Hunters and Webs, Working for House Darkweave

[Sarya]

The man might find himself a little uncomfortable in this setting, but then again it might be fine. The outer room was very well appointed with fine furniture and expensive art. The low, backless chairs had blood red cushions for those that had been waiting. It looked as if the abode was very, very new or not lived in at all. One by one rough, dangerous looking men had been led by a servant to a door at the other end of the room. What happened after that was a mystery, because they never came back out that way. Still it was a job after all; rich merchants that needed a guard to escort them around the lands of the empire.

Shadow Hunter was never quite completely comfortable in such settings, even after all these years. He'd grown up never seeing a chair and the only art he'd been privy to were the paintings and carvings that decorated the tents and lean tos he'd lived in. Still, he hid his discomfort well, though he did not sit down. Instead, he strolled with excessive casualness around the room examining the assorted pieces of art and regularly casting curious glances at the door.

The servant came out into the room once more. He was dressed like all of the others in loose breaches and similar sleeveless tunics. silver bands wrapped about their upper arms; circular disks with red gems that looked like eyes were embedded in them. "If you would come this way the master and mistress are ready for you." The red haired young woman led him inside the large office. Inside a golden skin woman
sat at a desk.

She wore a choker similar to the bands the servants wore; connect to white silk that ended somewhere just below her chest and tied behind her back. She told idly with an orb of crystal polished smooth. Each hand had two silver rings that were attached to bracelets by silver chains. A long braid of dark honey colored hair fell over one shoulder. The most unusual thing about her was the nask she wore in white and silver. It covered her face except for her honey colored eyes. The man, who was running his finger along the bare skin exposed on her neck, wore an identical mask. He was dressed in white leather that looked something like armor. "Ah yes," she said "Our final prospect. Please sit."

Shadow Hunter followed the servant into the room and immediately focused on the two people he found there. His eyes scanned them both quickly but he also took in their smell. Even if he found them without their masks or with different ones, he'd be able to identify them. He took a seat where he was told, sitting at attention. "The final prospect, huh? That's either good news or bad news. Either you've already made a choice and this is just a formality, or your desperate for someone acceptable."

"My twin and I." She lifted up the orb and it seemed the two of them were looking at him through the crystal. He picked up the rest of the sentence smoothly; as if they had always talked this way. "Already liked the look of you." His hand dropped down on her bare shoulder. He fell silent, still standing behind her, and she picked up the conversation once more. The woman's eyes focused on Shadow Hunter once more. "Now we need to know if we like the sound of you...the strength of you. I am sure that you can understand." How they saw him might be a little of a mystery; considering they had not once come to the outer room.

Shadow Hunter managed to fight the urge to look back at them through the crystal. His eyes moved from one to the other as they spoke and he made no comment about the strange method that they used to communicate. Twins often had their own language and clearly this pair was quite close. That much was obvious from the way they touched each other. "Well, I'm glad that I please, at least in one regard." he also didn't comment on them seeing him. There were no doubt peep holes into the waiting room. "I hope that I can live up to your other expectations."

"Ah yes..." she spoke. The mask hid her face, but the subtle movement of the mask and the light in her eyes said that she smiled. "You please us," her brother was quick to finish and the smile was identical. Still the sister was clearly the leader of the pair. She was the one sitting at the desk after all. So Tural fell silent and let his sister speak on. "Have you heard of our home? Do you know of Iumyiai?" The lush, jungle island had only one harbor. The city there was the only place outsiders were allowed to go. Anything else was often shrouded in mystery.

Shadow Hunter smiled at the compliment. He settled most of his attention on the sister, not a difficult task as she had quite a lovely figure even if he could not see her face. "I'm afraid not," he said with an apologetic shrug. "I am new to this area and I don't know much about it. I'm always eager to explore, though and to experience new places and people."

"You are more perfect still." Aysel stood up; placing the orb on silver stand in the shape of a web. Tural remained in the same spot while he spoke, "It is always a pleasure to teach." The female of the pair moved past Shadow Hunter and toward the large window that looked over the Skaelian imperial city. Her back was mostly bare to show the delicate silver scroll work that traced up her spine. She wore an ankle length skirt of white silk; though it was slit up both sides to her hips. It was more like two pieces of material belted together by a silver chain. Her feat were bare. The woman looked nearly like a slave herself meant to entertain wealthy aristocrats. "We need a guard with us as we travel during our business dealings. Our house insists on it."

