One Creator

[Alter Corin]

Alter gasped, breath rushed into his chest, making his rather ample breasts jut out, and be all together shown off. He let out a high pitched squeal and clapped his hands together for emphasis. His green eyes focused on Valthonis.

“You want to get out? Thats so great! I'm so happy for you! This is a fine place to visit, but its certainly not a place to live! I can show you all around the world! Theres this great little town in Europa, where the streets are filled with magic orbs that glow bright blue! Its so amazing!”

As he spoke, his eyes absently drifted towards Caiomhe, seeing her trying not to laugh. Not everyone would notice, but his study of small mannerisms had made him keen to pick up on others'. A smile graced his lips. He was laying it on a little thick. At least someone was being amused by this.

“But listen to me, going on and on about nothing. My, I'm sorry. I tend to lose my head around such handsome men.” He ordered a drink and sipped at it gingerly. He placed the glass on the table and caught the reflection of Caiomhe's eyes in his glass. That color...was she blind? At least partially. He'd have to be careful. She might notice a slip up in his voice more easily than a seeing person would. “So, how do you two know each other? Are you his bodyguard, Cai?” He smiled and giggled at his little joke. It actually wouldn't surprise him, the way Valthonis was built, and with what little experience he must have.

[Valthonis]

Valthonis relaxed under the barrage of questions just a bit, at least he could steer the conversation towards the more mundane matters, and dealing with numerous inquiries was something he had learned to do well thanks to his customers at the forge.

But he still wasn't at all sure what Cai thought of this. She was looking down and away and that really could mean anything, as Valthonis had never really been the expert study of women's expressions. He wasn't sure if she would be willing to go with what he was contemplating or not. So he played the safe route, and worded his decisions carefully.

"Perhaps Europa would be a good place to start, they could have all kinds of things there, healers, druids, dancing bears... you name it. I wouldn't mind the travel at all. But I'd like to be careful about my company. Too many people, and no one agrees, too few, and it gets a bit lonely. Does that sound right to you Cai?"

Valthonis decided that even if his gut screamed no for some obtuse reason, he'd figure out why his anxiety was there later. For no, he consented to leave this decision up to... fate perhaps? Or really Cai, but it was fate that had caused him to meet Cai, ergo, she would make the decision on whether or not to travel with Vera. They would all see what would happen, and Europa would be as good a place to start as any for Sarian's sake. In any case, Valthonis tried to relax and pushed his drink off to the side, currently finished with it for now.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Cai had almost regained control of herself by not paying attention and trying to figure out the layout of the tavern with the sounds. There was a lutist in the corner singing about some drunken soldier, a priest, and a tanner's daughter, which amused her for a few minutes. His next song was a ballad, slow moving and sweet, which didn't hold her attention as much.

She remained unresponsive until Vera's next comments about being Valthonis's protector. She couldn't take it any longer with that and she promptly fell into uncontrollable laughter. It was better than giggling, but extremely odd. She hadn't really laughed in a long while, especially not cascading laughter like this.

She eventually collected herself and gulped down the last of her wine, looking in Vera's direction. "Mesel'? A pretecter fer this elf here? Ere ye a fool? Lady, I cannae see ye thaegh ye set right before me eyes." She decided not to let on that she could defend herself very easily, and even taking that into account, she still choked over a bit of laughter as she continued. "An' iff'n yer leavin' thae choice up tae mesel', yer comin' with us, Vera."

[Alter Corin]

Alter smiled. Caiomhe was beginning to grow on him. Though, as a rule, he didn't like those who couldn't take care of themselves. And, though she played the part of the helpless blind girl through her words, her bluntness and attitude suggested differently. Alter decided she was probably more capable than he gave her credit for.

“Even those with working eyes rarely see what is right in front of them, Cai. Thats why my teacher always used to say. Or, something close to it. I might have amended it a bit for the situation. Poetic license and all.”

Alter let out a loud yawn and raised his hands high into the air, once more showing off his chest. He could feel the lecherous eyes of the men in the barroom. It was a bit odd, to be lusted after. But, Alter had gotten used to it. This was not the first time he had worn the guise of Vera, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. She was one of the most useful incarnations he had made.

“Well, if we're traveling tomorrow, we should probably be headed for bed. If you want, Cai, you can share a room with me. I've already paid for it and I'd hate to waste a second bed.” He smiled softly. An opportunity to take down Valthonis hadn't presented itself yet, and there was no reason to not try to get a little something from Cai in the mean time.

