looks at her. He hoped to use the topic as a detraction. Though he did not wait and see if it worked, instead he decided to be very reckless and quickly go at her again. This time he uses the butt end of his crossbow as a club and ties to hit her upside the head with it in an attempt to knock her out.

Unfortunately for Hunter, Iyla wasn't so foolish.
"I never stole your money,"s he hissed, and when his crossbow came at her, she merely blocked it with one arm and grabbed onto it, and attempted to yank it from his hands.

Though he was hoping to distract her it seems his idea had fallen through completely. Before he could hit her with the crossbow she grabs it and attempts to yank it from him. Releasing his grasp on the weapon, Hunter lets her yank it from him. Letting her take the crossbow from him Hunter quickly switches up his attack and continues to go at her, this time he lunges forwards, trying to ram his shoulder into her to knock the air out of her and take her to the ground and with any luck stun her.

She hadn't counted on him letting go of the weapon-for her grip on it was fierce so once the resistance was gone, she was sent back and became off balanced, and his sudden tackle sent the poor woman to the ground.

Though he tackled her to the ground Hunter did not let up on his assault knowing what she could do and was willing to do. Rather then let up Hunter launches into another attack, quickly drawing back his fist before letting loose another blow. Coming down with his fist he aims to strike her in the jaw in the hopes of knocking her out.

The strike to the jaw is painful, though nothing to knock the woman out. He should have directed the blow to her head- someplace like her temple but her throbbing jaw only served to piss her off as she fought beneath him, kicking and clawing towards his face.
"GET OFF OF ME!" she roared, though the pain from her wounds, which were reopening from this fight, were enough to keep her back from slipping into the shadows and making an easy escape, so for now, it almost appeared as if she were at his mercy-
but that wasn't about to stop her from trying to get a punch in herself!

As it turns out the blow to her jaw did little to get the effect he was hoping for. Rather then knock her out in a single hit as he had hoped, he only angered her. As she begins to retaliate against him he does what he can to find off her attacks with one hand. Instead of getting off of her, Hunter lashes out at her again with his free hand, launching another strike at her head though this time he aimed for one of her temples with his punch. One way or another there would be a victor in this fight and he intended it to be him rather then her.

Iyla ducked her head aside just as Hunter's fist would smash into the hard wood floor beside her- and with a roar, she pushed herself against him and with unseen strength, used it to knocked him off of her before she rolled over top of him and pinned him angrily against the ground beneath her now and growled into his face.

"What the hell do you think you're doing!?"

Striking the floor with his fist, Hunter quickly draws it back as he inhales sharply from the pain. For a moment he let his guard down, giving her way to push against him with her strength and kock him off of her. Falling off of her he lands on his back and gazes up at her as she rolls on top of him. Though she had forced him off of her and now came to rest atop him, he reaches up with a hand and grasps her by the throat before he begins to squeeze. Grasping hold of her throat with one hand, he uses his free hand to hit her injured side as he growls back at her.

Iyla gasped. She hadn't considered he'd actually play as rough as she- for until now, it was more of a one sided battle as far as she was concerned, she used her hands to try to pry his hand free of her throat, when he suddenly hit her int he wound and she began winded and wheezed as he strangled her. Growing desperate, she threw her arms wildly about, but it seemed she was losing consciousness fast, but not before getting a few quick clawed finger nails aimed towards his face.

She was not about to get killed by this man! Not here! Not now! Not when she was so close to getting a shadow seed!

Keeping a tight grip of her throat he watches her closely. He wanted to make her pass out but not kill her. As she comes at him with her finger nails he shifts his head to try and move so she could not claw his face, however he isn't able to evade her hands to well. " Stop! " He exclaims with a growl as he draws his fist back, getting ready to hit her in the side once again. It seemed like the fight was leaving her though it had not left her just yet, however he could see victory insight.

To evade his blow and thwart his attempts to choke her, Iyla does pretty much the only thing she can- as she lets out a furious roar and bashes her head against his. She's seeing stars for a time, but manages to use this moment to escape. Being that the room is cast in darkness, she takes this moment to melt into the shadow and becomes invisible.

As she breaks free from his grasp, Hunter realizes he should have used a two hand choke hold rather then a single hand choke hold, if only he had more then two arms. The strike to the head causes him to groan in pain as he reaches for his head while she melds into shadow. Now that she is no longer on top of him, Hunter rolls over and climbs to his feet as he shifts his gaze in search of her, though given how she was before he wonders if she has not already left.

While Hunter was searching for her in the dark, Iyla had already escaped out the window. She had no time nor desire to play games with the bounty hunter. And once she made it outside on the street, she tucked her cloak over her face to hide her identity, hoping to make it out of this city with no more fuss. This was Zantaric, after all, and the streets were mean and unforgiving- and just as she assumed this day might not get any worse, she heard a distant purr of thunder as a heavy wind swept through-

It seemed a storm was coming. She would have been wise to stay back at the inn. No matter, seh had to get back to Adela now and return to her mortal body, and return the seed to her master.

Shifting his gaze, Hunter slowly circles as he glances around the room in search of Iyla, however it seems that she was no where to be found in the room. Hunter begins to wonder if she had made her escape since she was no where to be found in the room nor had she lashed out against him. As he scanned the room Hunter took notice of the open window.

If she did make her escape that seemed like the most likely of exit routs. Moving over to the window Hunter gazes out at the people and catches sight of Iyla. Though for a brief moment he thought of letting her go, both Iyla and the man she was after intrigued Hunter. With a desire to know more about her and the man she was after Hunter quickly grabs his belongings and follows after Iyla out of the window.

The storm was moving in fast, and soon rain was pelting the grounds all around her and soaking into her cloak. She adjusted the hood so it blocked her eyes, but the fragments of her hair that stuck out were soaked and sticking against her face. It was also getting colder, and he rbreath could be seen as she made her way down the street-but she didn't bother looking back on the road. She fully intended to leave Zantaric behind.

As the rain fell from the sky Hunter lifted his hat and set it atop his head, adjusting it for a moment before letting his hand fall back to his side. " Damn rain... " He grumbles softly to himself. Following after Iyla, Hunter begins to wonder where she is going though he also wonders if he should confront her once they are out and away from Zantaric or if he should wait until she comes to her destination.

With the drop in temperature Hunter lets out a soft sigh, this wasn't going to be a fun night but rather one filled with more walking and bone chilling rain now that a storm had rolled in. Following after Iyla he makes sure to keep a good distance from her though keep her within sight range so he would not lose her again.

She had no idea, at least not for the moment, that Hunter followed closely behind her. She simply hugged her cloak more tightly against her form and walked through the storm, seeming unphased by the cutting wind and chilling rain. But after a time, when a large spark of lightning over head struck a tree, she found herself pausing in mid-step to watch the tree branch, now glowing red from where it had cracked and the lightning struck, landed on the road before her- blocking her path.

For a good long while she stared at it. It wasn't as if she couldn't go around it, but the road was so narrow here and the muddy path was making it difficult to walk through- in fact, her boots were beginning to suction to the mud on the path that she finally decided, through a frown, she had best abandon the trail and return to the forest. But as she turned around and peered out through the corners of her hood, she noted a familiar cowboy hat behind her and growled.

"Hunter."

As he follows after Iyla, the thought of abandoning this pursuit crossed his mind a few times because of the weather though Hunter remained determined. With his hands tucked into his pockets, Hunter keeps his coat bound around him as he trudges forwards following after Iyla. A large spark of lighting caught his attention causing Hunter to glance up at the tree it struck. Much like Iyla, he pauses as well for a brief moment to watch the limb of the tree. As he went to turn his attention away from the limb it fell from the tree it was connected to and onto the road, blocking the path.

" That's great. " Hunter grumbled softly to himself as he turns his gaze to Iyla, wondering if she would try to go around the limb or go a different way all together. Though he hoped she might turn back and head to civilization once again, at least for the night. Keeping his gaze fixed on her, Hunter watches Iyla closely as she begins to move, instead of heading back to civilization it seemed she had chosen to try another rout. Watching her, Hunter does not notice the fact that she has noticed him and as such he waits for her to begin moving before he follows after her on her new coarse.

THe path through the trees was much less wet than it was on the main road-a d muhc less muddy, but the ground was still damp and fat droplets of rain would eventually work themselves through the trees, especially when the rough winds would press through them.

Clutching onto her cloak, she continued to move through the area, occasionally glancing back to see if Hunter was following. ANd he was. She actually found herself smirking before she pressed onward. If he wanted to follow, that was his own business, but her goal here was to get as far from Zantaric as possible- an dina sense, as far away from him, too.

Under the impression that he had not been spotted yet, Hunter moves through the forest at a steady pace to keep up with Iyla. Given how the forest is he wanted to stay close enough so he could keep an eye on her an not get lost as he had done before.

From time to time Hunter shifts his gaze from Iyla and glances around them before turning his attention back to her. Though she had not stopped to confront him or had he tried to confront her, Hunter figured she was still angry with him. Thinking that she is still angry with him he decides not to confront her yet though he knew if she got to her destination she may vanish once again.

The weather wasn't getting any better as Iyla Krue still pushed her way through the dense forest, but as she did so, she heard a noise- a painful sounding crack. When she raised her head, she noticed a caravan being attacked by a group of thugs, and one of the men defending his cargo was suddenly beheaded, the head rolling her way.


Iyla stared down at the head - it was just a few feet from where she stood, and once the shock wore off she realized, to her horror, the men now turned their sights on her.

"Hey, someone's there."

"Get 'em before they squeal!"

Cursing under her breath, Iyla turned tail and ran, and right in her path was that damned bounty hunter from earlier.

"Get the hell out of my way!"s he shouted, shoving him aside as she continued to run- and a trio of angry men were soon following right after her.

"There's two of 'em!"

"Don't let them escape alive!"

As he followed after her, Hunter felt things were going good, well as good as they could considering he was tracking a woman through the forest that had already assaulted him and threatened his life. Following along a ways behind her, Hunter did not see the caravan being attacked.

Though he did not see what was going on, upon hearing the sound of voices Hunter's attention perked up as he begins to wonder what is going on. With his gaze fixed on Iyla, he watches as she turns and begins running straight at him, his first thought she was going to attack.

Rather then attacking she yells about getting out of her way before shoving him aside. Stumbling back he almost fell over though he caught sight of the three en running after her. " Blast.. " he grumbles lightly and quickly follows after Iyla, not wanting to get caught up in a fight unless he had to.

Iyla continued to run, not caring to look back, but hearing the second set of foot steps behind her she curses. Figures they'd both have to be on the run together. The woman continued to run until she made it back to the road, and it was before hte fallen tree she skid to a halt and swore.

"Shit." She did't really want to have to turn around and deal with those men- or even Hunter.

Following after Iyla as she ran, Hunter glanced back from time to time in the hopes that the men running after the two of them now, would give up there chase. Gazing ahead towards Iyla, Hunter notices she had come to a stop, which did not seem like a good thing.

Catching up with Iyla, Hunter comes to a stop and glances around for a moment before looking to Iyla. He was after her, though now it seemed trouble had come there way and he wonders how she intends to deal with it. " We stand a better chance if we stick together and fight. " Hunter says as he looks at Iyla, if they were going to stay and fight it stands to reason that working together would be the best coarse of action.

Iyla knew he was right, but as stubborn as she was- she didn't want to have to deal with this- with him, with the men, with any of this. She had to get back to the cave, get the shadow seed to her master- and her impatience won over. Though she was injured, the storm afforded enough muddled shadows for her to slip through and vanish from his side, but not before her red eyes met to his.

"Sorry."
She didn't know why she bothered to apologize, and being she was sitll injured, she couldn't teleport through the shadows and get very far. In fact, she was just a few feet away, but was now hidden, pressed behind a tree as she peered over the side and watched as the men approached Hunter.

