It's A Long Road (TASHA)

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Hearing the way he said the word pack, than how he seemed confused she smile softly.~ "Yes. My species is called animal-walker and we too living in a family/pack like group. Were alike but different than shifters as you probably already noticed." ~Hoping that helped some I mean they were ruled by emotions, larger, and that was just some of their differences. A breath slipping from her lips before she turned he attention back on the way they were heading. Yes her past, her thoughts on it did cause pain and although she hated to would explain. Should someone wish to know, but she didn't exactly give out the information freely. Licking her lips softly before he stuttered out.~

"See that is another gift of my kind, we are emotionally driven and can pick up on emotions of others. It's why I knew you felt protective, or why when you had the gun out back there you had no fear. Not even your heart was racing which surprised me. I sense all emotions from any given person near or in the area." ~Glancing at him when she said it hoping it cleared up things.

Though as he finally answered on the subject at hand she smirked, faintly feeling her cheeks warm. Knowing they held a slight pinkish tint from the blush. Nodding her head though in understanding.~ "When you put it that way it makes sense. Never really thought about another for protection, but I suppose it could be a good idea to have. Even in such a small group like ours, can't be too careful." ~Biting her lip a moment she debating a moment before letting out a breath.~ "Are you looking to possible be full-time bodyguard or anything?"

~No she didn't come right out and say herself but it could be assumed obviously. Blinking at his sudden offer about the clinic before smiling,~ "You know that might be a good idea, they could keep it more a secret knowing who I am. But a stranger they may be a little more careless. Just be careful we don't know exactly what is going on and I don't want a new member to Orealis getting seriously hurt." ~Deathly serious about him being careful, she didn't want him hurt when he only just got here.

As they slipped into the manor and he thanked her she nodded her head softly. Off into the kitchen while he was probably getting a room, although she did run upstairs to grab something from her room. Although hearing movement than the door to a room right beside hers, she paused. Unable to hide the shock at catching him naked or how her eyes took in his form before she mental growled at herself. Rushing down to her room and inside taking in a deep breath just as she heard the water come on. Signaling he was in the shower and relaxed.~ 'Smooth Tasha, checking out the new guy naked no doubt unaware.' ~Her words making her sign.

But she would be lying if she didn't say that brief view wasn't nice, he certainly had the body of a man who took care of himself. Closing her eyes to center herself once again before changing out of her leather, throwing the boots on the floor and the clothes. She would deal with it later just was hotter with it one now and she didn't want that. Finding a cream halter-top with a form-fitted look around her bust. And a pair of black shorts allowing her tone legs to be seen nicely she made her way back downstairs. Barefoot of course and into the kitchen. Deciding on a nice breakfast to fill them both up since she hadn't eatten she got up.

Despite everything they had a variety of suppies, animals around so she pulled out the bacon, eggs, toast and some fresh fruit. Grabbing two pans she got to work on cooking the bacon a little slow, scrambling a large batch of eggs before adding them to the other pan. Humming softly while she moved about grabbing a few things and adding them for seasoning. Enjoying the idea of cooking for someone else again.~

[markus]

"Huh.." It was really all he could think of to say in response to her race. There wasn't much else to say. It explained a bit that he hadn't understood before. But really.. Race wasn't that important. About the same as what hair color a person had. Markus didn't seem to worry at all over the information she'd given. What shocked him though was when she spoke next. "I never would have guessed that your race holds such an enormous talent. I am sure that it comes in handy at times." He said, the statement sounded more like a question than anything else. His tongue brushed over his lips, guessing that her little skill would come in handy to tell if someone was lying about someting. That had to be a plus. It wasn't difficult for him to understand why the woman had been made their ruler.

