Awakening....(To Be Continued...)

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...slowly, Ashina became aware of her surroundings. She shifted slightly against the hardness that intruded on her peacefulness and a slight wimper of protest escaped the confines of her throat to slip past her parted lips. A frown knit her brow and a slight sheen of sweat made itself evident against the fairness of her skin, stray whisps of dark hair clung to her forehead and she turned her face slightly to the right in an attempt to block the brightness that would intrude into her world of dark slumber. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Raven lashes fluttered against her cheeks in as an expression of pain flitted across her features, and then Ashina flew up with a gasp. The wounds on her back had begun to bleed again, and would need immediate attention. However, pain was forgotten as the woman looked about the place she had been brought. For a moment her mind was clouded and she couldn't recall what had occurred to bring her into this den that had obviously been her haven. Slowly, memory returned, and with it a grimace that marked the return of memory. She glanced down at herself to check the wound on her chest, and she saw that it had scabbed over rather nicely. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...There were no signs of infection, and a satisfied nod accompanied this observation, right before a look of dawning horror mirrored her reaction to her apparel. This was not the shirt she had been wearing. Someone had undressed her, and a slight shiver ran down her spine as she thought of the possability of someone seeing her naked flesh. Her mind flitted through all possabilities quickly. Tony, Navaah or Adam. One of the three had attempted to ease her discomfort. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She tucked the cloak that had fallen into her lap tightly around her upper body in embarrassment, her cheeks flushing scarlet, and then sat silently waiting for her would be assistant to make himself known. If there was anyone else within the cave with her, she had failed to notice him or her. She silently prayed that Navaah had shown some warmth toward the woman who had healed Adam, but a secret part of her accepted that the man who's shirt she wore had done the deed. A slight sigh of resignition, and then she scooted back toward the hard surface of the wall, presenting her battered back to the rock. Carefully, she leaned against it lightly, making sure her upper body still supported itself for the most part, using the wall as a balancing element. <fixed>

adam_masou: *He had slept only for about an hour or so before the early morning light had roused him. He could not sleep in broad daylight. So much, sometimes, like the nocturnal creatures he surrounded himself with, there were some moments he abhored the sight of the sun and others when he revealed in it. He had gotten up and left the cave. Ban as well was missing, most likely on patrol somewhere off to the west, and there was no sign of the hawk, either. Everyone was gone. Had he truly left her unprotected? A quick glance outside would warrant the sight of three wolves, females from their size and body shape, yipping and cleaning fur and lazing in the first light of morning. Nothing would come in or out of that cave unknown to them. <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Their heads snapped up at the sound of snapping twigs. The beast master had returned. Still in the state he was last in the night before, shirtless, shoeless, but he had ripped the rest of the torn shreds of leggings from the part of his pants below the knee that had been hanging in strips. Wrapped packages in hand, he entered the cave mouth. So she was awake. He hesitated there, just inside the cave's entrance, and a peculiar expression crossed him. One that was very unsuited to his personality. It was a small, but somehow shy smile. He was not at all used to guests, only Naavah, who was as much a part of this world as he was, and so he treated her no different from Ban or Fuyuki. Ashina, however, gave him a distinct impression<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> of humanity, as well as femininity, and those were two things he had never been good at dealing with. Embarassment was not at the fact that he had changed her shirt (which was sitting, now covered in crusted, dried blood from the night before over the flat rock Ban had gone to sleep on), for he was most used to it. It was natural, and therefore not something that he thought should be found embarrassing. It was only the thought that perhaps what he had to offer her was completely insufficient to her tastes as a member of royalty as well as one born and bred of the human world. "Good morning." It was issued cortly as he looked down at the cave floor suddenly, smile fading to be replaced with the usual emotionless expression he always wore<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Moving to her after a hesitant moment he laid the packages on the rock next to her, where her shirt was. "Breakfast. Not much, but it will have to do." Inside would be a hunk of cheese, perhaps a day old, but edible, some bread, and some local vegetation that while looking less than tastey, was still nourishing. She would need it if she hoped to get better any time soon. He turned away then, looking out over the morning with his arms folded across his chest. Interesting. Even in this light there was something plain to see on the skin of his back, up on his shoulder blade. It appeared to be a tattoo of sorts... black in color it was a wreath of fire, within it a tree in full leaf with expansive roots intricately traved down the spine of the shoulderblade.