It's A Long Road (TASHA)

[markus]

It's always a long road when you travel it alone. The days seem to either stretch on eternally, or run by as if someone opened the hourglass further than it was meant to be. Markus longed for the days of his youth, longed for the past... longed for things that would never return. Most of the days he wondered if it was all taken from him because he'd been too happy, or because he'd killed too much. He wondered why he was left behind when everything else he'd loved had perished. Was it a punishment? It had to be. He'd done something to deserve this damnation, and there wasn't a way out of it. Markus begged for death, begged for something to sweep along and take his life from him, take his pitiful existence and just end it.. maybe then he could be happy. But no one would pity him enough to end his misery. The only reason he was still alive was his own instinct, training and faith.

Even after all that had happened to him, Markus still had his faith. He wasn't one of those preach to everyone around men.. no, there were just some things he believed in.. and suicides didn't get into heaven. He wanted to be in heaven, his wife and children were surely there and he needed to be with them. His instinct and training kept him alive as far as finding food and defending himself in the wild went. He could easily hunt his own food and make shelter just about anywhere. He could survive, even if he didn't want to.

He had traveled alone for the last five years, well for the better part of them anyway. There had been stragglers along the way, people he would find through out the abandoned cities. He would band with them, try to protect them as they searched for others, tried to find some place to rebuild, restart, live life again. And then they would get sick.. The gases still leaked up from the earth. Most people that had a problem with them had died right away, others it seemed took a beating on their system before it just couldn't take any more and they shut down. Every time he dug another grave he asked himself Why? Why not me? but there was never an answer.

Yesterday he had seen the outlines of a city on the horizon and his training had taken over. He'd made camp far enough away that they wouldn't see him and had curled under a tree to sleep. Every now and again he would sleep longer than a couple of hours, tonight was one of those nights. Curled inside his jacket to fight off the chill of the evening, he slept. It would seem peacefully at first, then he rolled, groaning in his sleep until he awoke in a cold sweat, screaming with his hands balled into fists, ready to fight off something that only existed in his mind. With a heavy pant he looked at the sky before the watch that sat on his right wrist. 2am. He'd slept for five hours. Not nearly enough to be considered restful sleep.. just enough to make his heart pound in terror. With a lick of his lips he pushed himself up, grabbing the half full canteen from his bag. He rinsed his mouth before splashing some of the cool water onto his face and sighing deeply.

He was dressed much like any other traveler would be; a pair of faded blue jeans over old black hiking boots and a sturdy t-shirt under a light hoodie with a jacket over top. Most of his clothing looked worn, as if it had seen more life than it was supposed to, most of it was dirty, as if they'd been worn too long. And it had. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had an actual bath, you know, using soap. Most times he would just find a stream and wash himself off in it, getting the vitals clean. His dark hair was cut close to his head, green eyes darting around the early morning horizon. He pulled his bag back onto his shoulders, made sure that his knives were in place (one in his boot, one in his pocket), replaced the handgun in his waistband and then set off toward the city he'd seen the night before.

His stomach rumbled though he had nothing to put into it. His head spun from dehydration and lack of nutrition, his joints ached from not resting nearly as much as he should. The sun had just risen over the horizon when he entered the city, he saw no one milling about, no one that he could stop and talk to, get information from.. anything. He couldn't help but wonder if this was nothing more than another dead-end town with nothing to help him.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Things weren't always what they seemed and for Tasha that could be true for her life as well. It had been awhile, sure, time passed and memories faded but yet there was a hole, this emptiness leaking into her heart every now and than. Which would cause her mind to wonder back to the past, thinking about her original pack, her parents, siblings all of them. And than her cousin's face would flash and she was left mentally, physically howling in pain and despair. It was like fate wanted her to see what she had done wrong, yet how could she had helped him? Helped any of them.

Her body had been for lack of a better turn paralized with the blade down along her spine. The whole attack a surprise when the ones responsible knew the pack would be seperated and slightly more vulnerable. Yet she still blamed herself, she could of fought harder, screwed the consequences and attacked those vampires. But no she had been trapped watching in horror while they tortured him, bating him and than just ripped him apart while he screamed and cried for help. It sent her body in shakes everytime she thought about it. That memory was her undoing and she hated it.