It was only seeing him trapped and alone that she began to feel guilty. But she tried to remind herself- this was not her problem. And now it would be his.

Though they had there differences, Hunter hoped that they could work together to defeat the men that had come after them. However as his gaze meets hers and she apologizes he sees that she was not going to stay and help him fight but rather use her power to vanish from sight. " Great. " Hunter murmurs lightly to himself now that he had been abandoned by Iyla.

Shifting his gaze for a moment, Hunter finds he has no way out. Turning to face the men Hunter reaches to the hilt of the sword sheathed at his side " .. Figures she would abandon me. " he says as he shifts his gaze between the men for a moment " Well, if you guy's turn and run away I'll not come after you. How does that sound? "

"How about we break your face in?" one of the taller, meaner, gruffer men said as he held up his sword. They didn't look as if they were about to make a compromise, and Hunter's luck seemed to be running out. Though there was only three of them that had actually made chase, they were three very rough and tough looking men.

Iyla stole a glance his direction and made a face. Oh, he was totally going to get the shit beat out of him- but instead of advancing, she remained there by the tree and held her breath.

Hearing he man's response, Hunter gives a faint nod as he lets out a soft sigh " Figures you'd say that. " he says as he looks at the taller man that spoke to him. With his deal being off the table Hunter knew he had no other choice but to fight these three men or at least try and fight them.

Tightening his grip on the hilt of the sword sword he draws it from it's hilt and brandishes it in front of him as he shifts his gaze between the three. " Well... which of you gentlemen wish to be first? " Hunter asks though he figured they would all three be coming at him rather then one at a time.

Unfortunately for Hunter, all three decided to go after him at once. The larger man cut forward, aiming for Hunter's chest. The other two went after opposing limbs,a nd it seems the only direction for Hunter to go was back-
and things were not looking good, as the men were unrelenting in their pursuit to cut Hunter down.

Iyla cringed, hearing steel connecting to steel. Hunter was greatly out numbered. But that really wasn't her problem- but still, she hesitated and felt a lump of guilt in her throat.


OOC: Feel free to post how Hunter reacts. I figure if he gets too badly injured, Iyla might feel bad enough to come out of hiding to help him.

No, he would have no such luck in being attacked one on one but rather three on one. As the three came at him Hunter held his sword up and used it to deflect incoming attacks. Though one man against three were not odds in his favor.

Backing up, Hunter now wonders if he should have ran when he had the choice or perhaps went a different way then Iyla. If he made it out of this he would have to 'thank' her for leaving him behind right now. Given that he is one against three, Hunter found he could not repel every attack from the three and attacks here and there got through his defense, cutting away at his coat as well as him.

Rather then being on the offensive as he hoped to be, he was more on the defensive, having to draw a second short sword from within his coat to try and defend himself against the three men. It seemed as if their was no way out and as such the only thing he felt he could do was wait for an opening.

Chancing another gaze Hunter's way, she watched as they were cutting him down. And she shouldn't have felt sorry for him,s he should have left him to rot. But some how- she could not.
Cursing beneath her breath, she closed her eyes and focused back into the shadows and as she concentrated,s he felt her body tremble and her hands shake, her wound re opening as she gasped out in pain- but then she felt it- the pull, the call..
and into the chilly shadows she slipped, unseen and moving fast.

Seconds later, she was on the battle field and whipping out her spear and cracking it across the back of the men's heads. That was enough to draw attention her way, and as the swords turned from Hunter to her, she danced away with skill and grace and twirled her spear in front of her- but as the men advanced, she was soon cornered, but before they could strike- she thrust out her hand-
and the same burning of her skin, the same pain that reoepned her wounds and shook her skin, happened again- and from her finger tips unseen she cast a spell.

"Blinding shadows!" she called out, and the men all stumbled to a halt in their tracks as bubbles of blinding blackness spread across their vision.

"Argh, I'm blind!" one man called.

"I can't see!" another said, carelessly dropping his blade.

And as Iyla stood there, realizing the men were now helpless- she found her own vision growing dizzy, and while the men were reeling from the effects of her magic- so was she. This was the reprecussions. She was too wounded, her body too weak, and dizzily, she fell to the ground before she was seeing black and passed out- all the while the three men were still floundering in their temporary blindness.

As he fought just to keep alive Hunter remained unaware of the fact that Iyla was still with in the area watching him fight. While fighting he found no opening to retaliate and turn the things in his favor. Though he found no opening to go on the offensive, Hunter found his luck changing as the woman he thought abandoned him came back perhaps in the nick of time.

Seeing his opening as Iyla cracks one of the men over the head with her spear, Hunter begins to move into action however he pauses as Iyla shows yet another ability up her sleeve. Though he was not affected by the spell she used, he found the three men to be blinded, however he did not know for how long they would be under the affect.

Shifting his gaze to Iyla, Hunter could see it took all she had just to come back and use that spell to blind the men, now it was all in his hands. Now having his opening Hunter quickly springs into action. Bounding forwards Hunter takes the opening provided by Iyla and lashes out at one of the three men, thrusting one of his swords into the man's back before releasing his hold on it.

After planting one of his swords into one of the three Hunter quickly moves to another, striking at the man with a quick combination of slashes aimed at the man's chest to bring him down. Once he had two of the three down Hunter turns his attention to the last man standing and reaches into his coat, gripping a dagger before he yanks it from his coat and throws it at the man's chest.

Iyla remained on one knee, breathing hard and clutching her wounds. Fresh, black blood was seeping out, and she was too weakened to even bother to see what he had done. In fact, it had almost escaped her, as she kept her gaze on the muddy road while rain pelted them and she did not stir. She felt about ready to collapse. Great. She used the rest of her energy on that damn bounty hunter, and before she knew it, she wilted away and collapsed towards the dirt.

Having dispatched the last of the three men Hunter looks to Iyla, finding that she did not flee from the fight but rather she was quickly falling towards the ground from a kneeling position. Seeing that she was going down Hunter quickly moves over to her and kneels, pressing a knee into the mud as he grabs her before she fell to the ground.

It seemed as if they were in some form of cycle of saving each other or something along those lines. " I got you. " Hunter says softly to her as he takes hold of her and begins to stand, lifting her up as he raises to his feet. Now that she had succumb to her injuries once again Hunter felt as if he had to take care of her.

With a soft sigh Hunter picks Iyla up, holding her in his arms before he begins to walk off, heading into the forest to get out of the rain. " I did not think you would come back. " He says as he gazes down at her in his arms.

Iyla was barely conscious when Hunter scooped her up. So she couldn't fight him, couldn't resist him as she closed her eyes and wilted into his arms. Though his questions weren't lost on her, she remained silent for a while before responding softly, "Neither did I."

She was a fool. And now she was going to be damned for it. And her fate now rested in this bounty hunter's hands.

Making his way into the forest Hunter shifts his gaze for a moment, glancing around as he continues to move forwards. Since their were three dead bodies behind him he wanted to put some space between the two of them and the three bodies. " I have to say though, I am glad you did come back. I appreciate the help. " Hunter says, offering words of kindness and thank you to the woman that had helped him.

Hunter takes Iyla good distance away from the three dead men and somewhere that seemed rather dry and protected from the rains. Kneeling he carefully sets her down on the ground before shifting his gaze down to her injured side. After taking a moment to look at her side Hunter raises to his feet " Think you can stay here while I go and collect some firewood... if anything is still dry. " He asks as he gazes down at her.

Iyla just breaths from where she is laying, but after a moment she shivers and grits her teeth.
"Does it look like I can go anywhere?" and her response, though laced with agitation, came out labored and breathy. It was more than evident she was having  a hard time just speaking, let alone trying to escape.

Listening to her as she spoke, Hunter could tell she was not going anywhere, not this time. " Not really. " He says as he pulls his coat off and drapes it over her like a blanket. After setting his coat over her like a blanket Hunter stands back up and gaze down at her a brief moment longer before he turns and walks off.

Leaving her behind for a short time, Hunter roves through part of the forest not to far from her in search of wood he can use for a fire. With an arm full of assorted wood bits he makes his way back to where he had left Iyla laying down.

He didn't say anything as he comes back, only glancing towards her to make sure she was still here and safe. Kneeling down not far from her where he could see the ground he sets the wood down and takes a few brief moments to get a fire going.

She had never remembered feeling so cold before, and had to wonder if it was due to the rain, or because she was in such a weakened state. Either way, she was trembling beneath the coat, something she was silently in appreciation of before she closed her eyes, opening them moments later to observe him starting up a fire. But she said nothing, and simply lay there, curled up weakly beneath a tree.

With a fire going he turns his gaze back to her and watches her for a moment before letting out a soft sigh " I know you probably don't want to hear this but it may be better if you take your wet cloths off so you can warm up. " Hunter says as he watches her for a moment. He did not think she would go along with the idea though he figured it should help along with the fire.

" I can also see about bandaging your side up again if you need it. " he says as he begins to move over to her. Though he brought up the idea of bandaging her side again he knew he did not have much that would work as a bandage aside from pressing some garment against the injury.

Iyla was shaking so much her teeth were chattering.
"N-no," she said, then grew quiet. She frowned at the idea of her wounds being tended to and closed her eyes. "I just... just need some rest." In this form, at least she healed quicker than most humans, but the wounds she sustained..
she had an idea this would take a lot longer than she would have liked, to fully heal.

With her answer he gives a faint nod seeing that she was not open to the idea of removing some of her wet garments to help warm up. Hunter liked the idea of resting right now, it sounded like a good one given what he has been through.

" Alright then. " He murmurs lightly, not pushing the idea of her removing her cloths or trying to bandage her injury. " Then let's at least lay together to keep each other warm. " He says as he watches her though between the two she seemed to need the warmth more then he did.

Iyla continued to tremble. If she could fight that notion, she would, but instead, she said nothing and simply lay there, staring up at the canopy of trees as the rain waters trickled through- only parting with the more violent comings of a gust of wind. Even that wind reached down where the pair lay and ruffled through her hair, causing her to shiver even more. ANd shivering hurt. In fact, everything hurt, and she closed her eyes, too dizzy and tired to keep them open any more.

He thought perhaps she would object to the idea of the two laying together however Hunter took her silence as a sign she was willing to do it. Turning his attention back to the fire, Hunter puts some more wood on it to keep it going before he moves over to Iyla.

Laying down next to Iyla, Hunter reaches out with an arm and carefully slips it around her before shifting closer so his body pressed against hers. Pressing his body into hers he held her close to him, his grasp on her firm but not tight. He didn't want to restrain her though he did wish to hold her close for warmth.

Though she was weak, she didn't hesitate to give him a warning- after all, he was a bit too close for comfort- and he probably was using this as an excuse to get close to her. So she rammed her elbow into him sharply, with enough force to knock his hat off- which fell from his head loosely on top of hers.

"Don't even think about trying anything funny,"s he growled, then yanked the hat off her head and tossed it away. "I might be weak now, but I'll heal faster once I rest." And she closed her eyes, feeling the lids grow heavy. "So don't be surprised if I'm not here come morning."

As she strikes him with her elbow he lets out a groan of pain, getting the impression that she did not want him this close. Though truth be told he kind of liked holding her this close however he did not admit such a thing to her.

Gazing at her he glances to his hat for a moment now as it rest upon her head, a soft smile taking from on his face. He understood why she would be concerned about him trying something, the thought had crossed his mind though he did not act on it. His smile quickly fades as she throws his hat from her head before commenting about not being here in the morning. " I won't try anything funny. This is simply to keep us warm, nothing else. " Hunter says with a faint nod.

Iyla trusted him about as far as she could throw him- wait, maybe not. She could probably throw him farther. Giving him the cold shoulder, she nudged him against before settling into the wet, hard ground and closed her eyes.

