newcomers and adventures [w/ WWB] **ENDED**

[[XD SOOOOOOO MUCH EXCITEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!       Oh, and I hope you don't mind I'm kinda making up the landscape here...I have no idea if there's a river or forest or whatever. >.<" Oh and assume Skallaq's always on four legs unless I directly say that he stands up to two paws.]]

The paws of a dark gray shape slid across the landscape, a contrasting splash against the orange-brown hues of the area. The cat moved with quick, flexible movements as it loped past stunted bushes and twisted trees. The land was dry and dusty, but ahead promised shade and life. Not all of it was desert, though, the hills beyond were forested and a river wound down just past the prominent tall shapes ahead. Those tall shapes were a town, a place by the name of San Ricardo.
The cat's pace slowed as it neared, becoming wary. His ears pricked, his long tail swished once and his claws shifted in his paws. He darted into the city, hugging walls and slipping through small spaces to be unnoticed. His good eye regarded the sights, searching for a place to stay the night. After a few minutes of running and hiding to keep out of sight, he came upon a small building, dark and shabby. From the scent it had been unused for years. Carefully, the cat edged through the broken door and into the one-room shack. Shattered glass, torn blankets, piles of ripped scrolls, and broken wood covered the floor. The cat stepped warily through, heading to a small, dusty pillow hidden beneath a three-legged table. He rose up, rising to stand on his hind legs only. He unclipped the small cloth bag from his back, setting it on the floor beside him. He opened it, grabbed a small string, and tied the straps of the sack to one of the bands on his front paws--nothing could steal it without him waking. He removed his belt-and-shoulder strap, along with his dagger, setting it gently down and tucking it through the bag's flap. He then sneezed away the dust from the pillow, and curled up. His eyes closed after a last quick sniff and moment of listening for danger. Satisifed he was safe, he let himself drift into slumber.

[YESSSS haha it's okay alright bro, and for Elodi...assume she's always on her two hind feet unless I say otherwise I want them to be as different as possible, because then they'll be all disagreeing and it'll be ammusing. Plus it would be harder for Elodi to walk on four feet because her sword is all long ]

Elodi laughed along with the rest of the cats seated at her table as the one of the felines, Rosa, told the punchline of her joke. Raising her bottle of milk, Elodi took a deep drink from the cold liquid and stepped up from the table, muttering goodbyes to her fellow cats. As the next song began reverberating through the jumping bar, the calico cat pulled her beret farther over her right eye and slipped through the crowd, leaving the place unnoticed. Smiling at the memory of the nights endevours, the pretty cat breathed in the night air as she walked into the alley. Glancing around warily, she rested a paw against the pouch on her hind leg for a moment before taking off at a run. Elodi climbed the wall easily, using the many pawholds from chips in the walls and windowsills. As her paws touched the roof and she pulled herself up, she turned in a quick three-sixty. Gazing across the rooftops of San Ricardo, Elodi smiled in a melancholy way before turning towards home. Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, Elodi was ready to head home and curl up for a needed catnap when the familiar glint of value caught her eye. Just around the corner, a lone man was headed home. Even from the distance, Elodi could see the many rings on his fingers, and the exquisite stitching of the clothes that covered his chubby form. Letting an eager smirk take its hold, the theif lept towards a building across from her, crossing the gap between the roofs. Racing across the rooftops of San Ricardo was something that Elodi was probably too familiar with, but at that moment, it paid off. Soon, she was right beside the rich man--just a few stories above him. Walking ahead, always keeping her eyes on her quarry, Elodi braced herself--then she jumped. She landed on her mark--the expensive, wide, feathered hat the man wore. Grabbing the rim, she pulled it over his eyes as he yelled in surprise. Pattering for his pockets, the theif found five pouches of coins within two seconds. As she withdrew the pouches, she sliced her claws into the man, averting his attention from fixing his hat as she slipped the coins into her own pouch. He managed to lift the hat above his eyes, but closed them again with a yell of pain as he reached towards the new wound. His hands found Elodi's belt, and she was lifted into the air, giving out a yowl of surprise.
"You!" he growled, reaching for her sword. Elodi hissed at him, her ears drawn back, as she swiped with her claws out. Withdrawing his hand and grunting in fear, he dropped the dangerous kitty. Elodi dropped to all fours and lept underneath his legs, turning to jump onto his back. She clawed her way up as he screamed in anger and pain, reaching in vain for the cat. As she reached his shoulders, Elodi stretched her paw forward and swiped his hat off his balding head. She put it over her beret as the theif spring-boarded off the chubby rich man's back and hit the ground. With a roll, she landed on her hind legs and began to run, disappearing down a thin alleyway.
"Gata!!" Elodi laughed triumphantly and smirked at the man's enraged yell as she stood with her back flat against a wall. She was out of breath, but unharmed and now much, much richer. Patting the now full money pouch attatched to her leg, the feline swept her paw across the brim of her new hat as she turned to cast her eyes to the place she had used as an escape. The alleyway was long and dark, looking quite disused and old. Most of the buildings were decrepit and obviously hadn't been inhabitated for many years. Snorting at her lack of foresight, Elodi grumbled to herself as she stepped warily through the sketchy alleyway, eyes cast about for any danger.

