Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities & Rozel)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Rozel on 10-11-2012, 01:03:13</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>10-11-2012, 01:03:13</strong>
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				Janine Saunders couldn't believe her luck, or lack of it. Her whole day had been going the same exact way. The soft thump thump thump of the flat tire forced her to the side of the road on the two lane back-road highway. A light drizzle and mist hung in the air that made things good and wet. And as she opened the door to her grey Volvo the inner light came on. Moving to get out, she grimaced as her heeled boot sunk into the soft gravely-dirt on the side of the road. <em>Fabulous.</em><br><br>Leaning in, she grasped the light grey sweater from the other side of the front bench seat, and stood to put it on. Closing the door, she stood there in near pitch blackness, (other than the headlights that shined into more darkness) the only thing that illuminated were the reflective stripes on the road. For a moment she scoffed trying to remember the last time this had happened to her.. and remember if she had taken care of the other tire after it had happened. <br><br>Opening the door once more, she hit the latch to open the trunk. Slamming the door once again, she trudged to the rear of the car. Lifting out her suitcase, she set it at the side of the road, then searched under the hide-away flap for the jack and spare tire. When she leaned forward to lift out the tire, dark brown shoulder-length sun-streaked hair fell forward into her face. Impatiently, she brushed the locks out of her face, tucking a good amount of it behind her ear, cursing herself for not getting the haircut she was desperately needing. Her dark brown eyes looked the tire over. <em>It seems alright. </em> she thought to herself. But she couldn't be sure.<br><br>Half dragging and half rolling, she practically plopped the tire out onto the road, where it promptly fell over. <em><strong>'Damn that's heavy!'</strong></em> she said out-loud, looking at her now filthy hands. She didn't really care about the dirt, in fact, she came across loads of dirt and dust in her research all the time. Picking up the hydrolic jack she looked at it. <em>Where the hell does this go?</em> She wasn't stupid, but knew that if she was going to do anything about the tire, she had to figure it out, and soon. Which, would require getting down on her hands and knees.. She let out a small almost growl like sound. Then began to nag at herself for traveling at night. This she did out loud, and for certain anyone that could have observed her may have thought she was quite mad.<br><br>Once she got down low enough, which really wasn't that hard, her knees came in contact with the wet earth. Easily her jeans soaked op the wetness. Her body type was what was considered short. On any normal day she stood a cool 5 '2 in two inch heals, which were mandatory articles for her wardrobe. She had always been short in stature.. and in her 27 years on the planet could not remember a time where she had gotten herself as stuck as she was now. It would have been one thing, had it been light out. She plumb couldn't see a damn thing. <br><br>Standing from her crouched position, she wiped her hands together to wipe away the tiny rocks from her hands. <em>What are you going to do now?</em> she grumbled. This latest lead on her possible heritage had her acting to quickly. Her adoption case had been a closed one, and when they had said closed, they meant it. With her adoptive parents practically out of her life these days, she needed to find out where she belonged. <br><br>Abandoning the the tire and jack, she moved back to the driver-side door. Opening it, she flipped on the cars flashers, and shut the engine off. A sudden urge came over her to have a cigarette, which was strange as she didn't smoke anymore and hadn't for years. It was going to be a long night considering the road seemed dead of any and all traffic. She looked around and all she could see was blackness and trees. Yeah, she was in the thick of the forest now. Hopefully someone... <em>anyone</em>, would be along within the next few hours. If not, it looked like she was going to get a horrible nights sleep in her car. <br><br>As the moments ticked past, she thought about her options come morning if she had to wait the night out. She recalled some sort of national park sign back a ways. It would truly not be fun if she had to walk all that distance back. She could always follow the road on and see if that panned out..
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>10-11-2012, 01:47:24</strong>
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				It was early, or rather, earlier than he normally hopped back into his car, but it had been a long day, and after a good run, he was ready to get home, take a hot shower, maybe grab a beer and relax some. As it was it had him out on the road, his headlights flared up to cut through the normal pitch black of the solitary road among the trees. A normal route for him, one he often took after all, even if he usually took it much later in the wee-hours of the morning after a much more extensive run through the woods. <br><br>Driving to the park was common enough for him, if he was given a few looks for it every once in a while, since it was only a few miles from town, and most anyone who wanted to get out into the woods simply kept walking till they were in them, rather then making the extra trip out with a vehicle. But he had done so usually, simply to get a little bit more distance on some of the others, to be able to go further, and still not worry about getting home the next morning to do something he needed too. That, and it was a way to give excuse that he didn't want to be going out with anyone else at the time, nobody wanted to sit in his truck with him, when they could already be out running. <br><br>Caleb did not necessarily dislike getting out with other people, he simply enjoyed the freedom of stretching his legs on his own, while others didn't always get that, he didn't always give a damn enough to explain it. It just avoided a whole lot of useless discussion to use the truck as a good way to stave off other people. Even if it meant he had to drive it all the way back to town at the end of his evening, that was, if he wanted to use it the next day. Twisting the steering wheel he eased into the turn coming around a larger outcropping of the hillside.<br><br>The light stuck out first off, the flashing universal 'help me I'm fucked lights' that anyone had on their cars, but what was truly odd was seeing anyone on the little to rarely used road at all. In the years he'd been coming back and forth on it, he doubted he'd seen more then ten cars, and not a single one of them broken down on the side of the road. It was a terrible spot to end up stuck, a good sized incline not a mile ahead before town, which meant pushing or towing could be a massive bitch, and walking just sucked. And back the other way was the park, but aside from the occasional person who was visiting backwoods no where, it was usually empty, aside from his truck parked somewhere. <br><br>Rather than honking and driving by like some asshole, he flicked on his blinker, pointless to some perhaps, but it would warn whoever was stuck on the side of the road, if they were out in the way, to move their asses at least. Before he let his truck pull off to the side and slid it into park before setting the break. <br><br>His door pushed open and he stepped out of the truck easily before pushing it close behind him, the misty air had already done a number on his hair, and his clothes, both were damp and laying against him slightly more. But the jeans fit him well, as did the simply black hiking boots they partially covered, followed by a fitting black t-shirt, it was simple clothes, but then, he was living in backwoods nowhere, people didn't exactly walk around in suits and ties. <br><br>"Bad spot to break down." His voice lifted, a deep timbre over the still rumbling noise of his engine, he hadn't cut it yet, wanting to get a look at whoever it was first anyway. A hand lifted up and stroked back through his hair, it fell back almost instantly, hanging across his forehead and just coming to barely hide his eyes a bit, a deep green color, and oddly bright in the night. "Not many people use this road at all."<br><br>He was aware of what he'd look like, his stubble lined jaw shadowed, and his dark hair, mixed with the dark clothes, he was likely a poster boy for the fit serial killers list at a fine 6 foot, with broad shoulders and a trim body, from the way his shirt fit to him. But when it came down to it, a spot like this, anyone would be lucky to have someone stop at all, and this person was just lucky that he wasn't after all a serial killer. <br><br>Sharp eyes caught her, despite the glare from his headlights against the back of her car, and ran over her appreciatively, but not overly noticeable, he could give a good woman a glance over without seeming lewd or making it obvious. "Names Caleb, yours?" Though he let his eyes leave her to glance at her car, noticing the jack, spare tire, and flat tire chuckling lightly. "Grounds a bit soft for changing a tire don't you think?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>10-11-2012, 17:05:18</strong>
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				As the lights cut through the darkness, she felt instant relief as she stepped out to wave down the driver. Which to her satisfaction, was greeted by the person stopping. As he stepped out, she glanced at him, not quite sure she liked what she saw. There was a roughness or.. edginess, maybe even something else she couldn't quite pinpoint. However, she didn't really have a choice in the matter. At his voice, a raised brow followed. <em><strong>'Um, yeah. Wasn't quite expecting this to happen.'</strong></em> <em>Did anyone?</em> It wasn't snappy, but more in the meaning that what had happened was obviously annoying. <br><br><em><strong>'I noticed.'</strong></em> She commented on the lack of use for the road. <em><strong>'It goes straight trough to Clearwater though, right?'</strong></em> Why she was asking, she wasn't really sure. Was it a test? Or only a means of defending the reason she was on the road in the first place? Then her mind played havoc. The statement about the town she was looking for was evident that she obviously wasn't from around here. <em>Shit.</em> She shook her head. It didn't matter anyways. If she was going to die by the hands of this man, then it was probably already to late. <br><br><em><strong>'Janine. Janine Saunders.'</strong></em> She stepped closer to him and offered her hand in greeting. It was an act that she did without thought, as she was used to meeting people regularly. <em><strong>'Thanks again for stopping, I appreciate it.'</strong></em> She offered with the gesture. Following his gaze back to her car, she commented further about the ground. <em><strong>'Yes. As I found out. Not like I could see anything before anyways.'</strong></em> She let out a sigh. Jamming her hands in her back pockets, she turned back toward him. <em><strong>'Anyway you can give me a lift to the next town? I am doubting anything can be done tonight.'</strong></em> She added sourly. The area of the flat didn't offer much by means of pushing the car further off the side of the road, but she was fully willing to stuff the tire back in the trunk and leave it for the night. Hell, even if it disappeared, it would almost do her good. It had been her parents car when she had learned how to drive.. It had been great for college, dependable even, but now it was definitely time to move on. Its age was showing lately.<br><br>Even though this little lightning speed conversation took place in her mind, she looked to him hoping he could help her out. She felt weak to be in need like this, and it grated slightly on her nerves. She was a self sufficient independent young woman. It sucked to have to depend on someone else's mercy for help. But that was what she was faced with. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>10-11-2012, 18:59:51</strong>
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				Stepping forward her took her hand and frowned slightly, not enough to seem odd, but just a turn of his lips. There was something about her, that was familiar in a way that shouldn't be, the touch, and the proximity, something was going off in his head. If it were not so damp out, he'd be able to get a smell of her, but as it stood he would have to figure out more later, though he did let her hand go like a normal person, rather then keeping a hold of it like some creepy serial killer. "Not a problem Janine, as I said, this road is rarely travelled, if i hadn't stopped you'd of likely been hiking into town in the morning." Which of course, would have been a very unpleasant task for most people, the road wasn't very well made for hiking, and her heels definitely were not.<br><br>Turning his attention to the car once again he nodded his head without quite answering her about the lift into town, his attention not really on the car, simply looking towards it. No he was trying to catch a hint of her scent slightly, something to get the nagging feeling out of the corner of his mind and either firm it up, or push it away entirely. Unfortunately the wind was still in her favor drawing around them and pushing her direction and a way, the wet smell of the forest, and his own trucks exhaust being the main things he could catch on it. <br><br>"Yeah, Jake doesn't do night runs anyway." The comment was casual enough before he shook his head. "Sorry, Jake's the town's mechanic, usually does most the work for anyone around town, he's got a tow truck too. I'm sure he'll be able to come get it and have things fixed up for you tomorrow."<br><br>Turning back to his truck he stepped up and in front of one of the headlights. "Come on, I'll give you that lift up into town, and Jake'll get your car tomorrow, you'll be on you way wherever your off to in no time." Staying in Clearwater was usually discouraged of strangers, they couldn't be trusted and everyone had to keep to their good side a little bit more, which put everyone on edge. But he was not going to insist on driving her back, or to the next town past when Clearwater was just miles up, and everyone else could screw themselves for a couple of days if they were annoyed about it.<br><br>He was already making his way the rest of the way around the truck, to the passenger side in fact, gripping the handle and giving it a pull open he held the door open for her giving her a quick glance. "Don't need a hand in too do you?" The words were given with just the slightest hint of amusement to them, the truck was a good height up, and she was pretty short herself, add in wet ground and heels which sank, they had to be next to useless in giving her the height they were originally intended for. The interior of his truck lit well with the dome light, was clean and held just a couple things, a waterbottle in the cup holder, a magazine or two on the passenger dash, it didn't really look like a serial killers meat wagon. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>12-11-2012, 00:06:49</strong>
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				She looked at him curiously, but he soon answered her budding question. <em><strong>'Ah, the Mechanic.'</strong></em> She nodded then. <em><strong>'Oh I am certain that getting someone to deal with this, this late at night.. in.. '</strong></em> She looked around as if a magical sign would pop out to her and state Backwoods-ville of Tree-town. <em><strong>'..anyhow, a no-brainer.'</strong></em> She gave a quiet chuckle to the thought.<br><br>At his offer, she felt more at ease. '<em><strong>Thanks.' </strong></em>She stated simply, and made to gather things up and toss them into the trunk, save for the spare tire and her suitcase. Walking to the car, she opened the door to turn off the lights and flashers, tossed her keys in the bag she snatched from the seat, and locked the door. By the time she returned, he already had the passenger door to the truck open. Picking up her suitcase, she walked with it toward him.<br><br>At his comment she narrowed her eyes at him a little, then relaxed a bit and turned her head to the side in a way that meant she was trying to figure him out. <em><strong>'Hmm.. If you can put that in back, I will see if I can make it. If not, then I might need a hand.'</strong></em> But she was more determined now. She smirked at him as she set the suitcase down before him. And if she wasn't careful, she might accidentally smile at his asking. Her demeanor was meant to show that she was pretty Independent and a little on the headstrong side. Which at times, she admitted, got her into trouble. Looking toward the door, she moved close, placed a hand on inside of the lower frame of the door, lifted her left foot up, which was ridiculously too high for anything practical, and pretty much had to bounce up and pull herself into the interior. <em><strong>'You need a ladder for this thing.'</strong></em> She commented with a grin to her voice, hoping his attention had been elsewhere while she climbed in. <br><br>The first thing she noticed was a clean cab, though it also felt like it wasn't overly off putting. She had been in vehicles before where you almost felt as if they cared more about the show of it than the actual use of it. This wasn't like that. It was used for what it was intended for, and she didn't feel like she had to take her shoes off first before stepping inside. Leaning out, she pulled the door towards her. As the door closed heavily, she looked around for a seat-belt and adjusted it around her.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>12-11-2012, 00:28:47</strong>
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				Liked the response, it had a bit of a nip to it, a challenge, and cockiness that fit the woman well enough from what he could tell and he nodded his head. "Give it a shot." Even as he bent and grabbed up the suitcase easily heading down the side of the vehicle so he could open up the tail and slide the case in. The top over the back of the truck would keep it dry, so it wouldn't end up soggy from the damn misty weather that was plaguing the hills at the moment, he could do without some of it most days, but it had been a good few nights of it just recently and it was making him ache for a spout of dry weather. <br><br>A warm throaty laugh came from the back of the truck where he was closing up the tailgate. "Maybe you should just consider sensible shoes while out in the middle of no where." His voice rang out right back, to it was obviously as jesting as hers had been and he continued his way around the truck towards the drivers door. Though he paused there turning his attention out to the trees for the moment, out of sight of the window even if she leaned over most the cab of the truck. He was looking for them, he'd though head smelt something, or heard something, and his sharp eyes were scanning the trees. A person wandering like this was not always the safest in the middle of no where, but this woman really knew nothing of how dangerous getting stuck on this road could have been for her. <br><br>Finally the drivers side door would open quickly, as he easily stepped up into the truck, a cocky grin turning the corners of his lips as he pulled the door closed behind him. "So, what brings you out this way Janine." The question was tossed casually as he got himself comfortable, pulling his belt across and finally putting the truck into gear, already starting to pull out onto the road as he turned his gaze towards her again, not quite worried about traffic in the middle of bum fuck Egypt. "Clearwater about five miles ahead of us, and Evendell is about another thirty after that, and that's where the road and everything else falls off the damn map. So it leaves me to assume, that either you here to visit Clearwater, or Evendell. I just can't imagine why someone as..." <br><br>The pause hung for a couple moments as if he was considering just what word he wanted to&nbsp; use. "Cultured...as you, would be out here in the woods, to get stuck, in the first place." The beams of light from his headlights cut a huge swath through the forest as he hit the brights, figuring she'd be more comfortable with the additional light, it rather unnecessary for himself. <br><br>Though he was talking, and asking questions, his attention was focused on the scent of her in the cab, much smaller and confined, once the scent of the trees and misty started to subdue a little it left more of her to be examined. It was not as if he was turning his head and huffing his nostrils at her, but he was paying that extra amount of focus to figuring out what was off about her, he'd been around enough to pay attention when he got a feeling on something. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>12-11-2012, 17:51:13</strong>
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				She let the comment go. <em>Sensible shoes?</em> Huh. <em>Well they were sensible until I broke down. </em> <br><br>As he entered, he began asking about her, and she waited a few moments to engage him. <em><strong>'Well, it's a long story, but my heritage might be linked to the area.'</strong></em> She wasn't really sure how much she should offer. She put emphasis on the word <em>might</em>, as it was one of the many long shots on her list of possibility.<br><br>&nbsp;And then he mentioned her as being <em>cultured</em> and it made her snicker. <em><strong>'Cultured?'</strong></em> she repeated, taking it that her apparel wasn't anything that was smart for living in the area. <em><strong>'You saying that these heels wouldn't have been good enough to walk in out here?'</strong></em> She lifted her foot and looked at it as if she were making a statement. <em><strong>'I beg to differ, as long as there is something solid to walk on, they serve just fine. Being practical?.. well, you might have me there. Though, I don't think I am going to be going for a hike anytime soon.'</strong></em> She nodded, then grinned, but didn't really look at him. In a way she was hoping to state she wasn't an uppity snotty thing from the city. She couldn't help that over time, her wardrobe was more to the likes of someone that was civilized. That didn't mean she didn't wear jeans and a tee at times.<br><br><em><strong>'I was told at least one of my birth parents grew up in or around Clearwater.'</strong></em> She let her eyes scan the road before them as he drove. It didn't have to be mentioned that she was adopted, as her wording was pretty clear about that. <em><strong>'The information I have isn't exactly specific though.'</strong></em> She then thought quietly on how she had even come across the town name.. and how she had received it. Conveniently left open to her view as someone <em>'interrupted'</em> the meeting at the time. The law was pretty clear on the case being closed. The case worker sympathetic.<br><br>Her next thought wasn't exactly backing her up in her little speech about herself. As she hoped that the town offered more than a seedy little hotel. A bed and breakfast would be more to her liking. <em>Geez, maybe he is right..</em> Gingerly she approached the subject. Wording it as carefully as she could have. <em><strong>'So.. erm, what kind of places do they have for lodging around here?' </strong></em>She turned her head to look at him finally. And to her, he looked completely at ease with himself.<br><br><br>Edit for something that was meant to be thought, rather than spoken.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>12-11-2012, 18:34:23</strong>
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				Drove steadily as he considered, her heritage was linked to the area huh, that couldn't be good. No, not good at all, though when she flit back to his comment about her being cultured it made him chuckle slightly with her. "That's the problem, darlin, out here in the woods most everything is a bit soft, mud, grass, leaves. In those you'd be as stuck as your car within five minutes. Its a might damn good thing that your not going to be going out on a hike." Though in all reality the town was small, and while the roads were paved and the sidewalks taken care off, there was still rather few people walking around in any sort of heels like she had on, and for good reason, they were useless the second you got a little ways out of the center of town.<br><br>"Adopted eh? Not a lot of people come and go out of Clearwater..most people have been living here their whole lives." The comment was casual but also placed where it was as well, most people knew each other in these small towns, and a rumor of giving up a baby would get around. "Might want to be a little...careful in your questions, just a fair warning. May offend a few people what your suggesting, just so you know." Not quite a threat, but just as he had stated it, a warning, if someone in this town had given up a baby, they had their reasons to do so, and likely wouldn't want it flaunted all over town.<br><br>Though, he was glad she said something that could pull them away from the topic at hand, as his suspicions about her were getting stronger already, and her being a babe given up for adoption making it weigh all that much more heavily, he welcomed the change of subject. "Lodging huh? Small little town, in the middle of no where, with a population of beneath a thousand, what kind of extra lodging do you think it has?" The comment wasn't meant to be rude, but it was given with a twist of his lips and a glance across the cab at her. Any proper hotel or such would have long gone out of business with a lack of guests out here in the sticks where they were, though Evendell was worse. <br><br>"There's occasionally a few folks that open up an old room, once their kids move out, but none of them are going to be up to taking a stranger up in the middle of the night to see if you fancy the place." His eyes had switched back to the road again focusing. <em>Could she really be one of us....</em> It was the scent that was giving him the most issue, he could catch hints of something wild in her scent, but it was subdued and quite compared to what it should be, what it really should be. But then, sometimes someone younger who hadn't been brought over had that scent to them, he'd never heard of someone getting as old as she though, without having been brought over, except the fact that her being adopted out could account for the reason of that. It was frustrating, because he didn't dare ask. <br><br>"Now, don't be doing something stupid like bailing out of my truck, but I could offer you a room, for the night, till you can see about making some proper arrangements with someone." It was a polite gesture for someone in trouble, but he knew in this situation it could come across worse, thus the line leading up to the offer. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>12-11-2012, 20:55:43</strong>
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				Listening to what he had to say, finally she agreed, though her tone was kept in a playful light sense. '<em><strong>Ok. ok. I get it. Waffle boots it is.' </strong></em>She laughed heartily. <em><strong>'That will be the first order of business in the morning.' </strong></em> <em>Good lord, I hope they have a shoe store or something..<br></em><br>When he moved on to talk about her adoption, it made her cock her head in wonder, though she was back to looking out the front. Her brows even furrowed a little. Do people have something to hide? But she let the question rest for a bit more. And when he moved on to answer her about lodging, grimaced. <em><strong>'I suppose you are right.'</strong></em> It made perfect sense that she really wouldn't have a choice in the matter, and probably would take anything offered. But then he added to it. She flashed him a look that contained a statement all in its self. It said: <em>Look, buddy, you think I was born yesterday?</em> <br><br><em><strong>'Thanks for the offer.. lets just see if there is anything available when we get there.'</strong></em> Though, knowing her luck, she just might <em>have</em> to take him up on the offer. <br><br>She was quite for a couple of minutes, because her mind was back on what he had mentioned. It nagged at her a bit to the point where she couldn't let the topic drop. Not yet. <em><strong>'You know, what I don't understand.. is.. Why my asking questions .. Why would it be a big deal? It isn't like I am going to expose anything. Hell, my parents could have been crack-headed murderers. It isn't like I am going to expose anyone.&nbsp; And I certainly am not looking to unearth some form of drug ring, dog fighting ring or any other thing like that. I just want to know where I come from. I don't even know if who gave me up is even still alive.'</strong></em> She hated the feeling that someone or anyone could put some form of damper on her search. <em>'I really don't care about people's secrets.. I just need to know where I belong.'</em> She said the last as she looked out the passenger-side window. It was more of a whisper than anything.<br><br>Finally. It was said. He knew what her full purpose was in being there. <em><strong>'I was probably best you were the one that found me hanging out on the side of the road.' </strong></em>She added sourly. <em><strong>'I probably would have charged in and started asking questions of anyone and everyone like I would normally at any kind of historical building... And I could just see the results that could have had.'</strong></em> She had to take his word seriously. She wasn't used to people not wanting to share information with her. In her profession, people she encountered were eager to talk about the histories of their people and culture. There was obviously something that needed protecting here. And that would deepen her curiosity like crazy. She just had to be more selective and suave about the way she went about it.<br><br>It was certainly a good thing she had the patients she did. She let out a small sigh.<br><br><em><strong>'Have you lived around here long then? You seem to know the customs, is all...'</strong></em> She offered her observation as the backing for her question. And in the back of her mind, she was thinking that she might just need a friendly face, if this was going to be as he had put forth.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>12-11-2012, 22:10:27</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well you can see whats available when you get there, I'm not going to go about knocking on peoples doors in the dark of the night." The chuckle that came from him as well as the shake of his head spoke of anyone whom was familiar with the town, though the fact was, he knew they wouldn't answer because a great many of them wouldn't be in their homes. Whoever might actually be in their homes, likely wouldn't answer the door, there was never a good reaction to people coming around in the middle of the night, not of violence, but nobody wanted that kind of trouble in their living room, the trouble that sometimes spilled back into the small town from the forests surrounding it.<br><br>"Look, I don't know exactly how it is wherever your from. But in a town like this, people talk when kids get themselves pregnant, and everyone knows whats going on you see?" Turning his attention to her again gripping the steering wheel still, he could catch a drift of the woman's feeling, but he couldn't exactly tell her that poking around into secrets in this particular town was a good way to get eaten, literally. "So if a couple folks years back decided they couldn't handle a child, and put one up for adoption, well they probably didn't it pretty quietly. Coming back and poking that..well it will stir up all sorts of stuff in a town like this." <br><br>Of course he was kind of feeding her a fine line of bullshit, since he well knew that anyone that gave up a child for adoption wouldn't really have cared one way or another. It was more her poking around into things better left unsaid that was the issue. Because the second she found out if her parents were around, he knew damn well there would be a thousand more questions to follow it, and in the sleepy little town, people didn't much care for questions. They were coming up the hill now, the engine revving up a little louder as he laid his foot into the gas more firmly maintaining the speed they had been going with a ease.<br><br>"All my life, I've left for a few months here and there, I'm not a complete backwater hick." The glance he gave her was amused, trying to lighten what he was sure to be a tension at his words. "But i prefer the peace of out here, then to the bustle of a busy city, too many people, to little open space." <em>She has to be good, to have been able to track herself back here...those files are normally sealed tight...</em> Having friends in powerful positions helped, people whom knew of them, and wanted them left alone, or those of their kind that could handle the city and the discomfort it gave many of them. It made sure any kind of files leading back to communities like theirs were usually shut down tight and the key very firmly lost. <br><br>"Home sweet Clearwater." They came around a bend and out from the trees that lined the road like tall fences on either side. Opening up in a small valley where the trees had been cut down decades ago for the small town was a glow of civilization, not much mind you, they were higher up on the hill, so the small downtown area, where buildings were more brick and mortar and would obviously be businesses could be seen, and ranging out round it were houses organized somewhat haphazardously one would think, bit it was more structured to the ground, and spread out to give people proper yards. There were more houses, but they couldn't be seen, sinking back into the tree lines and vanishing under the canopy. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>13-11-2012, 02:43:57</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She nodded lightly. Again, he was most likely right. And the fact that he always seemed to be right was starting to annoy her. Was he one of those men that walked through life always in the right? She let out a little groan of defeat as she knew that he <em>was</em> right. <br><br>As he talked about his living there, she smiled at the mention of him not being a hick. <em><strong>'And I suppose you think I am some city bumpkin without a clue..'</strong></em> She teased lightly, but before she could completely get it out, he was announcing their soon arrival. She looked out at what was before them and felt herself sigh. <em><strong>'It will be so nice to get into a bed after the long day I have had.</strong></em>' She commented casually, but then began to take in the town that was unfolding before them. And her confidence then began to waver. <em><strong>'That is.. if there is a place to get a bed..'</strong></em> She glanced over at him, then back to the window. All she really wanted was just a place to crash for the night. Maybe his offer wasn't that bad after all. She didn't like the thought of eating crow at all.<br><br><em><strong>'Caleb,' </strong></em>It felt funny saying his name, but it rolled of her tongue easily. <em><strong>'maybe I could take you up on that offer... Just for the night, like you said. It looks as though this town closes up tighter than Fort Knox after dark... </strong></em> Her eyes strained to look at the buildings. <em><strong>'That is, if the offer still stands.'</strong></em> She added quietly. She wasn't sure what she had expected, but it wasn't quite this. It was easy to see that a town was there, but it wasn't much of one. Now she understood what had been mentioned about small town and everyone knowing everything of everyone. How could they not? <br><br>She crossed her arms over her chest defiantly as she looked out the window. <em>Damn it to hell and back for not planning this out better.</em> It had been her eagerness that had put her in the predicament she was in now. Sitting in a truck with a stranger, driving to a strange town, and probably having to sleep on said strangers couch! She should have thought this out better. But when she had gotten that small bit of information after so long of a search, she couldn't resist it. Maybe she wasn't as patient as she thought she was. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>13-11-2012, 05:28:20</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Think? Well.." He grinned slightly with a sideways look at her, of course he thought that, she ended up stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire, in utterly senseless shoes, on a next to abandoned road. If he hadn't come along she'd of still been out their getting her self wet and dirty next to her car either pretending to try to get her tire on, or walking up the road trying to see if she could find civilization on her own two feet, another joke in those heels.&nbsp; She was a city girl, whether she liked it or not in his eyes, and likely would seem the same to most of the people in town.<br><br>When she spoke up his name he blinked turning towards her again taking them around another curve. "I wouldn't have offered it if i didn't intend to let you use it. After all I know how town closes down..You'd of been lucky to get anyone to look out the window at you." Giving a slight shrug, it was a small town, and most the people were gone in the middle of the night. Taking the road down the hill leading into town he drove slower, easing into the city limits. "I've got a queen bed in a spare room, you can crash on it till you can see if there is a room you can rent in town." <br><br>At least she wasn't thinking he was some crazy bastard trying to kidnap her or something, after all, she'd taken him up on the offer, though that was likely out of desperation alone. "So, you were adopted out, where did you grow up? I mean, can't say you turned out terribly, aside from your reasonable sense of shoes of course." He was going to continue to crack on those heels because he could, and it kept the mood from being too tense, at least he hoped. That and the casual conversation made it easier for him to worry at her scent. <em>Damn it, if she isn't and I say something I'm fucked..</em> Perhaps..if she could find something of her parents..then he'd know..