"Just be sure the fire doesn't go out," she muttered.

Again there was a nudge, though not as hard as the first which Hunter was grateful for. At the moment he did not wish to be abused by the woman but rather rest with her. Bringing up the fire Hunter glances over to it for a moment " Yes ma'am. " he says with a faint nod as he turns his attention back to Iyla for a moment. Resting his head on the ground he shuts his eyes, letting out a soft sigh as he begins to relax while holding Iyla close to him.

She was so exhausted but so tense from the day- and having the damn bounty hunter so near to her was making her anxious. However, sleep eventually claimed her, and when she woke up, droplets of rain water fell down onto her face from the tree. She groaned and lifted a hand to wipe away at the water- and accidentally elbowed Hunter in the face.

Though he wanted sleep he made sure to gather more wood and stoke the fire before he really laid down behind Iyla to get some sleep. Unlike her sleep came easily for him even though she was a woman that assaulted him before, at the moment he was in a more comfortable place with her held close. Sleeping behind her Hunter held her close to him as if cuddling with her. He would have slept longer when she woke if it were not for the elbow to the face. Taking an elbow to the face caused Hunter to rouse quickly from his slumber, his first thought of being attacked he lets out a groan as he reaches for one of his weapons before realizing it was just Iyla.

Hearing him awaken, Iyla is quick to cast her eyes his way and notices his hands on his weapons, but seeing his form slacken when he sees her, she narrows her gaze. It was only then she began to look around, towards their feet where the remains of smoke from there fire was and then to the little make shift campsite they had nestled in made of dried leaves and ferns. Blinkingly, she took this all in before sitting up and raking a hand through her disheveled hair.

"Gods, I need a drink,"s he muttered, but then quickly glanced over at him. She eyed him up, scrutinizing him before turning her gaze away.
"Thanks for keeping the fire," she muttered. It was half of a thank you, but a thank you none the less. She didn't want to give the bounty hunter any ideas. But boy, that sleep was good.

Stretching, she found herself wincing. She ached all over and her head was throbbing. She needed some water, or anything to get rid of this pounding sensation. She peered over at Hunter after a moment in silence before asking, "You got any water or mead on you?" But even as she asked, she still regarded him with some suspicion.

Having realized it was just Iyla that hit him Hunter stops reaching for his weapon and looks to her, watching as she looks around. Though he would like to still be resting he was to take what he could get in rest. Resting his head back against the ground he closes his eyes again though only for a few brief moments before opening them again and looking up at Iyla as she sat up.

Gazing up at her, Hunter agreed with the idea of having a drink. It sounded good as well as something to eat however he knew he had neither. Hunter smiles lightly as he hears the thanks come from Iyla. As he looks at Iyla, Hunter dwells for a moment on the idea of pulling her back down to rest more. However he knew such a thing would probably get him hit more so he decides against it.

" Your welcome and I'm afraid I don't have anything to drink.. " He says with a soft sigh, his gaze remaining on her for a moment before it shifts from her as he glances around. " I wish I did, and some breakfast... Perhaps we can find some water and maybe a bite to eat around here? I mean, this was a pretty good inn. " He says in a joking manner.

Iyla cast him a glare.
"If you like the company of pigs," she said, lips sagging into a frown. She shook her head. "No, I'd rather be rid of Zantaric. I came here and got what I am looking for. So I aim to get out of this place as soon as I can. Perhaps continuing my way on foot would be best. I'd rather not go back."

Turning from him, she sighed and tried to survey the area. "Perhaps there is a stream. I could use the drink and it would be nice to wash this filth off of me." She frowned at that. She had just bathed and already she was filthy again. The water would also feel nice on her wounds.

It seemed his jest was not well received by Iyla as she cast him a glare before speaking. Now that going back to sleep seemed out of the question Hunter finally begins to grow more active. With a soft groan he starts to stretch a bit as he listens to Iyla.

Climbing to his feet Hunter gazes own at her as he rolls his shoulders back and arches his back with another groan. He wished he had some food but see as he did not he knew he would either have to wait or go find some. " Washing up does sound nice. " he says with a faint nod though he figured she wanted to part ways as soon as she could. " I can see what about scrounging up something to eat. " He says as he reaches down, offering her a hand to help her stand.

Iyla glared at the hand and moved to stand herself. Though it was difficult, she simply leaned her weight into a nearby tree.

"We can eat later. I don't have the time or energy to hunt for food. I just want a drink." Though she was famished, her main priority was getting a drink, washed and getting the hell out of here. Staring at his hand, she looked back up into his face.

"Let's start moving. Kick out that fire and let's start looking and listening for water." And she didn't bother to wait for him as she began to painfully walk her way deeper into the woods.

As she does not take his hand to stand, Hunter lets it fall back to his side as he watches her stand up though it seemed difficult for her to do so. His hopes for food were dashed apart as she speaks up. Though he did not think of her hunting for food but rather him hunting for it while she rested.

Now that she was up Hunter kneels down and picks his coat and hat up. Glancing to the fire as she says to kick it out, Hunter nods and takes a moment to put the fire out. Once he had the fire taken care of he slips his hat on and quickly follows after Iyla now that she had already started to move.

He was surprised that she had spoke of the two moving together rather then her going off on her own. " Do you want to wear my coat to stay warm? " Hunter asks as he quickly catches up with her, offering her his coat again as he had done the night before.

"No.." she shook her head, keeping her one arm over her wound. "I'll be alright."
She gave him a hard look before continuing forward. She didn' want his jacket. It would likely smell like him.

Hunter gives a faint nod as she rejects his offer to lend her his coat. With his offer rejected Hunter takes a moment to slip his coat on as he follows, taking note of the look she gave him. With the look he lets out a soft sigh as he shifts his gaze from her and glances around for a moment. " It doesn't hurt to take a helping hand from time to time. " Hunter says as he keeps an eye out for any signs of a river or stream, though he figured his comment would be met with some form of retort more then likely one that lacked any form of niceness or even kindness, such things seemed beyond her grasp.

"I don't need help," came her immediate retort between bared teeth. but then realizing, how evidently foolish that nature was she shook her head. "I'd prefer not to have it. I work alone." She didn't feel the need to have to explain it to him. What did he care anyway?

Her immediate answer drew Hunter's gaze back to her for a moment. Though she said she did not need help, it seemed as if she did given her state. Turning his gaze from her once again he listens to her correct her self " I see. " Hunter says as he slowly shifts his gaze " I did not mean on your little hunt for whatever it is you are after. " He says as he gives a glance back towards her. He still wished to know what it was that she had taken from the man. " Perhaps this direction? " He asks, pointing off to their right.

At his comment, Iyla cut him a look. But nodded at his suggestion.
"Any way is better than none." Though this path took them down a winding hill side, eventually she raised her arm when something caught her ear.
"You hear that?" She turned her head to the left. "Water." And she turned that way and began to hobble through the leaf cluttered forests.

Hunter glances to Iyla, his gaze meeting hers for a brief moment as she seemed to accept his idea of going right. Moving in the new direction with her Hunter fell into silence for the time being as he shifts his gaze, keeping an ear out. It seemed she had better hearing then he did as she spoke up Hunter looks to her for a moment before looking in the direction she was looking in. As she begins to hobble along Hunter watches her for a moment, a soft sigh escaping him before he begins to follow after her. Though he knew she might not like it, as he comes up behind her he carefully takes hold of her before trying to lift her from the ground and take her into his arms as he heads towards the sound of water. Given her state she moved at a diminished pace and if she wanted water getting to it faster is better then slower.

Suddenly finding herself plucked off the ground and in Hunter's arm, Iyla immediately began to thrash about.
"What do you think you are doing!?"s he roared, new power and strength found within her flailing. "Put me down! I can walk on my own!"

As she begins to protest against him picking her up, Hunter knew it would happen though as she fails he keeps a hold of her. " Hey hey! Stop thrashing or I might drop you. " He says with a growl as he holds onto her despite the trashing. He didn't want to drop her though if she continued to trash he knew he would have no other choice but to drop her.

"But I am able to walk! I'm not some waif you can just carry away!" she cried, glaring up into his face as she continued to wriggle. Though as she fought, she suddenly felt a surge of pain jolt up her side, forcing her to cling onto Hunter, and her wound.

She continued to protest though Hunter paid little attention to it as he continued to move towards the sound of water. What caught his attention was her clinging to him as well as her wound. Gazing down at her again he shakes his head with a soft sigh " I know you can walk, though you were moving slow and I figure the sooner we get there the better. " He says as he lifts his gaze from her and looks to the source of the sound that had drawn them in this direction.

Iyla growled, something he'd undoubtedly feel against his neck as she clung to him and glared up at him. Though she was still wincing from the pain, she shook her head in protest.
"This isn't some sort of race. It doesn't matter how quickly we get there," and she paused, biting back some words before she breathed out haughtily, "Though I do know I stated I want to be out of this place, and quickly."

A shiver ran up his spine as she growled at him again though it was not in response to the growl. Shifting his gaze Hunter gazes down at her again, smiling softly at her though she was glaring at him. Though she was not showing any form of kindness towards him even for helping her, Hunter decided he would show her kindness and offer what aid he could even if she did not like it. " So me carrying you like this would be best if you wished to get out of here quickly. " he says before finally coming to a stop close to the water and carefully lowering her down so she could stand.

Iyla didn't like that smile. Once she was set down, she lightly shoved his shoulder.
"That's for not warning me. You could at least warn a lady before trying to carry her away."
Turning away in a huff,s he looked down at the source of the water and released a heated breath.
"Looks like the same river from earlier." She bent down on one knees ad scooped up some water in her hands,a nd began to drink from it. SHe was so thirsty.

As she shoved his shoulder Hunter shifts, his shoulder moving back some in response to the shove. Listening to her he couldn't help but smile a bit more. He did not think she would say something like that and she referred to herself as a lady however he did not feel she had done anything to show she is a lady. But rather she had done things to show she is a cold hearted woman. Hunter decided to keep this idea of her to himself and glances to the river as she made the remark. " I'll keep that in mind next time ma'am. " he says with a nod as he glances to her " No telling how far it goes. The question is, could we follow it to get through this forest. Or do we back track back to the road. " Hunter watches her for a moment longer before he kneels down next to her and scoops up some water before he begins to drink as well.

Seeing him next to her, she grimaced and splashed some water his way.
"Do you have to drink so close to me?"

As she splashes water his way, Hunter leans away from her to try and evade the reach of the water. A frown begins to form on his face in responce to her comment. Reaching into the water he splashes some water at her, the frown fading into a smirk " Maybe. " he says with a smirk as he looks at her, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

Some water splashed onto her face, and immediately,she grew more angry. With an angered slap, she smacked a lot more water back at him- aiming to soak his stupid, cowboy hat wearing face!

OOC: lol she's so nice

Again a splash of water came his way and hits him in the face, soaking him and his hat. " Hey. " He says as he splashes water at her again, though more then the last time. Unlike her, he was not getting angry even though she had just soaked him and his hat, he found this rather enjoyable much more so then being kicked or beat up by her.

Seeing as he was taking this as a form of play, the angered (and now wet) Iyla suddenly let out a roar, grabbed him by a fistful of his jacket and proceeded to launch him clean into the river.
She stood now, her form imposing as she remained in the shallow waters, a glare set on him.

With his retaliatory splash, Hunter was expecting another splash of water from Iyla or for her to give up but rather he is caught off guard by the roar. The next thing he knew he fell into the water after being launched into the river by her. Standing up he glances down at his cloths and lets out a sigh as he turns his gaze back to Iyla as she glares at him. Stepping towards her Hunter uses both hands to splash water at her.

Angered, she splashes back but does something childish- even for her, as she grabs a rock and hurls it directly at his head.

