[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/jqElIwt.png[/img][/center]

A slight yelp escaped Shade’s lips as he felt his chest suddenly squeezed, or rather, his lack of one. The boy’s scrawny shape was quite easily felt beneath his clothes, and the blatant vacancy of any female parts made itself abundantly clear. These people put the word ‘odd’ to shame, indeed. Never before had Shade been so blatantly grabbed, in a manner evidently.., impulsive. The boy was far from a prude and no boundaries had been crossed. However, the situation was unexpected and most certainly one to remember. Did humans interact with one another like this? The ones that he knew tended towards a more reserved disposition, perhaps considering their profession. Even so, the scene was not yet cast aside. Rather, as his new companion’s arm was grabbed, and that was oddly enough what she was, Shade’s hand immediately moved towards the hilt of his [url=https://i.imgur.com/7NgB7Qp.png]blade[/url]. None of this had played out smoothly, and every advantage the boy possessed by virtue of his appearance was dispelled by the archer at his side. She meant nothing by it, naturally. Very few people had a mindset like Shade’s, and those people were all a part of the same cult.

Countless thoughts passed through the boy, all at once. At the very least, no one was focusing on him, which allowed for a stealthy maneuver to be performed without risk of failure. However, he was not a fool, and knew full well where he found himself. In a room full of people. Perhaps if he possessed a hidden blade beneath his sleeve, he would have been able to perform a takedown without anyone noticing, but Shade had yet to achieve that rank within his own organization. Only seasoned assassins were equipped with the exotic weapon he had yet to earn. 

Despite the chaos, Shade could breathe a sigh of relief, following the development of an unwanted situation. Another actor had entered the scene, and she fell into Shade’s vision before then. It was the very same individual who clad herself in armor clearly more useful in terms of seduction than impactful resistance. She had a personality strong enough to compete with two very large.., sections of interest for most men who undoubtedly viewed the girl, and it brought light onto a scenario which could have ended in disaster. 

Shade lowered his hand from the hilt of his blade, where it remained sheathed above his tailbone. Fourteen inches of curved steel, well-forged and clearly smithed for one purpose, the assassin’s blade was of very simple design, and lacked adornments. A weapon of functionality, with a minimalist approach. 

A pair of large, black eyes peered forward, analyzing the girl who had managed to disarm the situation through little more than the use of her voice. An impressive skill to have, where Shade lacked in social prowess. It was a feat he was somewhat envious of, indeed. “I’m okay,” came a quiet response, but it was clear that the boy had lost his appetite. He tossed the mostly-eaten apple into a trashcan, and shifted his attention back to the girls at his side. Most young men would likely consider themselves quite fortunate to stand between an armored maiden with features of beauty, and the exotic wanderer possessing an aura of grace. Shade was, however.., not quite like most young men. “Thanks..,” the boy continued, raising a hand to scratch the back of his head. “I think..,” he tried, looking towards the archer for a brief moment, before turning back to their savior, “we were hunting.., rats.”