The Night Reverie

[Nephthys]

The great park at night... There was nothing better, Faylen pondered. He simply could not stand the ruckus of the day, the noises of happy sphinxes living their happy lives, so blissfully unaware of - well, everything. Sometimes it felt as though the joy of everyone else weighed heavy on his heart like a great granite stone. He didn't want people to be miserable as much as he just wanted them to... wake up. And sometimes being miserable was a part of that package.
His raven Arcadia squaked a little and perched on his shoulder, fidgeting once before settling down. That bird, she... hadn't left him alone once since... that event that was too terrible to consider again.
Faylen's eyes glimmered as his attention was suddenly drawn to a noise behind one of the trees. Somebody else could be here. His muscles tightened automatically. Then again, it could just be no one. Either way Faylen knew he was going to remain alert. There were many out there who wanted his head for various reasons.

[♥Dementia♥]

Ixtab had been watching a strange Sphinx clad in black with a white face and deep, dark brown eyes. The Sphinx had many weapons that would fetch a good price if Ixtab could just get her hands on one and make off with it without the male Sphinx noticing. As she watched him, she took note that she would have to be careful not to alert his pet raven of her presence either. This could prove to be quite the challenge, but also very worth it if I can just pull this off, Ixtab thought.

However, just as she was thinking this, she realized the dark Sphinx had heard her. She attempted to shoot behind another tree before she was found out. She hoped fate would be on her side, but it was a risky move trying to hide again when her presence had already been sensed. Kekeway was lucky to be solid black and far less noticeable in the night.

[Nephthys]

Arcadia rustled her feathers with unease, alerting Faylen to the Sphinx's next move. It was clear that this Sphinx was not your average peasant as Faylen had to squint a bit to sense where they might be. It was possible that they were someone who, much like him, had been paid to sneak around like this in a suspicious manner. Well, two could play at that game.

Silently, Faylen shifted position slightly so that he was more at an angle to the stranger and came a little closer, allowing his long black hair to drift slightly in the way of his face to hide his ghostly white skin, that otherwise would have acted as a torch in the darkness to his stalker. Then one paw tightened around a throwing star, unhinging it from his belt. With dagger-like precision, he then shot it at a tree which he knew was near the mysterious sphinx. Whoever it was, they were either hiding behind or beside that tree, and the star had lodged itself into the trunk at head height.

"Here's the deal, stranger," his low voice rasped. "You are going to show yourself, or die. That was a warning shot, but there are more where that came from. Whether you are male, female or a child, it matters not to me. Introduce yourself, or don't - but in the next ten seconds I will fire again, and the next time it'll be at your head."

Faylen hoped they would show. Killing a potential innocent, well... That was not his style. That would be an injustice, in fact. And injustice bred more injustice, the very thing which Faylen had dedicated himself to purging the world of as much as possible. Oh gods, please just come out! he thought.

((OOC: Why am I suddenly so excited about these two ))

[♥Dementia♥]

Ixtab tried to control her breathing as she flattened herself against the tree she had thrown herself behind. She didn't want to hyperventilate and give herself away, but she couldn't remember a time she was so close to getting caught. This mysterious male Sphinx was definitely smarter than your average Sphinx. Perhaps he had dealt with thieves trying to steal his lovely weapons before. From her position, she couldn't see the male's movements.

She could here faint noises as he shifted around, and she knew it was that darn raven that had given her away! If he could just keep his beak shut and forget that I am here! Ixtab thought just as she heard something whizz through the air and stick into the tree she was hidden behind. Ixtab gasped. Definitely caught! she thought, Perhaps caught is better than dead?

After considering for a few seconds, she decided to give herself up. She didn't want to die today. Not over some beautiful weaponry. She slid out from behind the tree, reached up to pull the throwing star from the tree, and then turned around to face the mystery man. Ixtab blinked her red eyes at him without saying a word, just staring at him. Her blue hood covered most of her black hair. Nervous, she absentmindedly twitched her ears, piercings jingling a bit. She simply sat down and stared at the brown-eyed male Sphinx, eyeing him and his weapons. 