OOC: lol, she got more violent with this real fast

As she splashes water at him again Hunter turns his head to the side so he wouldn't get water in his eyes. With his attention not focused completely on her Hunter misses the rock she picks up and hurls his way. Not seeing the rock Hunter is struck in the head by it, though it was not a large rock it still caught him off guard when he is hit by it. Stumbling back Hunter lets out a cry of pain as he quickly brings a hand up to his head where the rock hit him, the impact of the rock cutting open the flesh and causing a wound on his head.

It was at his cry that Iyla suddenly stopped. She only felt somewhat terrible for having injured him, but huffed about it none the less as she stubbornly set her jaw.
"You deserved it," she growled, albeit softly as she looked at him. "And take that damn hat off." she grumbled and moved away from him before she sat over on the river bank and began to peel off her armor, leaving her in just the wrappings underneath. She needed to cool off and wanted nothing to do wit him, so she busied herself with that and was quickly working at unlacing her boots.

And like that, the moment he was enjoying with her was brought to an abrupt end with the use of a rock. Keeping his hand over his new injury, Hunter was not sure how he deserved to be hit with a rock. He did not think he had done anything to warrant it unless she did not like having water splashed at her. " Asking nicely is always an option too. " He says with a grumble as he trudges his way through the water and back onto the bank. " And the rock was uncalled for. If you wanted me to stop splashing water at you all you had to do was ask. " It was clear that the good mood he was in had been brought to an end. Pulling his hat off he tosses it onto the ground before he begins to strip down.

Iyla ignored him, putting her back to him as she dumped her boots off on the shore and stepped into the water. She felt hot and bothered all over, and wanted to be rid of the grimy sweat and blood. Too bad Hunter was there, or she'd be able to remove the bindings too, but she remained in those tightly bound cloths and stepped out deeply into the waters until she was able to lower herself down completely in the river, disappearing from sight.

Turning his gaze back to Iyla though she did not respond to him, Hunter shifts his gaze over her form now that she had undressed or at least removed most of her garments. For the moment he remains silent and stationary as he watches her move deeper into the water before lowering herself into the water. Though he knew it might not be the best of choices Hunter follows after Iyla, moving back into the water as he rubs his head. Moving into the water he trudges towards where Iyla had went under.

The bounty hunter might have trudged too closely for when Iyla resurfaced, throwing her body back and tossing out her slick, red hair, her wet braid slapped at his face like a whip- but then immediately following it her arm bumped into him and well-
the next set of actions were atrocious.

Her limbs entangled with his as she crashed bodily into him, dragging the poor hunter down beneath the water with her- having absolutely NO clue what just happened! But turns out, she mi-stepped when her body had bumped into his and down, down she went- bounty hunter, and all.

As Iyla resurfaced Hunter came to an abrupt halt however he had already moved closer then he thought safe. This was made more clear as her hair flies around like some form of weapon as she throws her body back. Inside Hunter cringed expecting to be struck though outside he made no sign that he was afraid of her.

Their bodies made contact and before he could pull away he quickly went down with her as she went down. Rather then trying to pull away and keep himself from going under to far, Hunter slips an arm around her and pulls her close, perhaps closer then she would like. As he took hold of her, he placed a hand over her chest wrapping in a location she probably would not like, pulling her close he tries to get a stable footing and bring them back above water.

By the time they resurfaced, Iyla was gasping for breath and clinging onto the bounty hunter, though she was more concerned about getting air and sputtering out water than realizing his hands were all over her. Though a few more momens of coughing and gagging, she paused to realized, with a blink, how he was holding her and suddenly she elbowed his gut out of surprise and tore herself away.

"Hunter!" She got in a defensive stance, hands covering her chest now as she looked at him, not realizing some of her binding wraps had come loose.

Bringing them back up, Hunter gasps for air as he holds Iyla close to him. For a moment he did not realize how he was holding her but rather simply took hold of her and held her close to try and save her in a sense. As he finally realizes how he is holding her he gets an elbow to the gut which causes him to gasp lightly as his grip on her loosens so she could pull away.

Rubbing his stomach he looks over at her as she gets into a defensive stance, a light smirk taking form on his face as he watches her. " Eh... " He murmurs as he looks at her, his gaze shifting to the bindings on her chest for a moment. " So... if you wanna tussle I'm all for it but could we please do it on land... and without the use of rocks or weapons? " Hunter asks with a soft smile as he looks at her. As he looks at her he remains stationary though he raises a hand and offers it to her.

Was this guy for real? Iyla narrowed her gaze at him, growling through her teeth and at the offered hand, she smacked it.
"Tussle? Do you want another rock to the head?!" She was in no mood for such play!

The growl was an early sign that she did not like the idea, though she smacks his hand Hunter keeps it extended out to her still. Gazing down at her Hunter shakes his head in response to her question. " I would rather not get hit in the head by another rock. I guess next time I will let you drown then? " Hunter says before pulling his hand back and splashing water at her.

Iyla gasped and clung onto the bindings that began to drop at the splash of his water.
"Drown!?" She growled and stomped one foot in the water. "If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have fallen in the water at all!"

Though he was not trying to get the bindings on her to begin to fall down, Hunter had no issue with them falling like she did. Listening to her he knew she was still angry and he was pushing her, though he was trying not to push to hard. " I lost track of you when you went under. " Hunter says before sending another splash of water her way " I thought you were further out. "

Iyla growled at him and angrily slapped more water his way.
"You don't need to keep track of me! You're not some guardian or knight, and as far as I'm concerned, once I'm all clean, we part ways there!" And she gave an extra, angered slapped to the water to drive her point home. She was so irritated, so upset, it was almost blinding in the way she was so stubborn and childish towards him.

Hunter couldn't help but smile a bit as she growled and splashed water at him, his arm coming up to stop some of the water from hitting him. Lowering his arm back to the water Hunter listens to her, he knew she was right though given how she seemed to still be affected by her injury he figured it might be good for her. Another splash of water came his way causing Hunter to let out a light growl in return as he splashes water at her. This time he makes sure to send more water her way and use it as a form of cover as he moves closer to her, stepping so he is within arms reach of her.

Water had gotten into her eyes, stinging her and making her temporarily blind. She let out a cry, which may have sounded like a roar before she blindly threw out a punch into the air.

Seeing the punch come his way as he steps forwards Hunter reaches up and grabs her first before she can hit him. Taking hold of her first with one hand he brings his free hand up and reaches out to her side before trying to take hold of her and pull her close to him. Though he caught her fist and tries to pull her close he makes no real attempt to harm her or show he wished to harm her, at the moment he did not wish to fight with her.

Still not being able to see, she let's out a gasp when his hands are all over her, the gesture not loosening any more of her bindings, but making her more wary that they are. And when she was able to blink back the water from her vision, she saw him- their faces but inches apart as he held her. And she bared her teeth at him like an animal. Did it really need to be said for her to ask him to let her go?

"What are you doing? Let go of my hand!"

Gazing down at her now that he had a hold of her, Hunter watches as she blinks her eyes to get the water out of them and finally look to him. Though he figured she would do something like bare her teeth at him he also figured she would already try to lash out at him. " As long as you do not hit me. " Hunter says with a growl before returning the gesture and bearing his teeth to her. With her it seemed as if he were playing with fire and given the situation he expected to be burned any minute. Despite the fact that she could hit him, Hunter releases his hold on her hand as she requested to show her he did not wish to restrain her.

Iyla was surprised when he simply let her go-a nd unprepared for it, as she moved to turn away, she slipped over a slick rock and went down.

OOC: lol my characters are so clumsy XD
but I had to do it *is mean*
Feel free to assume if she drags him down with her or he makes a grab for her- and he could be successful or you know, fail loool
*has such nice suggestions*

Not wanting to hold her against her will, Hunter watches as she turns to move away. However before she could move away from him she seems to lose her footing and begin to fall into the water. Though she said she did not need a guardian, given how she has been it looked as if she did. As she begins to fall Hunter takes hold of her again and pulls her close to him, his arms slipping around her, though not tightly. " Maybe you should just stop for a moment. " Hunter says as he holds onto her, this time using a more firmer grip to hold her as if to keep her safe in his arms.

"Stop for a moment, why?" she snapped, after the initial shock wore off. He'd be able to feel her labored breaths as her chest rose and fell, and some more of her bindings slipping underneath his grip. She squirmed a little, but paused and huffed, feeling foolish.
"YOu can let go of me now, I will be fine on my own."
And she'd definitely be more wary of those darn rocks.

Holding her close to him Hunter gazes down at her, feeling her labored breathing. He catches sight of the bindings slipping and though she begins to squirm a little he keeps a hold of her. For a moment Hunter felt she had given up on trying to get out of his grip though she did bring up being let go of. For a moment Hunter remains silent as he holds her close to him before finally speaking up " Perhaps it would be better if we went to shallower waters. That way you could still wash up, with out any real danger of going under, and I could sit down for a spell. Watching after you can be rather tiring. " he says with a soft smile.

Iyla was doing all she could to bite back a retort. But she was blindly upset,a nd didn't care if Hunter was helping her or not (or even being nice!) She was just too stubborn and did not want to be reasoned with. She had her shadow stone- which, she only realized in that moment with gasp that she had left it on shore.

"SHIT!" And suddenly she was trying to push to get out of his arms without so much as a warning- it might have looked like she was afraid but the last thing she wanted was for Hunter to SOMEHOW get his hands on it, nd once she was over her clothings, dripping wet over them and her bindings nearly falling off she didn't care. She just clung onto them as best she could with one arm while the other searched for the seed. Once she found it, she sighed and gripped it in her hand. Thank the Gods. She would have to hurt someone if she lost it now.

As she begins to struggle Hunter first gets the impression that she did not like his idea and given he did not wish to fight with her really he releases his hold on her. With a soft sigh Hunter follows after her given she was heading for the shore he figured she was ready to be on her way. At first Hunter thought she wished to get dressed however instead of dressing she searches through her cloths. Then it dawned on him, she must be searching for the item she had taken from the man the other day. Moving up behind Iyla, Hunter reaches out and tries to take a hold of her before forcing her down onto the ground below them. As he tries to push her down he also reaches around grasping for the seed she had taken out of her cloths, a light growl escaping him as he puts more force into his actions.

Iyla had been too focused on confirming the seed was still alright that she hadn't realized Hunter had followed her to the shore, so when he suddenly forced himself ontop of her, she let out a gasp and struggled beneath him-a nd seeing where his hand were going, her knee jerks up sharply.
"DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH THAT!"

He was NOT about to get her shadow seed! But damn if he wasn't suddenly being forceful! She had to wonder where this came from all of a sudden as she growled at him and struggled wildly beneath him, not about to let him steal one of the few items in the world that could grant her freedom. Why was he reaching for the seed anyway!?

Taking a knee to the stomach Hunter growls at her more as he puts more of his weight into subduing Iyla. Though she did not want him to touch it, Hunter ignored her this time and instead went for the seed still. It seemed of great value to her though he did not care much for the value he wished to know what it is. Pushing her down onto the ground he presses his body into hers, not care much for his or her lack of clothing. As he works to get her pinned between him and the ground so she would have few options to use in defense he also tries to wrench the seed from her grasp.

OOC: I can't remember, what, if any clothing he was wearing lol
-------

She was growing desperate, and frantic; ignorant how lewd their position might have looked, considering she was writhing beneath him and growling out like an animal.
"Don't you dare try to take that from me!"s he roared keeping her grip tight around it, which only left her one hand to defend herself, which was doing very little in keeping the man away, his entire body was practically over her's now with almost nothing inbetween.
"IT'S MINE!!!" she hissed, her gaze, laced with a poisonous promise. Keep this up, and she'd have to play dirty.

