Two bachelors and a girl- Tajy, Eldar, and Tegan

Dizzy, that was all she felt as they were going through the portal but she made sure to keep her eyes shut for fear of making it worse. When Mask said her name so softly she opened her eyes, and before she could pull away from him he seemed to be falling down on his own. "Mask!" She called to him, kneeling down at his side as he landed. She checked to make sure he was still alive before sighed in relief. It must have been hard on him to open that portal. She brushed back a piece of his hair and removed his quiver and weapons to make him more comfortable. She sat by his side, keeping an eye out to make sure nothing would bother them. "Thank you..." She mumbled.

Mask wasn't entirely sure how long he was out when he felt the ground underneath him again. He opened his eyes slowly, feeling his energy had come back. He looked around, pushing himself up off the ground to sit up, and was a little surprised to see Rasera sitting near him. Although he supposed he shouldn't be. He smiled to himself and looked up to figure out what time it was by now. Though from where the sun was, he guessed he had been out for an hour, or maybe a little more. He noticed his weapons were sitting nearby and he cocked his head slightly. His eyes returned to Rasera and he put two and two together. 'She's been watching over me this whole time. What an interesting path two strangers may run into.'

"See, perfectly safe," he said at an attempt of being funny. He felt fine now, just a little light headed, but he excepted that. That was always the longest side effect. One that would go away soon. At least they were out of the storm. And on the up side, there clothes weren't as soaked now. That was always a good thing. Still, Mask wondered what to do now. He knew he couldn't just get up and leave. He wasn't the type of guy to be like, thanks for watching over me, there's the town, glad to meet you. Now, he'd have to be sure that she was set up with people who'd watch out for her, which gave him an idea. Still, he'd also have to see what she wanted to do.

Rasera nearly jumped out of her skin when Mask finally started moving and smiled sadly down at him even at his attempt at humor. "Um..." she started, folding her hands neatly in her lap and a sad expression on her face. Before she could say another word, she was in a low bow, her head nearly touching the ground and her blonde hair falling around her in a cascade. "I'm so sorry..." She pleaded, nearly in tears from guilt. "I never wanted you to go through all of this...least for someone you don't know." She couldn't bring herself to lift her head, not feeling worthy enough to do so after all he had done for her.

Mask watched her and his smile faltered when she bowed down. He sat the rest of the way up, crossing his legs and looked at her stunned. "Ummm..." he said confusion covering his expression. Then his face softened and he reached forwards, attempting to pick her head up softly. "Honestly, Rasera," he said smiling once more, "It was no trouble. No one is hurt, nor any worse for ware. Not to mention my black shadow will show up any moment, though how the mare can always find me, I couldn't tell you." He chuckled softly. "Besides, that was a good test of my ability," he added picking the black feather tailed arrow out of the ground from where it had stuck itself in. "I now know I'm able to bring another person with me when I do that. Though the draw back would be the sudden energy loss." He shrugged slightly.

"Please, don't fret so much about the past. I did what I wanted to, and you couldn't have stopped me from helping you even if you wanted to. It's how I was raised." He smiled again and looked towards the town. "So, what say you to getting something to eat and then heading somewhere new?" He paused for a moment and listened as the sound of hoofs in the distance grew a little louder with each couple of seconds. "Or at least figure out something to do now?" he offered cocking his head again questioningly.

Rasera lifted her head on Masks' prompting and looked up to him, feeling the guilt in her chest. Even though he tried to make her feel better she knew that if she had not been in contact with him that he might have had a far more peaceful night. She didn't object though, not wanting the smile on his face to disappear. She was more than happy that he didn't want to get far away from her and that brought a small smile back to her own features.

"If possible...I would like to help you find your sister..." She suggested, knowing that might not have given them a direction but at least a purpose and something to help repay her debt to him. She looked up to him a little unsure but seemed confident in what she was trying to say.