((This will be fun! Sorry for the slow replies - HEB! XD Also, while Ixtab is married now, she is still open to other relationships and Diesel won't mind either. ^^ I have a feeling Faylen would likely be a better match for her if this goes somewhere. ))

[Nephthys]

Faylen observed as the female gave herself up appreciatively. "No, I knew you wouldn't just attempt to find another place to hide. You are too smart for that - I could tell that about you from the start." He took note of her blue hood, reminiscent of those a few thieves he'd seen wore.
"A theif - it explains why you like sneaking about in the dark. But then, that is also what I do. I have a feeling you and I... could have a lot in common." As he spoke Faylen took a couple of steps closer to the female. He could see that she had taken his throwing star from the tree, and he made a note of obviously looking down at it in her paw.
"If you give that back, perhaps we could even be friends. Or we could be enemies... but enemies of mine don't seem to live very long." He smirked slightly at her and his eyes twinkled in anticipation of her next move. "Your choice."

((I get it! Heb has been totally crazy these past few days. And that's okay, we'll work with it. ))

[♥Dementia♥]

Ixtab considered the rather handsome, brown-eyed Sphinxes words, her red eyes perplexed. She really needed some coins. The measly drachma (NOTE: This is Ixtab's thought, not mine!) she had snatched from that lady Sphinx looking for her cubs during the Heb wouldn't be enough to buy lodging and a meal. "Sneaky, perhaps, but not stupid." She smiled, her voice soft.

"Yes, I'm a thief," she said sheepishly, as if he could think otherwise with her outfit. "However, I'm not one of those mean types. Less violent than the Hand of Darkness." Ixtab wasn't going to give up her name easily unless this mystery man offered his first. "Your name? I'll trade you your throwing star for it." She smiled playfully, hoping they could be friends since she'd failed at making any coin off of his weapons. If she lost out on her dinner, perhaps she could at least gain a friend. She didn't have many. A husband that she had married out of necessity, yes, but no friends.

Kekeway creeped out of the darkness up beside his Sphinx companion. He mewed, sounding irritated that they wouldn't be getting dinner now. He nuzzled his black face into Ixtab's legs and she petted him lovingly. Kekeway kept her company when company was scare.

((I have RP'd a solution - she married him for food and a place to stay. She's rather poor! Perhaps if things go well, she can have one for love and stay with Diesel simply out of duty and not to upset the gods and goddesses. ^^))

[Nephthys]

Faylen raised an eyebrow when she said she was not one of the mean types. "Of course not, you're a Golden Paw. I've worked with them before. Can be very obliging for the right price and of course a few of them tend to consider themselves servants of justice also." He spoke solemnly yet softly.

"A star for a name, that seems fair. And I expect you'll know if I'm lying, won't you?" He chuckled. "thieves tend to be good at sniffing out lies - they spin so many of them themselves." He allowed his gaze to drift downwards in thoughtfulness, staring into space as he introduced himself to the lady. "My name is Faylen... and strictly speaking I'm a ninja, in case you were wondering. I have the same skill set and tools but..." His raven Arcadia suddenly squawked beside him and ruffled her feathers as though she was trying to help him explain. "A different purpose, or end goal in mind then perhaps most of the others." He paused and noticed his throwing star glint in the moonlight still in the female's grasp. "The star if you please?" He suggested gruffly. "My raven's name is Arcadia, named after my recently deceased sister, by the way. And she'll peck your eyes out if you don't go through with your end of the bargain." His voice lost its threatening tone a little as his eyes sparkled with mild amusement.

((That sounds like it could work!))

[♥Dementia♥]

"Well then you know I prefer not to resort to violence," Ixtab said, her lips in a straight line across her face. "Generally speaking that is, but if threatened, well..." She left her sentence unfinished, surely this man knew what she meant.

Ixtab was a bit offended that this Sphinx was insinuating she was a liar. She didn't talk enough to be a liar usually, but she let it slide and didn't show any emotion. "Yes, I would say I'm very good at discerning fact from fiction." She listened to his introduction carefully, and she decided he wasn't lying to her. She offered a small, quickly fading smile. "I'm Ixtab. It's, well, I won't say nice to meet you and your feathered friend, but worse meetings have happened." Another quick small displayed on her face, she regretfully handed back the throwing star. "Looks like dinner will be scare tonight...." Ixtab was still a bit weary of Faylen, but she was slowly starting to relax.

