There were few things in the world worse than a botched job. Especially in his line of business. Not only did money need to be returned, but the people he dealt with were never forgiving. He'd have to find another way to plant the information he needed to. He would never get close enough to try it himself again. If he managed to get our of this pickle. This was what happened when you took jobs with a deadline really. He should have never taken the job. Character assassination was hard enough to do without a deadline hanging over your head. Rushed jobs became botched jobs. Thus his run through New City trying to evade the guards that followed him.

 

He was sure he had the lead now, enough that he could get away. If only a little luck would hold. Blood and bloody ashes, he needed the Dark One's luck to get out of this. He stopped running as he met an intersections of roads. Three inns to be seen. Which would offer what he needed? It was all a toss of the dice anyway so he walking into the Weaver's Wheel.

 

There, a table in the back. He made his way to the innkeeper, asking for an ale as he took off the black coat he had been wearing. They hadn't seen him up close and he hoped without the black coat they might not think he was their man. He was halfway across the room from the bar when the door behind him opened. There were only 3 of them so they must have split up.

 

Bloody ashes! They hadn't told him security would be that high. How many other attempts had they made? His anger flared as he continued crossing the room. He dropped into the chair, his coat thrown across the seat so they wouldn't see it. Now if they could just get on with their business. Nothing to see here. Just a solitary man drinking an ale. Nothing strange about that. Nothing at all.

 

Except one of the guards seem to thing there was. They cased the room, looking everyone over, but one guard kept flicking his eyes back at Demus. He wanted to swear, but he kept his head down and in his mug.

 

Suddenly he had the urge to laugh. Demus Nolorean, the pigheaded kid from Amadacia who spent half his life wanting to be a Child of the Light, moved to Arad Domon and taught the art of seduction by his own mother who had no girl child to teach, murderer. Assassin. Character Assassin. Whatever job was needed. Cornered in a bar without a way out and no way to hide. It was a huge joke. The whole Bloody Wheel and all it's heroes had to be laughing at him. Let them laugh. He'd even join them if he could get out of this Bloody mess!

Cari had been sent to Camerlyn on two missions, one to bring a horse to a man who'd purchased a trained staillion some months back, the second was one of questionalbe nature. Cari did both her jobs and was resting peacefully in the Weaver's Wheel. An odd inn to be going to after Sam had come into her life. The father of her children and a light fool. Cari sighed at the dilema. Cari stood at the bar waiting for her meal that she'd ordered.

 

The first sign of trouble was a man barging into the inn in a huff. He'd apparently been running. And it only took a matter of miniutes for the guards to burst in. Cari didn't know why, but she figured the man needed her help. Her drink and plate were set on the bar and she picked them up quickly and moved towards the man in trouble. Why am I always coming to the rescuse? Cari placed the drink and meal on the table and casually sat down in the man's lap and drapped her arms around his neck. Cari whispered into his ear as she leaned in closer. "Trust me." Cari kissed the man's neck and then moved in to kiss him full on the lips. Her time in Arad Doman had definately given her new confidence, and she used it readily now.

 

Cari sat back up. "Your dinner is ready, baby." She got up out of his lap and sat down next to him. "Dig in."

 

Cari

There were things you expected in life and things you didn't. Like when you were trying to plant incriminating evidence in someone's home and you got caught, you expected to get chased. You didn't expect a beautiful woman to sit on your lap and help you out of a rather concerning incident.

 

However as the guards looked at him again, it was exactly what happened. Suddenly a woman was in his lap. Her lips brushed his ear and whispered "Trust me". He didn't have much choice really. She kissed him then, and he was pretty sure the woman had trained in his mother's homeland, the way she handled herself.

 

As she sat up she continued. "Your dinner is ready, baby. Dig in." She sat next to him then.

 

Demus had never had a luckier break in his life. He smiled at her, hoping that his that she could see the gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks darlin" he said as he took a long pull from the mug. He eyes the people in the bar as he did so, trying to see if anyone was going to be making trouble for him. It didn't seem like they were. He was luckier than he thought because after the woman had taken to sit with him the Guards began to shuffle around the room, looking for anyone alone. After a couple minutes of harassing the Innkeeper came forward and with a couple words, shooed the Guards out.