Mask blinked at her words. It honestly wasn't entirely what he'd excepted her to say, but at the same time, he supposed that meant he'd be able to keep an eye on her. Still, he ran into a lot when he went venturing out, and he wondered if he'd be able to protect her. Sighing, Mask whistled sharply and Sorrahkin's black form appeared from the trees. "There you are," he said chuckling. He hadn't answered Rasera yet, and nor did he plan to at the moment. Instead he stood up and looked towards the town as Sorrahkin went to stand by Rasera. Mask was silent as he though over his offer. Normally he was ok with this, but he wanted to keep Rasera safe. He felt like he owed her that, seeing as he hadn't been able to keep Vespira safe like he'd promise.

"Alright," he said finally as he turned back to Rasera. "You can come with me, and help me find my sister. Of course, you understand that this is potentially dangerous, right?" he asked, giving her a worried look. She'd probably need to be taught a few things along the way, but Mask didn't mind the thought of teaching her. "But, I still say we head into this town and get something to eat," he added walking over to Sorrahkin and pulling another pouch of coins from the bag on her saddle. He kept pocket change, at least to him, with him. More than half the money he owned was at his 'house.' Though he didn't look at it as his anymore, and technically, he could get it whenever he needed it. "Deal?" he asked looking back at Rasera.

Rasera was a little sad when Mask had not given her an answer, thinking that he meant to say no and stood silently as he called his horse over. How she got back to them, Rasera didn't even plan to ask but was thankful that the beast was alright in spite of the danger that they had been in.

When he addressed her again, she smiled at his words, "Thank you." She said, listening to his words and nodding to them slightly as he spoke. "Yes, of course it is a deal." She agreed, happy that he agreed to let her help despite kind of being another thing for him to protect. Sure, she wasn't used to fighting but if other women out there can walk in the open and not die...she could too, right?

"You're welcome," he said smiling. Then he turned to face the mare, who picked her head up from nibbling the grass. Mask composed his face into a serious one and looked directly into the mare's eyes. "Sorrahkin," he said in a demanding tone. The mare's ears tilted forwards. "What do you say to Rasera joining us?" Mask honestly didn't expect an answer, but with as smart as this horse was, he also half expected the mare to nod her head or shake it. Instead Sorrahkin snorted, spraying Mask in the face. "Gee, thanks," he said with s sigh and wiping his face off. He turned back to Rasera. "I think that's a yes," he added with a half smile, though he still looked disgusted with what the horse had done.

Pocketing the pouch of coins, he took a few steps towards the town. "Alright, let's see what they got here then," he said waiting for Rasera to join him. Once she would, he'd start walking towards the town after leaving the trees. The town was bigger and livelier than the last one. That was for sure. Everyone seemed to be busy with all sorts of things, and everyone seemed friendly enough. In fact, it seemed familiar here. That's when he realized where they were. Oh, so he had overshot the distance then. Interesting. "Welcome to Tarz," he said sounding as a confused as he did pleased with where they ended up.

Rasera started to follow Mask, happy to stay in his company now that she had literally no one to turn to. Her 'father' was the only one she really knew and while he wasn't her birth father she had spent most of her life with him. How could such a fire have started out of no where? Her first thoughts were to a candle dropping and her father, so ill as he was, unable to pick it up and put on the fire before it consumed the entire house. Her thoughts lingered on if perhaps someone had done it, but only for a moment not knowing who could be after him. He kept to himself mostly and had no other family himself.

She sighed, putting the idea behind her as they entered the city Mask now called Tarz. It was brimming with people despite the late evening hours and even at the entry way of the city, it seemed to go off in a million different directions that she didn't doubt could get easily lost on. She looked at the taller structure of the homes in a sort of wonderment, having never been out of the farming area, save for the sort visit where she met Mask. "This place is huge..." She left the obvious comment hanging in the air as her gaze slowly drifted over to Mask. He must travel a lot, she assumed, to know of this place. Or perhaps he was from here?

