Toney
*Björn strode over the wet tiles with ease and dropped her carefully into the grate... He looked around to see if he could fit and with a tight squeeze, he did. As soon as the door was barged open, Björn covered Ves with his body and held his breath. He wasn't good at holding his breath but he had to try.*

*As he covered Ves he justified his actions, her eyes could be reflective and would spell doom for them, he kept his head down too, just incase. He was hedging his luck on that his body would just look like a stone flooring.*

*As the doors closed, he let out a muffled exhale as he caught his breath. He was not used to that at all... He looked to Ves and checked her body in case she was hurt, upon finding nothing he relaxed, listening to her words.* "I can do it. Let me help you." *He rubbed her head and began to climb out. He would deal with whomever he had to. He's taken on worse odds before. His expression changed from Björn who had just been bathing to Ursa, back in his cage. He snarled as he climbed out of the grate and balled up his fists.*

"Stay." *The sound of Björn walking away from her left Ves in silence for a few minutes... Her sensitive ears could probably hear the sounds of something thumping into the floor multiple times. A minute after the noises ceased, Björn came back to her, his fists and... Claws covered in blood. When did he have claws? He reached down and pulled open the grate. He splashed his hands into the water of a nearby tub before reaching down to offer a hand.* "We're safe... For now."

||
Gary
Ves gaped after Björn, wondering what he had in mind. She had only been wondering if he could sneak by quietly! She didn't expect him to do... Whatever he was planning on doing. She obediently stayed where he set her down and waited, her tail flicking about anxiously. 

Ves was alarmed when he returned with his fists and claws covered in blood. Her eyes widened in surprise and then her brow furrowed in concern. "Are you alright? You didn't get hurt, did you?" She fussed as she took his hand.

"Let's get out of here. I know of a stall in the market that sells clothes of all sizes. I should be able to buy something there for both of us. I'll direct you to a nearby alley and go on alone to make the purchase so you can stay out of sight."

||
Toney
*Björn nodded his head and hushed her.* "I am fine, do not worry." *His claws dissipated.* "It is just a form of help." *He helped her leave the room and past the broken Orc bodies stuffed into the corner of the main foyer.* "It was them or us."

*The Orcs were covered in bruises and some had arms broken. They had puncture wounds in their chest, as if their ribcages had been bent inwards. Their faces were a figure of pain.*

*He carried her out and into the alley she directed as he crouched down against the wall.* "Is here safe to wait?"

||
Gary
She couldn't help but look at the damage Björn had done. And with his bare hands no less. It was a brutal scene. Their injuries almost did not seem possible, yet there the Orcs lay with faces contorted in horror. Her friend was not one to be crossed. He was capable of great and horrible things.

Ves blinked as he carried her outside into the sunlight, her eyes adjusting to the brightness. As he set her down, Ves nodded. "Yes, this will do. The market is just around the corner over there," She said with a nod in the direction. Just in case anything went wrong they needed to know where the other was. "I'll be back."

Using her crutch, Ves turned and began to limp towards the marketplace. She cast a glance backwards at the Goliath before disappearing around the bend. Making sure her cowl was pulled up to disguise her long ears, which was an oddity among Kobold, she ventured forward and to the clothing vendor.

Eventually she would return victorious, her satchel stuffed full with new clothes for them both. It was heavier than she was used to and, with her injured leg, she was panting softly upon her arrival into the alley. "Björn?" She said softly, because she didn't immediately see him. Had something happened? Or was he just hiding? 

||
Toney
*Björn appeared from behind some debris with a large, slightly jagged battle axe leaning against him. It was a fitting size for an Orc but on a Goliath, it seemed almost perfect.*

"Im here, Ves. I wanted to make sure I had a weapon, just in case. So I can keep you protected." *He grabbed the bag from her, loosely hanging it in his index finger, the difference in strength apparent.*

"Is this the stuff?" *He was excited to have his own clothes... Sure they belonged to Ves but he was technically her's too due to his oath of protection, so he didn't mind that at all.*

"Did you get any trouble on the way? Because I did." *He holds up a depiction portrait of a savage man with claws over one of his eyes, a brutishly wide nose and black sharp teeth. The parchment read DEAD OR ALIVE

Born of Ursa - The Goliath of the Bloodied Pits - A DANGEROUS slave with nothing but MALACE in his heart. Consider to be ARMED, DANGEROUS and CANNIBALISTIC.**

*The prize was ripped off from the bottom. Probably from when he tore it off the wall.* "I'm wanted." *He felt a cold anxiety, this would surely put Ves in danger. Should she even be seen near him...?*

||
Gary
Her amber eyes stole a glance at the weapon and she nodded at his explanation. It made sense to steal the enemy's weapon. They needed as much protection as they could get. She handed over her heavy satchel with a nod. "Yes. I hope the clothes fit. I had to guess about your size."