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>13-11-2012, 20:32:51</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She returned his sideways look with a glance of her own, that almost said that she was a bit miffed. But it was with herself, rather than him. She soon eased out of her huff as he confirmed that his offer still stood. She then laughed as he seemed to make light of it. She silently thanked him for that. She continued to look at him for a few minutes more. She wasn't sure what to think of Caleb. Under the tough exterior he seemed to be a genuine nice guy. Even the shrug of his shoulders gave her the impression that he didn't hold onto things too much. <br><br>Catching herself watching him to intently and for a moment longer than was comfortable, she quickly turned her gaze back upon the road before them. <em><strong>'That sounds great.'</strong></em> She said in response to comment of a queen sized bed. It was more than she would need, but it was nice to not have to worry about it any longer. She grinned. <em><strong>'You aren't going to let me live that down, are you?' </strong></em>She tossed at him with a playfulness that meant she didn't mind the ribbing about the shoes. But moved on to his other question. <em><strong>'And yes, I am from the city. Grew up in Charlesberg. Which you probably know is about 250 miles from here.'</strong></em> She chuckled. <em><strong>'Feels like I am a million miles away though.'</strong></em> He had called her out on it. She <em>was</em> from the city. <em><strong>'I work there, actually. I am a historian on ancient times and cultures. Ironic that I don't know my own?'</strong></em> She nearly snorted with the idea of it.<br><br><em><strong>'And thank you. I tend to hope I didn't turn out too bad. I am sure I was a handful while I was in my teens. It was when I found out about it and boy did that give me some nasty things to say.'</strong></em> She shrugged with the memories of the fights with her parents. <em><strong>'Angry teen doesn't even half describe it..But, that is all said and done now..'</strong></em> She hinted that her family life was pretty shitty without actually coming out and saying it. <em><strong>'What about you? Do you enjoy your life out here in the trees?' </strong></em>She gave a smirk. For some strange reason Tarzan popped into mind. <em><strong>'Any annoying family like the rest of us in the world have?</strong></em>' She couldn't help to tease him a bit. <br><br>She caught herself looking at him again and looked away once more almost hoping that the would arrive soon.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>13-11-2012, 22:14:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Not for a second darlin." Though the grin remained on his lips, teasing her about those damn heels would probably last just about as long as she stuck around town. They didn't look bad, but oh did they make a nice thing to jab at. "Yeah, Charlesberg is a bit of a ways out of town, still closest big city though." Perhaps that was why she was able to circle back around and find this place, if this was indeed where she had been born originally, the fact that unlike in most foster systems she didn't get shipped around and out of the area of where she was originally. While two hundred and fifty miles was no short skip, it was certainly not a goodly distance to keep someone eager about finding their roots.<br><br><em>Ancient times and cultures, if only she knew what she was walking herself into here, she'd have a heart attack.</em> The thought came unbidden, knowing the secret behind the sleepy little town, and knowing that it was a secret well kept for more generations then he could count, and that their people had seen the rise and fall of many different cultures and societies, playing their game and keeping to the shadows where it was safe. Of course there had been...slip ups, there were reasons for the movies, books, and bedtime stories told to kids, slip ups. <br><br>Taking a left turn he glanced at her in the gap before he brought his eyes back to the street in front of them, the foster system was crap, everyone heard it. That she turned out even half decent was a ounce of character. Though not knowing ones parents had to be a bitch, he knew sometimes it was..necessary, but it was not always safe either. "I love it out here, peaceful, quiet, and if you don't want to deal with the gossiping folk, you just stick around home little more." Though that usually only gave them more to gossip about, and it was worse when you finally did crack the door, but he didn't want to give the town too bad of a spin, despite the fact that within a day everyone would know she was there, and likely why.<br><br>"Not immediately, no, parents passed a few years back, they started in on kids a little late in life." It was not a lie, the fact that it had been a fight in the trees that took them out, rather then old age was just a oversight, since in his life, old age, and going out in a fight walked hand in hand. "I'm sure living here long enough I've a view obscure distant cousins or something around town, but other then that it's just me." <br><br>Giving the wheel a final turn he took it off the main road onto a driveway swinging up and away from the main street. The yard was large, the front well trimmed and taken care off, while the back of the house was closer to the trees leading back into the forest, he lived towards the edge of town after all, as small as the town was it was easy too. The house itself was fair sized, a two story, log house, in good repair, looking to be in its original state of build almost, with the logs holding that rich deep color to them. Windows on the second floor were curtained, but on the first a big window looked into a empty dark living room, not worried about someone breaking in or knowing he wasn't about obviously, he pulled the truck to a stop beside the house under a bit of a carport. <br><br>"Well, here we are." A quick press and the buckle came undone and he eased out of the truck, a quick step around the front though and he had her door. He didn't rush, but his stride was long after all. "Whens the last time you ate?" 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>14-11-2012, 14:50:55</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He seemed to speak with ease about his family. Either that, or he hid his emotions about it. She couldn't help have a tug upon her heart at the thought of someone knowing their own parents. When it came to hers, she knew absolutely nothing. Not even how she came to be adopted by the Saunders. It hadn't been an easy life with what she had grown up with as a father-figure, and she remained silent as he spoke of them. She had craved something different for so long. When it had been confirmed, which in its self was surrounded by anger in its self, a light had turned on for her. While the woman that took on the role of Mother, did all she could to keep things as neutral as possible, the man that would play father, couldn't hide the resentment. <br><br><em><strong>'It must be nice.. to know, I mean, that you have family if you ever need them.'</strong></em> She couldn't know what it was like to have that. All she knew of was this deep longing that resided within her. Even if a little misconstrued in her thinking, it drove her to carry on her search. Her words to the fact was not a comment of joy, but more a confession of the deeper sadness that hid within her chest. At his mentioning of their arrival. She let all of their talk go. To her, it was done for the night. She needed something more positive to look forward to, and that came in the form of tomorrow being a new day.<br><br>She moved a little sluggishly, quite certain that fatigue was starting to take a toll. She was surprised in his getting the door. It wasn't something that modern men did often. Or rather, something that she had encountered very often. Though her experiences weren't exactly so wide spread that she could make a complete generalized and formed opinion on the whole of men. She had known men and had relationships. Civility seemed lost on most those she encountered. The expected women of business to stand in their trousers as well as any man did. However it didn't mean that a woman didn't notice little things when they occurred. In the day and age of equality too many people were afraid of offending someone else. And at some point it went too far into that desensitization of courtesy.<br><br>She smiled at him as she exited the truck with a short jump to the ground. <em><strong>'I grabbed a bite about 5 hours ago.. at a greasy spoon on the highway. Believe me when I say it was less than appetizing.'</strong></em> She stated with slight roll to her eyes. <em><strong>'I can stomach most things, but I am quite certain everything in that place was cooked in oil that hadn't been changed for years.'</strong></em> She looked at him then, as she was a little closer to him than she ever thought she would stand.. and he seemed to tower over her. <em><strong>'Why? You aren't going to tell me you can cook too, are you? Because if you do, this place might start to actually appeal to me.'</strong></em> With that she moved away from him for the mere fact that standing so close to him unsettled her. Her excuse being to get her suitcase. <br><br>Strange thoughts filtered through her brain as she inspected how to open the tailgate. She didn't want to like him. Not.. too much, anyhow.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>14-11-2012, 19:18:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Had caught the sadness to her statement, but didn't want to focus on it, it was nothing he could do to make it better for her after all. And denying the fact that he could lean on the obscure cousins he had would not help either, he had people he could lean on, most of the people in town knew him and he knew who he could go to if he needed a hand with something, or someone to talk to. But rubbing that into her face wouldn't help anything, so he let it drop like she seemed to want to catching her door for her and eyeing the slightly surprised look to her face, though he did chuckle at how she had to hop out of the truck. <br><br>"Living alone a man learns that bacon and eggs ends up getting real old quick, and it's not like you can roll out to get take out everyday of the night out here like you can in the city." The grin curved his lips still noticing how close her jump from the truck had brought her, before she took the opportunity to move away from him, he didn't close that distance, and let her make it again as he took his time closing the door and following after her, hovering to one side while she tried to figure out how to get the tailgate open, a simply pull of the handle and it would drop, though he was wondering if she'd get hit by it, it wasn't entirely light after all.<br><br>"Do please tell me though, if your one of those super independent city woman that snaps a mans head off for holding a door, or common civility. I like my head where it's at comfortably on my shoulders now." After all he'd noticed the surprised look when he opened the door. He was feeling her out some, women around town did things they needed to do, and were for the most part heads down and meek. It annoyed him more often then not, and having someone around that could banter a word, instead of dipping her head would be a nice change to things. Though, if he was going to get a bad eye for every polite thing he did that might be a different story all together.<br><br>"I'll can throw something together, so you have something proper to eat before going to bed, rather than the remains of whatever grease is still in you from that hole in the wall off the highway." She might be suspicious, from what he remembered of visiting the city any sort of common decency was generally lacking on the better half of people, and completely absent on the rest. Out here in the country, when you offered a hand, it was usually pretty genuine and came with more then a heft off the ground. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>15-11-2012, 02:15:00</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em><strong>'Ah. You should try to rectify that by finding someone that is a competent cook.' </strong></em>She smirked as he moved closer to her at the tailgate. She looked at him as he moved on with the conversation. Pulling on the leaver, the tailgate popped and fell back toward her. She caught it just in-time, as her eyes came back to what she was doing. <em><strong>'No, I don't mind a guy.. a man, being civil and using manners. It separates him from the beasts that seem to be roaming the world unchecked.'</strong></em> She paused a second as if she was thinking on the subject. <em><strong>'The rub of it is, that I had to travel clear out here into the sticks and mud to see someone actually do it. Sad, isn't it?'</strong></em> She questioned him, but it wasn't a question that was intended to be answered.<br><br>Grasping her suitcase she hefted it down and set it upon the ground before she push hard upon the tailgate slamming it back into place. <em><strong>'I could do with a sandwich if you got it. But a cooked meal, nah. I would rather not put you through that kind of bother. I didn't come clear out here to meet someone to not only have them save me from the road from hell, to then have them cook for me? Its sweet, but really, you are being kind enough. By the time I leave town, I am quite sure you will be glad to see me and my heels gone!'</strong></em> She grinned at him sweetly. <br><br>As she moved slowly toward the house, she motioned for him to lead the way. <em><strong>'And another thing. What is it with guys and big trucks? Is there really a need for one that only tall wavering men can get into?'</strong></em> There was a little grumble in her voice, but it was all in jest. In her mind she wondered if there were some mud bogs or something close by, as that was the only thing she could think of that was needed for vehicles as he drove. Sure there were probably numerous other sensible things they were needed for, but her mind was pretty muddled.<br><br>She observed the house as she walked. <em><strong>'Looks like a decent place you have here.'</strong></em> She commented.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>15-11-2012, 02:41:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodded his head lightly, glad he wasn't in fact being compared to those beasts she was talking about, though, little did she know. "Well you didn't think we'd fill up the cities now did you? We'd have women needing doors opened all over the the sort and we'd never have enough time to get anything else done." It was with a smirk of course letting her handle the truck without an issue apparently, which was good, it was heavy but it wasn't impossible and she managed it well enough freeing her suitcase to walk beside him heading towards the door, that sweet smile curving her lips.<br><br>"Well, the heels at least, definitely. As for a sandwich I think that'd be fairly manageable under the circumstances." He'd have to make sure he had good bread and lunchmeat, but he was fairly certain he did, otherwise he'd of likely insisted on the meal just to disguise the fact that he was without. Taking the steps a head of her lightly he let out another fine chuckle. "You haven't been out here in the winter, when the snow is about as tall as you are, you want a truck that can cut through it. Elsewise you end up in a ditch, or simply buried and not able to get anywhere." <br><br>Glancing to his own house lightly he nodded his head. "Yeah, it's comfortable enough, spent a good time here, though it got it after my parents passed." He'd grown up further out in the woods, even more privacy and space, but that was now just an empty property he visited from time to time. Living closer into town was easier for everything day to day, so he had moved in nearer. Moving to the door he opened it easily, it obviously hadn't been locked, another beauty of a small town, didn't really need to lock your doors if you knew everyone in town.<br><br>"Make yourself comfortable, I'm sure your tired." The interior was as nice, and simple as the exterior was, the log cabin look carried inside so the walls were the timbers as they had been, and the floor a solid oak, though had plenty of rugs over it so that every step didn't have to be heard like a knock to the door. On the walls held very pictures, a few people whom held enough resemblance to be called his parents, while others had a few with him in it and other people closer to his age. Others were pictures of the forest presumably, or other country scenes, framed and nice. The main room, which the window looked into, held a large sectional couch and a sitting chair, facing a large fireplace, a simple flatscreen TV was on the mantel of it. <br><br>Leaving the door for her to close behind her he made for the kitchen, visible from the living room, simple, clean holding all the basics as well as a fine coffee machine on the counter. "Veggies? Picky on meat or sauces?" He asked as he cracked open his fridge bending into it to find the lunch meat. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>15-11-2012, 14:38:45</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				At his reply she shook her head lightly. She was definitely beginning to believe he was completely comfortable in his masculinity. Which from her experiences, was a bit refreshing from the metro-sexual she encountered on a daily basis. Even thinking on the word made her cringe and shiver a little bit. She found it hard to believe that Caleb would ever be one of those guys that believed he should look prettier than any woman he encountered. And even while most of the men she spoke with in the city were educated and skilled in their fields, it just didn't do anything for her. Perhaps she just didn't fit into her life in the city like she thought she did. She loved her work, but people there were so self involved. The world around them slipped by and they didn't even notice.<br><br><em><strong>'Ah.. that explains it.'</strong></em> She chuckled. <em><strong>'Snow. Gotcha.'</strong></em> She clicked her tongue and gave him a wink like she didn't believe it fully. Men would use anything for a chance to have toys... especially when there was a motor attached, whether it was practical or not. Least that was her view on it. She had yet to be shown differently. And as he spoke about the house, she listened quietly. <br><br>When they entered, she watched him as he moved forth. Pulling the door closed behind her, she then turned back to observe the interior. It had a pleasant cozy feel to it. It felt like a home. Which of course it was, but there was a difference between a house and a home.. a feeling that lived inside. <em><strong>'Picky? No, not really. I would settle for PB &amp; J if that is all you had. Meat? That works. Whatever you have for veggies is fine too.'</strong></em> She replied as she wandered about the room looking at different things. Touching a frame here, or bending to get a better look at something there. <em><strong>'These of your family?'</strong></em> She asked as she looked at some of the photos. Which she was certain was a silly question as there seemed to be genetic resemblances. <em>Attractive family.</em> she thought.<br><br>Noticing a hallway, she wondered if she should venture down it or not, assuming that the location of the bedrooms were down it.<em><strong> 'Where would you like me to put my suitcase?'</strong></em> She asked, figuring it would be better to either wait for directions or for him to show her. She wasn't completely out of touch, but felt quite capable of locating a room. And after looking at most of the images, she wondered what it was he did for a living, because up until now she hadn't the slightest clue to it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>15-11-2012, 18:54:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Pb&amp;J was possible, but he found meat and some lettuce and tomato too, and they still all smelt good, so it was going to be a proper sandwich rather then a quick throw together of a simple throwback. Pulling it all out he put it on the counter, she had said she wasn't picky so he brought the jar of mayo with all the rest and spread it thin on the bread before going about building up her sandwich. "Yeah, that's them." With his back turned he simply assumed she was looking at one of the photos with his family, that she had to ask was as silly as him having to guess to answer, he only had a few with himself and friends, and it would be clear that those were not his family, since he had not mentioned any sort of brothers or sisters.<br><br>"Down the hall, and up the stairs, second bedroom on the right hand side, bathroom is the third door by the way." Giving her reign to move through his house, he was not worried about her breaking into anything, or snooping too excessively, he didn't really have anything to hide here in his home, not really. Finishing piling her sandwich together on the plate he paused and moved to the fridge grabbing two simple beers out of it, nothing fancy just a local brew since it was harder to get hands on anything else in the middle of the sticks. <br><br>There stairs up to the second floor were simple, and likely cold for bare feet with the way they were the hard wood without any sort of rug over them. At the top of the stairs was another hall with three doors on the right hand side, and one on the left. The one he directed her too opened up into a comfortable, if not a strikingly large room, furnished in simple things, a dresser, a bookshelf with a assortment of random books on it, though from the titles and condition it looked as if many of the books might be older than he was, likely his parents or such books that they'd left to him. The bed was a queen and tucked to one corner, a dark blue comforter with matching pillows on it, though they looked more tossed on then actually a made bed, next to a window looking out towards the town a bit, though it had a view of the line of trees as well. Like downstairs the floor was covered with a rug so it wasn't bare feet on a cold floor in the evenings.&nbsp; Over the wall hung a large canvas picture of the ocean with a ship out on a cresting wave, it was purely decorative, and also seemed to have been around awhile. <br><br>"Bite to eats down here once you get yourself comfortable." His voice called up the stairs easily carrying in the log house without trouble. Moving he set the plate and the beer on the coffee table, before sinking into his usual chair with his own. He wasn't going to corner her and be oppressive, he didn't really have any worries of her. <em>Well, not entirely... she could be trouble..</em> But he wasn't necessarily considered for his safety or his homes, it was other matters that made him want to keep something of an eye on her. <br><br>Hitting the remote he turned the news on, which was catered to one of the bigger towns further out, almost seventy miles away, but they didn't really have a station tuned to their small town, would have been a waste for any station to do so, the newspaper was usually more reliable for real local weather or news.&nbsp; Twisting the top off his own beer he took a drink, appearing to be watching the story of a few missing people who'd gone hiking, but in reality had his attention tuned towards her, listening for her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>17-11-2012, 02:48:45</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She listened to his directions and made her way toward the room. She walked slowly as she wasn't certain where light switches were. Finding one she flipped it on and it illuminated the hallway with light. She resisted looking in open doors as she found the one she was looking for. Entering, the light from the hall lit the room just barely enough for her to find a lamp upon an end table and turned it on. The room was very satisfactory, much larger than she expected and way more than she knew that she would ever find in any hotel room. Cleaner too, which always was a plus. She worried about the things she really didn't want to know about when it came to hotel rooms. It was usually the main reason why she insisted on a Bed and Breakfast. <br><br>Putting her suitcase upon her bed, she unzipped it and opened it to reveal all the things inside. Finally, she kicked off her shoes, and sat on the edge of the bed. Lifting her foot, she rubbed it a bit. It was true. They weren't the kind of shoes for out here. Leaning down, she picked them up and leaned over to place them neatly by the end table with the lamp. She then looked around the room. The book case was interesting.<br><br>She then heard him call up to her and decided not to dally much longer. Finding a pair of white socks, she slipped them onto her feet and headed for the bathroom. Again, she found the light and flipped it on. After washing her hands she then took a moment to wash her face. Finding a towel, she patted her face dry. The reflection in the mirror was less than appetizing, but what did it matter at this time of night. Cleaning up any possible mess she may have left, she turned to descend the stairs.<br><br>When she returned to the living room, he was seated and was watching the news. <em><strong>'Ah! I feel almost human again.' </strong></em>She announced as she returned, then took the seat before the plate. <em><strong>'This looks great, thanks.'</strong></em> Picking up the food she took a bite and it was then that she realized how famished she was. After chewing and swallowing, she commented. <em><strong>'A news watcher, hmm?'</strong></em> She teased a bit before taking another bite. She looked at the beer set near her plate, but she left it there. Again she emptied her mouth before talking. <em><strong>'I've never been one to keep up on the news. I suppose I should, but it just seems like there is so much bad news on all the time. I think I like to pretend I live in a civilized world, even though I know it isn't any-longer. This is excellent by the way. Much better than what I paid an arm and a leg for earlier.'</strong></em> Taking another bite, she knew she really wasn't being as lady-like as she could have been.<br><br>She also realized she was being quite chatty and hushed to finish her meal. When she was done, the beer still sat unopened. She hoped she wasn't being impolite, it was just that she had never liked the taste of beer. She enjoyed fruity spirits on occasion, but it wasn't on a regular <em>enough</em> basis. It occurred to her then that when it came to that kind of thing, she was always the one that tagged along, had a fairly good time, but usually was the one to drive everyone home. <em>Sad.</em> She thought instantly.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>18-11-2012, 00:19:04</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As she came back down the stairs he glanced towards her lightly from his chair. She did look a little bit more refreshed, less haggled from the misty air, and muddy ground at least. That and she was shorter, she'd lost her heels obviously enough. He dipped his head but turned his gaze back to the news again, halfheartedly watching it as she sat down and started in on her sandwich. "It's just a sandwich, but glad you can appreciate it." The smirk curving his lips was easy as he heard her comment about the news, perking up one of his eyebrows slightly. <br><br>"There tends to be some bad stories, but then again, we are not in the city out here in the sticks. Usually the news is just news, nothing to bad, or too good, slow towns you know? Helps to keep an eye on the weather, though even that is somewhat useless out here, this station is for Dayton, back the way you came from." Not nearly as far, but enough so that the weather could change pretty easily between the two rather than sticking to forcasts. "Reading the paper tends to be more accurate for well, everything out here, but it's something to turn on so the house isn't completely quiet." <br><br>Lifting his beer he took another swallow of it easily while she took to her sandwich, though he did notice her leaving the beer aside. "Would you prefer a soda? Or some water?" Gesturing with the base of his bottle at the abandoned beer on the counter. "I didn't know if you drank or not, and simply went with it." Drinking in the town was common, partially because the inability for anyone to really get entirely shit faced how they were, even hard spirits had a tendency to get them only a light buzz over anything else, but that was not something he could exactly bring up and explain to her. "I just figured you could help me get rid of a bottle or two, people seem to think a six pack makes a good improvised birthday present, only it ends up in my fridge almost to my next birthday usually." <br><br>"So...ancient times, and cultures huh? I must say, thinking of that gives me the image of some librarian looking woman with thick glasses, covered in dust, and in a turtle neck sweater." The comment was easy and teasing, but slightly probing. "What got you into that field?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>19-11-2012, 01:25:06</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She could completely understand the need for background noise. Many times she would leave a radio on that she normally used while in the bathroom, at home. Her apartment was small so the sound traveled through it easily. It was a one bedroom studio apartment that cost her more than it was worth, but that came with living in the city. The sad part, was that she found she was hardly there. Always something somewhere to explore and collect information on.<br><br><em><strong>'I do catch a paper here and there, I have to admit. Though it usually isn't for the front page news. Local stuff.. Obituaries.. Estate sales.. that kind of thing. And now that I have said that out loud, it sounds rather pathetic and creepy.'</strong></em> She gave a little chuckle and shrugged lightly. <em><strong>'Oh don't worry about it. I am fine, thanks. I think I use more beer in cooking than I actually drink. You could always put them to use that way'</strong></em> She smiled. <br><br><em><strong>'It is a strange profession, in a way, but it doesn't bore me. There is always something else to explore. Legends and tales.. At times it is hard to stay focused on one thing when the story can take you elsewhere.'</strong></em> She comfortably continued on about her work. <em><strong>'Just to explain a bit about obituaries and things... you would not believe the kind of stories you can encounter at Estate sales. Especially if there is some kind of artifact that is connected to the area, or if the person was prominent in certain circles. I don't know why, but I have always found it fascinating. Of course, there are the usual things that my job sends me on. The local stuff is just kinda the in-between while waiting for additional work. And yes, there is a lot of reading and dust involved.'</strong></em> She grinned, then answered his question. <em><strong>'Not knowing my own background.'</strong></em> She answered it simply, as if it answered everything.<br><br>She took her turn and opportunity to poke him about his work. Turn about was fair trade, after all. <em><strong>'So ..what do you do here? For work, I mean.'<br></strong></em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>19-11-2012, 02:29:37</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She was right, it did draw his attention when she mentioned that she got papers mostly to look at obituaries and estate sales, it was like she was gunning for dead people to be honest, or rather people who had just died. His eyebrow was quirked slightly as he eyed her out of the corner of one eye slightly, the suspicious air about him obvious but not overly offended he didn't think he needed to shout out for the authorities or anything, but she was weird. Not terribly weird, but... creepy.&nbsp; "Wine tends to cook better then beers in my experience, but it might help get it out of my fridge sooner your right." <br><br>"What about legends you shouldn't look into? You know, pasts people want buried and not snooped around above, do you get many people shooing you away from their family histories?" Her curiosity was just bad, it was bad, it did not fit into the sleepy town, especially with the bigger secrets that he knew were under the surface of the little town in the middle of the sticks. Secrets her prying and curious nature could endanger, and thus endanger everyone, and himself...unless this was all some big game she was playing, and she was something as one of them rather than not.. he couldn't decide yet, it was frustrating.<br><br>"Well i live here." The comment had to be given, and was done so with a smart ass smirk as he shifted in his chair taking another drink of his beer before setting it down. "Despite the fact that i do not drink myself, I tend at the local bar for something to keep me busy. My family was fairly well off, and left me the place, and some money, I'm not rich, but I'm comfortable you see." In a small town a fair amount of money tended not to be used very often, there was not a lot of luxury to spend things on, that and his real source of income was not really being spoken of, something he kept to himself, it would lead to more..questions than he wanted to answer to her right now he was sure of it . "There's the local Tavern, I'm sure you'll find it, if you want to talk to anyone that is." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>20-11-2012, 15:51:52</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She grinned at his comment about the beer. <em><strong>'I am willing to bet that I could convince you otherwise by putting out a full and complete spread that used beer in every course served.'</strong></em> She was being playful when it came to her comment toward him, which could be taken as a challenge But then moved on in a more serious fashion. She was happy to talk about her work.<br><br><em><strong>'There is that, I suppose, but what I have found is that it only ever applied to secret societies in general. Believe me, I have encountered some strange stuff along the way. That doesn't mean that I haven't had anyone mention how sensitive something may be. I am open to points of views. Even beliefs people seem to have. And if it isn't something that is wanted to be known, then I wouldn't go into that. There is always something at the ground level that everyone knows. Something that isn't secret, if you catch what I am saying? And that is the angle that is taken. I am not a gossip columnist.'</strong></em> She sounded a little defensive she realized, and smiled to hopefully lessen it. She had to wonder about his questions though.. and the road it had brought them down. Was he insinuating that her delving into her background was something that should be left alone? Sadly, that thought would only drive her more.<br><br><em><strong>'Hmm. I wouldn't have taken you as the sort to work at a bar. A lumber-jack or something like that? More likely.' </strong></em>She found it a little unnerving that she hadn't even come close to pegging his work. The fact that his family left him what he had, was interesting, but nothing unusual. <em><strong>'It is a quite comfortable place.'</strong></em> She commented, pretty sure he wasn't talking about the home he lived in. <em><strong>'And as long as we are happy, really.. nothing else matters.'</strong></em> She added.<br><br>At his mention of her talking to people, she nodded. <em><strong>'Yes, I might have to pop in there just to see if it stirs up some gossip.'</strong></em> She was subtle in the way she started looking around when it came to her job. And most times it wasn't on such a personal level as this. Which she knew would lead her to be more eager.. The biggest obstacle would indeed be that this was a very small community. Finally getting to her feet, she picked up her plate and the warming beer to take it out to the kitchen. <em><strong>'I think it's time for me to turn in. I'll just take these out.'</strong></em> Yes, she was stating the obvious. <em><strong>'Have a good night.'</strong></em><br><br>With that she made her exit to deal with her plate and put the beer back into the fridge, she then slipped back down the hall and up the stairs. In her room, she found her toothbrush, made a quick visit to the bathroom, then was all to happy to climb under the covers. The scent that filtered around her was alien. But it was like that when you stayed in someones home. No mater how many bed and breakfasts she had been in over the years, laundered sheets and covers always had a different smell. Even if they used the same exact detergent, they always smelled unique to their homes. Reaching over, she turned out the light, but found herself staring up into the darkness. <br><br>There were many things that were sticking in her mind. Caleb himself being one of them. He had been utterly kind. But seemed.. wary, in a way. Sighing, she rolled over onto her stomach, her favorite way of sleeping and let her eyes fall shut.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>20-11-2012, 19:19:47</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Gave a light chuckle shaking his head some. "Already offering to cook for me huh?" It was a teasing comment in reply to her own, knowing that was not what she meant at all, and wanting to fluster her just a little bit because the opportunity had presented itself to him. She was easy to talk to, and he liked that about her, even if there were other things making him edgy still, keeping an eye on her, as casual as he seemed, he couldn't shake that thought hanging at the edge of his attention.<br><br>Her answer was helpful, but only so much, it displayed that she might mean not to delve into secrets she shouldn't but also that the idea of them being there was not going to stop her in the least. No she was determined, and fixed on her course, and more so she knew how to investigate such things, being in the profession she was. It made him uncomfortable, even if he didn't show it, returning the smile that she flashed at him. "Not a gossip columnist indeed, you'd go bored out here in the sticks if you were one." Since the gossip was usually small town stuff and she was from the city. <br><br>"A lumberjack? Really now? No, I'm not a lumberjack, but your not entirely wrong I suppose, i do volunteer work, keeping the maintenance up on the national park, in the public areas. It was what I was out doing, when i came back by and found you." It was not a lie, he didn't officially have anything to do with the park, but if he saw something wrong, or something needing fixed he took the time to do so, keeping appearances up and around was important. Plus, being out in the park was part of his real position in things, part of everything in the little underworld of the small town, the world she wanted to sniff around. <br><br>"That's usually what matters. But if that was all that matters would you not be at home, happy in the city, working on another digging project into some obscure book or artifact? Rather then out here looking for parents whom you may never find." It was not intended to be harsh, even if it might have come across that way, it was a genuine question, but it came towards the end of their conversation, just after her mention of time to turn in. "Think on it, you can tell me in the morning." <br><br>Part of him wanted to insist otherwise, but she was already up, and he had made the sandwich for her, she was simply being polite, no use in trying to push that down and step over her to do what she was already planning too. Offering a nod to her when she walked back by and upstairs he waited downstairs, listening to the familiar sounds of the boards in the floor, the soft padding of her feet from one room to the other and back again. <br><br>It was not until he had ceased to hear any movement above that he actually lifted himself up from his chair and took his phone out of his pocket. Dialing easily enough he lifted it to his ear as it rung. Late as it was, most people would likely bitch and moan about a random call waking them up, but he knew he wouldn't be shouted down.