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> There were long, even awkward moments before he spoke again, at least for him, tension in the air becoming too much for him. "Did you sleep well?"<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina yawned slightly and then glanced up as Adam entered the cave. A slight smile of appreciation was offered and then she adjusted to a more comfortable position, looking away only momentarily and then returning to the silent state of before and regarding him with interest. She hid her embarrassment rather well, and refused to ask for the answer to her question out of decency. She regarded his clothing with silent longing, the coolness of the night air having been replaced with the warmth of sunlight, and she silently wished she had a like outfit that she might be cooler than she presently was. But, alas, there was no hope for it and so she merely shoved thoughts of discomfort to the back of her mind. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She wondered if perhaps Kahlan or the others had attempted to find her, but assumed an emisary had been to let all know that she was not missing, but rather, resting. For a brief moment she had forgotten that this was not a normal kingdom and none could be sent to explain. As she pondered this fact, she shrugged her shoulders in a nonchalant way that marked her lack of concern. All knew she could well take care of herself, and so, hopefully none would be upset. In an odd way, she was more relaxed here, the duties of Ulster removed from her shoulders, if only for a brief interlude. <broken>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...A smile accompanied this realization and then she pulled herself away from her thoughts as Adam addressed her, "Good morning." Her voice rang forth into the cave in eerie tones, and then she regarded the parcel he had brought, and watched suprised as the smile was offered. A slight inclination of her head noted that she would gladly accept anything offered and she continued to smile in spite of his obvious withdrawal, "I'd appreciate anything right now. Even a moldy bit of bread and stagnant water would be pleasing to my palate this morning." She chuckled slightly and then her brows drew together in confusion as he turned his back from her. It was then that she saw the tattoo. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She had one similar to his on the inside of her right thigh that none other than her mother had ever seen. She had been born with the mark of the rowan, a beautiful tree in full bloom, and from that day forward her life had been blessed by the Mother. Her tounge longed to ask the origins of his own tattoo, but she refused to give in to the impulse. Such a question may or may not have been too personal, and she would hardly be a proper guest if she insulted. Instead, she turned her attention to the parcel he had brought, and with greedy fingers, untied the string that held it together and quickly took note of the contents. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...A slight smile of appreciation was offered to the back before she took a large bite and chewed quickly. She had barely chewed enough to keep her from choking before she swallowed and it was then that she noticed her shirt. She coughed slightly to cover her confusion at seeing it and to force the lump of cheese down her throat. To cover her lapse, she quickly sat the cheese back in it's place and picked up one of the vegetables that lay in wait. Perhaps this would digest slightly better, and she ate in silence, awaiting his lead. <fixed>

adam_masou: *He had thought about it from time to time- human companionship. If maybe his views of the outside world were maybe but a bit too harsh at times. However, every time he thought the ice in his veins was starting to thaw someone did something to make him regret even harboring the thought that people had a good side to them. Kahlan had shown him some generosity, that was true enough, but still he harbored a great distrust for her. He got the distinct feeling sometimes that she was only paying him the attention that she did because it would suit her best to make nice with him. Looking down at a hand he sighed lightly. Such a hand it was. Now it was the normal, fleshy palm all humans bore, but as Ashina had seen the night before<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> that could change within a breath if he really wanted it to. Five drow dead by this hand in less than two minutes. It was not a wonder that Kahlan sought alliance with him. His biggest suspicion was that she had sealed the deal only for the use of the woods and the protection that it offered to those looking for a place to stay. He was not a full time bodyguard or a babysitter. Ashina was a completely different matter. She had nearly given her life (or to his knowledge at least) for him, to heal him, and he would keep her safe as a matter of honor. Kahlan never slipped in her mask. It was always there- the real woman underneath hidden from prying eyes. Ashina had slipped with him, several times. She did not give him any reasons to be afraid, and more to the point<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> In Lucemedia when he had called her on her game playing, she had shown not only remorse but vulnerability. He did not fully trust her, the way that he trusted Ban or Naavah, but