OOC: Yeah, he is kinda nude >.>
---------------

Given her grip on the item he wished to see, Hunter found it hard to simply pull it from her almost death grip on the item. He had managed to subdue her though she still put up a little fight however he knew at some point she may start to retaliate. Narrowing his gaze as he looks down at her he growls at her as she yells at him. Taking hold of her free arm he pushes it down onto the ground. "Just stop! " He yells as he tries to pin her other arm to the ground. " I want to know what it is. " Hunter says with a growl. Things had spiraled out of hand and now he lay with her under him, a position he would enjoy other wise, however right now he was not so sure about.

Were she in shadow and not to see, and not suddenly over powered by him,s he would have beat him from here clear to Zantaric, but somehow Hunter got the upper hand, and both her hands were pinned, despite her attempts to jerk her arms free.
Though he might have believed things were spiraling out of control- he wasn't necessarily wrong- because her clothing was the next thing to begin to fall away as each struggle she made loosened and removed more and more of her bindings.

"What do you care what it is!?" she roared, panicking as she continued to buck beneath him, but an odd sensation washed over her as she began to realize-

Oh crap, she had somehow managed to find herself beneath a naked man and- all of her writhing had her almost as naked as he! Her face suddenly went red, but then she recalled the seed...

"It's of no importance to you! It- It's the only thing I have that can free me! And I'll kill you if you try to take it away!" And somehow it happened- the very idea of killing oer the stone- and of hte man over top of her suddenly had her breaking down, as her voice broke at the end of her call and tears began to slide down her face.
She went from angry to suddenly in tears.

With each move she made Hunter could see the bindings on her chest being forced off of her. Though he tried to keep certain thoughts at bay as she bucks against him while struggling he couldn't help but think of other things he would like to be doing at the moment with her. Gazing down at her Hunter watches as her face suddenly turns red, a sign that leads Hunter to believe she realized her situation. Rather then argue more and struggle, Hunter listens as she begins to speak about the item she is holding onto. Listening to her, Hunter frowns faintly as she says she will kill him if he tries to take it from her. Though he wanted to see it, at the moment he had no intention in taking it from her. Her swift change in attitude takes Hunter by surprise as tears begin to slide down her face.

As she begins to cry Hunter lets out a soft sigh. Though he was not sure if this is some trick on her part or if she truly is crying, it still has the same affect on him non the less. " I didn't have any intention of taking it away. I simply wished to know what it is.. " Hunter says in a soft tone as he gazes down at her, his grip on her arms loosening though he does not let her go just yet.

"What?!" She stared at him, completely baffled. "Then why would you even care what it is?" she growled through tears.

Though he said he had no intention in taking it away from her, some part of him had thought of the idea of taking it from her. If it were the source of the man's power then something like that would be of great value and use. Gazing down at her Hunter watches as her mood changes a bit as she begins to growl at him while still crying. Leaning down so his face is closer to hers, Hunter returns the growl as he gazes into her eyes. " I was curious. " he says as he lowers his head a bit more, stopping when his face is an inch or so from hers. Gazing down into her eyes Hunter reluctantly releases one of her arms, though not the one holding the seed.

The second he released one of her arms, she slammed a hold onto his throat.
"Release me or I'll choke the life out of you!" she threatened, her grip becoming tenser so that it hurt him. Though both fear and rage were evident in her eyes now as tears still prickled across the surface of her blood red eyes.

And just as he thought things with Iyla were starting to take a different turn, Hunter found he was wrong about the woman as she brought her free arm up and took hold of his throat. Rather then do as she requested Hunter frowns faintly as he looks down at her as she continues to cry while threatening his life. Bringing his free hand up to hers, Hunter caress the back of her hand instead of trying to remove it from his throat. Though he wanted her to release his throat he knew trying to remove her hand would probably only cause more problems.

Iyla's eyes wavered while tears continued to prickle through her confusion.
"What are you doing?" she hissed. It was such an intimate gesture, so tender and out of place for such a moment when she was threatening his life. "Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?" she said, and her anger only had her forcing more pressure around his neck, surely bruising him, surely causing him pain.

Keeping his hand resting on the back of hers, Hunter gazes down into her eyes. Rather then struggling against her grasp or trying to pull her hand away he lets her grasp his throat as she wishes. Even as she puts more pressure behind her grasp he still refrains from stopnig her. He was afraid of her killing him but did not show any sign of it to her aside from the look of pain that over took him he made no other sign to show any fear. Pulling his hand from hers he brings it down and rests it on her cheek caressing her cheek and using his thumb to wipe away some of the tears.

Feeling his hand suddenly on her cheek, her hand instantly retracts from his throat and slugs him across the face.
"Damn you, Hunter!" she cried, tears now blurring her vision. "Let go of me or I swear to the Gods I'll find a way to hurt you!" Though it was evident when she retracted her first threat, her second one wouldn't be any better.

As she removes her hand from his throat a brief moment of relief quickly came over him, however the strike to the face crushed it just as quickly as it arose. Hunter's head lurches to the side quickly as it follows the path of the punch from Iyla. She had already caused him a great deal of pain and he found it hard to now show signs that he was indeed hurting from the grasp on his throat and now the hit to his face. Turning his head to look down at her again Hunter pulls his hand from her cheek and reaches for her free arm and tries to pin it to the ground once again. He did not want to pin her again though with how she was abusing him he felt he had no other option. As he tries to pin her arm he also leans forwards and presses his lips against hers in an attempt to kiss her softly.

After the countless number of threats and harm done to his person, she would have never dreamed she'd find herself, half naked (and well, him, completely so) kissing now on the muddy river bank.
Emotions exploded inside her, numbing her and washing through her with unknown speed and heat. But the moment it happened it seemed all sense was lost to her as she froze beneath him, lips melting against his as she moaned softly from the attentions.
Though the moment had been delicate, she had no idea why it stole from her all logic, or why, even when her mind was on her primal need, she actually ended up kissing him back.

Hunter expected her to struggle and fight back against the kiss however instead of any of that she did nothing but moan softly which surprised him. The moan from Iyla causes Hunter to smile faintly behind the kiss as he continues it. Given that she was not fighting back or protesting against the kiss he seen no reason to stop it. His smile grows a bit more as she begins to kiss him back. With her kissing him back he deepens the kiss as he briefly releases his hold on her arm only long enough to try and take her hand in his and grasp it gently while pinning her arm back down. Though he wanted to let her arms go he was to afraid that she may and lash out at him again. While kissing her he presses his body into hers though he makes sure not to put his weight on her but rather focus on the contact between their bodies as he kisses her.

She didn't know why the kisses left her paralyzed and feeling vulnerable, and incredibly heated. Perhaps it had been too long since she had such affections, or perhaps something deeper she did not know, but the kisses were deep and intense like the anger she was feeling but moments ago. And though she knew she should be fighting back, part of her enjoyed him restraining her. It reminded her how weak and vulnerable she was... that she was still human and...
The idea of kissing keeping her human, too. Though as bodies pressed to bodies, she gasped through a kiss at the sensation, and a new fire began to build, and her mind- growing dizzy for it as her legs instinctively wrapped around his to coax this sensation into something more as her lips met  to his far too naturally for her own comprehension. Perhaps anger was just too close to another sort of passion...

Though he had been keeping his urges at bay before when dealing with her as he felt her legs begin to move and her actions seem to coax more of the situation Hunter gave fully into his desire for her. Releasing his hold on one of her arms he raises up just enough to slip his hand between them. He no longer cared if she hit him now that he released her arm, he only had one thing on his mind at the moment. Moving his hand between them he begins to tug at the bindings on her chest to remove them completely. Though he worked to get the bindings off of her completely he continued kissing her, his lips parting enough for his tongue to slip past them and prod at her lips while trying to gain access to her mouth. With his body pressing against hers he made no attempt to hide or withdraw his growing arousal and desire for her.

With her hands free they were all over him, gripping around him, feeling up his muscles, his body heat and smoothing down his sides. Her own body was flush, and feeling him tug away at the remaining of her clothing made her realize what was going on- but in that moment she did not care. She was vulnerable and in heat, and the only thing she could think about was the wild desires suddenly brought up from her anger- and a kiss.

When his tongue was shoved inside her mouth,s he responded in kind, her tongue wrestling hotly against his as hands found their ways to his cheeks before finger nails dragged down his back side and she, half helping Hunter even with the bending that were reluctant to push away.

Frustrated that the binding would not so easily give, she growled through a kiss and gave a few rough tugs, and it seemed that helped as they fell away. Though she was still lightly dressed in them- it would be much easier for the bounty hunter to yank off and claims the willing prize beneath as Iyla's lips met back to his in a long, passionate, heated, needful kiss.

OOC: Don't forget the M.
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Moving his tongue into her mouth his tongue wrestles around with hers while he continues kissing her. Feeling her nails drag down his skin caused him to arch his back some though he made no real attempt to pull away from her or stop what he is doing. Though he wanted the bindings off of her it seemed to be a bit more harder then he hoped for. Hearing her growl he smiles behind the kiss, letting her tug on the bindings a moment which helped some.

Slow and reluctantly Hunter breaks the kiss and softly growls at her as he gazes down at her, desire in his eyes as he looks at her. Now that he had broken the kiss he turns his attention what bindings still remained on her, keeping him from the prize he so sought at the moment. Reaching to the bindings that still remain on her Hunter lets out another growl and pulls them from her body and tosses them aside as he sets his gaze upon her body once again, his hands moving to her breasts as he brings his gaze back to her face.

How long had it been since a man had touched her? How long since she had made love? She couldn't even remember, but the years were far too many, and her body was in heat. In the moment, she was blind to it and closed her eyes as his hands touched her skin, causing her to moan and arch beneath his touch.

This was madness. She believed she hated this man. But this was how it was like when one succumbed to the blindness of their body's desires and lust. And she did not care what he did to her, so long as it sated her heat.

Taking hold of her breasts Hunter smiles at her reaction to his touch. For a moment now that he had taken hold of her breasts he massages them in his grasp, working both her breasts at the same time with a slight roughness to his touch though he made sure not to try and harm her. Leaning down over top of her as he continues to play with her breasts he presses his lips against the side of her neck and begins to kiss her neck.

Having grown fully aroused Hunter pushes his hips forwards so she could feel his aroused length. His attention to her neck continued as he begins to place soft kisses down the side of her neck and along her shoulder. As he starts to kiss her shoulder he gives both her breast a rough but playful squeeze before pulling one hand away from her breast and running it down her stomach.

The attentions drove her crazy, feeling his hands across her skin, feeling her breasts and kissing her neck. Her eyes squeezed closed as she breathed lightly beneath his attentions, hands blindly feeling all across his body, smoothing over the bare muscles of his back and chest.

Her legs were open to him now, legs clinging around his hips as she feels his hard dick pressed between her leg and gasped. Though there was no insertion, he was touching her in such a sensitive area it had her moaning. It felt like heaven, and Iyla leaned her head back to revel in the sensation as her body naturally moved in hunger for his sex.

His length was stroking against the lips between her legs, and as she rocks her hips, it only takes a few times for her sex to become soaking wet and hot, and by then, her lips and teeth were dragging down his neck as she held onto him, moaning and breathing softly at the attentions at being so close to him yet so far away, but by the way she moved and writhed, it was evident she needed this as much as he did-
and her mind and body was in too much of a frenzy to care, for she honestly hardly knew this man yet here she was, laying wtih him about to make love against a stream.

Moving his hand across her stomach he brings it to rest on her side as he pulls his other hand from her breast. Listening to her he smiles as he continues kissing her shoulder softly, his desire for her growing in leaps and bounds. Though he pressed his length against her he made no attempt to enter her, at least not just yet though he could see she desired it just as much as he did.

