Wear Feathers in Your Hair (Adel)

[Lion]

Thorn did do as she asked, searching for something that she might wear.  In the room there was a small closet space that was covered with louver doors.  The jutted out slightly, like the sill of the window and he yanked the doors open to find a series of muslin slips and nightgowns.  They were all constructed meticulously and hung along a rack.  Most of them looked as if they'd never been worn, though he couldn't tell why.  Suppose these gowns were used to fulfill a client's most intimate fantasies.  Well she asked for something to wear and these were all there he'd found.

"Uh, yeah, I found something," he called back, inspecting what she would want to wear.  Most of the outfits were skimpy and see through.  He would've asked if there was something specific she wanted but decided against it.  Instead, he grabbed several of them and strode the washroom door.  "That, uh, sounds interesting.  So you're kinda like a mercenary yourself."  Her words were a little suspicious, but he thought it best not to push the matter further.  He'd find out soon enough.

"Here, take these.  They're all I found, just put on something you like.  And on another note, are you done yet?  I gotta bathe too."

[Anonymous]

[center:h5c86zja]Mia curiously awaited the selection, expecting some sort of lingerie. "Uhm.. yes, something like that", she responded, fiddling with her thumbs behind the door. Hearing him stride towards the door, she opened it in her toweled state(it was less skimpy than her usual clothing) and took the handfull of some sheer and lacy materials. Simply gazing into the mess, she turned and closed the door with her back.

"Yea, I'll be out soon", she promised. Setting each of the 8 pieces aside, she gave each a brief glance. One in particular caught her eye: a see-through black flowy gown with a leather belt below the breasts, and... nothing for a top. Mia's alter ego sneered from within her apathetic depths. Quickly pushing that option aside, she chose another far less.... whorish outfit. Sliding it on, she found the material actually to be quite soft.

Casually she opened the door, holding all 7 of the outfits where she'd lazily toss them back into the closet. Her choice had been a simple sleeveless nightgown with opaque breast and crotch areas, the rest being a sheer black. At the neck, it swooped down into a revealing 'V'-- nothing Mia wasn't used to. The back was stitched in the form of a tasteful corset design. She considered stealing it for later.

Tossing herself down onto the bed, she immediately put either hand behind her head and sprawled out over the floral bedspread. Her hair at the moment had been down, still damp enough to offer a cold sensation with ever brush against her neck and shoulders.[/center:h5c86zja]

[Lion]

Thorn was left with the door nearly slammed in his face when she retrieved the pile of what he might call clothes.  Well, it was all he could find on such short notice.  Taking a few steps back, he looked at to where he left his own clothes and proceeded to pick them up.  No use in having them lie around.  He fixed up his shirt and coat and decided he might wash them later.  Chances are he would have to sweat in them again as he would be trekking thought the jungle again rather soon.  He wanted to head to Zantaric as soon as he could leave this little town.

He'd just turned around toward the bathroom when she finally emerged with something on.  Suddenly he found himself ogling her with mesmerized eyes.  "Not bad," he muttered when she simply tossed the rest of the clothing choices back into the closet.

He went in without another word and whispered to himself with a faint grin, "Not bad at all."  He closed the door all the way, hearing a satisfactory click.  All the moments of the day thus far had been interesting and as he removed the rest of his clothing, each piece clinging to him like a jealous lover.  He'd fixed his bath and rested in it for a while, the feeling of cool water against his skin was better than he could last remember.  The water slipped off him and through every crevice of his muscles when he got out, too slipping a towel around his waist.  The bath was quick and he folded his own clothes after he'd dried himself, feeling good that he was no longer covered in perspiration.

But then there was another problem.  What the hell was he going to sleep in?  The towel?  He didn't think so.  Well, he could just sleep in his underwear, so long as she didn't have a problem with that.  Slipping them on, he opened the door with folded clothes in one hand and emerged into the room, suddenly finding himself just staring at her as he stood in the doorway.

[Anonymous]

[center:2h26urgy]Without a comment, Mia feared his compliments would feed the flame. She slicked her hair back with a single hand, a small pout puckering her lips. Just hoping to have a consistent sleep so she wouldn't be tempted in the night, that raised the question. Who would sleep where?

Patiently she awaited for him to finish, using the opportunity to rest her eyes. Upon hearing the click of the lock, Mia peeked under her long, spidery lashes only to see him standing there gawking. She arched her eyebrows, "Earth to Thorn?" She'd muse, propping her head up higher to give him a glance or two. Of course she was fine with just underwear; he could have slept naked for all she cared- although it might have been a little distracting.