Again his hand raised to scratch at his scalp, feeling pretty dirty at this point. He was glad for the offer of a shower and a comfortable place to sleep. Markus didn't mind the ground, after nearly five years, one tended to get used to it. Hell, he hadn't slept in a real bed in nearly a year, he couldn't remember what it felt like to be able to lie in one and actually be comfortable. He caught the blush that touched her cheeks from the corner of his eye, though made no comment on it, the only reaction was the corner of his mouth turned up in a little smile. A faint laugh slipped past his lips, shaking his head softly. "Miss Tasha. I have played a body guard on and off for the last five years. Every time I encountered a group of people that had survived, I was always elected as the one to protect them.. I honestly do not know if this is in your best interest." He said seriously. The laughter vanished from his eyes, frowning deeply. "In the end, I was not able to protect them at all." He said, the frown deeping as remorse filled him. Of course he hadn't been able to protect them, it wasn't another person that had killed them. What had killed them were the slow effects of the gases. There was nothing he really could have done, but it weighed heavily on him still.

Hearing her concern for him at the idea of checking out the clinic, he laughed. Louder than before, his hand actually clutching at his side. It had been a long time since he'd laughed and it showed. It took only a couple of seconds for the laughter to fade until nothing but the smile remained. "I highly doubt that those working at the clinic have ever dealt with a stranger like myself." He said, still smiling. And it was more than likely true. It was rare to find a real military man around anymore. Most of them had been killed off in the implosion, most of the rest had died from the gases. He'd honestly never met another who had served before. And his hopes in it weren't very high.
---
He was in the shower for a while, hadn't even noticed when the girl had walked by his room. For a good part of it he just stood in the shower, letting the scalding water run over him. Once it had started to cool he actually washed up, he spent the most time on his hair. Though it was short, everything clung to it and his hair was filthy. Most of the water that came off of him ran black or at least a dark brown. He'd definitely gone too long without a proper bath. It was probably a good 45 minutes after he'd gotten into the shower that he stepped out, grabbing a towel and quickly wrapping it around his waist in the steam filled bathroom. He panted slightly, the humidity in the room already making him sweat.

Another five minutes and he was dressed, well boxers, jeans, socks and his dirty old boots with a towel around his neck to dry his hair and keep the sweat from his shoudlers. He slipped back down the stairs and headed toward the smell of eggs, the sound of crackling bacon. The thick towel still settled over his shoulders as he stepped into the kitchen, drying the back of his head. "That was well needed. Thank you again, Tasha." He said, casting a quick smile towards her.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Tasha looked once more over at him that look on his face once more before he spoke and she nodded.~ "Indeed it does come in handy more than one might think actually. But I know also not to always trust emotions as they can be faked or manipulated so its a neutral balance honestly." ~Brushing her tongue softly against her lips looking back out checking here and there for anything but honestly they hadn't had issues which was nice. Blinking her eyes before turning to see him laughing and raised a brow before he explained and she shrugged.~ "Let me be the judge of what is in my best interest or not Markus. I have survived much believe me I don't fear fate or what is instore for me. It is your choice I won't force you."

~Taking a moment having picked up on the remorse from him and moved her hand over and lightly touched his. Giving a squeeze but said nothing her eyes still looking ahead, although knew he would understand the sentiment. When he got on about the clinic it was her turn to laugh some before shaking her head.~ "Indeed I imagine there are quite a few who have never met the likes of you before. Still do me a favor and watch your back."

~She would give him whatever he needed to feel at ease and comfortable, also having a feeling that the bath was a much, much needed issue right now. So she wasn't surprised when he was gone for awhile more than most. It was why she had all the food on a lower setting mixing the eggs to keep them light and fluffy. Flipping the bacon before adding a few more. One leg cross over the other at the ankles her whole form relaxed. Of course hearing the water shutting off before his scent came along the air signally him drawing closer.

Keeping her attention on the food she slowly turned the heat up so it wouldn't take much longer. Looking over her shoulder at him and smiled some softly.~ "Your welcome. Can you do me a favor not sure how many slices you want but can you toast the bread? I just one two slices this will be ready shortly I figured you wanted a long shower so kept it low."

