Toney
*Björn felt her sigh, and her scales warm up. He also felt that this was different. This wasn't a hug per se, this was an embrace between two people. In this fleeting moment, it was impossible not to recognise her shape and form. She was short, yes but she was also very lithe. His arms were wrapped around the natural curves of her body as be himself let out a quiet sigh that he didn't know he was holding.

His face felt warm, hot even. Why was that? His face wasn't near the water by any means. His eyes fell on her once more. His face felt hotter, just as her scales became that shade of red again, prompting him to immediately look at the ceiling. Was he holding her too tight? Did she not approve of this motion? His thoughts ran wild but for some reason it didn't make much headway in his mind. He somehow knew she wanted this, his arms around her. It wasn't a facade... He felt his lips and face muscles ache as they began to curve upwards instinctively... Why are they doing that?! He felt a small expression, a new one come into okay. Björn, his head nestled besides her's, was smiling... He just didn't know it.

He closed his eyes once more as he heard her soft chuckle and her words of appreciation. He squeezed her a slight bit. It would have been completely unnoticed if not for the fact he held her loosely until he brought to against his skin more his beard brushed against her neck. He felt her pull away, and he let go. Why did you let go?! The thought was silenced when she looked up at him with a smile. His eyes met her's and remained locked in her gaze. It was harder to do than before.*

"Yes. I am clean too. Do..." *He lost his words for a second, looking away to clear his throat, he was shocked at himself, why wasn't he speaking?!* "Do you need help getting to the pool?" *He remembered her injured leg, the source of all her troubles. She never would have got it if she didn't rescue him. Therefore it was within his duty to assist her, if she wanted.

He felt amazing... L

Iberated by that hug... As if in his mind one of the many shackles chaining him to the arena was softly caressed and disappeared into dust. He agreed, she was just fine.*

||
Gary
His beard tickled her scales where he brushed her neck. She liked the feeling. And she liked his warmth against her. As she pulled away and he met her gaze, she noticed his smile. It was a stranger on his face and a welcomed one at that. Ves quickly decided that she liked his smile. Yes, she liked it a lot. It suited him, especially when it was aimed at her.

"Yes, please. If you don't mind, I mean," She replied. His hesitation did not go unnoticed. She had the feeling she had caught him off guard and now he wasn't sure how to behave. She would be lying if she claimed not to feel the same way. She had never been so close to someone before. It had been more than a hug. It was truly an embrace. They were both naked in that moment, physically and emotionally. It was a moment that Ves would never forget.

Ves curled up in his arms as Björn gently lifted her out of the tub. He was so much stronger than she was. She probably weighed nothing to him, feather-light in his arms. She had never felt so safe and protected. When Björn was with her, nothing could harm her. He was her protector and her friend. Was this what happiness felt like? It was foreign to her. She had felt joy before, whenever she was helping someone in need. But this feeling was new and different. Ves wondered what it could mean.

The water of the pool was pleasantly hot and lightly scented. It bubbled up from an underground spring and was crystal clear. In the middle it was quite deep, definitely deeper than Ves was tall, and the sides had outcroppings where one could sit. It was lined with smooth tiles and it was probably a good thing Ves didn't try and step into it with her injured leg. She likely would have slipped and fallen. Hopefully Björn's footing would be more secure. Otherwise they'd both be going for a bit of a swim! 

||
Toney
*He listened to her request to be carried. Inside him he felt a flutter. He had always offered but now she had too. Did she like to be assisted? It was of no issue to him... Ves was genuinely like lifting nothing even with his starved body and many scars and bruises. He had totally forgot he was naked when he hugged her... Why did his face feel like he was burning...? He also would never forget this moment, he felt it would be one he would revisit. If he could tear a picture from his mind, it'd be here. This moment. With her. Was this what having a friend was?*

*Björn got himself out of the tub first and held his arms to her as she came to him. He carried her in both arms, resting her against him as he walked. He would be lying if he didn't make the walk to the center of the room linger longer than needed. She noticed her expression of calm. Perhaps the bath really did help her. Perhaps he helped too... He looked at the pool of water, he was intruiged by it as he got closer, his large feet slapping against the floor as he walked.

