The Bird and the Breaker

[Breaker]

All of McKinley's dialogue written by loves.blessing. All of Josh's dialogue written by Breaker.

Joshua “Breaker” Cronen paced along the woodland path through the great forest Concordia. Scattered loam crunched beneath his black metal boots, and a gentle breeze smelling of blooming lilacs rustled his equally black sifan clothing. Light drizzle patted his broad shoulders and dampened his short brown hair. He wore a smile that dimpled the Y-shaped scars on his cheeks and drew gentle lines at the corners of his eyes.

The demigod journeyed toward The Weeping Willow, an out-of-the-way tavern where he had arranged to meet a contact about financial backing for a local tourny. Josh had spent some time compiling ideas for the competition, and felt ready to move forward with the project. After competing in so many tournaments, the prospect of organizing one excited the martial artist.

As he rounded a bend the path forked, a smaller offshoot meandering away from the main conduit. I’ve got time, Breaker thought, and he followed the thinner fork. Branches brushed at his shirt and small burrs clung to his pants as he moved along the slightly overgrown trail. Through the birdsong that filled the forest and the gentle creaking of trees shifting in the wind, he heard a strange sound. Like the whimpering of a dog, only deeper and more full-throated.

Breaker paused and cocked his head, listening. He stepped off the path and moved through the underbrush toward the whimpering. It grew louder and more insistent, and soon he entered a small clearing and saw the beast making the noise.

A great dire wolf towered over the frail, unconscious form of a small woman. Messy auburn hair shrouded her face, and sickly red stains marred her clothing. A severed hand sat in the loam next to the wolf, adding a fresh level of strangeness to the bizarre scene.

The wolf seemed no threat to the woman, but it growled at Breaker’s approach, baring wicked red-streaked fangs.

“Easy now,” Josh said, taking short, confident steps. He reached out with both hands. “Easy girl, I’m not here to fight. Just to help your friend.” The wolf’s growl trailed off to a whimper and the beast backed down, nuzzling the bloodied woman.

Breaker knelt at her side, examining her torso where the blood originated. Through her torn clothing he saw a nasty stab wound in her lower abdomen, which still seeped crimson slowly. Josh placed his hand over the wound and an icy poultice formed, stopping the bleeding and sealing the cut.

The woman gasped and awakened, attempting to sit up and crying out in pain. Her hair spilled away from her face, and then it was Breaker’s turn to draw a sharp, surprised breath.

“McKinley?” He said, cradling the woman’s head. I should have recognized her bone structure. She’s like a little bird. The pair had met some weeks earlier, at a club called The Flesh Failures in Radasanth. Josh smoothed the woman’s auburn hair out of her eyes. “You’ve been stabbed,” he told her, “don’t try to move. It’s alright now. I’m here.”

[loves.blessing.]

An icy sensation stung her abdomen that sent a jolt through the small frail girl. McKinley gasped, sputtered and coughed as she tried to sit up. A cry of pain parted her swollen lips. Her crystal blue orbs wide with shock as she looked around for the cause of the new pain.

“Josh,” she gasped the sound of confusion and shock laced throughout her tone.

A small strangled sob past her lips that now quivered. “I-I don't understand. How are you here?” The tears spilled down her bruised cheeks. The reassurance of a familiar friendly face brought her hope that she was finally safe.

Her small hands clung to his that cradled her head with such tenderness as if she would break in his large arms. Her small digits laced through his, her grip surprisingly strong for someone so small. She held on to him so tightly afraid he might disappear and she be left alone again.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly as shock started to set in. The small drizzle of rain caused her clothes to cling to her small frame. “Is this a dream? Am I dreaming of you?” Her words slurred heavily as one of her hands grazed his cheek a small smudge of blood left behind.

“I feel as if I could float away,” her head slightly lulled in his hands. A whimper drew her attention to the large calico colored dire wolf. “Oh Nymeria,” she cooed at the beast.

“I'm so tired Josh and you are so warm,” she mumbled, her lids grew heavy. Her fiery red mane fell over her face almost created a curtain.

“I wish to sleep,” she smiled as if in a drunken state her eyes closed now. Her body grew relaxed except for the heaving in her chest with each breath she drew in and casted out.

The wolf howled as if she was in pain. She paced around the two humans, feral sounds came from the beast as she snarled, whimpered and slapped her large paws against the ground.

“Shhh, let me sleep Nym” Kinley pouted slightly her eyes still shut. Her body tired from all it had endured.

[Breaker]

“A better question,” Josh murmured, “would be why are you here? And what happened?” He lifted McKinley effortlessly as he stood, garnering a sharp growl from the dire wolf. “Easy girl,” he said in a level voice, “let’s get your friend here some help.”

McKinley clung to him as a dry leaf clings to a tree, shaking in the slightest breeze. She slipped in and out of consciousness, her face dangerously pale.

Breaker cradled her in both arms and ran as quickly as he dared through the trees toward The Weeping Willow. The dire wolf sprinted after him, barely fast enough to nip at his heels. He raced over tree roots, around bramble bushes, and through open meadows until his metal boots thudded up the stairs to the tavern. It stood two stories tall, made from equal parts stone and timber. He shifted Kinley to lean her against his shoulder and opened the oaken door and ducked inside.

The tavern’s common room was perhaps half full. Josh laid the frail musician on an empty table, drawing strange looks from the patrons and staff.

“Is anyone here a healer?” He asked over the buzz of conversation and the crackle of the hearth. “This woman has been stabbed.”

“Josh?” Said a tall, slender elf. He was the business associate Cronen had been bound to meet. The elf stood up and took off his heavy cloak, draping it over McKinley’s shivering form. “What’s happened? Who is this?”

“A friend,” Josh said, “I just found her like this.”

“Surely someone here must be a healer,” the tall elf rounded on the other tables, his eyes placating, his presence comforting. “You sir? Or you madam?”

“I am,” a petite short-haired brunette woman stood up from the back of the room. “I know some small healing magic,” she said, “I will try to help your friend.” As she stepped forward the tavern’s owner came out from the kitchen, a scowl painted on her broad, matronly face.

“Sir, I’m afraid this isn’t an infirmary,” the stout woman said, “if your friend needs a place to lay, we do offer a few rooms upstairs-”

“She’s not moving from this table until she’s healed,” Josh said as McKinley produced a faint moan.