<br><br>"What?" The voice was thick with sleep over the phone, he knew he'd woken him, but it was important enough to do so.<br><br>"We have a guest in town, from the city.... She's asking questions about family, she'd been adopted out.. She....has a scent to her." Giving the details over did not make him entirely comfortable, but he had to warn him, and get the word out among the others, to be more on guard, more careful. <br><br>"I'll spread the word...keep an eye on her Caleb, she'll leave soon enough." The man on the other end of the phone didn't sound worried, hanging up the phone and leaving him to listen to the tone his phone made with the ended call. Lowering it and slipping it into his pocket he glanced at the ceiling, the room she was using above him. <em>You may think so Daniel, but I've got a bad feeling about her...</em> A shake of his head and he made up the stairs himself to get ready for bed himself. <br><br>He paused again in the hallway glancing to the closed guest room door, his nostrils flaring just slightly as he scented the air, the smell of minty toothpaste and her clung to the air in the hallway, but there was still that underlying scent, a hint of the forest, of something hidden. Hidden, or unrealized.. he didn't know. <br><br>Finally opening his door he eased in pulling his shirt off and kicking his boots off before going to the bathroom to follow the nightly rituals, finally returning to his own large bed positioned in front of a wide window facing the forest, stretching out across his comforter in only boxers he closed his eyes. Tomorrow would be another day, and perhaps she would get shut down enough that she decided to simply leave town, it would be safer, for the town, for her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>22-11-2012, 04:03:49</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				When her eyes slowly opened, she rolled over onto her back. It had been a long time since she had slept this well. An instant need to relieve herself washed over her. And it was instant need. Sitting up quickly she rushed to the door, gave a quick look in the hallway and dashed into the bathroom. Which probably wasn't that smart of an idea. But when you had to go, you had to go! Besides, it wasn't like she had anything that most men hadn't seen on the beach anyhow. Her tee-shirt covered her mostly. Done with her business, she washed her hands, then her face and thought about a shower. But she really had imposed much more than she had intended. <br><br>Opening the bedroom door just slightly, she did her best to look to see if Caleb was anywhere around. Not seeing anything she dashed back into her room, closing the door behind her. Leaning against it she scolded herself for not packing a light sweat-pant to sleep in. Had she been in a hotel room or something, she would have been fine.<br><br>After dressing, she packed up almost everything into her suitcase, and left it at the foot of her bed, where she then made up the bed to look as though she had never slept in it. Her heels she had traded in for her canvas flat shoe. They were white, but they would have to do until she could get something in town. After brushing her hair, she stood looking out the window. It was a magnificent view. It was too bad she couldn't just rent the room here. Pulling on a dark blue zipper sweat-shirt over her clean blue tee, she opened the door and headed down the stairs to see if Caleb was around. <br><br>She hoped that the car would be easy to deal with. And to see if she could get a lift into town.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>22-11-2012, 04:54:01</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Caleb was already up by the time he heard her moving around upstairs, he never slept too long, it was a habit of his that he had never been able to shake. But it had its advantages of course, he was already showered and dressed for the day, jeans gripping his hips and legs, fitting to him, but not with that annoying super tight city look, but the functional jeans look hugging his legs. He wore a white t-shirt, with another shirt over it, a button down, but it was left open, letting the shirt that held to him show the line of his chest a little more, since it fit more snug then the second shirt would have. It was casual and comfortable, something he would wear occasionally when tending bar, the button down with its sleeves rolled up half his forearms at the moment. His hair though was still wet from his shower, he'd not been up terribly long obviously.<br><br>"Morning." His voice rose enough as he heard her coming down the stairs, his voice carrying around the corner without a problem. She'd be greeted with the smells of breakfast, sausage was browned in one pan, while another held eggs scrambled, with cheese, peppers, and seasoned to the taste. Already done to one side were two plates each with a pair of french toast slices on it, lifting the pan of eggs he held it over each divvying the eggs out between them, before doing likewise with the sausage.<br><br>"You'll have never had a breakfast as good, all of it farm fresh, the bread was even baked locally." He spoke as he pushed the plate across the counter to the otherside, where stools rested against, obviously where he would usually eat if not in the living room, he had no dining room table. "OJ, Milk, or Coffee?" The pot in the corner of his kitchen was already perfuming the air with the hint of a fresh brew pouring into the pot. "I called Jake this morning, he's already gone out to get your car and tow it here into town, he said he was a little busy today, and would get to fixing the flat before noon, and you'd be able to pick it up around one if you wanted." Fixing the flat would be better then just slapping the spare on after all, what if it happened again? "Did you sleep well?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>27-11-2012, 16:29:09</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As she hit the mid section of the stairs, she knew immediately that Caleb was up and about. And the smells made her mouth water. <em><strong>'Good Morning! Mmm.. that smells excellent!'</strong></em> She said as she crossed the living room to enter the kitchen. What greeted her was something she hadn't expected. Caleb was attractive enough, in his rugged kind of way, but cooking looked very very good on him. Not to mention the look about him was fresh. Something that always came with mornings. <br><br>The mix of sweet and savory filled her senses and she halted just to inhale the delicious mix. Letting her breath out slowly she smiled. <em><strong>'Smells so good.'</strong></em> Upon seeing the prepared plates, she looked back up from them to look at him. <em><strong>'I.. can't believe you cooked all this.'</strong></em> She grinned and inadvertently it hinted that she was surprised that a <em>man</em> would or could cook like this. And it truly wasn't the way she felt about men cooking at all. It was just too hard to resist teasing him. And she couldn't understand why she even felt the need for it. <br><br><em><strong>'OJ will be great, thanks.' </strong></em>Settling upon a stool, she began the assault upon her breakfast. <em><strong>'I might have to dive into a cup of coffee too though.'</strong></em> She flicked him a glance with her mouth full. Her jaw pained as a bite of sausage came in contact with her tongue. That feeling was always a good sign. <em><strong>'And I think you might be right.'</strong></em> She said at last between bites, in reply to his mention of it being farm fresh. <em><strong>'This is the perfect way to start the day.'</strong></em> She smiled. <em><strong>'Oh, thanks! That is a relief.. About the car.'</strong></em> She took another bite, chewed as delicately as possible, without looking like she was starving, and swallowed.<br><br>At his question, she nodded, then expanded when her mouth was empty. <em><strong>'I did. Almost too well, I might add.'</strong></em> She blushed, not certain why. <em><strong>'You should rent that room out. I bet you would get a good nickle or two.'</strong></em> She joked. Then she thought to ask. <em><strong>'Have any suggestions on places to stay at? I am not sure how long I will be here. Could be a couple days to a week or more.'</strong></em> It was nice that her job was as flexible as it was. She would, of course, have to check in, but otherwise, there were no deadlines at work currently. It was why she had jumped at the opportunity as quickly as she had. There was no telling when the slack would change. <br><br>She continued to eat. <br><br><br><br><em><br>Edit: Wow. Yeah I can't spell today. o.O</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>27-11-2012, 18:51:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				That goading poking comment about him cooking made him eye her out of the corner of his gaze, she was trying to get a rise out of him, but he could already see she was falling for the meal in front of her. He was likely right that she hadn't found anything in the city that could beat some good old fresh home grown food. Moving to the coffee pot he drew the carafe out of the appliance hooking a pair of coffee mugs out of the cupboard above and setting them down before topping each of them off. "Sugar, cream?" The question was easy as he slide the carafe home, already reaching into the fridge for the juice, as well as some milk which he took in his coffee. <br><br>"Glad you like it, can't start a day at all without a good meal." The thanks on the car he left off, it was as simple as nothing, he had after all told her that they'd get her set up with Jake soon as the day rolled around, the sooner the better. As he dished some sugar, and followed with milk into his own coffee cup he set it down with a stir, and poured out the juice taking it over and setting it in front of her, using his fork to snag one of his sausages from his plate and take a bite from it as he turned away from her and back to the drinks on the counter. <br><br>"Glad you like it, was afraid it'd be a bit musty, doesn't get much use after all, not many people coming in and out of town, and the whole lack of relatives thing." It was a shrug to his shoulders, renting the room out was a possibility, but there was really rarely anyone new who came into town, at least anyone who came looking for a place to stay. Anyone who was expected and came to stay usually had somewhere a little more qualified to bed down, such as whomever they were coming to see. "Honestly I can't say, I'd try, Sue-Ann, she lives in town and owns the local diner, I know there is an apartment above that, but i don't know if its empty or not." After all, they may not get guests, but kids did grow up to the point of moving out, and that's when the open housing grew much shorter. <br><br>With her coffee prepared to how she liked it he walked back over setting it down close to the juice before moving to lean his hip against the counter, lifting his plate and eating where he stood casually. The eggs were good and cooked just the way he liked them, of course since he cooked them, but it blended well with the spices of the sausage, and the sweetness of the french toast. When his mouth was clear again he paused with his fork against his plate. "If you can't find somewhere, you do have a point, you may not get waited on every morning, but I do have the empty room that could keep a roof over your head."<br><br><em>As long as you don't bring fire down over me with your questions that is..</em> He thought it to himself, but it was a concern, he knew Daniel was not terribly worried over her, but Daniel hadn't gotten the hints at her scent like he had. He still couldn't peg her, whether she was one of them or not, it was difficult when they had not taken that first step, and of course worse, some were more talented at hiding their scent about themselves, especially those few who worked out in cities most often, they had a much more human scent stuck to them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>30-11-2012, 00:14:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked up from her plate. <em><strong>'Oh, um. Yes, both please. Or milk, which works for me too.'</strong></em> She had to admit the meal was completely satisfying. <em><strong>'I don't think I ever eat this well in the mornings, so this is a nice treat. Food has always been more of a bother than a real planned out thing, if that makes sense. I just ignore it until I am completely famished.'</strong></em> She stated between bites, doing her best not to talk with food in her mouth. <em><strong>'That doesn't mean that I don't like to plan out a nice evening meal though. I like food, just get too busy and forget about it during the day.. most times.'</strong></em> She gave a little grimace as she finished the thought in her head how it wasn't a good thing for her to do. More often than not, her stomach found her in a meeting when it decided she had gone too long without a bite to eat.<br><br>She nodded to his comments on the woman in town. As she received her coffee she noted it looked perfect as well. <em><strong>'I may have to smuggle you home just so that I can eat properly in the morning.'</strong></em> Her comment was for sure a joke and an attempt to be friendly. <em><strong>'I will take a look around. Never know what I will find!'</strong></em> At this, it could mean a few things. But her concerns for the moment was in securing a place to stay. <em><strong>'And I didn't notice it being musty at all. The room is nice.'</strong></em> She added.<br><br>She watched him as he ate. He was an interesting sort. Not may she knew would take in a stranger and feed them like this. <em><strong>'Hmm. I will keep that in mind.'</strong></em> She replied. It wouldn't be so terribly bad staying here. It had a definite cozy feel to it, she thought as she looked around. Her gaze came back to land on him. And she decided to ask. <em><strong>'So.. from the looks of things there isn't a Mrs. Caleb?'</strong></em> She knew that it was kind of a bold question, and completely none of her business. <em><strong>'Or are you the kind that keep the ladies at arms length?'</strong></em> She gave a little chuckle as she took a sip of her orange juice. Her intentions to keep the mood light. <br><br>For her the romance department had always taken a back burner to her work and her side interest.. that being finding about herself. In reality she would love to settle down somewhere.. have a family.. but she had to know her background before she would even think on it. Things that pulled at her mind were medical histories and the likes. And any time things had gotten serious, she had found an excuse to end it.. or thrown herself into her work so that it pretty much killed off any hopes for anything more permanent. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>30-11-2012, 01:01:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shook his head at her idea of meals, or at least her treatment of them, he knew he couldn't handle that, nor could anyone in the small town. It was a surprise that she could, unless it was all part of the game. Ignoring hunger was just a way to loose an edge of control, hunger being something basic, primal, and instinctual enough that it could trigger some nasty things if not taken care of properly. It wouldn't be seen that anyone skipped a meal, and even the most thin of women in town eat heartily enough to make a fair sized man eye her sideways anywhere else then where they were. Their bodies simply demanded a larger diet to compensate for the strain placed upon them.<br><br>"From the looks of things, and the state of things, you would be right in that assumption." He smirked faintly, glancing at her before taking another bite of his breakfast, and then settling the fork against the plate which he lowered easily just leaning against the counter. "Small town like this people get expectations of who will marry who, early on. When that doesn't work out, things are not always as...smooth as otherwise. Its not like theres a new person to meet around every block here, after all." <br><br>There was plenty of backstory to things, but it would have to be edited for her to hear after all. The person whom everyone had expected to end up with him, annoyed the hell out of him to the point of wanting to tear her from limb to limb. And not even in a good way, and despite the pressure from people around town, and her still trying to get onto his good side, he was fairly stubborn on the matter that she was an annoying bitch and nothing was going to change. It was simple as that, perhaps, but the fact that among their little town, and their little society, pickings were fairly more slim, one way or another. Add in the fact that everyone wanted them together, despite his own wishes, made those pickings pretty much nill. <br><br>"Don't worry, you wont have a crazy girlfriend freaking out with suspicions if she spots you coming out of my place." The grin was there on his lips still, but a little forced this time. Because despite the fact that Erica was not his girlfriend, she would likely get suspicious anyway, and nosey, and more then a little crazy, but she would have to get significantly stupid to do anything to compromise them, even Daniel would not let her get away with something that stupid and petty, no matter he was her brother. <br><br>"Speaking of leaving, if you want to catch Sue-Ann before she is too busy with breakfast rush to talk at all, you may want to finish your plate." It was with a spared glance to the clock on the wall and a quick bite of his french toast, moving to set the mostly finished plate beside the sink, he could take care of it when he got back to the house. "Breakfast bleeds into lunch easy enough out here, and then theres plenty of folk that like diner there, so she tends to keep on her feet and running that diner all day. I know for a fact she's usually there and its calm though around now, there is a small mill, ten miles north, where a bunch of folk work, the grave shift ends in about... a half hour, their the ones you'd be competing for attention with, and trust me, they'd win." <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>30-11-2012, 02:33:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As he spoke she couldn't help the smile that lit her eyes.<em><strong> 'Ah, I see. So that was the reason for putting me up for the night. First dibs, huh?'</strong></em> With this she laughed heartily. I was sincerely meant as a joke, and she gave a wink to emphasize it. <em><strong>'I am still trying to figure out if I can trust you or not. I dunno.. fantastic breakfast.. Soft dreamy bed. A girl could get used to this.'</strong></em> If she had known him better, she would have softly punched him on the arm to make sure he understood that she was only having a laugh at his expense. The thought had crossed her mind about talk of her leaving from his house this morning. But this wasn't the 16th century, hell, not even the 19th. What did she really care what people thought?<br><br><em><strong>'Yeah, gossip. Never did much care for that kind of stuff.'</strong></em> Her plate was empty. She always tried to eat fairly politely, but it still amazed her at times at the amount she could pack away if she didn't pay attention. Her figure wasn't stick thin, but nice enough. She found she was more cautious around other women. Because they were the ones that would scrutinize harshly. She still had what she figured was a decent metabolism, and thus was able to eat mostly whatever. She wasn't into sweets though. The foods she enjoyed were the kind like he had provided this morning. Wholesome homy foods. She just wished she would take more time for simple things such as this, as it was enjoyable in more ways than eating something on the run.<br><br>Taking a last sip of her coffee, she jumped down off of the stool, and came up along next to him near the sink. '<em><strong>Hmm, you make a point there.'</strong></em> She agreed. <em><strong>'I will clean up, since you cooked.. won't take me more than a few minutes, I wouldn't think. And then I better be on my way. Oh wait. I better call a cab first.'</strong></em> She stopped mid thought. <em><strong>'Is there a taxi service out here?'</strong></em> She looked up at him questioningly and found herself a little too close to him. She hadn't thought she would be in the need of a taxi when she headed out here so she hadn't even looked up that information. And it hadn't even crossed her mind to ask him for a ride. Depending on someone wasn't something she was used to. <br><br>The more and more she thought on things.. she really hadn't prepared for anything. Which wasn't like her at all. She was suffering the wrath of being spontaneous and over eager. A bad combination. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>30-11-2012, 05:06:52</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The warm chuckle left his lips at her joke, it was easy enough to understand after all. Though the follow up comment about trusting him stilled it in his chest a little bit. Because the fact was she couldn't not entirely. <em>I would not advise it, you are getting yourself into something you can understand even for a moment..</em> It was a thought he wouldn't voice of course, it was too cryptic, and likely would only inspire her to try and figure out exactly what he was talking about instead of simply taking her car and getting as far and fast out of town as possible. <br><br>"Really now? A woman that doesn't like gossip?" The tone was mocking, obviously yanking her chain a little as she moved around from the counter easing closer to him and the sink where his mostly finished plate was resting. He still didn't make a move to ease away from the sink though comfortable where he was leaning as it were he turned his gaze down to her so he could eye her lightly. "Cab? Do you really think there is any taxi's out here?" It was again mocking, because it had to be obvious that there was no such thing out in this small town, anyone who drank didn't need a cab, but if they did they would have simply walked home.<br><br>He straightened some and stood close to her still, his body nearer to hers then he was used to himself but he didn't press the space entirely. She didn't seem off putting in the proximity, and he could smell her, the scent of her hair and her skin, it was not pungent, and the scent of the forest still clung, just slightly, to her, enough to annoy his senses and make him try to figure her out more in his head. "Anyway, if i sent you to Sue-Ann without a introduction, i doubt you'd actually get an offer for any place she did have open. I told you, we don't take to strangers very lightly around here, i might be able to ease her mind a little though." <br><br>Finally he eased out of her way, his coffee cup still in hand, lifting it to take a slow drink of it. "We are only hoping that Sue-Ann has a place anyway, I don't know for sure." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>04-12-2012, 00:52:01</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She caught the tone in his rub about gossip, but she let it go. She couldn't help it that it never really interested her to talk about people just for the sake of it. To find out about someones background for a purpose? Now that was something entirely different and most times it was labeled as legends. A clear distinction, to her, that is.. how someone else viewed it could be seen as two different things.<br><br>At his question about the cab it jarred her out of the awkwardness she was feeling, and she turned to deal with things on the counter. <em><strong>'Well.. you never know. I know this is backwards town, but I was trying to give the benefit of the doubt.'</strong></em> She flashed a sideways grin at him with the comment as she settled to work. She liked the way he bantered back and forth with her. It was nice to see a man that didn't mind a woman having her own mind about things.. even if in jest. <br><br><em><strong>'Hmm. You do make a point. I usually just rely on my charms to get people to talk, but yes, it would be easier with introductions I suppose.'</strong></em> With most things put away, she leaned back against the counter and studied him for a moment with her arms folded across her chest. She cocked her head to the side in her thought. <em><strong>'Yes, you did say that. Which makes me even more curious.'</strong></em> In this she nearly teased him. <em><strong>'Big bad scary strangers like me.'</strong></em> But she knew that there was a grain of truth behind what she was saying. The shrugged suddenly. <em><strong>'Well I guess we better be on our way then.'</strong></em> She said with a smile as she moved away from the counter. <em><strong>'Just need to grab my bag and I will be ready.'</strong></em><br><br>With quickened steps she was up the stairs in a flash, and back down them, ready to go. <br><br>Taking strides toward the door she opened it and stepped out into the day before her. Outside didn't seem so bad in the daylight. The sounds filtered into her ears. She inhaled deeply. The air was completely different than in the city. Strangely she thought about how she could almost get to like the forest and all the trees. It made her feel like a kid again and an urge to step out to explore, washed over her. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>04-12-2012, 01:06:48</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Glowered at her mockingly when she commented about the backwards town he was in, he happened to like the town as it was very much after all. But he let it slide knowing it was just to poke and prod at him. She was good at it, but not in a way that truly bothered him, more in a way that made him want to push her buttons right back the way she did his own. Shaking his head he stood forward once again rolling his shoulders a bit, stretching them.<br><br>"Of course i have a point, wouldn't of said it otherwise, city-girl." Knew down to his bones almost, she was going to end up pissing people off. It was not that she was rude or anything, it was just..she wasn't what people expected entirely, and more so she wasn't from around there. Plus, even with the others not having as sharp a nose as him, they were going to have their own suspicions about her. It was a wonder why Daniel had not told him to haul her ass out of bed, and hustle her back out of town, then again, Daniel was always somewhat cocky, especially in the position that he was in.<br><br>Making his way at a leisurely stride, he ended up following her out the door, and when she stilled a bit to take in the day, and the deep breath he grinned slightly. "That, is exactly while you'll never see me in a condo high rise in the middle of the city." He didn't need to explain it, it was right there before them, the fresh crisp air, the feel of nature, the complete blanketed comfort that came with the small town, as well as the level of privacy that it could provide. Their kind wouldn't make it in a city, not in larger numbers, not a chance in hell.<br><br>"So... what are you going to start with? I mean..you said you didn't have much, that you just had some info, about your parents being from out here.." It was a casual question even as he strode over to the truck, again dropping the tailgate for her to put her bag in, before closing it up and walking around to once again open the door for her. What would be more strange for him would be not holding the door open for her, it'd be down right rude after all. "That isn't much of a lead to jump on, i mean, there are not a lot of people around here, but still, that's grasping at a straw.., if your looking simply for a pair of folks you don't even know their names or looks of." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>04-12-2012, 02:22:48</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled at his comment. <em><strong>'It is nice.'</strong></em> She returned with a genuine like of the atmosphere. <em><strong>'The city isn't half bad once you learn to adapt... but I admit... this has a certain charm to it that .. '</strong></em> She paused a second before she could continue. <em><strong>'..could worm its way into your heart.. and make you yearn for the quiet.. and the birds and.. so much more. No wonder you guys don't like strangers. If you did that would mean the secret would get out about this place.'</strong></em> She acted as if her opinion on the matter was fact.<br><br>His question brought her back to reality. <em><strong>'Was hoping to start with town hall.. public records.. library.. old newspapers. That sort of thing.'</strong></em> She stepped down and began to make her way slowly toward his truck. She was thankful that he placed her bag in the back. She looked at the truck again, and shook her head. As he opened the truck door she continued.<em><strong> 'To be honest, I don't expect to find much. I have a name and an address, but that is about it. Which I suppose is better than nothing at all I have turned up more with less.'</strong></em> She smiled as she climbed into the beast of a truck once more and waited for him to get in before she would continue.<br><br>When he had, she glanced at him before speaking. <em><strong>'I do know that this may not pan out. But I have to know that I exhausted the lead.'</strong></em> Her mind was set. <em><strong>'Wouldn't you? I mean deep down, if you try to see it from where I am coming from.. there is this drive inside of you to discover where you were from.. would you want to know if you thought you may be able to make sense of it all? To find out why what happened to you did?'</strong></em> She wanted to add.. <em>To find out why you weren't wanted..</em> but couldn't for fear of the emotional attachment to the statement that was always ever present in her mind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>04-12-2012, 02:34:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She knew what she was doing, snooping through those records would only help her so much though. They were all well and sound, but they were normal enough, it would keep her out of trouble for the most part. After all, they weren't stupid enough to put anything that would be risky down on paper or anything like that, no everything that was important was tucked away, held with secrets rather than safe's. Sure there were a few things, like certain, management positions in town, that seemed to garner wages, while the actual work listed was incredibly vague. He holding one of them himself, alongside the bartender position.<br><br>"I would.. I may not be able to say i understand, i knew my parents, but i get what your saying." He didn't, but it was more for the hunt, he could understand her need to hunt this down, any of his kind understood the need to know, or to satisfy a craving, that hunting need inside of them was part of who they were, one way or another. While it was not exactly what she was saying, it was what he could compare it too. Turning the engine over he backed out of his driveway and started down the road towards the diner. <br><br>"You know, i do hope you find something. I can't say you will, or anything, but i do hope there is something to help." Could someone in town have had her, had her shipped away for the betterment of the pack. Their needs were not always thought the best of, kids were fostered out for one reason or another, but more so at the will of the pack, and the greater good it would cause in the future. If she was one of these kids..well, it would get in the way her coming back and stumbling into things. But he still couldn't help but feel for her, enough to want her to find something, to ease her mind some. <br><br>"Y'know I have a shift at the bar tonight, you could come by, i could make you up one of those fru fru drinks that you like." It was a casual offer, but a bit more, he'd offered his home and a meal to her without a shrug to his shoulders, simply common niceties more than anything else. But this was more, he liked her, and as much as he was supposed to keep an eye on her, it wasn't an unpleasant task at that. "Thursday's usually are not too busy, but there'll be a few people about at least, ask a couple questions." Telling her to ask a couple questions when people had a couple drinks in them..not the best advice, at least, for what he was supposed to be doing, but she did have a goal in mind, perhaps it'd tempt her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>04-12-2012, 03:03:36</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				It felt good to know that at least someone would understand her need.. and he seemed to get it. That was something, at least. She wasn't quite sure why she needed someone to understand her. But the fact was that no one really knew where she was and Caleb was the closest thing here that she could compare to a friend. It also seemed to help that she could talk with him so openly. This wasn't a subject that she talked about often with even her closest friends in the city. She even thought on that in its self. Compared to here, the city seemed so.. fake, if that was even the right word for it. She pushed other things out of her mind.<br><br>She nodded at his comment. <em><strong>'Thanks. I hope I do to. I really don't want to stir a hornets nest.. I just feel incomplete in that part of my life.' </strong></em>And it was true. Every word of it. As he backed out, her eyes were drawn to the mirror. Her gaze returned to the front windshield and out the side as she watched the scenery slip by as they headed toward town. The feeling in the truck was casual, similarly as it had been at his home.<br><br>At his suggestion she smiled. <em><strong>'Sounds like a plan. And they aren't fru fru drinks. They are merely palatable.'</strong></em> She gave a soft laugh. <em><strong>'If only alcohol tasted better... which is probably a good thing that it doesn't.' </strong></em>The thought of talking with people there did have an appeal, even if it wasn't her normal way to approach things. But from his hints, it might be a foot in the door, so to speak. <em>As they say loose lips sink ships.. </em>She just hoped there wasn't trouble at the end of the line. <em><strong>'I hope we aren't too late to see about a room.'</strong></em> She absent mindedly blurted out, then caught her bottom lip. <em><strong>'Not that I didn't enjoy my stay or anything.'</strong></em> she added quickly, looking at him with a sheepishness that said she didn't mean to be ungrateful. <em><strong>'Might be easier closer to town, is all I mean.'</strong></em><br><br>Her mind moved on at lightning speed.. she was actually anxious to be finally looking into what she was hear for and the closer to town she got, the more nervous she became. What if there is nothing here? What if.. what if.. it echoed in her mind.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>04-12-2012, 04:24:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They were not far from town, he was just closer to the outer edge of it then the rest of it, perhaps to his preference as well as to everyone else's, they did not tend to stick too tightly together, every place having a fine sized yard front and back usually. Taking another lane down he turned closer into where the business's were gathered clearly, a bank, grocery store, so forth covered the corners in the low buildings, further down the long strip one could see a larger building, some would think it was town hall but it was the library actually, town hall was close, but not right there. Finally though he pulled off to the side of one road and parked. <br><br>The diner was fair sized, and looked empty from where they were out front, the windows all open, and the on sign lit, but people had not started to come in yet. A good eye could see Sue-Ann herself wandering back and forth behind the counter prepping things for the day, while a better could see the chefs hat through the window into the kitchen behind, starting to cook up the things that took longer for breakfast. "Alright, here we are, now be nice, Sue-ann's one of the biggest gossips in town, you get on her bad side..well, you wont find out much." It was a warning, even if delivered in a easy tone and he pushed the door open, walking around the truck to catch her door again.<br><br>Eyeing her sideways before he made his way to the diner pushing the main door open. "Sue-Ann! I brought you a stray." The comment was met with a grin from his lips as he glanced towards her then back towards Sue-Ann that was behind the counter.<br><br>The woman was middle aged at best, leading to her older years, some grey in her dark brown hair, and a black apron over her front. Moving down the counter closer she flashed a warm motherly smile. "A stray Caleb? What would i want with a stray?" Turning blue eyes onto the woman whom had come in with her she crossed her arms over her chest waiting. "Now, rude as this young man is, I'm not. My names Sue-Ann, whats yours?" She spoke patiently.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>06-12-2012, 16:14:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As they parked, she observed what the little town had to offer. It wasn't so bad.<br><br><em><strong>'Noted.'</strong></em> She said nonchalantly to his warning. She wasn't here to cause trouble, but there was and still remained a underlined feel that came from Caleb. It nagged at her. Still, she attempted to push it aside. Why was it so bothersome for someone to try to find out about themselves? With a silent sigh, she unfastened her seat belt, then, because she had an annoying habit, she grasped the rear view mirror to give herself a once over. She looked casual, but that didn't mean she didn't want to put her best foot forward. Make-up wasn't something she heavily relied on, but a small amount never hurt too much.<br><br>In the short moment it took her to check herself, Caleb had come to open the truck cab door. And while she wasn't set on a guy doing that for her, she admitted silently to herself that she liked the act. As they walked toward the diner, she looked around, taking in all she could. When Caleb pushed open the door, she followed him in. A friendly smile popped onto her face when he announced their presence. What met her gaze was what she could only guess was a motherly type of woman. Least that was the assumption she made, which admittedly isn't always the best first move, but most times gut instincts can pan out. She also didn't feel as it the woman was one to take shit off anyone.