 

Demus took a deep breath as they left. He wasn't sure if anyone else had caught his frantic state when he had entered, but the Lady at his side had certainly help him out of a jam. "Thank you Lady. I'm not sure why you decided to take mercy on a fool like me, but the help is greatly appreciated." He gave her his most charming smile and reached for her hand. He kissed the top of it lightly. "If there is anything I can do for you, anything, please let me know. I owe you a huge debt."

Cari smiled slyly at the man's comment. He was attractive after all, but there was no gain in the jester, at least not yet. Cari wouldn't sleep with anyone unless it got her something from the deal. She'd learned to use her body as a weapon, and it was sharper than a knife in most cases. "We'll have to talk before I can tell if you'll be of any use to me." Cari flashed a darkfriend sign in mid conversation, she'd have to wait to see if he'd respond in kind. She was glad that most of the jesters needed to make the sign didn't look out of place in casual converstation. She'd relied on them for several years before finding a home in Cairhein.

 

Cari got up out of her chair. "I need to order more food since you've been gratefully handed mine." She smiled innocently and went to order another plate and water. Then returned to the table. "So tell me, why were they after you?"

 

Cari

"We'll have to talk before I can tell if you'll be of any use to me."

 

The motion of her hands silenced him before he could say anything. He knew what it was and had hardly thought to find a Darkfriend in such a position. Certain not one that had helped him out of a spot for no real reson. It was confusing and a bit alarming if he were honest with himself. And as often as he lied to the world, he tried to never lie to himself.

 

She was out of her chair quickly after that. "I need to order more food since you've been gratefully handed mine." A quick smile and she was off to get more food and back again before he could really think about what was happening.

 

"So tell me, why were they after you?"

 

Demus looked at her for a minute before answering. "Mistaken identity." He said. "They seem to think I was the type of person to sneak into someone's home and, shall we say, enhance their belongings, with things they don't own. Things they would probably be better off without."

 

He smiled at her again, deciding it was worth a chance. He had no where to go and he had no contacts here in the city really. A new face, especially a pretty one, was always welcome. As he talked he flashed a sign back at her. We are the same, you and I, he felt as she waited for her reaction. We have done things others would strike us down for.

 

"Why did you help me?" He asked as he watched her. He was a darkfriend and one of the first things he had learned was never to trust anyone too far. Especially if you can't see their motives.

Cari nodded at more than just his words. He had replied in kind, a fellow Darkfriend, and one in need of hiding.

 

"Why did I help you? I guess old habits die hard. You looked like you needed it, and it didn't hurt me any to give you a hand. Or a kiss in this case." Cari grinned at him.

 

Cari's food arrived at the table and she was glad to see it's presence. She hoped he didn't mind the lack of meat on his plate, but he should be glad he's getting a free meal out of this. "Do you need assistance on your current assignment? I might be able to help." She wouldn't let him know why she was hear, after her own mark, but she could help him out, and take him back to the ranch with her. He was after all a Darkfriend who needed a place to stay for a while.

 

Cari wondered if he liked horses or if she'd have to find him another job.

 

Cari

"Do you need assistance on your current assignment? I might be able to help."

 

Demus looked at her for a minute before shaking his head. "I might have been caught up to something, but they didn't know exactly what I was up to. They thought they caught me at something else. I've not failed my trade that much." He said with a grin. They hadn't realize he was planting something in the manor house but they had been ready to condemn him for a thief. Grabbing a handful of jewels that had been laid out for the lady's use had given their concept credit and gotten him out of a bigger jam that he had been. A botched job it might be, but not incomplete. He still had hopes that his items would be found and there would be no need to return his fee. Or face the wrath of his employer. He would know by the end of the night either way.

 

The fact that his purse was a little heavier than it had been when he'd started the day and would be even heavier if he could get the stolen merchandise out of his pockets was just a bonus. Not in this town though. He needed to get out as soon as he was sure it had worked, before they started looking for him again.