He looked down at her, training his eye on her face as best he could, given her curled up form... She looked so fragile... He never noticed how her scales looked in the light before. What was he doing?! He's meant to carry her, help her, not oggle at her like some animal! He was so confused and dazed by his brain that he lost his footing on the unfamiliar submerged surfaces that clearly were not sized for his feet. He pulled her tight to his chest as he fell into the water, landing on his rear. His face was a corntorted picture of shock and pain. He winced as he stood up, taking a hand to rub his sore behind. He had managed to keep her pretty close to him so she didn't fall. He would never have forgiven himself if she did.

Björn found a nice, ample ledge to sit her down on and he did, trying to place her down in a safe enough position, his hand on her back and legs to keep her injured one secure. He let go of her and looked at Ves in the eyes

Once more. He needed to sit himself or this would be an awkward bath. He found himself lowering into the pool beside her, at a lower point so he had his body submerged from below his chest. He placed his arms spread out either side of him, resting on the slabs. He looked at her, now at her own height comparatively.* "Is this better?"

||
Gary
If Ves noticed that Björn was taking his time, she did not comment on it. Perhaps she was simply enjoying the sensation of being carried by someone she trusted. By someone she liked. Because it was true: she genuinely liked the Goliath. She found him charming and good company, even if he was socially awkward. And there was something about his tender touch that made her feel warm...

Now where had that thought come from? It wasn't exactly intrusive, because it wasn't undesired. It was just unexpected. She could feel his eyes on her and looked up to meet his gaze. Her golden red eyes searched his and she looked like she might say something, when suddenly he slipped! She blinked in surprise as they went down, feeling him press her tightly to his chest. He was her protector, her friend, and she was immediately concerned by his expression of pain.

"Are you alright?" She asked, alarmed as he gently set her down. She felt suddenly lost without his arms around her. Her tail swayed behind her in the water as she met his gaze. The way he had situated himself so that they were eye-to-eye was startling in a way. She was accustomed to always looking *Up* At people. It was a rather nice change of pace.

And so was the pool. The fresh spring water felt good on her scales and the natural heat was a good excuse for the warmth she was still feeling. She nodded at his question. "It is better. But are you sure you're alright?" Fussing over him was natural to Ves, though she probably didn't need to worry. He had faced greater threats in the pits and won. A little tumble surely wouldn't cause him too much distress.

||
Toney
*Björn cursed the slippy floorings that robbed him on whatever she was going to say. Why was he so hung up on what she was potentially going to say?! Was he that dependent on her soft... Quiet... Rambling voice? What?! He mentally slapped himself. Shut it Björn, you're losing your senses. A day and a half away from the pit has already softened him... Or so he thought. He noticed her expression of pain, the way she watched him place her down, the way she looked slightly downcast as he did so. Did he do something wrong?*

"I am fine. Do not fret." *He paused and looked down at himself as he closed his eyes. It looked like he was taking a breath until the quietest noise was heard by her sensitive ears.* "Heheheh..." *He chuckled. He was fucking laughing in spite of his busted hind. Why?!* "I am sore but, I am glad you weren't hurt further." 

*He turned to look at her again, he watched her tail swish in the water.* "You definitely seem better, the warmth suits you." *Ironic as it was him saying that however, his pale stone face was a bit warmer as well. You wouldn't notice at a passing glance but here, after Ves had seen his face alone for their time together, it was an obvious warmth. A rare moment of emotion.*

*It was true that he didn't feel much pain, only discomfort. He adjusted his seated position to keep himself comfortable and not putting too much pressure on it, which ended up moving him closer to her. He looked out at the water for a moment and took a huge, heavy breath. On his side profile, one could see how deep the scars on his eye was, and how they trailed along to his neck and shoulder where the scars of a great beast's bite were ever present. The teeth were jagged and impossibly sharp, one could tell from just looking! Eventually he turned to her again, realising his distance from her.*

"I have this feeling. I do not know it, but you have brought comfort." *He placed a hand on her head again.* "Do not worry over me. Let me worry over you. Such is my prom

Ise." *He slowly took his hand away to rest on the seated area, swishing around in the water like a large, stone coloured fish.*

||
Gary
Her long ears twitched at the sound of his laughter and she felt her heart skip a beat. Why? Why did hearing him laugh make her feel so happy? She smiled in response, though her eyes still flickered with worry. She had the feeling he was more bruised than he was letting on. The way he adjusted himself revealed as much. Ves' eyes caught just about everything, especially now that she was paying more attention. 

