[h1][center][color=7ec0ee]Terrin[/color] & [color=gold]Ava[/color][/center][/h1]

Terrin felt the first drop as Ava was busy using her magic thinking that it would haven’t come this soon. Looking around and luckily spotting a cave farther up the road, Terrin began to start picking up sticks and fallen branches, [color=7ec0ee]”Here Ava! Keep these under your cloak and try to find more on the way!”[/color] He took her hand in his and helped her stand again pulling her along to the nearby cave.

Ava dawned on her hood when the rain hastily caught up to them and turned into a downpour within seconds. She was chastising herself in her head for slowing them down, but there wasn’t much that could’ve been done about it and had she not healed herself when she had, they’d be even slower than they already were. She looked up when he began collecting sticks and branches, doing as he asked and tucked them under her cloak and then took his hand when he offered it to help her up.

She rushed with him to the nearby cave, even with as fast as they were going, the strong winds and heavy rain were still being somewhat of a hindrance. Ava was glad that her companion had given her the cloak earlier that day, it was helping her stay dry, well at least dryer than Terrin who seemed to be getting drenched, which did make her feel a bit bad, he had been helping her since they met earlier that day and she had done very little in return; [i]Perhaps I can search for some food after the rain passes, that will at least be a start in returning the kindness he’s shown me.[/i] Ava thought to herself as she glanced at her companion.

The rain came down in sheets on Terrin, soaking his clothes, coupled with the cold weather passing through chilled him to the bone. Getting to the mouth of the cave without accident was short of a miracle due to the blinding weather. Terrin let go of Ava’s hand and ran his hands through his soaked hair, making it go up in strange places, in vain attempt to remove the excess water. Shaking off his hands and walking farther into the cave, [color=7ec0ee]”Come, being deeper inside will have us avoid the wind and rain,”[/color] he beckoned Ava along.

When they finally made it into the cave, Ava was relieved, it seemed like the rain and wind were becoming even stronger, although that was probably just her imagination. She extended her arms out slightly to inspect how much of the rain got on her, which was surprisingly minimal, she was a touch damp and her bangs were wet, but other than that, she was dry for the most part, her attention being drawn to Terrin when he called out to her, beckoning her over, Ava giving a nod in return as she made her way over to him.

After he believed they were far enough inside he took the wood from Ava to examine it, [color=7ec0ee]”Hmm...not too wet thank goodness, it should light at least.”[/color] Terrin placed down the wood into a good sized pile while taking out a small metal box from his belt, Terrin smiled as he noticed his old, trusty tinderbox was still water-tight, especially after the earlier test. He placed the tinder underneath his fuel as he struck his flint, sending sparks to the tinder as it began to burn successfully. Terrin sighed in relief as he sat down near the growing fire waving Ava over, [color=7ec0ee]”It’ll get warmer soon, come sit down."[/color] A draft made its way through the cave giving Terrin a small chill down his spine as his clothes absorbed his body heat.

Ava was glad when Terrin took the wood she had collected along the way from her, it helped relieve some of the heaviness her body was feeling, but that was mostly due the fatigue setting in, between the assault and her healing, along with the rain, her body felt like it was going to give out then and there; once the fire was started, Ava took a seat next to Terrin, extending her hands out to the flame as she tried to warm up.

Terrin stood up as he began to pry his clinging clothes off his body. Pulling his soaked shirt over his head showed his lean, muscled physique dotted by rising gooseflesh. Terrin then shook his head, clearing what loose water was left behind, after becoming sufficiently dazed from the violent movement he placed his shirt down next to him by the fire as he tried to regain his warmth. Even though he was slightly tremoring, he was more concerned for his partner, [color=7ec0ee]”Are you doing ok? You still dry?”[/color]

[color=gold]”Here, you should probably take this back, I don’t need it at the mo-”[/color] Ava began to say when she noticed him shivering but interrupted herself when she saw Terrin remove his shirt, a shade of pink going across her face as she turned her head away, trying not to stare, although her eyes kept going back to the shirtless man. [color=gold]”I-I’m fine, but it...it seems like you’re still cold,”[/color] she responded with a heavy breath, standing up as she untied and removed the cloak, draping it over his shoulders as she kept her gaze averted, then once more took her seat next to him, [color=gold]”That should should keep you warm.”[/color] Ava added, still keeping her gaze slightly averted.