Why did she have to remember it so much? Why did some small thing set her mind back to the past and that massacure? She didn't understand, couldn't understand and yet here she was earlier in the morning hours standing outside the manor thinking. She had moved on in a sense yet it wasn't the same. A new family she thought was coming was nothing more than lies and decite. Thankfully she did have a few here now that she knew, trusted and cared about. Maybe, just maybe this was going to be the right time now, the right place for them all.

For some odd reason this particular area wasn't plagued by the aftermath of the explosion. Well not with the gases at least or anything. It was why she chose it, why this was well not so much her kingdom but home. She would protect it, those in it with her life. Whatever or whoever tried to harm those who had survived was in for a huge surprise. This female didn't back down and took on any challenge as if it was her last, putting everything she had into the fight. That would never change. Something she hoped would was alot harder to fight feeling empty.

It wasn't like she was completely alone she had Hero the ones who had traveled with him here now too. But it was another feeling that kept her slightly on edge wanting to believe it might come but not souly depending on fate much. So she resigned herself to let things just happen...love wasn't something everyone needed. Right? You could survive with friendship, compassion, trust. Couldn't you?

Her musing driving her nuts again and she rushed forward shifting mid-run and allowing her wolf to take over for now. That large form of power and strength rushing ahead, paws pounding against the earth as white and grey blurred with the speed she ran. Liquid amber eyes almost seeming to glow with a new life behind them. There was no fear, just determination inside the wolf and as such inside the woman as both became one and tore through the forest heading towards the outskirts of Orealis.

All her senses working to check for any signs of food for one, but also anything she needed to possible worry about. Seeing as even with the fullmoon she hadn't felt like doing a hunt, she had food but just the excitement hadn't honestly been there. But as the sun rose higher, the wind slightly caressed the fur along her form as she made her way still around the area. The wind keeping the man's scent downwind from her even her emotional senses didn't pick up on him. Though didn't mean he wouldn't notice her, she was after all larger than normal wolves surely a sight most would notice.~

[markus]

The man walked slowly through the outskirts of the town, completely on edge. His hand twitched toward the gun that rested in his waistband, just out of habit more than anything. He worried too much, his paranoia made him think that breaths on the wind were attacks waiting in shadow. Of course most of the time it was either his own imagination or it was someone, though they weren't making an attack. Maybe there were people here, maybe he would find someone that needed his help.. maybe not. The whole place seemed abandoned, seemed void of life and anything that could bind him here for long. Great. Another couple of months on the road to find someplace else he could rest for a while. His teeth dug into his lower lip, chewing on the skin there for a moment before his eyes caught movement ahead of him.

Brows furrowed slightly, watching it carefully. There were days that he wished he were something more than human, something that had better senses and reflexes. And then he remembered that those with the extra senses usually lived longer.. he was content to live a short life, better to meet up with his family sooner. But instinct wouldn't allow him to stand idly by while something unknown came at him. His nose twitched a little as his eyes narrowed, trying to focus more closely on the shape that was moving toward him down the street. Markus swallowed hard, watching as the shape grew larger and larger still with the closer it got to him.

He'd seen Lycans, he'd seen shifters and wolves in the forests and mountains, but none of them had a thing on this one. His brows furrowed more, watching in shock while the massive wolf drew even closer to him. Instead of standing in the middle of the sidewalk where he'd been, he'd moved into the shadow of one of the doorways. He wouldn't doubt it if the creature could smell him already, but that meant little. Without putting much more thought behind it, he grabbed the gun from his waistband. The sound it made when he flicked the safety off and cocked it was audible, enough to make him wince, knowing that the ever approaching beast would have heard it too. Markus drew in a short breath just as the winds shifted. Instead of blowing his scent away from the wolf, a strong gust suddenly blew the other way, blowing everything right toward the massive beast. The suddenly cool, sharp wind made his hair stand on end, even those that were hidden under the sleeves of his jacket. Markus watched through the panes of glass from a window in one of the shops, watched the beast and held the gun ready to fire if it came too close. He was wary. Sure, he begged for death, but he wouldn't roll over and let some animal have him, no way no how.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Tasha knew that feeling wanting to be with your family yet at the same time unable to join them. It hurt she knew it quite well what it felt to lose people you cared about, feeling helpless. So as she drew further along the outskirts the wind had shifted and his scent came rushing at her and she stopped. Taking in a deep breath through her nose before allowing her head to turn out towards the distant village and spotted him. His scent said human which she didn't mind one bit, Sure she use to hate human and vampires for what happen to her family, but after the explosion and such she loss alot of her anger.

