Calling You Out {Éamonn}

[†Kazira Astras†]

She blinked at him slowly. Well that was something she hadnt thought of in her musings. But he had a valid point. "But what if someone wanted to know the heart of an assassin? Even with it being dangerous, what would you do then?" she asked curisouly not thinking about how it sounded or what he might think. If Moros was there he would have been shaking his head at her. Kazira had done it again. Open mouth insert foot. Before the previous answer that he gave she hadnt heard his words about it not being open for discussion another point to make that she was blinded by her musings and didnt think before she spoke.

She blinked again as the realization crossed voer his eyes. 'Great' she thought 'his next question might be who her parents were. I'll be damned if i let that slip. He might even ask why they left!' Kazira was no fool. But she couldnt answer that last question if he asked it now or in the future because...she didnt know. Her parents had told her once that they left during a time of peace and that during that time they had their cousins take over so that they could travel. But it just didnt add up to her. She paused on jer thinking when she heard reply and saw the pained look that entered his eyes. Her other hand cupped his cheek gently. It was suprising her that she could be this way it was rather unheard of for her to be this gentle with humans animals though were a different story. She gave a small smile. "I've heard of it. its supposed to be nice." She said.

She laughed softly at his teasing even more at the words hissed by the woman. Well we can hear who wears the pants in this relationship she stated quietly with mirth wrapping around each word. She looked at him with a raised brow. I highly doubt that she stated in a challenging tone.

She was leaning against the wall hidden in the shadows should someone come by. Her landing was okay but the pain that followed is what bothered her. She didnt dare look down at what she had landed on, only focusing on ignoring the sharp pains that coursed through her legs. She heard his landing only because everything seemed to sound louder than it truly was. Its nothing she stated brushing off his concern. Despite what he said about no false bravery she didnt want to admit that she was hurting. It was a matter of pride rather than bravery. she thought absently. She shook her head. "We should probably go and gain some space between us and the loud mouths in the house." She stated teasing ly easily romving herself from his grip though she missed thewarmmth that his had had. She almost tripped as she turned. What was she thinking! This was not something that she should be thinking! She nodded her head towards the forest. "My camp's this way. We should go there its safer than staying in the town." She moved to take a step and winced. Ill haveto get this looked at when we get there. oh man Moros is going to kill me!

[Éamonn Goronwy]

Éamonn blinked and cocked his head. Was she serious? Did she really mean herself when she said someone might like to know his heart, or was he just jumping to conclusions? Was tearing at the very foundations of his codex yet again, delving where no one should delve did he still want to enjoy his life. His life style was set to poison anyone else’s life, as they would either have to live with the knowledge of covering for an assassin, or they would be hanged along as accomplices should he ever get busted. He didn’t feel guilty for anything he did, but he was well aware of the danger.
“Well, if so”, he replied, locking her gaze for a few moments, “then I cannot stop this someone, but I would not recommend it to him. I have to look out for myself, if it was to save my own hide, I would betray my closest friends had I any. I know I would.”

Would he, would he really? Now the least thing Kazira had managed was him doubting himself. And that was not healthy. Every tiny bit of doubt could be his undoing in a precarious situation. He could not afford it, not ever, that’s why he simply ignored the feeling most of the time.
And yet, there were things he could not deny when it came to this girl. The way it felt when she touched him for one. Yes, he was only human, it ought to feel nice when a pretty girl touched you. But there was something else to it, but Éamonn didn’t dare to think further on this. Instead he let go a little chuckle. “It was nice. But it got too crowded there for me.” He let that statement out without any further comment. He might like Kazira, might feel different towards her alright, but he had never been one to spill his life story.

Of course she would not admit she was hurt, Éamonn thought with an inward grin. Goodness, she was stubborn! He was about to oblige and let her have her way, when he heard footsteps approaching them, doubled footsteps and the low clinging of metal. Éamonn cursed under his breath, he would know that sound anywhere! A patrol! Probably coming their way merely by chance as no one inside that house had shown any sign of alarm. Now time was wasting.
Moving closer to Kazira, he hissed: “Get that mask off my face and hide it, quick. And then, please don’t work against me now, I have a plan!”
With that, he scooped her up in his arms, staggering a little on purpose.

[†Kazira Astras†]

He's something else. She thought with a smile. The two of them went from trying to kill each other to having a somewhat civil conversation. She had to bite her lip though when he tilted his head to the side like a puppy. it was to cute for words. And the fact that he looked a bit confused on top of it all didn't help matters at all. but her mirth was wiped away as quickly as it came. Would he really turn in his own friends just to save his own hide? Didn't he have honor? From what she gathered he did but that wording just confused her and irritated her all at the same time. She wanted to hate him for it but it was like she was under a spell she just couldn't for the life of her. She could be irritated and angry at him but she couldn't seem to hate him...at least at the moment she couldn't. "Would you? Would you really tun in your friends?" She asked coldly, "no, no i dint think that you would. Only cowards would turn in their friends to save their own hides." She stated in a stoic voice not letting on how this was confusing her. She couldn't ever turn in her friends. Even under torture and ultimatum.

For once she kept her mouth closed as she hmmed in response to his answer. She couldn't help the curious glance at him or the questions that swirled in her mind, but this time she wasn't going to ask them. They were going to stay locked up in a box at the back of her mind. "What do you mean was?" She asked absently. What happened to not asking?! She berated herself. But his chuckle she admitted was nice to hear. I wonder what his true laugh sounds like? She wondered as a shiver ran down her spine. Or that could have been a spider...She didn't know. But either way it was rather soothing not that she would voice that aloud. His head might get bloated.

She had heard the patrols rumblings but thought nothing of them. They were easy to avoid. But then she remembered she had a companion and that companion hissed an order she decided that right now she would humor him. She easily slipped the mask off of his face and wrapped it around her wrist. Where was she going to hide it? If he hadn't noticed her clothes weren't meant for hiding a lot of things. She held back a surprised gasp when he scooped her up into his arms telling her he had a plan. she buried her head into the crook of his neck.

"And what pray tell is this great plan of yours?" She whispered. She wouldn't admit it to anyone but having her feet off the ground was a lot better than walking, the stinging was a lot less painful."This better not have been some devious ploy to get me back in your arms," she whispered teasingly her breathe sliding across his neck as he staggered. She idly wondered what exactly he was planning to do.

[Éamonn Goronwy]

The word coward was like a slap right into his face, though he had expected it. Of course she would say that, anyone would say that and maybe Éamonn would even say it himself. But did he care? He surely had never cared before, but her voice spitting out this very word was something completely else. It made ‘coward’ sound really shameful all of a sudden. But wasn’t it a really easy thing to say, considering he simply had no friends? He couldn’t feel anything by turning them in if they not existed, simple as!
“Last time I looked, cowards lived longer than heroes”, he shrugged, but was not very convinced of his own words as another thought entered his mind. How would it feel like turning HER in? He didn’t want to say he considered her a friend, they had only just met after all, but she still was special. If, say, someone burst right through this very door, would he have the guts and the will to turn the tables on her, claiming HE had been the one catching her red-handed and not the other way round? A part of his mind knew the answer, but it was hard to admit it even to himself.