Mask chuckled as he looked around. This place always had been huge to him when he traveled here as a boy. Of course, him and his sister and there friends would play hide and seek together here. They knew everywhere to duck under, which shops allowed the games, which chased them out with shoes on one occasion. Of course, the shop keeper wasn't happy when Mask his best friend actually stole the shoe. They later returned it at the cost of the wrath of there parents. Ah memories. "Aye, I suppose it is a rather large town," he agreed. "I used to come here all time when I was younger. We're actually pretty close to where I used to live," he added with a smile.

Still, he knew everything about this town. Now much had seemed to change since he'd been here last, if not for the new feel of everyone being in support of the rulers of Dragon's Cove. It had always been like this. This patriotic fever, but never so strong before. That confused Mask slightly. He shook his head taking a left turn down one of the streets and paused as he found the shoe place from his childhood. "This guy," he said gesturing to the shop, "used to hate me so much." He chuckled and walked on again looking for the place his mother always took him and Vespira for food. Mask made another left and stopped in front of the tavern. "This is a rough place, but if you know the right people, it's a very... interesting place." He'd turn to Rasera then and offer a smile. "Shall we?" he'd ask pulling open the door.

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After three days in Tarz, Rasera was comfortable enough not to get fully lost when she went out on her own. Mask and her had been staying at an inn close to the front gate of town since they had arrived, waiting out the storms that seemed to have blown in. It was for the most part quiet, getting to know one another and general conversation as they waited it out.

Rasera had taken notice that the rains had finally stopped and she was itching to be outside and explore the city more. She quickly let Mask know of her plans to get supplies and went outside, breathing in the fresh, rain filled air. The ground was still soaked and you could clearly see the water dripping from stands but the sun had finally made an appearance as it fell behind the horizon.

She walked the streets with a little more caution than she would reveal to Mask when they traveled together. Sure she was comfortable enough with him, but alone and at night was a different story. Sure, he more than likely would have gone with her but she wanted him to be able to relax still feeling guilty after the entire mess with her. She rubbed her head in frustration, feeling the twinge of a headache coming on and promptly decided to stop thinking about it. Every time she had tired to strain her memory for information about why it could have happened, why her home was in flames, a terrible headache surfaced and she had to stop.

Even as the shops began to close, Rasera kept walking, lost in her thoughts as she pressed a hand to her head. Why did it all seem so fuzzy? She had known the only memories she could remember were from when she was six. Waking up on a bed her late father(or caretaker rather) had kept her in while she healed from some injury. Shaking her head of her thoughts and throbbing headache, she looked up to find herself lost. "Great..." She mumbled, looking around to see if she could backtrack her way back to the inn.

Why was it again that he was in this godforsaken place? Ah yes, rain, storm, the usual hazard of being out in the wild. Del’ure grunted as he remember how he had been literally blown into one of the farmhouses with yet another gush of wind, just perfectly timed with the farmer’s wife opening the door to let in the howling dog. It had been lucky for him that this wife was, like so many others he had encountered, not all too happy in her marriage, though her husband was nice to her. Upon seeing him, drenched from head to toe and still looking good, she had immediately asked him to stay and at least dry and warm himself in the kitchen while she was cooking. Her husband would be home soon for dinner as he had had something to finish off, despite the awful weather, and he would probably be glad for a sturdy and hot soup. It would do Del’ure good as well and she was sure her husband would not mind.

In that respect, she had been right. The farmer had not been pleased to see a man like Del’ure sitting in his kitchen but he was nice enough not to throw him out, especially not in this weather. He simply hoped that the man would not become a danger to his marriage. It was one of the rare occasions where the husband actually knew he could not give his wife everything she needed but was still fond of her. Thus, for the sake of politeness, Del’ure had been trying to keep his hands off the wife but it was not very easy when she was trying to seduce him and had now slipped into his bed the previous night. How could he say no to that? It was not very sophisticated to throw herself at him in such a manner, but he knew she was decent enough and he could hardly refuse the blatant offer.