And *Why* Was she paying more attention? She was always aware of her surroundings, but this was different. She was keenly in tune with Björn's movements. Without realizing it, she was even matching his breathing. "I like the warmth," She agreed. "The water is especially enjoyable. I haven't had a good bath in quite some time. It's nice to smell good again!" She laughed softly.

She watched as he glanced aside, taking the moment to study his profile. His features were strong and rough, yet she knew there was a gentleness there as well. Without really thinking, Ves reached out to him. She gently touched his face, her fingertips brushing along the scar of his blinded eye. Then they drifted lower, to his beard, and she stroked his cheek softly. "What... What happened? To your eye?" She asked softly. 

Her hand lingered on his cheek and she felt her heart pounding in her ears. What was she doing?! This was definitely crossing the line! He surely didn't want her touching him like that! She jerked her hand back like she had been physically slapped, her ears lowering. "S-Sorry! I didn't mean to... I mean, I don't mean to... Intrude. I don't know what's gotten into me today," She babbled, blushing fiercely.

Clearing her throat, she tried to move past her own awkwardness. The hand on her head only made her squirm, though it was the good kind of squirming. "I'm glad I've brought you comfort, Björn. You've brought me... Comfort as well. But I will always worry about you. I... I care about you..." She mumbled, her scales across her nose turning red. "We're... Friends. Right?"
Toney
*Björn nodded as she confirmed her enjoyment of the warmth. He took a deep breath once more, this time he did it facing her, smelling her aroma. He didn't know what it was, but he liked it. It smelt great, calming, he wanted more of it. He noticed the rise and fall of her - eyes up Björn!! He stopped himself before he could think further. He was paying attention to her, not like the attention he would give his prey - no. That was a primal instinct, fight or flight, do or die. This attention was him learning. He watched her mannerisms in detail before turning his head away. That's when he felt it.

Something brushed his eye! He tried to ignore it but it went down through his beard and into his cheek, it was Ves! Why was she touching him! Why was the hair on his neck standing up?! He felt a flash of fear - anxiety. In his mind's eye he saw the Shapeshifter, he saw Solaire's corpse... He flinched. His head snapped to her as she pulled away, for a second his face was obscured, fear and anger flushed him for but a moment, before he saw her face... Her golden red eyes... Her babbling voice. His features softened as he moved to sit next to her... And grabbed her hand.

He moved his hand down onto her wrist, holding it with a loose grip.* "No. It is okay." *He took her hand and placed it over his scarred eye, allowing her to feel the groves of his skin - it looked like someone had took a pickaxe to a vein of ore, the way his skin cracked and jagged across. He let her hand go as. He closed his eye, allowing her to feel what she wished.*

"I... Knew someone once. Her name was Solaire. She was everything. The only innocent soul I had met. He laugh infectious. Her eyes a brilliant blue. Her long ears... She bore my child. We didn't mean for it to happen. But we had to escape. My instincts did not want her birthing a child into that wretched place. We tried... And failed." *His voice became soft, quiet. Mournful.* "She couldn't handle the punishment. She died... Dropped into that mass g

Rave we went into... Her face haunts me.

