Running. (Youkai)

[kaythenia]

It was barely light when Kaythenia rose from sleep, she felt calmer and more rested after a proper night's sleep but she couldn't wait around, she had to be ready to leave soon just incase Davik was prowling the streets or if Youkai came to find her. She slipped quietly from the bed, her bare feet hardly making a sound on the floorboards whilst she washed in the basin and dressed quickly, lacing up her boots tightly. The Bard had made it through the night without being found by Davik but she didn't want to push her luck too far, Kaythenia had to think about where she planned to go next. Perhaps through the Eldin province, taking the route through the Lake Hylia area might throw off anyone following her. She hoped anyway, but one thing she wanted to do before leaving was at least leave something for Youkai, the young woman felt that she owed him that much after last night at least.

Kaythenia opened the drawer from the small cabinet of the bedside table, searching for paper. She had a quill and ink with her at least, she rummaged through the drawers and found a few blank sheets. These would do nicely, she sat down at the table and dipped her quill into the ink, pausing momentarily as she wondered how to phrase it all...after a moment's pause she lowered her quill to the paper and began to pen her thoughts...It was difficult but gradually Kaythenia realised it was best to keep it short and to the point, it took a little longer to write a few lines than she had hoped but she hesitated in signing her name at the bottom for a moment. Her quill hovering over the paper before finally signing 'Kay Maverick'. She folded the paper tightly and scribbled Youkai's name on the front.

Now it was time to go before the citizens of Castle Town reached the streets and anyone could spot her leaving, Kaythenia removed the chair front beneath the handle of the door and unlocked it, quietly making her way downstairs. The Innkeeper was just opening up the downstairs area and raised an eyebrow at the sight of the young woman who had accompanied Youkai the night before.

"You're up bright and early." He stated, putting chairs back onto the floor where they had been stacked on the worn, wooden tables the night before. The young woman could do nothing but simply nod and held out the folded note to the Innkeeper.
"He'll turn up at some point today, give him that."

The older man looked down at the note then back to Kaythenia who seemed slightly stern, he slipped the note into the front pocket of his apron before reaching to the bowl of apples that sat on the bar, tossing one of the large, green fruits to her. Deftly the Bard caught it and dug for her purse. The Innkeeper held up his hand as if to say 'Don't bother' before returning to unstacking the chairs and cleaning the tables. There was nothing more for her to do here, she slipped quietly out of the door and down the cobbled street in the early morning light. Heading towards the town gates.

[youkai]

Although Youkai wasn't on his way to the inn as early as he had hoped, he raced through his morning routines faster than usual. He had stayed up late last night filling out some paper work and had gone through the morning briefings of his men quicker than he normally would. He was a man with a purpose. The longer Kay remained alone, the more likely it was that Davik found her. The one man the girl seemed helpless against.

Youkai was not alone on the streets of Hyrule Castle Town. Sure there were the odd citizen walking the streets, getting to business early, but he also had his faithful wolf companion with him. Swift walked quietly next to his master as he was lead to the inn. The young wolf understood that he was to meet someone new today. Someone that his master would know doubt have him protect. As they reached the entrance to the Inn the wolf awaited for his master's permission to enter the building.

The sun's light reflected off of Youkai's armour as he stepped through the now open door. He wielded his Howling Fang on his back which rested over his ice blue cape. His cape of course had a custom design of his family sigil on it artistically combined with the sigil of the Hylian Knights. He was about to make his way upstairs when the Innkeeper had stopped him.

The man recognized Youkai right away. It was hard to forget such a high ranking Knight after only a night had passed. He said nothing as he gave Youkai the letter. He figured the less he said, the easier it would be to mind his own business. Youkai took the letter and stayed at it for a bit. He noted his name in Kay's handwriting -at least he figured it was her handwriting- and hesitated on opening it. He let out an annoyed sigh as the realization donned on him that she had fled.

Has Youkai opened the letter and began to read it, Swift remained loyally outside. Passers by took note of the wolf and avoided the inn out of fear of being bitten. The innkeeper didn't mind of course. He was just opening after all and he knew the Knight and his wolf would be taking their leave soon enough.

[kaythenia]

The letter with written in Kaythenia spidery hand, it slanted slightly and gave the impression that her mind was moving faster than her hand was.


'Youkai,

I'm sorry, I had the time last night to think about everything and I realised that I don't want to see anyone else hurt by Davik when I could do something to prevent it. I'm moving on, it will lead him away from here and I hope for a while I might outrun him. I can only thank you for your concern and for listening to my story, it felt good to get it off my chest. Please don't come after me.