Okay she lost it more for the humans than the vampires given they could manipulate and use just about anyone they wanted. So having another human coming into Orealis was fine with her, but she still watched curiously slowly moving once more. Just at a walk this time, knowing at first glance she could seem a little intimidating. Most animal-walkers were honestly. They were just a different breed of shifter and she tried her best to not do more to scare anyone she came upon. Not that it always worked you couldn't exactly talk to humans only others like yourself so unless she shifted they didn't know.

So she watched, waiting to see if he went running off, came closer or well soemthing else. Even from the distance she was picking up on his emotions and sighed. Recognizing some as her own and those ears perked some before trying to take in the other emotions. Hesitance, worry, sadness, apprehension and she let out a snort knowing she didn't wish to spook the man more. Knowing he was hiding off in the shadows of the building yet she could still slightly see him.

It was the easily recognized cocking of a gun that had her frozen, ears perked, tail still her whole body just froze. 'Shit...okay this isn't good. I don't need him shooting me.' Turning as she heard a few of the people coming out from a shop she was near and wave to her. "Morning Lady Tasha." A pair of voices called out. Shifting her attention a moment to them that tail wagging before she bowed her head in a silent greeting. Yip that was probably going to confuse the hell out the man, but what did you expect. Technically she was the ruler of Orealis.

As the pair of ladies left Tasha slowly turned her attention back to the location the man was at. Knowing she was going to regret this but maybe he would calm down. Slowly lowering herself to her belly, tail still swaying against the ground, before she let out a yip. And than it happened, Tasha the Fala was rolling around on her back, like an overgrown puppy. Tail wagging as she continued the little show, but what was she wanting? Well what every canine did, her belly rubbed. Ears still up as she yipped happily, rolling back and forth. Jumping up rear in the air, front down jumping and acting honestly silly.

But it was better than making him scared and shooting her possible, the latter wasn't an option. Keeping up the act getting down again rolling around feeling stupid but well she was being cute.~

[markus]

Markus watched closely, his eyes never straying from the wolf. He wasn't afraid, no his heart didn't beat for fear anymore. It hadn't in a long time. Fear didn't drive him on.. except in his nightmares and those were enough to terrify even the most stoic of men. He tried to analyze the situation calmly and, if she could hear it, his heart reflected it in the slow steady beating. Seeing her freeze at the sound of the gun cocking, he knew it had been too loud, had given away everything. Tongue ran slowly over his lower lip to wet it, his mouth feeling exceptionally dry as the wolf turned it's massive head toward him. He didn't move from his place in the safety of the doorway. Wait, safety? There was air on two sides of him, a door behind him that was most likely locked and glass on the other. The only safety he had was the warm metal in his hand, the gun loaded and cocked and ready to fire at the first sign that it was needed.

He drew in a slow breath, then heard the voices of the women. His gaze snapped to them, prepared to shout for them to move away, though this time he froze. They. Were speaking. To. The wolf? He blinked several times, shaking his head out. Maybe his imagination was getting him again. It wouldn't be the first time Markus had seen something in the place of something else. He'd once seen a tiger in South Carolina.. turned out to be nothing more than an overly stuffed animal.. an old child's toy. He'd fired off four rounds onto it before realizing it wasn't real. There was no medication to help him now, nothing that would help him keep his sanity. The one doctor he'd come across told him exactly what was wrong with him, told him that he needed medication, but since the meds couldn't be trusted since the explosion, all he could do was wait it out. "Eventually it will get better." He was told. "Give it time, Markus, that is all we can do." And the good doctor had died three days later of a heart attack.

Markus had tried to save him, but lack of supplies (mostly electric and shock paddles) had left him useless. He shook his head, fighting the memory off. Part of his problem is that he would space out, lose focus because a memory would rush into his head and confuse him. it didn't happen often, but it was disorienting because he would put himself back in the same place, hearing and seeing and even smelling everything from the memory. He focused his eyes in time to see the wolf lower itself to the ground. Brows furrowed in confusion as he watched the beast, watched it roll around on it's stomach. He still wasn't sure that the women had been talking to the wolf, certainly it was a possibilty, but not a very likely one in his mind. He relaxed only a hair, not enough to really make much of a difference, but enough to pull him out of the defensive position in the shadows. He didn't put his gun away either. No, that couldn't happen, not yet.

