Undergrowth (Log 16)

**PhoenixAshes**

All had gone as previous, less troubled, nights did. All settling in as darkness deepened. For a while after Jozef had closed his wall and Slick had coiled up to rest, the witch and the pixie talked softly. It was much like the conversations they'd had before in their little home quite a ways from here. Candid, deeply honest conversation, both spilling their worries and their support.

Eventually, Vivica tired. Her energy low from the events of the day still unreplenished.

Ciya returned to the bedroom alone and sat on the edge of the bed for a long while, thinking and listening to the lack of night sounds. It was lonely in many ways.

The bed was big enough for two but the only people she felt comfortable asking to stay near her were either already dreaming on the sofa or missing. A sigh left her as she flopped down. It was no good to worry, she'd been told. But if she didn't worry, who would?

Eventually, she'd curled up under the top blanket and tried to sleep, managing to do for a little while. Yet, like earlier it was light and the slightest sound would stirr her.

**FrankenSoul**

There she was. But he recognized she wasn't deeply sleeping. Her eyes were restless, and every so often she would move restlessly. Probably due to him. No, for sure due to him. He was the source of conflict for her now, wasn't he? She wouldn't have to worry about that much longer...

He debated with himself. It would be far wiser to turn away now and leave before he could be caught, and before he could be stopped. But he wouldn't. He owed her much, and at the very least a proper thank you and goodbye. He moved, careful to avoid the boards he knew would creak underfoot, until he lingered over her bed. If he felt like a stranger before, he surely did now. He stifled the feeling, there was no place for it here and now. Instead, he moved to his knees upon the floor and reached for her face, a thumb lightly brushing her skin. "Ciya?" His voice was soft, his gaze full of gentle adoration. He wanted to wake her carefully. There was no need to startle her out of sleep.

**PhoenixAshes**

The tense expression in her face faded within the moment he brushed against her. Even coming out of sleep, she new that touch. She knew the harder patterns of the stitches, the rougher texture they created had become a familiar sensation. Then his voice, so new yet she knew it already. The pixies eyes opened, lids heavy with the look of someone not fully rested but the smile she was getting brought some light into them. "There you are." Emerging from the blanket her hand came to rest on his arm, rubbing gently there to be sure of his existance. Once satisfied, she spoke again. "I was worried you weren't coming back." In the tone she used it was difficult, even for her to know how seriously she meant this.

**FrankenSoul**

Not coming back...? Ah. Of course, did he expect this to be easy? A quick in-and-out without first facing the consequences of his actions? She had worried for him, and he knew she would, but he felt his chest squeeze at the way she clung to him now. Almost as if she knew he was a fraud, and why he was here.

"Of course I would come back," He mildly scolded her, but didn't move to touch her hand or draw closer to her. Rather, he leaned away slightly, feeling uncomfortable with her show of affection. The more she gave now the harder this was going to be for them both. He frowned, turning his face away. Fast. Do it fast.

"But with that said, I'm only here briefly. I...can't linger here any longer. I've remembered something important that I must do. Something that I must do elsewhere."

**PhoenixAshes**

Had she not been fully awake before, she certianly was now. He was back only--? The implication set and she felt as if everything had frozen over. "What?" Fear of loosing him entirely was like frost of early fall, but if the sun warmed enough maybe it'd thaw. "Where?" She shifted slowly, proping herself up so she was on his level. He looked like a rabbit that would bolt at a movement it found dangeorus.

**FrankenSoul**

There was her attention, though he wasn't sure he wanted it now. She sat up and he drew his arm away, straightening his back and sliding a look her way before dropping it again. "Away," He insisted, purposely hiding the exact location. He didn't want her to know any of the details, anything that would cause her guilt or hate or worry later during the coming nights.

The fear in her voice was enough to cause him pause, falling back into old habits. But he couldn't worry about that now. He ran a hand over his hair, a nervous habit, and spoke lowly, "I'm sorry. I never wanted to pull you into this. Even back then I KNEW I was bad news, that you might get hurt, but in the whirl of things I forgot. I forgot how bad things will continue to happen around me unless I take charge of my own life. Ciya, I won't explain. I fear your reaction too strongly to tell you what I remembered this night. But I will tell you," He shifted, his eyes and expression guarded and yet a few key words from breaking wide open.

"That I'll... try to return to you. I don't know how long I'll be gone. But when I come back, I give my word that everything will have changed for the better."

**PhoenixAshes**

Her hand hovered in place when removed himself, the other signals he gave warning her off from reaching to him again. Searching his face for any sign of--of what? What could she possibly think was there other than what seemed to be cold certainty. This was an unchangeable decision to him-- but maybe. No, he was hiding details for a reason. He feared her reaction?

That stilled her. Even if just for a moment, there was a small sun beam. Still, the caution and unreadable say he spoke the rest didn't seem to make it grow. "You do mean that, don't you?"

Her face felt warm,and not in a way she liked. Why did her voice sound so shaken?

The lack of information he'd given her didn't settle her fears at all.

**FrankenSoul**

"Goddamn it," He cursed under his breath, moving to lean somewhat with his fingers pulling at his hair. He had come in here, ready to be composed and clear with his words. And here he was BABBLING like a child, uncertain and unsure of what to say. This was Ciya. She looked close to tears now. No, don't cry. If she shed tears, all hope of distance would surely shatter.

His hand began to extend out towards her on habit and instinct to cup her face, but he forced it closed and to return to his side. Don't look at her. Don't look into those large, loving eyes or everything was lost.

"I'm so sorry. You deserve better. So much better than me. And my time with you was a brief section of happiness I never thought I could have. But I, Luke, have a promise to keep to someone who's waited long enough..."

He began to stand, clenching and unclenching his hands. He spared a look her way, finally, though was terrified of what he would see.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya bit her lip as his hands went to his head. She was causing him pain in this...maybe as much as she felt.

"Don't... don't say it like that." She shook her head, pausing to take a few breaths to keep from breaking. It was impossible to talk with blubbering tears, so she didn't let herself. A task that showed it's difficulty in her expression. "There is no one better." Steady now. She thought moving again so she was sitting, her feet hovering above the floor ready to move if he tried to go before what she had to say was done.

One final attempt to keep tears back. He had a promise he was keeping, she couldn't fault him for that, whatever it was. He'd made a promise to return to her. He'd always kept to what he told her--their time together had proved so. She could believe he would do so...she had to. "I...I understand." More heat behind her eyes forced her to close them and look down.

**FrankenSoul**

Oh but if only she knew. There were thousands of people better, as anyone was better than he. Just look now. Because of her lingering to him, they were both suffering. His fault.

At his look, she was fighting tears. Gods, was she fighting tears. She looked as if she would be ill, and now she was the one who couldn't look at him. But she accepted his words. Of course she did, the sweet and innocent woman that she was. He felt like he was robbing her, but at the same instance was helping her. He meant what he said. If he could complete his work... If he could do this, more than his life could be restored. So much pain could be erased.