“What is this?” Demanded the healer, her hands pressed to Kinley’s abdomen either side of the ice poultice.

“I had to stop the bleeding,” Josh said, “this is how I mend my wounds.”

“In a warzone, maybe!” The healer growled. “You must remove it before I can do anything.”

Josh took the healer’s hand in his and hovered their palms over the wound. The ice disappeared and a faint glow surrounded their hands as the healer worked her magic. The gash in Kinley’s side closed up, leaving a thin white scar behind.

“She’s lucky the blade didn’t hit anything vital,” the healer said. Kinley appeared to have passed out during the procedure. “She will need to rest, and eat and drink when she wakes. May I return to my meal now?”

The patrons and staff gave the woman a well deserved round of applause as she returned to her table. The owner tapped her foot expectantly.

“We will take a room,” Josh said, digging gold from his pocket and thrusting it into the woman’s hand.

“Sixteen is open,” the owner said, “just had fresh linens put on the bed.” She produced a brass key and gave it to Breaker. “You let us know when she wakes, and we’ll send some food up for her.”

Josh thanked the woman and carried Kinley upstairs. The steps creaked beneath their combined weight, as did the hinges on the door, but the room was clean and serviceable. It featured a double bed, an aging desk and chair combination, a large standing mirror, and a small water-closet. He kicked the door shut and laid the limp musician on the bed, covering her in thick blankets.

As the minutes passed Breaker checked Kinley’s temperature, and paced, and sat in the chair, and checked her temperature again. Despite the mound of blankets she was not getting warmer. Her lips had grown blue and her neck was cold as ice. She could still die, he realized suddenly, and there’s probably nothing that healer could do for her.

“Sorry about this,” he said to the unconscious woman, “but I suppose I did buy you a drink.” He stripped off his shirt and kicked off his boots and climbed beneath the covers. He wrapped long arms around her quivering shoulders, pressing his muscular chest against her frigid form to share body heat. “Come on, Kinley,” he urged, laying a hand along her icy neck, “wake up…”

[loves.blessing.]

Warmth slowly spread throughout McKinley’s small frail body. Nuzzling closer to the source, her head laid on Josh’s chest as she unknowingly snuggled her nose into him. The scent of the salty ocean surrounding her nostrils. A small hum of approval came from her semi conscious self. Her mind creating a lovely picture, the clear blue waves lapping against the sandy shore.

“Beautiful,” she mumbled into his chest.

A hand lifted and laid gently laid across his chest, her thumb absent-mindedly stroked his beautifully sculpted chest. Wait.. Is that a chest muscle? Her body went rigid with pure horror. Slowly McKinley tried to inch away from the stranger’s body. Just as she started to pull away the male ‘stranger’ withdrew from the bed. The cold wrapped itself around Kinley quickly. The feeling of regret filling her rapidly as she missed the warmth.

“Mckinley, are you awake?” The voice deep and sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.

He knows my name? She thought, her eyes slitted open as she peeked at the man.

Suddenly she sat up, “Josh,” her voice hoarse and a hiss of pain passed her lips from the sudden movement. “Mother of God,” she clutched her stomach. A confused look masked her pure angelic features. “I- I’m healed?” Her wide gaze moved from her stomach that had held a large gash in it from the stab wound back towards Josh.

“I don’t really understand.”

“I must have been dreaming I thought I was at the beach I felt the warm sun, oh my Goddess.” She covered her eyes, “You are half-way naked!” She squeaked her cheeks collecting some color to her pale face.

“I can fix that,” came Josh’s reassuring voice. Kinley could hear the rustle of clothing as he re-buttoned his shirt and stepped into his boots. “Sorry for startling you. You were cold as ice and I could think of no other way to warm you. We’re at the Weeping Willow,” he added, “fortunately, there happened to be a healer in the common room.”

The words left her mind, she couldn’t bring a single thought to her lips. The only thing she could do was simply nod. She drew the blanket closer to her body, the feeling of being exposed left her uneasy. “Thanks,” the word fell from her lips before she could even think or allow her mind to catch up.

“I could have sworn I was on the beach it felt so real.” Her disjointed thoughts spilling from her lips. “I felt the lush sand cushioning my steps, the rays of the sun leaving warm kisses on my body. The smell of the salt in the water…” Her words slightly drifted off as she realized it was actually Josh’s body that had made that illusion.

[Breaker]

“I swam in the ocean this morning,” Josh said gently. His eyes twinkled as he smiled, remembering the touch of his goddess, Am’aleh of the Sea. She had blessed him with the gift of water and ice craft, and an influence over the Eternal Tap cherished by many. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the smells left over by his visit with the goddess.

“The healer said that you should eat,” he changed the subject, opening his eyes and refocusing on the redhead. He turned toward the door and then paused and turned back, face drawn up in concern. “Is there a reason I shouldn’t leave you alone?” He asked, “is somebody after you?” The way he found her almost seemed like someone had left her to die. And then there was the grisly severed hand…

The meek violinist caught her lower lip in between her teeth, shaking her head. “H-he’s dead..” Her words as quiet as a church mouse steps.

“Dead?” Josh studied the petite woman. Considering the state she was in, she seemed awfully certain of her assailant’s demise. Did she kill him? Cronen took a closer look at the bloodstains on her dress. They were too thick and smeared for him to determine if some had come from a secondary source. I’ll ask her later, she looks as though her mind is already racing like a runaway steam engine.

“Well, I hope that means you’ll be safe while I go and get some food?” Kinley nodded, her eyes still distant, her pupils dilated.

Breaker slipped into the hall, closing the door softly and stepping down the stairs. He detoured to the kitchen and asked to have a meal prepared, and then met with his concerned business associate in the common room.

“Is she well?” Asked the elf, swirling a glass of dark red wine.

“I think she’ll live,” Breaker replied, “she appears fairly traumatized though. I should get back to her.”

“Of course,” the elf drained the dregs of his goblet and set the empty vessel on the long bar. “I do have other business to attend, unfortunately. We will have to reschedule our meeting.”

“I’ll be in touch then,” Josh said, “thank you for understanding. And for your help.”