[Valthonis]

"Well, it will be nice to have the extra company. I think. You ladies can chat if you like, I'll take care of the arrangements and make sure we're well provisions for the journey. Tomorrow, we head for Europa."

Valthonis gets up, bows to the ladies, and turns with a swoop of his flowing robe. There was no blush on the back of his neck as Vera's beauty had not phased him, and he liked the idea of one girl talking to the other. In the past he had had the experience of knowing that girls talked, and if someone who knew him talked to someone who didn't know him, it ruined his chances and made the flirting stop. But little did Valthonis know that this wasn't necessarily the case for right now.

He walked over to the bar, and spoke with the barkeep briefly, and at a normal voice level. Making the arrangements, paying for the extra provisions he would purchase in the morning, and paying for the rest of the rooms and what had been drunk that day. It left him with probably enough money to afford lodging on the way to Europa, but once there they would have to find another source of money, or at least a form of lodgings. But they could worry about that later, at least, that was Valthonis's attitude on the subject.

---

He walked up the stairs to the rooms of the inn afterward, and entered the one which was his. Room 432. He began undressing and set his sword next to his bed, sliding it just underneath. He laid out his personal affects very neatly on the floor between his bed and the door. Arranging them just so. He went to the window is his night robe and looked out wistfully. Contemplating the past and coming up with new decisions for himself, resolving to make something of himself, and to find meaning if at all necessary.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Caiomhe murmured a 'goodnight' to Valthonis, and listened to his tread up the stairs. Once she was certain he was out of earshot, she turned back to Vera. Leaning back in her seat, she let most of the 'helpless blind girl' routine drop. It wasn't apparent to most people, but a slight shift in the set of her shoulders showed that she was highly capable of taking care of herself.

"Nae that gud ser naive's gone... ye ain't what ye seem, miss Vera. Donnae deny et--and I ain't a'gonna dae anythin' like turnin' ye en. Hell, I donnae e'en know what ye can dae." Cai smiled a bit, then continued. "Haee'er, I am nae one tae be a'turnin' down a free room fer the night."

Cai stood and leaned against the table, pale arms folded gently across her chest. She could find the stairs on her own, but following someone was easier.

[Alter Corin]

Alter watched as Valthonis left. His green eyes kept a firm gaze until he was out of sight. His gaze then shifted to Cai. He watched her arms cross against her chest and her entire demeanor shifted. So here they were, both playing a game of impersonations. He smiled at her.

“You're right. I'm not what I seem. But the same could be said of you, Cai. I find that everyone has their secrets, everyone has their masks. Mine are just a bit more elaborate than others'. But I'd rather not discuss it in a crowded barroom in a backwater farming town, if its all the same to you.” He stood up and walked around the table to where Cai stood. He considered holding out an arm for a moment, but decided that in the guise of Vera it would seem a bit strange. So, he led the way through the bar and up the stairs. He turned into his room and held the door open for her. When she was in, he shut the door firmly.

“Now, Cai. I might as well dispel the lies between us. My name is not Vera. It is Alter. And, well, I'm not a woman, to be blunt. I'm, in this tongue, a shape shifter, in my own, a Seduttore. I can be who I want to be, with a few minor exceptions, mainly my accursed green eyes. Once I overheard Val is an accountant, I figured I'd try to get into his pants, and more importantly, his wallet. But that blasted elf is such a wet match.”

“So that be the long and short o' it, Cai.” He walked over to the far bed in the room and sat down on it, letting his shape revert back to his normal, tall, slim, self. He slipped the dress off, and put his thick red cloak on before laying back upon the bed, awaiting Cai's reply. He didn't think she'd give him away. But he was ready to disappear amongst the crowd if she did.

[Valthonis]

At some point during the night Valthonis woke up in a cold sweat. There was no nightmare, mind you, there no night terror. Just something else, an impulse, a desire that he really did have, but simply kept on denying. He did admit to himself, at this point, now that he had no other choice, that that was something he really did want. But so far there was no long term romantic inclination. He wasn't sure if anything would change in particular, but for right now he needed to avoid doing that because he needed to think clearly about both women. Of course, it's very difficult for him. Which is why he was awake now.