[markus]

"Yes. I would imagine that at times emotions could be manipulated or falsified.. Though I am sure with some people it is easy to get a better read on what is going through their heads, especially when they're not being interrogated." He said with a little smirk. He could only imagine the uses someone like him could put that skill to. Would make a handy little lie-detector. Then again, when paired up with someone like himself, it wouldn't really be all that accurate. He could definitely see the downside to it. He nodded slowly at the thought, even though he'd stopped speaking. A gentle smile pulled at his lips when she spoke, forcing him to nod again. "I suppose you're right, Tasha. You know yourself better than anyone else, you know what is more right for you than any other soul on this earth." He said, holding that little smile before his fingers raised to his forehead in a semi-formal salute, another indicator that he'd been in active duty. "If it is your wish, then I am at your service." His hand dropped back to his side, letting the smile fade from his lips. As her fingers reached out to grasp his, he pulled in a slow breath. Carefully returning the squeeze before he pulled his hand away. It felt wrong, made his heart ache for things that would never be his again. He only hoped he hadn't offended her with the movement.

His head inclined in acknowledgement to her concern for him to be careful when he went to check out the clinic, a faint blush hitting his cheeks at the comment of his individuality. Of course he would be careful, he always was. Even taking on the small role of bodyguard (though he really didn't understand why the woman would need one when she could so easily become a giant wolf), he still didn't feel that sense of purpose.. maybe it would come with time.

The long shower had seemed to wash years from his face, the way the dirt had caked to him had made him appear older than he really was. He honestly didn't notice the difference, but it was vast. He smiled at her quickly, white teeth gleaming down at her before he was asked to help cook. He was skilled in so many areas.. cooking was not one of them. Sure, he could handle making his own food out in the wilderness.. but that was usually hunting, skinning and spitting. Half the time his food was burnt and nearly inedible, but of course he would eat it anyway.. had to survive somehow. "S-sure." He muttered as he reached for the bread. Kitchens had a way of confusing him, when he was married, his wife cooked, never letting him in the kitchen on his own unless he was making something simple in the microwave. Before that the Marines provided his food, before that his mother had done the cooking. Sure, he was the oldest and had helped to raise his younger siblings, but that was more with fighting, education, manners. Not cooking. Never cooking.

He leaned closer to the toaster, looking at the dial that held the numbers. What did the numbers mean? How many minutes it cooked for? How dark the bread would get? How light it would be? God help anyone who tried to stomach something he cooked. With a tiny shrug of his shoulders he popped four slices into the toaster, one in each slot and pressed them down. He stared at the dials a moment longer before turning each one up to five. Seemed like a good, well rounded number to him. Of course that would also mean the toast would be nearly black, and of course he didn't know that either. He shrugged again and stepped away from the toaster, pulling the towel from around his bare neck to set onto the counter, leaning back against it almost awkwardly. He didn't really know what to do now.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Hearing his response about her little ability she couldn't help to smile at how he had phrased it but really he was right. Raising a brow some at the words he used and was getting the idea more and more Markus was military. Which didn't bother her honestly, had a great deal of respect for those who chose to serve. Looking over at him and smirked some before shaking her head some softly. She would have to show him later about why even she wasn't beyond asking for protection. Nodding her head in a bow to his little salute.

Picking up on the way he seemed unsure to help cook she didn't say it but had a funny feeling. Although glancing out the corner of her eye she knew damn well what level 5 would do,~ "Oh almost forgot becareful with the toaster and keep it around 2 or 3, the thing is fickle and setting it any highter usually results in burnt food. Sorry I forgot haven't done toast or anything really like that lately." ~Smiling over at him before seeing how he just leaned on the counter rather board.

Stirring the eggs once more she took a few of the bacon now done off and set them on the plates, before lowering the eggs since they were nearly done. Opening the cupboard she pulled out two cups.~ "Pick your poison I think only have milk or orange juice right now, need to run to she store soon. This is nearly done." ~Licking her lips some opening a draw and getting them both some silverware before turning and setting it down at counter since there were two barstools along the sides.