<br><br>The first impression was the complete opposite of her adopted mother. Which she had long ago decided, was nothing more than a selfish cold cow, which was putting it nicely.<br><br>Her smile broadened as the woman spoke. Apparently she wasn't the only one that liked to give him a hard time.<em><strong> 'Hello, nice to meet you. Janine Saunders.'</strong></em> She held out her hand for the woman in her normal form of greeting. She knew it marked her as a stranger, but old habits would always die hard.<em><strong>'This one here picked me up off the side of the road.'</strong></em> She nodded toward Caleb. <em><strong>'Though I have to say I am fairly grateful for it. Damn cars and their ability to get a flat and all.'</strong></em> Her greeting was as casual as she could make it and she certainly left out the more pertinent information such as when he had picked her up. The idea of rapid-fire gossip about her staying at his place last night wasn't exactly how she wanted to start the day. Though it was more for his benefit she did-so, as she didn't care really who knew, but the call to be respectful toward him in that, was something that she found tugged at her. He had been kind to her when he didn't really have to, and that, she supposed was the reason she would try to return the favour. <br><br>The little bit of information she did give, was in a way so that anyone.. especially in this small of a town, could easily check to see if she was indeed telling the truth about the Car. However a gossip, which something she had a severe distaste for, always looked for a juicy tidbit. All of which she knew could be gained by talking with the garage man. It was a means to satisfy more than one world. Tricky at times, but also helpful usually in more ways than always presented at first. The underline meaning showed she wasn't hiding anything.. even if she was. It wasn't deception really. And she really wanted to be on the good side of this one. That didn't mean she would ever pass judgement on anyone. Not until a point in the process of getting to know someone was reached.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>07-12-2012, 21:31:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sue-Ann gave that easy smile and reached out to take the hand shaking it warmly and giving it a fair squeeze but nothing more than polite. She took her hand back though. "Pleasure Janine, and he is oft to do that, seems to be one of the few folk that ever drive the road in and out of town often." She glanced towards Caleb with a faint smirk. "Keeping the national park cleaned up are we?" Of course she knew much more then she was letting on, being another of the few who were like Caleb, she'd been around awhile, and the edges of that personality had come off her a little bit, but she was still as ever a sly clever woman, as such the eyes on him before shifting back to Janine.<br><br>Caleb of course only shook his head, sparing a faint mutter under his breath about women as he moved to take a seat at the counter casually figuring he would be on his feet long enough later tonight tending the bar. It also took him out of the conversation a little bit more, giving opportunity for the two of them to speak. <br><br>"So, I don't really need to guess why your here, if he's bring you along, and you have some car trouble. Though i can't imagine why you'd need a room if you just had a flat tire." The woman lifted her eyebrow lightly enough, just because she could guess as to what Janine wanted, didn't mean she was going to give anything up without a proper request, and a little more information on the matter. As it stood it only said that the woman was in town, with a bum car, something Jake could take care of in a afternoon easily. So what was she really there for was the question still at hand, the one she would have answered before even saying if she had a room available or not. After all, she did like knowing what was going on in town.<br><br>Drawing his cellphone out he set it on the counter, tapping out a quick text and sending it waiting quietly off to the side as he received the reply. <em>Everything will be fine, stop bothering me over it. D.</em> The reply only made him frown some at the screen before shaking his head. Sometimes Daniel just didn't know when to show a little extra bit of caution, he was too caught up in the safety that this small town seemed to provided, they'd been there for years because of it, nobody wondered what was going on in a little town like this, nobody asked questions, especially since most of the residents were in on the loop. Daniel just couldn't seem to get it in his head, that they had someone that asked questions and dug for a living in town now, too cocky. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>16-12-2012, 00:23:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled.<em><strong> 'Seems he must be doing well keeping varments like myself off the roads.'</strong></em> She gave a chuckle. The woman was smart and didn't miss a beat so she indulged a bit.<em><strong> 'Well, I admit at first I wasn't sure what to expect, being from the city and all that.. but it does have it's charm, this little town, doesn't it?'</strong></em> Her mannerism was friendly as she turned to look out the window for emphasis, but not in a way that overdid it. She heeded Calebs warning. What she stated was the truth, as that was the kind of person she was. But she could tell right away she would have to tread lightly.<br><br>She then turned back and continued. <em><strong>'I may as well stay for a few days. Will be good to relax too. I really couldn't tell you the last time work slowed and I was actually able to take time for myself.. and focus on me.'</strong></em> Again, it was all truth.. just not exactly what a vacationer would mean.<em><strong> 'I am not looking for those fancy type retreats.. just somewhere I can collect my head, that sort of thing.. maybe a bit of a self reflection.'</strong></em> She grimaced a little at the mentioning as it was quite personal to her. She didn't want to seem like she was trying too hard though. She hoped it was enough for now. That the woman would accept what she had to say. She knew that as soon as she started asking questions red flags would pop up all over the place. It was pretty clear that she had to be as natural as possible here.<br><br>She didn't even feel uncomfortable in the womans question of her. She was used to it. <em><strong>'..But if you had a room, I would be most grateful.'</strong></em> she added finally, wrapping up the little bit she gave up of herself. Caleb seemed to not be bothered too much, but it didn't seem out of the ordinary to her. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>16-12-2012, 00:52:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That he does, a good job at it too." Watching the girl talk she did steal a glance towards Caleb for a moment when she turned away to the window. Gauging Caleb's casual position, and how he was acting more then anything else, though reading anything off of his face was about as useful as looking at a blank piece of paper. Her attention was back on Janine by the time she straightened herself around and continued about staying in town for a few days. While it was something she usually didn't mind putting a room out for, and letting go on, she had to hesitate, getting a feeling not everything was how it was. Perhaps it was from the look Caleb gave, little to carefully blank, but then again, that boy had always been able to hide whatever he wanted, and did it even when there was nothing to hide.<br><br>"Hmm, I imagine you would be fairly grateful, but unfortunately you'd not be finding anything like that here. See, the place is above the diner, and we get fellows coming in off the night shift at all hours from the mill, bell ring, cooks working, and a few of the rowdier folk coming across from the Tavern down the road a bit, getting a cup of coffee to sober up and all. S'no place for a person to collect themselves." Rubbing her rag over the cup in hand she set it down casually on the counter top before glancing over at Caleb. "Seem's you had already found the place in town that'd be good at that, Caleb's house is right on the treeline almost, can't get a better place then that to relax and settle yourself down...." Her voice held a knowing tone to it, but more then that, one of those tones a elder grandmother or nosy woman got when they wanted to meddle or push at things some.<br><br>"Now now Sue-Ann, don't be getting that tone, you can ask her, I did offer it." Caleb lifted his voice up shaking his head, knowing he was about to be called rude for not offering his own empty bedroom up for someone to stay in. It was something Sue-Ann would do of course. Though she seemed to ignore him glancing back to Janine with a friendly smile. "Besides, my rooms taken, my granddaughter is visiting and staying in it for the next couple weeks, got in a few days ago, Caleb'd know that if he visited for more then a cup of coffee more often." <br><br>Scoffing slightly he shook his head a bit, of course the old woman would try to turn it over onto being his fault that they'd come and she'd nosed into Janine's business, for no right reason. "You're usually busy when I come around." Though he did turn an apologetic glance towards Janine, she'd wanted the room he knew, but when it came down to it full was full. "Do you know anyone else in town that might have a free room?" <br><br>It was then that Sue-Ann simply turned the flat look on Caleb before glancing back to Janine dismissing him. "Best opinion darling, is you take Caleb up on his offer, i tell you he's a good man, not going to try anything funny with you at all." In other words, even if she knew, she wasn't going to provide a damn name whether there was someone, and if they were out there, Caleb was pretty certain she'd get to them first and their rooms would be mysteriously filled with out of town guests on the fly. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>20-12-2012, 02:57:23</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She wondered if she was reading more into the woman than she needed. The woman was crafty in the way she phrased things, that was for sure. And what she stated basically said, even if I have a room, you just are not getting it. To that she couldn't really respond. She gave Caleb a quick side long glance, then refreshed her smile in a way to say thanks. It wouldn't do well to push the matter at all. <em><strong>'Thanks anyhow. Was worth a shot.'</strong></em> Her smile met her eyes, as she meant what she said and it was well understood that it was a no on the room even before she stated she had a lodger. On the other hand, she knew that she wouldn't judge too harshly. The woman didn't owe her anything.<br><br>&nbsp;<em><strong>'It is nice out there.' </strong></em> She commented casually. Again, she glanced at Caleb. <em><strong>'I only wonder if he could stand my annoying ways for the duration.'</strong></em> The comment was in the light manner they seemed to have developed with each other. And as Caleb seemed to rise to the older woman's bait, she couldn't help but grin a bit at the attempt to make him squirm a little. She wanted to help him out when he tried defending himself, but she could only chuckle. <br><br>At his asking of other places, she was hopeful, but wouldn't hold her breath for. For some reason something settled in the back of her mind. This was a small town, and if it was meant for her to stay out at Caleb's, that was what was going to happen. And her pointed encouragement proved her thoughts correctly. She smiled back at the woman, pretty much knowing that she was probably reading her thoughts, but she couldn't let it show that it mattered. That could be a fatal mistake, and she needed people to be at ease with her. <br><br><em><strong>'Well thank you anyhow for the time. He does seem like an alright guy.'</strong></em> She couldn't resist the playful jab at him, but it accompanied another grin to lighten the poke. She wasn't sure what kept making her take little shots at him like she had been. It wasn't something she did with people she didn't really know.. She let it go, assuming it was probably just her way of handling her nerves. As there was personal attachment to this, where normally there was none.<br><br><em><strong>'We should probably get out of your hair. It was very nice to meet you Sue-Ann. If Caleb will have me, maybe I will try to get him down here to have a meal at some point.'</strong></em> And with that, she was ready to go, but would wait for Caleb to make the first move to do so. Over-all, she had to admit she liked the woman, but wouldn't mistake that she was anyone to toy with. In a way, the trip there wasn't wasted. She had met someone other than Caleb. And as with anything, it was those first impressions that opened up doors. She wasn't sure how just yet, but things like this took time and couldn't be rushed. That and.. she was looking for a reason to peek inside some of the little shops anyhow. Shoes and a few other things were needed. Which could be done before or even after she picked up her car. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>20-12-2012, 19:54:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Your welcome dear, I am sorry couldn't help out more, you do come by though, while your still in town, get a cup of coffee and we can talk more, without this nosy one keeping an ear on us." She spoke turning a glance back towards Caleb again before back to Janine. "He's pretty hand in a pinch, you won't have to worry about annoying him too much I'm sure." She winked some with a grin even as Caleb shook his head, it was definitely time in his opinion to get out of there as well. Or he was going to have both the old woman, and Janine ganging up to take shots at him one way or another.<br><br>Easing up from the counter top he offered a smile. "Have a good day Sue-Ann, I'll visit for more then a cup of coffee soon, promise." It was a promise he knew he wouldn't have to try hard to keep, because even if he didn't intend to entirely, he was sure that Janine might, it was obvious she was a person to talk to, if one could manage to get what they wanted out of her, not something that was guaranteed of course. It all came to how one asked, and if Sue-Ann actually wanted to help out or not, something that could depend on everything from her mood, to how well she liked a person. She didn't seem to mind Janine much though.<br><br>"Have a good day dear." Sue-Ann was already turning back to her kitchen though calling in to the prep chefs getting things ready for the day, dismissing the two younger people easily as that. After all, the juicy news wouldn't be around right now, and she had a kitchen to run if she was going to feed the pack of hungry mill workers that was bound to come in soon. <br><br>Pushing the door open and holding it for her for the moment before he released it easing out onto the sidewalk easily turning back towards her casually. "So, it seems that my room is one of the view available in town....Are you wanting it so you an pursue your search?" Part of him wanted to tell her she couldn't have it, but he'd already offered it, not to mention Sue-Ann would probably come out with a skillet to whack him or something. And the fact that Daniel didn't seem bothered by her presence in town, he wasn't worried, but he knew if he suddenly cut her off cold and sent her packing, well, it would rouse suspicions in a way that Daniel would indeed not like. <br><br>Casually setting his hip against the side of his truck, turned towards her his gaze leveled out easily on her, she wasn't a bad looking woman, that was for sure, especially out of those ridiculous heels she had been wearing. Add in the fact that she a great sense of humor and genuine personality, and he found himself wanting to be friendly to her despite his natural suspicion of anyone, and especially of her scent. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>27-12-2012, 03:21:32</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				With a wave, she was following Caleb out the door. <em><strong>'So it seems.'</strong></em> She didn't smile or frown about it. <em><strong>'If you don't mind my staying with you, yes. I would like to, that is.. if I am not imposing too much?'</strong></em> She knew that she had already invaded when it came to his home, and it really hadn't been her intention. And for now, all joking was aside. No jabs, nothing. She was serious in the reason she was here.<br><br>They reached the truck easily enough, and he was so casual and cool about his ways. She crammed her hands into her pockets.<em><strong> 'I know you gave me warning about things.. and I get that this is a small place and people don't like nosing around... But yes, I still intend to see what I can dig up. And it is true that I might not be able to even try, but I have to at least try.'</strong></em> When it came to her leaving anytime soon, she was making her move to say that she either stayed with him to do her searching, or she could sleep in her car. Either way wouldn't bother her.<br><br>Shifting her weight before him, she looked up at him slightly.<em><strong> 'I'll pay you...'</strong></em> The sky was bright, and so she squinted a little. But she said it in a way that was almost like a tease. Or more of a way of saying <em>please please please</em>, without actually getting on her knees to beg. <em><strong>'I even promise to behave myself.'</strong></em> She added, as if she was some kind of threat. <em>An Unlikely threat, that is.</em> But she also gave a grin that hinted at what she meant, which she didn't even quite know what she was meaning really. All she knew is that she felt really playful at the moment. She felt good inside. Almost like she could go for a jog and completely enjoy it like it was something she did every day. Which deep down was strange as she was not good at running at all. Matter of fact, she was a complete klutz at it. Her arms flailed, her legs practically the same. She once remembered being told <em>she ran like a girl</em>.&nbsp; The fact that she is a girl, only made the insult more apparent, and ever since then, she had fabricated this ridiculous self image of herself while running.. and it wasn't a pretty sight.<br><br><em><strong>'What do you say?'</strong></em> She beamed brightly up at him. <em>How could you say no to a face like this? </em> <em><strong>'Oh, ..and I like Sue-Ann by the way. Something about her.. yeah, I definitely like her.'</strong></em> She smiled.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>27-12-2012, 19:17:27</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Leaning into his truck it was more then clear her position, she would be staying in town one way or another, she put that out plainly as she could without being rude about it either. Of course, he expected as much, from with how he had talked to her already he could tell she was a determined woman, knew what she wanted, and would get it if she could. If she was anything less she likely wouldn't have got as far as she had already, coming to this small town in the middle of no where. That didn't exactly comfort the side of him that knew there were simply too many secrets to hide already in town.<br><br>While the offer to pay twisted a slight smirk out of his lips it was not frowned on, after all it would seem odd if he didn't accept something for her staying there. "Behave yourself huh? I think i could deal with a little company around my place for a couple weeks. Long as you don't get me in trouble with the locals. We will work out something as for what you pay, don't worry about that for now." Money was never an issue for him after all, her offering it though was a nice fact as it was.<br><br>Eying her for the moment he finally nodded. "Well that's settled, and while its still sleepy out, I'm sure a couple other places are open, should we go check them out? And everyone likes Sue-Ann, if you didn't there would be something wrong with you. Just don't go about trying to make her change her mind on something." He chuckled and stood up away from his truck glancing towards the shops that lined the road further down, he was sure a few of them would be getting opened up, the sleepy town did tend to wake up early, but that came with having things around a mill's schedule, just like the bar and Sue's place staying open fairly late into the night. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>01-01-2013, 03:07:20</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She clasped her hands before her as he seemed to agree to her staying. <em><strong>'I promise, I will not cause you any trouble.'</strong></em> It was an honest promise as that was exactly her intention. The problem with that was that no one knew what the future held. So in a way, she couldn't possibly follow through on such a promise if something when awry. He wouldn't take cash, so agreed that they would work something out later. She wasn't someone to take and not give in return. <br><br>She had always made a comfortable living and had learned at an early age from her strict upbringing. If she wanted something, she had to pay for it.. and it taught her lessons for later in life. Even if she still viewed her adoptive mother as a nagging, selfish, drunken, waste of walking space. She had pretty much fended for herself since turning fifteen. She didn't mind really as it kept her mostly away from her the woman. Her adopted father basically worked himself to the bone to provide for his wanting wife, so there hadn't been a bond there at all, as she couldn't say she knew him well, which was quite sad considering.<br><br>She smiled at him now.<em><strong> 'I wouldn't have taken you for someone that liked shops. You sure you want to watch me try on shoes?'</strong></em> With this she joked. She wasn't even sure that there was a place open that sold shoes at the current hour. It was a fact she needed different shoes, as the ones she wore were just not cut out for the area. Light canvas shoes were more for summertime or for padding around a hotel in.<em><strong> 'Oh and, don't worry there. She made it pretty clear she wasn't one to be messed with. Us women can tell these things, you know.. something silent transpires between women at times, and yes, the message was quite clear about her.'</strong></em><br><br><em><strong>'So where to? Since you obviously have an itch for shopping...'</strong></em> She laughed a little bit, unable to hold it back. Shopping had never really been her thing. Her friends had loved malls and things like that, she just didn't feel that comfortable around so many people. She wasn't sure just what it was about large crowds that she didn't like, but it was what it was. Strip malls were a bit easier to digest. And these shops reminded her of that in a way. Turning in a way that said ...<em>alright, lets go..</em>, she slowly started walking toward the line-up of shops.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>04-01-2013, 07:48:17</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Me? One to enjoy shopping? Hell no, but i can't stand the idea of you pandering around in those heels and breaking your neck, worse, you'd do it at my place, and then I'd be responsible. Oh no, you definitely need to get sensible shoes on your feet, and those little slips are just going to make you catch pneumonia." It was teasing, just the way she was doing to him, and Sue-Ann had, luckily he was the kind of guy that could take it in phase and roll it right back if he needed too, as it stood, he knew there were shops in town, and they would open fairly early, more importantly, the only shoe shop, was not one that had slinky heels, or jeweled toes, simply sensible shoes, which was exactly what she needed on her feet after all.<br><br>As she turned he moved to fall in easily beside her on the sidewalk, leaving his truck there outside of Sue-Ann's diner, knowing it would be fine, nobody stole somebodies car in a small town like this, it'd take only a glance to know who someone was doing said stealing and a phone call usually to have them taken care of it need be. Not that they were mobsters, but even the mischievousness of youth was curbed a little bit in the town. There was no real room for anything less, they had their wildness though, in truth, it simply took place outside the borders of the small town, out among the trees...<br><br>"So, let me see if i can pin my thumb on things right." His words were easy, but some what sudden, especially since they didn't carry the easy, teasing tone, but something with a more serious edge to it, the tone was softer, but it was soft in the way that someone tough could talk. They didn't need to speak loud, hard, or say scary things, and yet everyone in the room would quiet down, pay attention, and answer the questions asked, his wasn't quite that threatening, just that tone. "You've got an itch to find your parents, who gave you up, even though the records had been sealed... Are you even sure they are alive? And.. well, have you considered if there is a reason that they sealed the record?" She'd admitted as much to it being a closed adoption before, otherwise this search would just be silly. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>10-01-2013, 01:36:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She let him have his digs at her.. and she smiled at them. There was an ease that surrounded him in a way that she couldn't really describe. <br><br>As he recounted things, she nodded. <em><strong>'Yes. Actually it is more probable that they may be deceased. With the records sealed as they are, I don't know what to expect. I was just given a name. That is why the first thing I want to do is dig around at the library and town hall. See if I can find any old newspapers. That sort of thing. And would really make more sense to me.. if they were.. well not really, just be easier for me accept, I suppose.'</strong></em> She moved into deeper thought about it, but didn't voice anything. The shops were now lining up more regularly. <em><strong>'I have a feeling that the name is a case worker or something like that.' </strong></em>She stopped walking for a second to dig into her pocket for the scrap of paper. <br><br>Pulling it out she read the name. <em><strong>'Sandra Blaine.' </strong></em>She said aloud, then crammed it back into her pocket before walking again. <em><strong>'I imagine that she must be pretty up there in age by now though.. I don't remember being adopted, so I figure I must have been younger than two or three.'</strong></em> The shoe shop window came into view and she slowed to look into the window. Shopping wasn't really something she enjoyed, especially shoe shopping, but this was a case of need.. and Caleb was right. She did need something more suitable. Leaning in close to the window, her nose touched the glass and her hands cupped the sides of her eyes to darken the glare from the natural light of the day. <em><strong>'Hmm.. Those ones look interesting.'</strong></em> Her voice was a little muffled as she tapped on the window lightly. They were a pair of light grey, black and white runners, tucked in amongst work boots. The window display played more toward the outdoors-man.. lumberjack or mine worker. She wasn't sure which. But the typical steel-toed boot kind of things. <br><br>She turned to look at him.<em><strong> 'Hopefully they have my size.' </strong></em>It was one of the most annoying things. Finding shoes her size. She had small feet, but found that a six and a half size womans shoe wasn't easy to come-by. Women were used to cramming larger feet into smaller shoes.. it was just something that happened. So when someone like her came along that actually needed those smaller sizes, they were hardly ever there and most times ended up with a half size bigger. Moving forward, she pushed open the door where a small bell tinkled, announcing their arrival.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>10-01-2013, 20:53:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				So she at least accepted the reality that her parents may not be alive at all, that was a good thing, perhaps then if they needed to, if she found someone that could really be them, he could hint to Daniel of it, and something could happen, or they could go into hiding of some sort. Thinking of it made him feel a little guilty, he didn't want to make it hard for her to find her place in life, find her parents, but his loyalty laid first in the pack and taking care of those around him. If she were to find something out that couldn't be safe then...It wasn't worth the risk, not even for her to find her answers.<br><br>When she did find the paper and let the name slip he stiffened slightly, but only just and it was easily passed over as they came in front of the shoe shop. He didn't know the name specifically, but he knew that Blaine was one of the many names that was used amongst their kind. A pack further in the east had a line of members that had the last name Blaine, if his memory served. It made his suspicions of her scent, her behavior, that much more founded and made him clench a fist at one side. <em>Damnit Daniel, she's going to find something here..</em> He didn't know what, but something. Obviously that name had led her here, there had to be a connection to the name here in town.<br><br>"Makes sense, if you were older you'd of remembered something at least. Least you have a name to work with, most closed adoption cases, from my understanding, are just that, no names, closed off." Which this one should have been, obviously, if it had indeed come from one of their own, and that someone had let something slip was either a failing on them, or a testament to her determination. <br><br>His eyes turned into the shop likes hers had, though he didn't need to press his face against the glass to do so like she seemed to think she needed too. His eyes dropped to her feet at her comment as he chuckled. "If they don't have your size they wouldn't be much of a shoe shop would they? It's not like you have giant feet, though honestly, more likely to carry giants sizes then not." It was with a smirk that he moved after her into the the shop, a casual glance towards the back where the counter was showed a teen, who looked tired, if not a little hung over, nursing a rather large coffee cup and it left him chuckling. "Think you might have to help yourself." With a faint nod towards the guy in the back.<br><br>"After you get yourself some shoes, I can either take you over to wait around Jake's, or over to town hall so you can start your digging, but I've got to go check the park." He needed to run, to stretch his legs some and looking over the park some was always a good way to do that, and she would understand it better than him just saying he needed to go on a random run, or at least that's how it worked in his head.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>16-01-2013, 16:06:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She thought about what he had to say a bit before she commenting more on the reason she was here. She grinned at his comments of her feet. And mumbled a <em>'You would be surprised..'</em> when it came to shoe stores having her size. Glancing in the direction he nodded, she took note of the staff. <em>'I think you might be right about that.' </em>And gave a crooked smile.<br><br><em><strong>'Oh, you can take off now if you like. Just point me in the general direction of the garage, and I can get there.' </strong></em>She hadn't thought about how she had come in and pretty much thrown off any routine of his that might be in place. It just hadn't occurred to her. He was likable.. and she found, easy to be around. <br><br>She wandered over to a pair of shoes that caught her interest, then took a seat on a small stool to try them on. <em><strong>'I appreciate everything you have done, Caleb. It was more than I could have expected.' </strong></em>She said after looking up at him from her seated position. 'You go.. I will be fine.' She truly didn't want anyone to make a fuss. She had been looking after herself for a good many years. <em><strong>'I might poke around a bit today afterward anyhow.. Not quite sure yet. Depends on how my feet feel.'</strong></em> She held up the shoes slightly.<em><strong> 'However, I am certain I will see you later when I stop in for maybe a drink.'<br></strong></em><br>Movement caught the corner of her eye. Looking back over her shoulder to the clerk, she shook her head and almost felt sorry for them. She figured the person obviously didn't get commission on things sold, other wise they would have greeted them by now. Things were so very different here. Though, not in such a bad way. <em><strong>'Yeah, I think I can handle it here.'</strong></em> She snickered out loud and rolled her eyes.<em><strong> 'Unless he changes into something unnatural.'</strong></em> A lame attempt at a joke. The fact of the matter was, the kid looked as though he needed the counter to hold him up. Drunken headaches were like that at times. Such a pain, and one of the reasons she tried to avoid them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>16-01-2013, 23:02:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Are you sure?" He commented idly, not wanting to leave her completely alone but he needed to get out, and Daniel and impressed fairly well how he was not worried about this nosy historian's digging. He didn't like it, but he couldn't do anything to stop it either, not without a go ahead from Daniel, the damn idiot was going to put them all at risk. It was hard too, because he didn't want to consider things bad, she was, casual, comfortable. He liked how easy it was to chat with her, to poke and tease back and forth some. <br><br>"It's not a problem, and when you leave, its about a mile to the north, down Sycamore lane." He gestured casually back down the road they came, there would be a intersection with Sycamore running north south, from there she could figure it out easily enough by walking, he was sure, after all, a mechanics shop could be hard to miss, especially with all the extra half eroded cars Jake kept around, parts he told everyone, even if he'd not been seen working on any of them in years. "Definitely, small town, you'll find the bar just off main street, when you go looking for it, i start at six tonight." <br><br>He had turned and was heading towards the door when she made her comment, unless he changed. It made him stiffen partially, something he managed to hide, but a part of him turned a hint cold, wondering, if it had been a slip up, or a actual joke. Glancing back his face held that familiar smirk. "Well, with me gone he might turn into a unnatural lecher, but I'm sure you can handle yourself, smack him with a boot or something if you have too. Can't be the first one you've encountered." The comment was left with a easy wave, and the ding of the bell over the door as he pushed it open and headed out.<br><br>It was if everything was shouting at him that she had to be one of them, the unchanged, and yet she didn't smell right, she had stayed without change too long possibly, it could be why her scent wasn't keyed quite right, couldn't it? <em>Making assumptions could end up hurting a perfectly sane, human, woman. I can't jump to conclusions..</em> But he had to figure something out, shaking his head he walked back to his truck, easing into it, frowning, her suitcase was still in the back, but he had seen she had her side bag, she could go without the suitcase for a while, instead of heading back to give it to her he started the truck up and headed for the highway again. He needed to run, needed to think, Daniel was wrong, something was wrong with this all. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>17-01-2013, 03:50:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As he then went into explain where to go, she took mental notes. <em>Sycamore. Main street. Six. Got it.</em> She chuckled. But soon the door closed, and she was alone trying on various shoes. At one point the hung-over youth attempted to wander out from behind his post, but the phone rang. It was obvious to her that the conversation wasn't business, but she didn't mind. It was good to be able to shop and not be bothered by people asking her questions when she really didn't feel like it. <br><br>By the time she got what she wanted it was nearly noon. She popped into the grocery store to grab herself a sandwich that she could eat while she walked. She asked directions to the local library. The town hall she noted, wasn't hard to find as it was one of the more predominant buildings in town. As she walked she ate her lunch. It was an easy stroll through what she assumed was a fairly sleepy little town. She noticed a peek in traffic when she started to walk, and had to assume that it had to deal with the lunch crowd or maybe workers from some facility she hadn't noticed yet. And when she came to the intersection, she started down Sycamore. <br><br>The place she was looking for was easy to find, just as she had figured. The sounds of the garage greeting her as she walked up. It smelled like oil and... cars. Something that she really wasn't interested in, but it seemed to become a necessity.<em><strong> 'Hello?'</strong></em> She called out as she entered onto the property. A dog, of course, was barking in the background. And after she called out, a barrel chested dark haired man came out to greet her. He was wearing oily looking dirty coveralls. <em><strong>'Jake? I presume?'</strong></em> He nodded. <em><strong>'I suppose you are here for that grey Volvo?'</strong></em> he asked. She felt her face flush. <em><strong>'Yes.'</strong></em><br><br>The went inside the tiny office just barely inside the large shop and he told her all that he had done, which to her surprise was quite thorough. Back in the city no one did anything extra without charging an arm and a leg.. especially if you didn't ask them to. She paid the bill, which she found to be fair priced, and was quickly on her way. As she pulled out, she headed back into town. The library was her target.<br><br>Pulling in near the side of the building, she parked. Scrambling out, she headed toward the door. Inside the place was quiet and, from her first look, nearly empty except for a rather hard lipped woman, standing behind a large desk. The woman looked quite busy so she stepped up and waited. In a nasally voice, she mumbled..<em><strong> 'Be with you in a moment.'</strong></em> When she looked down, the woman was scanning in what she assumed was returned books. The woman's voice, she found to be quite annoying somehow. It sounded as if she needed to blow her nose or something. A shiver ran down her spine. She normally wasn't like this with anyone, but she found it bothered her and she didn't understand why.<br><br>Finally, looking up from her work, the woman's glasses, she noted, sat at the very edge tip of her nose. She resisted the urge to push them back up onto the bridge of her nose. <em><strong>'Hello.. Do you have a Microform machine, by chance?'