My punishment was the pit's reigning champion... Hus name was Ursa Majora. A Shapeshifter - a Bear - a monster... If I killed him, my punishment was waived. He did this to me." *He took her hand once more to feel the teeth marks in his shoulder.* "...And this too." *He showed the top of his arm, a jagged spiral tattoo.* "Solaire did this to me. A mark of our... Bond. My people do not tattoo. We believe it changes our fate. Perhaps that is why she died." *A single tear rolled down his face as she explored the scars.*

"After I killed him, I was starved, lashed, beaten, mutilated for daring to escape and daring to breed the... The Master's favourite. That is how I became Born of Ursa. Solaire called me Björn... So it stuck..." *He looked at her, his brilliant golden eye and his milky white locking with her's.*

"You remind me of her. Your smile lights up. You're small too. I do not know what a friend is... Ves... But I know this much. I care about you. I want you safe. You... Are all I have left."

||
Gary
Ves flinched, preparing herself for the strike that would surely come. She had crossed a line, she knew this. She deserved to be hit for doing so. She had invaded his privacy, had pushed too far, too quickly. It was understandable and she wouldn't be upset over the reaction.

Instead the gentle giant reached for her hand and placed it upon the scar over his eye. Ves hesitated, uncertain, before she carefully began to trace the jagged line. Her ears twitched as she listened to Björn begin to speak. She became very still and very silent as her friend told his heartbreaking tale.

It was one of love and loss and the harsh realities of slavery. Ves felt her heart breaking for him as he moved her hand to his shoulder. Instinctively she reached out to gently catch the tear that fell from his eye. Her hand lingered on his cheek as she gazed up at him. Tears pricked at her own amber eyes. She wished she could somehow take away his pain. She wished she could turn back time and save them both. She wished there could have been a happy ending. 

Words were useless. She knew this. Nothing that was said could make it right. She couldn't even begin to understand his loss. She had never experienced such a thing before. What was it like, she wondered? To have someone that you loved be lost like that? She had never loved anyone in her life. And so she had never lost them either. Perhaps she was lucky in that regard. 

Ves moved towards him, at a total loss for words, and simply hugged him once again. This time she wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him to her. She wasn't clinging to him, but pulling him into her embrace. Even as small as she was she found a way. And as she held him, she closed her eyes and took a shaky breath.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that," She said genuinely, her voice cracking. "I... I wish there was something I could do to soothe your heart, Björn. If there's anything I can do, name it." She desperately wanted to help, though she knew it was hopeless. What was done, was done. There was no way to change the past. 

||
Toney
*He saw the tears form in her eyes as she caught his own tear he didn't know he cried. As she placed her hand against his cheek, he leaned into it. His cheeks were flush warm. A stark comparison to his usual cold self. He liked the feeling of her touch, he felt like a spice addict, getting a rush from her hands, her gaze, her everything.*

*He thought of Solaire. He saw traits of her in Ves. Her eyes were full of intelligence and wonder. Her smile was small and sweet, her hands were soft as her voice. He could tell she had never felt what he experienced and he was thankful. It broke his heart into shattered fragments, turning to stone.*

*He was suprised to be pulled by the neck into the embrace. Her tenacity knew no bounds. He felt that rush, his heart bounced off the confines of its bony cage and he brought himself to her. Björn lifted her slightly and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her as close and as tight as possible without restricting her breath. He tucked himself into her warm embrace as he felt their breathing sync together.

They moved together in this moment, it was serene. It was needed. It was thrilling and terrifying. Adrenaline rushed and his smile slowly returned, cracking his lips upward. He thought of Ves.*

*He soothed her with his touch as she began to crack in her voice. She felt he pain for him... He felt it too.* "Hush now. Hush. All I ever ask of you... Ves..." *Something about the way he spoke her name changed. It felt addicting.* "...Is that you, please don't leave me. I know I cannot ask that. But I like you. I like your presence. Your words. Your gaze. You are fragile, delicate, small. It's nice. So if you would be so kind... Don't leave me alone." *He rested his head against her, his beard tickling her once more.*

||
Gary
Ves held him close, closing her eyes. She imagined she could hear his heart beating in his chest. Or was that her own thudding heartbeat in her ears? She wasn't certain and it didn't seem to matter. All that mattered in that moment was Björn. She ached to remove the pain he felt. If only she could. If only it were possible.

She heard the change when he spoke her name and wondered over it. What did it mean? Did it mean anything at all? She wanted to believe it meant everything, but perhaps it was just wishful thinking. *Wishful?* About what exactly? What did she wish? Even Ves didn't know. Or did she? In her heart-of-hearts, did she know what she wanted?