Terrin pulled the cloak around his shivering body, warmth coming back to him from the fire. [color=7ec0ee]”I thank you Ava, even if it is my own cloak,"[/color] he let out a good hearted chuckle, [color=7ec0ee]”May I ask why you aren’t looking at...me?”[/color] Terrin slowed down as he put the pieces together as he looked down at his bare chest, blood rushing to his face as well, [color=7ec0ee]”I’m sorry!”[/color] Terrin apologized as he tried to pull the cloak even tighter to cover his nudity, [color=7ec0ee]”I just thought of survival and didn’t even think twice about my position with you, this must have looked awfully forward of me, I-I,”[/color] Terrin let out a sigh of exasperation as he grabbed one of the sticks on the edge of the fire to use it as a fire poker, shifting the embers into the air in an awkward silence.

Ava continued to be flustered by the shirtless man, her gaze continuing to glance to him and quickly look away, the blush from her face not once leaving. She had never seen a person like that before, well not up close anyways, so she had no idea how to deal with the situation, other than being flustered and it was throwing her through a bind. When Terrin pieced together why she wasn’t looking at him, a slight chuckle escaped her, she didn’t expect him to be nervous like she was, at least not since how he had acted earlier that day, [color=gold]“I-It’s okay, I’m sorry that I’m making a big deal about it, I mean, it’s just your shirt that’s off right? Sh-Shouldn’t really be that big of a deal,”[/color] she responded as her heart still raced, staring at the gap the cloak couldn’t cover.


[color=7ec0ee]”I’m glad my cloak served you well though. It was actually my mother’s, an actual gift from my missing father.”[/color] He pulled his hood down as he continued his story, [color=7ec0ee]”It was made from one of the master craftsmen in Lempea, the man had a way with animal hide that no one could ever think of, as you see this cloak even now in perfect condition."[/color] A smile on his face spread as the nostalgia of his childhood began to occupy his thoughts, [color=7ec0ee]”As I’ve told you before I lived in Lempea most of my life, but all of it was to take care of my mother, as soon as I could work that is what I did until the day she passed away. I wanted to take care of her, I wanted to protect her because I was the man of the house, forced to grow up much too fast."[/color] He looked to Ava with the same smile, [color=7ec0ee]”My mother may have been a human, but you remind me a lot of her. Both of you are compassionate, showing forgiveness even when not deserved, both of you are so frail yet so strong of will. It feels nice to spend what little time I did with you Ava."[/color]

Ava was broken from her gaze when her companion spoke to her once more, listening with great interest as he told her more about himself, a streak of crimson hitting her face as he complimented her, [color=gold]“Thank you for those kind words as well as allowing me to use your cloak, I know what it’s like to be forced to grow up, I pretty much had to do it when my parents were taken, I guess that’s why I’m so shy around people,”[/color] Ava paused, lowering her head slightly [color=gold]“I know it seems silly to hide behind you and a piece of fabric, but I’ve already hurt so many people indirectly, ultimately it’s my fault people I’ve known have been taken away, there’s no other way around it and after today I wasn’t much help, it may be safer if I weren’t with you, I don’t want to risk you being captured because of me,”[/color] she glanced at him, giving a facade smile.

Terrin nearly snapped at Ava, [color=7ec0ee]”Don’t you ever say that. Nothing that happened today was your fault, nor nothing in your past is your fault. You didn’t choose to be born with this power, nor did you tell the soldiers your parents were hiding you. They loved you enough to let you live your whole life, no matter the cost to theirs,”[/color] Terrin’s look softened a bit, [color=7ec0ee]”Don’t let whatever sacrifice they made be in vain by not believing in yourself or even hating yourself. Ava will always be Ava, there is nothing wrong with the woman Ava.”[/color] a warm smile ended his scolding of her.

Ava was surprised at his sudden outburst, almost as though her words offended him, but she was appreciative of his kind words, still she couldn’t help but feel it was her fault, she may not have personally had her parents arrested, but if she had been more careful, hadn’t been so careless with her abilities, they would still be with her and she wouldn’t be out where she was now being a potential risk for her new friend. [color=gold]“Your words are very kind, thank you. I guess the one positive out of all this was that I got to meet you, so perhaps it’s not so bad.”[/color] She gave him a more genuine smile this time.

Terrin extended his leg and reached for behind his ankle, his hand entering his boot and pulling out another dagger almost identical to the ones he usually carries. Pulling the blade out from the sheath he examined the edge to see if it was still honed properly. Satisfied with his inspection he re-sheathed the dagger and handed it out to Ava, [color=7ec0ee]”And if you are truly worried about being scared of the fighting that happened, take this, tomorrow I’ll begin to teach you on how to defend yourself.”[/color] The look in his eyes was cold as steel, [color=7ec0ee]”In case I’m not around, or worse,  I want you to know you can handle your own.”[/color] He pushed the weapon towards her, not accepting no as a possible answer.