Her question puzzled him. Did she really mean to ask him what was nice about his home? Once again they were toeing a line, a dangerous line he didn’t dare to cross. As the Shadow, he had no past and maybe not even a future, just the present, his work and his reputation that was made of his work and his work alone. Kazira didn’t know his real name and for now he intended to keep it that way. For Éamonn, the man behind the Shadow, was a totally different story. This guy had a past that was rather dull, not glorious, he didn’t even have a purpose in life. The Shadow had become the real man, Éamonn Goronwy only served as the alibi, the back-up. And he liked it that way. Being the Shadow was so very much more fulfilling. Should he really question that now just because she was that nosy?
“I liked the camp we were living in” he said finally, avoiding the real topic. “It was a quaint and calm place” But no place for him.

Alright, he could have done things differently. He might have found another solution than carrying her. But then, he wanted to know how that felt and it was also the best way to keep both of them moving, considering how she had limped even the few steps he had seen her taking after the leap down.
And it felt good having her in his arms. She was not heavy at all, and her breath on the crook of his neck sent a tingling sensation down his spine. He would not have to be a great actor for what he wanted to depict. “Even if it was – too late now”, he murmured, then started humming off key as the patrol came closer. Like he had expected they called out to him, asking about his business.
Éamonn slowly turned, Kazira still in his arms and gave his best impression of a slurred speech. “Suuusshh t-takinn my girliee hooome ish aaalll. Sheesshh tii’eed. B-but shdiiill god plans foa t’nighht”, he chuckled like a featherbrained fool, staggering even more, but inwardly tense if the soldiers would swallowe the bait.


[OOC left it open for you, you can godmod the patrol if you like ]

[†Kazira Astras†]

She just shook her head at him with a far away look crossing her features for the briefest of moments. "That may be true but is living in regret really living though?" She asked looking at him her cold tone chipping away slightly," As I see it Heroes never die though they live on through their stories as the cowards slide to the way side. Maybe though you wouldnt regret it? That's a possibility." She continued. "Let me ask another question then. Would you turn me in if given the chance or would you hesitate?" She asked him not caring what the asnwer was but she didnt deny that she was slightly curious. She wasnt sure how he would answer her and honestly she was almost afraid of his answer. "Hmm this is rather amusing" She though. "I'm more afraid of the words he will speak than what he is." She laughed a little at the thought not realizing she did it out loud.

She watched his expressions as he answer her question. They were guarded for the most part. Only showing that he really didnt like what she was asking. SHe wanted to pull her hair out with him. He was odder than most of the people she met and she's met a lot of people. She hadnt been to Ireland, not that she was claiming to have lived there but where he was from sounded familiar like she had heard about it from one of her merchant aquaintances. But she didnt push. Only shrugged her shoulders. "That doesnt sound like you." She stated honestly. To her it didnt truly sounds like him maybe apart of him. If anything she could see him living amongst the people in wars than a quaint and quiet home. "It sounds like a good place to visit." She stated saying visit instead of live. She was getting ready to travel again. Ireland might be the next place that she goes, who knew what she was going to do though. She went where ever her feet took her and it wasnt always the best of places that she landed.

She buried her face deeper into his neck when she heard the guards voices. "I hope you know what you're doing." She murmured. She listened to him as he talked and tried to hold back a laugh. That was the funniest thing she had heard in a life time."

"Oh? And what plans might those be?" Guard one asked with a smirk.

Kazira nuzzled his neck and opened her eyes acting like she was just waking up from the noise that was going on around her. "Darlin'" She started softly but loud enough so that the others could hear her. Her eyes were half mast giving her a more sultry look. "I thought we were going home?" She looked over at the two guards. She eyed them surreptitiously. She laid her head against her druning man's chest easily as if she had been doing it forever. "Can I help you'boys' I'm wan'in to go home. And en'oy my ni'ht with my man" She asked only slurring her words slightly. She used right hand began to rub small circles on the back of "shadow's" shoulders as she nuzzled into his neck again with small kisses every now and again. This was an act that she was enjoying but she was hoping that the idiots would just continue on and let them leave in all hoesty she wanted to get her feet wrapped.

"And What happed to your shoes Ma'am." The second guard asked amusement clear in his voice. She let out a low growl that to anyone not close enough would sound like a low moan. Would they just leave! "Lost'em." Was all that she said. Maybe her shadow could get rid of them she was already annoyed. Throughout all of this though she didnt stop her earlier actions.

[Éamonn Goronwy]

He really didn’t want to be bared to the soul in front of her. What right did Kazira have to demand answers to things he didn’t even want to answer to himself? She had no right, that was it! Why he still kept up with it was truly beyond Éamonn. He didn’t want any part of this expedition into his soul, it was far too annoying and dangerous a road to venture on. He had no desire to feel bad about things he did or refused to do. Why couldn’t she leave him in peace? What was the reason she asked so many questions? If she did want to know him, she should be content with what he was willing to show. Otherwise he might get fed up with her very soon.
Living in regret? Who said he regretted anything he did? He had never regretted in all his life, that’s just how he was! But arguing with her would just result in more questions, so he blatantly ignored her talking – until she once again pointed the finger straight on his weak spot. It left him almost agape. How did she do that? Could she read his mind? It was scary!
“I pray for you you’ll never find out”, he stated coldly. “Because I might just as well do it, Kazira. It’s who I am.”

He shrugged at her next comment, clearly not wanting to dwell on the subject of home either. There were many subjects he didn’t want to dwell upon, and even less in circumstances such as these.
“That’s why I left after all. Had it been a place for me I would still be there.” Back then, when his father had sent him away, it had felt like banishment more than anything else. But he had learned soon enough how right his father had been. He might have been born a druid, but he was not born TO it, his interests lay somewhere completely else.

What was this minx doing to him?! Éamonn had almost felt bad for somehow exploiting the situation by carrying her so close, but now look what she did! He wasn’t made of stone, she could not really imagine him to stay cool through her constant teasing caressing! Starting from where her lips pecked the delicate skin of his neck it sent a tingling sensation all over him and he had a hard time controlling his breathing. Oh he would make her pay for that the minute those soldiers were out of sight and earshot! He would repay her double time!
At least the soldiers seemed to buy their act, and even though it made him edgy he had to admit Kazira was very convincing in all she did. They really must appear like a slightly drunk couple on their way home, maybe out late but totally harmless – and that was all that counted.
Blinking dumbly at the two men he shifted her weight to one arm so he could tip an imaginary hat to them, and said: “Nooo offensh shentlemen… buut, I really mussht be goin’ now. Wee musht be… going, hehe!”

He saw them exchange amused glances and then the one who had asked Kazira about her shoes nodded and grinned. “Yeah, and who are we to deny you your fun, lad! The sooner we finish our round the sooner we can go home to our own ladies, right Steve?”
The man called Steve laughed and agreed. Both now finally turned into another street, still chuckling and calling a cheery “Good luck!” over their shoulders. Éamonn took a few more staggering steps forward in case they would look back, then as their steps had died down in the distance, he set out in his usual brisk and swift pace, not caring about still carrying Kazira. She was no burden after all.
“Alright that was good work”, he stated in a hushed voice. “So, now, dear lass, what do you think shall I do with you for playing me like that?” A wolfish grin spread over his face as he waited for her answer.