"I won't leave you," She promised and meant it. She had no desire to abandon him. She had known him for a day or less and already she felt closer to him than anyone else in her life. He meant the world to her. Ves didn't know how to put her feelings into proper words. She wished she was more eloquent. 

"I like you too, Björn," She whispered against him. His beard felt delightfully scratchy and he smelled faintly of soap. It was a pleasant sensation, the scent and feel of him. "I won't leave you, but you don't leave me either, alright? I... I don't know if I could stand it. Being alone after meeting you. I think my heart would..." She trailed off, hesitating. 

||
Toney
"...Break?" *He replied, finishing her sentence with what it sounded like she would say. Why did he say that?! Of all the terms it could be it wouldn't be that!! He wanted to slam his head into the tiles to forget this encounter. Wait... Why would he want to forget. Why forget her? Why forget this, why forget 'us'? Was he embarrassed? He didn't know!! He just listened to her breathing and her whispered words as she spoke. It sent a shiver down his lashed spine and her soapy smell was like a drug.*

"I made a promise to my God. I will not leave your side till my debt to you is payed. However, I think I would stay long after that debt is relayed. I will stay by your side, keep you safe."

*He rubbed her back while they held each other. He leaned back a bit to look at her properly, her facial features and her eyes. He just observed her. Not a single scale was out of place. He watched her tail swish like it had a mind of his own. He then allowed her to pull him back in, if she so wished.*

"I do not want to spend another night in the dark. Alone. It is the most terrifying thing..." *He didn't feel fear when her body was against his. He felt comfort in her touch. In the way her small hands wrapped around the back of his neck or the way she looked at him. What was this feeling...?!*

||
Gary
"Break," She agreed with a slight nod of her head. He knew what she was going to say. How? How had he known? Did he perhaps feel the same way? And what way was that? How *Did* She feel? Exactly like he said: like her heart would break if he left her. Ves was beginning to understand her feelings, but she was hesitant to admit them. Especially after his recounting of Solaire and what had happened to her. And besides. It couldn't be what she thought it was. It was far too soon for that... Right?

But when he gently rubbed her back, it sent a delightful shiver down Ves' spine. She became keenly aware in that moment of their close proximity to each other. His body was pressed close to hers and she could feel the warmth radiating off of him. It made her want to draw even closer to him, if such a thing were even possible. 

He pulled back and seemed to study her for a moment. What did he see? A tiny helpless cowardly Kobold? Or something else? She searched his eyes for answers but found none. She gently touched his face again, cupping his cheek in her small palm. She wanted to... To... Do *Something.* Yet again she was at a loss as to what that *Something* Was.

"You don't have to be alone in the dark. I'm here now. I'll be with you. We'll be brave together, remember?" She smiled at him then and leaned her head forward so that their foreheads were pressed together. What a strange pair they made, Kobold and Goliath, intimately entwined in each other's arms. She breathed in his scent deeply, becoming lost in it. She felt like she could remain like this forever. 

||
Toney
*Björn was at a loss for words. He didn't have the capacity to explain this. He wished he could. He wished he could say what the hell this was he wanted to know badly. Yet... He was scared. He was terrified of the notion. Anyone who got close to him was dead. He was cursed. Would be kill Ves too?*

*He smiled a bit at her words.* "Brave together... Yeah." *She leaned her forehead against his... He felt shock, panic, anxiety, acceptance... Affection? No! He can't feel that! And yet, as he watched her breathing him in, pushing herself closer and closer to him... Her arms wrapped around his neck... It was overwhelming. His heart was beating like a war drum.*

*He wanted to do something too... But he didn't know if he should. He panicked and was about to pull away when he felt her writhe under his protective arms... What was he doing. Why was he doing this?!*

*He was moving closer to her. Slowly. He moved his face so they were looking at one another head on. His eyes locked with hers... What was he doing? Slap him already! Push him away! Call an excuse or something Ves! It felt wrong... But it felt perfect too.*

"Be brave, be strong..."

||
Gary
She *Could* Hear his heart thundering in his chest. As close as they were, her sensitive ears could make out the sound of his heartbeat. His breathing was a little irregular as well. What was going on inside his head? Was he going to pull away or draw closer? Ves was uncertain. It seemed that so was he. 