[XD ok. Should Elodi be going for Skallaq's target, and that's how they meet?]

The tom's head shot up as a yell pierced the night, followed by an echoing yowl and a flurry of hissing and shouting. With a quick, practiced movement, the cat had replaced the belt and shoulder strap onto his back, untying the pack from his paw band and attaching it to his back again. He took a step off the pillow, ears pricked and good eye scanning the surroundings. Something, or someone, was in trouble. He slunk through the messy hut, movements silent and fluid. He was used to doing much creeping about.
Skallaq peered out of the doorway, his paws tingling. Someone was out there. He swiped his tongue over his maw, then darted further down the street. In the dark of night, he was barely visible. He kept his eyes slitted, to avoid attracting unwanted attention with their glow. A rank scent filled his nose as he moved, and he slowed with a dancing of light paws. Flattening his ears, he crept forwards. A light shone through a broken window of a house further down the dusty road. Skallaq's fur rose faintly on his spine, and he pattered forwards. The scent of a dirty human rose in his nose, and he hissed quietly to himself. Leaping up onto a crate, he peered into the window. The scene that met his eyes made his eyes widen and his heart twist greedily.
A stunted, dirty man who stank of alcohol was picking through a bag containing three, shimmering diamonds. His thick fingers fingered each jewel with an unpracticed hand, making Skallaq wince as the grime stained the gems. The man was sitting at a table, with his back to the window. The room in which he sat was a cluttered mess of things Skallaq didn't even recognize. He twitched his tail, glancing carefully around, then slipped softly onto the windowsill, watchful, and dropped down into the room as quiet as an snake. He inched around the wall, behind piles of rags and paper and every other thing imaginable.
Skallaq took a moment to prepare, watching the man with a narrowed gaze. He stood up to his full height, still hidden in the clutter. He fingered his dagger, contemplating his next move with a slight smirking expression.

sure this is gonna be amazing xD ]