[†Kazira Astras†]

Kazira blinked at him and nodded her head. The way he said it confused her. But she stuck out her tongue and grabbed it with her fingers holding back a smile. He would probably think her to be odd. But who didnt? SHe had decided that she wouldnt ask any more questions so she was holding her tongue...literally. It was a... joke, one could say that she had concocted when Moros told her to shut up and hold her tongue. She was a smart-alack after all even her 'friends' had said so themselves. She couldnt help but wonder why he hadnt asked her any questions in return for her nosiness. She let go of her tongue briefly, "why havent you asked me any question? I know that i've annoyed you enough with mine." She asked with curiousity before she grabbed her tongue again.

She just smiled softly. At least he knew what a permanent home was like. She had moved from place to place since she could remember. She looked up at him, "how old were you?" She was curious to the question but didnt say anything else. she knew that he was probably fed up with all of her curiousity from earlier. "I wonder what Quinn was like..." But she wasnt sure if they would accept her since her parents left. She didnt want to say that out loud and appear like a scared kitten. But in truth the things that scared her the most were the most common aspects of life.

She cold feel the slight tremors through his body. She wondered if she was heavy but he hadnt been complaining earlier? She listened to the idle chatter and thanked all of the gods around that they couldnt see her face. She was annoyed with them still. The one oh she didnt hear what the other called him had asked where her shoes were! What kinda question was that? She rolled her eyes some people were just so idiotic at times. She continued nuzzling into his neck until she heard the good natured "Good luck!" called to them and stop when "Shadow" began to walk normally. "Finally!" She whispered resting her head against him not thinking about him still carrying her at that point. "I never want to see those two again or i might just throw something at them." She mumbled.

“Alright that was good work”, he stated in a hushed voice. “So, now, dear lass, what do you think shall I do with you for playing me like that?” A wolfish grin spread over his face as he waited for her answer.

She blinked up at him curiously with a small blush. She was naive at times but not that naive. She knew what she was doing to make them look like a couple and well it had worked a little to well. She gave him a coy smile. "What do you mean? I didnt play you." She said in a sweet voice but something in her knew that he was definatly going to see through her little act...even she could see through it! She let her hand continue to draw soft designs on his shoulders absently wondering if she could distract him?

[Éamonn Goronwy]

He couldn’t help but chuckle at her odd pantomime of holding her tongue. It had taken him a few moments to figure out what it all meant, but when he finally figured it out, he had to admit it was quite funny. Oh my, what a child was there hidden behind the feisty wildcat he had come to know. It made him wonder how many sides he still had to discover. Kazira was a true wonder of nature. He had never come across someone quite so interesting before. Would he be able to figure her out completely one day. Huh… how odd he would be thinking that. He should probably never see her again, and now he was making plans? Hadn’t he known better Éamonn would suspected he had hit his head somewhere. Hard.
“Hmm”, he stroked his chin, looking down at her, almost… teasing? Odd how a mood could change so quickly. “I could be mean and say ‘because I’m not a nosy little girl’, but really… I’m just biding my time. The questions will come, no worries. Right now, I’m on business!”

Despite how much she had showed she would not ask any more questions, they kept coming. Typical. But Èamonn had long since stopped being angry or annoyed. He was sort of resigned to his fate of being pestered with questions until he looked holey like a sifter. Oh how that would so not benefit his good lucks, but he reckoned he still could pull it off somehow.
“I was nineteen, so no need for pity there. I was a grown man and knew what I was doing. And I don’t even miss it.”
That might be a bit exaggerating, but he wouldn’t admit that even to himself. The Shadow had no feelings, least of all for his own petty past.

He chuckled, relieved that them soldiers were finally gone. He might have been able to take them out alright, it was just two against one, that was only considered fair in his case. The first one he could have taken down even before he noticed a threat was afoot, but what would be the use of that? And where to put the bodies? No, that all would be more trouble than it was worth.
“One moment more and I would have spilled their guts, annoying lot”, he growled though. “There is nothing worse in this world than guards!”
Was it an odd thing to not even think twice about committing murder in front of a woman? Hmm, well, maybe, but this was not any woman… this was Kazira. If she wanted to keep this up, she might as well know what he was made of. “But you have my full permission to throw something first should there be a next time!”

Not for a moment did Éamonn fall for her innocent act. Oh no, she knew very well what she had been doing, that was only too clear by the way she continued to trace her fingers on his back. Well, two could play at this game! And unlike usually, this was a game he thought he would rather enjoy!
“Suure you aren’t”, he whispered while steadily walking towards the outskirts of Camelot. “And I guess I’m not playing you either when”, he let one finger trace the bare skin of her belly, slowly moving upward, “… I’m doing this…?”
It only occurred to him now after the heat of the previous moments of danger were gone that she really was not wearing much at all… How very interesting…

[†Kazira Astras†]

She giggled softly. and shook her head releasing her tongue it was starting to dry out. He was such an odd ball this assassin was. his emotions changed quicker than hers did at times. One minute he was annoyed, cold, and now amused and teasing. She blinked at what he was saying? What did he mean that he was bidding his time...If this was business then he was lazing about on the job. "I am not a little girl!" She hissed softly a glare making its way to her eyes. Why must everyone call her a little girl?! She didn't look that young right? She wasn't even that short either! Well OK she was short compared to a lot of people but not child-size. "And if this was business then you shouldn't keep lazing about." She laughed again a smile staying on her face this time.

She knew that she had said that she was done with the questions but she couldn't help but ask that one because from the way he talks its as if he was younger. "I wasn't going to pity you. I was just wondering how old you were." She stated with a shrug. She paused when she listened to his voice and how he spoke about not missing his home. "Come now I dint think that you mean that. Even the most cold hearted can miss their homes. Its our nature even if people try to bury it so deep that no one will be able to find it." Hell she wished that she had a single place to come home to most of the time. She had friends that she could stay with but it wasn't the same but it's not like she had much around anyways but she could say that you cant miss something that you never had.

She laughed easily when he spoke about killing the two guards. While she had no problem with it, it was just to much of a hassle to go through and she wasn't sure if she would be able to stand since her feet were throbbing at the moment. "I would have watched. They were annoying asking questions that didn't need to be asked." She stated, "But it would have been to much trouble to clean up the mess." She stated her thoughts with non committal loll of her head. She looked at him with a raised brow. She wasn't aware that she needed permission. But she didn't say anything just because she was to comfortable in her spot to jeopardize being dropped on her butt.

From his look she knew immediately that he didn't believe a single bit of her act but she just smiled at his sarcasm. She felt her muscles twitch under his hand and a small gasp came out she wasn't expecting that from him. "N-no it isn't," sh answered cursing mentally when she stuttered. How could she let it come out that way. She buried her face against his shoulder her breathe dancing across his skin though she was unaware of this. She was trying to hide her blush from him. Her face was burning and she felt goose bumps rise on her skin. Curse her for not wearing a better shirt!