Ves' eyes narrowed upon sight of the wanted poster. At least that's what she assumed it was. The picture wasn't very accurate and she could not read the bold lettering underneath. She was illiterate. Björn confirmed her suspicions a second later and Ves frowned deeply. "Then we need to get out of the city sooner rather than later. Let's get dressed. Then I'll go get us some food and other supplies and we'll be off. It shouldn't take long."

She leaned the crutch against the nearby wall and took the satchel back, pulling out various clothes and handing them to Björn. She truly hoped they fit. The seller had insisted they would, but she didn't press her luck by questioning too deeply. That had been a good thing apparently, since her Goliath friend was wanted. 

After handing him his new clothes, she dug around for her own outfit. Glancing around to make sure they were alone, she stripped out of her cloak and armor. Then she dressed swiftly, or as swiftly as she could manage with a hurt leg. It felt wonderful to have fresh clean clothes against her scales. She had been pleased to find an outfit that was made for a tiny Kobold such as herself. It shouldn't have been so surprising. They were in Dasvaz, after all, and her kind were fairly common. It made sense that the market would sell clothes for her people.

Ves turned her attention back to Björn, catching him about midway through changing. Without conscious thought she studied him closely, admiring his lean figure and muscular arms. Then she remembered herself and glanced aside, giving him some privacy to finish dressing. Her tail twitched idly as she considered what else she needed to buy. Food, water, medical supplies... What else?
Toney
*Björn nodded in agreeance at her plan as he took his new clothes and began to strip and change himself. He had to remember how to wear clothes... He had been fighting on loins for as long as he can remember. The furs, the fabrics, they were not what he expected.*

*The clothes surprisingly fit well against his skin, give or take with his broad wingspan. Ves had managed to catch him slipping the tunic over his torso, his lower half already dressed. He managed to spot her oogling at his physique, he made a small huff to himself - his figure was impressive but not something worthy of her stares. He finished by adjusting the shoulderpads and turned to Ves holding the belt in his hands.* "Ves... How do I do this? Is this a sling?"

*Björn's lack of knowledge of modern adult clothing simply showed her how much he had yet to learn. Come to think of it, he had probably never heard music, seen a painting, saw the sea or anything of the sort! It was sad in a way, a man so devoid of humanity.*

||
Gary
Ves glanced up again when he spoke her name. His innocent question didn't surprise her. Many of the slaves she had saved had similar issues. They did not know about simple things that seemed obvious to others. Ves herself was still learning as well. She was inexperienced but a fast learner. It had actually been easy for her.

"It's a belt," She explained without judgment. "It goes around your waist. Like this, see?" She explained, motioning to her own belt. She was tempted to help him, finding herself craving the closeness, but chose not to. Now was not the time. 

"Alright. You stay here. I'll be back," She said with a nod. Grabbing her crutch, she limped away once more. As quickly as she could manage she moved out into the market. She kept a close eye out for any more wanted posters. How desperate were they to get Björn back? She had suspected they might search for him - it had been foolish to let her guard down. A Goliath was an obvious target. 

Shaking aside her worry, Ves focused on the task at hand. First some travel rations. Then some fresh water from the well. Finally more bandages for her wound. Was there anything else she was missing? Björn already found the axe he had wanted. Well, perhaps it wasn't exactly what he had wanted, but it would do. Ves was tempted to look at the weapons a vendor was selling, but she was a bit clueless when it came to weapons. Her sickle and sling were all that she had and suited her needs well enough.

Figuring they had enough supplies to last until the next town or village, she began to limp back. Her satchel was full again and slowed her down quite a bit. She spotted another parchment slapped on a wall with Björn's face on it. Yes, this was troubling. They needed to get out of the city and fast. Luckily she knew of various paths out and the guards couldn't watch every exit. She was confident they could make it.