He couldn't do it anymore. The threat of her tears was enough. He bent forward, fingers tangling through her hair as he gently and deliberately bumped his forehead to her own and lingered there. His voice was even, and despite that it was filled with more enough than he thought capable.

"I love you, Ciya. You have no idea what kind of a miracle that is. I'm still learning, I'm still remembering. And..." He hesitated.

"Truly, I don't know what's going to happen to me. I only know that my goals must be completed, no matter the cost. I need you to be strong now. Can you do that for me, my love?"

**PhoenixAshes**

Even as tightly as her eyes were shut she could feel a the wetness welling at the corners. The more she pressed the more beaded and finally dropped trailing wet heat down her face. Like many things, it became inevitable.

Suddenly is presence was near to her again, holding her and pressed in that familiar affection. Her eyes opened finding him truly close. He loved her still, while it wasn't questionable she knew her certianty had wavered moments before. She felt foolish for it, it had been the constant in all of these events. He asked her to be strong in this, while he went away, and she nodded. The action was a small shift, not trusting her voice yet. A few more tears unintentionally slipped and her eyes closed again, her hands reaching to him and finding a place on his shoulder along the clavical line. Curled fingers pulled lightly on fabric, just enough to make it clear that she wasn't pushing away. "I can." Still shakey, but honest. She missed him already. Swallowing she steadied herself again. "And when you come back," The phrasing helped, it made the future--the incredibly uncertain future-- more tangible. "I'd like to know more of you." A honey gaze found the near blue. "More of Luke." She'd hoped to find out with him and help him explore who he'd been by giving him someone safe to confide in, but it wasn't meant to be that way it seemed. Instead she'd have to meet him again, when knew more of himself. She could wait for that...she would wait for that.

**FrankenSoul**

There were the tears he had dreaded, streaming down her face despite her obvious best efforts to stifle them. Oh, Ciya. He moved his fingers to wipe them away, allowing a slow breath to leave his nose. He didn't want this. He never wanted this. But, unintentionally mirroring her thoughts, he knew it had to be this way.

She spoke that she could be strong. He knew she would try, and his chest ached for it. The others would help her. Slick would linger with them for a while, knowing that they would surely need protection and help with the ache in their own chests. And Vivica would want to rip his throat out if he ever did return, he had no doubt of that. He was grateful though that Ciya had such a friend to lean on, now more than ever.

When he came back, she wanted to...? Oh. Well, he wasn't so sure about that. She didn't want to dive deep into Luke's consciousness and thoughts. Even with only portions unlocked, he knew that his past self was someone she might disagree with. A large reason to why he was leaving now, as despite how hard this was he wouldn't have her watch him turning into a stranger right before her eyes. Still, he nodded, seeming to agree with her and knowing this was no time to argue such things. The air grew silent and still, and he knew it was time to go before he couldn't. Holding her still, he lifted his own face to gently press his lips against her forehead, soft and firm as he lingered for a long moment before drawing back and gazing at her. His expression had cracked long ago, revealing how hard this was and how close he had come to not doing it, filled with regret and respect for her.

"Goodbye, Ciya."

He pulled away from her, his hands shutting as it to stop himself from reaching back to her. He turned, offering one last look with more feelings than he could possible verbally expression, and didn't allow himself or her to stop this. With a few brisk steps, he was at the door, and with a few more he was outside and closing it with a faint click. And he was gone.

**PhoenixAshes**

Just when she thought she might get the tears undercontrol his motion to remove her tears brought more anew. However, they were coming far slower. With his nod she dreaded their time was drawing to a close, the next affection only prooved so to her. Where was a way to pause time when it was needed? She wanted to keep this fresher than memory would allow. Yet, seeing his face, the mixture of emotions that seemed to linger on some form of torment in him, memory might be the best place for this to be kept. To have him looking at her perpetually that way would likely shatter both their hearts perminantly.

She couldn't bare to return 'goodbye', her attempt to say it nearly choking her before the sound could even be made. As he started to move away she knew she'd miss her chance if she stayed silence. Again she tried. "Goodbye, my love." The pixie had wanted to finish it with his name but it was clear that neither knew which he'd prefer to hear just then. He was her sweethearted Franky and he was the unknown Luke all at once,seperate and the same.

She let him get a distance, counting the steps. One, two, three.... Now she moved, only to stop short, staying at the edge of the way between the room behind and the one before, watching him turn the door handle and go. Inhaling she held it until the click and let it seal her in. She'd follow no further, wouldn't give chase, no matter how much her empty arms and too full heart begged. She wouldn't be able to see him well enough to find him again any how, there as something in her eye.

**FrankenSoul**

Despite the agony and darkness this night, time would continue as it always would, with or without consent from the mortals it controlled. The sun would rise, slowly pooling the earth with warmth and sunlight to awaken the creatures awaited it. And with them rose Jozef, who with a start suddenly and shamefully noted that their prisoner had vanished under his watch.

He informed Slick, who had risen up to catch the few rays of the day, and the snake man cursed. He decided against placing blame on Jozef though. It was only a matter of time before the mage escaped.

Moving back inside, Slick began to prepare a breakfast for his slumbering friends. Sadly, he noted that Franky had yet to return. Or perhaps he had and was only sleeping beside Ciya? They wouldn't know until later.

Warm oatmeal flavored with cinnamon would have to be adequate for now. The sounds of the kitchen woke Vivica, and he greeted her kindly and offered to give her a bowl of the mostly finished meal while also informing her of Lin's escape. Despite this, he hoped this day would go better than the last.

**PhoenixAshes**

The news of Lin's vanishing dropped the ease a night's sleep had brought to the witch's face. With a sigh she called the now jail-broken mage things that she was sure Slick had never thought could come from her mouth, although her tone suggested she'd suspected such a thing would occur. An apology and an acceptance of the offered breakfast, came immediately after, along with a smile for Slick as she gave reason for her wording. "There isn't a good word to say about that slimy man."

By the time she'd taken a place at the table, the pixie appeared. "Ciya,how--" The question of how the smaller woman had rested was cut short and any enjoyment Vivica had was stripped away in an instant. Her friend's eyes were a little puffed in the lower lid, signifying a long period of tears, and the small up turn the corners of her mouth always seemed to have, even in the worst of situations was dropped completely. Something was definately wrong. Bowl of oatmeal temporarily abandoned the witch stood and went to embrace her pixie friend. Posing the next question as gently as she could, even though the result would have remained the same regardless.

Ciya clung to Viv, biting hard on her own lip for a long moment before she could even utter anything. When she did, it was strained, "Franky's gone."