The tall elf opened the door to leave and balked, turning almost as white as Kinley had been. “The-there’s a dire wolf out here!” He gasped.

“Oh, I forgot about her,” Josh chuckled, “here, allow me.” He strode outside. The wolf’s coat was wet with the drizzle, but she crouched in the middle of the path, growling. “Easy girl. McKinley called you Nymeria, didn’t she? Settle down, Nymeria.” He reached out a fearless hand, past the lethal fangs, and scratched the wolf behind her ear. “You go hide yourself in the forest,” he urged, giving the beast a gentle shove, “go on now.”

Nymeria grunted disdainfully, but turned and scampered into the woods. The elf came outside and thanked Breaker, and then hurried off down the path.

As Josh entered the tavern the owner backed out of the kitchen with a steaming tray. Two roasted chicken legs sat on one platter, a heaping pile of root vegetables on another, and a bowl of broth and two mugs of ale topped the tray off. Josh thanked the matron and carried the platter upstairs. Back inside room sixteen he found McKinley staring at the door.

“I hope you’re hungry,” he said as he set the tray on the foot of the bed. He stepped back and leaned on the desk. It creaked beneath his weight. “Shall I stay, or would you like some privacy?”

[loves.blessing.]

McKinley’s heart pounded against her breastbone the moment her savior had left. He’s gone, he left you.. Her mind crashed these misleading thoughts around causing her to panic. “Josh,” she squeaked has her lips began to quiver.

The few moments he had been gone drew on what seemed like hours for Kinley. When the door creaked open she gripped the bed sheets tightly like fear did her heart. A small whimper of relief as her body slightly relaxed. Her unwavering gaze never leaving the strong sculpted man.

“I-I don’t know if I can stomach food.” Her voice seemed slightly louder than Josh would be used to.

“No?” Josh said, concerned, “what about a drink? Or just some of the broth?” He sat on the edge of the bed and moved the tray closer to Kinley, hoping the savory smells would entice her. “You lost a lot of blood.”

“I- I killed a man,” tears brimmed as her voice shook. “He was gonna try and take me again and rape me but I- I still killed someone..” Her voice broke as the tears spilled down her cheeks.

“By the Thaynes, you did the right thing, Kinley.” Josh slid down the bed and cradled the woman’s head on his shoulder. Tears seeped through the thin fabric of his shirt, already damp from the drizzle. “I understand how you feel,” he added, “but you must not blame yourself.” Though his words wrapped a warm comfort around her as did his large arms she still shook like a lone leaf clinging to the branch of a tree during a windstorm.

The sobbing rolled over her frail self. With each quiver of her body the hold Josh had on her tightened slightly. Her cried gut wrenching, heart gripping. Her innocence had been stripped over her involuntarily. Her flower still intact but the purity of her soul now tainted with the blood of her old slave Master.

“Nymeria,” she gasped in between sobs. “Where is she?”

“She’s safe, just outside,” Josh assured her, “I saw her when I went downstairs.” Her frantic state settling slightly as she laid her head back down though her body still shook slightly. “I-I don’t know how I will ever repay you Josh,” her voice thick with tears once more. The kindness, bravery and affection he showed her while he took care of her overwhelming her.

[Breaker]

“Shhh, breathe easy now,” Josh soothed the quaking girl, rubbing her back with a heavy hand, “you don’t need to worry about repaying me. Just keep being you, McKinley.” He let her cry herself out and then dried her eyes with the corner of the bedsheet. “If you’re not ready to eat,” he said, “you should really get some more rest.”

The redheaded girl chewed on the inside of her cheek, an uneasy look overcame her face. “Will you- will you stay with me,” her tongue tripping over itself.

“Of course,” Josh said, glad that she felt comforted by his presence. He moved the tray to the desk. “Lay down,” he said, and sat next to the skinny bump in the covers. He let his hands fall on her slender back and drew soft, intricate patterns with his palms, rubbing the stress out of Kinley’s shoulders.

“Imagine you’re on the beach, if you like.” He said, letting his voice drift slowly to her ears, “the sand is soft beneath your feet. The wind slides through your hair. The sun warms your skin and spray from the sea cools you.” He found his own mind drifting to ocean, and Am’aleh, as a comforted sigh escaped the slight woman.

Josh waited until her breathing became low and regular, and then retreated to the chair. He popped a roast potato in his mouth, enjoying the root vegetable’s crunch. While McKinley slept a convoy of questions paraded through his mind. Who would want to hurt the little bird? How had she managed to kill her assailant? Did that somehow explain the severed hand he’d found at the scene?

An hour or more passed, and then Kinley awakened, humming faintly to herself as she moved beneath the covers. Josh shifted his chair closer as she rolled over and looked at him with bleary blue eyes.

“How are you feeling?” He asked.

McKinley attempted to rub the sleep from her eyes, “a bit better, thank you for staying with me.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, and opened his mouth to continue, but a knock came at the door. Kinley gave a small gasp, her eyes growing wide with fright, but Josh smiled. “I’m sure it’s nothing.” He stood and opened the door.

“Beg pardon for the intrusion,” one of the serving girls from downstairs said, “but the matron reckoned she might need some fresh clothes. They’ll be a bit big on her mind, but one of the other girls is close to her size and had an extra outfit. Matron says you more than paid for it earlier.”

Josh thanked the girl and accepted an armload of folded clothing. Once again, his habit of overpaying at inns had reaped benefits. “See,” he said, turning back to McKinley, “just some clean clothing. Why don’t you change? I’ll be in the hall.” He left the garments on the edge of the bed and ducked out of the room.

[loves.blessing.]

McKinley watched the door shut, a sense of alarming silence was almost deafening. She took a shaky deep breath before walking over to the water basin. The pitcher next to it filled with clean water she filled it with. Slowly she started to peel off her clothes that now stuck to her like a second skin.

She breath hitched, the movements causing her still frail joints to groan and crack in protest. The lantern light that filled the room bathed her creamy complexion in an array of gold and yellow hues.

She walked over to the basin, dipped the rag in it before ringing it out. The cold fabric causing her to hiss, goosebumps rose on her flesh. Small bruises still scattered throughout her skin. The cloth collecting all the dried blood from her skin before she dipped and repeated the action. Her body now clean she pulled on the undergarments first, the large shirt next falling to her knees. Pants came next baggy yet shielding her from the cold that crept in the old inn.