Returning to the shadows of the alley, Ves breathed a sigh of relief. "I got our supplies. We should be good to go." 

||
Toney
*Björn listened to her. She was clever. More so than him. He needed to learn. He was glad she went to find more things instead of helping him with a belt. He made a few attempts at wearing it... No that was not it... No, not like a shoelace... Like a loincloth? No no this was all wrong. By the time she came back, he had only just managed to successfully wear the belt. It was tight... So he adjusted it to his waist properly with a swift tug.*

"Good. I am ready to leave and never come back here. How do we escape the guard?" *Björn glanced at her. She was small, frail, unassuming. He was far from it but it would have to do. Granted his face was all over town. It may spread to other villages soon enough. He was worried of that.*

"Want me to carry the bag?" *He offered, crouching down to her height once more. He squatted so swiftly with the axe over his shoulder, being held with one hand. He looked to her and awaited her response, he knew she would need some assistance after all.*

||
Gary
"Yes, if you don't mind. And I'll climb onto your back again and give you directions. There's an exit that the guards rarely cover. We can go there." Unfortunately it was on the opposite side of the city. And what if there were guards posted today? Ves would need a backup plan. She could think of it on the way.

Handing Björn both her satchel and her crutch, she waited for him to lower himself down. She would have preferred to be in his arms, but this was better for giving directions. This way she would be right in his ear, whispering which way to turn. It would give her the best vantage point as well. It was all business right now. They had to escape.

Holding on gently around his neck, Ves began to give directions. Through the back alleys they went, causing less of a scene this time than previously when Björn had been mostly naked. It was still an odd sight to see. They passed a group of Kobold who did a double take and whispered amongst themselves, but made no move otherwise. Still it made Ves uneasy to be spotted at all.

||
Toney
*Björn lowered himself down to her level as she hopped on, gently holding on around the back of his neck. He wrapped the satchel around one arm and used the other to keep Ves stable on his back. It was strange, feeling the fabrics instead of her previous attire. He had no time to think. No time to linger on her whispered words.* "Lead the way." *He muttered as he readied himself to run. His boots were getting some used to as well, making his steps heavier than before.*

*He followed her directions to a Tee, swooping through busy streets and tight squeeze alleyways. Ducking through washing lines and pressing his face against walls to hide from guards.*

"You know, Ves. You are a perfect navigator. You would have made a good Goliath." *He remarked as he vaulted another fence line. It was true that Goliaths had strong hunters and navigators in their tribes. This he knew, one of the only memories he could retain was of his first Deer that he killed.*

||
Gary
Ves smiled at the comment, trying to imagine herself as a tall and muscular Goliath. Her imagination came up short in that regard. She couldn't imagine herself as anything but small and frail. "I just happen to know these streets well, that's all."

"Stop here," She instructed as they turned another corner. The gate was in sight, but a single guard stood watch. Ves glanced around, looking for any more, but it seemed the guard was on his own. Still, it would only take one guard to sound the alarm. They had to be careful.

Ves wished she could run. She could have acted as a distraction. Well perhaps she still could. If she could get the guard to pay attention to her, then maybe Björn could sneak past. "Set me down. I'll go out there and speak with the guard and lure him away from the gate. That way you can escape. Then I'll leave the city and catch up to you." It sounded like a simple enough plan. Hopefully she could make it work.

||
Toney
"You know more than the streets Ves." *He remarked as he came to a stop. He listened to her plan while watching the guard and shook his head. He did not like the idea of sending her alone. She was injured and could easily be hurt more or worse... She was brave for even suggesting it!*

"I do not like it... But I will let you do it. However the minute I see that guard damage a scale on you, he's fresh meat." *He snarled slightly. It was clear Björn was trying to adapt to free life but he found it so hard to give up his primal, animalistic ways.*

"I shall wait outside of town. Once you are done distracting, come out. I'll find you." *Björn looked at her, his expression unreadable but inside he was concerned about her. What if this was the last time they saw each other? No. She was clever and crafty. The brains of the two. If she can't do this, no one can. He placed a hand on her head before looking at the guard.* "Be brave. Be strong." *He took one last look at her before heading to a better position to escape from.*

||
Gary
It wasn't ideal, but it was the best plan she could think of in the moment. Björn thought she was clever, but Ves wouldn't agree. She was making it up as she went along. "I don't think he'd hurt me," She comforted her friend. He was more likely to just threaten or bully her. It was what most people did to Kobold.