Feeling her kiss and bite at his neck Hunter tilts his head to the side for her to give her better access, though he returns the gesture and bites her shoulder in a playful manner. With her moaning and writhing below him Hunter knew he could no longer hold himself back. Moving a hand up from her side he runs his fingers through her hair before lightly grasping her by the hair as he thrusts his hips forwards.

Giving into his pure desire for her he made no real attempt to be easy with his thrust, rather he pulls on her hair some as he thrusts his hips forwards. Thrusting his hips forwards he lets out a moan of pleasure against her shoulder as he works to drive his length into her completely in a single thrust.

Iyla gasped out as his length cut into her in one single thrust that burned. But it felt good and hurt all the same and once he was inside her, his entire length filled her, he'd feel her sex clamp around his tight as she sucked in a breath and held it and peered up at his, her red eyes dizzy and lustful as her hands clung around him tight, eyes half hidden behind her wild, untamed hair.

As he comes to enter her completely he rests inside of her for a moment, moaning again as he feels her clamp around his length. Hunter gives her shoulder a playful nip before he raises up a bit from her shoulder to gaze down at her. Looking down at her he smiles, releasing his hold on her hair and pushes her hair aside so he could look down into her eyes. For the moment he keeps his length buried completely inside of her. Moving his free hand from her side he places it on the ground as he leans down and presses his lips against hers, locking in another kiss with her.

As their lips meet her lips smother against his as she holds his face, cupping it as they drank of one another's lips. SHe only stopped to breath, and through their kissing, her body began to lightly move against him, her sex dragging and tasting along his.

As she takes hold of his face Hunter smiles lightly behind the kiss, letting her hold onto him if she wished too. Feeling her begin to move blow him he knew it was probably already past time to continue with what he had started by entering her. Playfully growling behind the kiss he takes hold of her hair once again lightly pulling on it though he does not break the kiss. Gripping both her hair and the ground below them he begins to pull his hips backwards and draw his length out of her, though he stops before coming out of her completely and thrusts forwards once again driving his length back into her.

If he thought he was the only one who could get away with grabbing hair, he was mistaken, for the moment he roughly grabbed hers,s he dug her fingers into his and gripped on hard. Her other hand kept around him, holding him close, but eventually his hips moved away, and she quivered as she felt his sex leave her and her own sex was dripping with need. But then he crammed his length back into her and she was calling out his name, gripping onto him tightly with both arms and legs as she felt his sex spear into her hard and powerfully. God, it felt so good.

For a moment Hunter rests his length inside of her, smiling as he gazes down at her before moving to kiss her shoulder again. Though she gripped him by the hair he made no attempt to stop her since he did the same to her. He pulled lightly on her hair to try and get her to tilt her head before he moves to kissing her neck. He places a quick kiss against her neck before nipping at her flesh as he growls. Though he had gotten rough with her he makes no real attempt to harm her. Again he draws his hips back, pulling out of her before thrusting back into her, this time after driving his length into her continues with another thrust and begins to work into a steady rhythm.

Iyla couldn't contain herself. She had too many emotions bottled up and needed a release, so the moment Hunter began to fuck her, she was over whelmed. Her own hips rocked with his, hands gripping, grabbing onto him, her body moving frantic with need.

"By the Gods, Hunter.." she moaned, arching her back as she spread her legs wider, letting him into her without any restrictions, though she was already good and slick, so there was no holding back. She was inviting and fit him like a velvet glove, and her sex- hot like lava, just like her temper- and somehow the bounty hunter that got on her nerves had gotten into her body as the two continued to mate like desperate animals on the ground.

Hunter grins as she calls out his name, his fingers remaining entangled within her hair. He moans softly against her shoulder, lightly pulling on her hair more as he drives his length into her. Even if she wanted him to stop now he knew he couldn't. It felt to good inside of her to stop now. Though he had started to have sex with her and she had called out to him multiple times, Hunter knew he did not know the name of the woman he was having sex with, however at the moment that didn't matter to him. At that mattered was the pleasure in the act they are committing.

As he continues thrusting into her, Hunter begins to pick up his pace and thrust into her a bit faster. Hunter kisses her shoulder again before raising from her shoulder and moves to kiss her though he stops before pressing his lips against hers. Instead of kissing her he gazes down at her with a faint grin on his face, looking into her eyes.

The sex was wild and she, insatiable, but the kisses- she fell prey to them as well. Lips met to lips, over and over again as their bodies met and smacked together as they writhed wildly into a mass of needed heat, of needed speed.

She was panting, nearly out of breath, enjoying every moment this stranger took her, and for once in her life she just let herself fall prey to a moment- and just let him and her continue to sin.
But it was when he smiled that she looked at him curiously, and found herself asking through a growl, "What? What are you smiling about." But it did not stop her own hips from undulating along with his as they fucked and fucked.

Gazing down at her he grins a bit more as she growls and though she spoke up Hunter did not answer her. Rather then answer her, Hunter returns the growl with one of his own before pressing his lips against hers, locking them in another kiss.

As he begins to kiss her once again he slips his tongue past his lips and works to get his tongue into her mouth. Beginning to kiss her again Hunter releases his hold on her hair and reaches for one of her arms before pushing it down onto the ground once again, his fingers slipping between hers as he holds her hand while pinning her arm down.

The motion was enough to cause her to forget about the shadow seed, it, having long since dropped from her hand as their fingers entwined and he pressed hers into the dirt.
By now, the reeds around them were rocking as they moved together in a naked tangle of limbs, but it seemed the pace of the sex had slowed down a bit and Iyla found her hand moving to grip onto Hunter's hip.

This was all wild, all crazy, but she wasn't complaining. It felt too good, and her lips did not hesitate to return all the deep and tongued kisses he was deserved.

Moving his tongue into her mouth as she returns the kiss he runs his tongue along hers. Though he knew in the back of his mind at one point it would end, Hunter wished this moment could continue on, though he felt lucky for having Iyla as he could right now and her not trying to injure him.

Hunter's tongue moves around inside her mouth, exploring as much of her mouth as it could as he continues kissing her. Smiling lightly behind the kiss Hunter gives her hand a light squeeze while keeping her arm pinned to the ground since she made no sign of disliking it.

Having worked into a steady rhythm Hunter continues thrusting his hips forwards, driving his length into Iyla completely before he would begin to pull out of her. As he continues to fuck her he could feel his release begin to build and knew the end, something he did not want to happen, would be coming.

It was all so crazy- one moment they were arguing,t he next, making love. She wasn't sure how it precisely happened either, but his dick crammed inside her felt good, and she could hear his breath from his exertion and pleasure, her own seeming to match his as she clung to him tightly. He wasn't the only one nearing his peak, as his constant thrusting was putting Iyla over the edge, and her eyes rolled back as her eyes fluttered closed as she clung to him tightly and began to sing to the skies.

Her sex around him exploded, pulsating rapidly as she writhed beneath him, bucking like an animal as she road out her sensation along his swollen cock. Gods, it felt so good-a nd blindly, she was in heaven, clinging to one moment o fpure bliss and heat against an existence of cold.

Hunter's thrusts into her continued and for a brief moment his pace picked up as he drove his length into her repeatedly. As he continue thrusting into her he held their kiss, his tongue still moving around inside her mouth.

Just as she begins to explodes around him the sensation of being inside of her pushes Hunter to climax. With one final thrust he drives his length into her completely and breaks their kiss as he begins to climax. Lowering his head to rest against her shoulder he grips her hand tightly as he digs his fingers into the earth below them, pushing forwards to keep his length buried deep within her as he climaxes.

She felt it. All of it. Every inch of him, every thrust- even the hot seed that now exploded deep within. And in that moment, her eyes fluttered closed, eyes rolling back as she shivered in ecstasy beneath him and grew quiet. All she could do now, was breath and lay there, reveling in the after glow.

As his climax draws to an end Hunter keeps his head resting against her shoulder as he pants while working to catch his breath. Feeling her shiver beneath him, Hunter smiles and kisses her shoulder softly before slowly raising up enough to gaze down at her. For a moment Hunter simple gazes down at the woman he just fucked, taking in her appearance before he begins to shift. Carefully he takes hold of her and holds her close before shifting his weight to roll the two of them over so she now lay atop him, his arm remaining around her waist to hold her close.

Where her back had once been in the dirt, she now finds herself laying over top of Hunter. Though her face was resting across his chest, as the cool breeze that swept through the canopy of trees in the forest reaches her bare back, she shivers. And it was only then, listening to the beating of his heart that she was reminded of what she was, and keeps herself silent, her eyes staring off into the forest as she lamented over what had happened- and what was to come.

Cringing, she knew she could stay in the moment, and moved to peel herself off of Hunter before she turned away.

For a moment Hunter rests his gaze upon Iyla as she lays atop him, however the moment quickly begins to come to an end. Though he hoped to lay with her longer it seemed she wished to get up. Loosening his grip on her he lets out a soft sigh as he watches her move off of him before turn away. " What's the matter? " He asks as he shifts to move closer to her and place a hand on her back.

Leaning closer to her Hunter tries to kiss her shoulder and take hold of her once again so he could pull her close to him. He enjoyed the moment they just had together however he thought perhaps she might not have enjoyed it as much as he did. They were fighting only moments before they started to make love and now that they had spent an intimate together he wondered how she would react to him.

At the sudden kiss to her shoulder and attempt to wrap his arms around her, Iyla tensed and jerked away from him.

"Cut that out,"S he growled, not bothering to look his way as she moved to rise off the muddy river bank. "You got what you came for- and so did I." She glanced down at her hand. She had scooped up the shadow seed again and was looking at it. "We part ways here."

As she tenses and jerks away from him Hunter lets her rather then trying to hold her by force. Gazing at her, Hunter lets out a growl as he reaches for her and tries to take hold of her and pull her back down into the mud once again so he could pin her down.

He figured something like this would happen though he was hoping it would not. They had spent an intimate moment together and sure they were not as close as some are when they have intimate moments. He hoped she would at least be a bit more civil and friendly with him.

Finding herself back in the dirt, Iyla's eyes widened as she looked up at Hunter before she growled.
"What the hell do you think you're doing? Get off of me!" she roared, and moved to kick him in the gut.

With her on the ground once again Hunter returns the growl, bearing his teeth at her. Pushing her arms back onto the ground Hunter rests atop her again, putting his weight onto her body to keep her pinned so she could not lash out at him.

" What does it look like. " He says with a grumble as he gazes down at her. This time he uses his weight to keep her down, not giving any sign that he wished to fuck her again, his anger showing in his actions. " Just drop the tough girl act. You're going to stop hitting me. " Putting more of his weight into her he leans down over her and gazes into her eyes, " I don't care if you want to make others think you are a cold hearted woman who will kill them. I know you are not that way, what just happened proves it. " He says as he gazes down into her eyes for a moment longer before he shifts his gaze from her and glances around in search of the seed she seemed to care so much for.

Iyla's eyes wavered beneath his scrutiny. What did she care what he thought? Except everything since he was the one blocking her exit.
"Let go of me!" she growled, fighting beneath his weight. "Who are you to claim what you know? So we had one fuck, it meant nothing."A nd her eyes narrowed into slits as she continued to growl. "Get off me now or I'll make you regret following me here,"s he warned, but seeing his eyes shift to the seed, her fist tightens around it so he can't see nor get to it.
"Whatever you want, just try to take it, but you'll have less teeth and blood for it if you try."

Having spotted the seed in her grasp he brings his gaze back to her face, his gaze narrowing into a glare as he looks down at her. Gazing down at her he growls at her in return, his grip on her wrists tightening some as he keeps her arms held to the ground.

" You have already made me regret parts of our meeting... Multiple times. " He says, snapping and nipping at her flesh " And if you hit me again, so help me I will make you regret it. We are going to travel together to where ever you were going. " He says before giving her a quick kiss.