She poured the bloody water out the window before filling the basin and washing her hair in it. The matted mess quickly smoothed with a comb she had found in the bed side draw. Her fiery red mane falling like a curtain around her face.

Another calming breath and she opened the door, her head peeked out first. “Josh,” she squeaked.

“Yes?” The tall man asked, turning around, “that’s better eh?” He said as he saw she’d washed up.

She stepped out into the hallway softly closing the door behind her as she nodded. “Yes I do feel better actually, cleaner.” She offered him a timid smile. This was the first time all day she felt somewhat like herself again. “Thanks again for, well everything actually..” Her stomach growled loudly as sher cheeks flushed with color.

“Sorry,” she murmured her gaze averted towards the wooden flooring.

“Don’t worry about it,” Josh said, taking her hand and lacing her arm through his, “why don’t we go downstairs and get some fresh food? Anything you like.” Kinley oddly enjoyed the feeling of his hand on her own. Her fingers absentmindedly rubbed his strong forearm. “I could go for some beef stew and a big hunk of bread.” She licked her lips just saying the words. The tip of her tongue tracing the outside of her pink lips. Her stomach growling again impatiently at the mentioning of food.

[Breaker]

They walked down the wide, short staircase arm in arm. Outside it had grown fully dark, but within the walls the hearth crackled merrily and lanterns lit even the dimmest corners of the common room. Josh led Kinley to a table by the fire and pulled a chair out one-handed for her to sit. As he joined her a serving girl came by. Josh ordered beef stew and bread for McKinley, a glass of scotch for himself, and a jug of water for the table.

The girl thanked him and sat quietly, auburn hair framing her still-pale cheeks. Josh felt comfortable with the silence, but he didn’t want Kinley to get lost in her head with the violent memories, so he sipped the scotch the waitress brought him and found a new subject.

“How is your music coming along? I’ve still yet to hear you play.” He examined the slight violinist over the rim of his glass and poured her a cup of water. She did look a little healthier, but hungry.

Kinley grasped the cup with both hands taking a greedy drink. “I lost my violin when- when everything happened..” Her bright crystal blue orbs dimmed with sadness.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Josh said, “I’m sure you’ll get a new one before long.” McKinley simply nodded taking another sip of water.

The food arrived shortly and Kinley dug in daintily, spooning beef stew neatly into her mouth and nibbling at a large heel of bread. Breaker sipped his scotch and leaned back in the chair, relaxing even as his eyes maintained a vigil on the doorway. He found his thoughts drifting to what he might have been doing had he not encountered the violinist.

Probably drinking too much and sitting in the corner alone, he reasoned, this is certainly a better use of my time.

As he reflected on the situation, Breaker’s concern for Kinley grew. Someone had tried to kill her… a man who she had known from some previous time in her life. A man who had controlled her in some way. Breaker had encountered many such men in his travels, and he knew that they seldom operated alone. They were cowards, by and large, forming packs like wild dogs. Although the slight musician would be safe so long as Josh stayed by her side, he worried that there might be more violence in her future, when the cronies of the man she killed caught up with her.

She doesn’t deserve this. All she wants is to play her music and be left in peace. Breaker could sympathize. His music was his love for Am’aleh, and he wished he could devote all his time to the goddess’ worship. The realm of men still had its hooked teeth in him however, and he would not abandon the redhead until he felt certain that she would be safe.

[loves.blessing.]

The beef stew settled her hungry stomach but the rest of her body still ached along with her heart. Tear, dip, eat and repeat. She continued this pattern until her stomach couldn’t hold any more. With each bite McKinley could feel Josh’s eyes on her. She sighed heavily, his eyes felt as if they were weighing her down.

“Josh, I am okay I am not going to break into small pieces if you look away.” She teased. That was one of the many coping mechanisms she had come up with when she was a slave.

“Sorry,” Josh chuckled, “you did give me quite a scare. I’m glad to see you recovering so well.”

McKinley offered him the best fake smile she could. Her thought was if she could convince him she was fine then she could convince herself. “I gave myself a scare,” she nodded in agreement. “How did you find me, Josh?”

“I was on my way here to meet an associate,” the broad shouldered man replied, “it was really just luck that I heard your wolf whimpering.” Kinley smiled, this time sincerely. “Nymeria, I am lucky to have her and you.” Her gaze turned to the man that had saved her life.

“I don’t know how to repay you Josh,” she laid her hand gently on top of his own. Her hand barely covering half of his own in size. “I owe you my life.” She spoke softly giving his hand a little squeeze.

“You don’t owe me anything,” Josh assured her, placing his other hand on top of hers. His palm engulfed the woman’s. “If you truly want to pay me back, you can play a few songs for me once you get your new violin.”

McKinley laughed softly shaking her head, “that is hardly a payment since I love doing it but you have a deal.” She glanced down down at their hands intertwined a small feeling swelling in her belly. Her cheeks warmed with color, this being the most she had ever touched a male in a day. Not counting the one she had stabbed in the skull a few hours before.

“I’m sorry about making you miss your meeting, I hope it wasn’t anything too important..” She said softly.

Josh waved a careless hand. “Nothing terribly important, and we will reschedule. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for me to sit down with that elf.”Kinley nodded as she slipped her hand from his, cheeks almost as red as her mane. “Sorry,” she murmured knowing she had kept her hand there for fair to long.

“You’ve nothing to be sorry about,” Josh smiled. His long arm reached across the table to pat the woman comfortingly on the shoulder, “it’s my pleasure to spend this time with you.” The redhead smiled nodding in agreement. He just friendzoned me I am pretty sure. She thought bitterly but the smile still planted on her lips.

Of course he did, look at me and then look at him… Yes, McKinley was a rare beauty, hair long and fell in crimson waves, lips slightly pink and plump, freckles dusting over her milky complexion. Crystal blue orbs that could tell you a story about life. She had few selective curves were it mattered but she lacked everything a man like Josh would want. Experience, she was confident but not experienced.

A flustered hand ran through her locks as she really looked at Josh, the way when he smiled the scar on his cheek dimpled. How almost every time he did smile it up his hazel eyes. A strong jaw line and defined shoulders, even under his clothing anyone could see the muscle. “You’re ruggedly handsome,” the words slipped from her mouth before her brain could even catch up with her mouth. She gasped softly in shock with her own boldness. “I am so sorry, that was out of line.”