**FrankenSoul**

Yes, Vivica's cursing was... startling, concerning, but ultimately amusing. Slick's eyes had widened into circles and he pressed his lips together, both in stress and trying to hide a grin. Well, it was good to know that the calm Vivica was human after all. Her apology wasn't needed, and he did allow himself a light laugh and squeezed her shoulder. Yes, he agreed. This Lin man had caused them all a considerable amount of trouble, but Slick hoped that since he was gone he might finally be forgotten.

That hope was quickly crushed however, as with Vivica Slick noticed that Ciya wasn't well the moment she arrived. Such bloodshot eyes... He knew the signs well. Worry bit hard into him, tensing him and causing his want to reach out and comfort Ciya too. He stopped himself as Vivica did it for him, but the naga still eased himself closer and loosely moved to form a protective circle around his two family members with his tail. Lingering to the side, he gave an audible gasp at the words Ciya spoke.

"Gone?" He asked softly, carefully reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder and trying not to jump to the worst conclusions. What did you mean, gone? And how did she know?

**PhoenixAshes**

Still leaning on the witch, Ciya explained only getting through parts of it because Vivia would rub between her shoulder blades in a comforting, nearly motherly, action.

"He couldn't or," the pixie paused, taking in a small breath to stay collected, " wouldn't tell me where he was going to. Just that he was." She finished, feeling foolish for not trying to find out more. In the light of day she felt every smudge of her painful lack of foresight and even the naive nature she could be accused of could be seen plainly.

**FrankenSoul**

"Oh, honey." Slick leaned closer, opening his arms to pull both of his friends close to him, placing his face close to Ciya's shoulder and tightening his coals somewhat. Issuing forth a soothing hiss that seemed to double as a "shhh," he continued on in a low voice.

"I'm so sorry. You did your best though, this is an extreme situation. I'm so sorry though. Aaah, you poor thing." She should have woken one of them up though, Slick would have stayed with her through the night and done his best to comfort her. Still, he knew what it was like to hurt from the inside like this. To lose someone you pledged your soul to, and them leave you willingly. Damn it Franky, or Luke, or whoever the hell he was right now. How dare he put this woman through such pain?

"Come on sweety," Slick mumbled, withdrawing somewhat to look at her. "Come over here with me to the sink and we'll wash your face. Then maybe try to eat something. Okay?"

Quickly, he threw a sparse look towards Vivica. They could deal with the reality and threat of what had happened later. For now, they could likely both agree that Ciya needed stability and calm.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya seemed to appreciate Slick's concern and attempt to allay what she was going through, even if it didn't subdue her pain entirely. Gently, Vivica moved her over into Slick's care and gave a small nod at the look he threw her way. It was understood.

The pixie recovered slowly and eventually was able to crack a small smile. Thankful for her friends. It would have been a lot worse had she needed to face this alone.

--- missing post---

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya protested against the wet rag at first, but the cooling effect, particularly below her eyes, watered down her resistance to nothing. This too she followed with the suggestion to eat, although it was slow. She didn't have much of an appetite. When he excused himself she nodded, giving leave.

Vivica went with Slick, but glanced worriedly over her shoulder as she left. "Without a doubt." She replied as he spoke of Lin. "I'm not sure it's over though."

**FrankenSoul**

"Oh, I am very aware of that." Slick responded, feeling himself tense at the implication. His stress leaked into his tone, though he did his best to mask it. He turned his glance away from her, coiling his tail under himself as he normally did when ready to flee or fight.

"We are against a very powerful enemy. Who knows how strong this mage is, or how many soldiers he has. He called them experiments? I shudder to think of what's under their robes. He knows where we are, and likely knows of your home too. And, gods forbid, if Franky is working for him..."

It wasn't outright said that the undead was, but he had left at the same instance Lin had. And the mage had been waiting for something, as if to see if Franky would join him before vanishing. Both were involved in bad magic, and Lin had known of Franky's past. The facts lined up perfectly. But....

"But why?" Slick asked out loud, staring at nothing in particular as his expression fell. Why would Franky put Ciya through this? Why would be abandon his friends to go with that maniac?

**PhoenixAshes**

The witch watched her naga friend curl, feeling the tension brought on by the facts of these happenings. With a heavy sigh she crossed her arms and turned to look where Jozef was in the flowers, her gaze not on the metal man but his tending to the effected patches as she listened to Slick's further words. Powerful, dark magic...she'd been useless against it. Her lips pressed worriedly at the remidner they were not hidden from it, even the home she and Ciya had left, with it's shield bubble was likely no match for Lin. It would still hold up to Franky, unless his memories unlocked an equal amountt of abilites in this form.

She didn't like this. All she loved was being threatened and why? Because a problematic person had come along and brought it into her relm of troubles. A flicker of anger started to warm her, but with a quick exhale she blew it away.

The spark remained, however.

Slick's question made her turn to him again. At first she had no answers, but slowly they began to seep in. "He likely doesn't know who is anymore." She'd ment to think on that longer but decided it was best to not alarm her nearby listener too much. "The memories coming back are who he used to be, they're likely far different from who he was with us--especially with Ciya." Here she shook her head. Ciya...she'd been unable to really help her recently. Twice now she'd considerably failed. "He came back to her to say good bye, so Franky--who we know--isn't gone completely." A shrug. "It's a wild guess but I'm thinking he's going to find out who his past self was by being him for a while."

**FrankenSoul**

Oh, yeah... Of course. Slick had suggested the same thing, hadn't he? That unlocking Franky's memories might change who he was. But, he hadn't thought it would have come to such an extreme. In a sense, Slick felt pity for him. To be so confused and lost as to lose sight of everything. Being him for a while...?

"Perhaps." Slick finally spared a look towards her, noticing how her emotions were just as compiled as his own. There was no sense for him to unload on her, but they did have a very real threat now. He released a breath and offered a small smile, composing himself.

"Well, no matter. We're all well and safe for now. I just wanted to try and think on the future. I think... it would be best for us to stay here a while. Jozef surely won't mind the company, and I'd feel better with him at our backs. And I also don't feel safe enough to travel on the roads yet. Oh! Ah, that is," He felt suddenly embarrassed, face tinted red.

"That is, if you'll both allow me to remain with you for now. I understand that we met through someone who's vanished, but I wouldn't feel right leaving you two alone." And eventually he'd like to accompany them back to their true home, just in case.

**PhoenixAshes**

That was a face of agreement, Vivica thought, almost able to see the thoughts going through the naga's mind. She'd nearly expected him to speak on what he was feeling, since Franky is-- or was-- his friend, only to be mildly surprised by the shrugging verbal response. His smile was easing, at the very least.

Staying put for now was likely the best idea. If touble came it was best to have eachother near.

The sudden shift into apologetics were able to pull a warm smile across the witch's lips. Ah, what worries over nothing. Dear Slick. Her laugh came gently, a rhythmic bubbling, like a slow brook over small stones. "Slick, I thought you knew by now," a reach and her hand came to his shoulder, "you're already a friend, Franky or no Franky."