He didn't hold enough trust for anything to be able to just drop his guard completely. Markus stepped slowly out from the shadows of the building, turning those green eyes quickly around the street once more, spotting the girls walking further away before his gaze landed onto the wolf once more. Still, he wasn't afraid of it, he didn't have enough in him to be afraid. He kept the gun at his side, his finger hovering over the trigger. It was apparent that he hadn't given up the idea of shooting the monstrosity in front of him, not yet anyway. He watched it with wary eyes as he moved down the street to follow after the women, keeping himself away from the wolf, just in case it came at him and would give him just enough time to raise the gun and fire.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~It wasn't fear she was feeling but a mix of other emotions and she for a moment had mistaken part for fear. But she could hear the calm beating of his heart and was curious about the man, surely with his calmness he had seen one like her? Why else would he not show fear? Most would just seeing the massive wolf first off, not the mention their natural worry of being hunted. Not that Tasha went out brutally killing people, that wasn't in her nature. She did however feel his confusion as the women spoke to her and she had acknowledged them back. Mentally laughing and wondered how he would react to find out she was the ruler, but that could wait.

Her little goofy behavior finally stopped when he came out of the shadows, catching the gun still at his side. It was fine, so long as he didn't fire the damn thing at her. Laying back on her stomach she watched him slowly seeing how he glanced to the woman who had greeted her and seemed to be following them. With a sigh she pushed up onto her feet, shaking out her coat to removed the dirt she had gotten in it from her rolling around.

Man if her twin had seen her..but she quickly vanquished the thought and focused on the male. He was a curious one, not that she blamed him nearly everyone who came to Orealis was in some way or another. Her eyes studying him, trying to understand in her head. Thinking he might have some form of training but filed it away for later. Slowly taking a few steps towards his direction, keeping her movements unthreatening and neutral. Although she was beginning to thing she would just have to shift back and prayed it would go alright.

So after taking a few more steps she stopped, pulling back the beast and feeling out her humanity once more. Soon nothing but the human side was standing in the middle of the street. Sun-kissed blond hair flowing around her some from the wind. Her form still lean, tone and obviously one of someone taking care of herself. Wearing tight leather pants and matching top in a deep wine. A low v-neckline allowing just a small glimpse at her chest. The boots blending into her pants save for the inlay design along the hem.

Licking her lips softly she took in a breath and prayed.~ "I'm sorry for startling you, I'm Tasha Moondancer, Fala of Orealis Realm. Welcome."

~And with that she once more like her wolf had went into a former bow of greeting. Right leg crossing behind the left as she did, obviously she was alot more than she appeared.~

[markus]

Why was he so calm? Well that was a question that most would ask of him as well. His calm was just an extent of his training. He'd been a Marine for nearly twenty years and that sort of training didn't just leave a person. It wasn't in him to let it go. His training kept him calm in a horrible situation, kept him from losing his head and forced him to keep his focus. No, he didn't aim the gun at the wolf, but he kept it close to his side as a precaution. He doubted one bullet would be enough to stop the beast if it were to charge him, and could only hope he would be quick enough to fire off at least two before the wolf could take him down.

His finger still hovered over the trigger, waiting it out for when he would be able to put it away. Inhaling deeply, almost in relief as he started to get past the beast before spotting it move toward him from the corner of his eye. He froze, turning back toward the wolf and tightening his hold on the handgun. A brow arched up slowly, watching it take those few steps closer before freezing too. His nose wrinkled up a little before a look of sudden shock flitted across his face when she began to change. So she was a shifter of sorts. He'd seen so many in his time, but none of them had ever been quite this large. It was easy to spot the alarm in his eyes, though it only remained for a short time. Even as she became human and took another step closer he didn't release his hold on the gun.