Elodi trotted easily through the alleyway, anxious to be home and stash her goods away safely. But, as luck would have it, another score supplied itself to the feline. As she walked past another of the countless sinking buildings, and sound of muttering and scuffling reached her ears. Rotating her ears around, she listened intently. Within seconds, she picked up the sound of gems clinking together. It was a sound she knew, and her paws clenched in anticipation. Turning, the cat found an opening in the wall wide enough to slip through. She slid a piece of rotting cardboard aside, wiping her hands against the stone wall in disgust before slinking inside. She was in a room cluttered with junk, papers and boxes, wet and ruined books, old quills and broken furniture. Odds and ends scattered about the floor, most of which she couldn't make out. But what she did see was a lucky alocoholic who had gotten his dirty hands on a bag of three sparkling diamonds. Elodi's eyes widened and she drew in a slight breath--she hadn't made a score this big in a long time. Serious now, the cat ducked and began to slink forward, eyes on her prize. It was when only a single damp box and a few feet of old flooring seperated her from her gems when she heard the sounds of a faint hissing. Whipping her head around, Elodi came face to face with angry, slitted eyes that belonged to an equally peeved dark tom. She mrrowed in surprise and stepped backwards, losing her balance; she windmilled her arms as she fell against the box behind her. The wet cardboard bent under her weight and the side she fell against slumped to the ground, but the rest flipped upwards and managed to hit the other cat in the face. He stumbled backwards with a surprised meow, then turned to retaliate, but Elodi was already gone. She snuck up to the diamond man, and reached up to poke him twice on the shoulder. As he looked over in drunken confusion, Elodi was already on the other side, swiping the bag of diamonds away. When he looked back, the bag was gone, and all that was left was the glimpse of fur as a dark fluffy tail slipped out of the window in pursuit.
Elodi chuckled to herself as she now raced ran across the rooftops, reveling in the sound of the drunken mans frustrated cries behind her. She had all but forgotten about the strange other cat that had been after the diamond bag that she now clutched to her chest. That was, until her feet got knocked out from under her and she fell to the hard roof tiles with an oomph. She was flipped over onto her back, her paw still clutching the bag, and a cold feeling against her neck fur told her that a blade was pressed against her throat. Harsh eyes glinted at her angrily, coupled by vicious growling. Elodi's eyes widened slightly, in an apprehensive way, and her ears turned back--there was no hiding her fear.

[<3]

Skallaq's muscles tensed, and he froze where he was. The smirk slid from his face, and he dropped back to four paws. The scent that filtered through his nose was something he had least expected at the current moment. Cat. Mild frustration rose inside him, and her slid softly forwards, trying to spot the newcomer. He inhaled quietly, returning to his calm, poised state. No one was getting those gems, no one but him. He felt a flicker of grim amusement at his slight greed, he could see the sparkling diamonds in his mind's eye. Skallaq shifted, skirting a heap of stinking clothing. He hissed softly, eyes narrowing dangerously as he spotted the intruder. A slim calico she-cat, was all he could make out in the dim yellow light. Oh, but she had some accessories too. Skallaq unsheathed his claws, anger bubbling up as he saw her delight in gazing at the diamonds. His loot.
He darted closer to her, letting out a furious, whispering hiss. A moment of triumph and satisfaction danced inside of him as he saw her stumble in surprise and fall, but it was short-lived as the cardboard she had leaned against whacked Skallaq in the face. Letting out a sharp meow--forgetting in his shock to be quiet--he stepped back and snarled, blinking angrily. He nearly pulled out his dagger, but she had gotten away. Skallaq looked instincively to the drunken man, where he saw the she-cat grab the diamond pouch and dart away before the human could barely react. Skallaq hissed with fury, tail fluffing up as he sprang after the other theif. How funny, theiving from a thief.
Skallaq followed her scent, still fresh, up to the rooftops of the surrounding houses. He glimpsed her a few houses away, oblivious to his presence. A slight sneer curled his mouth, and he raced after her. A bit unpracticed at scaling roofs, he slid a few times, but quickly reached the other cat. Skallaq reverted easily to his silent stance, creeping behind her. He rose up to two legs, drawing his dagger softly. One smooth pounce, and he had swiped her legs from under her, and slashed the blade at her exposed neck. It halted a hair's breadth away, motionless in less than a second from a quick strike. Skallaq snarled, his eyes slitted, the good one gleaming chartreuse, the scarred one an eerie gleaming white-silver. He watched her for a moment, enjoying the power he held and her fear.
"Unaweza kunipa wale?" He hissed, forgetting for a moment he was in Spain. He stared back into her eyes, and suddenly realized his mistake as he saw her confusion. He licked his nose, hesitating as he fumbled for the right words. "English?" He asked, reverting to his second language and dropping the Swahili. He saw her slow nod, and regained his confidence. "Would you care to give me thosesssssss....?" He let the last word dissolve into a hiss. He kept the blade near her throat, muscles tense in case she should struggle.