"When you snap out of it, I'll sleep on the floor tonight." This was quickly decided based on her usual place of sleep: the ground. Compared to Thorn over here who probably slept on something a little more comfortable, Mia would be fine just on the carpet alone. Gazing out the window, she guessed it had been around 11 o'clock as she could see the diamonds of the sky sparkle, egging on her deepest desires as they nearly breached the surface yet again. It was gonna be a long night.

Laying there, she pondered. Should she warn him beforehand? Would she let herself warn him at all? Mia grabbed a pillow and shoved it onto her face. Taking a few controlled breaths, she sat up on the edge of the bed and tossed the pillow back into its original spot without a resolve. "Anyway, I'll let you sleep now then, you're probably tired" Mia said, standing aside.[/center:2h26urgy]

[Lion]

He stared at her only for a time, eyes glittering and in definite thinking mode.  Just as to what he was thinking was probably not one's typical guy mode thought process but rather wondering just as to what she was up to.  He didn't know anything about her and rather, he spent most of his nights alone.  Bottomline: he wasn't sure he could trust her; he didn't trust anybody that he didn't know for years and years.  He'd only met her today and he wasn't quite sure that she wouldn't try to make a break for his loot.

But when he saw her get out of bed, he immediately waved a hand at her, "No, don't do that.  You can have the bed.  I was just thinking for a while.  About how I'm going to pay you back for helping me today."  He told a half-truth of course, just to keep things calm.  Quickly, his legs took him to where she was sitting and flicked her shoulder with his hand.  "I'm no gentleman, but I'm not going to let a lady sleep on the floor."  Thorn reached over and grabbed one of the other pillows and proceeded to sleep on the floor.

As he sat down and placed the bundle of his folded clothes behind him and the pillow on top, he looked at her and asked, "I was thinking that maybe you'd come to the Zantaric with me.  Maybe I can pay you back there."

[Anonymous]

[center:3e41vkzc]She seriously didn't mind sleeping on the floor, but Mia wasn't one to argue. If he insisted then hey, his loss. The suspicions exchanged were natural; Mia wasn't naive, and she was sure he wasn't either. But when he referred to paying her back, Mia became edgy. It didn't take long for her to become tranced in thought as he had been not moments before.

The ping made her blink, glancing at her shoulder and then to him. "If you're sure" Mia replied impassively. It had long since became dark, nothing but the silver tongue of moonlight swept through their window. She tugged at the blankets, brushing away the thought of how many people have..... been here, previously. Thorn's question struck her unguarded. "Zantaric?" She repeated, holding her breath on the matter. Although curious as to what he meant, she decided on finding out for herself-- not like she had much to go back to anyway. So, she replied "Sure, even though I'm the reason you nearly lost your prey in the first place."

Mia held eye contact momentarily, a certain pleading dwelling within their sockets before turning to her opposite side. How could she possibly resist her urges when he dangled them so close to her face? Squaring off her shoulders, Mia lay there in thought for a while, eventually falling asleep to the soothing beat of her own breaths.[/center:3e41vkzc]

[Lion]

Resistance came from one's own willpower.  Of course Thorn didn't quite know of this yet or how this might affect him.  He only had his habits of carefully distributing his trust.  He'd noticed that she'd been dodgy with his questioning.  But he decided as soon as she was deep in sleep he could take a shot at reading her aura.  Maybe that would tell him a little more about her.

Thorn nodded only after she spoke.  "Positive.  You did ruin it for me, but you also redeemed yourself.  For doing so, I feel you should be adequately repaid.  We'll talk more in the morning."  Before he lied down himself noticed that certain pleading that lingered in her eyes.  What was that for?  He couldn't quite tell but he did begin to realize that perhaps there was something dangerously wrong with her.

Well, he'd wait a while and hopefully learn more about her.  That is if nothing disturbed his own sleep.  Thorn stretched out while on the carpet, folding his hands along his abdomen and flopping his head down on the pillow.  He closed his eyes for a time, feeling the hours roll by in a dreamless sleep.  Though he did not enter into an REM state, he felt something near him shuffle and awaken him with a start.