**FrankenSoul**

She was... laughing at him? Had he said something foolish? The sound itself though was pleasant and in no way mocking, and he found his smile easing and becoming more natural. What a lovely sound her laugh was. He'd have to try and draw it from her more often.

A friend. Oh, he felt the heat fighting to move to his face. Giving a large grin, he chuckled in return. "Ah. Yes. How foolish of me." Without thinking on it too much, his own hand moved up and placed itself upon her own.

Some part of him still suspected that they would have tried to run him off. Past experiences and all that. Oh. Yes, right. More important matters right now. Becoming conscious of his touch, he moved his hand away and cleared his throat while casting an eye back to the home's door.

"Poor thing..." He murmured, eyes closing a fraction. "It hurts to have your heart broken like that." He spoke from experience, the empathy in his tone signaling so. Of course, many did.

"We should go back inside and keep her company. She shouldn't be alone for a while."

**PhoenixAshes**

Good. He understood then. Despite the circumstances, Vivica felt light for a moment. It was good to have someone like Slick around. She'd been wary of him before, but she'd simply misunderstood who he was. Oddly, she recognized a bit of her own likeness, although Slick seemed to be far more cordial and open than she.

It wasn't until he moved his hand away that she'd noticed he'd been touching her at all. She moved her own, noting lingering sensation on both sides of her palm. She'd been fine with contact from him since that night he'd gotten very drunk at the inn, but he seemed cautious about her still.

The direction of his gaze turned and she sighed heavily, already knowing where it rested. " It does..." It's shattering. She didn't finish the thought out loud as sadness returned in her countenance. "I hoped she'd never feel this." She and the naga had loosely talked on this before, maybe twice. Once when she partially explained her touch aversion, the second time when it was clear that Ciya and Franky were getting closer. Her dark eyes turned to the door now, and she spoke again, more in her own thoughts than in conversation. "I know, exactly what that is because of Gideon." Alertness straightened her posture slightly, realizing that she'd finally used the name.

**FrankenSoul**

He had hoped Ciya would avoid such emotions too... He had suspected it before though and tried to warn them, but no amount of warning or foresight could have prepared anyone for this.

He paused as she continued, having been prepared to go inside at his mention but now hearing her speak further. Ah, the man that had hurt her... Carefully, he watched his friends face now, his own mellowing. She had never named him before, no, but it was obvious who she spoke of. She hadn't gone into very much detail. He had assumed it was a sensitive topic... Now on the giving end instead of receiving, his hand placed itself upon her shoulder and he spoke in soft tones.

"What a hideous name." He said dryly, giving the fainting of smiles. "One that most likely belongs to a scoundrel, who surely didn't deserve you."

**PhoenixAshes**

She hadn't meant to bring him up, it just slipped. Where her thoughts should have been on Ciya it had shifted into her own memories. That was mostly where her anger in the situation sprouted from. Not at Franky for leaving, not at Ciya for her lack of foresight, just the knowledge of what such torment did to a person.

The light hand brought her back and she looked at Slick who was mocking her former love. A ghost of a smile came back to her. "I've always liked the name." A hint of amusement came to her voice, seeming to know how the naga would react to that news. "Even after everything. But you're right about the rest."

**FrankenSoul**

Oops. Still, the rest of his thought remained. His humor seemed to help draw her out of the darker aspects of her thoughts. He hadn't meant to stifle her though. If she needed to talk about the past, she should. He was a safe space for such things. He made sure she knew it, verbally expressing, "I'm sorry. Do you need to talk about it...? It's hard to recover from someone you give your very soul to." No matter how many years passed from the experience.

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica shook her head. "I'm fine. I just haven't..." A semideep inhale. "I haven't delt with thoughts of him in a while." Talking about it wouldn't help their pixie friend inside, nor would it likely ease the pain of either of them out here. Still, there was something that caught her about Slick's phrasing. "You keep saying it like that." She was curious why. Perhaps her expression asked so for her, but on some level she understood.

**FrankenSoul**

She was okay. Or, she seemed to be. Good, he was glad, and he gladly smiled towards her now. It was going to be okay. He would protect her from such bad things as well as any physical threat. Or, he'd do his best to. He couldn't stand to see good people suffering because of the scars someone else inflicted.

He paused though as she continued, his cool exterior cracking and warming with his face. Said it like...? Oh no, did he say something selfish and pity? He hadn't meant to. He bit his lip nervously, giving a low chuckle to try and ease himself. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to turn the topic around on me."

**PhoenixAshes**

"Oh," She understood how that might have been taken that way by him. "No I didn't mean it like, just the words you used--they're..." A pause, almost a hesitance to admit. "very accurate." The witch could honestly say she'd loved the one before, she could honestly say he likely still knew more about who she was, who she had been, than those around her now, he'd known much of her and she of him. So in a very figurative way, yes part, if not all of ones soul could be given to another in that way.

More hesitance. " I want to ask you why you put it that way but I don't want to drag up anything..." Old wound sometimes could open easier than thought.

**FrankenSoul**

The naga cleared his throat, touching the base of it and looking to the sides of her as he did so. But as she continued on, he turned to look at her, forcing himself to calm and grow still. Good, he hadn't done anything inherently unacceptable then. For a moment, he had grown anxious.

His smile returned, though naturally it wasn't a full one. "No, it's fine. Nothing I haven't recovered from or talk about in a conversation."

He spoke the truth there. He didn't have any secrets to hide, and now discussing it only caused a mild pang.

"If you recall the man I've mentioned to you before, the one who taught me to cook? I've exaggerated his behavior somewhat when I said he happily traveled with me and allowed me access to his home. In truth, it was only due to a friend of his that persuaded him that I was allowed to live and linger. And this friend followed me when I left, with the man right behind as he was loath to leave us alone. Afraid I would eat his friend, most likely. Don't ask me why, but..." Slick's hand slid across his chest absentmindedly.

"I fell for him. Perhaps because he healed me when I was hurt, even if he did so unhappily. I saw kindness under the gruff exterior, and every chance I had, I tried to show him I was more. I gave him my heart at every turn, and he in turn stomped upon it. Hah," The edge of his mouth twitched ironically.

"I know you can't force someone to love you, but he never gave me the chance to try. I finally left when my health began to catch up with my lovesick and splintered soul, and snuck away in the night from him and his dear friend." His self-confidence could only take so much and it had been low to start. He was still recovering and building back on it.

**PhoenixAshes**

Relieved to find her clarification had settled Slick, she smiled gently. She'd been a little worried there herself.

With his agreement to tell her, she watched him attentively and nodded when he asked if she remembered the healer.

The image she had of the character changed as Slick gave further detail. She'd pictured someone very warm in spirit, so much so that it came into their very features and actions, but slowly it morphed becoming distant in visage, hard in position and gruff in speech, someone that was difficult to be around. Poor Slick, trying to pour his energy and heart into someone like that. Even being a friend to someone that externally hard would be draining, so much so that even if he'd managed to break through there might not be any energy left to enjoy what goodness may be below.