After kissing her he releases his hold on her and raises to his feet, his gaze remaining fixed on her as he offers her a hand " If I wanted that thing. I could have taken it from you already.. You should learn to trust people. "

Iyla was confused by his affections. Maybe he was crazy. What was he trying to accomplish here anyway? Her gaze narrowed on him and once she felt the weight of him off her person, she looked up curiously at him for a moment. But the second he was on his feet, she let out a cry and snapped her boots out, hoping to sweep his legs out from underneath him before she scrambled to her feet in an attempt to get away.

Keeping a close eye on her as he rose to his feet, Hunter partly expected her to lash out at him. Though he hoped she would not and they could move beyond that. However that was not the case as she lets out a cry, a sign that gives Hunter a moment to evade the her boots with a quick hop back. " Damn woman! " He yells out in anger as he goes after her, jumping forwards to tackle her to the ground. His anger had started to get the better of him now that she lashed out at him.

Iyla could hear Hunter was just behind her, mere inches away as she evaded his grasp. She scrambled through the mud, pushing through the reeds and ferns as she climbed her way up the river bank and towards the forest. She wasn't going to look back. She'd never look back.

As she evades his grasp he growls at her. Though it may be better to give up the chase and let her escape, Hunter gave little thought to what would be best at the moment and continued with his chase. " Just stop! " He yells as he scrambles after her as quickly as he could. Going after her he lunges for her again trying to grab and subdue her.

Hunter was too close behind her and the river bank- far too slippery. His arms came around her legs and down she went, face first in the mud.

Though he brought her down Hunter knew he had yet to really defeat her. Moving over top of her he pressing his weight into her to keep her pinned down, though he makes sure not to put any weight on her head so she could still breath. Reaching down he grabs her arms and pulls them above her head before pinning them both down. Part of him did not want to pin her down though he knew if she had her arms free she would lash out at him.

Iyla was fighting every step of the way but when Hunter finally got his weight over top of her, and her hands above her head, she glared up at him defiantly and spat onto his face.
"Let me go or I swear to you I'll do much worse than spit,"s he growled.

Resting atop her now, Hunter gazes down at her though it is only a matter of moments before she retaliates in a fashion and spits into his face. Reaching up to his face Hunter wipes the spit from his face and glares at her. They had went from fighting to making love to fighting one again, it seemed rather crazy and perhaps even childish as it would have been a wiser move to let her go. Glaring down at her, Hunter returns the gesture and spits in her face just as she spit in his, perhaps not the best thing to do at the moment though. " If you wish to go down that road just remember, if you hit me again I will make you regret it. " He says as he watches her. Though it was probably a hollow threat, Hunter hoped it would work. " A better choice would be to play nice, that way we both can get what we want. " Hunter shifts more of his weight onto her knowing full well that she would more then likely go for the option that lead to blows being exchanged.

Iyla cringed through the spit on her face. She couldn't even wipe it off. Gross.

"What we both want?" she growled. "The only thing I want to do now is leave- but you seem adamant about keeping me here." And she glared at him,  her eyes challenging him at that.

Seeing her reaction to him spitting on her face he could tell she might not like it, perhaps now she would think twice since he had given her a taste of what she did to him. Though he thought about removing the spit or letting her do it, he decides to make her suffer through it a bit more. Hunter growls back at her, his gaze shifting into a glare as he gazes into her eyes. " Well... I wouldn't say here exactly. Being in a nice warm inn with some food sounds pretty good right about now. " He says with a faint nod.

"Yes, but neither here nor there is what I want,"s he told him, her voice sounding dangerous. Her eyes narrowed. "Let me go, Hunter. I've got nothing to benefit you nor nothing you want. If you wanted a girl, go back into town. There were plenty of whores there."

Keeping his gaze fixed on her, Hunter listens to her, wondering what all she wanted aside from the thing she had taken from the man. Much like she wanted, he too wished to let go of her however he was reluctant given how violent she has been. " Sure, if I wanted a whore I could get on. If I wanted one that is. " He says as the glare fades from his gaze as he watches her. " I'll let you up just give me your word you wont attack me, simple enough? While I did enjoy what we did and enjoy rolling around with you like this, it is not very productive at times. So a truce? " Hunter asks with a smile, trying to show her kindness again though he expected negative response from her.

Iyla narrowed her gaze.
"If you let me go, I'm going to kick you in the balls and disappear into the shadows. You'll never see me again." And that sounded like a promise.

Hearing her answer Hunter sighs softly finding he cant even get her to stop being violent. Though he thought it was a simple request, perhaps one she could agree to it turned out not to be. " Really. " He grumbles lightly as he shakes his head. Bringing his free hand up Hunter wipes away some of the spit from her face " If you want to do things that way.. " Hunter says with a soft sigh as he pulls his hand from her face and reaches down to her injured side.

Iyla let out a cry the moment his hand touched her.
"S-stop that!" she snapped, baring her teeth at him.

Hearing the cry from her he knew he had the right spot and as she yells at him Hunter pulls his hand back just a bit. " Now, why should I stop? " He asks as he gazes down at her " That's all I asked, for you to stop hitting me. But you want to kick me in the balls still. " Hunter says with a growl, baring his teeth back at her. Leaning down so more of his body rested against her he keeps a firm hold of her arms as he presses his hand into her side again. Perhaps not the best thing to do, he wondered if she needed a taste of how she treated him before she would be nice or at least reconsider hitting him.

Iyla let out another cry as pain coursed through her at his touch.
"As if I'd reconsider you asshole!"s he roared, and then proceeded to bash her head into his, hoping to dizzy him enough so he'd loosen his grip and she could slip away.

Not wanting to hurt her a great deal he pulls his hand back after pressing it into her side. Pulling his hand back a bit he listens to her and narrows his gaze for a brief moment before she strikes him in the head with her own. Reeling his head back he lets out a groan in pain, though he tries not to show signs it had affected him, Hunter felt the affects of the blow. Lowering his head once again he brings it down to rest on her shoulder, groaning still though as he does he presses his hand into her side, this time though he does not pull his hand back instead he applies more pressure. While pressing his hand into her injured side he tries to keep a tight grip on her wrists though it may falter " ... Stop please. " He groans out while resting against her. He didn't want to do this but he also did not want her to hit him, he would rather they come to some truce.

Iyla let out a scream of pain as he touched her. The agony of it was so overwhelming her eyes began to fill with tears. BUt stubborn as she was, she refused to oblige.
"NO! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!" she cried out. "I couldn't even stay here with you if I wanted to." she growled. "Gods..." AN the pain was so intense she could do little else but groan and cry out, but never once did she beg him to stop.

Keeping his head resting against her shoulder, he presses his hand into her side a bit longer to cause her more pain before finally pulling his hand back just enough to stop causing her pain. " How about you tell me? " Hunter asks and slowly lifts his head to look down at her, frowning faintly as he sees the tears " Give me the item you took from the man. " He says as he glances to her hands.

"What!?" her voice broke out from between pained screams. Her eyes were wide and wild and full of tears. "why would I tell you?" she growled. "I trust you even less now than I did before." And her growl was low and threatening in her throat between tears and moans of pain. "And if you try to take what I have, I swear to god you will regret it."A nd this time she meant it.

Gazing down at her Hunter keeps his hand hovering over her wound waiting to press against it if he needed to. Listening to her he sighs softly as he turns his gaze back to her face. " We both have problems trusting each other it seems. " Hunter gazes down into her eyes and growls back at her and presses his hand against her wound once again as his gaze narrows into a glare. " I know you don't believe me but I would rather not be doing this. "

Iyla let out another cry of pain when his hand pressed back to her wound again. And the only thing she could cry at him int hat moment was, "Fuck you!"

Keeping his hand against her side, Hunter presses harder against the wound as he gazes down at her. The glare slowly fades from his face as he lets out a soft sigh, though he wanted to pull his hand from her side he keeps it held in place. " Are you going to give me the item and tell me whats going on? "

Give him him the item? Her eyes shot open from wence they had been clenched painfully as she gave him a glare.
"I would rather die than give anything to you!"s he roared angrily. "And my life is of no concern to you- I need the black seed, it's... it's the only thing that can cure my curse!"

As she opens her eyes once again, though a glare, Hunter gazes down into her eyes as he watches her. Though she said she would die before giving him anything, he did not want it to come to that and did not see why it would have too. Listening to her Hunter found out more about why she is after this dark seed, what made it so important to her. " I see. " He says as he lifts his gaze from her face and glances towards the shadow seed in her hand " Is there only one? " Hunter asks as he looks back to her.

Iyla hardened her gaze.
"No." BUt she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of knowing more than that.

Hunter keeps his gaze locked on hers and as she answers him he gives a faint nod to her answer. He seen no reason for her to lie to him, it didn't seem like the thing she would do. Having gleamed a bit of information from her he know understood there are more then one of these shadow seeds, though he did not know how many. " How many are their and do they make you as strong as that man? " He asks, seeking more information.

"What?" her voice was practically snarling. "No." She narrowed her gaze. "I do not use them for that purpose. They are dark seeds and only latch to those with a dark heart. But his powers were ill gotten. It would have consumed him in the end, anyway. So his death was inevitable."

Listening to her as she answers him, Hunter gives a faint nod, finding more out about these shadow seeds. As she spoke he finds out how the man was able to use the power and that it was reckless to use it as it seemed to consume the person. Moving his hand from her injured side he brings it to rest on her cheek. Gazing down into her eyes he caresses her cheek gently " I see. And these shadow seeds will free you from a curse? "

She didn't appreciate his questions, nor did she appreciate his touch. She growled at him.
"Yes." But as it was before, she would tell him no more in that moment than that.
"Why do you care? This is not your plight, bounty hunter,"s he growled.

Resting his hand on her cheek he listens as she growls at him before answering. He knew it was non of his business nor did he really have a reason to aid her, though at the moment he remained curious about her situation. Narrowing his gaze a bit Hunter growls at her again, baring his teeth as he growls. " Who say's I care? " He asks as he shifts his thumb over her cheek while gazing down at her.

"By the way you're acting," she told him defiantly as she jutted out her skin. "Or maybe you're just crazy..." That would explain what he was doing- and administering all that pain.

Listening to her, Hunter remains silent as he gazes down at her. Perhaps he did care about her a little bit, then again he could be a little crazy as well. " I guess you are right... perhaps I should be mean? " Hunter asks as he pulls his hand from her cheek and reaches back down to her side " How will they cure you? "

Iyla sucked in a pain filled breath as he touched her, her eyes wavering wtih tears. But instead of answering, she simply spat on his face again.
"You're a monster."

OOC: Mmm guess I should have put he didn't touch her side rather then leave that part out xD No worries!
-------------------

Pulling his hand back from her side again, Hunter growls as she spits in his face before calling him a monster. Reaching up he wipes the spit from his face " I guess that's another thing we have in common. " He says as he gazes down at her, this time he refrains from spitting in her face.

"We have nothing in common," she challenged. "Since I don't torture the helpless."
Which was true, she really did feel defeated and weak, but at least she could heal faster than a human- but it still took time.

"Let me go."

Gazing down at her he narrows his gaze at what she had to say. As she brings up being let go he glances to her hands for a moment " Helpless.. And here I thought you were strong enough to break free given how you acted before and even threatened. " Bringing his hand down he places it on the ground and leans down over top of her.

She growled at him calling her out on that, before looking shamefully away.
"I'm.. I'm too weak to use my magic," she muttered, her voice dry and hoarse.

Resting his head a few inches above hers he gazes down at her, watching as she looks away from him before answering. " I see. " he says with a soft sigh " I didn't know you were, I'm sorry. " Though he knew what she would do, Hunter finally releases his hold on her hands trying to show that he was indeed sorry.