Yours,

Kaythenia Maverick.'

The Bard had kept her letter short, what else really was there for her to say. The Innkeeper had known better than to read it, there was something in the young woman's eyes that told him he probably would be better off not knowing what had gone on there. He cleaned the bartop without a word for a few moments, watching the Knight out of the corner of his gaze. There was little need to ask what his visible irritation was about, the young woman had obviously taken off and not told him prior. The older man leaned both hands on the oak bartop, throwing his damp cloth over one shoulder. "She left shortly after dawn, couldn't tell you which way she went out of the town though. Not my business but maybe ask around even if she apparently doesn't want to be found..." From there the Innkeeper went back to his business at the call of a customer ordering a pint of mead, leaving the Knight to wonder.

Kaythenia had made it around 7 miles away from Castle Town and was well and truly out into Hyrule field, the walls of the town and the Castle were no longer in her eyeline. Hopefully she could get a fair distance between herself and Davik before he figured out that she had moved on. She glanced up at the sky, it was slightly overcast but so far the weather was remaining on her side. Hopefully it might remain that way for the moment, another two days travelling in the wet and the Bard swore she might begin sprouting moss! Not a happy thought, she hitched her bag further up her shoulder and carried on. Making decent progress towards Lake Hylia, she would head into Eldin Province from that side of Lanayru, hopefully it would throw anyone following off her scent.

'I'm sorry, Youkai. But you'll thank me for it.' she thought with a sigh as she continued her way across the field, reaching the stone bridge at the entrance to the stunning scene of Lake Hylia.

[youkai]

Youkai stared silently at the letter as he tried to figure out what he should do. He was frustrated and almost hurt by her leaving, feeling totally betrayed by her mistrust. Should he let her go? If it was what she wanted than who was he to intrude on her business. No. It wasn't just her business anymore. This group she spoke up was powerful enough to keep their presence hidden from the throne for centuries and that made them a threat to the throne.

Youkai nodded his thanks to the gentleman and turned to the door. Whistling, he beckoned for Swift to come in. The wolf happily obeyed and quickly made his way to his master. Kneeling down Youkai held out the letter to his companions nose. "She underestimates us boy. Lets show her how great your tracking skills are."

Swift looked at the note curiously and began to smell it. Soon after he began to walk in circles, nose to the ground, around the Inn. Youkai placed the letter in a pocket under his armour and waited for Swift to pick up on her scent. If she had meant to leave the town and in fact left when the innkeeper said she did, she would be far gone, but not so much so that Youkai couldn't track her. He simply needed a direction and that is where Swift's nose came in. If the wolf could track her down by himself then so be it, but if not then Youkai would be able to just as easily as long as he had a direction to go on.

Suddenly Swift looked up and barked at his master. Once he was certain he had his attention he bolted out of the inn and Youkai followed. Swift knew he could keep his maximum speed up since Youkai could easily keep up with the speed of the four legged animal by flying. Once they were out of the town and in the field Youkai took flight and Swift followed the scent in a mad dash. They would find her. It was only a matter of catching up.

[kaythenia]

The Bard stepped onto the sturdy, grey stone bridge and looked out across Lake Hylia. It was a much wider area than she had envisioned it to be, her travels had taken her past here once or twice but never had she seen it up close. Kaythenia glanced back over her shoulder as if someone was going to appear behind her, months of paranoia that had saved her life was not a habit she felt like breaking anytime soon. But for now there was no one in hot pursuit of her trail, perhaps she could afford herself a short time to look around before heading into Eldin.

The nearest village from here would be Kakariko, they hadn't exactly been welcoming when she last visited. The villagers didn't seem to appreciate the company of strangers. Especially the kind that pitched up on the road who weren't going to answer the subtly nosey question that she was asked...There wasn't much choice there, perform in Kakariko and find a bed for the night. Hopefully none of the villagers would remember her if Davik came to query, he pulled the trick that they were lovers more than once and people felt sorry for him...sorry for Davik. Ironic wasn't it? Fate truly had a cruel sense of humour.