'An immigrant?' Elodi thought, confused. She noted the odd feathers the tom wore, and her eyes flickered to the pouch attatched to his belt. 'That is probably where he keeps his loot..' casting her gaze quickly back to his strange eyes, the she-cat blinked a few times before asking innocently, "Are you giving me a choice..?" In answer, the blade pressed firmer against her neck and a harsh hiss spat from his throat. "Okay, okay, Señor!" she raised her voice, hoping she wouldn't feel the sting of the blade in her flesh, "No need to do anything you might regret, eh? Let's just try to work out an agreem--Hey!!" Elodi protested as the cat swiped the gems from her paw. She had tried to hold on, but he crushed her hand in a surprisingly strong grip until she had to release her grasp on the diamonds, "Those are mine!" Elodi tried to reach for them, but the dagger to her throat sort of prevented much movement. Then, as she was incapable of defending herself, the dark cat's paw slipped into the pouch on her leg--but Elodi's own paw flashed to her sword before he could make off with any more of her loot. She drew it quickly, holding it against the other cat's throat. He was forced to lean away from her blade, giving Elodi more room to maneuver because his dagger was so much shorter than her rapier--but she still could not slip away from his clutches without risking her neck. His eyes shone with wariness and anger, but Elodi's sparkled with cockiness and pride. "Ah, Señor gato, you've stolen enough from me today. Step away now, and I will not hurt you." All the while, she was attempting to concoct a plan of how to regain possession of her diamonds--she eyed them as the sparkled from the pouch in the cat's paw.

Skallaq hissed with fury, although the rest of his posture was rather calm. His eye still blazed, and his lip curled back to expose his sharp canines. He was frustrated with her cockiness, oh how he hated those who acted with much plays of superiority. He was being a hypocrit, he realized, though he knew he didn't become high and mighty too often. He clutched his dagger tighter, ears flattening at her tone. "I doubt you could." He couldn't help himself, his anger was getting the better of him. He flicked his thick, fluffy tail, closing his other paw around the three shimmering treasures. Still, he had got what he wanted. He had nothing against this cat now, although he guessed she might eventually try and get them back. He noted the spark of defience in her eyes, and felt a twinge of worry. Skallaq shook himself, careful around her rapier. "Fine. Kupata mbali na macho yangu." He finished, eyes like gleaming slits of light. He drew back from her in one swift movement, removing the dagger from her neck and avoiding her own blade. He rose up to two feet, fingering the diamonds with satisfaction. He blinked at her for a moment, contemplating. "What is your jina--ehh, name?" He was mildly interested in knowing about this cat. He hadn't been aware there were accessorized cats such as him in San Ricardo.

Elodi growled in anger as he insulted her strength. She hated when people doubted her! No matter, she'd show them. Show them all. No one would get the better of her, and certainly not this strange outsider. Standing to her full height--even though it still wasn't quite as tall as this male--she answered him proudly, "I am Elodi Silverblade, the terror of San Ricardo!" She abruptly sheathed her sword, partly for dramatic effect and also because she was not feeling threatened by him any more. She eyed the cat up and down, sizing him up. He seemed like he might be a formidable opponent, but of course he wouldn't be able to match her prowess in battle. He obviously came from far away, judging by his odd language and distinct accent. Dark fur covered his body, his dichromic eyes glinting from thin slits. He was quite a handsome tom, she wasn't going to lie to herself. He had gotten the jump on her, and that was enough to intrigue her interest. "May I know your name, Señor?" she blinked once in a slightly flirtatious way her face lighting with the hint of a smile.