</strong></em> Most libraries still had them as it was something that was still in practiced use. The woman looked her over.<em><strong> 'Yes, we do.. but no one ever requests the use of that thing.'</strong></em> She moved out from behind the tall desk and sighed. <em><strong>'I will have to move some things and plug it in. We store it in a back room.. all the microfilm we have is there and cataloged.' </strong></em><br><br>She followed the woman to the back room and waited as boxes were set aside to make room for her to sit at the small desk. The light in the machine warmed up as soon as the woman plugged it in. Past the machine, were rolls of microfilm. Starting from a year before her birth, she slowly began to look through all the newsprint that was captured on the films.<br><br>Time passed at an incredible rate. She examined every single thing as if she was going over it with a fine toothed comb. It was at the point where her backside felt numb that her fingers stumbled over the name in her pocket. She pulled it out just to check it against what she had. The woman photo showed, at the time, a woman whom looked to be in her mid thirties. The article stated that she was replacing someone named Henry Moreford as the head of family services. Scrambling, she looked around for a scrap piece of paper. It was another name she might be able to use. Before deciding to go out and see if she could get paper and pencil, she read on.. <em><strong>'...Scandal surrounds the 48 year old man, as the government looks into allegations of a possible black market ring...' </strong></em>She read the words over and over. This was good. Very good.<br><br>Standing, she suddenly thought maybe she had stumbled upon something, though she didn't want to get too overexcited. Many times leads lead to nothing. Opening the door to the small room what greeted her shocked her. Darkness. 'What the hell?' She voiced aloud. And her pulse raced. Her first instincts were to open the door. No luck. She started to panic slightly. Everything in the small room was forgotten. The microfilm still in the machine on the very last thing she had read. She walked the library in mostly darkness, though her eyes adjusted rather quickly. She checked door after door. All locked. <em>This can not be happening!</em><br><br>Her brain was now in overdrive. She started checking windows. And most weren't able to be opened. She stopped for a moment and could feel the blood pulsating in her ears with her heightened senses. There had to be a way out. Her stomach gave a growl, indicating she was hungry. <em>Great.</em> She had been so engrossed in what she was doing, she had gotten herself locked in. She checked her watch and it was after 6:30 already. The library had closed at 5pm. It immediately struck her as odd, but then pushed it aside. Maybe she was just forgotten. The door was closed after all, so that she could see in the darkened room.<br><br><em>Think.. think..</em> She moved across the library to the opposite side. There, there was a set of bathroom doors. One for the men and one for the women. As she entered she looked around. A small window was above the counter and sink. The latch on it was one that reminded her of the old hospital ones. The kind that folds out and up. If she was lucky, she might be able to wrench it open enough to slide out. <em>It had to work.</em><br><br>Climbing up on the counter, she reached up and opened the window. Taking off her jacket and small bag, she tossed them out the window. Proceeding, it took her a long while to finally get her shoulders out the window. She hoped and preyed that no one saw her, as it would be some fairly strange explaining why she was dangling from the window. And the ground was a good 6 feet down. Finally she was able to wiggle her hips out the small opening, but when she finally toppled out onto the ground, she landed with a heavy thud. Her knee scraping on the brickwork, it stung. She was quite sure there would be a good size bruise if there wasn't any scraped skin and blood.<br><br>Grabbing her things, she didn't take time to even check her injury. Instinct told her to get the hell out of there. <br><br>Inside the car, she glanced at her watch. It had taken her over an hour to get out of that place. Starting the engine, she pulled away. Her heart still pounding in her ears she headed for the bar. She really wanted to head back to the house, but she needed to calm down first. She couldn't believe this had happened. And when she found the place on main street, she parked and sat there for a good number of minutes just trying to calm herself. When she finally entered the establishment, she was glad for the environment. Still a little shaken, rather than take a seat at the bar, she moved to a booth. She needed time to collect her thoughts before she encountered Caleb. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>18-01-2013, 19:47:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His trip out into the park as he had gone was not simply so he could check the grounds and make sure nobody was littering over them. No he was going because the need to run, to stretch out his legs and form was getting back enough to make his joints ache, and when that happend it came to the point where he simply had to do it. He knew it was a common enough condition among others in town, since many of them were like him, the need to run came over them and sent them into the forests around town. Something he still thought was a mistake, they could get seen there, despite most of the normals in the small town that they lived knowing something of what was going on around them, enough that they didn't do something stupid. <br><br>It was hardly enough to encourage him to do anything different then he already did, going out into the park was getting further away from the town and the others anyway. Some part of him didn't always get along with the pack ideal of things, didn't always agree that their way was the way for things to go, and the decisions made by those around and..above him, did not always please him, it had led to him being slightly more independent then the rest of them. It created a rift between himself and many of the others that saw him behaving differently as odd, it was not large, but a few did not chose to enjoy the way he interacted with everyone else, despite the fact that others did. <br><br>Parking his truck to oneside of the main road into the park he shut the door as he stepped out of it, lifting a hand up through his hair with a long slow breath. The smell of the pines and the earth, the ferns thick on the air, it was what he needed. Even as he glanced back, checking the road behind him, and sweeping his eyes around in front again, over cautious some would say, but he always shrugged it off. Drawing his shirt up his form and off he tossed it on to the back of his truck, even as he stepped out of his boots, and undid the buckle of his pants before working the button and zipper as well, stripping down beside his black truck casually.<br><br>Only when he'd stripped down to his skin did he start to walk forward into the brush and trees, his bare feet crunching against fallen pine needles and leaves, his toes working into the faint grass and dirt that was the forest floor. This was what was comfortable for him, freedom, movement, relaxation. Glancing back again he started to move quicker, easing his form deeper into the trees and away from the main road, out into the wild closed in forest, the ferns brushing his legs, and branches whipping his arms with his movement. Movement that soon changed, slowed, paused, and finally stopped in the middle of the trees with him on the ground crouched over groaning, feeling his body..change.<br><br><em>Freedom</em> It was the last blissful thought to touch his mind for the next couple hours, moving through the woods, hunting stretching and running as he needed to to get it out of his system, to ease the pangs in his body for the rest and rejuvenation that came with the change and stretching how he was. He never paused to look in a pond to see himself, he moved as a shadow among the lit trees, stalking though not hunting truly, he was not hungry, there was no need to hunt. Merely to run.<br><br>When he walked naked back to his truck and grabbed his pants tugging them on, he felt better, his head was clearer, and more so, then scent of the woods filled his lungs. That nagging memory, the scent of Janine, hinted at the edge of his thoughts, but he was less anxious about it, more prepared to be patient on the matter, with her staying with him, it was inevitable he would find things out, he knew that much. Shoes, belt, and shirt later he was easing back into his truck and starting it up. It was almost six, so he whipped the truck around and headed back in for town driving a little faster than usual.<br><br>"I know, I know, I'm late Terra, but I'm here aren't i? Your bar's not going to go unattended." His voice, a hint mocking and sarcastic to it, even as he shook his head brushing past the slender woman whom had been texting him the last ten minutes that he was not here for his shift. "Erin had to go home early, and I've been covering the bar already for the last half hour damnit, if i had known you were going to be late, i wouldn't have let her leave!" She was younger, cute, dark hair, slender pixie face, she'd inherited the bar from her father and was trying to make it a little more hip and modernesque. <br><br>"Well then its a good thing I'm here, so you won't be scaring anymore customers away with your horrible drinks, will you woman?" He jabbed back at her walking from the back of the bar out into the main room and around the bar, Terra grumbling close behind but she kept her fights behind closed doors usually. Immediately he went to catching up drinks, and remaking the few that Terra had done horribly, his eyes scanning the crowd to see if Janine had made it to the bar after all, frowning a bit when he didn't see her there. "I'll stay ten minutes after if it makes you happy, go play with your remodeling plans." Waving a hand at her, and getting a glare in return he went to work while Terra eased off to do just that.<br><br>The pace and the talk was simple, many people chatting about what was going on at the mill, something he was glad he never had to endure first hand, while others talked about news around the town. Of course, the comment that someone new in town came up, Sue-Ann did have herself a gossiping personality, and he nodded along and said everything was fine, giving the barest explanation he could get away with. <br><br>It wasn't him who spotted Janine when she came in, too busy working on a pair of drinks for someone, but Terra who had seen the new comer come in, and having heard about someone new coming into town she headed for the table, curiosity peaked. "Evening, what will you have tonight?" She spoke up, that smile quick and easy to flash even as she fished into a pocket for a pad of paper, if she didn't write it down she always forgot, much to Caleb's mocking. "Your the new girl around, that people have been talking about, right?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>24-01-2013, 02:00:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Her mind was racing. Another name. She wondered about the investigation and if she would even be able to dig anything up about it. Surely with something that big, there wouldn't really be a way to bury it out of sight very well. <em>What if I am one of those cases?</em> No.. couldn't be. And did it really mean what she thought? A black market on children? That shit didn't happen still did it? No.. it couldn't. I mean it wasn't really recent.. but recent enough to give someone the chills. If only she had been able to read more. And it dawned on her. She left the reel out.. and the machine on. She cursed silently. Her concern was that someone discover what she was doing. <br><br>She fidgeted and downright looked paranoid. It wasn't as if she had done anything wrong. She simply had gotten locked inside, and when that had happened, she panicked. When a voice beckoned to her, bringing her mind back to where she was. The look on her face was probably that of a sheepish look. Distracted even. <em><strong>'Oh, right. Screwdriver please.'</strong></em> <em>Screwdriver? Really? ...</em> <em><strong> 'Um, yes. I suppose. The names Janine.' </strong></em> <em>Wow, word -does- travel fast. </em> She understood that the waitress was probably just trying to be nice. <em><strong>'Actually.. can I get something to eat? If you guys do that here..'</strong></em> She halted herself suddenly. She didn't really know if this was just a bar, or if they offered some form of pub food. She was suddenly ravenous. <br><br>Taking a deep breath she forced herself to relax. Setting her small bag next to her on the bench seat, she took notice of the woman before her eyes darted around the slightly darkened room. It was a pleasant setting. She then caught a glance of Caleb at the bar. She groaned a little. After all the warnings, she had been careless.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>24-01-2013, 18:42:21</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Screwdriver it is, and mines Terra, I run the place, I'll get Caleb to come over with one of the menu's and your drink once he's free." She'd really only come by to get a chance to talk to her, but the woman seemed on edge about something, and while she was curious, she wasn't as nosey as some of the other people in town, she was, just, not as bad as the rest. Giving a easy dip of her head and a smile she turned to head over leaning against the bar.<br><br>"Caleb, a screwdriver and a menu over to table four soon as you get a chance, it's that girly from out of town." The grin twisted on her lips was screaming of all the teasing and taunting she was going to throw at him as soon as she go the chance, but right now he had work to do. Something Caleb was well aware of tossing her a glare. "Uh huh, I'll get over to it in a minute." Even as he finished making another two drinks, it was convenient most of the people that came in drank pretty much the same stuff, he usually didn't even have to ask to make someones drink, saved time. <br><br>Clearing the current orders at that bar he grabbed up one of the laminated menu's after fixing up her drink and eased out from behind the counter heading over to the table. "So you did make it after all." It was said with that casual cheeky grin as he set her drink on the table, then the menu. "Find anything useful?" The comment was made easily as he sunk down to sit across from her at the table, casual glance back at the bar had him sure peoples drinks were good for now, and it was not bursting with busyness, he was good. <br><br>"Surprised you didn't come up and sit at the bar, haven't gotten shy on me after leaving my sight for a couple hours have you?" The accusation was a pure poke delivered with that casual charming grin. Part of him was still worried about her snooping around town, but the run had relaxed him greatly, and if Daniel was at ease, there was little more he could do without overstepping himself, something that he couldn't even afford to do really. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>06-02-2013, 02:21:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She didn't really pay the woman much heed as she fidgeted, even though she seemed kind enough. What she needed to do was just calm down. Sighing, she took a deep breath as soon as the woman walked away. But she watched her as she went, which lead her eyes to Caleb. It was strange to see him working. And strangely, it made her smile. He was easy on the eyes, that was for sure. Her mind was over-reacting. It had to have been.<br><br>She looked out one of the windows toward her car thinking it over in her head. Who gets themselves locked inside a library? In all her time of being in the business that she was in, never had anyone locked her in a place where she was doing research. Wouldn't they have made sure everyone was out? She felt exhausted and tired suddenly. She ran her hands over her face in an attempt to be rid of the tired feeling that had come over her. Her eyes even ached, and so she blamed it on looking at that blasted screen. <br><br>Rubbing her eyes once more, she heard Caleb's voice as he sat down. She uncovered her eyes and blinked.<em><strong> 'Uh, yes. I did.'</strong></em> She grinned, and almost added that it had been a close call, but left it for now. She reached out for the drink. <em><strong>'Thanks.' </strong></em> and took good long drink from it. It was good and deliciously cold. Normally she didn't do that. But, it was perfectly what she was needing at the moment. Pulling the menu close, she looked at it as she tried to act very nonchalant. <em><strong>'I did find something interesting... Something about a black market some ways back. The dates seem to fit, but it is a long shot.'</strong></em> She sort of winced then, but tried to hide it. <em>And you left it on .. on the exact place you were reading.</em><br><br>She smiled then. <em><strong>'And..Me? Shy?'</strong></em> She laughed.<em><strong> 'No, just a bit on my mind, to be honest.' </strong></em>She looked at him now though, a bit more seriously. Even in the dimmed light his features were nice. His eyes were a little more captivating than she would ever like to admit to anyone. It distracted her from her thoughts for a moment. <em><strong>'I suppose being on display isn't really my thing...'</strong></em> She said this with a half grin. She almost wished she could ask him things, since he was the only one that knew what she was really doing in town.<br><br>Looking back down at the menu, she was glad to have it as an excuse to pay attention to something else. <em><strong>'So.. what is good to eat here?'</strong></em> She asked, in a lame attempt to try to sound a bit more chipper than she really was. But her mind wouldn't quit. She had questions.. and before the night was out, she might even ask.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>06-02-2013, 05:23:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Black market huh?" He asked casually, showing the proper amount of interest on the matter. He knew that there hadn't been any kind of black market going on around there. There had been speculations of things, but that was because they would rather have a criminal front, then what was really was going on. Humans who snooped too far into things caused problems, problems were not always easy to fix, but easier to make, go away, with a jail sentence or two, eased humans minds more often then not.<br><br>"Display? Ha, try being me behind the bar, with everyones attention of me for something or another." The comment was easy, but he understood what she meant, she was and oddity in town, it was going to draw attention to her one way or another, getting up and making herself more obvious wasn't going to help anything along in keeping her on the comfortable down low, quite the opposite in fact. Then again, staying with him, a vastly known single guy, who was the bartender in town, was going to start up talk too. <br><br>Talking to her was comfortable, it was easy, he only wished he didn't have such a feeling about her like he did, it would make it easier to chat her up and be friendly. Not that he wasn't, it just felt more like he was putting it on, keeping something important behind, and making it harder to connect with her, which he otherwise, would actually really like to do. "The steak is good, can't go wrong with it really, uhm, partial to the burgers myself as well, good beef, not that manufactured crap you get in cities." He spoke with a grin, another hit to her city-dwelling lifestyle.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>18-02-2014, 01:15:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She chuckled lightly.<em><strong> 'Touché that.'</strong></em> She wagged a finger for emphasis, at him.<em><strong> 'I am not so certain I would want to work behind a bar. Too many people expecting you to give them advise about all kinds of things.'</strong></em> She grinned knowing that that was a totally cliche thing to say about any bar-keep, but if she ever found herself giving advise to someone else, she would probably shoot herself. It would probably be better for the person receiving said advise. <em><strong>'I could certainly do it, I suppose, but it would be absolute and complete bunk coming out of my mouth.. and then I could just see someone coming back in and telling me that my advice was way... way, way off.'</strong></em> She felt herself begin to relax.<br><br>She considered carefully the thought of a steak, and.. he sold her on the idea easily with the little details. A good burger sounded good too, but the steak sounded much more appealing. <em><strong>'Yeah, alright. Go ahead then, you are twisted my arm. A steak it is. I haven't had one in a long time, so this will be a treat. It better be worth it.'</strong></em> She gave a mock threat, which held little of any actual threat at all. She took another sip of her drink, and frowned that it was disappearing all too quickly. Her mind skipped back to her being in the library earlier. <br><br>She spoke up before he would leave the table. She was glad he was sitting across from her rather than standing like a waiter. It felt more personal this way. Looking down at her hands and her drink she commented.<em><strong> 'I am pretty certain that whatever this black market thing was that took place, didn't happen locally. From what I could gather this Sandra Baine lady took the guys place. Where that leaves me, I am not sure. I hope to search a bit more tomorrow. Maybe hit up town hall to see if there are any cases that the woman handled.'</strong></em> She shrugged a little, still in thought, not knowing what more she could gather from it tonight. She took another sip of the drink, ending it. She wanted to add that there was a bit more... and the bit about the Library... but she wasn't sure if she should mention it right away. She then looked up from her hands to look at Caleb. She was certain that the <em>'there is more'</em> part was written across her face, but it was soon replaced with another thought. <em><strong>'What is today? Thursday? Or Friday?'</strong></em> She asked suddenly, almost sure it was Thursday. With the upcoming weekend, she might have to put things off until Monday if their town hall was anything like other places and closed up early on Fridays.<br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>20-02-2014, 20:13:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That's when you just serve them up another drink and give them some more advice. They'll either listen, or learn not too." The corner of his lips pulled into a smirk, turning his head from her for a moment to survey the rest of the bar quickly. Despite being the bartender, he did have another job of keeping an eye out and making sure nobody got rowdy in the bar. With the customers they had, tempers did tend to flare from time to time, and it was the last place they wanted anyone making a scene, while many of the normal's in town knew what was going on, all it took was a few who didn't to get a rude awakening to cause all sorts of problems. Being the impromptu bouncer, meant keeping any fur from flying, literally. <br><br>"Damn right it will be worth it, haven't tasted steak like ours in the city, I guarantee it." Twisting his head back to her to give her a good jesting right back to her mock threat. Beef was beef, but coming from folk who really, really liked a good side of meat, he'd be one to know the difference between a city bought imported steak, and something that came straight from the town butcher after a good aging. <br><br>"Can't say I remember anything about any black market, but then, that's something most people would want to keep on wraps, and considering when it took place it was before I'd be paying any attention to it." Lying came like second nature, he lived his entire life a lie, hiding amid the people who could only guess as to what the rest of the town instinctively knew. That all the wild animals, were not out in the forests, but walked around in carefully made human masks, all the while with hungry eyes. "And if it didn't happen here, then it would definitely either be on the hush, or good gossip really. Usually a bit of rivalry between small towns, sports teams and such, something I never got into, but I've seen it heat up." It was more then that thought, some of the smaller towns liked to think of themselves as individual packs, and clashed at borders, fighting over territory, and prospective mates. <br><br>Though, her digging was making that paranoid itch come back, especially with the way it looked like she had something else to say, the look didn't vanish when she spoke up. She was keeping something from him... did she find something else out? Something she couldn't quite believe? A town full of monstrous shifting beasts? "Hm? Thursday, why?" He lifted his head though hearing his name across the room, couple of the people at the bar had done like she did, clearing down their drinks. <br><br>"I've got to take care of that, did you want another?" His gaze fixing to her empty drink with a faint nod in its direction. "And how do you like your steak? Sides?" The questions came almost too late, far too used to most people in town liking their steak very, very rare, catching up to realizing she wouldn't necessarily enjoy tearing into something to taste the blood. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>21-02-2014, 23:33:36</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She grinned. <em>'Wicked.'</em> She said under her breath, but just loud enough for him to hear and shook her head at his comment about how to deal with they typical persons need of advise. She gave him a look over as his attention was drawn back to where he should probably be. She couldn't help being comfortable around him. Or perhaps it was the drink making her feel all warm and fuzzy. <br><br><em><strong>'Well then, since you seem to think that you have the best, I can't wait to try it.'</strong></em> She teased at the confidence he portrayed. She wondered who the cook was.. Or if he had to do that too. He had already proven that he indeed could cook, but a steak.. now that was something that required talent. <br><br>When the conversation switched, she listened to what he had to say, carefully. She thought about the words he used and she almost wondered if he was being careful It was then that her mind thought back to all the warnings he had given her. She believed that his advise was friendly, but she had to wonder if there was a little bit more to it than that. She couldn't really pin-point what it was, but she went ahead an brushed it off. His kindness overrode the thoughts her mind begged her to pay attention to. <em><strong>'Yeah, I could see this being something no one wanted out there too publicly, and it is hard to know what is truth when the media gets a hold of things. Least, in my experiences, media coverage hopes to sell papers.'</strong></em> She offered.<br><br>And there was usually a grain of truth behind the reporting, however she had run into blatant fabrication and embellishments before when using reports from news articles. It was a pet peeve of hers if she could call it that. The more racy the story, the better for the paper.. any dirt was good news. A sad world they lived in when real good news was mostly hidden while the bad news was splashed on the front page. <br><br><em><strong>'Thursday? Hmm, good.'</strong></em> She gave a nod. <em><strong>'I am really want to see what I can find at the Town Hall tomorrow. Public records and things, is all.' </strong></em>She answered back, but he was needed and she could understand that. <em><strong>'Yes, another would be great.'</strong></em> She smiled. She knew with this next one she couldn't suck it down as she had the first. Or else she may find herself feeling a little too good. <em>Lords I am such a light weight..</em><br><br><em><strong> 'Oh..'</strong></em> She winced a bit, because anyone she had ever been around when she ordered a steak always gave her a weird look. <em><strong>'I.. kinda like it blue.. with a simple salad or slaw.'</strong></em> She watched for his reaction to her request. It was the sole reason she rarely had steak. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>22-02-2014, 03:03:45</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"It closes early tomorrow, so you'll want to get in before it's too late in the day." Though he was considering making a trip there sooner himself. Perhaps if he dragged Daniel out of whatever the man thought was more important he would listen to him. They could get into the Town Hall, and go through the records, get rid of anything that might lead her further in her investigation, so that way when she came up empty handed she would have no further reason to stick around. It was a plan, but it depended upon Daniel being agreeable, unfortunately thus far, he had not been that, not even in the slightest. Which meant it likely wouldn't happen. <br><br>Despite the quick internal plan to sabotage her brewing, it didn't show on his face as she seemed to hesitate wincing. Giving a slight lift of his eyebrow, he was clearly questioning her hesitation after he had asked her order. When she finally gave up he gave a nod, the arch in his eyebrow relaxing, and the easy smirk returning. "Blue it is, think we have some slaw too, I'll get Terra onto it, and get that drink ready for you. If i catch up some i should be able to get away and join you, for my dinner, if you want." It was clear, that the order hadn't phased him a bit, in fact, it was more surprising that she ordered it that way simply because he hadn't figured she would order it how most of town liked it. With that though he made his turn, not waiting for her to say if she wanted him to join her or not, clearly assuming she would or relying on the fact that she'd tell him otherwise when he brought back a drink and dinner. <br><br>It was a line to walk, between insinuating himself around her, and what she was doing, and keeping himself from being suspicious also. And while it was difficult in one sense, it wasn't so hard in another, simply because she was easy to be around, easy on the eyes, with a nice fresh kind of attitude to her, he liked that about her. Which made the fact that his goal had to be to keep an eye on her, and stop her from getting in the middle of something harder, because part of him wanted to shoo her off, for her own good, because she wasn't a bad gal. But who could say that would really keep her away, he couldn't trust that she'd stay gone, it had to be handled, unless it could be averted further. <br><br>"Terra, got an order up for you woman!" He called back even as he circled around the bar, starting to take care of the drink orders that were stacked up since he had walked away. Clearing them out didn't take long, after all, most of them wanted a simple beer, some wanted a couple shots, but rarely was it a mixed cocktail of any kind. Which made it even more amusing that Terra was horrid at handling the bar. Usually, if Terra was out, he'd man the stove for the few orders that came up, but since she was in, he could focus on the bar while she went back to get the steaks done up. <br><br>Not that she didn't do so without pausing to glare at him while asking about the order, and then heading back to make it, not that a nearly raw steak took too long to put together, she did know how to do that much right though. Ten minutes of quick catch up, and Caleb was coming back with a plate and her screwdriver as ordered. The meat was seared fine, and the plate was hot, but it would be just right throughout it. "Here ya go, good cut too." Of course, the steak covered a decent portion of the plate, it was not like the city steaks which came in tiny 6 ounce cuts. But rather a good pound plus of delicious rib eye ready to be devoured. "I'll be back with mine in just a minute." Setting both down he made another easy retreat, only to return and ease into the seat across her again settling his plate and a beer down. "So, does that look like some frozen shipped in piece of meat?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>26-02-2014, 00:47:27</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Of course. </em>She thought to herself. <em>Large cities closed up early, why wouldn't smaller ones?</em> She let it roll off her back. It wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last time that her plans went awry. She then thought about going back to the library, though.. she wasn't too sure if that was a good idea or not just yet.<br><br>She was relieved when he didn't mind her order, and she offered a silent thanks. He informed that he may try to join her. She thought it was a nice gesture, but then again he had been good to her during this whole thing. Something inside wondered if he was being too nice, but she brushed it aside. Small towns were like that, weren't they? Before she could say anything though, he turned away. <em>He is working after-all.</em> She reminded herself.<br><br>She sat for a while and drummed her fingertips upon the table with her thoughts. She turned the information she had gathered over in her head while she waited for either Caleb or the waitress to return. She hoped the new name she had would connect her somehow to something somewhere, or her time here would be a waste. She then saw Caleb coming her way and smiled.. <em>Well, not a complete waste.</em> She looked at him with a certain amusement as he set the plate before her. She looked at it, then back at him wondering how in the world she would ever finish what had been placed before her. <em><strong>'.. Alright..' </strong></em>She said, as she turned her attentions to the mammoth steak before her. She hadn't even decided how to tackle the beast upon her plate before he was joining her once more.<br><br>She looked up at his question as he took the seat across from her. <em><strong>'Oh, these? Pssssh. We get these kind of cuts all the time. Matter of fact.. I think I ordered one... um.. I think last week.'</strong></em> She said with a grin. Of course it was a total lie that could be seen through, and meant to be taken as one as well. A bit of seriousness returned. <em><strong>'There is only one problem with this steak... ' </strong></em>She said, then looked at him squarely, narrowing her eyes playfully.<em><strong> 'I have no idea where to start!'</strong></em> She exclaimed then, with a chuckle. But didn't miss a beat digging in.<br><br>She almost felt ravenous as she started in on her steak. After her first bite had disappeared, she gave a grin and satisfaction shown in her eyes as if she had taken a mellowing drug. <em><strong>'Oh, yeah.. this is so good. Just the way I like it.' </strong></em>She hoped she wasn't being to put-offish about enjoying her meal, because this steak was nearly comparable to other pleasurable things. She even had to try her best in being polite in the way she ate. It had been a such a long time since having a steak like this that she almost felt like it wasn't enough. She paced herself and even though she wanted to, there was no way she would eat more than three-quarters of the steak. <br><em><strong><br>'I have to ask.. so these..'</strong></em> She pointed to the steak on her plate with her knife. <em><strong>'..You get these local?'</strong></em> She took a sip of her drink finally as she looked across at him. The steak was so good she decided that she might have to look into getting some to bring back with her when she left.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>27-02-2014, 20:25:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Chuckled warmly as she lied, playfully, about how she could get the kind of cut he had thrown down in front of her anytime. He knew some restaurants would serve up steaks like the ones he had brought, after all, there was good dining in some cities. But they would also charge a person four or five times what the steak was worth, then serve it up cooked wrong, with stupid leafy crap over the top of it. Wasn't the way a steak was supposed to be had, at least in his opinion, a good steak served itself, and plated meal in front of him was doing just that with the sweet scent reaching to hint at his nostrils, the faint smell of blood from how rare it was only that much more enticing. <br><br>"I would suggest from left to right." Mockingly flashing a grin at her as she started to cut into her steak, he did the same of course, pleased with the tenderness of the meat, and the sweet taste of it on his tongue. But, unlike her, he was not unaccustomed to such fine meals, in fact it was something more regular an occasion then not. Which mean while he cut another bite, his focus did not have to fix on the plate in front of him and he could watch her. Not rudely staring her down while she ate, but observing. There were plenty of folks in town that would order their steak just as she had, but not a one of them would have been a regular folk. Was this just another piece in what made up Janine, that pointed to what she really was. <br><br>If she was one of them, things could be easier, or worse...depending on how she handled it, if she changed, if she could survive the change. Not all could, some were not strong enough, couldn't handle it. Others..well, to die in the chance was a relief, compared to those who broke mentally, unable to handle the reality of what they were, too ingrained in their humanity to accept the duality of their existence. Those were the most dangerous, all the rage of the wolf, and the fear of the human breaking out at once, equated into a situation that Caleb did not want to have to face again, not any day soon. <br><br>"Yeah, they are, some folks raise cattle out to the east of town." He spoke up, but he was glancing out at the bar, he was distracted. Thoughts were churning, memories of that night, the last time someone had broken like that. He could remember the smells of the forest, the cold night air, snow, everything seemed crisp. But what he remembered most was the screams, the howling wretched screams echoing through the forest. He remembered hunting after those screams, with others, hunting after the panicked boy who had not been able to handle what he was. Remembering sobered him a note more, remembering ending the boys suffering. <br><br>Setting his utensils down, even with some of his steak remaining on the plate, a rare feat that, he had lost his appetite, but regained his focus. It shifted back to Janine doing his best to clear away thoughts he had no point to be thinking at the time, that easy smile though, the smirk, wasn't quite up to snuff as it had been, lacking just a hint of its polish, despite the corner of his lips lifting slightly. "They sell some of the cuts out to the city, after the town makes their buys and stocks up, though, the best stays here in town." <br><br>Sweeping his beer up he lifted it taking a pull from it before sweeping his tongue deftly across his lips. "So, if you catch a move on things, earlier on, you might be able to check some of the records in town hall." The suggestion easy on his lips, since he was determined to get there before her tonight and vet as much of it as possible, hopefully with Daniel to help, though he had his doubts. "Find anything else interesting at the library?