She tightened her grip on him just a little, trying to prevent him from moving away. It seemed to work, or at least he started moving closer instead. Ves' breath caught at his words and she found herself repeating them.

"Be brave, be strong," She echoed and, swallowing her fear, took a chance. She leaned the rest of the way forward and lightly kissed him on the lips. It was what she had wanted to do. She realized this now that it had been done, but wondered suddenly if she had made a mistake. What if he didn't want this? What was she doing? After what he had just told her, was she moving too fast?!

All the scales of her face turned red as she pulled back. "I... I...I'm sorry! I didn't mean... I mean, I *Did* Mean to, but I didn't mean to. Oh, gods, what am I trying to say?" She moaned softly to herself. It had been her first kiss and now she was stumbling over herself to apologize for it. 

Shyly she looked up at him, afraid that she had made a terrible mistake. Would he be angry? Would he forgive her? Worried tears pricked at her eyes again. Gods, when had she become such a crybaby? Her feelings for Björn had her tied in knots. 

||
Toney
*He didn't realise how tight her grip was on him until it was too late. Why did she echo his words? Björn soon found out why. She must have used them as a mantra to propel her into kissing him!! Björn's lips were dry and stiff, yet had a softness to them. He held her in that tender moment, kissing him as his heart began to pound louder and louder and faster and faster.*

*Björn was at a loss for words! His eyes had widened to the point his brows were halfway up his face, his hands shook as his heart felt like it would burst. He was terrified, if he could have, he'd have screamed! Yet... Her lips felt soft on his - a stark contrast of his own. In that moment he slowly closed his eyes, leaning into the kiss for a moment. He was about to — she pulled away from him. He fell through the momentum and his head fell to the collarbone for a moment, shooting back up.*

*His hearing was filled with a ringing as she babbled and panicked over her words. He saw flashes of Solaire in his mind. Her corpse, waiting with the maggots at the bottom of the corpse pit. Her neck was snapped and her body was mutilated beyond repair. Grey skin just like his own, but he's was mushy and broken. His mind flashed between these thoughts as well as Ves' kiss. He head Solaire speaking something in his ear, overlapped with Ves. He panicked and shut his eyes hard. 

His face was a mixture of fear and excitement. His body couldn't contain itself.
He immediately spun himself to face away from her, composing himself. Deep, boundless breaths filled his lungs with a crackle as he tried to calm himself down. He stared at his fists and began to slowly move his fingers - fists to flowers he thought. Remove the anger and fear.*

*Eventually, he turned back around and looked at her. His eye was bloodshot from something - be it tears or anxiety or rubbing it. He gave her a weak smile.* "I forgive you. You are braver than I." *He debated for a moment and decided... He pulled her close and planted a kiss on her l

Ips this time. He didn't want her to feel that her affection was unnoticed. Fear wracked his body. He didn't know if he could go through with this. But he had to. For her. He couldn't hedge his bets on a corpse... Even if she held his heart.*

*Björn held the kiss for a moment longer before pulling away, looking at her with an anxious expression.*
"...Ves?"

||
Gary
The embrace was broken at last as Björn turned away from her. There were countless emotions playing across his features in that moment. She couldn't isolate just one before he turned his back to her. She could hear his ragged breathing. He was angry, she thought. Furious at her for her behavior.

And Ves was horrified by her own actions. What had she done? Why had she done it? This was going all wrong. She hadn't been thinking. She had just acted. It was so unlike her! She usually thought everything through carefully. She did not normally act on impulse. What was it about Björn that made her forget herself like that? No, she couldn't place the blame on him. This was her fault. And now she would have to deal with the consequences.

When he finally looked back at her he would see a sorry sight. Her long ears drooped sadly and her tail seemed heavy and lifeless. She was trembling a little and her eyes were wide and sorrowful. His own eye was bloodshot and there was a tension in his body that made her worry. 