she did one have one thing that the others didn't; most people's presence he merely tolerated. He actually found that he could do more than tolerate her. He enjoyed her being here. It was almost as if he was seeking out friendship. But he had friends, didn't he? Loyal friends. He didn't need anything else. Did he? A brow furrowed at the problem, thoughts torn between his kingdom and old memories from before the disbanding of the Maryuudo people, his grandfather. His thoughts were cut short by the announcement of a golden finch that was hailing him from a tree branch<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> He raised a hand and it flittered down to land on his finger, chirpping away at quite a pace, telling him all of the news that he missed. He narrowed his eyes slightly. "I see." He said softly to it. Lifting up his arm he allowed it to step onto a low hanging branch when it was finished. Looking to the three she-wolves he called to them, surprisingly, in english. "You can go. I'll handle it from here." Had they been human beings they might have looked at each other the way women do when they had a theory about something they did not wish to share, giggle, and walk off whispering, but as wolves do, they simply stood and ambled off into the underbrush. He did not turn around as he spoke. "It appears Captain Martinez is a man of his word."<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> He was making idle conversation to ease his own awkwardness. "The bodies were cleared away already, and it appears also he is building himself some kind of outpost on the very outskirts of the forest." That last part hung with him. What was Tony up to? He didn't trust the man, found him to be pushy and somewhat abrasive, but tolerated him for he meant no ill will. He looked over his shoulder without turning, still embarassed, but masking it with a cold but calm exterior. "I expect that the castle will be wondering where you are. I can take you back any time you're ready, as long as you think your wounds will sustain it." His voice held a touch of guilt. Was it not he, after all, that had put her in that state? And he had only allowed her to roam as she pleased<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> for the direct purpose of keeping her safe in the first place. Should an attack come upon Ulster, where better would be to hide but deep in a forest no one even knew how to navigate?<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina watched the play between the wolves and master silently, not intruding in the conversation, knowing that she had no right, and she winced slightly as she adjusted yet again, and her back grazed the wall. She hadn't told him the wounds had started up again, and one who was used to rejection when seeking sympathy or help, and so, she remained her solitary self, not mentioning pain or blood to this man. He had shown signs of acceptance by bringing her here, a place she knew very few outside of his closest circle had visited, and yet, she knew that rejection came in many forms and often didn't rear it's ugly head until one let down one's guard. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Of course, her own emotionless mask had slipped countless times in his presence, allowing him the opportunity to hurt her if he so chose, but she was hardly a fool and rarely did she allow a second opening for attack. That thought in mind, the Ashina of Ulster slowly replaced the carefree woman who had sat in a momentary haven away from insecurity, and she eyed the food once more. This time, her greediness and joy in the fare was replaced by dignified bites and slow chewing. The pangs of her belly were ignored, and soft breathing was all that was heard as she ate in silence. <broken>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...He shortly thereafter addressed the offer of return to her kingdom, and the dignified woman who responded was almost humorous considering her attire and current state of uncleanliness, "Whenever you feel the need to absolve yourself of my presence I am prepared." Her tone wasn't rude, but neither was it the confiding tone of one who let down her guard. Her brief moments of happy abandon were soon just a fleeting memory in the mind, and her manner had changed so abruptly that Ashina was almost able to convince herself that she was happy the way she was. Almost. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...A soft sigh escaped her lips, and the emerald orbs were cast in the direction of the cave wall, lest he detect her unhappiness with herself, and she glimpsed a momentary arrival of pain at no longer being able to allow herself to soak up the view of the man. Of course, there was always the chance he would fail to notice the change and assume that she had been like this all along, but some secret part of her longed for him to call her bluff and force her back into the happy state of before. Meloncholy settled itself upon her shoulders at the prospect of returning to Ulster and her solitary existance among the throngs that populated the High Kingdom, but there was always Kahlan's company to look forward to. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Lately, however, Kahlan had been too busy to spend time riding and bird-watching to spend time with her priestess, and so, even that had become rather bleak. Here, everything was vibrant and alive and Ashina never felt disconnected from the world around her. Ulster had almost become a cold stone that lay at the bottom of an endless lake. However, Ulster was her home and would be for the duration of her stay upon this earth, an eternity lacking in colors and sounds that made her feel more alive than she had been since leaving Avalon. <broken>