Kaythenia wandered down to the main part of the lake, a few small islands were connected by bridges surrounded by the crystal clear water. Zoras supposedly lived upstream but they didn't often come down to this part of the Lake. Shame really, Kaythenia had never had the opportunity to meet a Zora. She had observed from afar but since they rarely left their Domain's and she travelled constantly it just hadn't happened. She walked across the small wooden bridge connecting to one of the smaller islands, the bridge swaying a little beneath her feet but otherwise sturdy enough. The breeze from the Lake ruffling her fiery red hair. She leaned against the ropes and looked down into the water, looking at the girl staring back at her from the fairly calm surface. The Bard sighed and cupped her chin in one hand, looking out over the Lake. What a serene place, such a shame she couldn't stay here too long. It was too wide, too open. It made her an easy target if Davik caught up her and being alone here with him...the thought turned her stomach.

Just a little while longer though, Kaythenia wanted to take the place in while she had the chance to. Who knows when she might have the opportunity to return? Quietly she hummed under her breath as she watched fish dart beneath the water's surface and birds fly over the water, barely skimming it with their wings.

[youkai]

The journey from Hyrule Castle Town to Lake Hylia was not one that could be made in a few hours. It was now close to sunset when Kay's scent had taken Swift's nose to Lake Hylia. The smell was getting stronger but the wolf was tired. It had been almost a full day of running. Youkai noticed the fatigue in his companion's movements from the air. He would reward him with as much meat and treats the wolf wanted.

Thankfully he wouldn't have to run much longer. From the altitude he was flying at he could see a familiar figure in the distance. Out on a small island of the twilight lit lake he finally found the girl he had been tracking. A feeling of relief came over him knowing that Davik hadn't found her yet. Hell he was probably still back in town. He didn't know what he was going to say to her, but he did know he wasn't going to be mad with her, even though he kinda was.

Swift was the first to confront her. The tired wolf stopped at about 10 ft from her and barked, no doubt grabbing her attention. Youkai knew she had yet to meet his companion so he quickened his pace, landing softly next to Swift. "Good boy!" he said to Swift, kneeling down and scratching the spot behind his ear. Standing up he looked at Kay, who no doubt was probably surprised to see him. He took a few steps toward her so that he was a few feet ahead of Swift.

His expression was a serious one, but his eyes betrayed the seriousness. He had been concerned for her all day, though he would not be so bold to admit it. Davik could have found her at any moment. He folded his arms across his chest and after allowing her time to fully realize that he had found her he spoke. "Got that out of your system now?" he asked lightly, his sarcastic tone betraying his serious expression. He was trying to mask his frustration of her betrayal, and concern for her safety.

[kaythenia]

"Got that out of your system now?"

At the bark of what sounded like a dog...no too deep to be a domestic canine, Kaythenia leapt to her feet and spun on her heel to face a Wolf...And Youkai stepping forward a few feet in front of the creature. The Bard covered her eyes with one gloved hand as if the sight had given her a sudden, intense headache and shook her head. Why couldn't he just listen?! When Kaythenia finally uncovered her eyes and lifted her head, her blue eyes were cold in an open glare directed at Youkai. Planting both hands stubbornly on the curve of her hips. The sarcasm in his tone was like a red rag to a bull at this stage, Kaythenia had been known to be somewhat volatile on occasions that her buttons were pushed. Now was apparently one of those times. The young woman stormed over the Knight, despite having to get on tiptoes to be anywhere near his face due to the obvious height difference, she jabbed one finger accusingly at him. There was no trace of the frightened girl that she was in the precense of Davik, right now she was angry at being spoken to like that.

"Don't you take that tone with me! I offered you a way of not getting involved because you're too hard headed to leave well enough alone! Yes, I appreciate getting it off my chest but it's my business still and I deal with my business how I choose to, who are you to dictate where I go? You barely know me!"

Kaythenia snapped at Youkai, getting other people involved meant she became responsible if something happened to them. She couldn't face it again if she had more blood on her hands, indirectly or not, she had left early this morning and left Youkai a note to thank him out of decency. He had treated her well the night before but now his insistence on following her, hunting her down just like Davik did just sparked off her temper. It wasn't appreciated. Fine, if the Knight wasn't going to back down from politeness and a subtle exit then she would have to drive him away. Youkai would probably think that she and Davik deserved eachother...even though just thinking about that sent something cold and heavy dropping into the pit of her stomach. The Bard forced that thought out her head, trying to maintain her current expression. She withdrew her finger from Youkai's face and went to brush past him to get back onto the bridge.

"Better head back to Castle Town, you've got a Princess to be protecting after all. Don't think she'd appreciate you running around after a common Bard."