So much for everything. There was no way Björn would want to stay with her now. She had surely destroyed the bond they shared in one fell swoop. She opened her mouth to apologize once again, but before she could he was saying he forgave her. And that she was brave. 

She began to shake her head, unwilling to let herself off the hook so easily when he closed the distance between them once again. Then he was leaning down and his lips found hers and Ves felt as though her heart would leap straight out of her chest. Her entire face and neck burned bright red and she was left breathless as he finally pulled away. It was certainly a moment Ves would remember for the rest of her life. Her first kiss was, without a doubt, a memorable one.

Ves' mouth was hanging open and she quickly closed it. She studied his expression, seeing the anxiety there, and reached out to take his hand. She gave it a gentle squeeze. "I... I don't... Know what to say," She admitted. The warm water of the pool was up to her chest now and she bobbed a little as she stood there before him. "I've never... That was my first kiss... I'm sorry if I bungled it all up."

Should she change the subject? Pretend it never happened? Or savor the moment a bit longer? Had Björn kissed her back out of some kind of feeling of pity? Had he enjoyed it? Had he even wanted it? There were so many questions she wanted to ask, but all she could do was gaze up at him with confusion in her eyes. 

||
Toney
*Björn let her take his hand. The first words he said were simple:* "You're nearly sinking." *He let out a low chuckle once more. The 2nd time he had ever made such a noise. He pushed her a head a bit, watching her bob up and down in the water. He snorted a bit.* "I don't think you... Bung... Led it up."

*He tried to figure her words out.* "You were brave, you were strong. I was not prepared." *He looked at her, he saw her in a different light, looking at her made the grey in his cheeks become a softer, darker colour. Was that a blush?!* "I didn't do it of pity. I know your worry." *His mind flew back to Solaire when she kissed him and he felt the very same way Ves did.*

*He paused, watching her, scanning her with his eye. Her scales were red, bright red. She was embarrassed... Wss that good?* "You look like you wish to say something. Do not hold your tongue on my account." *His gaze wandered around. He was thankful no one came in to see this. Very thankful. However, they were pushing their luck by lingering.* "We should move on soon. We need clothes and protection. Then we need to go... Together." *He squeezed her hand.* "I will carry you again, don't worry."

||
Gary
He laughed, but it wasn't a cruel laugh. He wasn't laughing at her like the Dwarves had done. He was simply enjoying the moment. It made Ves smile and giggle a little as well. It *Was* Amusing. The water was almost too deep for her where she stood and she was buoyant. 

She gazed up at him, filled with hope and dread in equal parts. She saw his cheeks darken and when he claimed he hadn't kissed her out of pity, she believed him. He was too honest to lie about such a thing. "I just... I have too many thoughts to put into words right now," She explained, yet she continued. "I just don't want to do anything you're not comfortable with. I feel bad for pushing you. Especially after what you told me. I feel it wasn't exactly good timing."

Ves followed his gaze and had the same thought. They should likely move on before they were interrupted. It was surprising the Dwarves hadn't told the proprietor about her presence. Or perhaps they had and the man simply did not care. Either way, it was time to get a move on. They still needed to visit the market and gather supplies. 

She smiled at the idea of being carried by him. There was safety and comfort in his arms. Nodding her head, she began to move towards the shallow end of the pool. "Let's go to the market. I can't wait to get some clean clothes." Wearing their dirty outfits after taking a nice bath was going to be miserable, but brief. She would manage.

But first... "Will you carry me over to my satchel? I need to apply fresh bandages to my wound before I get dressed." She sensed he would comply, and so she waited for him to scoop her up into his protective embrace. She inhaled slowly as they were drawn close once again, half-closing her eyes. The events of the day had certainly taken a turn for the better. 

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Toney
*He nodded to her, understanding her feelings completely. He did not know how to phrase how he felt. Maybe it was best to just let it happen in it's own time...?* "I feel the same. Too much feeling to think or speak. It wasn't good timing... But maybe we let timing take its course?"