 

"I think it might be time to lay low for a bit though. Get out of town and relax for a bit. I've been on the road for a long time now. It could be nice to go someplace I wanted to, not just where the job took me." He said, more to himself than to her.

Cari smiled. "I know of a place you would stay. But if you stayed for an extended period you'd be forced into manual labor. My employeer doesn't tolerate loafers when there are a billion things needing doing."

 

Cari was about to tell him about the ranch and realized neither had exchanged names. "By the way I'm Cari Namere. I work for a man named Nathan Rashad. He's a Rancher by trade and, " Cari smiled. "A friend of mine." She hoped he would catch on to her meaning.

 

Cari took the last bite of her meal and got up. She walked around the table in sultry fashion, must keep up the appearance. Cari sat down on his lap and put her head on the opposite shoulder and nibbled at his neck. She really did enjoy toying with a man. Cari whispered. "It's a safe haven for those that need it. You are welcome to hide there for a short while, but you can get assignments there just as easily, possibly even easier. Nathan has connections and sends US on missions."

 

Cari

A safe haven. That sounded interesting. It was, all in all, a good offer. Of course, the way she was nibbling, he thought he just might think anything was a good idea right now. A smile graced his lips. He could work from anywhere really. Travel was part of his line of work and a central location would give him time to settle himself. Ashes, but he'd been on the run from one thing to another for too long. He was far too young to feel this old and ragged. His mind was slipping in his work and his choise of lifestyles was quickly losing its appeal.

 

A friend. It was a word he hadn't associated with their kind often. The friends he'd had in life had been lightfools with no idea what the real world was like. It would be nice to settle in a place where you didn't have to worry about everything thing you said and did. Cari Namere.

 

"You have a beautiful name." He said with a smile for her. "Nice to meet you Cari Namere. I'm Demus Nolorean, at your service. I have to say your offer sounds intriguing. I don't mind hard work, of any kind. As long as it keeps clothes on my back and food on my table." He added.

Cari smiled. "Nathan is a good empolyeer. He pays well, far better than some ranchers in town. And he's fair. Friend or no, if sanctuary is what you seek, our ranch holds the key."

 

"My tasks are completed and I will be leaving at dawn. " Cari hoped that would be enough for him to finish his dealings. "I have pressing engagements at home, that require my attention." Cari basically didn't want to leave the twins with Sam for too long. This was their first time alone together since they found out their family relationships. "And I hate to keep them waiting."

 

Cari got up from Demus' lap. "It's been a pleasure." Cari kissed him on the lips. "I will see you at dawn."

 

Cari left the common room and headed to her room for a nap. Day would come alot sooner than she wanted and sleep was always a good thing.

 

OOC: I'll let you make sure your plans bear fruit, post for the morning and we'll take our trip home. Unless you want to just jump to the ranch, makes no difference to me.

 

Cari

"Nathan is a good empolyeer. He pays well, far better than some ranchers in town. And he's fair. Friend or no, if sanctuary is what you seek, our ranch holds the key."

 

She paused then and Demus wondered what she was thinking about. He had no idea of who she was or what she was doing. Motives were always hard to tell. And sometimes, even a Darkfriend could do a decent thing for no reason. It was something that was hard to remember. He had met a few that were nothing more than glory hounds who cared only for their own skin, and even the best he had met would turn you over if it was you or them, but in the end he had learned to trust his instincts. And instincts said this woman was just trying to help him out.

 

"My tasks are completed and I will be leaving at dawn. I have pressing engagements at home, that require my attention. And I hate to keep them waiting."

 

He watched her as she got up, kissed her back when she touched her lips to his. "It's been a pleasure. I will see you at dawn."

 

She left then. Left him sitting there, wondering and waiting. He turned to the food, what was left of it he was surprised to see. Ordering another from a serving girl he finished off his ale and smiled happily, complementing the cook as he started in with another helping, thinking while he ate.

 

His instincts had told him to take this job, against all other obstacles. Against the travel and the deadline, the messy nature of character assasination versus taking a clean death. Something had told him to come here. The same something that had told him to go back to the inn, after his mother had died there. He had listened then, found the innkeeper giving away his mother's things to the new cook. That had been dealt with quickly and he had never looked back. Now something told him this woman was willing to help him. It was something to do and he could certainly do with a little time to let things cool down and work things out in his head.