[Éamonn Goronwy]

Oh no, he had said the G-word again! How could he even! Éamonn had to hide a mischievous grin as he thought about the possible consequences. Would he outlive the day? Would she lash out at him with her claws now, or would he get off cheaply just this once. “Which term are you objecting most to?” he asked with fake interest, cocking his head. “Girl or little? If it’s girl, I could also call you little woman, if you like that better. But fact IS, you’re smaller than me”, he finished with another grin, raising even on his toes a little to state his point.
“And for your information, Kazira”, he continued, giving his best image of a blasé look. “If it wasn’t for you and your nosy questions, I would long since be gone.” Truth be told, he was long since past the point of being angry about her interruption. This woman was intriguing beyond compare. If this was another place and another time, he would have settled down to banter with her more already.

Éamonn was instantly annoyed again. If anything, he didn’t like anyone going all psychological on him, telling him what he was feeling inside. He knew that very well himself, thank you very much! If he said he wasn’t missing his home, why couldn’t she take that at face value? She didn’t know anything about him, despite all her nosy questions, and probably she never would. He didn’t even know himself most of the time, and why should he? All he needed to know was what he needed for his tasks as an assassin. Of course, he wasn’t the Shadow every hour of the day, but he still refused to think too much about his past. What was the benefit of that anyway?
“Kazira… cut it out!” he sighed with a resigned voice, hunching his shoulders. “There is no need for this. I am who I am, don’t try to change me, spare yourself the trouble, cause it won’t work. It’s for the best”, he added, trying to sound irenic for good measure.

He wouldn’t show it, of course, but deep down Éamonn was truly impressed. He had seen before she was no wimpy girl, guiding his hand to kill her and all that, but being so indifferent about someone’s death, watching it, even commanding it – that needed some bones! He found himself imagining her being his partner in crime – for now she already had been… Foolish guy! He chided himself. You just seek some excuse to see her again, and how pathetic is that!
“Well, there is always a next time”, he murmured in a very dark, menacing ‘Shadow’ voice, grinning down at her. “I’ve marked their faces now and I even have a name. Maybe the Shadow will prowl down on them in some dark corner?”

Feeling her twitch under his touch, Éamonn couldn’t help but grin maliciously. “Someone’s ticklish, eh?” he asked, moving his fingers even further upward. He enjoyed this very much. It sent him tingling all over, for whatever reason. Well, the reason was quickly found. He was a man, this was a woman. A very pretty woman, lying very thinly clad in his arms. And yet, if he was completely honest with himself, there was something else to this. He felt protective of her in some strange way, even if she didn’t seem to need his protection…
To distract himself from tehse confusing thoughts, he settled on teasing her a little more. His index finger traced a direct line from her navel up her body, the side of her neck into her hair. Slowly, teasingly. “You know you are at my mercy now, right?”

[†Kazira Astras†]

She growled at the condescending tone that he was using with her. She stopped growling after a few moments and looked at the ground hiding the brief smile that flashed across her face. She looked up at him slowly a demur smile sliding onto her lips and a heated look entered her eyes. She moved her body so close to his that she could feel all of the lithe muscle under his clothes along with his heat. She had long since rested her hands at her side but now she ran them over his stomach, his chest and loosely rested her arms around his neck. "Its not so much being called little or being called a girl." She started as she leaned her head and rested it against him. "Its more those two words together are most annoying and simply implying that i am exceedingly young like a child." After her little explanation she slammed the heel of her boot onto his foot. "Do not call me a little girl Shadow." She hissed. She realized though that she was starting to sound more cat like than she had before. It was rather impressive on her part since she was human. "But you could have just left or killed me. Then you wouldn't have had to deal with me and my 'nosy questions'" she stated easily to him acting as if she hadn't just stomped on his foot.

There she had done it! She annoyed the assassin. Kazira did a mental laugh. She wasn't sure if that was really something to be proud of but she was able to make someone who was supposed to be almost emotionless annoyed. That was a new accomplishment. She paused though for just a moment...How was she going to tell Moros? Oh he was going to be so mad at her! She could just hear him now. "Kazira how dare you do something so dangerous that you could have lost your life with! If you died what would have happened then, hm mm? Nothing cause you would be a corpse on the ground and i wouldn't have been there to protect you like a friend should!" Yeah that was not something she wanted to experience again since it was a speech that she had often heard. She head him speak and quieted down her thoughts. He thought she was trying to change him? Why? "I'm not trying to change you. That would just be stupid." She said in a deadpanned voice as she had inadvertently called him an idiot.

She giggled at him. No she wasn't scared but the image that entered her mind was not something that would spark fear in anyone. Shadow would hunt down their prey backing them into the corner and when such he stepped out of the shadows he was holding a woman in his arms. To her it wasn't all that frightening. "She buried her face in his neck muffling her giggles. After several moments of her little fit she looked up at him amusement clear in her glacial eyes. "Shadow, no offense, but you're not that terrifying with a woman wrapped up in your arms." She really hadn't said that to offend him but it was the truth. But with an 'injured' woman in your arms while you murdered someone didn't seem to terrifying to her.

She only held onto him tighter hiding her blush and her laughs. It was sad that this man found her ticklish spot as well as a sensitive spot all in one go! "I'm not ticklish at all. I dont know what you mean." She muttered suppressing her laughs but failing miserable at the soft giggles that went into his shoulder. Even though while he teased and tortured her she felt safe and comfortable with him. It was odd but pleasantly unusual but she didn't know what to feel about it. What she was feeling wasn't new to her...but it also scared her because she didn't want him to leave. She put a block on those for now. She would let things play out and she would see where they went. She wondered what he was feeling if he felt the protectiveness about her that she did of him even though he could take care of himself, very well. She smiled at his words and an almost wicked idea came into her mind. "Oh really?" She asked pleasantly as she pulled her face away from him shoulder and looked him her face flushed and all. She gave him a smile and placed at kiss at the corner of his mouth as one drew designs on his back and the other the front. She placed kisses along his jaw line and to his ear. "Are you sure I'm the one at your mercy?" She asked whispered into his ear lightly.

[Éamonn Goronwy]

Now what was that? Quite an interesting outcome of things, Éamonn had to admit. He saw the heat in Kazira’s eyes and he couldn’t help his body respond to it. Was she out to SHOW him simply that she was by no means a little girl? Interesting, like he had said before. It’s been too long since any representative of the female sex, be it girl or woman, had touched him in such a way. She might just be proving her point there quite exquisitively. Should he give her the satisfaction of admitting that he could not very well see her as ‘exeedingly young, like a child’ when she was working her wiles like that? His pride never would allow that of course, but there was a time for pride and there was a time for accepting a point… Éamonn still was pondering on which way to go about this when he felt her foot collide with his. This time he hadn’t been expecting it at all, and so there had been no time to draw back, even with the swiftness he liked to praise about himself. But he was still man enough to not hiss with pain. The flicker of an eyelid was the only indication showing it hurt.
“And here you go again, ACTING like a child… stomping your foot, not the way a ‘woman’”, he grinned down at her, “would react. You might consider working on that, sweet Kazira!”