Ava tilted her head to the side out of slight confusion when Terrin began reaching behind his ankle, curious as to what he was getting. When he pulled out the dagger, she couldn’t help but be slightly nervous, but when he gave her the blade, she relaxed a little more, holding it awkwardly, almost like she was afraid just holding it would cut her. [color=gold]“I don’t know...I’m not really the fighting type, nor do I think I could actually harm anyone with it, it’s just not in me to harm another living being.”[/color] She answered back as she held the dagger in her flattened palms; she understood what he was trying to do and perhaps she did need to learn to defend herself, but the thought of cutting someone with it, even in self-defense unsettled her a little.

Terrin handed her the sheath to her new blade, [color=7ec0ee]”You may not be the fighting type, but I’d rather you be that than the dying type.”[/color] Terrin pulled his own blades out for his own examination, seeing some nicks from his earlier confrontation. He pulled a whetstone from his pocket. The cave echoed with the sounds of the grinding of metal on stone as Terrin concentrated on the upkeep of his equipment.

[i]I know it would be bad if I were to die, I wouldn’t be able to find my parents then or at least find out what happened to them, plus,[/i] she paused in her thoughts, glancing over at Terrin for a moment [i]he’d be all alone and I think he enjoys my company,[/i] She was broken from her thoughts when he she heard the sound of metal grinding against something, seeing him sharpening his weapon made her look down at the one he had given her, [i]I have to at least try, not be useless while I’m with him,[/i] She thought determinedly.

Finishing with his weapons, Terrin re-sheathed and placed them back onto his belt. Seeing that his shirt was no longer soaking wet nor cold thanks to the fire, he proceeded to take off his cloak and finally clothe himself. Turning back to the woman next to him, [color=7ec0ee]”I know you may be apprehensive, or maybe even scared, but you need to be aware that even though you may care for the wellbeing of everyone; most of the people out here do not believe as such. Someone like me they’ll just kill outright, simple as that, but pretty women like you will have a much longer and crueler fate than I,”[/color] his eyes began to examine the floor, [color=7ec0ee]”If I hadn’t been with you today and that guy made off with you, I don’t know what I would have done knowing I led you to such a fate. If anything, you may want to leave my company for your own safety instead of my own, I’ve brought nothing to you but trouble.”[/color] Terrin couldn’t look her in the eye anymore as he turned his attention back to the fire.

[color=gold]“You’re right, I know not everyone feels the same as I do, that they don’t value it to such a degree, I’ll certainly try to be stronger, try to at least defend my friends, but I can’t lie and say I’ll kill them, I don’t know if I have it in me to do that.”[/color] This was one of her more stronger convictions, she might be able to harm others if it’s to defend those she cares about, but she didn’t know if she could bring herself to end someone’s life. Her eyes widened a bit when she then heard him suggest they should part ways, though she had suggested it earlier, she hadn’t meant it, but it was clear neither of them wanted to be burdens on one another, [color=gold]“No! I don’t want to do that, you’re not at fault for me being foolish enough to believe some stranger, besides if you aren’t here, I won’t know how to look for my parents or how to defend myself should anymore trouble come.”[/color] She blurted out rapidly, a hint of pink hitting her cheeks when she realized what she had said.

Terrin’s eyes grew wide at Ava’s vehement refusal for him to remove himself from her life, [i]How long has it been since someone wanted me to stay by their side?[/i] the thought brought him back to his solitary life as a drifter; finding another place where he seemed to belong made his eyes glisten with held back emotions. But instead of showing them he emitted a clear, resounding laugh that echoed throughout the cave. Turning to Ava he began apologizing, [color=7ec0ee]”Sorry, I'm not laughing at what you said. In fact your words touched me deeply. But even if I don't know exactly how to make your dream come true I'm still determined to stay by your side till it happens.”[/color] He looked away again, but with a smile spreading on his face, [color=7ec0ee]”Even if every hello is coupled with a good bye, I'll enjoy every moment in between, that is if you'll continue having me.”[/color]

Ava gave a quizzical look when he started to laugh, not understanding what she said was funny, though when he explained himself, she couldn’t help but smile a little. [color=gold]“I’m sure that as long as you’re with me I’ll be able to fin-”[/color] there was a loud sound of thunder from the storm outside that made her shriek, hastily latching onto Terrin, burying her face into his chest with her eyes tightly shut. When the thunder died down and it was quite in the cave, she opened her eyes, looking at the fabric that her face was against and then quickly pushed herself off the person it was covering, [color=gold]“Sorry! I didn’t mean to, just I...”[/color] Ava quickly turned her head away, trying to obscure the crimson blush hitting her cheeks.