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>03-03-2014, 20:56:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She listened to him, though her attention was far more intent on eating than it should have been. The thought struck her and she glanced up at him. <em><strong>'Oh, I am certain that they keep the best. Only makes sense.'</strong></em> But she wondered if it really mattered. He seemed miles away, though he was here with her. She wondered if that was a good thing or not. He licked his lips after taking a drink from his beer and it made her grin.<br><br>He brought the conversation around to her research.<em><strong>'Oh, yeah. I think I might wait until after the weekend on that. Not sure yet. After tonight's little bit of fun..'</strong></em> She halted, nearly exposing what had happened at the library.<em><strong> '.. actually,'</strong></em> She glanced at her small wrist watch.<em><strong> 'I think I should probably get back to the house, maybe go over a few things before I forget them.'</strong></em> She had taken to the habit of writing down her thoughts in a small journal like book, so that later she could recall encounters and such. Or experiences.<br><br>Taking a couple more bites, she pushed the plate away, then a last sip of her drink, which still remained half full, she did the same.<em><strong> 'Oh my, that was so very good. Thanks for convincing me.'</strong></em> She glanced across at him.<em><strong> 'With steaks like that it could put you guys on the map. Touristy map, I mean.'</strong></em> She chuckled a bit. Then changed the subject. <em><strong>'You work until closing most nights?'</strong></em> It was probably a stupid question, but she wondered if he wished her to wait here for him. The single fact that entering his home without him there would feel odd, but if he was alright with it she would be more at ease. <em><strong>'I.. am just wondering if you wanted me to wait here for you or something...'</strong></em> She could tell that it looked as though he needed to get back to work. She didn't want to be in the way.&nbsp; <br><br>She sat back more comfortably and looked around now at the interior of the place and the people within. She felt the hairs rise upon her neck. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw movement, but when she turned her head to look at the guy she might have imagined watching her, he was engaged in conversation with another man. <em>Just a little paranoid, is all. What happened at the library could have happened to anyone. </em> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>04-03-2014, 00:32:25</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Tilted his head, just a hint, when she mentioned a bit of fun, but almost as soon as she did, she shifted to the comment of going back to the house already so she could take care of things. It made him nod, but not for a moment did he forget that there had been something else almost on the tip of her tongue to suggestion, and she had held back from doing so. As much as they were being friendly with each other, and welcoming, neither of them were really trusting each other too far, not where it mattered. He had a reason to, and knew it full well, but he didn't know her reason to do so, he knew he'd only been gracious, and if she was just natrually so supicious, then she'd definitely not be taking up the invite to use his guest room. <br><br>"Welcome, I'm sure you'll get plenty of chances for more while your here, though, don't know how much of an appetite snooping through records builds." The smirk was back again, tilting his lips appealingly as he teased her again. Though he feigned a mocking look of apprehension. "God no, city folk coming in flocks? Why would you do that!" The grin though was present as he delievered the enflated comments though and he lifted his glass up to finish it off, clearing the last dregs of the good beer before setting it down, again habitually his tongue made a quick flick over his lips. <br><br>"Yeah, I usually help Terra close up before heading home, it'll be a few more hours for sure, you don't need to wait up. Also, I left the tailgate to my truck unlocked, your suitcase is in it, if you swing around to the back parking lot you can grab it before heading back to the house." He was comfortable with her being in his home, he didn't keep anything there that could give him away, small things of his family, himself, nothing that would point out what was really behind that familiar friendly smirk, nothing of the wolf that haunted behind his eyes. <br><br>"Let me know if you change your mind about checking out records tomorrow, I could come give you a hand if you want..Though don't know how much good i'd be, probably just heckle you about how boring it is the whole time." Though he was shifting to stand up from the table even as he said it, knowing full well that he'd be there to keep an eye on her, to monitor anything she found, and to get in the way if anything happened. If she was what he was beginning to think she was, her finding things out was the least of their worries. What could be worse was her own family history catching up to her and quick. The wolf was not traditionally a lone animal, and clearly in her, it had not risen.. But with a pack around her, the people, the scents, what they were...could it stir it in her? If she had it...<br><br>"You get to make breakfast though, don't worry about dinner, either." Gesturing at the plates and such, he'd come back and clean the table up or have someone do it, but he meant more money wise, might put a twist in Terra's panties, but he wasn't going to charge Janine, he had suggested her come for it after all. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>07-03-2014, 03:04:21</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em><strong>'Oh, thanks. I appreciate that. I will be sure to grab it then.' </strong></em>She replied in response about her suitcase. She was glad he was thinking of things she had forgotten about. It suddenly seemed like the day had been going on... for ... years. <span style="font-size: 4pt;" class="bbc_size">(LOL Sorry, couldn't resist. )</span> She smiled then at his offer. It felt like a genuine offer. She gave a nod about it. <em><strong>'That would be nice of you, though I wouldn't ask that of you. You have been very kind Caleb.'</strong></em> She felt her cheeks warm with the compliment. She wanted to say thank you, but it felt a little on the cheesy side, so she let it pass.<br><br><em><strong>'Breakfast?'</strong></em> She grinned at him. <em><strong>'Oh I can do that.'</strong></em> Her smile was wide. She had no idea what she would cook, but she was certain she could find something edible to eat. <em><strong>'I hope you like crackers and water.'</strong></em> She let out a little laugh with her teasing comment. It took her a moment or two to catch what he said about tonight's steaks. <em><strong>'Ooh. I should come here more often with prices like those!'</strong></em> Again she smiled. But now she was definitely sure that the alcohol was making her feel quite good. Not drunk or anything like that, just relaxed. <br><br><em><strong>'Ok Caleb, I will see you at the house later.. if I am still up.'</strong></em> She gathered up her purse and coat, hanging it over her arm.<em><strong> 'Thank you again for a lovely meal. Kiss the cook, especially.'</strong></em> She smiled at him, then moved out of her seat towards the door.<br><br>Outside the cool air was nice upon her flushed face. This was why she didn't drink. Shaking it off, she dug into her purse finding her keys and headed to her car. Once inside, she pulled out and then out back. Calebs truck wasn't hard to miss. As she opened the tailgate, she heard laughter and turned her head to see one of the men that she had noticed inside earlier. Again the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She wasn't sure why. Moving with a bit more urgency, she opened the car door and tossed the case in. Stepping back toward the truck she slammed the gate closed. Rushing more than she intended, she hopped into the car.<br><br><em>Calm down. It is just your imagination working overtime.</em> She told herself quietly. Reaching down, she was just about to turn the key in the ignition when a German Shepherd jumped up at her drivers side window, his paws on the glass. She screamed. She could have sworn the animal had caused her heart to stop beating for a tick or two. The dog barked twice then jumped down.<em><strong> 'Oh my fucking god!'</strong></em> She yelled at the window, her hand over her chest as if it was attempting to keep her heart inside of her body. The dog was long gone. Shaking her head, she reached down and started the car. Her hand still a little shaky.<br><br>Pulling out onto the main, she found her way toward the edge of town. A car followed her, but she took no notice of it until just right before she turned into Caleb's driveway. The car sped up and got right close to the rear end of her car. Then passed her as she started to turn in. This coupled with the dog made her jumpy and nervous. She had this prickling at the base of her head that wouldn't quit. It could only be described as the start of a headache that didn't quite develop into pain. By the time she entered the house, she was in need of something to relax. <br><br>Flipping the main lights on, she walked into the kitchen. Opening the fridge, she saw the beer that had been offered to her the evening before. Opening it, she took a long draw from it. After swallowing, she squeezed her eyes tight and shook her head. Her face scrunched up with the dislike of the taste and the carbonation tickled her nose adding to the nasty flavour. The second long drink from the bottle was easier, but tasted just as bad. Setting the remaining in the sink, she tossed out the top and settled herself upon the couch after kicking off her shoes. Pulling out her journal, she began to write other things from the articles that she remembered. There were a few other names that probably weren't relevant at all, but still they had been mentioned in passing with a closer connection to the immediate area. She scribbled out the name of Falls Creek and other location names before she forgot them. <br><br>After a couple hours of not being able to make any connections, she gave up. Closing the journal, she set it on the little coffee table with the pen on top. Her purse lay forgotten at her feet. <em>Bed... I need bed.</em> She groaned as she got up and made her way up the stairs to her room. She was out as soon as she touched the bed. She hadn't even the time to undress and slip under the covers. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>10-03-2014, 22:59:13</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Despite having pointedly left the table, departing and sending Janine off on her way, the second he got behind the bar, setting the dishes down, he turned back to watch her. She didn't take long, after he left, to get herself up and start to make her way out of the bar. But the entire while he kept his eyes on her, a couple guys at the bar chuckling and making sidelong comments about him checking out her ass. And while it might just be a rather fine ass at that, his eyes were much more critical then the casual passerby might flit over a fine set of curves. No, he was watching her, wondering was was going on in her head, while everything still churned along inside of his head. Questions, answers, nothing was clear, and he knew it, he knew something was off though, and it made him tense as she slipped out the door, out of his sight. He couldn't keep an eye on her constantly, it'd be too suspicious, but he didn't like leaving her to her own devices either. <br><br>Hoping she would do as suggested and just go back to his place he went back to work, actually taking the time to pass the compliments back onto Terra for cooking up the steaks, who scoffed at the compliment, but still smiled as she slipped back into her office. Despite it being one of the only bars, there was one other, in town, it was not ridiculously busy and he had plenty of time between making drinks to contemplate just what he had to do when the bar did finally close down. Making that decision though, wouldn't be one he would need to make on his own though, as much as he figured Daniel wasn't going to care about anything, or get in touch, it seemed that he was wrong about that. <br><br>It was nearing the last half hour, before he'd pull last call and start cleaning up, when Daniel came through the door. Immediately the atmosphere of the bar got a little less relaxed, not everyone inside of the bar was part of the pack, but enough was that a certain tension, not bad, but rather an attentiveness worked through the patrons, though none made note of the leader coming in, everyone knew he was there the second he did. While the pack could sense as much without looking, between sense and an innate canine sense, even the humans would tend to notice when Daniel walked into a place for several reasons. <br><br>The first of all, was that he was tall, closing on the higher end of six foot, nearly seven, the man stood a head over even most of the men in the bar, with broad shoulders to fit, he was a man that took up some space, yet moved with that subtle predatory pace regardless. The next was the fact that for whatever reason one wanted to label it, thee just wasn't a lot of blonde people in town, and yet Daniel was blonde, almost white blonde really, and with his hair worked back, about medium length, the ends brushing against his jaw, it stood out among the browns and blacks that were more familiar. There were other quirks, the way eyes turned towards him, the packs, caught up the humans attention, till everyone was aware of him, they didn't all stare, but the man could turn a crowds attention easily.<br><br>Tonight, he was trying to pull off the biker look, which on a man as big as Daniel, could be that much more imposing, black leather glad legs, with a dark green shirt, and a thick leather jacket stretched across his shoulders. He held a lit cigar in his teeth, not bothering to smother it as he came in and dropped himself into a seat at the bar leaning forward he grinned. "Having a good night Caleb?" And something that was still and oddity to some people was that Caleb met the cocky green eyes with a glare before shaking his head. <br><br>"Be having a better night if you could pull your head out of your ass Daniel." Immediately it seemed as if the bar was back to normal, people carrying on their own conversations, and finishing their drinks. But it still wasn't, while not all at once, but with more subtlety the pack members started to rise and filter out, bringing the humans with them as they went, slowly emptying the bar out, even as Caleb poured Daniel up his usual beer setting it out on the bar, before leaning back against the far counter behind the bar. "So what are we going to do?" He kept his voice lower then it was before, but he could already see people filtering out, the pack knowing they needed privacy, while the rest just met the flow, he did take a moment to say it was last call, but most of the patrons were already paying up their tabs and making for the door. <br><br>"Do? Why do we need to do anything? It's just some stupid city girl snooping around, she won't find anything." Daniel, as usual, was cocky, chewing the end of his cigar while turning his head to flash a grin as Terra came out from the office. "Well, how are you tonight Terra?" Those green eyes flashing even as his lips held that cocky salacious grin. <br><br>"Well it was a good night, till you showed up, dick." She muttered shaking her head. "Caleb when you get the tabs totaled up, close out and drop off the deposit in the night drop if you would, I'm taking off early." Though her words were for Caleb, she continued to glare at Daniel as she moved around the bar, heading for the rear exit. <br><br>"Oh come on baby, what about our love!" Daniel leaned back from the bar so he could check out Terra's ass as she walked out every the joking cocky bastard he was. But Caleb wasn't in the mood and brought his fist down hard against the bar, making several glasses still on it rattle. "Daniel! This isn't the time for your crap!" His voice rose, a growl dripping through the tone. The last few people in the booths got up, making for the door now, casting glances back to the two at the bar. <br><br>Daniel though merely turned his attention back to Caleb and settled his stool forward once again sitting upright, thought the amusement had left those green eyes, looking slightly more serious as he drew the cigar from his lips. "I supposed it isn't, <em>Caleb</em>" He dropped his name, his tone of voice dipping into a growl for the single word as he eyed him. "I've told you before though, there is nothing to worry about from her. We don't need to do anything." Though it wasn't quite as angry, it was still not the casual jovial tone that he'd been using before, he didn't like anyone snapping at him, he was the Alpha after all, but Caleb was close, he bit at his heels, despite their friendship. <br><br>"Oh? You think so? She's already found some article about some black market nonesense, I don't know who published that crap or when, but someone wasn't covering ass the way they should be to let it out. And Sandra Baine, it's the name she has, who is she? Is she alive? Could she be a problem?" Caleb demanded right back, closing up the till and such the least of his concerns at the moment as he forked over the information he had, at least what she had given him. "She might have found more, she was acting like there was something else, but didn't say anything, I couldn't pry too much, or she'd wonder why. She's intending to go to Town hall, is there anything else there that she could find?" <br><br>Daniel's eyes sharpened slightly. "I don't know about Baine, before my time...But I'll ask about..As for the Black Market crap, that wasn't here, but it was about the pack. They were sloppy, and some federal investigators got involved, it got too big to silence easily, people had to go away." He shook his head. "You were right, she's prying and might find something..." Though agitated, he still didn't seem nearly as worried as Caleb would have liked him to be, but then, he hadn't exactly told him everything either. Caleb had left off how she smelt, how she behaved, he didn't want to betray that quiet yet, not till he was sure he wasn't being a fool.<br><br>"Alright, Caleb, you win, I'll have someone go over to the Town Hall tonight and start looking through the records, covering up anything if they find something. But not you, you've got her convinced your friendly, and we want to keep it that way. Go home, keep a close eye on her, try to keep her from wandering around on her own." The order made him wince slightly, he didn't like spying on Janine, she didn't seem like a bad sort of person, even if she was nosing into things she shouldn't be, but he knew his job. "And Caleb... you better start watching your mouth around me, or I'll make you regret it." The last Daniel said with a particular glare, stuffing his finished cigar into the beer glass, which he'd drank most of, before pushing it towards Caleb and standing up, not bothering with payment he turned and made for the door, casual as nothing through the empty bar. <br><br>It took everything to keep Caleb from grabbing the glass and chucking it at the back of Daniel's head, he contended himself with glaring at it instead, growling under his breath till the door closed behind the blonde headed bastard. Shaking his head he moved to walk around the bar, grabbing up money off the tables, but leaving the empty glasses, they had someone who came in and cleaned up early in the morning, so the bar would be spotless by the time they opened again the next day. Closing out tabs, and counting the cash up he arranged the deposit before closing up, turning off the lights and locking the door before heading to his truck. <br><br>Daniel always pissed him off one way or another, they had always been friends, but rivals also, they didn't agree on a lot of things, but could usually see past that. The last few years it'd been more taxing, that line, keeping from each others throats, Daniel was cocky, as the Alpha. And while Caleb thought he could put him in his place, he wasn't wiling to challenge his friend, not when he knew what it meant.&nbsp; <br><br>Making the night deposit took him only a few blocks out of his way, so getting home from there was simple and he parked his truck, spotting Janine's Volvo, glad that she had done what she said she would and came back here. Shutting his truck he eased inside, shutting the door behind him without locking it, he hardly ever did, this wasn't the city after all. Giving a sniff he could tell she'd come, and raided his fridge too, from the smell of beer in the room, he noticed the bottle in the kitchen as he walked passed for the stairs and up them. Noticing the guest room door open he frowned and pushed it open a little more peering in to spot her lounged out over the bed out cold. It made him lift an eyebrow but chuckle shaking his head. <br><br>"Light weight." It was a simple comment, and while he was tired, he wasn't enough to sleep yet, and he pulled the door shut behind him as he left her at peace, figuring it wasn't cold enough to bother covering her up he returned downstairs. But he saw her journal there, on the coffee table, and her purse next to the couch. It made him hesitate, he could look to see what notes she had, see if she'd kept anything back, it was what Daniel likely would have done, or told him to... But he hadn't expressly, and he didn't feel like digging through her belongings, instead he made upstairs again, deciding he could sleep after all, and retired to his room closing his eyes as he laid out on his back. <br><br>"...Are you one of us Janine...Or are you a fool chasing a dream that'll end up being a nightmare..." He was talking to himself, of course, but he wished he could ask her in truth, she'd think he was crazy though..
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>12-03-2014, 20:50:41</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She heard a click. <br><br>Slowly her sleep filled eyes opened. Darkness flooded the room, but her eyes adjusted quickly. She sat up imagining, she could hear something. Her mouth felt dry, as if she had been panting or something similar. She listened intently, straining to hear, but heard nothing other than a quiet house. She moved through the darkness to the door and opened it quietly, halting to listen. Slowly she made her way down the stairs, careful to be as quiet as possible, then though and out the front door. The darkness felt comforting when she looked up into the sky. The stars shown brightly and the moonlight filtered down through the trees.<br><br>Stepping off of the porch she moved slowly at first, then there was a need to move more quickly. The scent filled her nose and encouraged her. But it was as if she wasn't moving of her own free will. As if it was a dream she was trying to desperately wake herself from. She paused near a tree, and leaned on it. Her nose raised into the air searching for the scent, but the scent that drove her this far into the wood seemed to vanish. Moving on, she searched.. not taking note of her path. Again she stopped, searching the air. Turning she was unsure of where she came from or where she was now. The moon and stars were high in the sky. <em>It can't be more than 2 am.. </em>She thought to herself. <br><br>It dawned on her that her thoughts and movements were that of her own again. <em><strong>Where am I?</strong></em> She asked out loud. Wrapping her arms around herself in an attempt to warm herself up, she was still in her clothes from the day before, but her feet where bare, save for socks. She turned around and around trying to figure out what way she had come. Had she been wearing shoes she figured she might have left more of a trace. She began to look around for her own tracks trying not to panic. In the back of her mind she was still trying to figure out if what was happening was real. She was lost out in the woods and couldn't understand how she had gotten where she was.<br><br>She wanted to call out for help, but something told her that was not a good idea. The hairs on her neck prickled to attention. She needed to move and keep moving, no matter what. She soon found herself running, even though she had no direction. Silent tears stung at the corner of her eyes, begging her to stop long enough to crumble inside and let them fall. Pushing through some bushes, her feet fell out from under her and she yelped out in surprise as she tumbled down a steep embankment. She felt her senses sharpen as she was sure eyes were upon her. She had landed at the edge of a dried up creek-bed. Getting to her feet, she plucked dried leaves from her shirt absently, trying to figure out which way she should go. Total darkness came and went as the splotched cloud cover passed high overhead. She was getting further lost.<br><br>The smart thing to do would be to remain in one place, but the instinct in her said not to stay still. When an owl hooted overhead, she jumped and shrieked out. It was right after that that she heard what sounded like rushed movement. Fear that had been settling into her mind made her finally call out for help.. but what came from her throat was anything but a scream...<br><br><span style="font-size: 4pt;" class="bbc_size">Edit: I can't spell today. :P</span>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>13-03-2014, 23:33:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Sometimes, when he laid down to sleep, it was like he died, and there was no way that he was going to be woken. Typically thought, that seemed to happen only when he had changed too much in a day, or exhausted himself too far. Otherwise, there was that animal instinct inside of him, that one that was always a little more alert of his surroundings, always a little more focused on keeping himself safe. It was part of who, what, he was to be on edge like he was, a little paranoid perhaps, but more then that simply cautious, prepared for the unexpected, even if he was in the skin of a human, and resting presumably securely inside of his home. The fact that Janine was there, only made that sense a little more heightened, made him a little more attentive to the small details that he'd usually try to sleep through. <br><br>As it was though, he heard the door coming closed, and shifted in his bed, he had not been sleeping long, maybe ten minutes, and it was easy to come out of the doze he had managed to sleep into. Moving closer to the window, which his bed was pressed up against and under, so that he could look out into the trees from it easily, he glanced out into the night, blinking his eyes to try to focus himself. At first all he saw was the sky, the stars and the moon, some clouds, it was not a full moon tonight, otherwise it would have been brighter out, the half crescent barely illuminating the night, and letting the stars shine that much brighter. He let his eyes fall though, looking down at the trees, and closer, to his yard where his lawn reached up to the edge of them.<br><br>Rationally, he figured that Janine had got up, perhaps for some cool air, and stepped outside. He made the human mistake, of making excuses for her, excusing something with the assumption of her behavior as it should be. It was one that was stupid of him, perhaps, he had his doubts about her, but it was more safe to assume her human intentions and actions. That was until his sweeping eyes caught the movement at the edge of the tree line, further from his house, and just starting to tuck away between the trunks. <br><br>Stiffening he sat up and looked sharper, forcing the drowsiness that clung away, and trying to find the spot where he'd seen movement. While it could have been fair to assume it was a deer, a rabbit, or any other kind of animal, he instead trusted his instincts, which were telling him that assuming as much was foolish. Throwing his feet from the bed he was out of it in a second and through his door, coming to the guest room he pushed it open, clenching his teeth around a growl in his throat when he found what was there, and empty bed. <br><br>"Janine." Was she stupid enough to wander into the forest in the middle of the night? Or was it something else..did someone come into his home and take her? Daniel wasn't that proactive, and nobody would act without his say, aside from himself perhaps. Twisting he pushed back out the door, his bare feet padding against the floor as he took the stairs two at a time, and swung out the front door, pushing it closed behind him even as he took a deep breath on the porch. <br><br>Of course, her scent would hover, it would be there, close to his home, she'd crossed the porch a couple times now, it was no surprise it was there. Yet tracking it, as he would in his other skin, wasn't as easy with the human nose he had, sharper then a humans, but much more dull than a wolves, he would have to change to hunt her by scent alone easily. But, chasing a city woman down in the skin of a wolf through the trees, well, he was smart enough to know she wouldn't react too well to it. And changing before he found her, well, chasing her down stark naked would be next to as bad. <br><br>Instead he broke for the trees, his own bare feet padding against the grass, till it churned into grass and underbrush. His sharp eyes finding the night easy to look through, the moon providing more then ample light, but the signs of her passing were somewhat far between. Despite moving quick, she seemed to be moving wisely. More so then a woman from the city should be able to, if she left as little sign behind as he was seeing, though with the ground dry, and moonlight, it could be him having trouble tracking her, rather then her prowess. <br><br>Tracking her though, came down to being the least of the problems, when he heard the shriek, his mind assuming the worst instantly he took off through the trees and brush in a second, breathing deep, trying to scent if anyone was out there, anyone he knew, while racing towards where the shriek had come from. There shouldn't be anything, at least any of his people, this close to the town, it was too near, they knew better then to get so close, and yet he worried of those, with Daniel's attitude, that slacked and didn't follow the advice as strictly as it came. <br><br>Reaching her though, he stopped suddenly, not because he was barrelling through the trees in only the jeans that he'd not kicked off when dropping into bed. But because of what he heard as he came out of the trees. It wasn't unfamiliar to him, but that didn't make it any less shocking to come from her, it brought him to a stop. <em>She is one of us...</em> The thought was as clear as day in his head, but he didn't speak it. "Janine! What!?" Trying to pretend he didn't catch the sound that came from her. "What are you doing out here?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>15-03-2014, 03:02:12</strong>
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				The noise that came from her resembled that of a deep chested growl. It was filled with the fear that had enveloped her.. an instinctual warning to whatever was coming towards her. When Caleb stepped into sight, she dropped to her knees with relief. But her eyes were still wide with fear and confusion. Her body felt warm as if her skin was on fire and her head ached to the point of making her feel ill. Her stomach twisted and turned and she looked at him as if she had eaten something poisonous. As if she had been fed something to make her sick.<br><br>She turned her head to this side at his question and her eye filled with a look that could almost be compared to being sorrow because she couldn't answer his question. It hurt to think. A breeze filtered through the trees and her skin ached with its caress. <em><strong>'Caleb... What is happening to me?'</strong></em> Her voice held a pleading sound to it. Almost a whimper. Her arms stretched out before her and she was looking at them like she had never seen arms before. She then tried to claw at her shirt, trying to tear it from her skin unsuccessfully. <em><strong>'My skin... I feel like I am on fire... !'</strong></em> There was alarm in her voice and panic mixed in with confusion and pain. She felt like she was going mad.<br><br>She buried her face in her hands to stop the pain as she sat back onto her feet from her kneed position and could feel hot tears form in the corners of her eyes. <em><strong>'Oh my god, what is happening to me!'</strong></em> Her vision blurred when she dropped forward to the ground on her hands and knees. <em>The ground.. it is cool.</em> She moved to lower herself and it felt as if every bone in her body had been recently broken. <em><strong>'Aaaaah...' </strong></em>She cried out in pain as she flattened herself onto the ground. Everything else was forgotten. She needed to get cool.. She turned her cheek and lay it on the ground. <br><br><br><em><br>A flashback came to her.</em> <em>She had done the same thing when she was little. The stone floor had been so cool.. it was too hot out...a child in her mothers home.. she had been reprimanded for trying to cool herself off. The mother that wasn't truly hers. </em><em>'Janine, get up off of that floor child. What are you doing?!? Little girls don't behave that way. Get to your room until you can act like a lady.'</em> <em>She remembered being only 6 years old, but the woman was horrid as usual. </em><br><br><br><br>Janine lay like that on the woodland floor until she felt her body begin to cool down. She could see Caleb, but she breathed out a warning. <em>'Please... don't... touch me. Just... let me be for a minute or two..'</em> Her breathing was hard, her voice that of a whisper. Her body ached everywhere, though not nearly the way it had a moment ago. She swallowed hard.<em> '.. it hurts.. everywhere.'</em> She whispered in explanation. She tried to lay still as she could for a moment, willing the cool of the ground to seep into her bones, praying that it would be of the numbing comfort she desperately needed. Slowly the cold ground absorbed what she imagined was the heat of her body. The breeze of the night rustled the leaves coming to her aid and leaving her chilled.<br><br>Tears stung her eyes once more and she tried to suppress the sob that wracked her body when it came. She was surprised that the pain had subsided enough that her emotions were allowed to open like a flood. She was able to move freely once more, but she was afraid to do so for fear of the intense pain she had just suffered returning.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>15-03-2014, 20:40:09</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As certain as he was, form that deep chested growl, that she was one of them, it still left plenty of questions. Whether she was playing a long game, trying to pretend she didn't know while hunting them down under the guise of a simple reporter. If so what was the purpose of her search really, was she actually looking for her history, or was she looking to do something more nefarious. The possibilities were endless, but the danger was there, she was not some human girl sticking her nose in something she shouldn't be getting involved in. It was worse, she was one of them, digging into things that any of them would know better to leave buried where they put it, hidden away from prying eyes as best as they could. <br><br>But as much as his suspicious mind jumped ahead of him, what was before his eyes painted a different story to him, he could see her, dropped to her knees, looking confused. He didn't answer immediately when she asked what was happening to her, watching her instead. It looked like she was going to change, and from what she said next, the heat, it was even more likely that it was going to happen, and he was going to witness it. <em>How could she not know? How could she have gone so long without it taking her...</em> It was a small question in his head, something that didn't fit. Could she have changed before but blacked it out? It was possible, but a meek one at that, after all, even if she blacked out the change, waking up naked somewhere she didn't go to sleep would have been a pretty good hint.<br><br>Watching her, he moved closer, crouching down, keeping on the balls of his feet, his toes curled into the soil beneath him, lowering his hands so just his finger tips rested against the ground, almost like the pose runners came to before a sprint, tension tight in his body. If she changed, she could do anything, he might know her some, know that she was nice, but the beast curled inside of her, it could do anything tearing it's way out of her, and he would be prepared for whatever it brought. <br><br>But as much as it seemed the change was onto her, he watched her press closer against the ground pressing firmly into the soil almost, tucking herself against the ground while crying out her pain. He knew the heat she spoke of, it was normal, especially in the first changes, when the body adjusted, something he experienced in his youth. As he watched though she seemed to stifle that heat, stalling the change in herself. It shouldn't have been possible, once the change was onto someone, their bones feeling like fire, there shouldn't be any coming back, she should have changed, yet despite what he knew of the change, she spoke to him whispering to leave her be for the moment.<br><br>"The pain, it will fade Janine." He spoke finally, his words left with a reassuring tone, even if he was still eyeing her, as if prepared for her to suddenly tear into a change again. But rather then that, what came was tears, and sobbing, something that some would say was a worse turn of events. Reaching out he brought his hand to her shoulder touching carefully, now that she seemed to be in less pain again. It hurt more, he knew it, because she had stalled the change that her body was demanding, how he didn't understand entirely, but she had managed, and was suffering for it. <br><br>"Come, it isn't safe out here this late." She'd made enough racket that others could come, their hearing was sharp after all, and while he figured some of these questions out, he didn't want to hand her over to anyone else who might provoke something. Instead he moved to scoop her up off the ground, gently as he could manage, pulling her in against his bare chest, holding her up as if she were nothing. "We'll get you back inside." Perhaps he should try to talk her into thinking it was a nightmare, that it hadn't happened...but if he did, when it happened again it could be worse, she could actually change. She needed to know now that she was starting to touch that part of herself...and yet, how do you explain to someone they were not what they thought they were.<br><br>Only he couldn't tell her nothing... he'd be as much in fault if her mind broke then, as anyone else. "It'll be fine Janine." But he didn't know if it would be, if she could survive this, or if she did, if she'd have wanted to...