Hearing the way he left saddened her further. No goodbyes, no clear end--that, that was always the worst part. She nodded in understanding, the motion small.

**FrankenSoul**

"Yes, well." He finished, plucking his smile back on his face. "In any case, I can relate, though my circumstances are somewhat different." Now that it was out of his mouth, he felt a little embarrassed. He was always so eager to spout out information about himself if given a chance, but he always regret it later and think over it.

The smile fell, as once again he spared a glance towards the door then back to Vivica. "It hurts to lose. It always does. The scars can remain for a long time, even after the initial shock and injury has healed. So I think it's in our best interest to assist and make sure it did heal smoothly and as quickly as possible."

**PhoenixAshes**

His understanding had made him kind, likely far more than he had already been. Vivica felt a sense of ease at this. Slick understood, both her past pain and Ciya's present pain, and that made all the difference. At his glance back to the door and the affermation to help Ciya through this, she agreed with that whole heartedly. Their friend would have help where neither of them hadn't.

The witch motioned to head back in, but before she did there was one last thing. "Slick," A gentle smile with genuine gratitude, "Thank you for telling me."

**FrankenSoul**

He began to move towards the door, careful with his tail so that it wouldn't get in the way, but paused when he heard Vivica go on. What was this now? Oh... She must have sensed his regret at speaking. The tight feeling in his chest eased at her verbal gesture and his smile became much easier, his expression now one of gratitude.

Once inside, Slick composed himself once again into a doting, almost motherly figure. Ciya was spoiled well beyond what human children ever experienced. The naga lingered close by, fetching her anything she needed. Blankets, food, drink, words of comfort. He quickly prepared a sweet drink from a strange powder that he found, and with a knowing smile he crafted the concoction. Coco powder, he told them, boiling the drinks before serving them. The warm beverage could lift spirits and heated from the inside.

Jozef joined them soon after and quietly observed Ciya's state. With no face to show his emotions, his fires did instead as they diminished into a small and sympathetic size. In a gruff voice that somehow still managed to be gentle, he quietly offered for Ciya to come with him the next day and work in the garden. It helped sooth him when he was agitated, surely it might help her too. He couldn't think of anything else to help, aside from finding the men who had made her cry and throwing them from a cliff.

**PhoenixAshes**

Even with Slick's good intentions there were a few times Vivica had to reign him in a bit. Ciya, usually vocal about what she needed or didn't, was slowly being smothered by the kindness bestowed upon her, since in the state she was in didn't exactly have enough will to turn it down. Out of what had been offered the things that had been best had been the comforting words and distracting conversation. Although, it was clear she enjoyed the coco as well.

Jozef's offer brought a small smile to the pixie's face. The idea of being around quiet plants, sounded peaceful, so she agreed willingly.

**FrankenSoul**

The snake man knew he could be overbearing, but he would not be accused of slacking from his duties! Though, he allowed himself to be toned down with a mild smile and a few nervous flicks of his tongue.

True to his word, Jozef invited Ciya to come with him and help nurture the flowers outside. He truly appreciated the help and told her though, muttering with frustration on his tone in regards to his own clunky hands that made grabbing the smaller weeds difficult. He questioned her on the breeds of the flowers and her knowledge of them. This white one here was called what, and could do what? Did she knew that this blue flower, if taken and turned into a stew, was said to strength the bones?

Some of the flowers on the edges of dead patches were wilting. With a sigh, he asked for Ciya to gather them. It was their time, and he knew what to do with them. Directing and walking with her, they approached the grave of his father. Kindly and with small flames, he indicated she should put the perishing flours atop the earth before drawing silent, tilting his head so that is almost seemed he was praying.

Inside, Jozef had indeed told Vivica to read to her heart's content and in fact told her a few titles that might interest her. Slick gladly assisted her, grabbing books and lingering at her shoulder to read as she read, quietly curious and asking the occasional question. There were many on healing and defense, and few on harming. There was even one that gave instruction on crafting a charm that would rattle should danger draw closer. Seeing this, Slick was given an idea, and asked if Vivica could produce a protective field like the one at her home. He would gladly help her gather the supplies to do it.

The next few days passed in this familiar pattern, with Slick cooking them meals to indicate morning, noon, and night. One day outside, basking in the sun's rays, there was a yelp of surprise and pain. The snake man lay upon the ground, but his tail was flipped up and towards himself to show him the end of his tail. He scowled openly at the creature that had latched itself to him with sharp teeth, and spoke with a tone dripping with dread. "Oh no, not you ."

The creature grinned at him, its dark eyes shining with playful mischief. It wasn't much bigger than a small dog, but what kind of species it was could be left to debate. It's shape was round and completely covered in soft fur, no distinctive features save for eyes and a razor filled mouth. A thin tail extended from behind, with a similar smaller puff of fur which it was waving ecstatically while emitting low thrills of glee.

**PhoenixAshes**

To be out with the flowers, among open sky and fresh are was exactly what the pixie needed most. It gave her time to just exist with the rest of the world. Even if it was just pulling weeds, doing something that kept her mind off of the absence left by Franky helped.

Jozef's questions and quizing on her knowlage was even better because of how it chased away the quiet that let her dwell too deeply in the well of her thoughts. As things like this went, she learned a few new things as well.

She was gentle with the wilting flowers. Collecting them as asked, with their petals drooping weakly on stems that were barely holding up and curling leaves unable to make enough energy for themselves, she felt a kinship with them. They'd been effected by something not entirely within their control as she had, although from the flower's perspective she may have been at fault for their state. Cradling them as she and Jozef walked to the grave, she apologized silently.

After placing them where instructed she stood back with the metal man and bowed her head as well, out of respect for the flowers and the spirit of the man who had been layed in the ground.

Things must go, things must wilt and die. She knew this, it had been a central part of her life but it had never stung quite so much. Still, all the could think of was something her mother used to say through fall and the winter months: Spring will come.

The witch, having long given her gratittude for the use of the books, had gone into serious studying. Usually having another around, even Ciya, would have been distracting, but Slick was quite helpful. Somehow he seemed to form questions that had her think in another way about what she'd read, and having to explain one thing or another further worked information she'd need on call into her mind.

"I suppose I could." She replied to his last question. "It would definately need to be stronger--" Enough to repel inanimate things, along with spells, curses and the like. Jozef might apprecate that. "Which means I'll have to be as well to cast it." Leaving the book on her lap, she anxiously ran her fingers through her already ruffled hair. She had a lot to learn yet.

By the time she was nearly done with the offensive and defensive magic book she decided to test a few of the concepts she was learing and asked Jozef if there was a place he wouldn't mind her using for such things. Preferably far enough away from the flowers and the house so if she decided to try offensive spells, nothing would bounce back and cause unneeded damage. A shield wouldn't be enough unless it could be defended.