He had no answer to her next question and so he didn’t give any. How should he know why he hadn’t killed her? This question was floating around in his own head ever since he had chosen to let the knife drop to the floor and kiss her instead. Heaven and hell, sticking to the other option surely would have spared him a LOT of trouble!
Feeling a weird mix of letdown and relief, he listened to her short, emotionless explanation. Letdown? Was he really a little bit annoyed she apparently didn’t find him worthy of saving? He really had to get away from this woman, she was beginning to have strange effects on his way of thinking. “Good we agree on that, then” he replied with an equally deadpan voice. She was right, after all. Trying to save him would be stupid and futile at that.

Éamonn had to admit, her giggle irritated him and not just a little! It was a painful jibe to his pride and his self-confidence, a stab into everything he was made of, apparently. He could feel a certain temper boil up inside him, and he had a right mind to just drop his giggling load onto the street, give her a few kicks and then be done with this impudent broad for all time to come. Had the load been anyone else but Kazira, he would have done it, and no mistake. He might be sparing her the kicking, but she still was treading on very thin ice – and should know that!
“Why are you laughing?!” he growled and shook her a little in his arms, all gaiety gone from his eyes. The Shadow might have many weaknesses, but his greatest surely was he couldn’t bear being mocked – by anyone. “Who ever said you’d be part of the team then? When I have dumped you successfully where you want to go, I hope to never have to deal with you again!” But even as the words left his mouth, he knew they were not true.

Argh, what was she doing to him?! Both Éamonn and the Shadow had to admit, she might be right in what she said. That had been a lot of admitting lately… what was happening to him? He felt her kisses and pecks like the stinging of wasps, moving all over his sensitive skin, providing him with a sick pleasure. His self-control, the one thing he was proud of beyond compare, was waning. Everything in him ached to pay her back in kind, right here and there, but of course it could not be – not yet. He could not lose this battle of will and wiles. He could not lose anything, not now, not ever!
“Well, look at it that way”, he suggested, every muscle rigid, only his ragged breath giving away his inner fight. “It’s either stopping now or being dumped into the dirt with the prospect of crawling all the way you want to go. Your choice!”
His mask of sheer indifference and willpower was razor-blade thin. He knew that, and she probably knew that as well. It was all a matter of how audacious she really was, signing to trigger a black thunderstorm...

[†Kazira Astras†]

She saw the flicker of pain but didn’t say anything about it. Focusing on what he was saying to her. But during this she hadn’t moved her hands from him. She was comfortable but she hadn’t realized it in the slightest. She pouted like a ‘child’ as he put it. “Just because I stomped on your foot doesn’t mean that I am acting like a child.” She stated the pout never leaving her lips. “Besides I guess a being a child is better than being a aristocrat no?” She said with a smile decided that she wasn’t going to fight him on it because it really wasn’t worth it in the long run, at least for her that is. He would say something else later on and she would argue that too.

She listened to his next statement and she couldn’t figure out the flicker of emotion that passed through him. She reached up and grabbed his face looking, scanning, his eyes for the emotion she saw. Was that disappointment? For what? She could not figure this man out for the life of her and she didn’t know why it sent tingles down her spine. “I didn’t mean it like it came out.” She whispered releasing him from her hands slowly. “I don’t want to change you. I want to learn and know the one that you hide behind this façade as well as about the man before me.” She looked at the ground holding her hands wringing them in a nervous motion. It was as much nervousness as it was to keep him from seeing the water her fingers were leaking. It was times like these that she wished that her element powers weren’t linked to her emotions especially water. She wasn’t used to her emotions reacting this way as much as they have in such a short amount of time. What was he doing to her?

She had felt his muscles tense and knew that he was holding something back. Maybe she was pushing it but continued her actions slowly before stopping at the corner of his mouth. Her control was rather strained at the moment and she wanted to continue but it probably the best solution at the moment. She stilled her actions after a final peck and looked at him her eyes somewhat glazed. “Well how bout this then? I propose a challenge my dearest assassin.” She shifted with surprising ease and wrapped her legs around his hips so that she could look at him fully. “Kiss me once more and then resist me.” She stated looking directly into his eyes showing him her emotions. “Resist what I do until we reach my camp.” She was curious to see what his answer was. Another thought occurred to her he never really asked where her camp was or how he was to be able to find it since she hadn’t given him directions.

She gasped in shock when she felt the shake and his growled question. She shrunk away slightly looking at him with wide eyes. What had she done wrong? Was it what she said about not being all that scary? It was a joke. She held her tongue and waited for him to finish and nothing anyone else could have said would have hurt as much as what he said did. She struggled and pushed him away from her and stood on her injured feet. She shook violently as she looked at him with pain in her eyes. Was that truly how he felt about her? Was she that big of a nuisance? “Fine. You want nothing to do with me? Then fine.” She stated clenching her hands the once clear night sky was darkened by clouds. She blinked when a rain drop landed in her eye but she was too upset to care that her powers were showing in the weather…again. “Is my laughing at the image of shocked faces seeing a woman in your arms as you kill them that damaging?” She took a shuddering breath as she looked at him the rain still coming down and soaking her and him. She was glad that there was no one else outside or else there would be so very difficult questions to be answered. She shook her head. “I’ll just be going then and I’ll get out of your hair then.” She stated the last part with a pained smile before she turned from him and continued walking her heart aching as she did so. “You won’t have to deal with me ever again.” She whispered knowing that he would hear her. She couldn’t understand why his words hurt her so much that she would get that out of control with her emotions.

[Éamonn Goronwy]

It was a dangerous affair for her to be touching Éamonn when he was in this kind of state, not very well knowing where to put his emotions. It could have easily have resulted in him lashing out and hurting Kazira, but once again, she stroke lucky and he didn’t. Maybe it was because what she said puzzled him greatly. She really did want to know him? Both the Shadow and the man behind? Why in hell’s bloody name? What was there about him worthy to know? He was dangerous, she already knew that. He killed for a living, she already knew that as well. What more was there to find out? Strangely enough, Éamonn found he was intrigued as well. He had been burying everything else for so long, he was by no means sure this ‘everything else’ was even still there, alive, breathing. It could be she digged too deep and found nothing but emptiness. Dangerous emptiness. Could he really dare to let her?
“You’re mad, Kazira”, he sighed and lightly brushed her cheek. “I warned you countless times and still you persist. Why? Can you tell me that?”

A challenge? Oh, he quite liked the sound of that! He was always up for challenges, they made life far more exciting. The actual content of the challenge was another matter. “Kiss me once more and then resist me.”… He knew himself well enough to realize that if he kissed her now, they wouldn’t be going anywhere for quite a while. Did she know that as well and was even speculating on it? Did she know that with one kiss, she would be his for the taking? That he might unleash something inside him that was far more dangerous than all the cunning and stealth of The Shadow combined? No, she didn’t know, as she still didn’t know him. But he knew, and that was why he could not accept this challenge. His own challenge he had burdened himself with, resist her entirely, was enough of a load.
“I don’t think I will be doing this, no, no my sweet Kazira!” he teased. “That would be far too much down your lane, right? By the way, where AM I walking anyway?” he tried to change subjects with a lighthearted tone. Even the first kiss had been one too many. He couldn’t risk it. Not because he didn’t want to… but a kiss never stayed a kiss. Not in his world anyway.