A clap of thunder pealed through the quiet, peaceful night. The sudden noise startled Terrin, but the body that clung to him so tightly didn’t give him a chance to think on it. He instinctively embraced her frail frame and began to stroke her hair in order to calm her down, his own face gaining a pink tint from the situation. His mind was racing with thoughts that he shouldn’t be having in this situation but he couldn’t help it, this beautiful woman was basically in his lap. A few deep breaths kept his mind at ease as he tried to calm down his panicked companion. The sensation of a woman so close was not long lived as Ava quickly separated herself from Terrin. He felt bad for the dark red her face was getting from embarrassment, [color=7ec0ee]”I didn’t know you were scared of thunder Ava,”[/color] he started a nervous chuckle, [color=7ec0ee]”This child-like innocence of yours keeps appearing and I think it is pretty adorable, so don’t feel nervous about your reaction.”[/color] Terrin tried to hide his own blushing face by staying close to the fire, hopefully the flames would camouflage his own bashfulness.

[color=gold]“It’s more just when it’s loud,”[/color]  she said, jumping when there was another loud crack of thunder, placing her hand on her chest as she exhaled, trying to calm herself down. She turned her head to him at his next remark, making her cheeks burn even more, [i]Adorable?[/i] She asked herself in her thoughts, not really knowing how to respond to it, she already instinctively went to grab onto the cloak he lent her earlier that day, only for her to remember she wasn’t wearing it. [color=gold]“Well I wouldn’t exactly call it that, more of a case of, I guess...that I haven’t experienced the world a lot like you have,”[/color] Ava responded, catching a glimpse of his own blush, [i]Why’s his face red?[/i] She asked herself in her thoughts, her eyes widening slightly when a possible reason came to her, [i]does he like me? No, no that couldn’t be it, it’s probably just the fire, yeah, that’s it, just the light from the fire making his face look like that.[/i] Ava had no idea why that thought came to her, they had only just met earlier that day, there’s no way he could like her.

Terrin saw Ava reach for her shoulders, just like she’s done when she was wearing his cloak. He lifted himself up and walked over to her, once again draping his cloak on her. [color=7ec0ee]”After we go to sleep the fire will mostly die out during the night, you’ll need this to keep warm.”[/color] He moved back to his position opposite her, [color=7ec0ee]”Let me know when you want to sleep, I’ll keep the first watch, just in case anything or anyone tries to come into the cave.”[/color] Terrin looked around the cave to see if there was any comfortable material for Ava and him to sleep on, finding nothing but hard stone. Terrin made a mental note, [i]I’ll need to earn some more money through trade, next thing I’ll buy is bedrolls for the two of us.[/i] [color=7ec0ee]”I’m sorry these sleeping arrangements are drastically different than that of your home in the trees. But you can use my cloak and hood for something similar to bedding.”[/color] He was regretting putting his partner in this situation, she wasn’t an outdoorsman like himself, she deserves better living than this. Terrin now wore his downtrodden expression while trying to find an immediate answer to this problem for Ava.

Ava looked at the fabric that draped over her, it already brought a comfort to her, but she was sure that the storm outside would make the night cold and she didn’t want to be so selfish as to take a means of warmth from him, even if he would have the fire for a bit, [color=gold]“Thanks but you should keep it, it’d be selfish of me to take so much from you.”[/color] Ava glanced over at the dagger that she had set to her side, thinking about if she had to use it, [i]Stop being so afraid of it, it’s just a piece of metal, besides if you do hurt someone, you can just heal them,[/i] she spoke to herself in her thoughts, cautiously picking up the blade by it’s handle as she ran her fingers gently over the blade’s reflective surface. 

She jumped slightly when Terrin spoke to her again, her attention so focused on the weapon in her hands, she accidentally turned the edge of the blade into her index finger, nicking it slightly, [color=gold]“Ow!”[/color] She exclaimed as she dropped the blade, quickly taking her finger to her mouth, trying to soothe the stinging flesh. [color=gold]“It’s...okay...I’ve slept...in far worse places,”[/color] she responded to his comment about their sleeping arrangements, taking pauses in between her words as she tended to her small injury.