Rivulets of guilt penetrated his thoughts, and Skallaq swished his furry tail as he heard her angry noise. He shouldn't have been so brash, he regretted his insult at once. "Samahani, my apologies. I let my anger overrule my true thoughts." He spoke softly, dropping his odd gaze. His ears flicked as she introduced herself, and he quickly glanced back up. Things were changing quickly, from the moment he had become angry with her, to now just having a calm conversation. He dipped his head to the she-cat, inspecting her likewise. Even in the darkness, he could see the sheen of her smooth white fur, dappled with calico-and-tabby splashes. And her deep blue eyes that glowed in the starlight. He had no romantic thoughts at all, though, merely regarding her with his usual gaze, now calm and no longer slitted. She was quite a confident figure, proud and knowledgable of her abilities, which seemed to be quite good.
Skallaq pricked up his ears, the feathers rustling behind the left one. He twitched his tail uncomfortably under her flirtatious gaze. "Eh, m-my name is Skallaq." He rolled the gems in his paw, nervous now. Why did he have to be so cowardly in conversations? He had no problem fighting and such, but a simple back and forth of speech made him stutter and pant--at least, under her current actions. He shuffled his paws, his gaze dropping to the diamonds clutched in his paw. Such a wave of guilt descended upon him, he shivered. He inhaled deeply, his eyes rising to meet Elodi's gaze. "You--you deserve this. Take almasi, the--the diamonds." He held out his paw, exposing all three glittering jewels in front of the she-cat.

Elodi blinked widely at his offer, and her eyes flickered from his face to the shining gems. She reached forward slowly, uncertainty in every move. When her paw reached his, she gently curled his fingers back over the gems, holding his paw closed around them for a moment. She met his eyes with delicate gratitude, and withdrew her paw, replying gently, "I appreciate the gesture, compañero, but you stole them back from me fair and square. I do not deserve them." However much she wanted the jewels, Elodi had enough wealth to get by in relative comfort for a theiving gata. She did not know of this Skallaq's income, therefore she wanted him to have all the goods that came his way--as was her wish for all her fellow ruffians.

Skallaq's paw tingled lightly as her paw met his fingers, blinking in slight surprise. "If....if you are sure, then." He inclined his head, touched by her gratitude. He hadn't expected her to decline, but didn't want to press them on her. Truthfully, he didn't really want the gems now. But better him having them then leaving for that man to find them again. He flicked his tail, then closed his paw over the diamonds, feeling the smooth, cut surface. He quickly reached to place them gently in his pack, carefully tightening it so his precious theft would not fall out. Skallaq twitched his ears, turning back to Elodi. "Asante. Thank you." He murmured to her, his good eye brightening. He dropped to four paws, suppressing a sigh. Back to his lonely shack, to await his next task. He had a faint wish for her to stay with him...but what would she want with a foreigner such as himself? She probably thought him naive and unexperienced in this place. He would have asked her if he could, well maybe show him around a bit, for he was as lost in this town as a flea in solid-colored fur. He didn't say anything, of course. Skallaq shifted from paw to paw, then reluctantly turned to pad down the roof.

Elodi lowered her ears, feeling deflated and maybe a bit guilty. He seemed uncomfortable in San Ricardo--and why would he not? He was an outsider, foreign to the ways of the this small Spanish town. And she hadn't done very well to give him a warm welcome--she'd stolen his score, and pressed a blade to his throat. Taking a step forward and outstretching a paw, she called out to him, "Señor Skallaq, wait!" he turned around, acknowledging her with a flick of the ears, and Elodi continued, "Would you allow me the honour of showing you around my town? Or have you a place you must be?" she took a few steps forward, closer to the dark tom. She leaned her weight to one hip, the opposite paw resting comfortably on the hilt of her rapier--a habit that wasn't meant to be hostile in any way, as her casual stance clearly showed.

Skallaq's eyes widened, he took a moment to control the flow of emotions that poured through his brain. He blinked, surprised and for a moment wondered childishly if she had read his mind. His paw nervously stroked his shoulder belt, ears pricked and breathing quicker than usual. "You would do that?" He asked hesitantly, feeling tendrils of delight worm through his body, making his tail quiver. "I ni kushukuru...I'm grateful for your offer." He licked his lips, staring right back into her deep blue gaze. "I would love to accompany wewe, ehh...you." He averted his gaze for a moment, cursing his language slips. He really never got used to speaking English, the Swahili always just slipped in. "Excuse my tongue." He chirped, giving a nervous mreoww of laughter.