Checking the last of the bacon she flipped the pieces over before shutting off the eggs, making one more trip to the fridge getting the butter and jelly out than set them down. Now moving to dish out their plates, a faint little humming coming from her just low enough that he probably would hear it. Of course giving him a bigger helping, Tasha could eat but was a light eater mostly. And had a feeling he needed a good meal more than she did right now. Waiting to see how things went before deciding much else.~ "Alright breakfast is served just grab the toast I think its done and I hope you like it."

~Setting the two plates one in front of each chair before moving to soak the two pans for now.~

[markus]

Hearing the number she called out for the toaster made him turn, chewing at his lower lip before slipping the dials back to a lower number, somewhere between 2 and 3. It didn't seem like a good number to him, but then again, what the hell did he really know about toasters? His arms crossed back over his bare chest a moment, letting the green eyes dance around the large kitchen, taking everything in slowly before they landed on her as she reached for the cups in the cupboard. Without really putting a thought behind the action, his eyes trailed from her hand in the cupboard down her frame, lingering for a moment longer than needed on her lengthy legs. He cleared his throat, turning away from her and hoping to hell she hadn't noticed. A faint flush touched high on his cheeks and his heart ached. It was wrong for him to look at another woman like that, especially.. he sighed deeply, his right hand shifting to twirl the silver wedding band around on his left. Hearing her speak he snapped his gaze back toward her face.

"Juice, please." He said, offering a tiny smile before pulling his eyes away from her again. Better to avoid lingering gazes. His hand still played with the band, barely even realizing that he was. It was just a habit when he was nervous about something, or worried, or flustered or angry or hell, just about anything. The toast popped up from the toaster just as she started setting the plates out. Without thinking about how warm the bread would be, he quickly grabbed the four slices and carried them over to set two on each plate. He already assumed the larger one was his own and settled down at the table when she set them out. Markus quickly buttered his toast before sprinkling salt and pepper onto his eggs. He took a quick drink from the orange juice before digging in. It was obvious that he hadn't eaten a good meal in a while, especially with the little sounds he made while he ate. Almost moaning at the flavor of the food against his tongue. He paused for a moment, swallowing to clear the food from his mouth. "Thank you again, Tasha." He said with a smile, nodding his head to her before turning back to his food, taking larger bites than was probably polite.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Tasha didn't say much and let him have a little time to himself, noticing he was often thinking alot. So not wishing to interrupt or upset him allowed him time without much talking between them. Mostly keeping her attention on the food and how much got give between them although, she did feel something from him. Embarrasment perhaps or slight betrayal and took in a breath. Not sure why but had a feeling someone close he cared about died and given he was a male. Well she was putting two and two together. Markus was doing what she had when she'd caught a view of him naked, admiring the form. Not that she would call him out on it, his emotions were already doing a good job. Why make it worse?

Hearing his words she grabbed them both orange juice before setting them down near the two plates and looked back over. Smiling softly to him as the toast poppped up looking perfectly brown. Taking her seat she let him finish with the butter before she did the same than added a little jelly. A smile coming over her lips hearing him and couldn't help admiring his appetite.~ "Your welcome Markus, perhaps later on I can cook something bigger for a late lunch or earlier dinner if you like?"

~Taking a bite of toast before reaching for the salt and pepper to add a little on her eggs. Mostly keeping quiet as she ate, occassionally looking over at him. A lick of her lips holding back a giggle at his moaning with each bite, but it was nice to know someone else was enjoying her cooking. Finishing a bite of eggs and bacon before she turned her head fully towards him.~ "I assume you found everything alright in your room. Just let me know of you need anything or wish for me to pick you up anything."