[Anonymous]

[center:3sazap3y]A 'mmf' sort of sound reverberated from her throat towards his explanation, shuffling in the bed. Mia awoke within 15 minutes of her initial nap, apparently becoming a hopeless insomniac within 24 hours. Either way, she didn't mind. Star-gazing from the window had her mesmerized, swallowed by their precious beauty and the innocence that radiated from their cores. The temperature of the summer night caught Mia then, and in fear of disturbing her awe she sifted through- and eventually removed-, the blankets as quietly as possible in an attempt to go without disrupting Thorn.

Tick, tock, tick, tock... the heat intensified with the wind as it thrashed against the window, carrying with it the ripe smell of the jungle. Becoming uncomfortable, Mia slowly sat up and inched off the bed, carefully stepping over Thorn. Blind in the darkness, using outstretched arms she felt her way to the bathroom. Tentatively her feet tiptoed further into the corner until gently tapping the surface of the bucket. Little water remained, but what did was cold and satisfying to the touch. Cupping a small amount in her hands, she dumped it over her hair and lathered her arms in the dampness that remained on her fingers. Mia crouched there for a while, embracing the cool.

As time ticked by, subconsciously listening to him sleep as well as the faint moans and squeaking springs of a room nearby, a ruffle caught her attention. Was he awake?[/center:3sazap3y]

[Lion]

What the hell was that? Thorn's eyes opened up to be engulfed by the darkness of the room.  So the hours had passed without incident huh?  He hadn't heard Mia awaken, nor did he notice anything else but the sounds of someone breathing nearby.  Instinct had set in and he slowly got up, pulling out his blade from the belt attached to his folded pants.  He didn't see nor hear the shadowy figure that lurked by the window, only the noises he heard coming from the bathroom.

He turned his head to the bed, noticing that Mia had gone.  Where is she?  He suddenly realized that maybe it was she bathroom.  What was she doing in there?  For all he knew she could be getting dressed, take his jewels and them take off!  Oh she would try to rob him, would she?  Well, he'd beat her to the punch.  Thorn opened the door quickly and was atop her in a matter of seconds, the blade in hand already at her throat.  "What are you doing awake?" he asked with a strange calmness, his own paranoia only semi-apparent.

[Anonymous]

[center:34s5foj1]Her jaw widened, a powerful yawn erupting from her mouth. Mia was mid-stretch when she was jerked back with a blade at her neck. Based on the similar flip from in the jungle, Mia immediately realized it was Thorn-- to her relief. "Down, boy!" Mia growled, her hands grabbing at his forearms in an attempt to push them away from such a delicate location. "I was just cooling down, what the hell?" She complained, waiting for that to sink in before pushing his body off of hers. A little shaken from the surprise, she wobbled next to the door with the guidance of her hands. "Go back to bed", she huffed, noticeably agitated.

After a few deep breaths she had already been over it. Not like it wasn't understandable of him to jump to conclusions, but the knife was a little much. Regardless it made her glad she actually didn't steal the loot. Briskly walking across the room, she turned to sit on the edge of the bed with a cross of her legs. Here, the moonlight streamed in freely and highlighted everything in its silver path, including the contemplative look on her face. Whenever Thorn decided to come in, she would have given him this thoughtful glance.

Mia leaned forwards to rest her head on her hand. Finding the words to admit to her sickness becoming exceedingly difficult, let alone the doubts that chased behind them. Is it a good idea to tell him now, when he was already this paranoid? When a prize was just beyond her fingertips in Zantaric? Or rather, would he take her to Zantaric at all after this? Rolling her shoulders, the words "We need to talk", rolled gently off her tongue.[/center:34s5foj1]

[Lion]

His paranoia was understandable.  But he also over did it.  Letting his suspicions get the best of him, Thorn had nearly taken her head off and he would've if he didn't think a fine line of questioning was in order.  Beneath the noises in the next room, the only thing Thorn readily heard was his own breath.  That was until she very angrily ordered him down.  What the hell was he, a dog?  He may as well have been since, after a moment of consideration, he let her go.  From her reaction, it was obvious that his suspicions were unfulfilled.

Thorn watched her with a breath as she edged past him.  He too emerged after a time and few under-his-breath curses.  Looking at her, she had a strange and quite curious semblance about her, like she was about to say something important.  He followed her into the room, the knife still gripped in his hand and his knuckles glistening.  Loosening it only when his heartbeat died down, he looked at her darkly and then sat down beside her.

"Talk?  Well, then shoot.  I'm listening."