He knew he had hurt her now, and even though he thought it was for the best, it still hurt him too. Yes, hurt him. He grinded his teeth as he watched her limping away, not saying a word to counter her blows, not saying a word to call her back. Rain started to souse him all of a sudden, heavy rain, falling on him as if heaven cried. That puzzled him. Just a moment before the sky had been clear, starry. Was this another one of her witch tricks? He had witnessed water dripping from her hands before. Elemental control then… interesting. Perhaps that was her last blow aimed at him, getting him all wet and cold, as a punishment for rejecting her. That would figure. Only that she seemed to have not much control over it… every time she had been nervous or agitated, water had been dripping from her fingers, he had observed that very well. Agitated… why was she agitated? Alright, he had not been the nicest of counterparts, but she should be happy to have escaped with her life, not sad! But she was…

And if he was honest for even a minute, so was he. He should have long since been on his way, and yet he stood there, motionless and watched her limp away. That was not right. It was not like him. What had she done to him? It felt wrong… but not because of him… because of her… her distress, it made him uncomfortable.
His right foot took a step forward before he could stop himself. She made him feel. That was not right… and yet it was. The Shadow had no feelings, no friends. He needed none. He needed nobody but himself, and someone to kill. Now his left foot followed suit. She made him feel…

Suddenly he found himself breaking into a run, rain clashing into his face, up his trousers, soaking the light shoes he was wearing to be soundless. He came up behind her in mere seconds, swift and soundless like only he could, reaching out for her shoulders and turning her around. To face him, wet like a drowned rat, not much looking a threat anymore.
“My name is Éamonn”, he whispered, and then bent down to kiss her.

[†Kazira Astras†]

She looked at him and smiled softly leaning into his touch. He called her mad and maybe that was true. Others had called her just the same but for other reasons obviously. "Maybe i am as you say...mad?" She she her head a little before continuing. "I feel drawn like a moth to a flame," she paused. "I just want to. I just want to know you as you are." She finished finally. She was curious about him that much was for certain. She knew he was a killer, so was she (albeit a picky one.) He could probably slit her throat in that very moment but something in her knew that he wouldn't. She covered his larger hand with her smaller one and marveled at how strong they felt. They reminded her of home.

She felt a giggle bubble from her chest and a smile broke over her face when she heard him change the subject. "Don't think that i didn't notice that change my dear shadow." She stated happily. She idly wondered why he didn't accept her challenge but didn't dwell on it. "Just follow the road out passed to city into the woods," She pointed. "My camp is in a small meadow." She paused. "You'll know where it is once we enter the forest. " She stated off handedly. She blinked and tilted her head. The way she said it made it sound like there was something substantially different about her campsite. Well there was since there was a dog that was almost the size of a horse in her camp but it was just a small meadow of flowers nothing to spectacular it was off the road and far enough away from the city that her powers didn't draw to much attention when she practiced with them.

Ugh! That man! If she was that much of a nuisance then she would have left him soon after then escaped the home! All he had to do was just say so and she would have been on her way but nooo he had her believe that...She shook her head and wrapped her arms around herself. Walking away from him though seemed to be the hardest thing that she was doing. He heart was hoping that he hadn't meant a single word of what he said but her mind was saying that he did. She winced as she felt that ground under her feet, this would have been more dramatic if her feet weren't injured and she still had her boots (of which she still might not get back!)

Her hair and clothing was soaked and the ground was turning muddy. It was a slight reprieve from the hard ground but it would be a pain to walk in when she got back to camp. Moros would undoubtedly be worried about her and then start sniffing around to hunt her--Shadow down and maim him a little for protection purposes. She sniffed. If she had control this wouldn't be happening now. She roughly wiped her renewed tears off her cheeks. This had started out as such a great night.

She let out a gasp when she felt a hand spin her around. Her eyes focused on the drenched man before her.“My name is Éamonn”, he whispered, and then bent down to kiss her. Her eyes widened slightly when she heard what he said. He had told her his name. She felt his lips on hers and almost hesitantly kissed him back her hands resting against his soaked clothing. She felt as if she was dreaming and he was going to say that this was just a joke. She didn't understand how this man, Éamonn, could make her feel this way. Her hands moved to rest against his cheeks; her thumbs moving back and forth in a soothing motion as she pulled back unsure of what to say or do. She could still feel the tears from earlier falling but she tried to ignore them.

It felt like eternity before she opened her mouth and found her self asking a simple question. "Why?" Her brow furrowed in confusion. Didnt he just say that he didnt want to deal with her? "I dont understand." She had never felt so confused as she did at that moment

[Éamonn Goronwy]

Like a moth to a flame… a very fitting comparison indeed. Éamonn had often watched this phenomenon when sitting at a fire at night, when it was already warm enough for moths to come out and dance. Even as a little boy he had been fascinated by this inevitable fact, and no one had ever been able to explain to him why they risked to die just to be close to the flickering flames. Was it the warmth that drew them near? Well, whatever it was, it wasn’t of much use to them. One tiny flap too far and they burst into flames as well, just a quick moment of wonderful brightness where they resembled beautiful sparks, but then… extinction. Was that really to be desired?
“Then make sure you don’t come too close”, he murmured, a bitter smile playing around his lips. “It’s no lasting ecstasy and beauty to go up in flames. To be a bright spark, but only for a second… is that worth it, I may ask you?”

Éamonn bit back a grin. So she had noticed – so what?! She didn’t seem very offended and he was thankful for that. Despite her nosiness and stubbornness on certain accounts Kazira was truly a very togh woman, not whiny in the slightest, even though she was injured and probably didn’t encounter the best night of her life. A relief to not having to deel with whimpering and whining tonight, as Éamonn couldn’t care less about such blatant show of weakness. It just strained his nerves and him with strained nerves was never a good opponent to encounter.
“Not to miss as soon as I enter the woods?” he mildly scowled down on her. “Girl, I think you have a LOT to learn when it comes to setting up camps…what if some guard drops by for dinner and spots one of your… wet abilities?”

This kiss was possibly the sweetest he had had in all his life and its sweetness nearly killed him. This was not like anything he had ever felt before. There were so many questions and uncertaincies involved in all of this weird game, hardly one single certainty to be found. That made both of them hestitant and with the hestitance came the sweetness.
That would have been Éamonn’s conclusion had his mind be calm and collected, seperated and above all that was happening right now. But of course it wasn’t. He was right into it, and had no idea where he was going. For the first time in maybe all his life, Éamonn was tempted to let go. To succumb completely, throw all reason and distance over board and just live and feel this very instant, kissing Kazira.