[markus]

Unfortunately yes, he was male, and yes, someone he cared about had died.. multiple someones in fact. He was just glad that the woman wasn't asking too many questions, then again.. sometimes he didn't mind talking about it. Sometimes it could be good to let someone else in, something he hadn't done in a long, long time. He took a long drink from the orange juice and dug back into the plate of food. It wouldn't be long until at least half was gone. A smile spread over his lips after he'd swallowed again. "That would be excellent. It's been a long time since I've had a decent meal like this. You have no idea how good this tastes." He said with a little laugh before taking another rather large bite. Later he would feel ashamed for the way he'd eaten, but right now..? Right now he didn't care. It was delicious and he was starved.

He muttered something under his breath that sounded strangely close to "oh dear god," while he ate, the words close to another moan. Yes, it had been far too long. Markus couldn't stop himself from shoveling the food into his mouth. When she spoke again he waited a moment to answer, making sure that he'd cleared his mouth of food (only about three bites left on his plate). "Yes, I did. If you could point me to some place I could wash my clothes, that would be a huge service.. And-" his cheeks reddened a bit "-more please?" The question was more of a plea than anything. He'd eaten nearly everything on his plate and was still hungry. It had more to do with the way it tasted rather than his being starving. In truth his stomach had shrunk quite a bit over the last couple of years and he could feel that it was hitting that point of expanse already, but that didn't stop him from wanting more. Markus felt a little embarressed about wanting more though, with as much as he'd already eaten as it was. He scooped the last couple of bites into his mouth all at once and slid his plate away. He wasn't sure if she had more to give him, but his expression was expectant.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Tasha sat quietly eating her meal and letting him have some quiet time for now. Most of the time she didn't talk much either when she was eating and figured he was much the same. A look over at he did speak and smiled even more before nodded her head softly.~ "This gives me an excuse to use the grill for steaks, baked potatoes, some spinach and rolls? How does that sound of later one? Or if you prefer something else just let me know if its not here I can run to the store." ~Going back to her food and waiting to hear his answer.

Of course she didn't tell him they were t-bones either, smirking some to heself before taking a sip of juice. At his other statement she nodded some than smiled pointing to the side door just to his right that lead to the porch.~ "Sure just go out that door the washer and dryer are out there. So help yourself with whatever you need to clean I don't mind." ~Raising a brow though at the blush before he asked for more food. Softly laughing she shifted off the stool taking his plate.~

"Good thing I figured you might want more." ~Dishing out more eggs and bacon on his plate before she returned it to him and sat back down. Munching on her bread before once more digging back in on the remainder of the food she had left. Which wasn't much thinking it was nice having another around again and hoped he might stay for awhile.~

[markus]

Hearing what she had in mind for a dinner he beamed, white teeth flashing in a large smile. "That sounds perfect, Tasha." He said softly. Markus reached out a hand carefully and placed it over top of hers, giving a gentle squeeze to it to show his gratitude to her before pulling it back once more with another tiny flush. Even if it hadn't sounded mouthwatering, he wouldn't have told her. He couldn't see the point in her running out to buy something different when they already had food here. Markus took a quick drink from the juice, flashing a look to the door she pointed to at the mention of laundry. Having clean cloths sounded almost as appealing as the food in front of him. His tongue brushed over his lower lip, still tasting the remainder of the eggs as she snagged his plate and stood.

"Thank you again. I can't tell you just how much this means." He said quietly, offering a warm smile when the plate was set back in front of him. Without waiting for much more of a speech he speared a piece of bacon along with some eggs and quickly shoved it into his mouth. Once he'd swallowed the bite he looked back at her, brows furrowed. "I'm curious. How many others live here?" He asked, indicating more the house than the town. She'd already told him about twenty in the town, but how many actually lived in this large manor? While he waited on an answer he scooped another too large bite into his mouth. Yes, he would definitely feel bad later for the way he ate, but he was so hungry he didn't have the time to care right now. He chewed carefully, making sure he wouldn't choke, and washed it down with another drink of the orange juice, noting that it was nearly gone as well. He'd save the last swig for when he'd finished eating.