[Anonymous]

[center:1q9xepmk]The moment the words departed from her lips, she was stung with regret. Anxiety welled up in her chest, each breath strained as though a vise had her pinned in this dreaded situation. Closing her eyes momentarily, Mia gritted her teeth. She ran her fingers through her damp, tangled hair and quickly regained her composure despite the nervousness of his being next to her in such a vulnerable state of mind.

"Well, you see... ", She began, averting her gaze, "I'm.... sorry about holding you back. Getting in your way and what-not, and I just want to let you know that.... I'm not going to try and steal the stuff." The vise tightened. Mia scurried out of her confession in the final seconds and felt no gratification. What she said was true for the most part but not nearly the conversation she intended on having when she sat down. Making an effort unbeknownst to him, the last portion was a promise mostly to herself. A pact in its best; she'd bite back her obsession even in its grittiest stages and simply, go without stealing.
"Anyway forget it, I'm going back to sleep. Try not to slit my throat while I'm out."  With this, she hurriedly crawled to the other side of the bed where she'd turn her back on him and pray for sleep to take her without further discussion.[/center:1q9xepmk]

[Lion]

Thorn had prepared himself, hoping he could catch whatever she was going to say.  But she told him something that he didn't expect.  Great more surprises.  He would've rolled his eyes had he not been so preoccupied with working out what she said.  Brushing a hand through his hair, Thorn took a double take at her as she tried to push the matter aside.

He shook his head fiercely as he scooted to the side and twisted so he could better face her despite her efforts to avoid the conversation.  "That's comforting to know," he began.  "But I was just taking precautions.  If you were a real mercenary then you'd do the same, I'm sure.  You say you're a jack of all trades, but I don't believe you.  Even a jack of trades would have a hard time not taking a sack full of gold and jewels when they have the chance.  You're very dodgy and this makes me unnerved.  I'm not going to drop the matter so it's probably best if you come clean about who you are and what you do, right here, right now."  Thorn reached across and forced her over to look at him, his eyes burning and indicating that he was in no mood for this fooling around.

[Anonymous]

[center:1yob7i2k]Mia visibly cringed, officially sitting in the grave she dug for herself by even bringing it up. Gradually her tense muscles relaxed, no longer fighting the truth or his desired eye-contact. "Alright", she said, a profound ease sweeping over her as though the calm before a storm. "I'm a kleptomaniac. I don't have a job, I don't have a house", she affirmed, her impassive expression no longer showing any trace of stress. For the most part, it wasn't a huge deal. Mia simply wanted his trust, which might have been a little too much to ask coming from someone who couldn't even trust themselves.

"I'm also a Capricorn and enjoy long walks in the snow every now and then," she teased, however her dry humor went without laughter. Shame churned in her stomach, unsure of what else she really was supposed to say, "Your go. If you want to leave, go for it. Understandable. No offense taken." As predicted, a weight felt as though it had been lifted off her chest. The vise was released, and all that remained was the sting of the aftershock; a.k.a his response. For whatever reason Mia felt the need to impress him at a certain level... and digging into the deep psychological level, it was probably due to the absence of her father: more specifically, her not being good enough to hold his attention. Disliking the idea of self-pity though, she shrugged it off like she did everything else and braced herself for his verdict.[/center:1yob7i2k]

[Lion]

"Kleptomaniac, huh?  And you're not going to steal my stuff?  I find that very difficult to believe, but I work in a business that's based on deals sealed by word of mouth."  Thorn looked at her with narrowed eyes again but smiled nonetheless.  He didn't expect her explanation to be anything out of the ordinary and thought that maybe having a klepto around might be useful.  You'll never know when you might need a professional thief or what not around.

And suddenly, without much reserve, Thorn laughed out loud and slapped his leg.  He smiled at her and shook his head.  "Now, why would I go anywhere, I paid for the room.  That would be a waste of money.  If there's one thing I like more than anything else, it's money.  And maybe you're more useful than you think and maybe we can turn this habit of yours into an asset.  What d'ya say, wanna work with me?"  By now, Thorn had forgotten his blade and no longer cared about taking care of his suspicions, now there was something more interesting in his line of sight.

[Anonymous]

[center:wpz30kzk]Awaiting some sort of lash of betrayal or suspicion, his easy going demeanor made Mia blink. Let alone his laugh that literally made her lean backwards and rerun what she had said through her mind. That feeling of relief fluttered in her chest, a rare grin pulling at her rosy lips along with the flash of her teeth, "Work with you?", she teased, "Only if I get a share of the loot, of course." Even as the situation brightened, Mia couldn't deny the the strangeness of the atmosphere. Here they were in a brothel after his assault, giggling over the fact Mia had a serious addiction and may potentially be a threat of his. For whatever reason, it felt good.