*He looked at her before feeling dread. He had a seriously bad feeling that they were going to be encroached upon. What if the Dwarves were rats?* "You must help me get suitable clothes." *He looked at her, hiding his worry.

He listened to her and saw her sweetly waiting for him.* "Of course." *He was more comfortable with the concept of her body against him. He lifted her into his arms, holding her at eye level as she carried her out of the bath and to her satchel and clothes.* "Do you want me to dress it? Or shall I get decent?" *He crouched down to her level.*

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Gary
Ves resisted the urge to curl up in his strong arms, and her entire body was completely relaxed. Despite her physical state, her mental being was troubled. Yes. It had been bad timing. But the feelings were there. She couldn't deny that. And she thought he felt the same, though without knowing his mind, how could she know for sure?

As he set her down and knelt before her, she smiled. "I think I can manage," She replied. She wasn't *Entirely* Helpless, after all. She could treat her own wounds. The Kobold had done so many times before. She had always dealt with injuries by herself. There had never been anyone but herself in her life.

While he got dressed, Ves began to treat her wound. She removed the old, wet bandage and studied the injury for a moment. It didn't appear to be getting infected, though it was quite deep and the flesh really needed to be mended together. Reaching into her satchel and pulling out her salve, she gave the wound a chance to dry. Then she smeared the ointment onto the wound and began to rewrap it tightly. Hopefully with enough pressure the edges of the injury would connect and heal well.

Once finished she rose and began to get dressed. Her old leather armor went directly against her scales, which wasn't ideal nor very comfortable, but necessary. She started to put on her cloak, but hesitated. Was there a reason to hide with Björn at her side, protecting her. *Yes,* She thought stubbornly to herself. There was no point in courting trouble. She slipped on her cloak with its cowl and stood.

"I'm ready if you are, Björn," She said as she gazed up, up, and up at him. Had he always been so tall? It was... Attractive. Ves' s scales flushed at the thought. Did that make the Kobold odd?

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Toney
*Björn nodded his head at her as she wanted to bind her wounds. He rose to his feet before her and walked away to one side, to grab his lack of clothing. It took him. But a moment to get dressed. In his spare time he came to the door... His blood ran cold as he heard Orcs, asking about him...*

*Björn immediately walked over to her as she pondered his attractive height. His body, now clean seemed different too. As if he was altered.*

*He bobbed down before her and looked her in the eyes.* "We need to leave now Ves. A back door. Orcs are asking about me... Those damn Dwarves...!" *He growled and snarled in frustration.* "We can slip out, grab some clothing and get out of here before they catch me. However it may need to be just you roaming the open streets." *He grabbed her crutch and scooped her up into his arms.* "Find us an exit Ves."

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Gary
She was immediately alarmed by the realization that they were looking for Björn. *Of course,* She thought to herself. Of course the Dwarves had complained. After being humiliated, of course they would retaliate somehow. Ves nodded abruptly, all thoughts of his physique gone from her mind. Well, except the consideration of his size and the likelihood of escape.

"This way," She said, thinking on her feet. She shouldered her satchel and braced herself for the ride. "There! There's a grate where we can hide!" She whispered as she pointed. "They won't think about looking directly under their feet. Quickly! Once they're gone we can escape," And take care of a certain proprietor if need be. 

She quickly ducked down into the tunnel beneath the grate and scooted aside to let him down as well. It was a tight fit, but manageable with a little wiggling. The top of the grate was barely closed when the door opened and a trio of Orcs stomped inside. Ves sucked in a breath of air and held very still. She hoped Björn would do the same.

The Orcs grunted as they spread out. They each went to investigate the sides of the room, checking each and every tub. One even prodded a suspicious looking shadow with his spear to no avail. After what felt like forever, the trio marched back out again. A second later and the proprietor stuck his head inside to also look around. There were some confused voices, then the noises faded at last.

Ves exhaled. "We're alright for now, but we need to sneak out quickly and quietly. Do you... Can you...?" She asked him worriedly. Should she distract them and allow him time to escape? No, she'd be caught almost immediately due to her injured leg. No. Björn could do this. They hadn't gotten this far to be caught now!

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