He was so very close to it, when she moved her hands over his cheeks, caressing them. Caress… this was a distant memory. He had been caressed as a child, but had quickly grown out of it. Wanting to be a man didn’t go well with tender touch. And all his previous encounters with women had been about satisfying needs. Passionate, yes, wild and corybantic, but never tender. But somehow this tenderness did not make him feel degrated, it made him feel gentled.
However, she pulled away and the moment passed, leaving only the mild echo of some things behind that could have been. Was he sad or relieved it had not come to him losing himself? Either way, it was still clear things had changed irrevocably between him and this unique girl, though where they would be going from here, they both didn’t see.

“I wish I knew”, he whispered back, leaning his forehead against hers, content for the moment to just drown in the fathomless gaze of her eyes, hoping to find there what he espired: Hope for the hopeless. Some new beginning where there had just been ends.
“I don’t know why, Kazira, but I do know I did not speak the truth earlier… do not seek reason within me though, as there is none. But I also know I cannot let this go.”
This answer wouldn’t satisfy her, as it didn’t even satisfy himself. Feeling anything but either contempt or detached respect for others was as new an emotion as it was confusing.

[†Kazira Astras†]

Kazira bit her lips to hold back a small laugh but nodded her head yes anyways. Yes I do believe it is. She paused for but a moment before continuing Who ever said that i was the moth? she asked in a teasing tone. I will not go up in flames. She snorted Do you plan to be the one who sets me aflame or will you die out in caution for something that you have no knowledge of? She asked him this rhetorically not expecting him to answer her but answer that himself. From what she's learned about him but she wanted to impart some wisdom her father gave her. Because even though the man before her seemed strong he had a doubt in him; a fear. Something she was almost shocked to understand. "My shadow. Let me say this: Níl aon rud sa saol a eagla. Tá sé ach le tuiscint. Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood." She paused again before she hurriedly explained," Not that I think that you're afraid but this may apply to several situations that may or may not come up in the future." she stated waving her hands showing she meant no offense.

if Moros saw her then he would have shook his head. She probably looked quite comical at that moment not that she cared. She never cared how she acted as long as it was true to herself and not a product of something brought about by pressure from the people around her. Not that she was around people often she thought to herself her eyebrow twitching. She looked had looked down after her explanation. Kazira looked up at him shyly through her lashes wondering how he would react to what she had just stated.

Kazira laughed happily at his mild scolding. He had misinterpreted what she had said. "Oh my dear dear shadow. i have no problems with choosing camps." She pulled her finger to her chin and tapped it thoughtfully. "Yes. . . that could happen but it wont." She stated cheekily not once losing her smile. "The guards wont go near the meadow, not at night at least which is when i practice my "wet" abilities" she stated with humor lacing her words. She knew exactly why they were afraid of the meadow 1) she had told them that it was haunted by a family that was killed years ago. That was an obvious lie but they'd believed it none the less. 2) Moros hunted around at night for the morning and evening meal. The guards see the blood and they have heart attacks and cant trip over themselves fast enough to get away. and 3) Moros likes to growl in his sleep. The last one still stumped her but she put up with it if it kept people away from her temporary home. Granted Laura at the tavern is always offering her a place to stay but that wasn't an option. She would be leaving soon. She had the itch to travel again. Maybe this time she would have someone to actually talk to that wasn't an animal or a vandal who wanted other things. She scrunched her nose at the thought. She didn't want to think about the traders along the coasts. "And even if there was a guard who happened to be brave. They would not make it back to the castle to tell the king what and who I am." She stated her voice growing dark and laced with venom at the mention of the king. She was still angry at him for the fact that he had his knight murder her family. She still didn't understand how he knew what they were. Was it a hunch? they hadn't used their magic if they did they made it look like they used a tool to accomplish everything. She didn't understand how they knew exactly where they were...and why didn't they kill her? She felt her mood darken with each thought that passed through her mind. And her anger was just boiling under the surface her eyes flashed red as she clenched a hand into his clothing till her knuckles were the color of bone. She took several soothing breaths before she relaxed and let the anger go. There was no need for something to spontaneously light on fire and cause a panic.

The kiss had been slow and sweet. almost chaste. Kazira was lost in it and could feel everything bubble up to the surface and she knew that whatever emotion was on her mind would either show on her face or in her eyes. But it was to good to be when she had pulled away. She wanted to keeps her hands where they were caressing his skin but it would only distract her and with all of the emotions coursing through her having an accident would not be a good thing for either of them. And at the moment she wasnt sure if she wanted to burn him or hug him. she felt his forehead against hers and sighed softly. He didnt mean all of the things he said. She felt hurt and anger well up. then why had he said them! She calmed herself as confusion set in again. "Why did you say them then!? There had to have been some truth behind your words." She almost whimpered at the thought but hope was pushing her to ask. She was hoping that what he had said was true because the whole situation was frightening her to some extent. Her feelings were more controlled than this and now they were running rampant. Her heart was punding in her chest and she wondered if he could hear it or even feel it. That wouldnt surprise her to be honest; Kazira was sure that the king could hear the drumming from his room at this point. She wasnt nearly satisfied with the rest of his answer...well all of it actually. What did he mean? He couldnt let what go; her? She was so confused. She looked at him again hope lingering. "Why, what, cant you let go?" She had a hunch but she wanted to be sure. She needed to know if things should end right then and then there or should she continue to let things fall as they may and continue on with him. This was one situation that she wasnt familiar with and she couldnt seem to decode him and that frightened/confused/captivated her.

---

Song inspiration(s): Decode by Paramore

[Éamonn Goronwy]

Die out in caution of something you have no knowledge of… those words struck some chord in him, deep within. All his life he had struggled to be the one to be feared. People would shiver in front of him, gasping for mercy or not even knowing that their time was up because he was closing in on them, too fast for them all… but was he really the one setting aflame? Or was he the one burning? Wasn’t it true that every single time he set out to kill, her inched closer to the flame, dancing just out of reach of getting caught and immanently killed? Would he one day fall prey to these flames? But that didn’t bother him… he was thriving on that risk, every day, every night. Or were it some other flames she was talking about? Even the sheer thoughts of it were pure danger. There was nothing else to him… not anymore, and he liked it that way. But still, if he was honest for just a second, he could put a name to this flame. Being. Feeling, whatever you wanted to call it. Giving yourself. Letting go. And Kazira was this flame, because she symbolized all that for him. If he didn’t back away now, he would get burned and then he would be no more. But that’s what distinguished him from the moths. He was aware of the danger, he could stay away from it. Only that he didn’t.