"No te preocupes, do not worry," Elodi replied, blinking gently, "I think it's cute." With a one last smile and a quick wink, the she-cat jumped in the air, sailing over the rooftops. She flipped in mid-air and landed on her hind feet a building away, breaking into a run the moment her paws touched the roof tiles. She called back to Skallaq over her shoulder, "Do you want to see San Ricardo or not?" and did not wait for his answer as she sped across the rooftops. He caught up to her in no time, and they both slowed their pace a more comfortable gait. She pointed out various landmarks to them, often giving a story along with it. "That is San Ricardo Bank, and there is the bridge of San Ricardo. Not long ago, two theives stole from the bank. They fled the town with dozens of bags of dinero, of money. The coin of the people. Their cart was crashed on the bridge as they made their getaway, and one of the criminals was caught. The other lept into the river below, and is still on the run to this day, the most wanted outlaw in all of San Ricardo...next to me, of course," Elodi glanced to Skallaq with a twinkle in her eye, and a smirk playing across her mouth. Several times they passed wanted posters, most of this outlaw that Elodi spoke of, others of Elodi herself. She paid no attention to her own posters, as they were old hat to her now. Soon, Elodi had shown Skallaq around all the important locations of San Ricardo, including the kitty bar known as the Glitter Box where she liked to spend her nights. Before long, the two found themselves yet again standing atop the roofs of San Ricardo, yet now in a much nicer area than the location where they had first met. "So, Señor, have you a place to stay?...You are welcome to come home with me tonight if you so wish it," she murmured the last sentence, not attempting to disguise her flirtatious attitude.

Skallaq blinked, and leaped after her, secretly admiring her skillful moves. He matched hers with equal agility, doing a frontwards tumble through the air before he landed a few paces away from her. He kept an easy gait with Elodi as they toured the small Spanish town, Skallaq's eyes gleaming at each new fascination. He was shocked and concerned at the mention of the bank robbery, a bit amused at Elodi's title of herself; and surprised at the idea of the Glitter Box--a place for cats like themselves. As they passed posters, Skallaq wondered whether he would appear on them eventually--he knew he would be dashing about on various quests soon enough. Tonight had proved that.
Skallaq plopped his hindquarters down into a neat sitting position, his fluffy tail wrapping over his paws. He flicked his ears at her words, eyes rising to meet the she-cat's. Much peace had descended upon him, he felt quite relaxed now. Of course, he would be ready instantly should danger arise. But for now, he was enjoying himself. It felt good to be spending time with another cat, especially one with a job so similar to his. "Not my own." He mumbled, tail tip twitching as he thought of the broken shack, and a wave of embarrasment crashed over him. His eyes glowed momentarily. "Tamu kike, really?" He didn't think of his words before he spoke, but was thankful she couldn't understand what he had said.