[Breaker]

A deep chuckle welled up from Breaker’s diaphragm before he could catch it. I should have guessed she might be smitten. He’d noted a mutual attraction with the musician the night they met at the club, but since finding her lying in the forest other things had occupied his mind.

“Thank you,” he said with a bob of his head. Was it the heat from the fire, or did he feel a little extra color in his cheeks? “You’re very beautiful,” he added, letting his hazel eyes caress the curve of her neck and the hollows of her cheeks. Don’t get distracted, you’re here to protect her. He sipped his drink, enjoying the full-bodied flavor. “I saw you turning the heads of many men while we talked at the Flesh Failures.”

Kinley shook her head in disbelief. “No way, not me.”

Josh raised both eyebrows. “Well I must have been sitting with a different pretty redhead then. Whoever she was, people positively stared.” McKinley covered her mouth, blushing deep crimson. Breaker swallowed his next chuckle. She seemed to genuinely not know how to handle compliments, and he didn’t wish to make her uncomfortable.

A serving girl arrived to take the dishes away. Josh tipped her with a few silvers and asked her to have someone remove the tray from room sixteen. The girl smiled graciously and curtsied, whisking back into the kitchen with a swish of her apron.

“How are you feeling now?” Josh asked, “up for a little fresh air? I’m sure your friend Nymeria is worried about you.”

McKinley smiled and nodded before pushing away from the table and standing. “I would love to get some fresh air.”

Breaker led the way out of the tavern. The night air swept briskly through his short brown hair and tugged at the cuffs of his fine black shirt. He held out his arm and after a slight hesitation, McKinley took it. They walked out to the forest’s fringe where Josh had last seen Nymeria. The dire wolf materialised from the shadows like a wraith, padding up to them with an excited huff.

The large beast nudged her mother like figure excitedly. “Nym,” Kinley squeaked with excitement wrapping her arms around her neck giving a tight squeeze.

After the reunion Josh and Kinley strolled along the woodland path with Nymeria following in the shadows. Breaker regaled the young woman with tales from his days as a prizefighter. She made an exceptionally captive audience, gasping in all the right places and asking interested questions. They walked out along the trail for a time and then turned and hiked back the way they had come, heading for the familiar lights of the Weeping Willow.

“I think,” Breaker said, “it would be best for us to spend the night here. Tomorrow, when you’re properly rested, we’ll see about getting you home.” The girl smiled and nodded, blue eyes flashing in the moonlight. They said goodbye to Nymeria at the forest’s fringe and then entered the tavern. The serving girls were just finishing wiping down the tables and banking the coals in the hearth.

“You go on upstairs,” Josh urged Kinley, passing her the key to their room, “I’ll be up in a moment. I just need a word with the owner first.”

[loves.blessing.]

McKinley had thought the night had gone amazing. It was almost as if it was a date, the supper, the night stroll. She took the key from Josh’s hand giving his cheek a quick peck. “Thank you,” she whispered before hurrying up the stairs.

Her heart beating against her chest at her bold move. Most women that would not be a bold move but for Kinley it was very daring. “Oh my Gods,” she shrieked.

Fumbling with the key as she shoved it into the keyhole turning the lock. Pushing the door open before shutting it behind her with key in hand. A small sigh parted her lips as she looked around the simple room. Her eyes landed onto the bed, there was only one so they would have to sleep next to one another.

Her heart fluttered in her chest at the thought, her cheeks heated with color. “Oh my,” she mused a small girlish giggle coming from her lips.

She placed her key on the night stand before slipping out of the large pants she had been borrowed. The shirt itself large enough to look like a nighty stopping right above her knees. Climbing into the bed she rested her back against the plain wooden head board.

She glanced at the window wondering if her direwolf was going to be okay throughout the night. Her eyes started to grow a bit heavy as she rubbed at them. A small yawn escaped her lips as she was still tired of from earlier. Her hand went to her back, small subtle scars marred her perfect skin, one standing out from the others.

A small dove like scar on her left shoulder where she had been partially branded to mark as a slave. The monster that had given her this scar and the others was now dead. She was free and safe with a man she was starting to care for more than a friend.

She began to hum at first barely audible, shortly her humming filled the room. Her eyes closed as she hummed a slightly joyful tune.

[Breaker]

Three slavers loped along the darkened trail, navigating their path by moonlight.

“Wot d’ye think about that elf we just killed?” Inquired the first. He wore a hooped earring in his left lobe and had fresh blood spatter on his sleeves. His bald head shone in the silver glow.

“I think ‘e was a bleeder, and a squealer,” chuckled the second, a tall man with a pink scar permanently closing his left eye.

“Seems likely ‘e was tellin’ the truth about the girlie, though,” reasoned the third, “‘e surely didn’t like it when I twisted the blade.” He fingered the dagger on his belt, which barely contained his massive bulk.

“D’you really think such a tiny thing could have killed Joel?” The man with the brass earring spat through his teeth.

“Anyone can kill anyone, if a blade finds the right spot,” said the one eyed man, unsheathing his curved skinning knife and tossing it from hand to hand, “and the blade that killed Joel found the right spot… right in ‘is skull!”

A moment of silence passed as the slavers remembered their fallen compatriot.

“Whether she killed ‘im or not ain’t the point,” the fat man said, still idly fingering the hilt of his dagger, “if’n she used to be one of ‘is, she used to be one of ours. And where do our slaves go when they escape?”

“Haide,” the other two men replied in rough unison.

“Right,” the rotund slaver grinned and picked at a scab on his cheek. “So let’s get to… which tavern did that tall elf name?”

“The Weeping Willow,” replied the man with the earring.

“The Weeping Willow,” echoed the fat man, “let’s get there, and if we find the little bird… she’ll be sleeping in a shallow grave by daybreak.”


~*~

Josh sent one of the serving girls into the kitchen to fetch the tavern’s owner and then lingered in the common room, taking a moment to appreciate the fine carpentry work that had gone into the walls. As the matron waddled out of the kitchen he turned, his customary smile replaced by a concerned frown.