[youkai]

Youkai was not expecting her reaction. The coldness had hurt him slightly, but there was no doubt that she was trying to. She was trying to push him away and whether Youkai realized that or not didn't really matter. What ever anger he was able to suppress was being pushed over the edge by her coldness. He couldn't hold back any longer. However a small conflict began to erupt in his mind. A part of him understood that this was her business and her's alone if she so chose. At least it seemed that way. But this group of hunters were powerful. They have remained hidden for so long and for centuries had no one chase after until they found Kay's mother according to her. So what were they doing for so long when not hunting?

"Don't be such a fool..." He muttered to her as she brushed by him, not making any effort to turn and face her until she was a couple of steps behind him. "Don't be so short sighted that this only involves you!" His tone was now sharp and anger filled his voice. "Have you thought about what would happen when they were done with you? When they had your powers? Clearly you are no threat to anybody! Even they can see that. So why chase you for so long if they had no other motives?" He chose not to mention anything about him wanting to keep her safe. Now was not the time for comments like those.

Swift had no idea what to make of the situation. All he was told was that he was going to meet a new friend. Someone that he and Youkai had been short of for the last few months. This did not seem like a meeting of friends. They were loud and careless of their surroundings. Wasn't this girl hiding from someone? Swift decided it was a good idea to focus his attention on the surrounding area, making sure they were not caught off guard if someone unwanted decided to join them.

[kaythenia]

"Don't be such a fool...Don't be so short sighted that this only involves you! Have you thought about what would happen when they were done with you? When they had your powers? Clearly you are no threat to anybody! Even they can see that. So why chase you for so long if they had no other motives?"

Kaythenia didn't know what the motives behind her capture were other than what she had been told by Marcus. They saw Evalle's bloodline as a taint upon Hyrule and they intended to wipe it out, the power they recieved from doing so was merely their reward for doing Hyrule a favour by destroying her descendants. She didn't know how sane Marcus was when he finally told her about this, oddly enough she had never sat Davik down for a long talk about why he was hunting her down. Running for her life strangely took priority over that! The Bard turned back to Youkai, standing firm and both hands clenched into tight fists at her side, lifting her chin to hold his gaze firmly. She could tell that the Knight in Youkai had obviously taken over, protecting Hyrule and the Royal Family obviously came first. But if he wanted details on the Order he'd have to find someone else to interrogate because she didn't know anything.

"Oddly enough Davik and I have never had a heart to heart about why His Order is so desperate to wipe out my bloodline and take my powers! Other than their twisted beliefs that Evalle was a tainted traitor and her descendants need to be punished for her supposed crimes I'm somewhat in the dark!" There was a pause where she took a breath, her fingernails digging half moons in her palms through her leather gloves. "I can't be responsible for someone else getting hurt trying to stop them, doesn't matter even if they do take my powers. Your precious Royals won't be at threat for too long if that's your primary concern, they're not Evalle's blood so my powers diminish at the hands of someone else."

That was the truth of it, it was why Marcus saw her to maturity rather than just take what little power she had as a child. He wanted it to last so he bided his time and when it backfired on him, Davik came into the picture. He was different to Marcus, far more calculating and subtly cruel. He claimed her former caretaker to be short sighted and that he would be a far better vessel once he finished playing Cat and Mouse with her. It had been four years and Kaythenia didn't know how much longer that Davik would wait before hunting her down for the last time. Not that she would admit that to Youkai at the moment. The young woman turned her back to him and his wolf, crossing her arms over her chest to hide the fact that her hands were trembling slightly and looking out over the Lake. It didn't feel quite so serene her anymore.

[youkai]

Youkai stood in silence. He wasn't sure what to say. He was beginning to feel that maybe he should just walk. If she didn't want his help then that was her choice to make. But Youkai couldn't just leave her. And even though his anger made the decision seem easy, he couldn't make it. He wanted to help her. They hadn't known each other for long, but she had opened up to him just a little. Youkai considered her a friend and after meeting Davik and learning of his order he couldn't turn his back on her, even if she wanted him too.

He pushed his anger away replacing it with a more emotionlessly numb expression. A soft smile graced his lips and he made his way for the bridge, Swift following closely behind. "You think I'll let these people kill me? Don't underestimate me Kay." he said softly as he passed her. Reaching the bridge he turned back to face her. "I'll hunt down Davik then... I'll kill him, and anyone else they send to avenge him. Call it ignorance, or stubbornness....or both... But I won't turn my back on you no matter how badly you want me too."

He turned away from her again and began to walk away. If she wont let him help her directly then he'll do it in his own way. Davik was now the one being hunted.

(I know emotionlessly isn't a word... but screw it!)