Taking a deep breath, Ves repeated their mantra: "Be brave. Be strong." Then she watched as the Goliath moved away. She turned and limped out towards the guard.

From Björn's vantage point he could see the conversation but not hear it. He could watch as Ves made her way over and the guard immediately took notice. There was annoyance on the man's face as he looked the tiny Kobold up and down. Ves halted a few feet away and looked up at the guard. She opened her mouth and began to speak, though Björn couldn't make out her words.

There was a bit of a back and forth, with the guard looking more annoyed by the second. He made a motion with his hands, as though to shoo a fly away, but Ves continued to speak. He said something else and, with a roll of his eyes, began to follow her as she limped back into the city. The pair disappeared around the corner, leaving Björn the perfect opportunity to escape. 

||
Toney
"Ves you brilliant, brilliant thing." *He was amazed at her people skills. Although, he was for some reason very put off by her disappearing with a guard... Why? She was nimble enough. No that's not it. It wracked his brain as he dropped down from his vantage and made a unassuming break for the gates, leaving the city unnoticed.*

"Good. I'm out... I'm actually free!" *He said to himself aloud as he got a far distance away. He looked at the roads before him and found himself with a dilemma. The survivalist, pit fighter in him wanted to abandon Ves. She was clever but she would only slow him down anyway. What's the point in her?*

*No! He couldn't do that. The real him began to rationalise with himself. She was clever and nimble and witty. She was going to teach him about the world. He cared for her, tended her wounds, made an oath to Lumnar and... Kissed her. His hair stood on end, Ves meant a lot to him. Ves meant the world right now. He repeated that in his head as he bobbed down behind a few large rocks, his stoney face peeking up from behind them. If she wasn't out soon, he'd run in there and raze the city for her.*

||
Gary
Time seemed to stretch on forever. There was no sign of Ves. The guard eventually returned to his station and there was still no sign of Ves. Where was she? The minutes felt like hours as they passed by. Yet there was still nothing. Had something happened to her?

There came a soft call from somewhere to the left of Björn. Someone was calling his name. And there stood Ves, outside of the city walls, and looking around for him. She had not come out the same gate, but had apparently found another way to exit the city. She called out again, though softly, still not wanting to be overheard. "Björn? Are you there?"

Her leg throbbed from the effort it took to walk. Even with the crutch it was painful. But never once did she doubt that Björn would wait for her. He had made a promise. He had sworn an oath. To Ves that meant everything and never once did she question it. Björn would keep his solemn word to her, just as she would keep her own promise not to abandon him.

She paused to lean against her crutch as she looked around. He had found a good hiding spot at least, for she had no idea where he was. Glancing around again, Ves took a few more hobbling steps before she had to pause and rest. Although it hadn't occurred to her, it would have been a disaster if he had left her. He had her satchel and everything in it. She would have been left with practically nothing. Did this cross her mind? No. She had no doubts that Björn was out there somewhere waiting for her. 

||
Toney
*Björn was beginning to worry as he waited... Even more so as the guard returned. Where the fuck was she?! What did this guard do to her? Did he rob her? Kill her? Worse?! He was going to rip off each nail, gouge out every tooth, break every bone until he had answers he was going to—!*

*His head snapped towards the noise, a low growl coming from him. His rage was getting the better of him as he saw the Lizard. No... No that's Ves! He immediately began to run over to her as his shadow blocked the sun from behind her as she leaned against her crutch.* "Ves! Ves!!" *Each time he called her name he seemed more thankful, more greatful, more pleased to see she was okay. He didn't know how to react upon seeing her so he just snatched her up and hugged her tightly against himself.*

"Ves! I was waiting for you! The guard came back and I was just about to make his last few hours alive the worst recorded in history... What happened are you hurt?" *He held her at arms length, his stern eye scanning her body for injuries or rips in the clothes. He swore if she was harmed...*

||
Gary
Björn suddenly burst from his hiding place and sprinted over to her, calling her name. She was smiling as he approached, looking pleased. She opened her mouth to say something when suddenly he scooped her up in a tight hug. It was a surprising embrace, but not unwelcome. She enjoyed the feeling of his arms around her, and understood that he had been worried about her.