Terrin moved so fast that the fire moved with him as he jumped to Ava’s side to check on her injury. He grabbed her hand to check the wound, giving some pressure to both sides of her finger as the bleeding was already gone. He breathed a sigh of relief he chastised her, [color=7ec0ee]”Please be careful with that,”[/color] he clicked his tongue, [color=7ec0ee]”I shouldn’t have to tell you but please keep your fingers away from the blade unless you have sufficient confidence that you won't slip.”[/color] He took the blade and wiped off the small amount of blood that was on it onto his shirt, the small crimson stain turning brown quickly onto his tunic. He handed back the dagger and as Ava was re-sheathing it, he quickly clasped the hood underneath her chin. [color=7ec0ee]”Men are different from women, we can take the cold much easier than you. Plus even if you wouldn’t take it from me, I’d give it to you the second you fell asleep,”[/color] he said with a small chuckle.

Ava was taken aback when he grabbed her hand, a hint of pink brushing her cheeks as he inspected the small cut on her finger, wincing a little when he applied a bit of pressure to it. [color=gold]“I know, I was just looking at it, I would’ve been okay had you not scared me,”[/color] She feigned pouting, though a smirk quickly took the place of the facade. She examined her finger, moving it slight and whilst it stung a little, she knew it wasn’t serious and wouldn’t waste the extra energy to heal it, it would probably healed in a day or two, so she was fine with that. She was startled once more when he put the cloak on her and secured it, well it seemed that there wouldn’t be anyway around her refusing to take the cloak in concern of Terrin’s own well being, so she figured it’d be best to not argue.

Terrin began stoking the fire again, more ash than fire was left. A small chill began to set in as the fire was dying. He couldn’t hear the rain anymore but dreaded the walk back to the road, [color=7ec0ee]”Since we are facing west, most of the ground outside the cave is going to be mud due to the sun’s neglect till later in the day. So just be careful when we decide to leave the cave.”[/color] He felt a wave of fatigue wash over his body like the earlier rain, [color=73c0ee]”It’s starting to feel pretty late, I’d suggest getting as much sleep as possible, sleep on surfaces like this doesn’t satisfy the body like a soft bed does. Like I said I’ll take first watch, so sleep when you can Ava. Good night, and sweet dreams.”[/color]

She gave a small nod to the mentioning of the cave entrance potentially being muddy from the storm, [color=gold]“Don’t worry I think I can handle a little mud, I’m not completely helpless.”[/color] She giggled, finding that it was getting easier to relax around her new friend, she wasn’t as tense as she was earlier in the day. It none more apparent than when Terrin suggested getting some rest and Ava’s body already feeling heavy, without really thinking, she laid down onto her side, her arm resting under her head as it lay atop Terrin’s lap, [color=gold]“Yeah, I guess...you’re right, I am pretty...ti-”[/color] Ava fell asleep instantly before being able to complete her sentence, pulling her legs close to her so the cloak would cover them, keeping her warm.

Terrin was left stunned for so long it felt as if every second were an hour. [I]What is happening?! She may be naïve, but I'm a stranger, and a man no less.[/i] He quickly reached for a stick that mostly avoided the fire, turning his hands to his left side while pulling out one of his knives, began to whittle with it. He hoped this would distract him from the woman in his lap; a familiar song came to him back when he was a child, his mother would always sing this song when he would go to bed. He began to hum the pleasant tone while he worked on his whittling, the song sounding strange in his low tone of voice.

His thoughts eventually drifted to the elf asleep in his lap. He found her soundly sleeping face equally beautiful and comical. He began to watch over her as she slept, he told her about shifts but he couldn't have her watch over him, she deserved and needed the rest more, he could handle a night with no sleep. He put down the shapeless stick and his knife as Ava began to toss and turn in her sleep. [i]Is she having a bad dream?[/i] wondered Terrin, he thought back to the encounter with thunder and what he did to calm her down. He again started to run his hand through her hair while actually singing the song in a hushed tone. [I]Maybe my words will reach he in whatever dimension she's in and relax.[/i] Terrin hoped his method wouldn't wake her, but it seemed after about 10 minutes of singing she began to sleep peacefully again.

Terrin began to replay the events that unfolded today. A lot has happened in such a short time, but the question that always came up to him was why was he helping her? He looked down to Ava’s face again when something pulled hard in his heart, [i]There's no way it's that is it?[/i] he began worrying, [i]I couldn't be [/i]in love [i]with this girl could I?[/i] Terrin sighed heavily, no elf in their right mind would accept half kind such as him, as he was wallowing in the new pit he dug for himself he tried to bury his feelings with them. He will protect her to the best of his ability, but he dare not act on what his feelings may be. But he looked down at his partner and no matter how sad he was, all he could do was smile down at her, [i]I can at least be happy holding these feelings.[/i]