[kaythenia]

"You think I'll let these people kill me? Don't underestimate me Kay. I'll hunt down Davik then... I'll kill him, and anyone else they send to avenge him. Call it ignorance, or stubbornness....or both... But I won't turn my back on you no matter how badly you want me too."

Even though Youkai's voice was soft it made her almost flinch, it wasn't how he said it, it was the language he used. It seemed his mind was made up...For a moment she stood there, no longer really staring out at the Lake, the tranquil scene had been shattered for her but she felt as if her boots had taken root into the ground. Like she would be stuck here like a tree waiting to be cut down. What could she do? She'd tried telling Youkai, she'd tried shouting at him and getting angry, neither of those had worked. Although he seemed confident that the Order would not be able to touch him it didn't stop her fear that just one slip could change everything. Discreetly she pulled the cuff of her right glove forward slightly and looked down at the puckered, white scarring that marred her pale skin, the blue green of her veins peeking through. Permenant reminders. Deciding that she had to try one last time, Kaythenia turned and ran after Youkai, her boots echoing on the wooden bridge. She halted a couple of steps infront of him and spread both arms, it wouldn't stop him if he really wanted to pass by her but the young Bard was going to try at least.

"Fine...I'm not telling or ordering, I'm asking, please.." There was a pause where she had to think about what to say next, being in a profession that was built on words, it was ironic that hers had escaped her. "Please, don't."

Kaythenia forced herself to meet Youkai's gaze, she looked desperate. She never made a habit out of asking anyone to do anything for her but here was, making a request. The cuff of her right glove had not moved back into place and the scarring that ringed her wrist like an intricate, harsh bracelet was semi exposed. Even though Youkai had already seen it, when she had shown him just the previous night in the Inn, it was force of habit that made Kaythenia yanked the leather back into place. Covering the marks.

[youkai]

Youkai had stopped when Kay ran in front of him as well as Swift, who stopped just at the back of his heals. Youkai listened to her plea in silence and noted her exposed wrist, reminding him of the past she had shared with him at the inn just a little over 24 hours ago. It only made him feel more certain of his choice to help her. He was not going to let her endure this group by herself anymore.

He looked deep into her desperate eyes, trying to find a reason why he should change his mind. She was so hell bent on keeping him from helping her that he felt the need to at least consider her request. No matter what he thought of the conclusion was still the same. Just like she would feel responsible if he had got hurt, he would feel responsible if something happened to her knowing now what he knew. He couldn't abandon her. He wouldn't.

Looking down for a moment as he tried to find his words, Youkai's expression changed to match his tone earlier. He looked up at her with warm, and understanding eyes. "You ask me to ignore what you've told me and sit by and do nothing. Just to stand back and watch as this man hunts you and torments you until you die?" He asked her, not expecting an answer back. "All I ask is for you to have more faith in me." His expression changed slightly from soft to a more serious but desperate look similar to the one on Kay's face just a few short moments earlier. His gaze never left hers as he awaited her reply.

(I'm thinking about getting rid of the colored speech... what do you think?)

[kaythenia]

"You ask me to ignore what you've told me and sit by and do nothing. Just to stand back and watch as this man hunts you and torments you until you die? All I ask is for you to have more faith in me."

What was she supposed to say to that? The truth was that Kaythenia had no idea, some Bard she was...She dropped her gaze to the wooden slats of the bridge, you could just see the water moving beneath through the small gaps. How was she supposed to have Faith in someone when she'd never had to put that kind of trust willingly in anyone, when she was young she had childishly put some trust in Marcus because it was either him or the streets. Her Mother a distant memory and now, well. Youkai was the first person she had come across in a long time who asked for that kind of trust from her. It was more than difficult to put that in his hands and not worry about it being crushed. She couldn't hold Youkai's gaze, the desperation in it mirrored her own and made a slight pang go through her. The cold truth of it all was, she didn't know how.

A small drop of water landing on her arm made Kaythenia look skyward, it seemed that the overcast heavens were deciding to open. Fantastic...More drops fell, making the Lake's water ripple and splash. This was going to be a heavy one by the looks of things, much like Kaythenia's experience on her way to Castle Town...and to think she had finally dried out from the last time. Perhaps continuing this somewhere that neither of them were going to become sodden was a better idea. "Come on...we need some cover." The young woman turned tail and sprinted across the remainder of the bridge, concentrating on not slipping on the now wet grass she reached land once again. That would be a rather large blow to her dignity. The nearest place would most likely be beneath the huge stone bridge that lead out of Lake Hylia, it was the only cover she could see anyway as she made her way towards it, taking shelter under it and leaning against the cold stone with a slight shiver.