Now however, the sun was tickling his face and he sat up in alarm. She was sleeping beside him, blinking bewildered as he woke her gently. “You need to get back into your bed before your husband realised what has happened,” he murmured and she nodded, suddenly wide awake. Without further ado, she slipped out of the bed and hurried out of the room. Sighing, Del’ure looked after her. He had not paid attention to that minor fact. He was getting soft, it was not good. Seeing that the rain had finally ceased, he had the perfect excuse to disappear and thus, he made his way downstairs after getting his things together, which were not many as he preferred to travel light. Both the farmer and his wife were in the kitchen, both looking like they had only just gotten up and were having breakfast. Del’ure quickly grabbed a bite and left the farmer a few coins on the table to thank him for the hospitality. The farmer did not want to take it but Del’ure was already out the door, thanking them again and blowing a discreet kiss into the wife’s direction.

Shaking his head, the demon wondered how so many women fell for him despite the odd shapes of his eyes, but then again, everything else about him was completely human and it was hard for anybody to notice he was anything else, especially at first glance or if they did not spend a lot of time with him. The years had made him close to perfect at disguising what he really was. Lost in thoughts, he walked through Tarz and tried to decide where to go next. He had been on his way to Racksom but he was not very much in the mood for a big city anymore, not at the moment.

As he kept walking like this, he rounded yet another corner without paying attention and suddenly bumped into something rather soft. “Oh, excuse me,” he murmured as he looked down on the female figure he had just almost rammed into the ground. “I did not mean to hurt you, my lady.” As he looked at her more closely, a kind smile spread over his face, and he asked: “Are you quite alright?”

Mask sighed. He'd watched Rasera leave, and now he sat in the dark room alone. He didn't really want to go out. Other things were weighing on his mind. After all, it really had been so long since he'd been here. To think of how close he was to his home, the place he had told himself wasn't his anymore, it disturbed him. He had made the choice to leave, it had been his decision, and yet, he felt like being this close to it was going against a rule or something of the sort. He lead his head back against the wall as he sat on a chair facing a table. He supposed he should go look around. Though, he hated the idea of actually running into someone he knew. He didn't want to go through that. But, it's not like he could hide in Tarz forever.

Mask picked himself up and looked over at his things that sat on the table. More importantly the top half of the mask that sat there. The only part that was an actual mask the first place. He watched it, and his mind jumped to the reason he wore it. That women had been in trouble, and he'd stuck up for her. 'Oh and what's a pretty boy like you gonna do about it,' that group at called. Mask had to knock each one out before they'd leave him alone and the women. He'd ended up with a black eye and bloody face. He didn't mind, it meant she was safe. Of course, he'd found that with the mask he was more fearful to people, and no one had to have harm come to them so long as he showed off a sword hilt or pulled back a bow string. So doing good deeds had gotten easier. People started to call him the Mask Ranger, or Masked Protector. He went along with it and merely called himself Mask.

He grabbed his things and put everything on, including the two parts of his face. The actual mask that covered his face, and the cloth bandanna around his neck that covered his mouth. He wrapped the cloak around himself and stepped out the door. Locking it behind him, he put the key away and his hand touched the piece of painting in his pocket. He should go check on Sorrahkin and possibly see if Rasera needed any help. Though, the last part would have to be done quietly. He did trust her, but it was getting late, and he was starting to wonder where she was. So the horse would be first for the stable was only around the corner. Mask walked silently over to the fence and whistled softly. Sorrahkin came right over, pushing through the other mares. She didn't have a mark on her, so it was clear she was the herd head here. Mask chuckled softly as she tossed her head like she was the most important horse here and it was an honor she gave him her time. "You my friend," he said rubbing her nose softly, "are so different from your master. I wonder how she managed to train you like this." Sorrahkin merely nickered and whipped her tail back and forth.