"I'm okay, I'm okay!" She said soothingly to the Goliath. "I'm not hurt. I just had to find a different exit," She explained quickly. Everything seemed in order. "I just had the guard show me where a healer was. If I had returned with him, it would have seemed suspicious. So I had to go out a different way." It had been difficult to convince the guard to take her rather than just point in the general direction, but she had somehow managed. 

She was smiling up at Björn with glittering eyes. His concern for her well-being was touching, but they weren't out of danger just yet. It was time to go. "Let's get far from here, Björn. We don't want to be spotted." Now they could continue their journey to the city they had found on the map. Or at least that was the plan. They would have to cross Dasvaz's border first, but that was an adventure for another time.

||
Toney
*He eventually stopped fussing and just hugged her again before placing her down. He knew she wss clever by doing such a plan but he wished he knew that beforehand! He could've met her at the other exit or something similar! She was stubborn, kinda like him... Huh, she would make a good Goliath.*

"You brilliant... You, Ves." *He didn't have the vocabulary needed to express his opinion of her. She was amazing, awe-inspiring even! Her glittering eyes made him feel like a weight was on his heart, pulling it to his stomach. A slight darkness came to his cheeks but went away as fast as it came.*

"Far, far from here." *He agreed with her. They needed to make their journey and use what sunlight they had left.* "Let me guess, your leg is sore still?" *He looked at her and saw her leg looked pretty irritated.*

||
Gary
Ves' scales reddened at the compliment. She hadn't really thought it all that brilliant. She had just used what was available to her and pestered the guard long enough to convince him. She had been more lucky than anything else. Grikta was with her. That often seemed to be the case. Ves quietly thanked the goddess of luck. She would have to say a proper prayer later, once they were out of danger.

She noticed the brief darkening of his cheeks and it made her smile wider. Then she nodded. "It'll be much faster if you carry me," She said. "If you don't mind," She added shyly. She wouldn't just assume he was willing. He might be getting tired of toting her around. She wasn't sure if she would ever get bored with it. She liked her independence, yes, and enjoyed being light on her feet, but she also loved being held tight against him. It made her feel warm.

"We should head that way," She said as she pointed. "Get to the woods. It should be safer there, out of sight. Then we can decide our path." Should they stick to the roads? It would be faster, but more dangerous. In her previous escape from Dasvaz she had stayed away from the main thoroughfares. She would ask Björn's opinion on the matter once they made it to the relative safety of the trees.

||
Toney
*Something about the way she smiled... It made the darkening worse. Gods, what is wrong with him?! He is never like this...* "Of course." *He scooped her up into his arms and held her securely. He then began to take large, bounding strides towards the treeline. He could feel the heat from her reddening scales. Why was the heat and aroma so nice?*

*The ground seem to shudder slightly to a creature as small as Ves as he made his way across the fields towards the treeline. The wind brushed past her scales, giving imitation to a cool breeze on the wind. Björn himself noticed it and enjoyed the sensation of his hair being manipulated by the gusts of air.*

*They soon got to the treeline and Björn slowed to a walking pace and headed inside. Usually, he would have just put her down, but instead he held her firmly and looked around the area. Judging it as secure, he kept her elevated in his arms and turned to look at her... Wow her face was really close to his.* "What is your plan?"

||
Gary
She savored the feeling of being held close to Björn's chest. Her sensitive ears could hear his heart beat as he ran towards the treeline. It was speeding up, but surely not because of the light exercise. Then why? Ves could imagine why and she wondered if her dreaming had any root in the truth. Or was it just wishful thinking? No... She wasn't imagining the darkening of his cheeks or the way he held her. Nor had she imagined his kiss.

Her own heart fluttered about and she had butterflies in her stomach. She felt happy and for many reasons. Most of all Ves was overjoyed that Björn was finally truly free. And she was beyond pleased to be held by him as he ran. The wind felt good and she looked up at him, still smiling wide. He seemed happy also.

Finally they made it to the woods and Ves breathed a sigh of relief. She expected to be set down but instead the opposite happened. Her breath caught when he lifted her a little. They were inches apart now, with his lips oh-so-close close to hers. She felt a pull to kiss him again but resisted. Her cheeks glowed warmly as she grinned at him.