[youkai]

Before Youkai could say anything about her suggestion, Kay darted off toward the mainland. He sighed and motioned for Swift to follow her. If she had just waited a moment, he could have told her that he could use his Aeromancy to deflect some of the rain. Sure they would have still gotten a little wet, but they could have avoided being drenched while they looked for a place to take cover. At least she seemed to know where she was going.

Youkai chose not to do this for himself and opted to get wet. He enjoyed the rain and a little water didn't bother him. Swift was the first to catch up to Kay, arriving at relatively the same time as her to the bridge. Youkai was close behind them, making his way under the bridge just a few seconds later. He looked down at his soaked armour and sighed. The weight of it now being more noticeable as his clothes underneath were now wet. Not helping was Swift who decided to shake the water off of him right next to his master causing water to go everywhere.

Ignoring that minor inconvenience Youkai noticed that Kay had been shivering. He thought to himself for a moment and then looked up at her. "Here..." He said, taking off his cape and offering it to her in the form of a blanket. Realizing it to was wet he attempted to dry it by combining his holy flair ability to produce a small flame, and his wind manipulation to blow the hot air over the cape. He held out his hand holding the now dry cape to Kay. "Take it before you catch a cold..." He was now finding it hard to keep his stern tone he held earlier.

[kaythenia]

A ghost of a smile appeared at Kaythenia's lips when the wolf shook the water from his coat all over his Master, as if Youkai wasn't already wet enough without his pet adding to it. When he thoughtfully offered her his sodden cloak, then staring at the dripping garment as if wondering how it even got wet in the first place. Well, it was almost laughable and made her feel a little better at least. Odd how such things played out. The Bard watched with interest as Youkai summoned his abilities to dry out the cloak, he obviously had better control over his powers than she did. Kaythenia sometimes wondered if she was in control of her powers or vice versa. She wasn't weak but that strength was often dangerous if left unchecked. It was one of the crimes that had accused Evalle of centuries past. That she had no control over her powers, that if she was left to roam free she would be a continuous danger to the citizens of Hyrule and their safety. Kaythenia drew herself back to reality when Youkai held the now dry cloak out to her.

"Here...Take it before you catch a cold..."

There was a moment of hesitation before she put it around herself, the heavy fabric still warm from the combination of spells to dry it off. Kaythenia being several inches shorter than Youkai and not quite as broad meant she was swathed in fabric. The cloak would have touched the floor had she not thought to hold it carefully off the sodden ground, the young woman felt somewhat ridiculous but warmer so she was prepared to swallow her pride...for now at least. She glanced sideways at Youkai. "Thank you..." She mumbled, looking back out at the rain from their position under the bridge. The weather in this part of Hyrule was quite unpredictable, it couldn't seem to make it's mind up about being one thing or the other. Or that might just be the little voice in the back of her mind scolding herself, Kaythenia couldn't quite tell. There was silence between them for a time before the young woman dared speak again.

"I don't know what to do."

[youkai]

Youkai simply nodded in reply to her gratitude and remained silent. He knelt down to his Wolf and began scratching the back of his ears just as he liked it. In return Swift nuzzled his master's hand lovingly and nipped at Youkai's fingers gently. Youkai smiled at his friend and lifted his head to look out at the rain. He took a deep breath and let out a relaxing sigh as he enjoyed the cool rainy air.

Youkai enjoyed this weather. To him the rain and the cool crisp air it brought with it always felt so fresh and clean. He didn't dislike sunny days, but he much preferred overcast to the hot and humid stickiness that they had brought. In this environment he was able to calm his thoughts. He looked over at Kay as she spoke and gave her a nice reassuring smile.

"I understand that it is hard for you to trust anyone. I know I have been very pushy about helping you." His tone was sincere and it matched his expression. "But if I may be blunt..." He paused for a moment, looking down as if trying to piece his words before looking back up at her. "In the very short time I have know you I have come to consider you a friend. And I don't want to see you get hurt. Whether it is by the hands of these people or anyone else, I want to provide any help I can." Bold words from one who could still be considered a stranger. But he meant it.

Youkai left what friends he had when he left his town to track down his mother. He hadn't made many new ones since arriving in Hyrule Castle Town. However, the short time he had spent with Kay, he had felt that he could call her friend. It was the first time in a long time where he felt like he had companionship who's name didn't begin with Ser or wasn't Swift.

[kaythenia]

"I understand that it is hard for you to trust anyone. I know I have been very pushy about helping you. But if I may be blunt..."