“Anything else you need tonight milord?” The woman asked.

Throw enough gold at someone, and they’ll heap titles upon your head.

“Nothing that I require,” Josh said, “I only wanted to ask whether you have a night watchman.”

“Aye, that we do,” the matron nodded, her chins wobbling, “he’s an older gentleman, a bit of a hermit if you ask me. But he stops by every night and sits on the porch, just to keep an eye on things.”

“That’s good to hear,” Josh said, “puts my mind at rest.”

“Why?” The matron asked suddenly, “you won’t be bringing trouble into my tavern again, I hope.”

“Nothing of the sort,” Josh assured her, “I’m sure you can understand, my friend was somewhat traumatized by today’s events. She’ll be glad to know there’s an extra pair of eyes keeping a lookout.”

The matron’s frown dissolved into a kindly expression, and she nodded and shuffled back into the kitchen, calling after the serving girls to finish the washing.

Breaker climbed the stairs feeling at ease. He heard McKinley humming from the hallway and paused a moment outside the door, just listening. She sounds happy, he realized, finally feeling that he had done his job properly in helping the girl. He opened the door and stepped inside, locking it behind him. He smiled broadly, the scars on his cheeks dimpling in the light of the lantern left by the maid.

“Beautiful music. I can’t wait to hear what you do with an instrument.”

[loves.blessing.]

McKinley stopped humming for a moment, a smile graced her lips. “I promise you will hear me play soon.” A small giggle swelled up in her belly filling the room like tiny bell chimes. When the laughter died down she let her dark crystal blue orbs stroke his body. Her cheeks heating with color as she bit down on her bottom lip.

“How- how did you want to do the sleeping arrangements, I am okay with you sleeping in the bed with me if you are.” She tried not her voice to sound as shaky as it already was. It should hints of her having never shared a bed with a man.

“I don’t… feel sleepy.” Josh said. He swiveled the chair around and sat facing McKinley. “But you need your rest. I would offer to sing to you, but I think we both know that wouldn’t go well.” It had been Karaoke Night at the Flesh Failures when they met. A small smile danced across her lips as she snuggled down into the bed sheets.

A small yawn slipped passed her lips as she patted the spot next to her. “If you get tired you can come to bed, really I don’t mind. You did save my life after all the least I can do is not be a bed hog.” She joked lightly.

Josh took a deep breath, his hazel eyes raking her slender form. “If I grow tired, I will lay down,” he promised her.

Kinley nodded, pleased that he wasn’t too stubborn about sleeping in a chair. She pushed the blankets off herself revealing her shirt she had made into a nighty. Her long slender legs tossed over the side of the bed as she padded towards the lantern lighting the room. Bending over she adjusted the light dimming to a gentle glow. The light casting an even brighter fiery glow to her red locks.

She turned towards Josh giving him a sheepish smile, “hope you don’t mind me I feel comfortable this way…” She bit down on her lower lip her hands entangled behind her back.

A vein throbbed in Breaker’s neck. He exhaled the breath he had been holding. “As long as you’re comfortable, I’m comfortable.”

Nodding Kinley scurried over towards the bed, the movement flaring up her shirt exposing her upper thighs. Her hair swayed behind her flaring out like a cape would in the wind. She carefully crawled into the bed not to expose too much flesh.

Her tired eyes looking up at Josh as she slowly batted her long eyelashes trying to fight her sleep. “You can come to bed whenever you want…” Her words slowly started to fade as her eyes started close shut. Her sweet, innocent face looked peaceful as she gave into sleeping on her side wards Josh. The covers pulled up to her shoulder to keep her warm in the cold, brisk night.

At last Josh realized that perhaps she wanted him in the bed. He swung up from the chair and lay down on top of the covers next to Kinley, still wearing his boots. The slumbering Kinley felt the warmth from early as she scooted closer to the source. Her head snuggled into his side. A small hum came from the sleeping redhead nestled under the covers.

Josh smiled as he heard the hum, and perhaps finding it hypnotic, fell asleep.

[Breaker]

The three slavers trekked through the night until they came upon The Weeping Willow, bathed in the glow of moonlight. From the shadows of the trees they could plainly see the old watchman sitting on the porch. He smoked a long wooden pipe thoughtfully, blowing rings that wafted in the silver ambience.

“Nice for the ol’ bastard to have a last puff,” chortled the bald man with the gold earring.

“Don’t go killin’ ‘im until we find out whether the girlie’s here,” the fat man reminded him.

“She’s here,” the bald man said, wiping his mouth with both hands, “I can feel it in my balls.”

“Don’t go screwin’ up just cuz’ you wanna’ get your rocks off,” spat the tall one eyed slaver. He slipped his curved skinning knife out of its sheath and tested the edge on his thumbnail.

“Who’s in charge here?” The man with the earring growled. It was a good question. Joel’s death had left things a little vague.

They skirted around the building and approached from both sides at once, slipping around the tavern’s front corners like shadows. Their daggers glistened in the moonlight, and the old man gasped as he saw them, but too late.

The man with the earring placed a hand over his white-whiskered mouth and slammed him against the wall. The watchman’s hands gripped his walking stick in white-knuckled panic.

“Tell me right now, before I kill ye’,” The man with the earring snarled, pressing his long knife against the watchman’s throat, “is there a tiny little lady in there with hair like fire and skin like cream? Answer me!”

“I-I don’t know,” the old man stammered as his mouth was released, “I never went inside! By Am’aleh’s eyes I-”

He choked and gagged as the bald man cut his throat. Blood poured onto the ground, followed by his slack, lifeless body. His cane clattered against the porch floorboards as he fell.


~*~

Josh heard a clatter and became alert instantly. He disentangled himself from Kinley (they’d wound up cuddling, somehow) and slid silently out of bed. In the space of seconds he found the key, darted out of the room and locked the door, and ran down the stairs to the inn’s front entrance. He removed the door’s bar and slipped outside.

Three men with daggers faced him, one of them dripping blood. Breaker saw the watchman’s corpse, but it fell outside his immediate concern. He stepped to meet the assailants with a confidence born from years of combat.

A tall man with a scar splitting his eye lunged with a hooked blade. Josh pivoted, caught his elbow and killed him with his own knife.