Having been rather lost, looking where she was going was not something on Rasera's list of things to do. Without any surprise, for onlookers anyway, Rasera soon found herself bumping into a mans chest. She pulled back quickly after giving a small squeak in surprise and quickly took note of his kind smile. "Oh, no no I wasn't looking where I was going. I have a terrible sense of direction." She said in an annoyed huff, placing a hand on her slender hip.

She looked the man over, taking note of his handsome features and smile. She had come to trust Mask so easily, more so than she ever expected but she had vowed not to do so again if she could help it. Her late father had been overly protective of her since she could remember but was never given a reason past the fact that she was female.

No matter how she looked at it though, she would have to ask for help from someone if she was ever going to make it back to the inn. "Would you happen to know how to get back to the north side of town? I seemed to have gotten myself rather lost again." She smiled sweetly, giving a small nervous laugh. "Oh, my name is Rasera, by the way." She introduced herself, feeling it was the polite thing to do. She looked around her quickly, half expecting Mask to pop out of somewhere, he was that kinda of person she thought, holding back the giggle she wanted to let out.

Del’ure was smiling at the woman, the most charming smile he could offer. She looked like the kind of woman who might easily succumb to that kind of thing, not in the least because she looked like she was really in distress. A demon saving a damsel in distress, now there was a twist to the well-known fairytale. However, in her eyes, he would look like a human, and he was acting like the perfect gentleman now, if not quite like the knight from the fairytale.

“Do not trouble yourself, my lady. It happens from time to time,” he soothed her as she seemed to grow a little agitated at the fact that they had bumped into each other. “I myself tend to not pay attention to where I am going every now and then. It was my fault entirely.” Watching the thoughts behind her eyes and on her eyes, he waited for her to decide on what she obviously seemed to be mulling over. Indeed, it was not long until she asked him if he knew how to get to the northern part of town.

“I am not from here, my dear lady, but I can escort you to the northern part of town without trouble, as long as you are not asking me for a specific place. Though I am sure I might be of assistance to help you find that as well.” Del’ure paused for a moment, wondering over the load of non-sense he was talking. His sense of direction was fairly sharp and even if he did not know a place, he usually quickly found his way round. It came with the job, really. He did not let this thought portray on his face however. On the contrary, he smiled at the young woman again and presented himself as well: “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Rasera. My name is Del’ure.” Offering her his arm, he asked: “May I escort you to your desired destination now, my lady? We shall be there in no time at all. It merely is a few streets further into that direction.” He pointed into the direction he had meant, which roughly seemed to have been the one she had been headed in anyways.

Mask shifted as he looked around. He felt like he was being watched, but at the same time, figured it impossible. Anyone who would have known him from when he was a kid wouldn't been able to see who he was behind the mask, except maybe a few who'd recognize Sorrahkin. The chances of running into them was slim though. Still, he felt like any moment someone would call out his name. Sighing to himself, Mask really didn't want to be in plain sight at the moment. He felt funny about being here. It was so close. So close to everything he'd turned his back on. Including the people he'd once called friends. The games, the time spent together, all of it seemed so distant know.

Mask nearly jumped when someone on the street spoke with an accent that made him think of Canice. He pulled his hood over his head tighter. "I'll be back soon," he whispered softly to the mare, who had turned to put two other horses in there place. With that, Mask headed down an alley he knew well, and climbed up onto the roof tops. It was easier now that he was older. Much. Before he'd had to have been on Canice's shoulders. He almost missed his Gaelic companion. They'd gotten into so much trouble together. Mask found himself crouched down on the roof looking off in the direction of city he'd lived in, grown up in, and had a house in. How he hated that place.