Elodi had sat down opposite Skallaq, with her tail curled over her paws, the tip flicking up every once and a while. She smiled at him, nodding, "Of course! I never have company over--it would be my pleasure, amigo," stood again, and turned towards home. It was near where they had stopped, only a few rooftops away. She started towards the building--a mini tower rose from the small, old church, the main floor of which had been boarded off for a long time. But Elodi had managed to climb to the top of the bell tower, which was the place she now called home. Once they reached the bottom of the tower, she glanced back to her new friend. She stepped forward onto a little wooden platform that had a metal ring in the middle of it, tied to which was a strong rope that fed upwards towards the very top of the tower. Underneath the platform was some sort of wheel-style object that had coils of the rope around it, and a mechanism that stopped the rope from falling down; it kept the tension in the rope that let Elodi use her lift. She beckoned Skallaq onto the platform, then pointed to one of the two metal handholds that were installed in the platform to provide a sense of security. He grasped one firmly, and Elodi nodded, "Hold on," and she threw a switch which immediately shot the lift up towards the sky. "I modified what used to be the flag pole pully system," Elodi explained, speaking over the wind rushing past their ears and ruffling their fur, "and a friend of mine that knows a bit about mechanics installed the switch--for a sum, of course." In no time, the two reached the lift's stop. It was an area of the tower that had been cracked and many stones were missing, allowing for an easy entrance. Elodi stepped inside, and lose pebbles clattered down the narrow steps that made up the tall tower. Skallaq quickly followed her, and Elodi seized a coil of rope that rested on a metal hanger set against the inside of the stone wall. She slipped one end through one of the metal handgrips, and tied the other back to the metal hanger inside, securing the lift to the tower. Nodding in satisfaction, the she-cat headed up the stairs, Skallaq close behind. After a minute or so, the cats reached a small, wooden door with black metal supports. Elodi pushed it open easily, revealing a room that was half open to the elements with a clear view of San Ricardo, and another half that was comfortably enclosed. She closed the door behind her, and gestured about the room. Across from the cats, the two halves of the room were seperated by a once-beautiful room divider that now had a few small holes in it. The enclosed section that the two theives had entered containted three plushy, slightly dirty, dark pillows in one corner of the room. In the corner against the room divider, two chests rested--one was much larger, with a formidable-looking lock; the other smaller but still protected by a similar heavy lock. The wall opposite the pillow-bed was stacked high with books. There was a desk in the corner of the book side of the room, and on the desk was an unused roll of parchment, a quill, and a closed bottle of ink. Elodi stepped towards the pillows, and flopped down easily. "It's not much, but it's home," she sighed.

Skallaq follwed the she-cat as she led him towards the place she called home. He was impressed with the mechanisms and the whole way the thing was situated. It was easily protected, had a great view, and seemed quite practical. Skallaq blinked as he climbed the last of the steps, his ears pricking as his gaze swept over the homey-looking room. It looked quite comfortable, one that could easily satisfy one's needs. Skallaq immediately liked it, especially the books and desk. He loved reading, and writing as well. His fingers tingled as he touched the two feathers behind his left ear. Nodding politely to Elodi, he stepped softly further inside. "It's very nice." He couldn't really think of what else to say, so he kept his mouth closed after those few words.

Elodi nodded in thanks, and gestured around the room, "Make yourself at home," she rose from the fluffy pillows and stepped over to the room divider. Lifting a cloth flap that she had sewn over a large hole, Elodi jumped through the makeshift door, the flap closing with a light thump. She stepped out onto the stone tower, gazing up. The tower's roof and walls on this side of her home had long ago fallen away, with only a few bricks of the walls standing, some crumbling onto one another to form little rubble piles along the sides. The strong metal ring that once held the church bell was visible above the room divider, but on this side, there was hardly a ceiling left. Elodi sat down on the edge, her hind paws dangling to the rooftops below. She gazed up at the stars, as she did most nights--though usually with a book to read by the moonlight. Tonight, the moon was nearly full, and it's gentle light bathed San Ricardo like a soft mist.

Skallaq swished his tail as he watched her disappear from view. A strange feeling urged him to follow her, but instead he hesitantly crept over to the little desk. His paws traced the faint lines of growth in the wood, a delight springing in him as he imagined creating another work right here. He let out a soft sigh, his eyes now turning to gaze at the books. Each one was beautiful in its own way, either shiny and glittering or frayed and old. Either way, Skallaq loved them all. He put a small paw up on one of the ancient ones, admiring its blood-red cover and spine that was fringed with gold. He smiled faintly, eyes glossing over the title: Una Historia de San Ricardo. Historical, perhaps? Skallaq dropped his paw to his side, then turned to face the flap-door where Elodi had vanished. Hesitantly, he prodded it half-open, peeking out. He stared for a moment as he saw the slim calico sitting on the edge a few paces away, the moonlight touching her pelt with a gentle gleam. Skallaq stepped nervously forward, his eyes reflecting the light.