ashina_kansior ... Perhaps she should return to the place that had given her Kahlan. In due time, she would, but for now she simply sat awaiting Adam's dictates. The food now forgotten in her lap, she swallowed as the last bit in her mouth turned to ash, a tasteless fair that was drowned by the taste of her own sorrow. <fixed>

adam_masou: *Most inexepcted, he chuckled at her, turning his head to her over his tattooed shoulder once again, eyes narrowed as though suspicious, but with an amused sort of smile on his face. "Don't sound so excited to go." She was a druid, he expected her to enjoy her time in the froest more than in a city like prision. Turning to her he had dropped part of his cold facade. He had his faces just like anyone, his just happened to mesh better than most other peoples. There were two sides to his rule here, a kind and benevolent one, and the cold mysterious one. One was quite comforting, the other unpredicable and frightening. However, she deserved better than his total mistrust. She would have to endure a type of initiation for him to truly trust her...<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> there was only one way to truly know someone. But until that bridge came to cross, he would not mention it. "You know you're welcome to stay here as long as you see fit. I gave you free reign to go where you please." He said matter of factly. "However..." He started, looking down at his somewhat misbegotten appearance with another oddly out of character shy smile, "If you do choose to go back, I might need to come with you to... well... reoutfit." The expression almost stuck, but suddenly it changed into something far more horrible. Raising his head, that scent... she couldn't have known it, but all of those transformations had left him partly beast, and smells were key in his ability to survive. That old familiar scent hit his nose<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Human blood. A part of him was excited by such a smell, but here, with only Ashina in his presence it made his heart sink into his stomach. There were factors, of course, that could not be helped. As sudden as he had smelt it, his pupils contracted into thin slats, his iris doing the same and then widening, yellow streaks appearing from behind the folds of steely gray that usually masked them so very well. He stifled the predatory growl that wanted so badly to erupt from his throat and the urge to drop to the ground into a stalking stance and maintained some composure. It took a minute to grapple for control over who staked a claim on his mind. Closing his eyes, a few deep breaths, and when they were opened, the pupils dilated against the light<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> and shifted back to normal. "You're bleeding." He said bluntly. It was not something easily hidden from him. It only took the right angle and the right wind to let him know her wounds had opened again. "We should get you back to Ulster quickly. I don't have the tools to help you with them here... unless you are prepared to stay here for more time then you barginned for, and given the circumstances, I don't think that is what you want." He said mysteriously. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew that the thought of her wounded would be just what -they- needed. Leverage. Though the finch had only told him rumors, he didn't want to take chances that they might be right. Offering a large hand down to her, his eyes met hers, cold but stern. <c>*

adam_masou: *<c>He wasn't going to let her get away with treatment. Regardless of how it reflected on him, he was fairly well set on taking her to Ulster either voluntaily or by force to have the wounds looked at, apparal and social laws be damned.<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...At his sarcastic humor Ashina strived to maintain control of her emotions. So the beast was more human than he chose to express. Involuntarily her smile broke free, and once the restraint was gone, there was no holding back the slight chuckle that accompanied, "I'm afraid you're right. While I love Ulster and all it's people, I'm still a free spirit who longs to run with the wind." She tilted her face upward, as if the cave's roof held the sunshine and she basked in all it's glory. Delicate lids lowered over gleaming orbs and she breathed in the scent of an world untainted by pollution that ran rampant within the confines of a city. <broken>
ashina_kansior ...It was odd to spend even one day in a world where she could breathe without use of a pomade to keep out the smell of rotting garbage and urine that was dumped from high windows. She looked back to him then, her natural joy at being here written on every line of her features and she noticed the change in him immediately. She cocked her head to one side, watching him struggle for control, but for some reason she held no fear of what he might do to her. Like every beast, when in such a state there was always the possability that he would turn against her and do her harm physically, but mentally she knew that inside the same man still existed, the same soul that she had come to timidly trust. <broken>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...However, once his control was back in place, if not firmly, and he mentioned her wounds, she was quick to reassure him of their minority in her life, "No. There is no need to return to Ulster. After all, the healer is here and now. No one save Kahlan could help and she would do nothing at all anyway. This is a process that must continue as it now is. I must bleed as you would have and suffer your fate had I not healed you. The Mother will not allow this pain to be passed to another. I suffer for you as you suffered for your kingdom." She shrugged slightly and winced as the damaged skin was pulled taut. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She chuckled then, noting the feral gleam in his eye that would force protection on her if she didn't convince him, and shrugged again, this time careful to maintain her smile despite the pain it caused, "Such is the way of my power. In order to give, I must recieve. And vice versa. I have given you your strength, mine unimportant at the moment, and so I must recieve your pain. But I promise you, it will take more than a few injuries and a little blood loss to kill me." Preparing to suit actions to words and bite the bullet, she cleared her mind of all thoughts of pain and imagined a place full of sunshine and happiness. Perhaps Ban ran beside her. Perhaps Fuyuki flew overhead and called to her. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...n any event, now content in her own special world, she attempted to stand on her own, ignoring the hand that he offered. She attempted to calm his worry by showing the ability to help herself, and again, a fine sheen of sweat broke out on her brow as she pushed her back against the wall and slowly pushed upward with her legs. The surface of the rock tore at the delicate flesh, and her mouth thinned to a line as her complexion whitened with the effort to ignore the pain. Blood stained the wall as she slowly moved upward, but that too she ignored. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She kept her eyes focused on his face, her expression intent as her pupils dilated with pain and the emerald color was barely noticeable. She had to do this. If for no other reason than she didn't wish for Adam to be concerned with her own welfare and perhaps miss the call for help from the animals and the forest within. Panting heavily, she stood on her own now, and unsteadily she took a step away from the wall. She stumbled only slightly, and then her palm was placed against the wall to steady her, her own blood soaking the skin. "See? I'm fine." <broken>

ashina_kansior ... A wan smile accompanied the words and then she closed her eyes and...yes...there was Ban, playfully swiping at her. And the majestic hawk soared in the sky, calling to them and reprimanding them for their playfulness and lack of dignity. And perhaps, just perhaps, this time Adam laughed with her, and having never heard the sound before, the tone was melodious and beautiful to her ears....<fixed>

adam_masou: *It was difficult, yes. For the Maryuudo people, beast was not their second nature, but their combined nature. Man and beast were one, and for most their transformations, the animals they mimicked were who they were. Normal Maryuudo individuals, while all being masters of the animal world, could only control one species or maybe two, only picking up on a few of their traits. Adam had been what was considered a prodigy, mastering control over one hundred animals and mimics that he used skillfully towards his own survival as she had seen him do the night before with the stray soldiers. However, what came with it was a heavy burden. Every time he mimicked something a little exchange was made and he became more like that creature in manner for a short time<c>*

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *<c> When he mimicked a bat, for up to an hour after he retransformed he would be rendered blind, or at least near it. Some traits stuck with him. He was unnaturally fast, unnaturally strong, had certainly less than perfect eyesight, but his hearing and smell were superb, his night vision better than normal. The worst curse, however, was bloodlust. Animals were attracted to blood. The smell of it, for carnivores, meant free, fresh food. It was a struggle for him to control himself in the presence of fresh, leaking blood, especially coming from the one thing in the forest he was actually allowed to hunt -a human being. Though he viewed Ashina as more than that, more than just another one of the herd. She had her own special flare that eased his bitter distrust of their species.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Still, the gray iris would ripple time to time as he watched her with predatory intensity, yellow slats appearing now and then from beneath the folds of steel color in them. "We should at least bandage them." He said with a small choke, the discomfort in his voice apparent. The smell was becoming intoxicating. He shook the fever from his mind before untying the bandana from his head that kept unruly hair from his eyes. "Come on." He motioned for her to follow him at the very least out of the cave where the smell wouldn't ferment and cause him to become delerious from it. There was a small mountain stream running a few minutes walk from the southern cave. Being at the base of the southern mountains in a small valley, the land here was riddled with waterways<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>Kneeling down beside the clear water with the wrap in hand he waited for her to catch up. She had taken care of him, it was only fair that he could take care of her now. it was an even trade. Though she showed great resillance to the wounds and somewhere he wondered if he would ever get a chance to do what he