"Björn... You're free!" She reminded him. He was free, though he might not be safe until he left Dasvaz. And even then there was no guarantee. But she wouldn't let that spoil this moment. "You're free!" She repeated, her happiness for him evident in her expression. Her plan could wait. They should celebrate, if only briefly. 

||
Toney
*He saw her grin at him as her cheeks glowed with colour... Did she lean a bit closer? Or was she always this close? His senses were bombarded. He could see, feel, hear and smell her - almost all his senses.*

*A small smile came across his face as she reminded him. He hadn't put much thought to it but yes! He was free!* "Yes! But it's because of you that I am." *He patted her head a little as he said that.* "You seem very pleased Ves. Happiness suits you." *He smiled a bit more, his expression was genuine - he didn't know the concept of sarcasm.*

*He hugged her again, his head resting against hers as he closed his eyes.* "Thank you Ves... I am in your debt. One I shall repay. You have saved my life, literally." *He smiled and pulled away from the hug, still close to her.*

||
Gary
"I only unlocked the cell. The rest we did together." She only smiled wider when he patted her head. It was an endearing developing habit of his and it made her feel safe. For anyone else it might have been condescending, but not with Björn. "I *Am* Happy. I am happy for you! And I am pleased to have met you. To be in your arms. To be hugged by you. To have been..." 

She trailed off, her blush becoming more pronounced and her smile turning bashful. She leaned into the hug, wrapping her arms around him in return. She squeezed him tightly before letting go and looking into his eye. 

"I'd argue, but I don't think you'd listen," She said. She still tried. "You owe me nothing. Like I said, I only unlocked the door. We accomplished the rest as a team." Her eyes looked a little hazy as tears of happiness threatened to spill. She couldn't help it. She was a silly, emotional thing. She reached out to touch his face, hesitating at the last moment. Was she crossing a line again? Could she be rushing things? Ves didn't know. The moment had just seemed right to her. Yet she wasn't sure. 

||
Toney
"You unlocked the cell, yes. I still owe you. Lumnar will see you repayed on my honor." *He spoke seriously as he patted her head. It was a juxtaposition to his actions. He listened to her talk of her happiness and watched her trail off.* "You mean when we kissed...? Or am I getting the wrong idea." *He seemed confused and a bit embarrassed himself.*

*He locked onto her eyes and saw the hazy, tear-filled gaze he gave her.* "We may have been a team, but I was contempt with death before you saved me from that cell." *He was stubborn. Idiotically so, if honesty was key. He was a silly, stubborn thing after all. Stubborn by name and nature. He allowed her to touch his face, his cheeks darkened from it.* "No, I do not mind. You like touching my face, don't you?"

*He exposed her without knowing it. His small, almost unnoticeable smile would be seen as unenthusiastic or patronising if it wasn't for her seeing his nature beforehand. At this distance, he wasn't anything like the caged monster that snarled at her from across a dirty shit-stained room.*

||
Gary
"Yes. When we kissed," She bashfully. He was so brutally honest and seemed incapable of sarcasm. She liked that about him. He wouldn't roll his eyes at the tiny Kobold. "It doesn't matter now. All that matters is you're free," She replied. He might think he owed her some great debt, but Ves didn't think any such thing. He owed her nothing.

She pressed her palm on his cheek, watching his skin darken in color again. *He's blushing,* She thought to herself. Just like she was doing. Out of pleasure or embarrassment, she wondered. "I... I do. I don't know why. I just like the feel of your face... And your beard. It tickles. And it feels... If feels good." It felt more than just good, but she couldn't put the overwhelming feelings into proper words. So 'good' would have to suffice. 

"But... I also like just about everything about you, Björn. Your honesty. Your affection. Your smile. Especially your smile. I could get lost in your smile... Gods. Listen to me ramble. I'm babbling again, I'm sorry," She chuckled nervously, squirming a little in his arms. There she went again, talking before she considered her words. Björn really had her in a state. She almost felt feverish.

||
Toney
"I thought so. In truth, I enjoyed it." *He spoke plainly. As she suspected, he didn't know a spot of sarcasm, just pure blunt honesty. He was sincere that way.* "All that really matters is I am free... And you are here... And we are moving together." *He nodded. He didn't care if she thought it was silly, he owed a debt. A debt declared to the gods. He will repay her with his life or service.*