 

He was acting on instinct alone these days and he needed something more. Instinct was taking him to follow this woman, where she was going, but perhaps there he would have time to think about where he was going.

 

Once his food was finished, Demus made his way through the city. He went back to his own rooms and packed his bags. It didn't take much time since he always kept his things ready to go in case something happened. By nightfall, rumor was spreading like fire on a dry village green. His work here was done. Bribes were believed to have been exchanged and steps would be taken to ensure the men didn't live to do it again. His employer would be happy and that was what mattered. His earlier bungle would go unnoticed by the people that would be concerned.

 

Night passed quickly and as dawn broke the night sky, Demus found himself outside, waiting for Cari Namere. He knew nothing about the woman. Her affection had been as fake as the charade she'd helped him with for the guards, but trust came hard to Demus and somehow a part of him wanted to trust that woman. So much so, that he was waiting, like a lamb to slaughter, for her to lead him away.

A little surprised to see Demus waiting for her Cari quickly set to saddling Tain Cor. The nervous looking stable boy had been bit by the old warhorse. Even after the many years of living with others tending him, he still didn't trust complete strangers. Either that or the lad had actually hurt him in his last tending. Tain was a bit senstive in his feelings.

 

"A fine morning for travel." The sun was not up yet, but the clouds were far and few in between. The stars shown brightly through the morning sky and the sky was starting to creep over the horizon hiding the nightly visitors. "Are you ready to leave?"

 

He gave a hestitated nod and Cari smiled. "I don't bite." Her smiled turned evil. "Unless you want me to." She did enjoy playing with a man's mind, even a strangers. Cari wondered what Sam would think bringing home yet another stray dog. But at least it kept up appearances of being the good samaratin she was suppose to be. Sam would never know his true reason for coming.

 

Cari set off north towars Cairhein. It would be a long trip and she wanted to get far away from her mark before suspicions started placing blame on people. "I do hope you like horses, there is plenty of work with them. If not, finding a ..." Cari grinned, "... a manly job might be difficult."

 

They were out of town by the time Cari spoke again. "Your job worked out?"

 

Cari

"A fine morning for travel. Are you ready to leave?"

 

Demus gave a look around. Last chance, he thought as he looked back at her. Now is the time to turn back. Instead, he gave her a slight nod. It was time to do something new, try something new.

 

"I don't bite. Unless you want me to." He smiled at her and wondered if she was just playing games, but didn't think about it too long. Everyone played games, it was just how it affected you personally that made the game good or bad. So far, Cari had done alright by him. Instead of comment, he got up on his horse and followed as she set off.

 

"I do hope you like horses, there is plenty of work with them. If not, finding a ..." Cari grinned, "... a manly job might be difficult."

 

"A manly job?" Demus laughed. He travelled often and far so he was well able to care for a horse. And he would be willing to learn more to make himself useful. "I think working with horses would be a good change for a while."

 

Silence followed in their wake and as they rode out of town Cari began to talk again. "Your job worked out?"

 

He nodded. "A little better than I had expected, considering the..uh... problem you saw. My oprevious employer will be happy once news reaches him of the jobs completion. And your own business? Was that concluded well?"

Cari smiled. "Yes. My business transactions were completed in good faith." Cari was glad Nathan had sent her out. It would be a shame to have Sam see her true nature after thinking she had changed so much. Sam, it was still difficult to think of Reikan Souvan as Sam, but it was something Cari forced herself to do. But Sam was in her life now, she didn't want to give him any ammonition to take her children from her. Her secrets were her own.

 

Cari tried to keep conversation light while they road. She hated awkward silences with new people. A nervous habit perhaps, but the silence brought thoughts, and thoughts after killing tended along the same lines, and Cari wasn't about to reveal her true nature to even a fellow darkfriend after only meeting them a day ago.

