Bumping into strangers ~Celine~

[Arrow]

A tall rough looking figure drifted through the crowd. His black shaggy hair reached his shoulders and a lit cigarette hung from his lips. His bright gray eyes seem to be more pronounced against his dark hair, but they seemed tired. Two swords were strapped to his side, while the third one was strapped to the lower part of his back. He was wearing a dark blue jacket and tall worn boots the reached up to his knees, black traveling pants tucked into the boots. His hands were in his pockets while he walked, Winter at his side. She wasn’t terribly big for an average dragon, but she what she lacked in size she made up for her quick wits and speed. Her cat like paws were big, claws retracted at the moment for there was no threat. She was beautiful and proud looking, much different then her Rider who looked like a wreck. Her scales were as pale blue as the feathers that lined down her spine right down to her tail, which split into three at the end. Large wings came from her back, but at the moment they were folded neatly on her back. Her deep sapphire blue eyes had an icy fire to them as she walked close to her Rider’s side.

He blew out some smoke watching sadly as a mother and her young daughter walked by. The child was pointing excitedly at Winter as the two walked by them. The mother smiled at her daughter’s excitement and only nodded. His heart ached as he thought of his own wife who had been murdered right before his eyes. He had felt so powerless then, unable to protect what was precious to him. Even his daughter was never found, but he was sure she was dead too. Winter looked at her Rider’s sad figure unable to come up with something that would at least life his spirits somehow. Suddenly her nose caught a familiar scent in the air and her icy eyes looked behind them only briefly. Three men were following Arrow and his Beast. Winter was sure those men were following them so that they could get back the money Arrow owed them. He always had such a gambling problem.

Three following behind us The dragon said moving a little closer to Arrow. He didn’t look back to confirm, trusting his Beast was not telling a lie. We can’t others get involved. Arrow said to Winter through his mind. Winter knew that Arrow was mainly talking about the mother and child who were still near by. He always had a soft spot for women and children. Winter gave a small nod and they took a lower ally that lead to another street, which was usually busy. It was a short cut and if Winter could go and hide herself, then Arrow could probably blend in with the crowd and loose the shady men. Winter quickly took to the top of a building. The men had gotten to the ally to quickly though. Arrow began to run down the ally turning the corner to the busy street, bumping into someone right as he turned the corner.

[Celine]

Men. They were always so.. difficult... One in particular was the king, whom the young noble had once had an awkward encounter with.. Since then.. she had not seen or heard from him. Heart break didn't even begin to describe her feelings. More like humiliation. She sensed her beast thinking about going off to hunt. This was a time when she was going to do what women did best when they were upset-- shop!!

Her eyes were busy, looking around various shops... She preferred to stay hidden from view, and wore a shawl over her face, running down over her shoulders with a matching dress... On top of that she had a fan covering her face, much like a chinese fan. Her eyes lowered, she fanned herself lightly in the heat. Gosh, it was getting hot.. Nearly unbearable.. She ducked into the corner of an alley, just around the corner of the street... Turning, she decided to go find some shade when...

Boom ba da bing ba da boom.

There was a man who had run right into her, full collision, and instead of falling backwards she caught herself, fan dropping to a puddle.. Her arms grabbing at the back of the shirt.. She looked up and her heart caught her throat.. She had heard about this fella. Arrow. Murdered family.... Bit of an outcast? Perhaps. Much like her now.

For a moment she froze, her eyes slowly rising to meet his eyes.. Her hands relaxed a bit, feeling muscle beneath her grip... A hint of pink rose to her cheeks, her heart skipping a beat.. Realizing that he probably didn't want to be touched, she pulled back...No, she couldn't allow herself to feel that way about someone again.. It only led to humiliation.

"Excuse me." She said softly, picking up her fan, which she brushed off. Luckily it was durable, and she found that it worked just the same.. She folded it and put it in a pocket of her dress, looking embarressed.. And perhaps a bit.. of something else... She had noticed now his firm frame, his broad features, the muscles... She quickly cleared her throat, then held out her hand. "I'm... I'm Celine."

[Arrow]

As Arrow crashed into the woman, he caught her as she steadied herself. Her hands were latched onto his shirt as she regained her balance. She was a pretty young woman, with a nice, yet simple dress. He looked down with his bright gray eyes as her fan dropped into a puddle. His fault naturally. He looked back to see that he had lost those men, but for how long? I’ll lead them away, just stay were you are Came Winter’s voice. Arrow sighed in relief. He hated running away from those thugs, but Arrow had it coming for gambling so much. He directed his attention back the young woman. He was about to bend down to pick up the fallen object, but she got there before him. He pulled back awkwardly hoping she didn’t notice the gesture.

She stuck out her hand for him to kiss? Or many just for a friendly hand shake. He could never really tell between the two. He took her hand, his being a little bigger than hers. He shook it with a small smile on his face. She was very straightforward. “It’s a pleasure Miss Celine.” He said. Arrow wasn’t usually formal with people, but it had been his fault that she had dropped her fan. It was only fair that he be a bit nice. He realized in the chase that he lost his cigarette and he ended up taking another one and lighting it. “Sorry about bumpin’ into you like that. I’m the famous Arrow who can’t seem to pay off his gambling debts.” He said with a small bow of his head. “I didn’t break your fan there, did I?”

He looked back to see one of three guys had spotted Arrow talking with Celine. I thought you drew them away Arrow said to Winter. There only came a irritated huff and Arrow rolled his eyes at her stubbornness. He couldn’t just leave the woman here or the guy might try to get something out of her, though she knew nothing. In the end he might end up hurting Celine. He grabbed her wrist and lead her away from the ally way and the main market place. He finally stopped and let go when he got to small garden area for those shoppers who wanted to rest on the benches. He let go and turned back to her. “Sorry again, I was being followed by some unfriendly guys. Didn’t want you to get involved, but they caught up and saw me talking to you.” He said, explanation a little shaky. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. He wasn’t really good with speaking with woman, even he met his wife before she had died.