[Nephthys]

Faylen frowned, suddenly deeply in thought. "You gave my star back, which means you may not be able to eat tonight..." He pondered out loud. "And you also told me your name, even though I never asked for it and it could endanger you to do so. So... maybe..." His tail flicked back and forth a little until finally his deep eyes met Ixtab's again. "I got my throwing star in return for my name. Now, you can have a meal from me in return for your name. Then we're even. I think. Do you... do you agree to that?" He tilted his head to one side slightly as he gazed at Ixtab. He didn't feel guilty for requesting his weapon back, as that was rightfully his. But he did feel a little pained at the prospect of leaving this young female hungry after how co-operative she had been, all things considered. He hoped she would at least consider his proposition.

[♥Dementia♥]

Ixtab listened carefully, and was quite surprised when Faylen offered a meal. She was weary of strangers. "Why would you offer to help me after I tried to steal your weapon...?" she questioned. She studied Fallen's dark eyes, searching for any hint that his intentions weren't good. She didn't notice an insincerity. She could go back to her husband, Diesel, in Lamoria. It was a long walk back to the portal, though, and she was tired. She had been stalking the Heb for weeks without much success at stealing anything she could trade for food. A few coins here and there from those visiting the festival didn't get her much, and she knew Kekewey was probably hungry, too. Even if she did walk all the way back home, there was no guarantee Diesel would even be home. He might be out in the woods hunting. "I suppose I could accept...if you're certain.." she said tentatively. "Home is far away for me, and I haven't had a good week at the Heb. It seems I'm losing my touch." Her eyebrows wagged playfully.

She didn't offer up anymore information, and she wasn't quite sure about accepting. She mainly accepted because she was extremely hungry, and her poor black kitty companion hadn't eaten all day either.

[Nephthys]

Faylen's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her. Well, she did have good reason to be suspicious. That was how you survived in this world. And it wasn't as though he had the friendliest of faces. "You're suspicious I know. Well, you do have good reason not to trust me. But if it helps you to know this, the way I see it, you tried to steal my weapons, but you did not succeed. You then co-operated with every other request I had. Not a serious offense in my eyes. Besides, I think I'd be smart to make an ally out of you, rather than an enemy if I am given the chance. You may have failed to outwit me this time, but you clearly do know how to handle yourself. I could use someone like you on good terms with me."
He nodded slowly, realising that she had already accepted his offer. Perhaps because the poor girl was starving. He began to lead her through the trees towards the direction of his abode in Ahket. It was not too far from this park.
"Oh, and by the way?" Faylen turned back to face Ixtab over his shoulder. "You still have the right to say no at any time. I'm not going to be loosing out on anything, either way." He shrugged a little to demonstrate his indifference before continuing on the path.

[♥Dementia♥]

Ixtab looked at him thoughtfully. "I have to be suspicious with my job... Especially with that crazy portal opening up. But I suppose you haven't given me much reason to think you're going to hurt me..." she said carefully. "I guess I'm just not used to being around others much. She shrugged. She would keep her guard up because that was just her nature, but for the moment she was happy to be getting some food. "With all the happenings, I've been a bit off my game, but normally you wouldn't have a thing left." She smiled devilishly, half joking.

Ixtab with Kekewey on her tail started walking behind Faylen. Ixtab made quick, silent moments. She wasn't used to walking with anyone so she still appeared to be sneaking a bit. Kekewey followed suit and followed silently.

"As I said, I've been having bad luck... I don't mean to offend you, I just don't make many friends," Ixtab offered. "Kekewey is hungry, too, and he doesn't understand why I'm not feeding him." Her voice was soft. She was used to always trying to lurk in the shadows.

[Nephthys]