He took care of what needed to be taken care of in the bathroom, and the resulting action released endorphins into his system, allowing him to sleep better. He sat down on the bed, and fell straight back to sleep, more relaxed.

---

In the morning he woke up slightly before dawn and got dressed. Making sure his items were well organized and packed correctly. He walked out of the inn and headed for the town square, waiting for the others while flipping a coin and keeping himself otherwise entertained.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Cai had to smile a bit at 'Vera'. She hadn't actually expected a flat-out, straight to the point answer. She'd assumed they'd toss back 'yes you are' and 'no I'm not' for a while, but she liked it when things were just laid out straight.

"Well, hae nae fear that I'll'a turn ye en. An' I ain't even gonna tell Valthonis. I donnae know iff'n he suspects anythin' about ye, but ye made me laugh with the Vera act. Ye probably could tell that, thae."

Cai laughed a little again, just thinking about it. Sometimes men could be so oblivious about women. Granted, usually it was oblivious to the fact that no matter how much they showed off, women didn't like their 'manly' charms. Valthonis seemed to have the oppisite problem when it came to females, especially ones that were blatently flaunting their assets and sending hints loud and clear.

She laid back on her own bed, aiming her gaze at the ceiling. The inn was dank and musty, but it would do. She idly wondered about changing clothes, but a slight rustle of cloth indicated that Alter had dropped the Vera guise. She didn't really want to change with a man in the room, and her robe was comfortable enough. She closed her eyes, slight smile still on her face.

[Alter Corin]

Alter stared at the ceiling of the small room he occupied with Caiomhe. His green eyes bored into the wooden planks that made up the ceiling. He slipped his hands underneath his head as he stared at the ceiling, and tried to soothe his mind. But his thoughts continued to keep him awake. About an hour after the conversation with Cai had ended, Alter rose from the bed. He crossed the room and stood at the window. He looked back at Cai. How easy it would be to steal her possessions, however little they might be worth. Why was he still here? What was wrong? He wasn't sure. He tried to hide it behind the plan for Valthonis, but he knew that wasn't right. He had missed the true window of opportunity for that score.

He opened the window and climbed up to the roof. He sat there for a moment, staring up at the moon overhead. He wondered about what he should do. He sighed heavily and watched as the stars twinkled. That was a good thing about tiny backwater towns like this. The stars seemed so much more real. Their beauty got pushed away in the large cities of the world.

He was still on the roof as the sun began to peek out over the horizon, and chased away the celestial bodies of the night. He sighed and decided he might as well stick around with Cai and Val for a while. He couldn't really say why. But he nothing better to do, anyway. He climbed back into the room with Cai. He stood in front of the mirror once more and changed his face and body to match that of Vera once more. He adjusted the intricate straps of his red cloak to fit her body. When he was satisfied with her appearance he leaned against the door.

“We should probably be headin' out, Cai. We wouldn't want to keep the 'big, strong' Val waiting.” He smiled and ran a hand through his long, red hair.

[Valthonis]

Valthonis stood out near the town square. Having lately gotten bored with rolling coins over the knuckles of his fingers and doing other menial tasks with his hands. He drew his rapier, and began practicing various moves, parries and thrusts. Despite not being particularity strong, it would be obvious that he had a good amount of skill with the blade. His actions were precise, all of the movement was efficient, he was in control, and the weapon did its deadly dance in the air, away from others.

He was always careful to stop for innocent bystanders, allowing them to pass before he resumed. He had no intention to harm anyone, just a desire to pass the time and let things in his mind roam free. He still wasn't sure about Vera, or Cai, but traveling in a group was better than traveling alone.

He had never been out of town before, in all his ninety nine years. He was just...here. Living with his parents first, and then Sarian later, nothing had changed really. He never had a chance to take charge of his life soon. It was going to change, and the power, the control, would be a trial for him, one that he was really nervous about.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Cai woke with the dawn. She'd not slept much, as per her usual. Rising quietly she fished a brush out of her bag and ran it through her hair, binding the dark waves into a tight braid which she then secured at the base of her neck. She didn't usually put her hair back, but she decided that keeping it out of her face would be helpful. Helpful with what, she didn't know, but she left it at that. She smoothed a hand down her robe, easing out the few wrinkles from where it'd been mussed as she slept.

Rolling her shoulders she nodded to Alter... Vera, actually. Cai heard the difference in voice and slight rustling of a cloak and presumed that he'd changed his form again. "C'mon then."