"What else should I know about things around here?" He asked. If he was going to stay, then there were some things he needed to know. Where others lived, what others did.. if any of them had a history- not like they didn't all have a history, but more so a criminal history that he needed to know about- that would make things dangerous, if there were children.. just basic things that any normal person should ask before settling into an area.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Seeing the reaction to what she said would be fore dinner she couldn't help the smile on her face. Biting her lip some but rather glad she had picked out something it appeared he would really enjoy. Bitng her lip some when his hand touched her but also understood the sentiment.~ "I'm glad you approve than Markus." ~Turning back to her plate she finally finished hers and sat back. Watching him slightly and was pleased to see him with such a hearty appetite. Licking her lips some before he spoke and she nodded.~ "Please think nothing of it."

~Grabbing her plate and glass she moved to the sink to start washing some of the dishes. Not wanting to rush him and when he spoke she sighed softly before looking over at him.~ "Right now just me, you and Wynx a little orphan shifter I found in the valley. A few friends have their own place so its all good. I'd love to have a...a pack again.." ~Trailing off she missed having others of her kind and even those like Wynx but being betrayed and than everything else. She wasn't sure it would ever happen again. Right now she wasn't sure she'd find a mate or have a family of her own. But didn't mention any of that.

Hiding how she was feeling behind that smile before turning back to the dishes. Listening to him work to clean his plate again grabbing the other pans and cleaning them up and was thinking a little before he spoke and she furrowed her brows some. Setting the items in the drain to dry before shutting off the water and turning towards him. Towel in hand.~ "Well obviously their are many different races and species around. Some humans, angels, shifters, demons, fae, half-breeds, neko's....vampires" ~A slight tone when she said the last but she pushed it aside tilting her head as she laid the towel on the counter.~

"Hmm from what I have gotten most are nice though I'm sure there are some I haven't seen that could be less than such. If things aside from the clinic mess are going well I don't try and look for trouble. Would think with how things happened in the world many would lay off causing more trouble. But I suppose you never know."

[markus]

Markus ate, mostly in silence, eating quicker than was probably wise, and taking larger bites than was truly appropriate in front of another person. But she didn't seem to mind it at least. His tone brushed over his lips as she stood, taking a moment to swallow down the rather large bite in his mouth before responding, a sad smile touching his lips. "Unfortunately with the way the world seems to be going, there are a lot of things none of us will ever have again. I do wish you luck with finding others like yourself, though.. It's gotta be hard to be all alone.." He said softly, his face not betraying the saddness in his heart. Of course he knew what it was like to be alone.. he'd lived it for so long now. It was painful really. Terrifying and cruel at times. He missed companionship, though at the same time was glad he didn't have anyone at his side day in and day out. For another person to know everything about him... with the condition he was in now?

No, it just wouldn't be healthy. He frowned and scooped another bite into his mouth as she turned her back to him so that she could wash the dishes. If he didn't have food still on his plate, he would have jumped up to help her. He fell silent again, at least until he heard the darker tone in her voice at the mention of vampires. A brow arched up slowly. "Not much of a fan?" He asked, eyeing her carefully. He, personally, had never had any problems with any other race. Well, aside from the usual anyway. He popped the last bite into his mouth and drained the orange juice before grabbing his plate and glass and moving to the sink, setting them down inside before frowning over at her. "There's always someone out there who puts on a good show, but under the facade is a much darker person than anyone really knows. Not to worry though-" he shrugged, rinsing his plate off-"as long as I'm here, I'll keep an eye on you.. Though I cannot promise to be here long." He said with a little shrug, turning his eyes onto the plate.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Tasha didn't really need to answer his comment, she understood and it seemed he did as well. Which for a brief moment had her wondering some about his past, his family but she wasn't going to pry. If he was anything like her it brought up to many memories and not all of them were ones anyone would wish to keep. A breath slipping out as she chanced a look over at him on his last comment,~ "it's always hard especially when they were family and everything feels empty without them around." ~Biting back the emotions washing over her picking up some on his as well as hers and she closed her eyes. Not really wanting to appear weak infront of him for crying.