It was during this conversation that Slick's yelp was heard and she, along with Ciya who was inside at the moment, rushed out to see what the problem was. Only to be greeted by the waving tail of the odd creature and sight of Slick's displeasure at its existance.

The pixie couldn't help but giggle and ask, "What is it?" Neither she or Vivica had ever seen anything like it before. "It's so fluffy!"

**FrankenSoul**

Answering that she could use several fields and clearings in the surrounding forest, Jozef paused at the yelp and knew the sound well. A playful and annoyed one, rather than any indication of serious trouble, Jozef allowed the other two to go while he waited inside with an unseen smile.

Oh no! Slick inwardly groaned as his cry had alerted the others and drawn them out to witness... this . His pixie friend laughed kindly, and the edge of Slick's mouth twitched in exasperation. "I don't know what it is, only that it keeps finding me! It particularly seems to like my- YOW GET IT OFF!"

The creature purred, its fur drawing further upright to add to the illusion of size as it bit further and ground at the naga's tail with a wide grin. It seemed to be glancing at the two girls, but pulled in the air by Slick's tail, it was content to hang on with everything it had. The snake man leaned back and covered his eyes, hoping one of the girls could help pull the creature from him like a thorn from a paw.

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica had to pretend to clear her throat to keep from laughing at the antics. Ciya was right, the thing was fluffy and cute even though it was clearly a trouble maker. Poor Slick. With a motion both of women came to the naga's aid.

The witch took to comforting him while Ciya approached the fluffy little deviant carefully.

"All right, come on little guy." She said unsure on weither it'd appreciate her coming in to pick it up or not. "No need to bite him any more." Cautiously she put her hand out, but didn't move to touch the ball of fur just yet.

**FrankenSoul**

Slick made a low, comical whimpering sound under his throat and managed a grin sideways at the witch woman. Well, all of this was utterly embarrassing, but at least this time he had allies to help.

The small puff eyed her more now, the purring sound growing lower as she approached, tail wagging furiously. When she came close enough, she wouldn't need to touch it as it would come to her. Pushing forth from the naga, with a streak it landed upon Ciya's chest heavily and immediately began to nose around her clothes, mewing as it did so.

With a sigh of relief, Slick sat up a little straighter and turned so that he could take ahold of his now sore tail, mumbling under his breath. "Thank goodness you two are here. Normally it takes hours for him to let me go. Ah, Ciya, just be careful because he likes to- Oh there he goes!"

As the words left his mouth, the puffball had found the rim of Ciya's clothing. Under the fluff, she might now feel small paws it used to crawl directly the cloth in search of- well, who knew? What Slick did know is it was his turn to laugh at the pest's antics, grinning from ear to ear.

"Glad he's found someone else to pester!"

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica pat Slick's shoulder lightly, unable to really do much else than try and reassure him against the embarassment.

The pixie hadn't expected it to jump to her so quickly and she squeaked at the impact, only to pet the fluffy thing. "Hi there, fluffy one." The pixie laughed softly at the cat like sounds and nuzzling. How incredibly cute!

Wait...where exactly was it going?? By the time Slick's warning was given it was too late. "Hey!" She objected, pressing her arm down over her shirt so it couldn't adventure much further up. "What do you think you're doing?"

Vivica laughed openly now as she watched Ciya move the fabric away from the fuff ball and pick it up, holding the little devil out at arms length with a half-hearted frown to scold it.

**FrankenSoul**

The creature beamed back in response, giving a sharp toothed grin and its tail giving the occasional wave, not particularly regretful or discouraged by her mild scowl. With such a childish expression and large eyes, who could really stay mad at it?

Thanking Vivica lowly, Slick drew himself up further to properly "stand," watching with a mild grimace and making sure to stay a safe distance away. "I found him a while back," Slick explained, dusting himself off.

"Or, more accurately he found me one day and attacked my tail while I was sunbathing. I've no idea what he is, or even if it's a he, but it has stalked me for months and attacks my tail every chance he has. I call him Bumble. If you'd both like, I can attempt to take him now and bring him a good distance away. Hopefully, he stays away. Perhaps when Vivica casts her barrier spell, Bumble here can't pass it."

**PhoenixAshes**

"Bumble." Ciya repeated, looking at the little thing that was grinning at her with the mischeviousness of a child.

"That's pretty fitting actually." Vivica replied, looking first to Slick and then observing Ciya's reaction with interest. Knowing her, the fluffy thing was not going to leave any time soon. "Since he looks like he'd just bounce and roll along everywhere he goes."

Gently the pixie turned the fluff ball around, careful of the tiny legs under the fur as she hugged it too her. This way he couldn't escape and try to crawl under her shirt again or bite Slick's tail.

**FrankenSoul**

...oh no. With a dawning realization, Slick began to see now that Bumble likely wasn't going anywhere. Look at how Ciya was holding to it. And how it, in response, was wiggling and mewing as happily as a newborn kitten.

Sighing, Slick ran a few fingers through his air and with a slightly reluctant tone, spoke, "Well, then again, perhaps we can have him stick around? I mean, he's trouble but he is cute."

He could be Ciya and Vivica's pet perhaps, and offer the pixie another distraction from all the badness that had been happening.

**PhoenixAshes**

"I mean..." Vivica shrugged, seeing that Slick wasn't exactly happy with the idea of this creature sticking around. "He is cute."

"What do you think of that?" The pixie asked the fluffy thing, getting back to her feet as she lightened her hold and pet the warm, soft fur. "You stay on the condition that you behave."

**FrankenSoul**

Cute, but ultimately he loved to bite tails. Inwardly, Slick flinched at the stress of worrying if it was going to strike at any time during the coming days. But, if it helped his friend, he would easily bare the annoyance. He nodded, arms crossing across his chest and his tail sliding behind himself.

Bumble blinked slowly towards Ciya, once again moving in place from being pet and releasing a series of high pitched chirping sounds while mildly kicking its legs. That was likely as close as a yes she was going to get in such a content state.

Uttering a low laugh, Slick felt a sudden tingling up his spine. He began to shrug it off, only to pause and try to decipher where he had felt it before. It was... the feeling of being watched.

He tensed, mind preparing the worst situations. Had they come back? Franky and that lunatic? Should he call for help? No, stay calm. Gradually, he turned his head, straining his eyes behind to spot a large figure crouching just below the tree line. One could easily mistake their shape for a tree itself. But, at the familiar form Slick issued a low sigh. Oh, thank the gods. "Ladies, excuse me for a moment..."

Turning, he moved towards the other and gestured for them to come out, which after a pause they did so. The person was... rather large in terms of height. A male, he towered over them all at heights unattainable by human beings, although he sloughed to make himself appear somewhat smaller. A giant.