 

The sun rose and the sun shone brightly on the riders. Cari heard her stomach rumble, it was time to eat. Cari dismounted Tain Cor and tied his reigns to the back of her belt as she pulled out a peice of travel bread Miss Nona had prepared for her travels. "I'm sorry, I need to walk a while. Hunger overwhelms, and it's time to let Tain have a break as well. He's getting old and can't do as much anymore." The last was for the horse and his displeasure sounded from behind her with a wild nicker. "Oh please, you know you like the cushy life of the ranch now, you don't fool me." Tain Cor nuzzled Cari and she giggled. Then held her hand palm up with a peice of bread for the horse to eat on. "See you like the good life." Tain bit at Cari's fingers playfully.

 

"I do appologize for the stallion's anticts. He and I have been together a long time. And he's going soft on me." Cari grinned as Tain pushed her along the road with his nose. "He just doesn't want me to tell anyone."

 

Cari

"I do appologize for the stallion's anticts. He and I have been together a long time. And he's going soft on me. He just doesn't want me to tell anyone."

 

Demus laughed lightly at Cari and the horse as he dismounted as well. He hadn't found anyone to really laugh with since he'd left his old life for this one. He hadn't missed it really, but when he found himself listening to Cari, he did. It was disturbing, but also comforting. Life had change drastically on him a few times in his few years and it had never been pretty. Perhaps this time something good would come from the change. Perhaps the fact that he had chosen this change instead of being forced into it, would make it better.

 

"Can't say as I blame him. I'd like the soft life too, if I thought it wouldn't bore me too much. Though I guess the rich and powerful have their own games to play as well. For now, I'll take the life of a hard working ranch hand to a life of idle pleasure and endulgences. I'll save up for the rest later, when i'm too old to find myself a good time without the money." He said with a smile.

Cari laughed. "You can never be too old to find a good time with out money. A pretty man like you could easily find a good time." What was he like 20 years old. Cari was nearing 40 and could still get a free meal out of a man or even a woman if she tried hard enough.

 

"You won't make enough on the Ranch to be rich and famous, but you'll have virtual free room and board, and some extra spending cash. Nathan deducts your living expenses from your salary so you never even know it's gone. The extra money is more than enough for a good time. I've raised two children for nine years alone on it, he's a good man for his associations." Cari grinned. "Nathan is by far the man you need to listen to on the Ranch, he could easily put your feet in the ground long before you are ready." It wasn't a threat, just a warning, Nathan was a forgiving man, as long as you didn't screw up alot.

 

"There are several others of the same profession as you on the Ranch. They all deal with specific tasks for Nathan, I'm sure Nathan can find a use for you other than with horse training."

 

Cari finished her breakfast and mounted Tain Cor. "We can walk while you finish, it's up to you." Demus mounted his horse and Cari let Tain set the pace.

 

They chatted along the way about niceties. He was a decent man on first appearances, but Cari wondered what turned him to the Dark. She would never ask out of the safety of the Ranch, if even then, but she was curious none-the-less, her own story wasn't so grand.

 

Night neared and Cari stopped to make camp with just enough light left to see by. Day would be encompassed by night and they would sleep under the stars.

 

Cari

 

OOC: feel free to move it along or spend the night chatting.

Night passed too quickly for Demus who preferred a nice soft bed to the hard ground. The day travelling had been good though and Demus had sat awake long into the night thinking about the sudden turn in his life. He thought back on his conversations with Cari, about the Ranch and it's owner. Others like him, in one location. It meant less chance of condemnation for what you were, but it also meant that his safety was at the hands of others. If they screwed up and brought the lightfools down on them, he'd suffer for it. Of course, Cari had been willing to bring him back and he hadn't been at his best when she had seen him.

 

He had fallen asleep with such thoughts and woke to them as well. They quickly made their breakfast in a companionable silence and were on their way. So far Cari had been good traveling company but he wondered what it would be like when they got to the Ranch. Would she have time to show him around still? Would she care to help him out, or would she figure she had done her good deed for the dark side and leave him to find his own way? These thoughts ate through his mind as they rode.

 

((Wasn't sure how long it would take to get there so I left it open for ya :P))

OOC: I have no idea how long it would take from Camerlyn to Cairhein. The area is so large that I never know.