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>19-03-2014, 02:36:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				His voice filtered into her mind.. slowly at first, then more clearer as she tried to focus through the pain. Never had she ever remembered experiencing pain of this level before. And it felt as though it was messing with her mind. She felt nauseous, as if at any moment she could slip away into an awaiting abyss of darkness just to escape the pain. <br><br>She focused more on him as he moved nearer. Her mind shouted out .. <em>'No.. no no no noooo.. Please don't move me..not yet.'</em>... But all she could respond to his picking her up, was a short cry out in pain and a new sob that erupted from her chest. She felt quite limp even though she felt her body tighten the moment she realized he was going to pick her up, to prepare for the pain. It was similar to the instinctual bracing like when you are driving and believed another vehicle might hit you. It doesn't happen very often that a body feels the need to prepare itself and so when it happens, the feeling is intense. But as fast as it came, it was over and his warmth surrounded her.<br><br>It wasn't just the warmth of his body, but the gentleness that he seemed to have. She moved, but it wasn't without payment for doing so. She bit her bottom lip. She had managed to move her arm to cling to his shoulder.&nbsp; She let him speak without replying. She looked at him differently now as he carried her to the house. But she was too weak right now to even think about his words. She couldn't really comprehend what he was saying to her anyhow. Her brow furrowed as she looked at him. She hadn't been this close to him before and it unsettled her that again he seemed to be rescuing her. His scent was ... it wasn't right that a man could smell so good. She wondered why she had never noticed it before.<br><br>She pushed the thought from her mind and rested her head as he carried her. Already she could feel that his steps were not as jarring as they had first been. His words came back to her. <em>"The pain, it will fade Janine."</em> He had said. She glanced up at him. <em>'Caleb.. ' </em>She started, but it was all she could muster. If she allowed herself, she could completely freak out at what had happened to her, but her curiosity wouldn't be so kind. To try to understand what had happened could only lead to sheer madness. But Janine couldn't accept things so easily. She had to look at everything from all angles and decide what she believed to be the truth, even if what she saw with the eye was far from the truth. How many times had things she researched looked to be that of one thing, yet turn out to be something else all together.. She thought about the article then that she had come across in the library.<br><br>She felt herself begin to drift. She was so very tired. There would be time for questions... later, much later. All she wanted was a soft bed.. and about a months worth of sleep.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>19-03-2014, 06:55:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Could feel the tension in her body when he picked her up, she still hurt, something that didn't surprise him in the least. She would hurt for a while, especially since she didn't change, stopping the change wasn't something anyone liked doing, because it hurt. It was stopping the change at the point that she did, that made him imagine it would be worse for her, then anything he himself had ever experienced. He knew the bone aching pain of denying a change that was necessary, but when she cut it off, when her body was ready and screaming for it, and she had managed to stop it, something he didn't think he would have been able to do, let alone anyone else in the pack that he knew of. That was what made him think she would be in some agony for a time. <br><br>Though, she did loosen some in his hold, slightly, he doubted that it was in relief, more simple exhaustion, though he felt her shit her arms enough, just enough that she could keep herself up some, so that she was not a complete dead weight in his arms. It helped make carrying her more comfortable, and he did so starting back through the trees silent now as he held her up against him. He could smell her, her scent strong in his nose, and that note, faint as it had been before, was not any longer. No, now he could smell the wolf inside of her, smell the familiar scent of the wild on her, perhaps it was only cause of the ordeal she had just gone through, and it would fade again, since she still had not changed. He couldn't say for sure, but he knew now why it had bugged him so much, her scent, and was not anymore reassured. <br><br>"Quiet, Janine, now isn't the time to talk, I told you, it isn't safe out here." His voice came now, quieter then it had been before, cautioning, and firm. He didn't want her making anymore noise then she already had, didn't want to draw any more notice, they were lucky, that he was the one that found her tonight. Another might have simply killed her, spared her the pain of the transformation and gotten rid of the body. It might have been the wiser thing to do, but it also stripped her of any chance to choose for herself, something from how little he knew her, he already knew she would disdain. <br><br>Glancing down to her, he noticed how she was slumping a little more, her eyes dipping, she was starting to fall asleep. That was good, perhaps he could convince her it was a bad dream after all, except for the pain, and the scrapes her feet would likely have. <em>Not a dream..maybe too much to drink?</em> She'd only had the two drinks, but she had said she didn't drink very often hadn't she... He couldn't remember and shook his head, it wasn't something that she was going to pass off as if it were nothing easily, he didn't expect that, and even if he did.. Could he let her? If she faced the change, blind, she might snap, even tonight, he had worried she might lose her mind, before she had stopped it all together. <br><br>Returning to his house through the forest was quick enough, he knew the way, now that he was not searching without direction for her, and he wanted them out of the forest, so moved quick. Slipping back inside with her, he shut the door quietly, carefully, with a foot, trying to keep from waking her, he would let her sleep, if she woke it would just be pain and questions. No, sleep was better for her, for now, and he took her upstairs, back to the guest room, laying her down. He eyed her there though, pausing to watch her curiously. She had instinct, perhaps, a drive that brought her back here, maybe not to her people, but back to those of her kind, her curiosity, persistence...<br><br>It would be a shame if it ended up being what did her in, persisting in this idea, in letting her nature come out. Shaking his head he moved out of the room closing the door behind him, but this time he did not go to his own room, instead downstairs. Part of him knew he should call Daniel, but this time he didn't fold to that, no, he would talk to Janine first, when she woke up, see if he could get anything from her more. Downstairs he sat down, absently turning the tv on, but not paying any attention to it, instead looking to the window, ignoring his own desire and instinct to run. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>20-03-2014, 03:09:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her eyes opened slowly and immediately she could tell that she had slept long into the morning. Her need to relieve herself had her sitting up, but it was too quickly. Her head spun and the aches of her body brought back the night before. Gingerly she sat at the edge of the bed, swinging her legs over the edge. She wondered if she could stand. Her body felt weak as if she had just gotten over a severe flu and had been laying about for much too long. <br><br>Pushing up from the bed she found her body more fluid than she thought it would be, though she felt a little like a new born dear on legs that weren't quite solid. Slowly she crossed the room and grasped the door handle to open it. Heading for the restroom she saw the shower and decided that would help. And nearly 20 minutes later she emerged with a towel wrapped around her. It hadn't dawned on her that she hadn't brought her suitcase up. Depositing her dirty clothing upon the bed, she made her way slowly down the hall and placing a hand a long the wall made her way down the stairs. She felt stronger with each step she took and with each step felt like she was returning bit by bit to her old self.<br><br>The clock on the wall showed that it was later in the day than she had thought. Nearly 2 in the afternoon. Not seeing Caleb anywhere, she was almost glad about it. In a way everything was in such a fog, had she not felt the way she had upon waking she might have thought that she had dreamed it all up. But the pain had etched its self into her mind. There was no way she was ever going to forget that. <br><br>She padded her way across the front room and saw her suitcase there by the door, but made a detour into the kitchen for a drink of water. She stood there cautiously at the sink after retrieving a glass. Turning the water on, she waited for it to run cold. But the sound the faucet made was almost mesmerizing. Her mind replayed events over and over, the water forgotten. Each second that passed made it absolutely clear that she needed to speak with Caleb to understand things and answer questions. <br><br>Lifting her hand, she stared at her palm. It was somewhat wrinkled from her shower. She opened and closed her hand over and over, just watching the muscles move. An act that should be so easy to do.. and it was, but there was a tenderness in the movements. It feeling of it was like if someone was touching a bruise in the purple stage. Tender, but not excruciatingly painful. Well on the mend.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>23-03-2014, 01:59:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Why he had imagined that she would wake up at a decent time, he didn't know, after all, if he had attempted what she had done, he would have likely slept hours over himself too. That didn't keep him from staying up most the rest of the night downstairs, with the tv on but not paying attention to it. Instead going over what little interaction he and Janine had already shared, the details, trying to see if she had shown anything else that gave sign to what she really was inside. Aside from the steak though, there wasn't much to point at it, the steak she had, and the scent of her, that had nagged at him so much. There had been no other reason to suspect her, and enough reason to doubt himself. But now they were beyond doubt, and reflection on it would not help him vastly. <br><br>When the sun began to rise, he got up, killing the television and shifting his shoulders. He could tell she was still out upstairs, he hadn't heard a movement as of yet from the guest room. He on the other hand, was still too agitated to do as something as simple as rest. Rolling his shoulders he made for the door, grabbing her suitcase from her car he set it inside the house before closing the door behind him, this time making out towards the trees again. Walking, even in this form, was relaxing, though not quite as so as running in the way his body ached too already. He didn't want to come back like that though, he walked with his two very normal feet into the trees. <br><br>He spent most of the hours in the morning out in the trees, wandering , on human feet, contemplating what he would have to be doing later, when he returned, when she woke. If she was still there, he realized, leaving her alone, she could very well have run off while he was gone, perhaps it would have been better for her, then learning the truth. But he doubted it, she had sought the truth out like a dog for a bone, she was not going to give it up, not even if she fell into a patch of thorns trying to get to it. She'd be back up to gnaw at it soon enough, soon as she licked her wounds a bit, of that much he was positive about her. She might bite at it a bit more cautiously, though he wouldn't put money on it. <br><br>Finally he had circled back and came back through the woods, passing where she had collapsed the night before, turning his eyes to the soil that was churned there, where she had clawed at the ground. That moment should have gone very differently, and he wondered what kind of damages were going to come of it not doing so. She was one of them, yes, he knew that now, but that did not make her one of their pack, and just being one of them was not enough, she was still an intruder, a liability. They protected their own, seeded them through the world, but their pack was immediate, it was their life, it was more family then most blood ties. <br><br>Walking into his backyard from the trees again he paused to stretch, the sun was much higher overhead, and he was feeling a little tired, after pulling almost an all nighter after the incident with Janine.&nbsp; A tiredness he knew would wear off once he started to talk to Janine, to get some answers out of her, or rather, give her some, though he thought he might give her less, and get more out of her, if he could. Closing the distance across the lawn he grabbed the door throwing it open and easing inside, pausing through. He could hear the sound of water pouring out of the faucet, and he knew he had not left it on. "So your up." His comment came even as he pushed the door closed behind him, not heading into the kitchen, instead making for the living room, this had to be approached..carefully.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>26-03-2014, 16:46:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She should have expected him. She was, afterall, in his home. But that didn't stop her from jumping with the sound of his voice. She pushed the glass under the stream of water to fill it and shut the water off. Raising the glass to her parched lips, she drank deeply until it felt as if her breath was stolen away by the sharp cold of the water. She gasped after swallowing and set the glass on the counter, then braced herself for a moment before answering Caleb. <br><br>Turning she crossed the kitchen and headed into the living-room. She observed Caleb for a second, observing his movements. She then glanced at the suitcase and crossed to it. Kneeling next to it she laid it down and opened it, removing the items she needed, then closed the case back up. She wasn't sure what to say.. or even if he expected her to say anything at all. She was feeling very confused, but above that she felt anger. She believed that she had been fed something, it was the only explanation. The steak had to have been tainted with something. How many times had she heard of stories about things being laced with some form of drug. She was naive enough to believe it was something of the past that only hardcore junkies encountered, or even club hoppers in the city. You heard stories of it happening in those places too. It was the only reasonable explanation, even though something else nagged at her from the back of her mind.<br><br>Standing she turned to make her way back to her room, but before she got too far she finally glanced to Caleb. Something felt off about the air that surrounded them, like a tension had filled the air. Her eyes narrowed a bit at him, because he still seemed so confident in himself, the same as he always did and it angered her further that she found that particularly attractive about him.<em><strong> 'I get that this place has secrets. That has been made very clear. Not only by the things you say, but the way these people act in this town.. the little exposure I have had to them so far, but... I didn't think you would hide behind those secrets. After all, you are the only one that knows why I am here.'</strong></em> She paused for a moment, keeping her voice level and void of emotions.<em><strong> 'That doesn't mean that I am going to forget why I am here. What I don't understand is why someone would want to feed me some drug or something... I don't even know what, I am still trying to decide what in the hell happened last night. But the fact remains is that it... did.' </strong></em>She put emphasis on the last word letting him know that she remembered. <em>Everything.</em> She let a tad of silence invade.<br><br>She then nearly scoffed, but held back. She felt hurt suddenly because the words he had spoken were so clear in her mind. <em><strong>'I am trying to decide if you had any involvement or not.'</strong></em> She said this truthfully to him with a hint of hope that she couldn't hide in her voice. If nothing else, she had been as truthful with him as she possibly could be, and that wouldn't stop just yet even though she wasn't sure about him at the moment. <em><strong>'How else could you know that the pain would fade?' </strong></em>She asked simply, but the words were dressed with a certain accusation that stated he knew a lot and that this was his moment to try to explain. In her opinion it was a pretty shitty way to get her to leave town, if that was the intention. But her confusion went past that with questions she kept asking herself. He had been nice to her, but now she wondered if he hadn't been too nice. <br><br>She let out a soft sigh and placed a cool hand to her forehead. She felt exhausted, not physically, but mentally.. already. <em><strong>'I need to get dressed...' </strong></em>She said as she headed towards the hall.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>28-03-2014, 01:27:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her standing there in a towel, was interesting enough a development, he could smell the scent of his body wash on her skin, and the shampoo he kept in the shower in her hair. She had of course used his, since there wasn't any other, and she obviously had not reached her suitcase before taking the shower. Otherwise she was walking around in a towel for no reason, and while under other circumstances, he wouldn't have doubted that there were other reasons for her to be wandering around with only the bit of towel covering her. He knew full well that these certain ones, at this time, was far from the right ones to put her in any sort of mood like that, anyone would be far from such, really. <br><br>But as much as her scent, mixed with those of his shower, tickled his nose and drew his attention, it was her words that made those lips, not turned up into a smirk as usual, turn into a hard line, his lips pressed close together. Slowly he grew angry as she continued, suggestion he was hiding behind secrets, which was not exactly a lie, but did she have any right to demand to know everything anyway, she was a stranger, that he had gifted the use of a room, and had been nothing but kind too. But what really chalked it up, was just how stupid she sounded, when he knew the truth of what was going on, and she was drawing up some kind of unreasonable excuse for what happened to her. <br><br>He was silent through her little speech, letting her get what she needed out, though it was more then plain he wasn't pleased. Part of him felt he should keep his mouth shut, he knew it was what Daniel would tell him to do. She wasn't their responsibility, let her think this was some kind of drug, and when the change ripped through her, one she couldn't stop, and her mind broke, they would simply hunt her down and put her out of her misery. It was more clean then killing a human, at least for a good conscience, and it kept them from breaking any of their own laws, hunting humans was expressly forbidden, except in defense of the pack. And yet, even with his good sense telling him to hold his ground, take her shit, and let it roll off, it just wasn't so simple. <br><br>That final accusation had his eyes flashing, dangerously he eyed her in a glare. "What would you have done Janine?" He asked suddenly, taking a step forward towards her, it was only one step, but it was closing that distance, and bringing his tall self closer. Today she wasn't in heels, and it meant she was even shorter then him than before, and he was by no means a small man. "Out there, last night. You remember it don't you?" Those words were colder then he had talked to her before, lacking the jovial warmth that otherwise came easy to him, they were almost mean. "I didn't drag you out into those trees, Janine, how did you get out there? You went out on your own, remember?" <br><br>Bringing up the night, he took another step towards her, there was the hall, that she could go down, but that would only take her upstairs, a deadend. Behind her there was the kitchen, and the rear door, but she was only in a towel now. And he was continuing towards her even as he spoke, slow but some how..menacing. "What would you have done, Janine, you remember it don't you? When I found you, when you were alone, and I came through the trees." He was pushing at her, not physically, he wanted her to think about it, think about last night, remember, wanted her to remember what she greeted him with last night. That sound, that threatening sound that had been anything but human, that sound that had not been a call for help, but a threatening growl through her teeth. <br><br>By now he had closed the distance between them, even if she had taken steps to try to lengthen it, he did the same, though only with his longer legs he could cut the distance quicker, and he was determined. Now he was right up in her space, looking down at her as he stood, as imposing and menacing looking over her as he could. "What would you have done!" His voice raised, showing the anger, the temper, he wanted to make a rise, he wanted to force her to react, to react differently then he should, he wanted her instincts, not the pathetic human ones, but those laying further below, those dormant for most of her life, to flare up. He wanted to show her, that even now, when she was 'clean' of any kind of drug, off the 'high' she thought she had been on, that she couldn't explain what she did. <br><br>Though, he didn't think she would change, her body was too exhausted, from staving off it last night, or at least he assumed. But he wanted to see some of the wolf he knew was there, he wanted her to have to face it, so that her questions could turn to it, to what was really going on. Before it took her unaware and shattered her from the inside out. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>28-03-2014, 04:51:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She hadn't expected him to respond the way he did, but in truth, how couldn't she have? Her words had been cruel and accusing. That was a given, but she had to try to understand what was going on. Or better, why. She could feel him advance upon her as she tried to deny him his ability at defending himself against her accusations by fleeing. But he halted her with his questions. She didn't turn to face him immediately, but deep down she felt his anger at her which in turn fueled her own.<br><br>Slowly she turned back and he was close. Much too close and he towered over her. However, she didn't back down as her eyes slowly raised to meet his. The flash of anger that shown within his eyes came as a warning.. <em>Of what?</em> She wondered suddenly, but threw caution to the wind. <em><strong>'What would I have done? What the hell does that mean? What kind of question is that? What would I have done if it was you, you mean? It wasn't you, it was me! And I sure as hell am certain in thinking I wasn't in my right mind! Come now, you had to know that. Is this some kind of game that gets played on people like some kind of sport!?' </strong></em>She raised her voice right back, her anger making her irrational and not making sense to even herself. She pressed on.<br><br><em><strong>'How did you know? How in the hell did you know that the pain would fade?'</strong></em> She demanded again. <em><strong>'Yes! I went out there, but it wasn't on my own.. I remember it. You.. you make it sound like I just wandered into the night like some... idiot freak of nature that walks in her sleep, but I wasn't sleeping.'</strong></em> Her fury was over the top and in all honesty she didn't even understand why she was so angry at him.<em><strong> 'I don't know how to explain it, but it wasn't something that just happened like you are suggesting. It wasn't by my own free will! But.. what do you care! Why should you? I am no concern of yours am I!'</strong></em> She growled at him.. a rumble came from her chest. She felt wild and on the edge of losing control. She touched her throat with her hand in surprise. Hot tears tried to push their way into her eyes, though she blink them away.<em><strong> 'How did you know tha....'</strong></em> She choked on the words. Somewhere inside of her an answer came.&nbsp; <em>It has happened to him too..</em> The realization felt like someone had hit her in the stomach.<br><br>She didn't step back from him because she simply couldn't. Something inside of her, told her not to, that she needed to show him her strength. It puzzled her. However, something primal begged her to look away from him and to beg his forgiveness for her behavior. She continued to stare up at him. She was mesmerized by him, not because of his easy ability to make her feel so small and insignificant, but his dominance over her both frightened and strongly intrigued her.. almost to a level of excitement. <br><br>She shook her head slowly a few times. Her voice was so quiet when she spoke next, the anger gone and replaced by softness. <em><strong>'What is happening to me Caleb? I know you know. I can feel it. I almost think that I might know, but it isn't possible. It simply isn't possible...'</strong></em> The look she gave him was most pathetic. It was the look of defeat. He had won this standoff between them. They both knew it. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>29-03-2014, 00:44:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was as if he was the flint, the spark that lit the fire in her as her angry welled up, more obvious by the moment, not only in expression, or words, but in her very scent. Gone was the small scared scent that lingered about her this morning, the hurt and indecision, replaced by the fiery anger that wafted through her natural scent now. It baited at him, tempting part of him to play into the anger, to rile it up more, and let his own grow with it, though he was showing angry, it was with a careful fist in his gut, one holding tight to his temper, he was baiting her, but that didn't mean that he wasn't actually angry also, for the accusations she had thrown at him about what happened the night before. <br><br>He let her question, surprised, that she was standing her ground, surprised and impressed, that she would hold her ground, and his gaze, even when she had to tilt her head up to meet it at all. Yet she didn't move and she nearly shouted right back at him. Though he could tell she was starting to fray, she wasn't making sense, not all of what she said anyway, but that wasn't surprising, since her entire assumption of the night before was on the wrong. What happened, she couldn't see it clearly, because she kept thinking it was done to her, rather then something she did, and until she could understand that, her perspective of the situation was going to be twisted, to her own misguided series of events. <br><br>But then, then she did it again, growling at him, a sound that was oh so clearly not human, something coming from deeper inside of her, something that she had so little control over. He could see it taking her, the horror of what she had just done, the surprise, the confusion, it washed over her, and seemed to swallow the anger up instantly, sucking it down and drowning it, smothering any of it away. "Anything that you might think is impossible, is not so easily explained Janine....go get yourself dressed." He knew that he would have to get her something, something more then that, but she was still standing there in just the towel, clutching at the clothes she had taken from her suitcase. <br><br>"We will talk more once you are dressed." Of course, the anger, the menace, it had all melted away almost as quickly as her anger at, he had won, yes, but he hadn't done it to win, he had done it to make her understand, to make her reconsider. Turning from her he made his way back towards the living room, clearly expecting her to take the time to get dressed, to pull herself together a little. "And, you better not go suggesting steaks as good as we had had anything wrong with them again." It was a small attempt, to shake her from the defeat she'd been showing, something light hearted cast over his shoulder. A reminder that while he might not be everything she had thought before, he was till the guy who was joking and flirting with her also. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>01-04-2014, 04:19:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She bit her bottom lip at the corner. He was right. She had let herself get so carried away that she had stood there before him not even decent, then used it as an excuse to escape him. She turned from him to head up the stairs. His voice could be heard as she took the stairs one at a time, about the steaks. She felt instant embarrassment at her accusations. Her face reddened clear to her ears. She was just glad he hadn't seen it. In time she knew that she would have to eat a little crow when it came to those steaks. Nothing that good could have been tainted. She told herself. And deep down she knew the truth, it was just getting her to admit it to herself that was the problem. <br><br>Up in her room she closed the door and leaned against it. Her breathing hadn't calmed down enough yet, but she could feel that she was slowly coming back to her old self. Taking a deep breath, she began to dress. With that finished, she ran a brush through her nearly dry hair. She almost felt like a kid that had been reprimanded, but rightfully so. She wasn't really in a rush to head back down those stairs, though she knew that she must. That she needed to understand everything. She wanted Caleb to be honest, full out, no matter what she felt afterwards.<br><br>After cleaning up the room a bit and making the bed, she figured she had wasted enough time. She couldn't avoid him forever. Pausing at the door, she finally opened it and made her way down the hall in her stocking feet, fully dressed and ready to greet the world. She crammed her hands into her pockets just to have somewhere to put them and descended the stairs heading back into the living room. She came in and sat down at the end of the couch, furthest from him as possible. She wasn't sure if he was going to tear into her or not, though it probably was warranted. The air was filled with tension. She wondered who would or should speak first. She wasn't sure why he made her feel like she was so insignificant compared to him. But it was a feeling she wasn't exactly enjoying at the moment. She she started... <em><strong>'Tell me everything. I want to know.'</strong></em> She said softly. <em><strong>'I want to know what you suspect about me. Because when you say it, I want to feel the truth of it in the pits of my stomach.'</strong></em> She was afraid.<br><br>It was so plainly displayed upon her face. Because she already was coming to recognize the ideal of it all, she just needed someone to say it to make it all real, even though she didn't want it to be true. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>02-04-2014, 07:49:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Watched her come back down, she had of course taken her time at doing so, he knew it wouldn't have taken her as long upstairs as it would have to just get dressed, but he was not exactly going to go up after her either. No, she needed the time she took, and he gave it to her, to let her prepare herself for what might be coming. It was not as if it would help, what she had coming to her, was something that couldn't be prepared for, even those of his kind who did know what was coming, before it did, had a chance at breaking, and losing their minds. What happened to them, while it became natural, and once settled, not a one of them could really recall what it was like to be without that other part of themselves, did not start out that way. It started out terrible, frightening, and painful, and some, some were just not able to adapt to that. <br><br>He remained on the couch, casual enough, sitting in the jeans and the t-shirt, it was his home after all, it was not as if he was going to be tense and uncomfortable in his own home. And yet he did feel a tension inside of himself, a knot that clenched into a fist as she came down and moved over, settling herself down onto the couch, as distant from him as she could. He did not like the tension in him, despite the fact that he had been fighting demons in himself since she had arrived, broken down on the side of the main road, this was different. This was something he knew would stir trouble, not only for her, but actually for himself at this point. She was not theirs and yet he was continuing to help her, he should had turned her out, sent her packing after her accusations, called it done, she wouldn't have found anywhere else in town to stay. <br><br>He couldn't help it, he let out a scoff, shaking his head slightly as he sat forward lifting his hand up to his forehead, rubbing his brow slowly. "Janine...You.." He shook his head again trying to find just the right words for it as he stood up, he didn't want to sit still. "You act as if i have simply hidden the answers away from you, and have held them out over your head the whole time you were here. As if i planned for you to come." The tone was faintly incredulous, it was obvious how little that suggestion could have been possible, he hadn't exactly sabotaged her Volvo. <br><br>"What I suspect... what I suspect could be the truth, but it could also be wrong. More importantly, it could be something that you don't want to know, even if it is right. Do you really want to dig into this Janine? I tell you now, I've seen you.... Go back, go back to the city, today, right now, pack your things away, and go back to your skyscrapers, and journalism. Perhaps that will change things for you, it might save you. Because what your asking for, you don't understand, and if you learn more, you can't go back." It could be that she had already crossed that line, he didn't know, she had held back the change, but it was there, it was close, but if it had not happened yet, perhaps it was being encouraged by the country, the wild, or perhaps..him, and the others like him near her for the first time in her life. <br><br>With that he turned towards her again, dropping his hand from his brow, and he looked tired, he'd stayed up all night, but that usually wouldn't have bothered him. It was more the weight of the situation, knowing that despite his suggestion, his warning, she was going to persist. It didn't take much, to know that about her, she had the rabbit by the leg, and she wasn't going to quit dragging it out of it's hole till she found her prize. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>02-04-2014, 20:46:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She stared straight ahead as he spoke. And an annoyance throbbed at her temple. She took everything back in, but she knew that it was already too late. Her mind had raced while she took her time upstairs in her borrowed room. She thought back on legends she had encountered over the years. Africa, Greece, Spain even Italy. All of them had lore and legends pertaining to Lycanthropy. And she nearly felt a sob rise inside of her when she started connecting the pieces. She already knew. It all fit. Strange bits of her childhood even came to her, though she couldn't make sense of it just yet. She shook her head lightly. He was right, this wasn't his job. It wasn't his fault. He hadn't been the one to hide what she was. <br><br>Without saying a word, she moved forward&nbsp; and rested her elbows on her knees. <em><strong>'Do you think that if I go back to the city it will all go away?' </strong></em>Her tone was soft, but it was absolutely serious. <em><strong>'Do you think that if I just pretend nothing happened, it will all go away? Because if you do, then I will go, right now.'</strong></em> She asked a second time. Slowly she turned her gaze toward him and her eyes reflected that of a creature that felt hurt and alone. She moved then and kneeled before him. She was slow in her movement but deliberate, she positioned herself before him in a manner that stated she was sorry and that she respected him.. much like an young animal would in the wild. <em>In a pack.</em> Her doing so, was subconscious.<br><br>With her legs tucked under her, she sat on her feet and looked him in the eyes. <em><strong>'Caleb, this isn't going to go away. Both you and I know it....if we listen to our inner selves. I am scared out of my mind.'</strong></em> Her voice was low and much more calm than she thought she could ever be. <em><strong>'I think you have known since the moment you met me. The moment I climbed up into that ridiculously high cab of yours, you had your suspicions.' </strong></em>She paused for a moment, his scent swirling around her like an intoxicant.<br><br>Intentionally she leaned closer, but it was such a small amount, such a minute amount, only he would have noticed had they been in room full of people.<em><strong> 'Your scent... I noticed it before but,... I thought it was some sort of strange cologne.. but it has grown stronger. And it isn't cologne at all, is it. Not one that you apply.' </strong></em>She wasn't asking a question. <em><strong>'Since last night, all I can smell is you. It is strong and so very masculine, but it is the raw you. I am not saying this to make things more awkward, but my senses have changed are still changing. If I go back now and don't deal with this I don't know what may happen and I have a feeling you don't either. This changes things. Not so much to the reason I am came here, because ..I will find out what I need to know over time. But, I need your help in this. I am strong, but I can't go through this alone.'</strong></em> She continued to look at him, though she settled back a bit, sitting upon her feet that were still tucked under her. She wondered if there was a deeper reason as to why he had helped her or maybe even the whole reason for her coming in the first place.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>03-04-2014, 20:09:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I don't know, it did not rise, while you were there, all this time." It wasn't the answer she was looking for, but it was something. But what that something was was almost a lie, he couldn't even convince himself that she would be able to stop it from coming if she returned to the city. The fact of the matter was, she had set something in motion, leaving the city, coming out here, being around them, and the forest. She had stirred something, and while she had yet managed to hold it off last night, barely, it was not something she would be able to keep contained forever, he doubted if she would be able to do so through the full phases of the next moon, when the fever would be worse so then any other time. Most could hold back, except for at the peak, then almost everyone succumbed. <br><br>He watched her move from the couch, down onto the floor in front of him, it made him put his heel back, but not take the full step back from her. It was a posture that she shouldn't be doing, it was too much like what she really was, last night had more of an effect then he had imagined it would. The wolf was coming out in her, it couldn't be denied, but did he want to confirm it for her either?.. "Suspicions, yes, but I did not know." She had been too old to have not changed, he had doubted himself, because of how unusual it was for her, to be fully grown and having never experienced the change. <br><br>When she continued about his scent, he shook his head lightly. "It hasn't grown stronger, you have changed, you are right with that." He would smell the same, he knew that, even if he couldn't catch his own, scent, nobody could. It was her that changed last night, she had fought off what was coming, but it had still shook the foundations of her, it had said that it was coming, and even if she denied it, she had not beat it. "There are things though, that you do not understand, Janine...." Shaking his head he turned away from her lifting a hand up through his hair. "I should have left you out in the woods last nght, Janine, to do whatever came on it's own, I should have seen you, and walked away..." <br><br>It was an admission he didn't like, because it pointed out the fact that his kind were callous, callous enough that he would have been meant to leave her to experience all of that on her own. "I didn't, but I should have.... Your not one of our own... You think that it is as simple that I had walked the steps you see before you now, but it is not. Simply because of what you gathered does not mean that you...." He let his voice drop off, the word he was searching for was 'belong' but could he tell an Orphan that she did not belong? Tell someone who had spent her life searching for her place, and while she had not found her parents, she found people, at least a person, who shared something with her on such a level that connections did exist, that despite all that, she still wasn't supposed to be there. <br><br>"You are not of this pack... Your change, it is dangerous, and many will consider it not their problem... Involving myself with it, with you, goes against what is expected.. And when Daniel finds out what you are." It would happen, a scent, her changing, a look, it would be found out one way or another, and yet he was still sheltering her. "You thought, that the ways of a small town were strange, the politics of a pack are worse." Of course, he had dropped pretense at this point, not denying what he was, what there was around her, she would find out, she would change, it was a matter of when, not if. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>14-04-2014, 20:12:52</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				For a fleeting moment, she felt a spark of pain. Whether it was from a bit of residual anger at his words or from a parallel truth that simply struck a cord with her. Hearing the words that she didn't belong cut a little deeper than she had expected. It stunned her for the moment. Getting to her feet she couldn't look at him. And it wasn't even his fault. He wasn't to blame in any of this, she understood that. Turning from him she moved across the room to the window. Crossing her arms before her in a way that could only be described as holding herself, she stood there in silence for a moment not seeing anything outside but a day that was passing by as if nothing mattered. <em><strong>'You have never struck me as the kind that would let others tell you what to do, but then again, as you say, there are things I don't know about. Even though I want to. So I hope you will forgive me if I don't have the same respect of this Daniel person as you seem to. If helping someone.. that doesn't belong to the same pack as yours, is a crime, it isn't a place I would want to fit into anyways. I can't see many wanting to, anyhow.'</strong></em><br><br>She fought to find her voice agan. She wanted to be angry at him. His voiced regrets were the hardest to swallow. She tried to think of everything and she almost could have laughed if it wasn't as depressing as it actually was.<em><strong> 'So yes, you are right. I don't belong to a pack. I wouldn't considering the circumstances. But that is beside the point. I don't belong anywhere.'</strong></em> She said much more calmly than she was feeling inside, though continued to look out at nature before her. She could see the leaves rustling gently in the light breeze. The day seemed a bit overcast, but nice out.<br><br>There was no research that could be had. The day's hours were wasted for that. The weekend was upon them and all she could think to herself was that she needed to think. Needed to be alone even if just for a few hours. She was used to people not wanting anything to do with her because they didn't understand her work. She wasn't ever in a place to be nosy, but to find facts that usually went along with artifacts as well as supporting documentations. She knew how to connect dots that others overlooked. She needed to refocus on why she was here. <br><br>She turned then and offered her best smile, though it fell quite flat. <em><strong>'So, I will get back to work on the whole reason I am here on Monday, and hopefully I will be out of your hair as soon as possible.' </strong></em>She let out a sigh and wrung her hands. <em>What happens, will happen.</em> She couldn't help the feeling that something was already in motion that she nor anyone else could halt. Wiping her hands upon her jeans she decided she needed to get out of there. <em><strong>'I... I think I am going to just go up to my room for a bit.. '</strong></em> The look upon her face was that of defeat. <em><strong>'Maybe later I can cook us some supper or something if you don't have work, that is.'</strong></em> She shrugged and crossed to pick up her things that she had left upon the coffee table the night before. Including her shoes and bag, then grabbed up her suitcase that was still by the door. <br><br>She then finally looked at him, her voice soft and even thankful.<em><strong> 'For what it is worth, I am glad you didn't leave me there, alone.'</strong></em> She tried to read his body language, but he was even more of a mystery now than he was before. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>14-04-2014, 22:00:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Respect, if that was what she thought he had for Daniel, then she really didn't know him as well as she would peg. He didn't respect the man, he just knew where to draw a line and toe it carefully. There was a difference of respect, and being down right stupid, and going up against the head of a pack, was stupid, unless prepared, and it was not something he was prepared to do yet, as much as he wanted to beat the crap out of Daniel, and teach him a lesson, Daniel was well liked, very well liked, by most of the pack, he let them be free, in ways Caleb didn't agree with, but that only made it worse. Because that freedom was a sweet honey, and it made Daniel all the more appetizing a leader, then someone whom would keep them more safe. <br><br>She didn't belong, it wasn't what he had said, but they both knew it was exactly what he meant. It was the truth, even if it was a vicious and hurtful one, and he was trying to do his best not to feed her any lies, he had already manipulated her enough, keeping things to himself, she had been bothered by that. "Somewhere, you do, it's why you search." He spoke, reminding her that it was the cause of all this, of her finding them, this place, and stumbling upon this secret that she had never needed to know. Her search had lead her to this, it was not something he had driven, nor anybody else, she could have been at peace in the city, though part of him still didn't believe she would have never changed, as close to the edge of it as she was, it was inevitable, being around others like her had just set things into motion quicker perhaps, he didn't know. <br><br>The fact smile flashed in front of him as he watched her still, standing stiffly where he was. The truth was he liked her, she was easy to talk to, and different from the people he was used to dealing with, her curiosity, her strength, they were things to appreciate. And yet it seemed like all of this, their conversation, her realizations, were crushing those things inside of her. Watching her as she moved to pick up the things she had left around, commenting on making dinner, as if it were simple as that, that they would drop things and go back to how they were the night before, go back to him simply helping a guest out with a place to crash. <br><br>It was the last thing she said though, that broke him, it made him shake his head for a moment looking away from her. "Get your shoes on, Janine." It was a simple comment, but firm. "We're going to go for a drive." To hell with Daniel, he didn't know what he could do for her, but perhaps he could help prepare for it a bit. "Please." He added finally glancing to her again hovering near the stairs ready to take herself up. <br><br>"I can't promise you the answers you want, because i don't have them all, not about you.... But what I can help with...I will try." His eyes were hard, but sincere, he'd made his choice, despite the fact that she could be dangerous, that involving himself was going to put him in the bad graces of the pack, and Daniel. When it came right down to it, it was the night, remembering the boy who had broken, how the change had torn him apart, and having to go and put him down. He couldn't let that happen to Janine, she didn't deserve it, she deserved to be more prepared then that. <br><br>He made for the door now, opening it and starting out to his truck to get it started, hoping she would go along with it, otherwise he'd still go, he needed to get out into the trees. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>09-05-2014, 03:36:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The man was such a mix of contradiction. Her eyes focused on him differently. She even tilted her head ever so slightly in an attempt to better understand him. She knew the minute movement wouldn't do so, but her brain was trying so very hard to figure out the person that made Caleb tick. Just moments ago his words bordered on cruel, but now she thought she encountered the kindness again in his voice that she had found the first time they had met.. or perhaps she was dreaming it up as it was what she was hoping for.<br><br>She watched him for a moment as something changed. She certainly wasn't expecting him to say the very next thing he did. She stood there, not really understanding his words until he moved toward the door. The command was softened by the word<em> 'Please'</em>. By then she was able to make sense of what he was saying. <em>We are going for a drive?</em> She asked herself, but moved to deposit her things upon the couch. She pulled her shoes on but said nothing, only listened.<br><br>He spoke more, and she thought about what he was saying. Her mind protested his words because he thought she was looking for some kind of answers, but that wasn't truly what she was needing deep down... what she wanted now... was guidance. It was strange how things were changing rapidly, but she knew that she had to adapt to what was happening to her or perish in the change its self. Something deeper inside told her she needed all the help she could get. She felt a rush inside... relief? She couldn't be certain.<em><strong> 'That is all I could ask for.' </strong></em>She said softly in reply to him. But he made for the door.<br><br>She followed him, pulling the door shut behind her. She watched him make his way towards the truck with purpose and she found herself watching him as they walked, her well behind him. At the truck she yanked open the door and scramble up into the cab. Even though her mind was far away, she still thought the damn thing was ridiculously high up. Leaning out, she pulled the door closed. Pulling on her safety-belt, she didn't ask where they were going. It would have sounded too parent-child like if she had, but the reason not to, far outweighed the reason for doing so. She couldn't risk him changing his mind. Instead, she cracked a joke, because she was very nervous suddenly. <em><strong>'Remind me to get a step-stool for this abomination of a truck.' </strong></em>Her eyes flashed with her grin as she did her best not to even glance at him.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>10-05-2014, 22:23:13</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"You're not that short, if you keep wearing reasonable shoes, it shouldn't be a problem to get in." He joked right back, giving another dig to the ridiculous heels she had been wearing when they met. Though, the easy twist of his lips that made a smile didn't reach his eyes, which were still serious, and turned forward. It simply was not so easy to let the light hearted mood get into him, when things were really as serious as they were right at the moment. She knew what she was, or at least part of the truth of it, and that was enough to scare her, which was good, anyone whom could face the news, and first change, without fear, was a fool, and would be in for far more horrible an experience then one who came with a healthy fear of it all. <br><br>He didn't bother explaining where they were going, it didn't really matter, they were going to the park that he supervised over, as much as he wanted the pack to try to focus their outtings closer to the park, few did. It meant that it would be relatively private, which while it normally wouldn't bother him one way or another, it was not as if he had to hide from his pack, he needed it today. Revealing things, anything, to someone like her, who wasn't part of the pack, was stupid, and punishable. She could be anyone, from any pack, and could be pretending, to get in, get close. Most people with those opinions were paranoid, in his mind, but he also knew that occasionally it was a real risk, packs rivaled one another often, and they were of course territorial. <br><br>It didn't take very long, then again once he got clear of the main houses, and out onto the main road, the one he found her on, he sped up considerably, cutting the distance quickly in the truck. "The most important thing, is not to panic, it's easy to do, and anyone would think its reasonable considering this situation, but panicking will complicate things." He had been silent for some time, focusing on driving, but it was something he had to tell her. "What..happens, is dangerous, and going into it, uncertain, or letting yourself freak out too much, can interrupt...it can make things more difficult, that isn't safe." How could he explain to her really though, telling her she could snap and go raving mad was not exactly a way to keep her from panicking. <br><br>He took the turn into the National park, following the paved road passed the usual signage warning people not to start fires, or feed the wildlife, be mindful of bears, so on so forth. Driving to the far parking, he didn't stop, instead letting the truck ease down the maintenance trail at the back of the parking lot, starting into the forest proper now. He drove probably quicker then most would on the narrower gravel path, but it was one he had took often, and the narrow road, and encroaching greens didn't bother him as he guided the truck. "You have to continue being the nosy investigator you have been, don't be offended, but if someone things you found something out.., it could get bad for you quickly." He didn't mention that it could get bad for him too. <br><br>Finally they rounded a bend where the trees parted and a smaller parking lot was, this one was all dirt and gravel, and the spaces were marked out with fallen logs that had been cut to size for the front of the car. Swinging the truck into a parking spot he killed the engine. There was no other vehicles there, which didn't surprise him, not many people took his advice to use the park, he found more kids drinking and trying to have sex out here then he did his own kind keeping clear of town. <br><br>Getting out he shoved the door closed behind him, before kicking his shoes off, which he tossed into the back of the truck. "Don't wander off like last night, most people ignore the signs, but there are bears out there. Usually, that's the worst though." Here at least, it was what was the worse, elsewhere was a different story all together, closer to town, where most of his pack decided to run, there were no bears, which knew better then to come into their territory. <br><br>Walking bare foot across the gravel and dirt parking lot, he was making for the tree line, which was fairly dense here, already well within the parks limits. "Stay out of the trees for now....and ignore whatever you hear." His hands fell to the bottom of his shirt as he gripped and tugged it up over his head tossing it aside, still walking, his hands dropped to undo his belt. With his bare back to her he paused at the edge of the treeline working the belt open and turning his head over his shoulder slightly. "Make sure nothing makes off with my clothes either." Free of the belt he worked the jeans down, standing in just his boxers as he kicked the material away, rolling a shoulder for a moment. <br><br>Standing there he took a deep breath, he wasn't used to having an audience, even if he was going to go into the trees and make the change, he wasn't used to knowing someone would be right out watching, waiting. His kind turned with him, often enough, but that was different, this was new, and slightly uncomfortable, it felt wrong. "It won't take long." He finally said before easing into the brush and between trees moving now, till he was out of sight. Though before disappearing completely the boxers were thrown back towards where he'd cast his jeans off. <br><br>Streaking through the woods should be someting that was uncomfortable and unusual to him, unfortunately considering what he was, it wasn't all that bothersome and he moved casually till he paused feeling it. It was a heat, at first, like a heavy fever hit him out of nowhere and he paused closing his eyes letting it come. He knew what he was doing, and had long since stopped fearing the change, it hurt, but pain was part of it, he knew that. As the heat rose, the ache began, deep seated aching in his bones, as he felt them trying to shift, to move in ways they couldn't. A grunt slipped his lips as he felt the familiar pops, and cracks as his bones broke, shifting, changing. <br><br>Letting her watch, was not something she wanted, whether she knew it or not. He felt his skin start to tear, panting now, chest heaving as his body tore, ripping free of itself. His grunts, and groans rose in volume, tell he was growling loudly, snarling as he worked free of his former skin. One day she would see, she would experience it sooner likely, what happened was not pretty, did not feel good, and would horrify normal humans. But as he moved free, shaking himself, his fur strangely dry, panting faintly, he knew that even with the change, not a one of his pack would give up what they were. <br><br>Worried she might still panic, he moved to the tree line slowly, taking his time, breathing in the scents of the soil and the plants as he passed. Hesitating for a moment before he finally broke the line of brush pawing slowly out of the bushes. Big, would be one of the first things to mind for most people, he wasn't the size of a normal wolf, but bigger, built longer, taller, and thicker then a wolf would normally come to, not ridiculously, but enough so that someone spotting him in the wild would be shocked, even if they were familiar with wolves. His coat was a darker brown color, and thick, though there were darker black markings on his muzzle, and trailing to his neck, as well as a slight black strip across the higher portion of his left leg. His eyes though, were green, though slightly lighter then they had been in his human skin, with the darkend fur circling his eyes making it stand out all that much more. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>21-05-2014, 14:36:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She let out a soft snort. It wasn't audible, just a slight sound of forced air at his retort. She glanced at him, then back at the road before them as they traveled. She didn't feel as if it was the right time to talk about things, so she left things silent allowing him the decision. When he did speak, it was in a way that was to inform. Her brain being curious, she ached to absorb anything he could have to say.<br><br><em>Don't panic.</em> The advise nearly made her choke. <em>How did one not panic?</em> But, she thought back. She had been seriously panicking. It had been a normal response. But she had stopped herself from changing. Maybe she could force herself not to panic. She had to try, at least. After a moment, she gave a nod of understanding, though she didn't look at him. She could try to understand... she knew that, but until this happened, and she knew that it could happen soon, she wouldn't really know anything until it did.<em><strong> 'Believe me, I am not taking any of this lightly.'</strong></em> Her voice was low, almost as if she was annoyed as she kept a keen eye on the road. <br><br>At his next comment she looked at him as he drove. He seemed to have some kind of determination within him, even seemed stiff, if she had to put a word to the way he was acting. She didn't reply to the comment about her continuing to poke around. For their whole short relationship, he had been warning her, yet now he was stating for her to continue on. She may be daft, but she wasn't altogether off her rocker. She understood now what the dangers could be, albeit her understanding was limited in light of everything. But, the fear of the unknown had a way of being persuasive. She needed to be careful. Which, she had every inclination of being.<br><br>She looked back to the road, letting the comment pass. The Truck came to a stop. <em>Now what.</em> When he got out, she followed suit and came around the front of the truck as the thud of his shoes sounded, hitting the bed of the truck. She was trying to understand what he what was going on. She knew, it was obvious what he was doing, but it was unexpected in a way. <em>Don't wander off?</em> <em><strong>'I didn't think that I....' </strong></em>She started, but trailed off as he continued speaking. She stepped nearer, but they were still some distance apart. When he began to undress, she looked around as if expecting some hiker or something at any moment to emerge from the bushes or something. It was broad daylight. But, she wasn't thinking clearly. <br><br>Looking back at him, he moved further into the trees.<em><strong> '.. Erm, ok...' </strong></em>she said, though she was still unsure of what she was supposed to do other than stand there like a dolt. He moved and she instantly moved to pick up his discarded clothes.<em><strong> 'Wait....where are you...'</strong></em> But it was too late, her voice trailed off. He was moving off further into the dense forest and a last flash of colour from not only his boxers, but from a pale naked rump, as the last article was shed. Immediately she turned around. She wasn't why she did so, but she didn't stay turned away for long. When she turned back, he was completely gone. Moments later as she moved toward the truck with the collected clothing, minus his boxers as she figured he would need that right away.., her ears picked up on what seemed like every single sound in the forest. She stopped short and listened, closing her eyes she could hear what only days before she would have imagined as some beast of the forest, but now she knew who and what those sounds belonged to.<br><br>She stood rigid as she heard the creature move.. and knew that it was making its way toward the tree line where a man had been mere moments before. She felt his presence and turned to look at him. What she found was that she didn't feel like she thought she would. Her eyes were wide, but she took it all in with more grace than she expected from herself. And the only word that could penetrate her mind was that he was a vision. Something that was magnificent and powerful. Even beautiful, though she couldn't even to begin to say such things. She thought she would feel fear rise in her throat, but she didn't. His eyes seemed softer somehow, yet wild and free.<br><br><em><strong>'C..Caleb..?'</strong></em> She asked softly out-loud stupidly, just because she needed to hear her own voice. Even now, knowing what she was, she still hadn't made the connection that it was all real. She felt infantile, wanting to touch his fur, though her mind warned specifically against moving toward him to do so. She didn't even know if he recognized her. If his mind was whole and still... Caleb. Worry flooded her mind in a flash as questions clogged up her ability to reason.<em><strong> 'Oh my god, Caleb!'</strong></em> She said a bit louder. The animal before her was huge. There was no mistaking that he was much larger than any other wolf she had ever seen in her life. <br><br>It was as if time was suspended as she looked at him, her eyes unable to move from him. She felt something inside of her break. It was as if her mind just snapped with the realization of everything. Until now she had refused everything that had been happening. She instantly knew that she had to accept what she was or it would destroy her. She swallowed hard and let her gaze lock with his and held them for a moment. Answers seemed to come. Answers to questions unasked. It was as if a puzzle was being completed before her very eyes.<br><br>But the one thing she needed to know was if her mind would be that of her own when she finally did shift. Without fear she moved towards him. If he killed her, then it was best that it ended that way, if he didn't, then she would know that she would have some control over her mind when the time came.. and that was something she needed answered right now. If indeed he killed her, she would be better off if no control remained. She couldn't live a life where she didn't remember or know who she was at any given time. If she was to survive as what she truly was, she had to know that her mind could deal with it and not go mad.<br><br>She continued to move toward him until she was so close that she was sure she imagined a heat that was radiating from him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>22-05-2014, 22:16:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Was surprised when he didn't smell any fear coming from her, it was the first thing he would have expected from her, a waft of fear that would burn his nose. When it didn't come he stood calmly watching her as she seemed to process, she said his name, and just slightly he dipped his head, almost so little that it could be only imagined as a nod, but that was what it was. It was not as if he could speak while he was like this, not in any sort of language that she would understand, he could communicate with others of his kind, wolves, but not humans, and while others in the pack seemed to be able to pick up some of what they were trying to communicate, it typically couldn't work between a wolf and a human, even if that human could be a wolf. <br><br>When she spoke a bit louder, his ears lowered just slightly, she didn't need to be loud, and he was wondering if she was beginning to panic some. Was this all a mistake? Bringing her out here and showing himself to her was dangerous, but it was the easiest way of telling her things without specifically breaking laws in the pack. Sure he wasn't supposed to be seen while like this, not by humans, but some humans did see, it happened, and most of the time it was dismissed, so it wasn't a strict law. But telling a human everything, that was strictly against the packs laws, showing her was a loop hole, even if a poorly constructed one. Letter of the law or not, he would not get much repreive if he was found out for doing this. <br><br>As she decided to start moving towards him he stiffened some, his head lowering a bit again as he watched her. He was not a dog, and he had no desire to be pat on the head or have his coat petted. He watched her as she came closer, and as she got too near a slow growl started to roll in his chest, his lips didn't pull back to show teeth yet, but he wanted her to know she was simply putting herself too close to him for comfort. Lifting his head again he raised it so he could meet her eyes, despite the fact that while she was short, in this form, she was still going to be taller than him. There was an intelligence in those eyes, he was there, though it was different when he was in his human skin. <br><br>Like he was, he was free, and he was not as restrained, which could be bad, being impulsive and uninhibited when equipped with dangerous fangs and claws meant he could hurt someone very easily. While he knew who she was, why she was there, the wolf, hardly cared about any of the other matters, not the way that he cared about running, hunting. More so, it cared more about protecting the pack, then helping this woman understand who, and what she was. Shifting slightly his paws flexed against the ground, claws scraping at the dirt slightly while he watched her, body was still tight with tension, ready to move, ready to run, he could not change back, not immediately, he would have to run, and stretch, work this form some, otherwise changing back would be more painful, and exhausting. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>28-05-2014, 19:45:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His warning was clear. And even under normal circumstances, if you wished to remain alive, you didn't approach a wild animal. Specifically one you had never come in contact with before. The low rumble that brought her back from her wonderment stunned her into realizing how foolish she was being. Immediately she ended her advances and found herself retreating. She wasn't certain as to why he had brought her out here to see him in his other form, but now she was more curious about it than ever before.<br><br>When it had finally dawned on her what she might be, fear had gripped her. A deep and terrifying fear. But after seeing him, she wondered .. <em>was a life for her possible? For her kind...</em> Her eyes softened a bit as she looked at him. He was proof that she could have some form of a future, even though it was certainly dangerous. The pack that lived here was proof of that.<br><br>A strange excitement stirred within her. Not that she was happy about what she was, that was not the case at all. But, that a chance at some form of normalcy could be had. Now, more than ever she had a need to find her biological family. They held so many keys...<em> maybe a place to belong.</em> As she moved away from him, she made her way back towards the truck. They had needed space and now she understood he needed to run as much as she needed time with her thoughts.&nbsp; <br><br>Reaching the truck, she placed his clothes she had collected on the wall of the bed of the truck, hanging half in and half out. She glanced at him again. <em><strong>'Go.'</strong></em> She said softly, hoping he understood. She then rounded the front of the truck and climbed back into the cab. She watched him out of the side window for a moment before her thoughts took over. She closed her eyes for a moment and focused on the changes in her body. She had ignored them before, but now she could feel subtle changes from before any of this had begun. Placing her elbows upon her knees, she let her hands run over her face. To observe her, one would think that she was almost distraught with worry, and to an extent that was true. It was more the journey that had brought her to where she currently was that caused her more concern. The pain and heat... She had to be strong when the time came. Until she shifted for the first time, she would have that in the back of her mind. The need to prepare herself.<br><br>Time seemed to speed by as she waited for Caleb. But she understood a few things. When it happened, she wouldn't halt herself. She wouldn't fight it like she had before. Had she been brought up in a family where this was something she had been told about, she wondered if it might not have been something completely different. That was what weighed more heavily on her than anything else. She was a woman going through something a were-child would have already experienced. And even though she wasn't exactly alone... she was. He had said there wasn't much he could do.. in fact, he was risking everything. She believed that, even though she still didn't understand why.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>29-05-2014, 21:24:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Watched her as she began to retreat from him finally, rather then continue the unwise approached to him in this form. She seemed to understand that while he was letting her see him, he wasn't comfortable with her approach. She was smart, that was good, otherwise she was likely to end up dead. Those eyes of his, serious, intelligent, watched her as she made he way back to the truck, putting his clothes somewhere he could get to them when he needed them he appreciated, there was nothing worse then having to look for underwear in the woods. <br><br>Finally though she looked at him and told him to go. She had obviously reached the point she needed time, or perhaps just understood he couldn't stay standing there forever for her to watch. Regardless of why she had come to the conclusion he blinked once before turning and loping across the grass, not returning to the point he had entered the forest at, but crossing to another point, and with a jump disappearing into the brush as he cut into the trees. He didn't still there, or wait to watch her, instead he let himself run like he needed racing through the trees and enticing a sweet muscle bound burn in his legs as he ran stretching them and his whole body almost.<br><br>Right now, everything else fell away, what he was doing with her, the issues that it would make with the pack, any of those worries simply melted away. Right now he ran, blissfully free of the worries that would return when he changed back. Freedom was something that humans didn't understand, he couldn't see how any of them really had any idea of what it meant. Only someone like him could see freedom, when you could truly strip away all of the social responsibilities, worries, and thoughts of humanity, and be free to run like this was being free.<br><br>He stayed out for almost two hours, he knew changing even his soon was going to be painful and leave him exhausted. But he didn't want to leave her waiting in the truck all night, perhaps he should have told her to go back to his place and he would meet her, but he hadn't thought of that. Shifting back was as difficult, painful, and awkward a process as changing into the wolf, and when he finished he was panting, sweat slicking his skin despite the air still being cool. Moving naked through the trees he slipped out and cut over the to truck quick, grabbing his underwear, then pants he pulled them up, before picking up his shirt, but he didn't slip it on instead opening the truck door. <br><br>"You get to drive back to town, switch sides." His voice was deep, and held a note of a growl in it, it was not angry though, just another effect of changing back. There was a dark shadow under his eyes, changing too quickly had him exhausted, and hungry, it burned ridiculous amount of calories shifting, not to mention his running after, he was starving. Pushing the door shut he walked around the front of the truck, pulling his shirt over his head and down his chest, where it clung to his moist skin. Finally pulling the passenger door open, expecting her to have slid across he climbed in slumping into the seat, letting his eyes lid some. His shoes he left in the truck bed, he hated wearing shoes after a change. <br><br>He finished the keys out of his pocket before holding them out. "No questions right now...I need something to eat." As much like an order as it sounded, there was just a hint of a request in it, she needed to hold her questions just for a bit, he had more important needs to fill. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rozel</strong> on <strong>21-06-2014, 04:19:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em><span style="font-size: 6pt;" class="bbc_size">Sorry about the delay, life calls at the most inopportune moments. :S</span></em><br><br><br>She sat in silence. Her minds thoughts speeding through at rapid speed. She had much to think about. Or did she? What was happening to her was inevitable, wasn't it? She had kept it at bay for this long.. maybe she could do so indefinitely. She let out a long sigh as she sat in the passenger side of the truck. She was lying to herself if she thought that she could put it off any longer. She was what she was. She had been born this way, and anything else wouldn't be right, yet there was regret with that thought. She hadn't chosen to be this, but it was obvious that there was more like her and they survived.<br><br>Time passed slowly as she waited for Caleb's return. It was almost depressing how many arguments she had with herself in the time he was gone. When she finally spied movement and his return was just as swift as he had gone when she returned to the truck, she didn't dare say anything upon his return. She moved over when he told her to and sat behind the drivers seat, though her toes barely touched the peddles. <br><br>As he climbed in, he looked drained. She was about to speak when he cut her off. She gave a slight nod and started the engine with the keys he handed to her.<br><br>As she drove, she let the silence thicken. There wasn't a need for real conversation, or rather, the topic that had been at the foremost of every thought. She felt as drained and exhausted as he looked and as the evening turned darker, fear even settled into the back of her mind. She was afraid that tonight could be the night. She wouldn't stop it, but she was still afraid of it finally happening.<br><br>As she pulled into the drive, she parked the truck. She halted getting out right away. <em><strong>'Is there anything I can do?' </strong></em>She meant to add <em>'for you'</em>, but somehow she hoped he understood that she wasn't asking about herself. Her concern for him was genuine and though he had lived a lifetime without her there, she still felt it was the right thing to do, to see if there was anything she could do in ways of seeing if he needed anything.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under the Cover of Night... (ObscureObscenities &amp; Rozel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ObscureObscenities</strong> on <strong>21-06-2014, 19:30:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Was glad that she actually listened to him, some part of him thought she would just keep going with her questions and grill him the whole ride back to town. Instead she let the silence hang and he appreciated it, his eyes half lidding as he let her drive dozing almost a bit as he listened to the tires on the road. He was tired, always after so short of a shift between. If he had run and stretched himself and given himself time to rest before attempting another change it would have been different. Whenever they were too close together it was exhausting, it was why it simply wasn't safe to do. After all, shifting too close together and needing to immediately bed down to rest left you open and vulnerable, whether as a naked human, or a ridiculously large unconscious wolf. <br><br>When they pulled into the driveway and she parked but didn't get right out of the truck like he expected instead offered up help. He gave a dry chuckle, his voice holding less of the growl then it had when he had spoken before at the park. "No, theres nothing to be done, I'm alright, just tired, it's not unusual." He explained though he moved to push his own door open easing out of the truck and walking around it heading for the door. There was nothing that could be done aside from eating and rest. "Just need to get something to eat, uses up a lot of energy. Good meat hearty diet helps." Pushing the door open he made right for the kitchen, and part of him wanted to pull a steak out and just gnaw on it but that was just a little too wild for him, and all his steaks were frozen still. <br><br>"It won't be tonight." He spoke out of the blue, he knew what she was worrying about, there was never a question of him being stupid, and her close encounter the night before was enough to make her fear especially now that she knew. "That'd be too close too last nights. The first one usually comes more naturally, it can't be made to happen that's something that has to be learned. To be fair some of the tales are true too, the lunar cycle does hold some sway, a full moon is the easiest for it to happen under, and often pushes virgins over." The full moon was a few days off yet, he knew without even looking outside, instinctively knowing that it was out their pulling getting bigger and closer. <br><br>Pulling the fridge open he leaned down into it to look for what he wanted before coming back out with a handful of thick pepperoni sticks. Moving he set his ass against the edge of he counter and focused on getting rid of one of them fairly quick before taking the next slower, biting before pausing and looking to her again. "Go ahead now." He meant the questions, she would have questions. 
			</dd>
		</dl>
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