He sighed and sat back on the roof. One leg up and the other out. He rested his head on his knee and stared in the direction. His mind wondered. "Akar," the little blond haired girl said, "Can I play with Canice, Tsuna and you too?" "Of course Ves! You can be on Tsuna's team." "Why would I want her on my team?" "Because she's my sister and I said so. You have a problem with that?" "Come on Tsuna, let Ves play with us, eh?" "Fine." The sound of everyone's laughing filled Mask's mind as they ran through Tarz, knocking down the old man's shoe displays, ducking in between people's legs, and knocking over the guards of the city. Those where the good times. Before everything went to hell.

Then again though, shouldn't he be looking for Rasera? Mask stood back up and gave one more fleeting glance towards his home before turning away from it. He walked to the edge of the roof top and looked out over Tarz. He was kind of hoping from the height advantage he'd be able to find her easier. The sky was getting black, and the people were heading inside. Mask was starting to get more worried when he spotted her and a man in the street. With narrowed eyes he backed up and looked at the other roofs around him. The gap between them wasn't that much, so it was easy to make it across. He made it to the one above the street from them, and crouched low by the edge of it. He could just pick up the words that the male was speaking.

Rasera looked at De'lure's arm as if decided it was going to bite her or not if she touched it and eventually gave in, wrapping her arm gently around his larger one and smiled nervously. "Lead the way." She said gingerly, not really sure if she was using the best judgement but being out on the street alone as it was getting dark seemed like a worse idea compared to his warm smile.

"Its a pleasure, De'lure." She had wished Mask had been around, had been here to decided if this man was someone she could trust and was slightly angry at herself that she couldn't tell. She could sometimes have a six sense about people, but it came randomly and often left her with a headache. "I'm very sorry to say I have no coin to offer you in exchange..." She tested, tilting her head up at him to see his reaction.

When the woman gently and very hesitantly took up the offer of his arm, Del’ure couldn’t help but wonder what was holding her back so much. Generally, women did rarely think twice about such an offer, when it came from him at least. He had seen them refuse quite a few arms in his time but never had they refused him, nor even hesitated. He almost inclined his head in thought but refrained from the movement as it would have looked terribly out of place.

“The pleasure is all mine,” he replied as began to lead the way for her. Indeed, they would not have to walk far, but as stupid as it may look to some, he loved playing the gentleman from time to time, and it quite simply was a magnet for all kinds of compliments and nightly activities, so to speak. It was not like he had a hidden agenda in every case, like for this one. He was not interested in getting her to jump into the sack with him, but he had merely felt the need to be nice after he had almost knocked her over.

When she suddenly began talking again, Del’ure looked down at her in surprise, wondering if she really was serious about paying him for this little service, which was not even a service in his eyes. “My lady, I do not do this because I am desperate to earn a few coins,” he replied, trying not to sound offended but he was definitely very surprised at this. Questions along the lines of ‘How may I repay you?’ were common, but those were rarely directed along the lines of actual monetary payment. This, however, was a first. “Do not worry, I am merely offering my help in return for almost having knocked you over and causing you distress,” he added. “I was headed in that direction anyways.”

Mask sat up there. He wasn't entirely trusting of this man, but he had no reason not to trust him yet. He would wait just till they started to move before he'd drop down into the street. Trailing them. His face stayed in place as he landed with as soft a noise as he could. He figured it was impossible for the two of them to hear him. They were human after all. Still, he could be wrong about that, so he made a point to dart to the shadows. Yes, this was probably really stupid of him. After all, he should trust Rasera to know how to protect herself. Or at least know how to get away if this man pulled anything. Still, Mask was protective. He didn't want anything to happen to her. All it would take would be the man to make one wrong turn and Mask would make sure there was an arrow sticking out of the back of the man's head.

