Gary
Noctis' grey eyes no longer held their silver or amber glow they had once possessed when had the full power of his bloodline coursing through him, but his grey eyes were still as beautiful as twin full moons and he gazed back at her from beneath long lashes as she spoke with such intense intent. He nodded at the wisdom of her words, approving of her plan of attack. 

It was often a strategy to cut the head from a snake, used often because the strategy was good. The Kitsune had a good mind on her, unsurpsing- Masculo treasured all aspects of the human condition and the beauty in them. Intelligence was just as important as the body. Once their food was eaten and the plan was set, he looked her up and down. 

"Very well, the plans set. We aim to as assassinate, not wage war. It's more my forte anyways." 

- - - 

He'd agree to her plan, so when the carriage came along he'd be more than fine. He'd gotten this far only because he'd been willing to adapt. This was to be no different. 

Once they were settled in he stretched his long legs as best he could and then, after a moment, open his arm for her to put herself in the crook of his shoulder and press against him, allowing them to share some warmth and comfort. He couldn't deny that despite the thought that she might tear his throat out in his sleep- being around her reminded him of his father. He'd been held by his father only once when he was a twelve year old boy, but it was the greatest memory of his life. 

If she agreed, he'd rest his chin atop her head and close his eyes. He'd jumped instantly from Velaris to Yronis, the toll it had taken on him had been brutal, but he'd hid it well. As soon as he was comfortable however, he'd fall into a deep sleep. A defenseless target, a beautiful image of serenity and peace.
Patrick
*As the pair waited their transportation, it arrived in the form of a humble supply carrige pulled by a well worked ox. A bald man sat and stopped by, a few monks had begun to take the barrels of supplies from the small carriage. From vegetables, meats and bags of rice. As the carriage owner watched the monks, his eyes turned to the kitsune and the man. Akira approached the man and began to question him about his farm, a discussion would unfold.*

*Pleasantries were exchanged, the farmer's background and dry humor were heard. However, he share interesting details of his farm being attacked by gnolls. Stealing his livestock and his favorite goat, a lucky goat as he claimed. The man was worried that without his lucky goat, his luck would fade and his wife may leave him. He went on for a long time about his lucky black goat, Akira listened with a silent smile. Yet, killing intent could be felt from her. The bald man would not notice this as he continued his tales.*

*Eventually, Akira offered to bring back the man's lucky goat and livestock for free. As well as to rid the lands of the Gholls, the man was rather happy to hear it as he offered the pair a ride. Akira claimed that Noctis was an experienced hunter and warrior, much to the approval of the carriage owner. He offered to give the pair a ride as he made some room on his small carriage, clearly made for barrels of butts.*

*Noctis found himself in a tight spot to sit, it had no space for two people. Only fitting a single person comfortably, so the kitsune turned herself into a small fox of dark fur. She sat her smaller self on his lap, the fox made a soft and raspy bark. Before a yawn escaped its maw, running a circle on his lap before laying down. Akira's fur was soft and smooth.*

*Their journey was a rough path but the pair were clearly exhausted from their past activities. The morning sun lit their road, as a cheerful song was sang by the carriage owner. A song about how handsome and strong his ox was.*
Gary
**"Never hunt foxes, Noctis."** His mother said softly, placing a finger over the tip of the arrow he'd drawn back to fire at a winter fox that had crossed his path. He glanced up at her, her midnight black hair and grey eyes atop her ivory skin. Beautiful in her own way, though paling in comparison to her child and the one she'd taken in bed to be his father. Yet Noctis would live hundreds of years and never think a woman more beautiful. 

"Why?" He asked, watching the fox jump through the snow playfully. His silver eyes seemed to shine in the bright light of the snow glare. 

**"They're your fathers favorite beast upon this land, he treasures them most above all for their cleverness and willingness to see beauty in the world too. Strong, smart, sleek, beautiful."** Her laugh was sweet as she played with his hair. 

- - - - 

After some time, Noctis awoke with a start. The dream quickly faded, but the image of his mothers smile lingered. When he awoke, he looked down at the fox in his lap. Had that been a real memory? It had been so long since he'd seen his mother. In truth his time with her was a blip in the collage of moments that made up his life. Still his time with her shined more brightly than almost any other. Almost. 

"Do we really have to find his goat?" He muttered under his breath, mostly to himself, though he was unsure if the Kitsune was awake or not. He sighed and contemplated what would happen next. He wasn't as strong as he used to be, couldn't use fire or wind- how exactly did he plan to take on these Gholls? No, that was foolish. He was a *Master swordsman and martial artist*, even without damned super strength he was supposed to be a deadly warrior. 

"Strength is a crutch to inhibit progress." He mumbled, realizing that he'd gotten so used to being so incredibly strong that he'd stopped focusing on his swordsmanship and martial prowess. 

He *Would* Do this, he'd survive and move on until he figured this all out.
Patrick
*As their journey began for hours, the morning sky of orange and gold turned into a darker blue. The mountain path and the rocky surroundings turned into a bamboo forest as tall trees of straight and odd trees surrounded them. The air was colder, the winds danced as the dry bamboo leaves filled the air. The sounds of a nearby stream of water could be heard near the path, as a man-made drain seemed to direct the waters to the farms. However, the small huts that the carriage passed were empty and recently abandoned. The road looked very used and old, buried by a thin layer of bamboo leaves.*

*Noctis found a slow breathing fox on his lap, warm and resting. Yet, her crimson eyes were wide awake as it stared behind the carriage. It's ears peaked up as he spoke, the fox seemly barked a laugh before it turned into raspy barking. The creature shook its head slightly.*

*Akira couldn't truly speak as a fox, a fox hardly had the mouth for words. Although, the man may come to notice that it seemed to have a right paw missing. It's tail swayed up and down, as the carriage owner continued his song. Their home was close and seemed to be the only farm left, as a smoke trail marked his humble home. The bamboo forest faded into a vast field of rice and water.*

```"Now, you maybe thinking? Why did I stay? Is this farmer a fool? Then, you'd sound like my wife. No, I am not a fool. The other farmers might forgo their duties, but a lot of people need my food. I can't just leave it here to go to waste. The Gods gave me this blessed land, and I intend to give my labour to his followers. The Gods have sent you to me, haven't they? Faith is repayed always. Soon, my beloved Baono (his goat) will return home and my wife will finally see sence!"```
.

*The farmer spoke with a passionate heart and a deep tone, to say he was jolly was quite an understatement. The carriage began to slow down as the fox that was on his lap, had turned into a kitsune. A woman was on his lap now, as she faced him. Her hands on his neck, as she leaned to whisper to his ear. Her body pressed against his, as the small carriage did not allow a lot of free space. To say she was in his personal space was quite an understatement.*

```"Strength is the sign of great pain, Noctis will have to decide who's pain that will be. Noctis? His enemies? His allies? Or everyone?"```

*The kitsune leaned her face against his, enjoying his ivory skin and his silver eyes. A chuckle escaped her lips, as she turned into a fox again. Her human chucking fading into a raspy barking laugh, as the fox jumped off the carrige as it stopped.*