[ooc: Geh, sorry, I saw it, I just didn't have anything to post in reply
]
Aura was sulking. She was annoyed that Jan wouldn’t even think of entertaining her idea of going home until the mystery killer had been killed or apprehended, and pretty damned pissed off with all the other sligs suddenly everywhere… As she was female, and hence something of a rarity, they had a habit of following her round when she was at ground level. She’d bitten one or two already – not hard, just warning nips when they got too close or too ‘friendly’ – and had given up trying to get them to get the message and had instead retreated to where they couldn’t reach her.
She was in one of the spreading trees on the outskirts of town, watching the populace nip around with nervous, almost birdlike movements, feeling too tired and fed up to do much except just lay there, flaked out on her branch. She felt safe enough up here – she was high enough that if
He arrived she’d feel the branches shake and would be able to make a sharp exit…
As if on cue, the bushes below and to one side rustled, ever so slightly. She opened her eyes, and watched, involuntarily tightening her grip on the branch and holding her breath, hoping her dark skin would blend in well enough with the rich dark needles for him not to notice her…
He was a splash of blood-red against the vivid greenery, somehow managing to blend in with the foliage. He was watching the town, a studied look in those golden eyes, not looking particularly concerned at all the troops milling around not so very far away. She guessed he must be sizing the force up – seeing how well he’d fare against them…
She knew she ought to shout; ought to yell, alert someone to the fact
he was here, and yet… her vocal cords refused to obey her demands. She hugged her branch, trying not to even breathe…
He lifted his heavy muzzle, scented the air, thoughtfully, took a step out from the foliage. He carried himself lower to the ground than when she’d first seen him – a hunter’s stance. The muscles rippled across and down his back as he moved, with that sinuous, predatory grace; for a raving psycho he wasn’t too bad-looking… He’d slunk halfway to the nearest low building when something caught his attention, and he stiffened. Seconds later and he’d whirled about and vanished, almost as though he’d never been there.
She blinked, wondering if she’d imagined it. Then shook her head, annoyed at herself. If only she’d yelled – there were enough damn troops around, one little yell would have probably ended the whole damn fiasco and she’d be able to go home… and yet…
And yet she’d just sat and watched. What in frack was
wrong with her?! She scowled at the bushes where he’d vanished, and wished he’d just go away.
Far away.
Jan was annoyed. Aura had gone off in one of her stupid tempers again and vanished off in the trees. He wasn’t particularly worried, she had her scatty moments like anyone, but once she’d had a scare like that she was usually pretty cautious … She’d be okay.
He kicked at a stone, annoyedly, sent it skimming over the dusty ground.
Why does she have to be so… so deliberately… obtuse all the time…! he wondered, frustrated.
I told her why we can’t leave, it’s not safe…! But no, she knows best, as always… well, we’ll see how she fares if she gets in trouble without me to help…
He’d rounded a corner when he heard the noise – something of a ruckus going on a bit further ahead. Sounded like the new troops were causing problems already… Damn, sounded like a fight. He broke into a trot, wondering if he’d be able to break it up…
[ October 20, 2001: Message edited by: Teal ]