He didn't even relax the defensive position he'd put himself into when the wolf had begun it's advance. Green eyes stayed focused on her face, trying to find some trace of the wolf that had just bene in front of him. There was no way the wolf had been his imagination running wild again, it couldn't be. Markus stayed silent for a short time after she'd spoken, simply staring at her. He wouldn't doubt it if the woman thought he was mute, or maybe just stupid, with the way he stood there, staring at her speculatively. It would be several heartbeats before he snapped himself back to attention enough to actually speak. "Fala?" He asked, obviously it was a new term for him.

He took in a slow breath before bowing only his head, though his eyes never left her face, still wary of her. "Markus Riley." He said his name softly. His voice was low, rough as if he rarely used it, though it was calm. The calm in his voice was definitely something he used to his advantage, and definitely reflected his behaivor. In one quick movement he lifted his finger away from the trigger, uncocked the gun and flicked the safety back on. And in another movement it was tucked safely back into the waistband of his jeans. "My apologies if I startled you as well." He said gently.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Seeing him freeze as she took those few steps closer before shifting had her wondering once more about his man. Still with the gun out she wasn't about to push her luck too damn far and end up shot. Watching him as she shifted back picking up on mostly shock and had to smile, guessing maybe he hadn't seen a shifter before. Not that she knew otherwise, but when he didn't go passing out or running was a good sign. Having a feeling the gun was his safety net if you will and allowed him to decide when he no longer needed it.

Though he was close in his thoughts about what she must think when he didn't seem to respond. Biting on her bottom lip wondering how she was going to communicate with him if he didn't speak and let a breath out before hearing the voice. A smile slowly gracing her soft lips before she nodded some.~ "It means alpha as I am the alpha ruler over Orealis Realm. The location your currently in I might add."

~Her own voice soft, yet held the confidence of any good leader as she took him in once more. cocking her head as she stayed where she was for now.~ "Welcome Markus Riley." ~Rather glad to have a name going with the face, those liquid golden amber eyes almost glowing but as he looked there was no trace of the wolf. Sure it was a part of her and she it, but it was put away so to speak. Although the air around her pulsated with the power she possessed as such a creature. Shaking her head to his apology.~ No apology needed I assure you, I was more curious to see another coming is all.

And surprised to be honest in what you were feeling. Nothing of fear which is normal. Your rather calmer than most I first meet, well aside from the gun being out earlier." ~Moving a hand up slowly and brushing some hair from around her neck and off her shoulder than dropping hand back to her side.~

"Please come, I'm sure your hungry and wishing to rest. Your welcome at the manor or if you like there is rooms at the Night's Bar and Grill. The owner won't mind renting one out seeing as I am her. The choice is yours."

~Shifting around and slowly began walking back letting he decide, she wouldn't push it was ultimately his choice she merely offered. Also not wanting to make him feel any more hesitation and giving him space.~

[markus]

He'd seen shifters before, numerous times in fact, just none like her. But how could he expect her to know that? His tongue brushed dryly over his lips again, reminding him of his thirst. He needed food and water, a place to sit back and let his joints relax for a time. It'd been too long since he'd rested anywhere comfortable, usually on a rock or the hard earth. Markus didn't have much trust for the world to sleep in anothers bed, even in a town that had been vacant for months. Hearing her speak made a brow perk up curiously. Alpha ruler? What, like a queen or something? At least that was the way his mind registered the connection. He assumed it was much the same thing. "You mentioned that." He said softly, a tiny smile playing around the corners of his mouth as he raised his free hand to scratch at the back of his head.

The man gave a tiny nod of his head in recognition as she welcomed him once again. He committed hers to memory once more. Tasha Moondancer, that was it, he was sure. He didn't notice the air around her moving, that was something that his human eyes couldn't detect, he would need something much much stronger to notice something like that. His shoulders rose and fell quickly in a shrug as she spoke again. Once more, he fell silent for a time, letting his gaze dance around the empty street. She spoke of others, though he saw none. She also mentioned he was calmer than most others, the thought brought another faint smile to his lips. "I've had years to practice being calm, miss." He said gently. Before she would have the chance to say anything in response, his brows furrowed, glancing around and back to her. "You mentioned your curiosity of 'another' coming. If I am not asking too much, how many currently reside here?" He asked, his tone filled with his own curiosity. There certainly didn't look to be many, hell the place still looked pretty void of life if you asked him.