One more good thing about his mask. He could kill and no one would know it was him. Of course, he hadn't done that yet. Not like there were wanted posters of him yet. He mused that idea for a moment. Posters with his mask printed on them. How interesting a turn around his comfy life had taken. He darted to the other side of the ally as swiftly and quietly as he could. He wanted to be close, but not too close. Silence, and secret were key in this. 'Carefully... quietly.... Move softly.... Move quickly. Don't let them out of your sight,' he thought as he followed.

Rasera relaxed slightly, feeling a twinge of guilt that she might have had offended the nice man and sent him an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I'm from a smaller city and we usually don't expect people from such a large city to show such kindness." She said, sort of saying this on the fly. She was raised near a small village, yes, but hardly ever went down there. Hardly near any person in fact, her step in father had been far too protective of her for some unknown reason (which she put to being his only girl) and it left her with little chance to interact with people.

"So where are you from then?" she asked, trying to get into a more comfortable rhythm of talking as they walked. It was easy to see that as the night was coming, people tended to be going away and it was making Rasera a bit nervous. The last time she was in an unknown city at night turned out to nearly kill both herself and Mask.

Del’ure almost tensed when he suddenly felt as if they were being followed but the movement was so subtle and almost imperceptible that the demon was almost certain that a human being would not have noticed. Rasera in any case did not seem perturbed and thus Del’ure did not act upon it, even though he could from time to time still hear the movement. Whoever it was, was skilled, that much was for certain, though Del’ure was unsure as to why said person was following them. Did they want the woman? Did they want him? Did they quite simply thought they could rob this couple? He was clueless, and he did not like it.

Rasera’s words distracted him however and he soon put this thought to the back of his mind, concentrating on the woman instead. “I know, it’s awful how unfriendly and impolite some people can be, especially in bigger cities where they’re not dependent on their neighbour’s help.” Del’ure believed this to be true himself, even though he did not much care for it. He could look after himself and rarely needed a helping hand, which did not mean however that he did not know how to appreciate it or return a favour.

“Oh, me? I have been travelling for so long, I can barely even remember where I have been for the last few years. I’m not from Dragon’s Cove however. Already shortly after I was born, my family was travelling again, and I’ve never really belonged in a specific place, other than the place assigned to me within the heart of my family.” It was odd but Del’ure for once honestly replied to such a question and did not even feel weird about it. It was a rather new sensation; it really did not happen often that he was asked such a question and did not evade it.

Feeling the tension in Rasera’s body all of a sudden, he looked at her with a small frown on his forehead. “Are you alright? You seem a little nervous all of a sudden.” Del’ure was listening intently for the person following them, wondering if she had heard this now and whether that might be the reason for her uneasiness but the sounds were still as muffled as ever. “If you feel uncomfortable on my account, I can step away if you prefer,” the demon offered, making as if to release her arm.

Mask moved as quietly as possible. So far this male hadn't tried anything, but still... His hand was itching to take a dagger and toss it into the back of the male. He'd deserve it if he tried anything. No one would hurt anyone he cared about, never. Not even his own life mattered if it came to trying to protect someone. No reason to get heroic yet, but still he was on edge. He took a deep breath softly. Of course, that was about the time he tripped. Blinking in shock at his own stupidity, he summer saluted forwards, and tried his best to do so in a quiet manner. He wasn't sure if he'd been loud enough for them to hear him, but if he had, he was counting on it being dark enough to pretend to be someone after them. Maybe Rasera wouldn't recognize him if he moved quickly enough.

This could actually work in his favor. He could see if she knew how to protect herself. Plus, it was him, so it's not like he'd actually hurt her. The man, that was another story. Still, if they hadn't heard, he'd be better off anyways. Then he could keep following them quietly. He felt like a stalker, but he had a good intention. He didn't feel too bad because he was trying to be helpful. Still, he waited quietly. His hood pulled up over his head, shadowing his face, which was covered by the masks. Rather, mask and bandanna, but still. His eyes looked at the two as he stayed on the ground. One leg up, the other out behind him as he knelled there.