 

Cari stayed awake half the night protecting the camp. Some habits were hard to break and leaving a so-called friendly camp unprotected in the middle of the night in the woods was not something Cari was about to do. But half way through the night she did fall asleep. Exhaustion came much sooner than it use to. Old age and the lack of the bond paid a toll on Cari's physical being.

 

It would be a while before they reached Cairhein and Cari was eager to be home. A few days into their journey the horizon shown the unfinished towers of the Capital city. Cari smiled. They would stay the night in Cairhein, and then be home by dinner tomorrow night. Cari missed Aiden and Kate, and Sam too. Cari told Demus the plan and he looked more than eager to sleep in a bed. Cari smiled at that. She'd learned long ago how to make the ground comfortable. That's what happened when you traveled in a rush, you don't always get to stay in an inn.

 

Cari rode through the foregate with hoots and hollers calling after them. Not just for Cari, but Demus too, even the females in the foregate propositioned the men on the street. Cari didn't look to see how Demus too it, it didn't matter to her. She was nearly a day from her children and she was also eager for a bed tonight.

 

Cari chose an inn that looked clean in the inner city and took a room for herself. Demus was a big boy and should have his own funds, she'd see how he'd handle the situation if he didn't. Cari sat down at a table and ordered food, even before going to her room. A hot meal and a cold glass of milk would do wonders for her right now.

 

Cari

Days on the road had left Demus with a need to get cleaned up. More than anything, he wanted to wash the grime away and be clean, if only for an hour. Oh, he could travel and did so often with no complaint, but he was a city boy at heart and he certainly preferred the comfort of bed and bath and the privacy of his own room to the wide open spaces and sleeping under the stars.

 

Cari led the way to an Inn inside Cairhein and Demus followed. After she made arrangements for a room she took a table and ordered food. Demus watched her go, comfortable that she wasn't going to slip out and try to leave without him. He made arrangements for his own room and was delighted when the innkeeper told him a bath was only a few minutes away if he wanted to go to his rooms and get settled.

 

It took no thought on his part as the Innkeeper led the way to his rooms. He made fast work of unpacking and when the water was ready, he made a quicker time of cleaning up. When he was freshly dressed and feeling clean and shiny, he made his way back to the commonroom and ordered food. He smiled at Cari as he took a seat next to her. "I'm not the kind to fuss over this sort of thing," he said as he joined her, "but I was beginning to think my clothes would stand up on their own."

Cari smiled at Demus' comment. She'd long ago forgotten what it had felt like after spending a year traveling, wearing the same clothes for weeks with only a brushing in between, and all that with the babes in swaddling. "Well, we've only another days travel and then you can make yourself at home."

 

Cari wondered if Nathan would object to yet another stray coming home with her. He was always looking for more hands, and Darkfriends were always worth more than those precious light fools who they found. "Though you clothes will still be as dirty if you don't wash them yourself." Cari smiled. "We all do our own laundry."

 

Cari stood up after she finished the last drink of her milk. "Now it's time for me to clean up." Cari smiled at him, with bad thoughts in her head. "You are welcome to join me when you've feed your empty stomach." Cari wondered if he'd take the offer, but it mattered little to her. It was more the game than anything. They were after all in the home of the Game of Houses.

 

Cari

Cari smiled at Demus' comment. She'd long ago forgotten what it had felt like after spending a year traveling, wearing the same clothes for weeks with only a brushing in between, and all that with the babes in swaddling. "Well, we've only another days travel and then you can make yourself at home."

 

Cari wondered if Nathan would object to yet another stray coming home with her. He was always looking for more hands, and Darkfriends were always worth more than those precious light fools who they found. "Though you clothes will still be as dirty if you don't wash them yourself." Cari smiled. "We all do our own laundry."

 

Cari stood up after she finished the last drink of her milk. "Now it's time for me to clean up." Cari smiled at him, with bad thoughts in her head. "You are welcome to join me when you've feed your empty stomach." Cari wondered if he'd take the offer, but it mattered little to her. It was more the game than anything. They were after all in the home of the Game of Houses.