*He leaned his head against her palm, closing his eyes... Was he feeling relaxed by it? The hair on his neck stood to attention at this motion. His blush was not of embarrassment. It was unclear whether he fully understood shame.* "Feels good..." *It was once more unclear if he was repeating her or saying what he felt.*

*He listened to her talk about him, she could hear his heartbeat get faster as she spoke... Her voice was music to his ears. It scratched on a part of his brain somehow.* "I shall try to smile more for you." *He gave her a small smile as he said that. His oral hygiene was that of a Slave's - unfortunate - but it didn't seem to make much difference, if she truly felt what she was saying.* "You like things of me. You like being around me." *He gave a small nod of understanding. Before he mumbled, under his breath.* "...I like your laugh." 

||
Gary
She didn't think it was possible, but her heart began to beat even louder. Blood pounded in her ears as he leaned against her hand. She stroked his cheek gently and savored the feel of his beard. It was scratchy and rough and she especially liked it when it rubbed against her neck. Not that she would admit such a thing out loud. 

Björn's teeth were no worse than her own sharp fangs. She was Kobold, not some princess, born to privilege and wealth. And when he smiled at her, she smiled back, unable to help herself. It was an involuntary reaction, just like her blushing. "Yes. I like being with you," She agreed, her voice soft and silky. 

His next words made her freeze. Her ears twitched as she gaped stupidly at him, then swallowed hard. Why had that been so unexpected? Why was it so strange to hear similar words echoed back at her? And when he said he liked her laugh, why did she immediately think that it was a ridiculous notion. How could *Anyone* Like something about her? Poor self-esteem was sadly one of her faults.

"Y-You... You do?" She said doubtfully. Yet he would not, *Could* Not lie to her. He just didn't understand how. Ves noted that this would have to change sooner or later. Being able to lie was definitely a skill that needed to be learned. But right now she would enjoy the fact that he was completely honest. Her blush began to travel down her neck and she squirmed again. Gods, he was just making her want to kiss him even more! Life seemed terribly unfair, despite their recent escape.

||
Toney
*Björn smiled as she admitted she enjoyed his company. It would make things easier if they both got along. And enjoyed each other. However they both secretly enjoyed each other a bit too much for it to be a friendly notion. Her soft, silly voice made him feel something he didn't understand - why was a voice what he obsessed over in his mind?*

*Speaking of obsession, her silly little expressions made him laugh a bit. But not to insult her. He also realised that he felt lost when he was waiting for her return. Maybe she felt the same?* "Yes. It is smooth, silky. You do this thing... You make a small click when you laugh, and you squint when you laugh too." *His honesty was intense, immense and a bit ironic. This became more so when he reached out and traced her blush down her neck with a finger.*

"Your scales don't just turn red on your face... Huh. Your body is interesting. I do not do that." *He watched it, confused and interested at the same time. He looked up at her and took his finger away.* "Forgive me. It is... Interesting how you work. It's brilliant." *He made a small laugh himself, it was earthy and deep. It sounded like the inside of a hollow tree.*

||
Gary
He didn't seem to sense her lack of self-worth, much to Ves' relief. When he described her laugh, she couldn't help but to giggle a little despite herself. It was as he described and Ves' blush traveled a little further down. Soon it would drift to her clavicle... How far would it reach?

Björn seemed to notice, as he traced a curious finger down her neck. Ves' breath caught and she grew very still, as though afraid that any movement would spook him away. He seemed innocently interested in the color and not the meaning. Ves swallowed and exhaled slowly, trying to keep herself calm. 

"You do... In a way. Your face darkens. It's a blush and we're both capable of it. I suppose mine is just more obvious." His grumbling laughter made her feel light-headed, like she would pass out. Surely he didn't know the effect he was having on her. He was far too innocent.

Well she was innocent as well! It wasn't like she had had any real experience with anything. Her first kiss had been only hours ago. And the way he embraced her was unlike anything else she had felt before. But it was true she was more knowledgeable than he was, if not directly experienced. She had seen things, after all, and knew how it all worked. Björn had none of the secondary training, though he knew of some things firsthand. 

"Interesting?" She squeaked out. "I don't think I'm that interesting. Only different than yourself. Do you... Do you like the feel of them? My scales, I mean. Are they... Okay?" They had so many differences between them. Skin and scales. Hair and tails. Tall and short. How could he possibly find her attractive?