His right hand pulled the strap of the backpack up a hair on his shoulder to keep it from digging into his flesh through his jacket. His head canted to the side as she mentioned a place for him to rest at, two of them in fact. Markus tried to think of a reason why he shouldn't go, but there was none to have. So, he simply followed along behind the woman. He picked up his pace only long enough to fall into stride beside her, his gaze darting around almost protectively. He'd found another person alive and his instincts told him to protect that life. "Thank you," he murmured, "you did not have to offer a thing to me. Thank you for your kindness." He said as he flashed a look to her, his tone full of sincerity.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~His reaction didn't go unnoticed and she could only estimate on his thoughts about what she had said. But if it made him feel better that was a close enough assumption to what she was honestly. Although she didn't rule like shew as better than anyone else like some kings and queens did. Everyone was equal to her just she had a bigger responsibility and took it very, very seriously. Looking back over at him before she had moved to walk smiling back to him, her own brow raising at the years of practice to be calme. Letting out a breath at the question.~

"I'd say possible 20 could be more I have yet to meet everyone, but that doesn't mean I don't know of their presence. Some human but many are of varies races as you will soon see if you stay." ~Nodding again before the turned.

Making he way and giving him time to decide before hearing the footsteps follow before they were beside her. Turning to glance over at him again and once more that smile graced her lips before shaking her head.~ "It's my pleasure Markus I offer anyone the same who find their way here. I just asked they respect me and this place. Its not just my home and we don't know what may happen next. So working together is in everyone's best interest."

~OF course there were always those who wouldn't listen and she only prayed there wasn't for awhile. She rather enjoyed the calmness and peace.~

"If its not being to forward, where are you from? Is anyone else with or following you I need to be looking out for?"

~Back to business and trying to get an understanding about him possible learn more. Leading him along the street not sure which he preferred.~ "Which did you decide? Manor or the Bar and Grill?"

[markus]

Twenty? Didn't seem like a big number at all. He'd met up with larger parties before he'd found this place.. then again they'd all died on the journey. Maybe having so many people was the problem. So many so close, whatever illness could effect them did. Maybe there was no connection at all, especially considering the fact that he'd lived on through it. A very disconcerting notion. "Twenty doesn't seem so large." He said softly with a little shrug. "How long have you been here?" He asked quietly, turning his green eyed gaze onto her face for the briefest of moments. He couldn't help but notice that she was beautiful. Blue eyed, blonde hair, tall.. the curls to her hair alone added to her beauty. He said nothing of it though, merely turned his eyes back to the street before them.

A tiny chuckle slipped past his lips, hearing her talk of everyone working together. His head nodded very slowly at the thought. "I am sure most everyone coexists pretty well here. Do you have sentinals, medics? Anything to aid you if something should go wrong?" He asked, the words more militaty than he'd meant. He easily could have said officers and doctors, but the others had been drilled into his head for too long. It was easy for him to see the calm, the peace that was around the city limits, but it did little to actually ease his own stress. Markus was a man who was constantly on edge and little helped that. At her questions he frowned a little.

"I am alone. There will be no one following me in." He said, a slightly pained look crossing his features at the thought, though he pushed it away quickly to resume that calm. "I come from a town on the outskirts of Phillidelphia, Pennsylvania. I've traveled a long way." He said, forcing a smile to his lips. It was hard to think about home, hard to think about what he was missing.. even though it was never far from his thoughts. At her next question he simply shrugged once more. "Whichever you prefer, miss." He said softly as he walked beside her. He could tell there wasn't much of a danger here, but that didn't stop his eyes from darting into every shadow, to watching for signs of danger that might come at him or his current companion.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~It may not seem like a large number but when nearly half the world was killed it was big group. Looking out ahead as they moved through the village, a smile gracing her face as she smiled to a few people before turning to him.~ "When the explosion wiped out the world 20 is a fairly large group when you think about it." ~Tilting her head some thinking about the second question turning her gaze before them while she did.~ "It has been awhile maybe a few months possible a year, haven't really paid attention much to the timing."

~Picking up on his emotions still and smiled some, it was interesting his different emotions yet nothing that would be normal. Fear, hesiatation, worry he didn't show any and it was a nice change actually. Hearing the chuckle she look over at him with a raised brow for a moment.~

"With 20 we don't have much everyone kind of helps out where they can in different areas at the moment. There is a clinic in the village...though some seem to be a little leary of it."