Blunt? That was a word for it she supposed, although Kaythenia's description of it would be more along the lines of stubborn to the point of incorrigable and completely hard headed...after all he had chased her down like a thief at market today. But who was she to judge on such matters anyway? She held her tongue on about her opinion on this and decided to let Youkai finish what he had to say, pulling the bar too large cloak further around her, the tips of the toes of her brown leather boots only just visible from beneath the swathes of excess fabric which probably served to make her look a little ridiculous. The young woman looked sidelong at Youkai, waiting for him to finish his piece before stating her opinion on the matter.

"In the very short time I have know you I have come to consider you a friend. And I don't want to see you get hurt. Whether it is by the hands of these people or anyone else, I want to provide any help I can."

His last statement softened her iron resolve slightly, he had discovered one of the vulnerable places in her proverbial armour where a sword blow might strike. Kaythenia saw the sincerity in his gaze and realised that despite hardly knowing her, he considered her a wanted companion...how strange, he was a Hylian Knight. Surely amongst the ranks and the nobles he was not short of friends and companions? She knew he was disliked by the common folk but that was not uncommon, they disliked most of those with noble blood due to their reputation of looking down at commoners. Kaythenia had even engaged in some of that dislike herself when a Manor Lord came to one of the Taverns she had been playing at. He had been a large man who obviously ate more than his fair share and believed he could speak to her like she should be kissing the ground before him. She had done her best to ignore him until he grabbed her inappropriately, her temper had flared in more ways that one and she had set his expensive silk tunic on fire. That had been an accident even if the scoundrel deserved every inch of burnt skin.

She had fled from that Tavern with the screams of the Lord calling for her to be publicly flogged until he was satisfied. The truth be told he couldn't have caught her if he tried but his guards almost did, that had been one of the times she was forced to defend herself and had left three men with horrible burns so she could make her escape. It was times like that when she would have liked to have a friend by her side, running for your life did a rather impressive job of putting such things into perspective. Having someone running beside her, to help her laugh about it later...Kaythenia sighed and crouched down so that she could be eye to eye with Youkai, offering a gloved hand to Swift for him to sniff before gently rubbing under his chin. It took her a minute to think of the right words.

"I move around so much that having friends just isn't practical...it doesn't mean I haven't wanted them, just putting someone in my situation and expecting them to stand by me. It's just not fair and I wouldn't put someone else through it. No one deserves that." There was a pause, as if it was a struggle to word the situation. "I can't expect someone to protect me, my Mother tried to and look what happened to her."

[youkai]

As Kay brought her hand to Swift he sniffed at it cautiously before yielding to her as she began to softly scratch under his chin. Between his Master's petting and Kay's scratching, the wolf was in heaven. "Your mother wasn't a knight. Though I could only imagine the strength she had. Not only physically but mentally." Youkai gave her a soft smile before turning his gaze to look out at the falling rain. "To be able to raise and protect a daughter for so long knowing that you were being hunted. Knowing what was coming. She must have truly been a great woman."

Youkai was treading carefully. He didn't want to say anything that might upset her. He thought about her mother, or at least what he knew of her, and wondered what it must have been like for her. According to Kay they had lived in one place so she must have been constantly on the look out of danger. Always keeping her daughter in sight, Never wandering to far from home, and constantly looking behind her to see if anyone was there. Such a lifestyle could make someone paranoid. It must have been hard. She stayed in one place so she could raise a daughter but doing so made it easy to be tracked down.

Youkai could feel his fists clench tightly in anger. How could these people hunt based on a woman who was most likely wrongfully accused of witchcraft centuries ago!? Judging from Davik's personality, Youkai easily had his answer. The way he had toyed with Kay, and tried to pretend to be her lover in the public eye. These people were low lifes that had nothing better to do with themselves. Davik had not impressed Youkai at all. The man looked week, though Youkai of all people knew looks could be deceiving. That being said his tracking ability was terrible and easy to predict. The people of Denwind trained their whole lives to improve their tracking. Living with wolves made them one of the best trackers in Hyrule.

From Youkai's current knowledge he figured Davik would be on their trail by now, probably leaving the town just a few hours after Youkai. It wouldn't surprise him if he had shown up within the night. It was almost night fall now, though it was hard to tell exactly what time of day it was while the dark clouds covered the sky. Shaking himself from his train of thought he stood up and walked to the rain's edge. He stared out at the lake as if expecting someone to be out there. "Where one fails, others might succeed." He said in reference to her mother. He looked back at Kay with a soft expression. "You are strong, and you don't need my protection Kay. But I offer you my help... and my friendship."