had been itching to since the moment he met her- fight her. Not fight, per se, but spar. Hand to hand combat, test just how far the limits of her strength went. It was how respect and trust was earned in the animal world. His curiousity to see in her battle was persisent. You could tell a lot about a person by the way they fought, and he saw in her much that he could learn and glean from her technique. First, however, she would have to rest and heal<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>Perhaps it was his ulterior motive, though if he didnt already think her worthy of his time he would not have such curiousities about her. Dipping the strip of cloth in the water he spoke again, a question this time of genuine interest. "Do you ever feel bad about what you do? Politics, I mean. You don't seem like the type who would be a good politician." An observation, perhaps one that was off the mark, but he was just calling things as he saw them<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina was jerked instantaneously back to the world of reality at the mention of the stream. She had managed to escape the pain by creating an illusion, and yet, if she had been delusional she wouldn't have managed to snap out of it so quickly. She nodded in affirmative to his declaration that her wounds should be bandaged, unable to speak because there was the possability that she would cry out in pain again, and moved forward slowly, her step lacking it's natural grace to be replaced by tentative movements. <broken>

ashina_kansior: Each step jarred her back even more, and her lower lip was clamped between ivory teeth so that her throat wouldn't be tempted to offer stinging curses at the pain. Taking deep breaths as she followed him, she managed to gain a slight control over her body, just enough to allow her to take the final remaining steps to the stream, next to which she fell to her knees. This time, the movement was more than she could bear, and a slight grunt forced it's way past her lips. She covered it with coughing, trying to ease his guilt in her own manner, and then closed her eyes yet again as she spoke to the forest. So far, nothing of real interest to Ashina had occurred. <broken>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

ashina_kansior ...Tony, she learned, had not yet made his way back to Lucemedia, and his intentions confused the Wood. This conversation was merely a ploy to take her mind off of was happening to her body, and so, she continued until the Wood pressured her to take care of her physical needs. An indignant huff marked her annoyance at the Wood for no longer speaking to her, and the silence was enough that she merely broke the connection, understanding that they would not converse with her until she obeyed. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She cast a rebellious expression toward Adam, as if it were his fault, and it most certainly was in her mind, considering he was master, and then she moved forward, her fingers dipping into the cool water of the stream. She watched as he soaked the material of his bandana in the water, but she knew that it would be best if she merely immersed herself. That thought in mind, she slowly walked on her knees to the water's edge, having been sprawled before on her stomach to touch it, and then carefully adjusted her position so that now she sat on her rear. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Cautiously, testing the current, she eased her legs into the water, and finding the current to be gentle and the water shallow in the particular spot where she had chosen, she slid between the mass of droplets as a person plagued with fatigue slides between the sheets. She bit down hard on her lip as the current rushed over the wounds, carrying her blood with the untainted clearness, and her teeth tore the flesh and bruised it intolerably. She tasted the tangy essence of her own blood in her mouth, the cut on her lip offering more pain to be born, and then she turned so that the chest deep water raced over her front. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..The water was now refreshing against her cuts, no longer pushing against them damnably fast, and she closed her eyes, soaking up the refreshing essence of the element. Of course, not only did this comfort her wounds, but it also comforted her powers, which were slowly rebuilding themselves. For a brief point in time, they would be lost to her, especially after a spell such as the one she had cast last night, but being within the forest and around things of nature, they were able to rejuvenate more quickly than they would in the city. <fixed>

adam_masou: *His question went unanswered, but he didn't mind. Watching her do what she felt she needed to he sat perched on his haunches, patiently waiting for her to finish cleansing herself. At least it got rid of the smell, letting him readjust back to the mellow and harmonious existance he held with this place. There was something about it that was more than even he knew. Once in a great while Fuyuki eluded to it. The hawk had been born here and knew more of its origins than he did. He suspected, however, from the conversations that he had with the bird that this had once been Maryuudo territory, which is why his spirit showed such great capacity to become a balancing force here. His eyes watched the clear water as it spirited away her blood, <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Blood that he, ashamed to admit it, should have been the one to bleed. A hand touched his chest, looking down then to the place that the sword's tip had cut him. The scar was healing well, but the etheral wound was still there. He had been so slow, and look what it had cost her. Why hadn't he made the call sooner? Why had he hesitated? He certainly hadn't hesitated to crush the drow soldier and snap his neck in half, had he? And even that, he wondered, had she seen it? He had to imagine that she had. What had she thought of him then? A peaceful, gentle, woman like her... perhaps he had spoiled all chances he had of forming a human friendship with his actions. Is that all she saw now? A beast instead of a man, a vicious and unyielding killer?