Keeping her head down and prayed he hadn't noticed to much though as he commented on her tone she nodded. A sneer coming to slip over her lips before she looked back up and those eyes that were only a moment ago sad. Where now lined in hatred before she shook it away.~ "You wouldn't be either if they helped to destroy what mattered most in your life." ~Gripping her hands into fists and turned away taking in a few deeper breaths she knew she was going to get mad. But at the same time didn't want it to happen.
Though slowly with her back to him her hands would come to the side of her halter and move to bring it up, sure to the untrained eyes it might look...odd? But if one looked closely they would see why.

As it moved up higher and the light caught it just right, along her spine the length of it exactly was a long scar.~ "Feel from the base of my neck down to my hips just along the spine." ~Her voice was suddenly very low and she didn't try and look just kept her back having heard him coming up and well she wasn't sure why she showed him. Forgetting for the moment whatelse he was saying her eyes staying closed for the moment.~

[markus]

A pained look crossed his face at her words. Of course he understood all too well what she meant. When family was gone everything did feel empty, there was nothing that could fill that void left in their absence. Then again, Markus hadn't tried either. He'd seen many others who had lost nearly everything on the travels that lead him here, some of it wasn't good either. A lot of people turned their pain inward, putting themselves into depression, others pulled the pain in, but would turn to drugs. It was a vicious cycle. "And when it's family.. there's nothing to do to fill that empty space.." He stated sadly. He had to hold back a swell of emotion of his own, wanting nothing more than to break down over his wife and children once more, but couldn't. Not here. He would wait until he was alone in his room.

Of course he had noticed the change in emotion from the girl, if only from the way she stood. His tongue brushed over his lower lip, letting out a slow pained breath as he reached out for her before letting his hand drop back to his side. Hearing the way she spoke of the vampires he frowned, nodding slowly. "I can understand your pain.. I know that there is nothing I can say that would help, but I am sorry that you lost your family, Tasha." He said gently, reaching out again only to let his hand fall back to his side.

When her hands gripped the hem of her shirt and she began pulling it up he took a step back, wondering if now would be a good time to disappear to his room, though her request froze him. He stood uncertainly a few paces behind her, brows furrowed in confusion. With a low breath he stepped up behind her once more, hesitantly placing his hand against her warm flesh. Lack of nutrients and a few other problems with living in the wild so long had left his skin cooler to the touch, his hands rough from working outside. The first thing he noticed was how warm her skin really was and fought back to urge to place both of his cool hands against her spine just to warm them. Markus chewed at his lower lip, tracing his rough fingers down her spine to feel the scar. His brows furrowed more and even though he wanted to drop his hand, he couldn't seem to. His hand trailed back up the scar. "What happened to you?" He breathed out the question, unable to speak much louder than the whisper. His hand more than likely wouldn't drop until she pulled away from him.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~She didn't have to see his face it was already felt the pain he was giving off, though it was emotional. Sighing softly before he did speak and she sucked in a breath still trying to no break down. Dropping her head keeping her back to him for now it was easier not seeing someone and losing it. Or rather trying not to lose it that is. Licking her lips some to wet them not realizing he was thinking of reaching out to her. Tensing up a moment at his words of understanding and she felt a few tears falling down her cheeks. Throat suddenly tight and she swallowed hard before pursing them though unable to say anything.

When she had the shirt up and finally felt the touch along her skin she shivered. Not from them being cold, just the touch and relaxed just as quickly. The roughness wasn't an issue and she stood letting him trace the scar before hearing him.~ "It's my reminder and a long story." ~The sound in her voice was lower and she was failing at letting her emotions come out. A streak down her cheek already though she didn't make a sound unsure she could hide it anymore.

Keeping her place and not making a move to turn or get away more like hiding her face. Gripping the hem tighter as her arms seemed to surround her more and she exhaled. At the moment unable to think of anything to say which wasn't normal unless she was upset. Hating that the past still hurt and made her feel like a weak, and helpless woman. Bowing her head almost in defeat.~