~Not that she understood why and let another breath slip from her lips. Clearing her thoughts a short time later having them take a turn and move on another path. Turning to give a nod about him being alone noticing the pain look and had wanted to say something but wasn't sure. Blinking when he spoke of where he was from and nodded some.~ "My home was a long ways from here as well, but I do hope you will find this to be possible your new home." ~Offering another smile and hearing him on where to eat she nodded.

Motioning ahead towards another path that was going to take them towards the manor. Looking back out as they got closer to the forest by which her place was.~

[markus]

"I will admit, 20 is a fairly large grouping. But I'll also admit that I've seen more.." He said gently, a tense smile pulling at his lips. "Most didn't stay alive for long.." He commented, shaking his head gently at the thought. A hand raised to brush back through the short cropped hair, scratching at the nape of his neck a moment before it dropped back to his side. He walked easily alongside her, though his eyes continued to dart back and forth into the shadows, always on high alert. His shoulders shrugged at her comment. "I suppose when the world sort of ends, you stop paying attention to how much time passes." He commented softly. That didn't really apply to him, though, it didn't matter what happened, Markus still paid attention to the passing of the days, kept track of them as well. He couldn't stand the thought of not knowing what day of the week it was, what month he was in, what year it was.. It was something he hated to lose. He'd lost so much else, and he couldn't lose that too.

His head nodded slowly once more as she spoke. No, they didn't have many here, but he had hoped that some of them would have had some sort of training with something. Hearing that people tended to avoid the clinic made a brow arch up slightly. "Why are people avoiding the clinic? The people that work there do something foul?" He asked carefully, not wanting to offend her by being suspicious of her people. He followed along beside her, being careful not to slip too far away from her. Markus was in his protection mode and right now Tasha was the object of his protection, which meant deadly consequences for anyone who tried to come at the woman.

Smiling carefully and shaking his head at her. "I'm not sure that I will find this to be a home for me, Miss Tasha." He said gently, a hand raising to adjust the strap of his back pack once again. "I think I've been a traveler too long to truly settle down anywhere.. I think I'm still searching for that purpose, you know?" He confided in her quietly. Markus wasn't sure what that purpose would be, whether it was to find someone to look after, find a job that he could easily do (medic or bodyguard or even a hunter) that would benefit everyone.. or.. He wasn't sure. There was just a strong feeling that this wasn't his place, this wasn't his time, that there was something more out there for him. He could easily be wrong.. of course he could.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

"I have as well, my original pack was quite large one of the largest at least in our area. That it was out in the country, wilderness so suppose that was to be expected. Close to 50 members.." ~Turning her eyes away as she mentioned the pack but being careful so her voice didn't give too much away. It still hurt and she missed then at times like this when having family around was a blessing. Raising a hand unconsciously to where the pack necklace would of been, but she had taken it off awhile ago. Always afraid to lose it, to lose the one piece keeping her parents with her.

It was a gift as the only daughter, alpha pup to the pack even her brothers got their own. Different from hers of course but still signifing them as alpha pups. Locked away in her room now though at times she brought it out till the tears came and than once more slipped it out of view. Hearing him she nodded some before giving a weak smile over at him. Raising a brow having picked up on a sudden protective feeling coming off the male and wondered why.

"Why are you suddenly feeling protective over me? I don't mind just not use to a stranger being so when we only just met." ~Chancing a look over at him before giving him a better smile. Honestly she didn't mind and was just naturally curious hoping to learn something more about him. Letting a breath slip though when he asked the one thing she was slightly afraid he would. Stopping them and turned to face him.~ "I've not noticed nore sensed it but others think something off is going on. They have said a few have gone in and when they come out are acting differently. And they seem to be drawn back to the clinic alot more. I've checked it out numerous times but nothing to link the rumors. So I can't say for sure."

~Still looking up at him and worry was slightly behind her eyes before it vanished, leaving the confident, strong woman there once more. Of course she was worried but without any evidence she couldn't do much. Accusing people with nothing to go on didn't go over well. Letting them get back to the path leading slowly to her manor though as he spoke she frowned. Moving along the stone path that was now their course and inhaling the scents around. Only Hero's was one she noticed for now.