<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Eyes traveled back up to her as she soaked herself in the cool of the mountain spring. He was happy to have given her sanctuary. HAving overheard whispers in Ulster of wars and what not, of which he had limited exposure to, his offer had been made to keep her, the one person in the world that decided to stand by him despite his cold exterior, safe from harm. And the Queen, someone he considered a loyal ally, both of them would be secure within his borders. It was a perfect location. No one would even know where they had gone. He had plenty of food and space for them to travel to whereever they needed until the danger was gone. He had never so put himself out for humans before in his life. Not since the Kiryuudo attacked his village some twelve years ago. <c>*

>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *<c>So why start now? It was a question he could not answer as of yet, though he still had a fascination with Ulster. He could understand how Ashina would not want to go there, but what a place it would be to send Naavah on short respits for her to learn and grown with others likes her, learn the language and have mother figures to take care of the needs he could not provide. He would certainly ask the Queen the next trip he made. That did not seem to be any time soon in Ashina's condition. He had not let her jerky movements and grunts of pain go unnoticed. She needed time to heal, but he was unfamiliar with her magic, and so he would have no idea what that would entail. Would it be speedier than normal? Would she need medical attention from him?<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Perhaps it would be ill advised to go to Ulster right away. "How long will those take to heal?" He asked quietly, the sunlight shining down to illuminate them both with a golden radience, warming both the earth and the water with a bright morning smile. "I wouldn't want to move you before you're ready, but anything I can do to help speed up the process..." His offer trailed off. He was not eloquent. He was honest. His words often lost their way and stopped abruptly, but no matter, he got his point across.<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina opened her eyes at the sound of his voice, a gentle smile letting him know that she hadn't forgotten him despite appearances. "In no time at all. It's already starting." She turned her back to him then, fingers finding the bottom of her shirt in the water, and she lifted it just enough that he could see her naked back. She was careful to keep the front part of her body concealed, not interested in seduction, but rather, offering him a chance to understand what she was, if only a little, better. The wounds on her back had stopped bleeding, and indeed, only a thin line of crusted blood remained where gashes had once been. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Of course, the lines would become pink as she healed further and would leave thin whitness to remind her of healing him, but Ashina was unconcerned with such things. As it was, the bottom of her foot and her toes held scars of their own, as well as her right ankle. There was also a small scar on the back of her knee, and another on the back of her leg, just where the curve of her buttock met the uppermost part of her thigh. All of these scars were testaments to her suffering. Suffering that was offered out of the kindness of her heart. She never asked for payment or demanded appreciation. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...The former holding no interest for her and the latter having no worth to her heart if it was demanded. She shrugged slightly and dropped her shirt, now able to emerge from the depths of the water, and a slight chuckle broke free as she slipped against the muddy side of the stream. She regained her balance quickly, and then stepped onto the bank. She lifted her right leg first, and shook it gently, sending droplets of water cascading in every direction as she did so, and then followed suit with the left leg. Content that she was as dry as possible, she too sat upon the cool grass, and brought her knees up to her chest. She untied the leather thongs that held her boots together, and then shoved them off to dry in the sun. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Carelessly, she rolled the bottom of her pants up to her knees, and then she lay back, resting her weight upon her elbows. She assumed he had forgotten his earlier question considering he hadn't remarked upon her lack of an answer, but she had wanted to be whole and serious when she gave her response, needing to make him understand exactly why she had become who she was and not really understanding why it was important to her that he did. "I do regret some things that have occurred because of my participation in politics. And you're right, I'm not a very good politician." <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She paused for a moment collecting her thoughts, and then she continued, staring off into the forest as if seeking some answer that eluded her. "I wasn't cut out to be the Lady that I've become. I've known this since I was a child. I had a rather rough upbringing, my family destroyed by a very close friend. I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't learned trust in a special person. Kahlan had come to live among my foster family to learn the art of druidism. When she left, she offered me a position in her kingdom. I had no idea until that point in time that my one and only friend was a ruler of a great land. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..."I jumped on the chance, having grown bored with my existance among the priestesses and the restrictions on my life. I thought I had been given the answer to my prayers. What I never realized was, despite the fact that I was bored in the world of my ancestors, I was also happy. I gave up happiness for Kahlan." She grew quiet then, and a bitter laugh escaped her. What more could she say? <fixed>


adam_masou: *As she got out and sat back on the grass he flopped down beside her on his back, arms reaching behind his head to rest. They were in a bit of a clearing so watching the sky was his distraction, as the sun rose towards noontime puffy clouds rolled past at a lazy pace. He felt good doing this, just lying back and relaxing. Though technically he was the ruler of quite the expansive kingdom, the nature of his rule was such that he was rarely burdened with too many responsibilites and so lounging in the woods and taking long walks through the pristine natural wolrd he had preserved here, he always had time for. It helped him during those long times when he felt... well, lonely. He would always have Ban and Fuyuki, but there were times when the part of him<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> that was still human longed for something more. The forest, more often than not, helped him ease that longing. He twisted his mouth into somewhat of a half smile as she spoke before looking over at her, gray eyes soft and listening instead of their usual cold steel barrier. "Maybe it's a good thing that you don't make a very good politician." He said partly in jest. Looking back up at the sky again he chewed on his lip for a moment. "You gave up your home and your peace and quiet for that racket of a place just to serve Kahlan? Geez... what a strange girl." He could not fathom leaving this forest for anyone or anything. This was his home, his joy, his only love. Well, not his only love. Music was something dear to him, though he rarely ever heard it<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> these days. The works of Mozart, Chopin, Vivaldi, all entranced him in some kind of a spell when he did hear them. It was the one beautiful thing that humans had ever produced. It was their saving grace. It was pure and beautiful, just like this forest. "You know, when I was little, my grandfather and I would do this, just sit here like this and watch the clouds... and he used to make up stories for every one that we saw and tell me them until I fell asleep in the grass." He said wistfully, thinking back on those beautiful times and that wiley old man that had played such a large and wonderful role in his life. He missed those days. Everything had been safer back then, more stable for him. He understood things, and it was easier to control his gifts with the old man around<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Now adays sometimes he went out of control like he had on the drow. He didn't want to say anything about it, though, lest she actually have a bad impression of what she had saw. Part of him struggled not to ask, worried that perhaps in her eyes he had stepped down a notch for the way he had behaved.<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...She tilted her head to the side out of habit, thoughts of Kahlan and her life never intruding on her solitude. She could have made other choices, sure, but then she wouldn't have met Adam or Tony, and she wouldn't have been able to heal and save some of the people she had. She turned to look at him then, a slight smile coming with an answer she had been seeking for a long time, "I gave up my home and happiness, yes. But, in the end, it was worth it. I look back on the people I have helped and on the friendships I have formed and realize that none of it would have been possible if I had merely stayed put and been a good little priestess. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..."Much like the way my powers work, I gave up something to recieve something else. Perhaps not better or greater to the eyes of anyone who can't understand, but, to me it's special and dear." She shrugged then, slightly embarrassed at having told an almost complete stranger her story. Then again, she had healed him, and that was almost as intimate to her as a kiss or caress. There were still things she didn't understand in her life. Still relationships that were unsettled, but the whole picture was coming together rather nicely. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...With a slight yawn, she laid back, savoring the feel of the sun on her face and the wind on her flesh. She brought her right arm up, laying the forearm over her eyes, and her lips parted slightly as her breathing evened. She was content for the moment and being so, sleep had come rather easily of late. As she dozed, she dreamed and dreams were always brilliant reflections of life....<fixed