Faylen found himself enjoying the conversation with Ixtab as he walked. He was so used to returning to his home alone, leaving his home alone, living in his home alone... One started to forget what made being with others so appealing in the first place.
"I'm not used to being around others much either. Perhaps that is why I invited you. Because I... wanted to remind myself what it was like to be around another person again."
Now they had left the park and were wondering the streets of Ahket. An atmosphere of suspense pervaded in the sleepy darkness. Perhaps it is that damn portal again, Faylen thought.
"Stay close." He spoke gruffly. I could see home sweet home up ahead. It wasn't the fanciest place in the world, in fact it was more of a hole in a wall than it was a proper home. Still, it was warm and secure and cosy too, if he could manage to get the fire going.
"Like you, I also don't make friends usually," he continued in a lowered tone. "but I do make allies."
He unlocked his door and with a good shove, it came open.
"Err... ladies first." He said. "I'm sure you'll find a good amount in there for both you and your cat." As they walked in, a large amount of fish could be seen in the corner, and bread as well. Faylen didn't go to the market very often, but when he did, he bought a lot to keep him going. Luckily he had just been this morning.
"I was going to put a lot of this in the storage room downstairs. But since you're here now, perhaps that won't be necessary."
Arcadia squawked loudly and flew with great speed through the open door, which Faylen then slammed shut after her. "That bird never was the best at being subtle." He remarked as a couple of her inky black feathers drifted to the floor. She pecked a bit at one of the fish, then flew down the narrow staircase to where her seeds were kept. "Sorry about that," Faylen muttered. "Just err, help yourself. I'll go and see if I have any wine left in the cellar."

[♥Dementia♥]

Ixtab laughed quietly. "Well, perhaps I'm not the best person to remind you of that. I think I'm a bit different from the rest." She was still stalking quietly behind Faylen, simply because she was used to walking that way and always sneaking around. Ixtab's hair stood up a bit on her back. With that portal open, everything was crazy. Vampires everywhere, and devilish minions. Kekewey mewed softly, walking right between Ixtab's legs. The little black kitty was afraid.

Ixtab caught up to Faylen and nodded, agreeing to stay close. She sure hoped they didn't run into trouble. She had, had enough excitement for one night. "Allies are always good," Ixtab whispered. Ixtab darted in to the warm, cozy house when Faylen opened the door for her like a proper gentleman. Perhaps she darted a bit too excitedly. She blushed a bit, patting Kekewey on the head. Hopefully Faylen didn't notice. She was just so happy to be warm and out of the streets for the time being.

"Hm, Kekewey here would probably love a fish..." Ixtab said slowly, nervous to help herself after darting into Fallen's home like a crazy person. When Arcadia flew in so abruptly, Ixtab giggled at the raven. "Eh, she can't be much worse than little Kekewey. He's pretty good about sneaking until he sees food. Then all bets are off." Kekewey had already pounced on a fish and was making himself at home. Ixtab slowly went to retrieve some bread for herself, still not quiet sure about her new surroundings. "Alright," she said as she tore the loaf of bread and started munching. "Thank you!" she called after Faylen with a full mouth. She wasn't the most ladylike Sphinx.

[Nephthys]

Faylen shortly returned back up the stairs with some wine and some glasses, smiling subtly to himself as he noticed how eagerly Ixtab had come in and now how eagerly she was tucking in to his bread. But he liked it, because he felt that sphinxes who didn't make attempts to cover their hunger or desperation or whatever it was, generally seemed to turn out to be more trust worthy and better characters. Those who were always overly polite made Faylen think that they must be practiced in the art of hiding their true thoughts and feelings from others. Faylen would have taken an honest thief over a lying courtier any day of the week.

He poured a little wine into the two glasses for Ixtab and himself, before saying "Cheers" and swallowing all his wine in one gulp. He then proceeded to make his way over the fireplace and began to strike two flintstones together. If he could get this fire going, he could warm the house up more quickly and then they could even roast some of the fish over it. He watched the ocassional spark fly as he spoke to Ixtab.

"You say you're different? Well, I think I'm a bit different too. Actually, everyone thinks they're different, and ironically we're all the same in that way." He struck the flintstones together a final time and finally one of the sparks caught on and started burning away the wood. "Either way, it makes no difference to me. I'm glad to have your company." His ghostly white face took on a golden glow as the firelight caught him. "I'm glad I'm with someone who also understands what it's like to have an uncooperative pet at times." He chuckled to himself. Then his smile faded as he stared into the depths of the fire again, watching it grow. "We... don't have to talk if you don't want to by the way. I just wanted to make sure you were fed." He said. Perhaps he really was just thinking of his debt to her in saying this, perhaps it was just that he didn't want to make her uncomfortable by forcing any conversation... or perhaps it was because something about her made him feel a little nervous, for some reason. He frowned a little in confusion. He didn't usually feel this way about anyone, whatever it was.