[kaythenia]

"Your mother wasn't a knight. Though I could only imagine the strength she had. Not only physically but mentally. To be able to raise and protect a daughter for so long knowing that you were being hunted. Knowing what was coming. She must have truly been a great woman."

Kaythenia fought to remember a clear image of her Mother, it had all been so long ago now that all her memories of her were a little faded. The feelings were the only thing that were clear now and the sound of her voice. Eayeth had a rich, musical voice that had been full of laughter despite knowing that the amount of sand she had left in the hourglass was limited. Maybe that was why she acted like she did, making the most of life while it was still within her grasp. She has chosen not to run because she wanted to give her daughter some semblence of an ordinary, happy childhood. Perhaps that was what made her Mother brave rather than a fool...the few clear memories she had of her Mother, she was always been smiling and laughing despite the mistrust from nearby villages, despite knowing that she was being hunted. It never seemed to drag her down, Kaythenia wished she could be more like that. She tucked a lock of fiery hair behind one ear and continued to gently scratch under Swift's chin as if she needed something to do with her hands.

"She was...what I remember anyway. I never knew we were being hunted because she never let on, I don't remember her ever being afraid. I just remember her laughter."

It was better to remember that then the last time that laughter was replaced by a scream that made the hairs on the back of her neck rise and her blood run cold inside her veins. The Order had been responsible for that. Taking an innocent life and many before her Mother, centuries of it. All struck down for no reason other than carrying Evalle's blood in their veins. Kaythenia never knew if the accusations against her ancestor were true or not, she would never really know. Even if she had been a traitor to Hyrule, the ceaseless slaughter that the Order led to wipe out every trace of her was wrong. Every one of her forebears were dead and for what? No other reasons than mindless revenge for acts that were supposedly committed centuries before the Order's current members were even alive! Youkai's next words brought Kaythenia out of her thoughts and she looked back to him, The Knight stood with his back to her, staring out at the rain falling across Lake Hylia.

"Where one fails, others might succeed. You are strong, and you don't need my protection Kay. But I offer you my help... and my friendship."

The young Bard dropped her gaze at Youkai's words, not really sure how to respond to them. When Davik was around she didn't feel strong, he might not faze Youkai but for the Knight it was different. Kaythenia still swore she could taste his lips and the bitter, metallic taste of his blood whenever she thought about it. It hadn't been because he was attracted to her, it was a demonstration of power, that he could do whatever he saw fit. No more, Davik didn't have the right to make her feel like that. No one did. She ceased scatching Swift's chin and gave him one last rub behind the ears before heading over to where Youkai stood, unsure about how to voice her opinion on his offer. There were a few moments of silence, the only sounds being the rain splattering onto the Lake and a distant rumble of thunder..."It's a difficult offer for me to accept. I don't really know how to accept help from others, but I'm willing to try."

[youkai]

Youkai's opinion of the quality of person Kay's mother must have been was only reinforced by her words. She had never told her that they were being hunted. She took great risks to ensure her daughter lived a normal life and Youkai admired that. As Swift enjoyed the final rub behind the ears he lay his head down, resting after running for so long. He was certainly a tired wolf. Though he did keep his ears up. He knew the situation and knew that at any moment a threat could appear, and he would be the first to notice. His master's first line of defense.

Listening to her response Youkai nodded. He understood how hard it was for her to accept help. Even if he didn't understand before, he most certainly did now. "I'm glad you will." He let out small chuckle. "The one thing Davik and I have in common is that we are both stubborn and persistent. I would have helped in some way regardless." He gave off a smirk as he tried to lighten the mood a bit. Things had been to serious for too long.

With that, he unsheathed his sword and rested it up against the stone of the bridge. The weight of his weapon had begun to take its effect, his armor was also starting to feel heavier than normal. He had been wearing it all day. It was starting to wish he had wore his more casual armor which was made up of mostly leather which he wore more often in recent weeks. He was starting to only put on his Hylian Knight armor as a formality to the public eye. He much preferred the maneuverability that his leather outfit offered. It was a lot lighter and didn't take so much out of him at the end of the day like it was doing now.

If he felt this tired he could only imagine how Kay felt. She had come all this way on foot. He at least flew."Why don't you get some rest. You've been traveling all day and this storm isn't going to die down any time soon." He sat down next to his sword and leaned on the same stone support it was on.

(I want to apologize for this post. Something about it makes me feel like it sucks.... Probably my grammar...)