Rasera looked up to De’lure, “No...it isn’t you...” She said, making no move to follow through and release his arm. She stopped walking then, looking around as if she were to find someone else around them. The streets and grown pretty quiet, being in an hours between normal civilians and street thugs come out to play. “Did you hear that…?” She could have laughed at herself, if she could hear how suspicious she sounded. She looked around where they were standing and gave a slight frown. “Perhaps I am hearing things.” She offered up the suggestion, perhaps it had been a stray animal getting into a trash can or knocking something over.

Though the sound was rather muffled. She turned back in the direction they had been walking and offered a polite smile. “I’m sorry, you really aren’t what is making me nervous…I think I am just a little over cautious is all.” She laughed, running a hand through her long silvery hair.

Del’ure was not very reassured but he took it as a good sign that Rasera did not remove her arm as he offered to release her. At least it was not his fault that she was suddenly feeling on edge. It had not been his intention to make her feel bad. When she spoke again, his own tension began rising. She had heard the sound as well, so it was perceptible to normal human ears, so they were being followed. Whoever it was, was good but had made a mistake now. Del’ure would find him, even if he were hiding well in the shadows.

“I’m glad it’s not me. But please beware, I think we are not alone anymore.” Releasing Rasera’s arm after all now, after shooting her a brief smile, he looked into the ever-growing darkness. “You were not imagining things, I heard it too.” Night had come quicker than he had expected, and he was still stuck in this place even though he had wanted to be far away by now. He had to make sure he would not bump into anyone that night and then quietly disappear in the morning. He did not want to anger his recent hosts by still lingering, just in case the man had noticed his wife’s behaviour towards Del’ure.

The shadows were almost complete but the shape of their follower was noticeable to Del’ure, now that the demon knew where exactly to look from the direction of the sound. “Stop playing, and show yourself. What manners are this? To hide in the shadows like a coward.” Inwardly shaking his head, Del’ure wondered why on earth he was putting on a show now. All he needed to do was blast a jet of flames into the darkness and whoever was bugging them wouldn’t do so again for quite a while. Yet, he did not want to reveal that he possessed such skills. Rare were the creatures who knew and lived to tell the tale.

“What do you want?” the demon asked quietly, his voice just as even and relaxed as his stance. His eyes were firmly locked on the shape he had finally found in the darkness. He was certain this was the one who had been following them. One hand he held out protectively towards Rasera, partially to sense where she was and partially to push her out of the way of a possible attack, in case her defenses were as fragile as she seemed to be.

Mask sighed. He knew he was caught the moment Rasera had said something. Alright, so now was his chance, either attack or confront the two. Wait, the man knew exactly where to look. Mask blinked. This man didn't seem to show any fear. How odd. Mask stood up as he called out to stop hiding. Fine, he wouldn't hide. A sudden prickle curled his lips. Had he really just been called a coward. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to kill the man after all. Then again, Rasera was too close. Anything could happen, including her being afraid of Mask if he did that. Not to mention, there wasn't really a reason to kill him other than a distasteful insult. Still, that hurt his pride a bit. Maybe he could play this game a bit longer if not to embarrass this man a bit.

Then again, he didn't truly want to hurt him when Rasera was there. Or even at all. Even if that had stung a little. He was half right, Mask was the one sneeking around. But still, it was more a matter of trying to protect the girl. Although, he really could have gone about this better. Perhaps he'd been better off on the roof tops. Oh well. Now wasn't the time. He was standing in there sight now. Both of them would be able to make out his shape. Still, he was shrouded, and the bandanna would mask his voice so maybe Rasera wouldn't recognize it at all? "Simple," he said trying to add as much malice into his voice as possible. A feat that was harder than expected. He slowly raised an arm and pointed a gloved finger at Rasera. "Her." He had to say as little as possible if he wanted to pull this off.

» Gotta catch 'em all (Tegan and Tajy)
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» Arty} Just a case of girl meets boy... {Kat
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