A bald man with a hoop earring stabbed at Josh’s midsection. He swept his arms downward, disarmed the man and stabbed his fat friend in the throat with the long dagger. As he twisted, extending into the thrust, Breaker’s foot slipped in the loose mud left over from the day’s drizzle. He fell heavily, landing on his back on the grass.

The bald man bent to retrieve his weapon and advanced on the downed demigod.

“I’ll make ye’ pay fer’ killin’ my mates,” he uttered.

Nymeria streaked out of the shadows, fangs glistening in the moonlight, and bit into the bald man’s leg with a throaty growl. He cried out and fell in the dirt beside Josh.

Large hands seized the bald man’s head, and Breaker snapped his neck like a twig.

“Thank you, Nymeria,” Josh whispered.

[loves.blessing.]

McKinley woke with a stiff yawn and a rubbing of her eyes. The sound of Josh getting out of the old bed. At first she thought nothing of it but then raised voice outside made her think otherwise. Tip toeing over to the window she pulled back the drapes to reveal three men circling Josh.

A shriek of horror came from the small red head as she recognized the one with the earring and shiny bald head. Rupert Her mind spat the name out with disgust. He was Joel’s right hand man when she was his slave.

”Stop Rupert you are gonna get me in trouble with Master!” The day was hot and she was hanging linens out to dry in the sun. She had already been behind on her chores for the day and Master Joel was upset about some business that had gone astray. “Come on bird just let ‘e touch ya’. Ya like it I promise.”

She swatted his wandering hand away from her dress. She was rewarded with a backhand to the cheek. Her face felt like it was on fire, Master Joel had come at the end, assessing the red handprint on her face. “What the hell Rupert,” he hissed.

“Bitch was gettin’ to handsy with ‘e.” Kinley gasped shaking her head in protest.

“Master I didn’t he was trying to touch me!” She pleaded.

It was too late Joel already had a handful of her hair and off dragging her to the basement for her lashings.

Kinley shook her head pushing the memory out of her mind. Her heart felt like it was in her throat. Gripping onto the window seal tightly she watched in horror as Josh fought all three. She yelped when he fell to the ground pounding the window to draw their attention to her. At the last moment when all hope seem lost Nymeria saved him.

Gasping for air she hurried to the door and down the stairs, tossing open the inn door and running towards her once again savior. “Josh,” she hollered the loudest she had in years. As the man turn she tossed herself into him hugging him tightly. “You almost got hurt!” She said as she buried her head into his shoulder.

[Breaker]

“Whoa there, I’m alright,” Josh said as he cradled the girl in his arms. Her sleek bare legs shone in the moonlight. From above, the scene must have appeared exceptionally dramatic, but he had never been in any real danger. “I’m alright,” he repeated, returning Kinley’s hug and then putting her down, “why don’t you run back inside? You’ll catch a cold out here like that.”

The redhead nodded and stretched on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, and then scurried back inside blushing like a sunset.

Breaker finished dragging the bodies - including that of the unfortunate watchman - into the woods and then walked inside and barred the door.

“I had a feeling you were trouble,” said the tavern’s owner. She was sitting at one of the tables with a mug of brandy tea in one hand. “It’s not often I’m awakened in the middle of the night to watch a bloodbath happen on my lawn.”

“This was just an unfortunate circumstance,” Josh assured her, palms splayed, “those brigands happened along, and I happened to be awake. I’m very sorry for the loss of your watchman. Who is the law around here?”

“Rangers,” the woman said around another sip, “they’ll likely be along tomorrow. They come by every few days, and I swear they can smell trouble.”

Josh described the location where he’d concealed the corpses to her, so that she could pass the information along to the authorities. If the creatures of the forest haven’t seen to them by then.

After discussing the matter for a few minutes more Breaker said goodnight to the matron and climbed the stairs. He entered room sixteen with a small smile for Kinley.

“Well, that’s enough excitement for one night, don’t you think?”

Kinley nodded before snuggling back into the blankets. “Thank you for saving my life again,” she whispered pushing the hair from her face.

Josh took off his boots and laid down next to her, propped up on his side. “Were those men here for you?” He asked softly.

Biting down on her lips, the small red head nodded. “Rupert the bald one fancied me when I was a slave to Joel.. He was probably here to claim me or kill me.”

“A slave?” Josh repeated. He caressed her cheek with a callused hand, “what horrors have you lived through? You don’t have to answer that,” he added hesitantly. Kinley leaned into his touch briefly closing her eyes.

“No, no I want to tell you, it’s the least I can do since you have saved me. Joel acted like a good guy when I was first a slave to my Master Joby. He acted as my friend when I would go to the marketplace to fetch the weekly groceries. I was stupid and too trustworthy. He killed all of Joby’s other slaves and Joby.

I was the only one left I didn’t even know it was Joel until I woke up after being hit over the head. He was very um- possessive over me, as in if another man looked at me he would lash me for it. He said he was gonna marry me and uh- deflower me the next full moon. When the time came I stabbed him and ran as far and fast as I could.” She turned pulling the back of the large shirt down.

Josh breathed deeply. The few sentences from the slight woman had explained so much about her circumstances and personality. “Well you don’t have to worry about that anymore,” he told her, “you can live your own life now.”

[loves.blessing.]

McKinley exposed her back to him showing the lashing she had received. Her once beautiful milky complexion now marred with long scars across her back and a branding on her left shoulder in the shape of a dove.

“May I touch them?” Josh asked.

Kinley nodded, pulling her hair over her right shoulder to expose more of her back.

His coarse, heavy hand stroked her scars gently, his thumb dragging over the brand mark on her shoulder. “You must be very strong to have endured all this,” he said. His hand strayed and swept down her arm, rough fingertips drawing pebbles to her skin. Kinley shivered under his touch.

“I was hardly strong, just endured it..” She said with a shaky voice.

“Endurance takes strength,” he assured her, his voice light and sleepy. She turned back around to face him on her side. “You say all these kind words to me,” she let a daring hand stroke his cheek, her light touch tracing the Y shaped scar.

“Sometimes the prettiest flowers need a little kindness to bloom.” His smile made a dimple beneath her fingertip. A blush caressed her cheeks at his sweet words, with drawing her hand from his face she laid her head down. “Sleep you earned it.”