Éamonn had to surpress a chuckle. Her again and her worldly wisdom. How old was she? One hundred? She surely talked like that! At the same time he knew he was only making fun of it because he didn’t want to really think about it. In his eyes, he wasn’t afraid of anything. He was always the one to analyze things, right? By now, no one had ever bested him and so he needn’t concern himself with the possibility. Once again, did he even know what she was referring to? More so, did she even know it herself?
“Thank you very much Kazira”, he replied in an exaggeratingly solemn tone. “Should any fear ever knock on my door, I will be sure to use that wonderful phrase to shoo it away – given I even recognize it as fear, cause I’m not so sure how it looks like.” He could probably carry on like this all day or rather night, and he could even fool himself. What was this girl doing to him that he doubted himself even for a second? That he really graced her comments with true consideration, however short? Maybe that was another of her magical tricks…

Raising an eyebrow at her bold statement, he wondered what might be on her mind to give her such confidence. Not that it was any of his concern of course, but he truly would hate to see her captured and burned at the stakes. It would cause one hell of a hubbub and mess to get her out of there safe and sound, and after that stunt he would have to leave Camelot just as he was settling down and forming another succesful informers network - - wait… was he really already that far into this affair he didn’t think twice about saving her, risking his own skin should she get in trouble? All demons of hell…
“If you say so”, he replied a little loftily, mostly to annoy her. It just was so much fun annoying her, as she got easily worked up when she thought he didn’t take her at face value. “But forgive me if I say one thing: Don’t get too involved into killing people if you can help otherwise. It’s not the most fun business in the world – for people who are not born to it.” Even though it was dark and he was ‘slightly’ occupied with other things, one of them being carrying a very attractive woman with very little clothes around the midsection, he couldn’t help but notice the same woman’s distress all of a sudden. And for once he found himself actually caring. “Cad é an t-ábhar, mo cat fiáin? What’s the matter, my wildcat”, he asked lowly.

Her constant questions were truly annoying! They chased away the slight feeling of comfort he had just experienced while kissing her, the very same feeling he had tried to cling to for just a little longer, as it was so unexpected and… almost nice. But of course her questions ruined it again! Why did she always have to do that? Wanting to know the reason behind everything he did – he couldn’t even say himself!! He had never felt so confused in all his life!
”Goodness Kazira, I don’t know!!!” That came out far harsher than he had wanted and he took a deep breath to calm down both mind and voice. “All I know is that you challenge everything I’ve lived for so far. No thoughts, no reflections, no feelings. And part of me, the part I know, is not wanting to let go of this way. Demons and devils, you should hear me speak…! I… ah, I can’t even word it!”

Éamonn gave up with a frustrated unarticulated sound, half between a snarl, a yell and a groan. There was just no use! Why did he even try to work it out? Wasn’t it just easier to let it go? Yes, indeed, why did he even try? The answer was a tiny voice inside his head, timid, almost unhearable, but there. Because she might be worth it…
With an almost mad chuckle, Éamonn raised both his hands to cup Kazira’s face in them, looking down on her with burning eyes. “You, silly.” He stated simply. “I can’t seem to let YOU go.”

[†Kazira Astras†]

Kazira waited as he processed what she had said. She wondered what he was thinking about. She took the time to think about what was going on with her. This whole situation was not something that she was used to. What was she doing? Why was she falling for a guy that she didn't really know? Kazira couldn't really answer those questions.

She looked at him in question when he said thank you. but the question moved into mirth at his sarcastic remark. That was so like him. At least what she knows about him. But she poked him in the chest. "Now, now, my assassin no need to be sarcastic. It was just some advice. Take it or leave it." She stated easily.

"Who said that I wasn't?" she asked cheekily. "But I don't go around killing people for fun but it is part of my job description" She finished. She couldn't believe how caught up she was thinking about the past and what uther did. Kazira buried her face into the crook of his neck for comfort. "Just thinking about something painful." She whimpered. She hated feeling this vulnerable but she was comfortable with him. For some odd reason or another. " I was thinking about my family."

She leaned back slightly at his outburst. She challenged everything he knew? He seemed so confused and frustrated. Well Eamonn wasn't the only one. Kazira was just as confused about everything as he was. But she knew he needed to get everything out or at least attempt to. She reached up and brushed his bangs away from his face.

"I'm sorry." She whispered with a weak smile. "I'm so, so, sorry. I didn't mean to question everything. I'm just so confused about this. I've never been in this situation before... I...I don't know how to say this..." She said meaning every word. She really did feel sorry.

She looked into his eyes and felt like melting at the intensity of the emotion behind them. She took a deep breathe to calm her racing heart and smiled. "You want to know a secret?"

[Éamonn Goronwy]

She wasn’t offended. Good. Sometimes girls could be so very touchy, but he guessed Kazira just was not that kind of girl. She could take a good jibe on her behalf, without lashing out in indignation or – heaven prevent – burst into tears because she was not being taken seriously. He liked that. Even though she knew who and what he was, she still had decided to stay around him, bearing with his arrogance and deadly background. At first he had waved that aside as overdeveloped audaciousness and even stupidity, but slowly Éamonn started to realise that there was more to her behaviour. It simply was who she was, she wasn’t scared of him because she apparently knew what to deal with. Even though he still found that hard to believe sometimes…

“Your wish shall be my command”, he replied cheekily, returning the poke in her chest, but letting his finger linger there for a little while longer, turning the friendly poke into a far more… promising caress. As if wanting to remind her and himself alike that in his eyes they had worked past the friendly banter already. He was by no means sure where to go with this, but ther was no harm in playing with the possibilities, was there?

Her comments about herself and killing still irked him. Of course he knew he was by no means the only assassin in the world, and he also knew a few female ones, though rare they were. But Kazira… she didn’t belong into this world in his eyes. Even though she surely was a tough girl, she still had this air of breathtaking innocence about her which he absolutely admired. Maybe he was not seeing her for who she really was, or he was closing his eyes to reality, but he just could not get the cold-hearted, brutal work of an assassin and her in one picture.
“It shouldn’t be”, he murmured stubbornly. “That’s not you…” Only then the second part of her comment really got through to him, and he instantly furrowed his brows. “You’re not implying that I kill for fun, Kazira, right? Because that is not true. I merely don’t care. There’s a difference.” Given, the difference was not much, and he couldn’t deny he liked the thrill of those final seconds and he also liked the fear in their eyes were they ever awake to know what was going on… but killing for FUN? No, that was pushing it!

Oh great… now he had done it. She was apparently turning to him for comfort, wanting to here some soothing words or something similar. Problem was, he couldn’t do that… that was not him. Even before turning into The Shadow he had been most awkward about commiseration. He technically knew how it felt, and he surely didn’t want Kazira unhappy… but thinking it and actually SHOWING it… there was a difference as wide as river valley… just great!
His arms awkwardly moved around her slender frame to hold her close for a moment, but he was unsure what to say, or if he should say anything at all. This was so not his field of action! He felt wooden, useless, out of place. And pressured on top of it – because for once in his life he DID care what someone would think of him.
“Eh… I see…” he muttered helplessly. “I’m… I’m sorry.”

For a moment he feared his outburst had ruined it all. It should have ruined it all. That’s how things usually went. If he ever got close to someone, sooner or later he pushed them away automatically. And normally he didn’t care. But Kazira… for once in his life he felt the secret wish of someone staying in his life for more than just a few hours.
But then salvation came in her completely unexpected apology. Clearly, he wouldn’t have thought it possible. It almost made him feel bad. Almost though was the key word. He doubted he could ever change THAT much.
Still cupping her head in his hands, he smiled down at her, brushing his lips against her forehead in the possibly most fond gesture he had ever chosen to show in his entire life.
“Well I guess, if we’re both out of words, we shouldn’t try to force them out. Maybe they’ll come to us… in time?” he suggested hestitantly, then grinned expectantly. “I love secrets and mysteries. Please do tell!”