Even with her hands released, she didn't want to look at him. She used her strained arms to shield her naked chest from his view as she kept her gaze averted. She shivered. She was covered in mud and cold sweat. And she felt empty, cold and alone.

"Just leave me alone.."s he whispered, closing her eyes as a few tears slipped down her cheeks.

Though he thought she may lash out at him after releasing her arms, Hunter is surprised when she covers her chest rather then hitting him. Gazing down at her he watches as she shivers, during everything that was going on he had forgotten they were both nude and exposed to the elements.

Bringing a hand up he wipes away some of the tears from her cheeks before he begins to move off of her. Slipping off of her he grabs her and pulls her close, embracing her in his arms. Holding her close against him he takes care not to touch her injured side.

When Hunter brushed away her tears, she angrily jerked her head away from his touch. She didn't want that man touching her. Not now. Not ever. Not after all they'd done, and what he had done to her. But then he scooped her up into an embrace as she gasped and struggled in his arms.

"Hunter, let me go,"s he growled softly, tears returning to her eyes as they sparkled across the unnatural blood color that had replaced her natural green.

Though she struggled in his grasp Hunter holds onto her, keeping her held close to him. As she growls at him he returns the gesture, growling louder at her as he brings a hand up to wipe more of her tears away.

" Shut up and stop " He says as he gazes down at her, moving his arm back around her. While embracing her he presses more of his body against hers as if trying to warm her up.  Turning his gaze from her he glances around for a brief moment before glancing back to were they had left there cloths.

She obeyed, but kept her face turned away from his. Though his body was warm, it reminded her too muhc of that mistake that now kept her chained here- and it made her wonder if she wasn't any better than those other 'animals' who tried to touch her. No..s he had to get away from here- but how? If she tried to slip away in the shadows again, she knew she'd only pass out.

After spotting their cloths he turns his attention back to her and brings a hand up to her cheek. " Do you want to warm up a bit more before getting dressed or would you like to wash off first? " He asks as he nuzzles against her shoulder  " Or you could always run off into the woods like a crazy person again? " Hunter rests his head against her shoulder, closing his eyes for a moment.

Iyla just ignored him, keeping her eyes locked to the ground.
"The only one crazy here between us is you." She said, cutting a glare his way. She then pushed past him, shrugging him aside as she headed towards the water.
"I need to wash off the filth you put in me," she growled, and stepped out into the river, but her legs felt like jello.

For a moment, Hunter keeps his head resting on her shoulder as he ignores her comment about him being the crazy one. As she pulls away he releases his hold on her and opens his eyes to watch her for a moment as she moves towards the water. Though he thought of offering to help her Hunter remains silent as he turns his gaze from her, her last remark striking deep at his feelings. Pushing off from the ground Hunter moves away from where they had been laying and over to were their cloths had been laying, his back turned to her now as he remains silent.

Iyla used the river water to splash off her form, cleaning out between her legs and taking extra care there to remove herself of his sex. Though she was fortunate she could not get pregnant in this form (or at least she hoped and believed) she still felt filthy and her anger still burned like a fire within her.

She was trembling by the time she finished washing herself, and she moved her way twards the other end of the river bank and wrapped her arms around ehrself, keeping her head lowered. She was not read to leave the river yet. She still felt so hateful towards him that a few hot tears managed to slip down her cheeks.

Yes, shehad to get out of this place- and fast.
This was a man's world- and she had no place to be in it as a woman. She also had to get back to Adela- back to her 'tomb'. And she was growing too tired in this body to continue on any longer.

Gathering up his cloths he moves over to the water and begins to wash up as well, though this time he keeps his space from Iyla as he washes up, his attention remaining fixed on the water as he washes up. While washing up he goes over what all had happened between him and Iyla and seen how things got out of hand.

Once he finished washing he lifts his gaze and glances towards Iyla for a moment, seeing her on the other end of the river bank. With a soft sigh Hunter raises to his feet and slowly moves over to Iyla. Moving over to her he remains silent though he lowers his coat down onto her to try and cover her.

After setting his coat on her he kneels next to her, looking to her with a sad expression on his face " I'm sorry about what I did... I did not mean to do that. I know you probably don't want me to but I'm going to stay with you until you are to safety. All that I ask is that you refrain from hitting me, at least in the balls. If you want to hit me somewhere else that's fine, just not to hard. "

For a long while, Iyla said nothing- remaining dripping wet beneath this jacket.
But after a while, the anger returned to her numbed form and she curled her hands into a fist and knocked him clean across the face.

"An apology from you will never be accepted!" she roared, and threw off his jacket- throwing it clean at his face. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm getting the hell out of here."

And she stormed cleaned past him and gathered up her clothing, working hastily at binding herself up with her clothe wraps. Though they were uncomfortably wet, she did not care.

After stating what was on his mind Hunter fell into silence as he remains next to Iyla expecting some form of argument from the woman though nothing came. Though he should have known it was coming the punch caught him off guard.

Being struck across the face Hunter fell back onto his butt after his head turned to the side from the strike. A groan of pain escaped him as he reaches up and rubs his face, though it had not been in the balls it still hurt. Perhaps she was honoring his request not to hit him in the balls?

As his coat falls onto him, Hunter glances down at it for a moment before he slowly climbs to his feet and looks to Iyla as she gathers her cloths and begins to bind herself up. " You don't need to hide your self around me. " Hunter says s he shakes his head faintly. Shifting from the spot he stood in Hunter begins to walk towards her as he puts his coat on " I don't expect you to accept my apology, I simply wished to make it known. When you are ready we can go. " Hunter turns his attention away from her and glances around for a brief moment, now showing no sign of interest in her or the item that she carried.

Iyla did not care for him or anything he said. She tightened her bindings as much as she could before beginning to slip her clothing back on.

It was such a mistake to let herself fall into one moment of insanity. She dind't know this man, and now that she was knowing him better- she wished she hadn't. So once she was dressed, she didn't say another word as she simply walked away.

She needed to find a place to rest, get her strength back- then she could vanish from Zantaric forever.

As she worked on getting dressed Hunter collected his things and finished getting ready before looking to her again. Looking to her Hunter let out a soft sigh as he watches her for a moment before turning his gaze from her, his head lowering a bit.

While waiting for her to get dressed Hunter remains silent as he gazes down at the ground. Hearing he begin to move Hunter lifts his gaze and looks to her again as he follows after her. Though he knew she wished to be away from him, he also knew that she was his ticket out of the forest without getting lost and he wanted to see her out safely.

" I truly am sorry for what I did back there. " Hunter says as he looks to Iyla for a moment " Once we are out of this forest I will go my own way... " He adds, trailing off at the end as he turns his gaze from her and back to the forest.

"I don't care what you do, so long as it doesn't involve me," she told him coldly, keeping her focus on the forest before her. It took her sometime to get her baring, but she knew what direction she had to head in to get back home, and the sun was easier to read at this time of day, so she headed in that direction, working against the wind.

At least it was no longer raining.

As she spoke up Hunter glances to her for a brief moment before he turns his gaze back to the forest as he nods. " I guess that is to be expected and I thank you for not hitting me in the balls. " he says while following after her, allowing her to lead the way through the forest.

" I hope you find all of these shadow seeds you are looking for and find your cure. " Hunter says as he looks to Iyla.

"Don't thank me yet," she growled. "We haven't parted ways yet."

But at his last statement, she hesitated only once in her stride before continuing moving along, not bother to look back at the bounty hunter who followed her.

With his gaze resting on Iyla, Hunter slows down just a bit to put some more space between them. Though he did not like her hitting him, he did not want her to hit him in the balls again like she had done before.

Again Hunter turns his gaze from Iyla and glances around the forest for a moment before looking back ahead of them. " If you don't mind me asking, where are you going? " He asks while gazing at the forest.

After a moment of walking, she finally decided to answer him.
"Any where but here. I hate Zantaric," she growled.

Following after Iyla, he figured she was not going to answer his question, perhaps not even speak to him any more. Though as she spoke up he listens to her and gives a faint nod to her answer. " Ah. " Hunter begins as he glances to Iyla for a brief moment " Do you have a place you call home or do you just wander around? "

"Wander."
It was a lie, or part of one. But she wasn't about to open up to him.

Hunter nods his head faintly as she answers him. " Not an easy thing for some. " He says as he speeds up just a bit to move closer to Iyla. " Do you have any family? " Hunter asks though he did not think she would answer him given what had happened. Still he was trying to be friendly with her again.

"The road is my family,"s he told him shortly, finding herself growing quickly irritated by his questions as she continued to grumpily stomp through the forests.

Hunter found it hard to see Iyla with no family but then again it could be true or she could have left them behind. " How long have you been searching for these seeds? " Hunter asks as he looks to her, watching her for a moment as she grumpily stomps through the woods.

"Long enough,"s he told him, coldly. "But I've got an idea," and she paused in mid stride to turn to face him. "How about we play a game." Her eyes narrowed on him. "Called the quiet game. The rules are simple- you ask any more questions, and I'll sock you in the face."

Though it was an answer, it did little to tell Hunter how long she has really been after these shadow seed things. As she pauses mid stride Hunter comes to a stop and looks at her as she looks back at him after turning to face him. Listening to her he narrows his gaze faintly at what she has to say. It was clear that she wanted him to shut up, though given that he did not want to be hit again he decides to go along with it. " Alright, I get it. I do have one last question though, will we be out of here by night fall? " He asks before bracing, expecting to be hit for the question.

Iyla gave him a soured look.
"If we're lucky," and she turned from him briskly and continued marching down the unknown trail.

Hearing her answer, Hunter grew relieved though not for her answer but the fact that she did not hit him. " Alright. Perhaps luck will be on our side. " he says with a faint smile as he quickly follows after Iyla. Following after Iyla he begins to wonder if she knew exactly were they are going or if she was simply going in a direction with the hopes of it leading the correct way. That was more along the lines of something he would be doing right about now if he had not followed after her.

It took about an hour of walking- most of it in awkward silence as they pair stalked along through the forests, but eventually the forests opened up towards a trail- which was empty and muddied from the rains the night before.

Stepping out onto the road, her eyes studied it at great lengths before she decided what direction she wanted to go, but paused to turn to Hunter.

"Zantaric is that way," she said, pointing to her right. "If you're looking for your bounty's body, you can just head back that way and I'm sure you could find the body where ever it was you left it."
And she hoped they'd part ways here. She didn't need the man to follow her like a lost dog, or rather- a hungered one waiting to take advantage of her next...

Though unfortunately for him, she was already beginning to heal enough- and if she had to, she could shadow walk again.

Following after Iyla things fell into an awkward silence that Hunter went along with, not wanting to be hit at the moment and more worried about getting out of the forest. Breaking free from the forest Hunter pauses for a moment and glances down each side of the road though he could see no one in sight.

Turning his attention back to Iyla as she spoke up. Hunter listens to her as she brought up the man he had left behind in the forest. " I left it somewhere in the forest. " He says with a sigh as he looks at Iyla " And by now there is no telling how bad it has been mutilated by wild animals. It could be worthless to me now... " Hunter says as he watches Iyla a moment longer before turning his gaze from her.

" I guess now that we are out of the forest I will be on my way. " Hunter says as he gazes off down the road " Aside from some moments in our encounter, it was a pleasure meeting you, though I don't know your name. I wish you luck in your search for those seeds and getting your cure. " he says before turning his attention back to Iyla, though he knew part of him wouldn't mind sticking with her a bit longer.

"It's best if you don't know," she told him, her back to him as well. "You can just remember me like the shadows."
Something that was always quite there, but not- at least not fully- and with his back to her she felt the need to get away as fast as possible- and she dissolved into the shadows on the path and disappeared completely from the path- and perhaps; completely from his life.