“If you insist,” Josh murmured, “I suppose I could use a little shuteye.” His hazel orbs hid behind tanned lids as he relaxed on the bed and breathed deeply. “Goodnight my hero,” she mumbled curling up under the blankets.

[Breaker]

They slept soundly through the night. Breaker awakened to dawn’s brilliance shining through the window, and the sounds of the kitchen preparing for business below. For a few minutes he watched Kinley sleep, and then the redhead rolled over, her crystal blue eyes coming alive as her gaze found him.

“Good morning,” Josh said, “how about some breakfast, and then we get you home safely?”

“That sounds lovely, I sure could use some of my own clothes to wear.” A small giggle spilled from her soft pink lips.

Josh swung his legs off the bed and stood, cracking his spine. His clothes felt slightly sweat-soaked and his hair was badly mussed. “Don’t be afraid,” he told Kinley, and then spread his hands.

Water sprouted from his palms as if from a pair of natural springs. It washed over him in a controlled wave, cleansing his hair and clothing and leaving everything perfectly dry and pressed into place. The water flowed out the window as if through an invisible conduit.

A small gasp escaped her lips as her eyes wide with amazement. “Woah,” Kinley breathed the word.

Josh considered offering to do the same for her, but it seemed like a rather intimate suggestion. Cleansing the woman’s body would be like running his bare hands over her skin.

“I’ll let you get dressed, meet me downstairs,” he said, and slipped out the door. He selected the same table they’d used the previous night, and with the good smells from the kitchen filling the common room he ordered toast, bacon, and eggs. A short time later McKinley came down and joined him, freshly washed and dressed in her borrowed clothing.

“Don’t you look lovely,” Josh commented, enjoying the way her cheeks matched her crimson locks.

“Thanks,” she giggled, the soft pillows that were her lips looked inviting.

“What would you like for breakfast?” Josh asked as the waitress approached.

“Bacon and cheesy eggs please.” She smiled with her response.

The food arrived and they ate a leisurely pace, enjoying the savory flavors and each other’s company. Once they were finished Josh sent the serving girl back to the kitchen with the dishes and some more gold to cover any costs exceeding his original payment.

“Well,” Josh said, looking out the window at the bright sunny day, “time to get you home. Whereabouts do you live?”

“The outskirts of town in a cottage, edge of the woods.” Smiling fondly of the little seclusion she had of her own.

They left the tavern and strolled along the woodland path together. Birdsong filled the trees and crickets chirped from the long grass. They meandered more than necessary, conversing at times or moving in comfortable silence, sometimes arm in arm, others with space between them. Eventually they arrived at the quaint little cottage on the forest’s fringe. Josh stopped short of the front door. Kinley was not Am’aleh… but he had enjoyed her company.

“I suppose this is where we part ways,” Josh said, “but I do hope to see you again soon. You owe me a concert, after all.”

“You want to come in?” She wiggled her key in the keyhole, it was sticking she had already broken off two keys from it. Finally she was able to get the door open.

“I should be on my way,” Josh said, lingering on the doorstep, “I do have some business to attend, you remember.”

“Right,” Kinley blushed slightly. “Well here goes nothing,” she said softly. Before he could speak she closed the distance between the two. Her hands slid up his neck and tangled in his hair. Her lips claimed his as her own.

Josh returned the kiss firmly, enjoying the taste of her soft mouth, allowing his hands to close around her petite waist and draw her closer. The embrace last several moments and then broke as they both drew breath.

“I must go,” he insisted, “but I will see you again soon. I promise.”

[loves.blessing.]

McKinley nodded the words leaving her swollen lips from the luscious kiss they had just shared. “Be safe,” she said letting her hands slip from his locks.

“Always,” Josh said with a grin, “and the same goes double for you.” Kinley laughed holding up three fingers, “scouts honor.” Sighing softly she brushed her fiery mane behind her shoulder. The dreading feeling that Josh had to leave left her slightly more upset that she thought she would be.

“Thank you again for everything, Josh.” His name caressing her tongue before falling from her lips softly.

“You are most welcome, McKinley.” He ran a callused hand down her cheek one last time and then turned and paced down the path. She stood in the doorway, her skin still tingling where his hand had met her flesh.

Letting out a low whistle as she heard a few twigs snap. “Nymeria,” she cooed softly as the calico colored beast broke through the shrubs.

She waltzed into the door before making her way over to her goose feathered bed and laying down. Striking a match Kinley set the fireplace a blaze. A smile still on her face as she looked around her simple stone cottage.

She walked into her room slipping from the clothes she had borrowed. She changed into simple black lounge pants that hugged her petite form and a gray tank top.

She scurried back into the kitchen lighting her stove. A cast iron skillet on there as she pulled out some steaks and mushrooms along with some potatoes.

Sighing for softly Kinley felt at ease when playing music or cooking. She hummed a cheerful tune her voice easily filling the cottage as it bounced off the stone walls. Soon after the succulent smell of steaks filled the air.

It had been a few hours of her cooking, humming and cleaning when a knock came at the door. “Who could that be?” Kinley asked absent mindedly. She opened the door and gasped slightly in shock. “Josh?”

Breaker stood on the threshold, smiling. “I thought you might need this,” he said, producing a long, slender wooden box from behind his back. He passed it into Kinley’s waiting hands. “Open it.”

With shaking hands Kinley opened the box, inside was a sleek beautiful cherry wood violin. Engraved on the opposite side of the chin hold was her name in gold letters. McKinley

She looked at him, her mouth fell open as her eyes collected tears. “Josh..” was all she could force herself to say.

“I made a quick run to the bazaar,” he explained, smiling broadly, “you can thank me later… right now, you owe me a song.”

She couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face as she nodded holding the door open for him. “Please come in.”

[Breaker]

Spoils request: McKinley receives a cherry wood violin with her name engraved, the cost of which should come from Breaker's GP.

[Rayleigh]

Thread: The Bird and the Breaker (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?31981-The-Bird-and-the-Breaker)
Authors: Breaker and loves.blessing.
Type: Workshop

Congratulations!

Breaker receives 2,255 EXP, 80 GP, and a violin crafted of cherry wood (valued at 50 GP).
loves.blessing. receives 1,040 EXP and 130 GP.

[Rayleigh]

All rewards have been added!