Elodi didn't notice when Skallaq entered the outer section of her home. She continued gazing at the stars, thinking of her family. She would learn the truth, and she would avenge the long years they had been separated. Her dearest mother, so kind...would she be ashamed by the life that Elodi had chosen? Would her father be disgraced? Her brother and sister would most likely be envious of her, she thought with a smirk. Reveling in the beautiful sight of San Ricardo below her, she knew she had a good life, no matter the trials she had struggled through.

Skallaq froze when he saw that Elodi hadn't noticed him approach. He didn't want to startle her, but felt it would be just awkward to continue standing here, waiting for her to look around. Slowly, as if he had only just now appeared, he stepped closer, to the right of her. He looked to her, both eyes gleaming--even the eerie blind one. He was comforted by the calm look on her face, making him feel relaxed as he never had before. It was such a wonderful feeling, he couldn't break his gaze. Staring endlessly into those deep blue eyes.
Skallaq shifted his paw, then sat down beside Elodi. He wondered if he was welcome out here, or if she wanted privacy. For a moment, he felt like dashing back inside to try and decipher his thoughts. He twitched his tail, turning his gaze away from her face to the deep, starry sky.

"I've just recently returned to San Ricardo," Elodi began, almost wistfully, "I have been travelling a long while. Most of my life, really, doing odd jobs here and there." She skipped the part about the reason she'd been searching around, and glanced to Skallaq, "I know I have just met you, and forgive me if I am being forward...but you are welcome to stay here if you've nowhere else to go. I would be honoured, in fact," the she-cat smiled, looking back up towards the sky. Everyone has left me...will he do the same?

Skallaq's ears flicked as she spoke, he returned his calm gaze to her. "Asante, Elodi." He inclined his head, happiness rising inside him like he'd never felt before. "I would love to." He swished his tail around his paws, blinking warmly at his new companion. How quickly things changed, he thought with mild amusement of the way in which they met. He sighed softly, following her gaze to the heavens. The gleaming stars shone brightly, as did the moon. It was a beautiful sight, coupling with Skallaq's joy. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling like he finally belonged.

"Bueno! What's mine is yours, amigo. Well," Elodi glanced over at Skallaq, correcting herself, "Everything except my dinero, that is," she smirked, and hauled herself to her hind feet, brushing dust off her fur. Turning back towards the makeshift door, Elodi yawned, "I'm going to get some sleep. See you tomorrow, Skallaq--make yourself at home." With a smile, she disappeared through the door flap and into the main room. She removed her beanie, throwing it onto the floor near the pillows as she stepped onto them. Elodi removed her belt, setting it gingerly nearby along with her sword. Lastly, she removed her leg wraps, but withdrew the money pouch first, stuffing it in between the pillow, directly underneather her. Curling up, the calico closed her eyes and flicked her tail over her nose, ready for a deep restful sleep.

Skallaq inclined his head. He gazed intently up at the stars as Elodi stood, and then followed suit. Having nothing to say in reply, he flicked his tail and slunk after the she-cat back into her home. He again felt a delighted feeling as he peered around the place, it seemed so comfortable and hidden. He gave himself a happy shake, his dark fur falling into place, and padded fully inside. He wondered where to sleep, anywhere seemed good to him. Skallaq was used to sleeping on many ranges of places, from hard dirt to grassy nests, to splintery wood, to a few times of soft cushions. He rolled his shoulders, eyes sliding past Elodi to an empty spot of the floor a few paces from the pillow pile. Deciding that was to be his sleeping spot, he ambled softly over. He cast a quick glance at the desk as he passed, promising it that he would inspect its wonders later. Content to sleep, Skallaq removed his shoulder-and-belt attire and lay them gently on the ground, along with his pack and sword attachments. He padded around in a circle a few times, then settled down. He sighed softly and swished his tail close, making sure to loop it through his pack. Skallaq's eyes drifted shut, allowing slumber to enfold him.