His clothing consisted of simple britches, stitched together crudely by patches of various clothes and leathers with a thin rope acting as a belt. Pale skin was bruised and cut in a few places, and a mess of orange hair sat atop his head. Soft, baby blue eyes blinked nervously as the giant rubbed his arm, looking towards the two unknown women before back to Slick.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you, I was looking for Jozef, and I need help, and Bumble met up with me and brought me and-"

"Hey, hey, take a few deep breaths Lu." Slick smiled up at the other, this Lu, reaching to pat his leg. "It's okay. Jozef's inside. Do you want me to go get him?"

"Mhmm..." Lu nodded, casting another glance at the women. Wait, was he going to be left alone out here with strangers? Though they looked nice, and one of them was even petting Bumble.

**PhoenixAshes**

" I think that's a yes." Vivica smiled at the reaction of Bumble. Ciya was far too focused on petting the fluff to notice Slick's sudden tension, but the witch did.

He made no direct sound of alarm, but her gaze weighed on him with concerned questioning. As he excused himself, she turned, looking to where she guessed he had. Soon enough another form joined him.

Her lips parted in shock. She'd thought Jozef was tall but this new figure was even taller. Yet, there was nothing imposing about him otherwise. He seemed nervous and even frightened of their presence instead.

Ciya turned to look as well, surprise crossing her face as well for a moment. However the way Slick seemed to be talking with him indicated he must he alright--plus that timid air he had completely cancelled any worries she may have thought other wise. "Hello" She greeted.

**FrankenSoul**

The giant looked up for just a moment before looking back down, rubbing his arms and giving a slight wave in return. Suddenly remembering they weren't alone, Slick carefully took Lu's hand and tugged him along with low words. "Come on big guy, they're not going to hurt you. Lu, this is Vivica and Ciya. Girls, this is Lu. I'm going to go get Jozef. Can you keep him company while I do?"

At the news, Lu froze. "Wait, but I-I-"

Bumble, in Ciya's arms, hummed and wiggled until he was free. Leaping, the fuzzball found himself at Lu's legs, up them, and soon enough had climbed up to his neck where it nestled and pushed against him warmly with low coos. Surprised, Lu tilted his face with a small smile and seemed to relax slightly. "Hey Bumble..."

**PhoenixAshes**

As Slick brought the giant closer and introduced him, Vivica wiped the look of curiosity off her face. Lu, as Slick called him, seemed worried enough about the prospect that he'd have to stand with two strangers without them gawking at him. In attempt to completely brake this before interacting with him, the witch looked to Slick as he passed, promising, "We will" to his request.

The pixie loosened her hold on Bumble as he squirmed, since it was pretty clear he wanted to go to the timid giant. Still, it was rather funny to see this tiny thing scramble up and cuddle with him.

"It seems he likes everyone." Ciya commented, being better at starting conversation than her witch friend.

**FrankenSoul**

"Yeah..." Lu responded, giving a small nod at Ciya and looking down at her. His words were slow in pace and naturally very deep. If he mumbled anymore, it would be difficult to understand him. The giant offered a small smile, now more at ease. Seeing his chance, the naga excused himself and moved towards the house to fetch Jozef.

"He's very friendly..." Lu continued, beginning to move just as slowly as his speech so that he could kneel down and speak on a more level field. "Except when he teethes. Slick's tail knows that. Um... Hi." Reaching up, the large man gathered the smaller creature in his hands and moved him back to offer to Ciya. "Here. I'm sorry. I'm not very good with people. But you both seem... nice."

**PhoenixAshes**

Even as soft spoken as he was, Ciya still felt very small in comparison. Although he fixed that, to an extent, when he knelt. "Hi." She said again with a warm smile and reached out to pet Bumble again, but didn't take him directly from Lu's hands."So you're a little biter then, aren't you, Bumble?" She asked playfully to the fluff ball before turning looking up at Lu again. "I think you've been doing pretty well so far. If it helps, Viv isn't very good with people either."

At this the witch straightened, a confused look crossing her face and then a objecting frown. "I am good with people." She protested.

The pixie laughed gently, trying to not scare off their new giant aquantaince. "Sorry Viv, I'm teasing."

**FrankenSoul**

Bumble thrilled in response to the accusation, giving a large grin as if to confirm what she had said. Leaning against Lu's palms for a moment longer, the creature moved back to Ciya and around to her back where it clung like a strange and furry backpack.

The exchange caused Lu to laugh somewhat, the sound low before dying off. He moved to cover his mouth, apologetic but still relaxing from the way Ciya was joking around. She was a natural at calming his nerves. Lowering his arms, he tilted his head to look over her a bit more. What was she...? She looked pretty. And had pretty vine markings on her arms. Flowers... "Are you good with flowers?" He asked suddenly, pacing slightly faster than before and a serious element entering his face.

"My friend... in the mountains, is sick. A dragon disease. But he said that a flower could help him... It's white, with curling petals, and a black stem. The, um... the Moon Flower." That's what he had called it, yes.

**PhoenixAshes**

As Bumble crawled around her Ciya did her best to watch him for signs that he was going to try to get into her shirt again. Thankfully, he was fine with sitting at her shoulders. "Cutie." She said softly, relaxing once she was sure he was staying put. At Lu's question she looked back to him and nodded, answering quickly. "I am. I'm a plant pixie." He started again and she listened carefully.

Vivica too found interest in the sudden urgency he spoke with. A dragon disease? Wait...he was friends with a dragon? There was just no end to the types of creatures they were going to meet on this trip was there? Huh..Moon Flower. "Those are rare aren't they?" She asked, mostly to Ciya. "Very specific in what they need and when they grow?"

The pixie nodded. "It's around the right time of year when they'd show up though. It's not exactly rare just hard to spot sometimes."

**FrankenSoul**

So they knew about it? Oh, thank goodness! Lu's face lit up somewhat in hope. "Y-Yes a Moon Flower. I don't know where one is, but-"

"I do." Lu paused, turning to see that Slick had returned with Jozef, the golem being the one who had spoken. The giant was so involved with the conversation that he hadn't heard the other approaching.

Including his head towards Lu, Lu did the same in return before the golem was standing before them all. "I know of where such a flower is. North of here, closer to the mountains after following the river. I found it a few weeks back, but I didn't want to disturb it. Especially since it looked ill..." The golem trailed, and Slick could hear the frown in his voice.

"I'm not sure if it's still there, but it would be almost useless if it hasn't healed. I'm sorry."

"Oh..." Lu drew his legs up closer to his chest, wrapping his arms around the long appendages as disappointment threatened to crush him. So that was the only one the golem knew about? And it was probably sick and dying anyway?

**PhoenixAshes**

The sudden appearance of Jozef's voice had made both women turn suddenly, they'd been so focued on Lu that they'd forgotten Slick had gone to get the metal man.