Easing back into her typical disposition, her shoulders dropped and a deep sigh of reprieve parted yet again with her lips. Mia grasped the moment, savoring it ambiguously before slipping into fatigue. "Can we sleep now?", she'd say mid-yawn.[/center:wpz30kzk]

[Lion]

In reality, he didn't think her condition was all that serious.  But then again he didn't really see her in action yet.  The time would come though and he would be further surprised by then.  Thorn maintained a congenial grin and nodded again, "Naturally.  You'll get what you earn, that's the only way that I work."

As to referring to sleeping, Thorn nodded and said, "Of course.  Get some rest.  We have a lot of work to do in the morning.  Though..."  He paused for a moment to get a feel for his surroundings again and listened in on the same noises that had gone one all night.  "...I don't know how you'll be able to sleep through that racket.  These walls must be pretty hollow."  With that Thorn got up and put away his knife back into the pile which appeared undisturbed.  He crawled on the floor and lied down, propped his hands behind his head, preparing to sleep.  "Night."

[Anonymous]

[center:3iylotkw]After establishing her new business partner, Mia was feeling pretty content. "I'm sure I'll manage", she added, crawling under the covers as finally the night had cooled down. Cuddling the blankets at her chin, another yawn escaped before Mia repeated, "Night."

With being content came an easy sleep, Mia realized. Within seconds she passed out and was swept away by eventful dreams that were shattered by the reality of daytime. As sunlight crept over the horizon, she could no longer deny the need to awaken. And at around 5am, she yearned to stay cuddled beneath the comfort of the blankets-- but it was best to get traveling before the sun reached its peak. Arching her back simultaneously with the stretch of her arms, a satisfied huff followed. Mia got  up and moved over to the bathroom, regretting not bringing a bag of some sort to keep the dress in as she knew it would come in handy. Regardless, she quickly changed into her typical leather attire and washed her face, prepared to wake Thorn up had he still been asleep. "Are you up yet?" She called out, peeking out from the bathroom.[/center:3iylotkw]

[Lion]

The blades of early morning light, stabbed through the remaining darkness.  The sun was barely rising, so nighttime still had maybe about an hour to go before daylight would truly reign.  Thorn had not slept so well the previous night, the noises coming from either rooms playing a big part of it.  So the rest he gained was fitful, but semi-adequate.  He would make due with what he had.

He heard scuffling around him and figured it to be Mia in her usual antics, well, the ones he'd come to know in his short moment of threatening her the night before.  He was partially awake when he heard her voice and was barely slitting his eyes open.  He groaned greatly as he awoke, back stiff and muscles sore.  Forcing himself to sit up, he felt his back come into place, bending it and stretching simultaneously.  "Huh?  Oh, yeah," he said, slowly but surely coming to his feet.  He bent down picking up both his clothes and his pillow, tossing the latter back to the bed, and quickly getting dressed.  The shirt went on first, quickly followed by the pants, coat, then boots.  He ran his hands through his hair.  "I'm up and ready to go.  Though I would like something to eat first.  What do you think?  Can we afford a detour before we take off?"

[Anonymous]

[center:1nhwt5mj]Nodding, Mia left the bathroom fully dressed with her hair pulled up into a high pony-tail, the nightdress hung over her forearm. "Do you have anything to put this in?" She inquired, stifling another yawn as it crept up her throat. Lazily watching him dress, she patiently sat on the edge of the untidy bed- meh, the keeper could do it. Fortunately for them both, the irritating rhythm of moans and squeaky beds had paused momentarily while the sun kissed the landscape. A brothel... what a strange place.

At the mention of food, her stomach responded with a guttural rumble. She looked at it curiously. "Yea. What did you have in mind, exactly?" She questioned, looking up at him with a puzzled expression. As of last night her face seemed to be portraying her emotions more than her usual vacant one, and that bugged her. Close minded as she was, change wasn't a huge hit with Mia... especially the kind that had no visible benefits. Her hand cupped her face briefly, a calm diction in its place upon its removal. Mia stood regardless of his answer and unlocked the flimsy wooden door, pulling it back and exposing the dingy hallway the brothel came to bare. Offering nothing more than a side-glance, she began her way down the stretch and took a step outside: quick to inhale the fresh air as it overflowed around her. Here, it was much cooler.[/center:1nhwt5mj]