Cai led the way down the stairs of the inn and tavern, recalling the passage from the previous night. She posessed a nearly perfect memory when it came to remembering the way she'd walked, the number of stairs and how many steps along the wall to the door. She listened for a moment and then walked out the door, neither hearing an elven voice nor the scrape of his footsteps along the floor. That was another trick she'd picked up, telling apart different people's treads.

She continued out into the square, assuming that 'Vera' was following her. Listening again, she heard a slight whisper of steel against the air. Swords were common, but this was a finer blade, something an elf might carry. Hoping she was right, because it was slightly embarssing when she mistook a person for another, she used a passing group to shield herself. She might as well start her tricks now. Trusting Vera wouldn't give her away, she followed the song of the steel in the air and snuck up near to Valthonis. Knowing how blind sighted people could sometimes be worked to her advantage, and she was highly doubtful she could be seen.

Caiomhe waited a few seconds, remembering the last time she'd attempted to pull this trick on someone tossing a sword up in the air. It was a bit different when the blade wasn't flying, but a challenge was fun. Being blind gave her a huge awareness of movement around her, and she'd played the particular game with a swordsman she'd met a year back. She'd gotten cut a few times, but it was well worth it.

As the air whistled the sword flew in a half circle. Cai flicked her hand out and laid it on the narrow flat of the blade, stopping it sharply. It took the time that taking a sharp breath takes, but suddenly the sword was no longer flying through the air. She smiled at having not made a fool of herself, and not having cut her hand open. Her smile broadened as she removed her hand from the metal. "Nae sae bad, elfy."

[Alter Corin]

Alter followed a little way behind Caiomhe. He was curious to see how well she could get along by herself. He followed her outside into the street and watched as she pinpointed where Valthonis was. Impressive.

When he saw what she was going to do, he slipped into a side alley out of habit. It had been bred into him for so long to avoid events that caused people to pay a lot of attention to him or someone around him, that it was pure instinct now. He continued down the alley and leaned against the wall for a moment. His stomach grumbled with hunger.

That wasn't good. He needed to eat soon, or he wouldn't be able to keep up the Vera disguise. He could already feel the form beginning to slip. He let it go completely and emerged out of the other side of the alley. A strong scent pulled him to his right and then he saw why.

Farmers had set up stands all along the road, selling their goods. This was perfect. He made his way down the line, pocketing little bits and pieces from each stand. When he had gotten enough, he made his way back to the alley where he had emerged and quickly ate it all. He retook the form of Vera and caught back up to Val and Cai, wearing a small smile.

[Valthonis]

Valthonis snapped out of his practice trance the moment his blade met actual resistance. He saw what Cai had done, she was quick, it wouldn't happen in combat, but when he didn't pay attention to the people around him and lost himself, it could, and apparently, did.

"Well, thank you. I try to keep my skills sharp... may I have my blade back?"

He looks around again as he holds out his hand for his blade, ready to re sheathe it. He doesn't see Vera at first, but then looks again and finds her on the second sweep, coming out of an alley. This was questionable to him, but he was hardly one to ask questions, as long as the factors didn't affect him.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Cai snickered slightly. "I hae already let yer blade gae, mist'r Valthonis." She stepped away from him and looked around for 'Vera,' finding the other... person... right behind her as well.

Well then, Cai thought, the gang's all here. A small little gang it was, and rather strange at that. A sheltered elf who'd never been more than five miles from the place he was born, a face shifting man, and Cai herself, who was still determined to spike Valthonis's drink later.

"Shall we gae tae the great big city, then?" Cai didn't know exactly where they were headed, but Marn was as good of a place as any. Without waiting for the boys to answer she began to walk, deftly avoiding any of the small crowds of people that were out. She herself wasn't hungry--Cai never ate much.

The city of Marn was close to two hours walking, provided that they met no problems on the road. Cai knew that was highly unlikly, seeing as she'd walked solo there and back a few times now. And, as she had the 'big, brawny' Val to protect her--not that she needed protecting, Cai reminded herself--and the faceshifter Alter, who probably well able to fight... or he could attempt to seduce his way out of any problems. Cai almost giggled again at the thought of a man seducing another man in a woman's body, then she promptly clamped down on her laughing.

She really needed to stop doing that. Laughing too much ruined her cool-headed demeanor.