Turning her attention as she looked to him wondering how he would react to the place given how big Lilardis was. But paused at the door and reached to place a hand on his arm, although felt a small shock rush through her and pursed her lips. Trying to hid she had felt anything and let it go.~ "Well I hope you give this place a chance, I'd like it if you stayed. who knows your purpose my be here after all." ~Moving her hand she turned and unlocked the door stepping in before he could respond and moved off to the right.~

"Make yourself at home, there are rooms on the second level as well as baths, some also connected. Pick one out if you like while I work on some food." ~Her voice caring as she headed into the large kitchen letting him do what he needed or wanted for now.~

[markus]

"Pack?" A brow arched up at the word. He'd heard the term used before, he wasn't stupid. But typically when he heard it, it was in reference to werewolves or lycans, not shifters. And this girl was definitely a shifter. She had to be. He could hear the small amount of pain in her voice, he wouldn't press her for information, it wasn't his right to know. Subconsciously his thumb played with the wedding band on his left hand. He knew about loss, he could easily relate, but talking about it was another story. He couldn't bring himself to say the words, to try and give comfort to the woman because that would mean talking about his own losses and he wasn't quite ready for that. He brushed his tongue back over his lips before hearing her speak. Brows furrowed as he stared at her. How had she known what he was feeling? He blinked several times before clearing his throat.

"How- How did you.. you know I was feeling protective?" He asked, seemingly avoiding giving an answer. He would give one, he just needed to marvel over her knowledge for a moment. Green eyes turned to the road for a moment, considering the answer before raising toward the sky. "I suppose it's because you are a ruler. You need protection. Even in troubled times when people band together for safety, there is always danger to those who put themselves in charge. I suppose it's just a combination of my training, my unwillingness to see a woman hurt and my gratitude for your kindness." He stated simply, looking back to her with an echo of a smile tracing over his lips. once again he was momentarily stunned by her beauty. She was gorgeous, no man with eye sight could deny that fact, but simply thinking of another woman's beauty made his heart ache for his wife.

He tore his eyes away from her face before the look of pain could give him away. As she reached out a hand to stop him he tensed, instantly on a higher alert and his gaze darted quickly around before landing back on her and realizing his reaction was actually an overreaction. Nothing was wrong, she simply wanted to talk. He stopped in front of her, frowning softly when she spoke. His right hand rose to rest on his chin, scratching it in thought. He couldn't come up with a good reason behind it, but shook his head and looked back to her. "If you'd like, I can investigate it? See if something dangerous is going on, something that I am sure you would much prefer to avoid?" He asked, though it wasn't much of a question. If she could read him as well as she had been so far, she would sense the determination that suddenly coursed through his veins. Approval or not he would be going to check out this clinic and see just what was being done there..

No, he wouldn't wait for approval. Once he had something in his system and had rested a bit, he would definitely go to check out the clinic and find what had her so worried. A faint smile pulled at the corners of his mouth when she spoke of perhaps finding his purpose here. He wasn't hopeful, but he would give it a chance and see how things worked out. When he stepped into the manor his gaze instantly darted around the vast space, listening to her as he moved further inside. "Th-thank you, Miss Tasha." He said softly, turning his eyes slowly back to her. Markus dipped his head in a quick bow of gratitude before turning for the stairs she'd pointed out and moving up them. It didn't take him long to find a room.. even though he'd searched for something small, he wasn't really able to find one, but that was fine. As long as there was a bed and a shower he was happy.

Thankfully he found both. He dropped his bag onto the bed, yanked his jacket off, pulled the hoodie and t-shirt over his head and leaned down to unlace his boots. He didn't want to sit on the bed and get it dirty, he knew that he was probably pretty filthy. Honestly, he didn't even care about privacy, Markus had completely forgotten to close the bedroom door behind him. He yanked his boots off, leaving them at the foot of the bed while he dug through his bag to find something clean. Unfortunately a majority of his clothes were filthy. All he had clean was a single pair of socks, a pair of boxers and a pair of jeans, everything else was unusable until it could be washed. It was enough for him really. He took his clean clothes into the bathroom and started the water, amazed when it ran hot. It didn't take him much longer to strip out of everything else he had on and jump into the warm water, letting it scald his flesh.