 

Cari

Demus laughed at the thought of having someone to do his laundry. Maybe he could find a sweet little thing to help him out, but considering he was moving into a small community of people he doubted it. He'd always done his own mending and laundry anyway. He'd never known when something would draw him out of town and if he'd left his clothes with someone else, he'd have spent all his money buying new clothes.

 

As she got up she looked down at him. "Now it's time for me to clean up. You are welcome to join me when you've feed your empty stomach."

 

Demus eyed her for a moment then smiled. "I just might." Was as commital as he was going to get. Ashes, but women loved to confuse a man and a femal darkfriend was even worse because she was far more dangerous than your run of the mill woman.

 

As she walked away he ordered food. It came quickly and Demus was grateful for the plate. It was a strange meal to him, the seasoning was different than he was used to lately, but it was good and he enjoyed every bite of it. As he rinsed it down with the last of his mug, he looked back up the steps to where Cari had disappeared to. Light, but he was a fool, he thought as he got up and made his way up the stairs. He knocked at her door quietly. "Cari?"

Demus laughed at the thought of having someone to do his laundry. Maybe he could find a sweet little thing to help him out, but considering he was moving into a small community of people he doubted it. He'd always done his own mending and laundry anyway. He'd never known when something would draw him out of town and if he'd left his clothes with someone else, he'd have spent all his money buying new clothes.

 

As she got up she looked down at him. "Now it's time for me to clean up. You are welcome to join me when you've feed your empty stomach."

 

Demus eyed her for a moment then smiled. "I just might." Was as commital as he was going to get. Ashes, but women loved to confuse a man and a femal darkfriend was even worse because she was far more dangerous than your run of the mill woman.

 

As she walked away he ordered food. It came quickly and Demus was grateful for the plate. It was a strange meal to him, the seasoning was different than he was used to lately, but it was good and he enjoyed every bite of it. As he rinsed it down with the last of his mug, he looked back up the steps to where Cari had disappeared to. Light, but he was a fool, he thought as he got up and made his way up the stairs. He knocked at her door quietly. "Cari?"

It was not often that Cari had a chance to bathe in solitude. If it wasn't Aiden or Kate one of the ranchers would walk in on her. She didn't care who saw her body, it was a tool for the Great Lord to use after all, but she did not enjoy the interruptions. The baths were empty and Cari was thankful for the time alone.

 

Cari wasn't sure how much time she'd spent lounging in the hot bath water, but it had been enough time for Demus to finish his meal. She smiled, he was knocking tenatively on her door. Cari moved silently with the towel wrapped around her self as she moved behind the newest addition to her family. Cari tip toed and put her lips to his neck as she reached around his waist with the arm holding her things. She pressed her body against his back and let go of the towel, using his body to keep her body from prying eyes as she reached for the door handle. Cari whispered. "Do come in." She gave him a little nudge with her knee and he reluctantly walked through the door.

 

Once in her room she let go of him and turned to shut the door. The towel slid of her body with nothing holding it on anylonger. How far would the stranger go? Cari loved to test limits. The grim figure with a scythe and the symbol she didn't know what meant stared back at Demus. Cari shivered at the memories of the pain caused by the three tattoos. Cari might have to seek Glen when she returned, or talk Sam into something a bit more to her liking right now. If Demus pressed on the candy presented before him, she would not indulge her more savage tastes in men.

 

Cari

There were a number of things Demus didn't like it the world and the biggest of them was someone sneaking up on him. He had his secrets and he liked to keep them, but beyond that, it was bad on the job. This distaste, however, was instantly put aside as soft lips touched his neck.

 

"Do come in." Cari's voice reached him as she reached around him and opened the door. He let himself be nudged into her room. The door was barely closed when she lost her towel completely. He wasn't sure how far Cari was willing to take this, but he was certainly willing to play things out. He'd always done well with women, had never forced anything and never thought too. If Cari was up for a game, so was he. The ink drawings on her skin fascinated him though.

 

He smiled at her, softly, curiously. "You seem to have found an artist for that skin of yours." He said, letting his curiosity roam first. His curiosity would perhaps tell how free his hands were to follow.