News of the existance of the Moon Flower made Ciya smile. Good! Then things should turn out well. All it would take was a journey to the place Jozef said and--oh. The brightness left her face and she sympathetically glanced the giant's way. Already, he looked like sadness was crashing down on him. Someone so big shouldn't be crushed that easily, she thought.

With determination in her honey gaze she turned back to Jozef. "But if it has healed, then it'll do a world of good. We should go see, just in case. "

Vivica blinked in surprise. Ciya seemed, emboldened and for the first time since Franky left. The pixie had always been kindhearted but the witch had never seen her latch onto a cause faster than this. She did have a point still. "And if it's not?"

"Then I'll heal it." The pixie turned her head quickly to look at her, hair flicking as she did. "I'm a pixie, that's literally what we're here for."

**FrankenSoul**

Wait... what was this? At the pixie's words, Lu looked up with a new, dawning hope. The nice lady could help him? She was going to go with him, and if the flower was sick, even heal it? Without realizing it or meaning to let it happen, tears welled up in Lu's eyes despite him smiling. She didn't know what she was saying, what she was doing! She was saving his best friend's life!

"Aaahh!" Lu leaned over, opening his arms as if to embrace her but pulled back quickly, seeming to realize the size difference probably wouldn't allow it. He would have to make himself content with beaming her way and wiping his face.

"Thank you, so much!"

Jozef himself seemed taken back by the sudden fierceness, but inside was smiling. Of course. She saw someone in need, and she was leaping to help them. Perhaps this was good then. Something else to get the incident off her mind. "Very well..." His voice was slow as he thought.

"It's not too far away, but it will take time to get there. If you hurry, you might be back by nightfall. I would like to go with you, but I'm... not comfortable leaving my home at the moment."

Not with that insane man and the confused undead wandering around somewhere out there. He inclined his head to Slick, who himself was pleased at the unfolding situation. "Would you take them for me? If you follow the river, and look besides the Moth Stones, it's right there."

Slick blinked a few times but brightly smiled moments later. "Ah, yes, of course I know where that is. Ciya, Lu? May I come then?"

The snake man also saw what Jozef was doing. One fighter at home, and one guarding the others. It was just good tactics. Slick paused and looked towards Vivica, adding politely, "Would you like to come along too? Or would you rather stay and study?"

**PhoenixAshes**

The shifting of the giant made the pixie turn his way, only to see him recoiling in realization of size difference. Gently, she smiled. "You're welcome."

Vivica was honed in on the conversation between Slick and Jozef. With a small sigh she shook her head at Slicks question. As much as she would like to go, it was likely best that she stay. There was much more to do. "I'd best stay here. Books can't read themselves and skills can't be learned without practice.

**FrankenSoul**

"Yes, you have a very good point. Well then, we'll just have to be off then. I don't think we need to bring anything, it's a very fast trip. I'll be seeing you later." The snake-man gave a cheeky wink, a sharp tooth visible for a moment in his smile before he turned towards the others and made a mild gesture. "Shall we be off then? Time is of importance."

Lu blinked before beginning to move to his feet. Oh, yes! He was ready to go!

From where he clung to Ciya's back, Bumble snuggled against her and thrilled in excitement. Yay, they were going somewhere! An adventure, and Bumble would get to ride!

**PhoenixAshes**

"You be careful." Vivica warned her pixie and naga friends. "Nothing reckless." As easy as this sounded, she was concerned. Things recently had been--well, not exactly what they seemed.

**FrankenSoul**

"Of course Viv, don't worry your pretty little head." Came Slick's sharp reply, continuing to move with the others towards the woods. He kept his tone light, but could feel both Jozef staring and drilling a hole into his back. Nothing better go wrong, or Slick was afraid at least one of them was going to have his head.

The path beside the river was easy enough to find, and within a short time they would all be able to hear the sounds of rushing water. Slick took the front of the group, his slitted eyes darting here and there to pinpoint various sources of movement in the grass. Most of the time, only rabbits, but he felt how tense his shoulders were all the same. Despite his carefree attitude, he was afraid. What else was waiting to surprise them out here?

Lu dropped behind them, his steps slow but each one covering enough distance to easily keep up with the others. His gaze remained low, and he remained quiet, although curious eyes did glance up at Ciya every few minutes before looking quickly away in a bashful nature. There was no way he was going to try and speak, no he wasn't going to embarrass himself with his poor wordings and dumb questions.

The tension around the pixie was beginning to feel unbearable. Slick was naturally on guard, since for the moment that was his duty. That she could let pass, but the questioning and coy glances from the giant were another matter. “You can talk to me if you’d like, Lu.” She spoke in a gentle way practically having to tilt her head all the way back to look at him. It’d be a lot more engaging for him to do so if he did rather than staring in curiosity at her.

**FrankenSoul**

Despite her voice being so soft, Lu jumped a few feet when she spoke. Sheepishly, he smiled and moved to rub one of his arms. His gaze skimmed away from her for a moment before shyly returning back to her face.

"I'm sorry..." He mumbled, face warm. "I'm... curious. Um.... hi." A hand moved through his bright hair. He wasn't very good at talking. His words were so slow and clumsy compared to everyone else's...

"I don't see uh... many-" What was the word? Womans? "Girls. You've very pretty." His tone was light and honest, no sexuality or other hints of intimacy in it. He just thought she was a very pretty lady. Ah!

"Like a flower." He spoke without really thinking to stop himself.

**PhoenixAshes**

Having him start like that put a flickering of apprehension in her. A small jump of shock to him seemed much bigger to her. Luckily enough once he'd settled again it was easier to be poised and patient.

His compliments warmed the smile on her lips. "Aww, thank you." A flower, hm? "I suppose I am." Holding up her arm she looked at the vines along her skin, they were bright still, green leaves healthy now, but there were no blooms.

**FrankenSoul**

Slick caught sight of them talking, and hid a small smile. Ah, good, they could relax a bit then. Ease up and perhaps lighten the day for each other.

Lu couldn't help but return the smile, feeling the expression was an easy one to make. She glanced at her arms with the weird markings. Hmm.

She was a nice person. He decided that right then. He had already thought so before, but now he was sure of it. She was so nice, but also so tiny. And they had a ways to go...

From her back where he clung, Bumble gave a small chirping noise and winked merrily towards Lu. The giant smiled in return.

"Would you um... do you want me to carry you? It's a long, way until the flower..." He didn't want her to get tired!

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie looked over her shoulder slightly at Bumble as the chirping began, curious about what he was trying to say. He was such a strange creature. Before she could ponder too deeply on that, her attention went back to Lu and his question.

He was offering to carry her? Suddenly the reality of height difference weighed on her again and she wondered what it would be like to be as tall as the giant. She'd flown at his height before but she was sure just being at that level was different from flying. Flight required effort and motion. Still, that wasn't a good enough reason to sit on his shoulder. "Are you sure you'd be alright with that?"

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