Still, Shadow Hunter's eyes moved from one of them to the other when they spoke, though they followed Aysel more when their was silence. He wasn't so trusting as to turn his back on the man, however. After all, he'd yet to see anyone come back out of this room, though the lack of a pile of dead bodies suggested that they weren't massacring people wily nily. "It seems that your house is wise," he said. "Even those who are capable of taking care of themselves in dangerous situations can always use another pair of trained eyes to help on occasion. I assume, since you are representatives ofyour house that someone might benefit from abducting or injuring you."

Tural took a moment to talk, but only after looking at his sister for subtle approval. "The matron thinks that it would be wise. We always bow to her wisdom." Aysel smiled again behind her back; pushing the braid over her shoulder. It mostly covered up the tattoo on her spine. She looked over her shoulder while looking to the man who would be their potential guard. "We are the chosen representatives of W....House Darkweave. Our safety is important to the strength of our house." Aysel had stumbled over her choice of words momentarily, but was quick to recover.

"It's always good to listen to those in power," Shadow Hunter responded. He was a bit disappointed that the tattoo was hidden. He was enjoying examining it. His eyebrow quirked at her momentary misstep but he made no comment. "Your safety will be just as important to me if you chose me as your guard," he assure them.

"We choose you..." once spoke and then the other finished "...as our guard." One twin started the sentence and the other finished it without looking at each other. Talking that way had always come easy to them. Aysel took the lead again. "We will be sailing for a long time. You should tie up any loose ends you have before we go." The woman walked close and placed one hand on the desk. She leaned, across the seated man, and lifted a silk pouch that rested on a pile of papers. It clinked with so many heavy, imperial coins inside. Aysel had assumed he had accepted the job. "A show of our good faith; the rest will come with time."

Shadow Hunter took the opportunity to take in the woman's scent deeply. Despite how pleasant he was sure it would be, he did not reach out and touch her. Employers often had strange ideas about physical contact and it was possible that she considered him little more than a tool and didn't even contemplate how close they were. "As I said, I am new here. I don't really have any ends to tie." He took the pouch from her, tying it to his belt without even weighing it or looking inside to see how much was there. It hardly mattered, after all. He wasn't in it for the money.

"My name is Aysel. My brother is Tural." The woman straightened up with another smile behind the mask. "You may call us by those names when we are alone, but amongst the rest of the world we are Darkweaver. Even if we do already like you." The woman moved back to her twins side. His hand immediately went to her bare side before sliding to her hip. "Do you think that is fair?"

Shadow Hunter watched the pair curiously. He suspected there might be more to their relationship than sibling affection, but made no judgment. He'd seen such relationships in the Empire. "Of course," he replied. "I will use whatever title you are most comfortable with. And it honors me that you will allow me to use such familiar names in private. I am Shadow Hunter." He stood so that he could bow to them both.

"Shadow Hunter?" Tural commented in a surprised but pleased sounding manner. "What a perfect name." His sister seemed equally happy with the words. Aysel pulled away from her brother and his fingers drifted over her skin as she did. She moved to stand before the other man once more. "You will dine with us tonight, Shadow Hunter." His name rolled off her tongue, in her oddly accented voice, like she was caressing the word. It pleased her a great deal though she made no effort to say why. They both spoke the common language well enough, but both sounded as if they spoke very carefully.

Shadow Hunter's lips quirked. "I'm glad you like it. It was chosen for me." He watched Aysel as she approached and looked into her eyes as she stood so close to him. "I would be pleased to dine with you," he said. "When should I join you?"

"Masa will show you to your room." Aysel had also assumed the man would stay in the house. What else would he do after all? It was a perfectly serviceable room. The red haired servant from before stepped from her silent vigil in the corner. Aysel reached out; her hands running over Shadow Hunter's shoulders to smooth out the shirt he wore. "She will call you when it is time to dine."

Shadow Hunter cast a glance at the servant. Honestly, he hadn't expected the invitation, but this house would certainly be more comfortable than the inn he was staying at. And he would be close to his charges. He looked down at her hands and then back into her face. "Thank you," he replied, touching one of her hands lightly. He turned then to follow the servant.

[Sarya]

Masa clasped her hands before her when she bowed. She wore the same loose pants and tunics as the others. The young woman gave Shadow Hunter a friendly, secret smile before turning to lead him out. It might of been because she was very new or that he was very new. It very well could have been both. "This way please sir. I made sure the room was prepared."

The twins seem to have decided everything that would happen. They had the room prepared much earlier; as if they known this was the only day they would interview anyone. Aysel and Tural remained close to each other. They were often that way. There arms and fingers were intertwined, her cheek against his chest, while they watched the hired mercenary leave with the servant.

Masa led him down a long hallway and then through an open court. The sun poured down on heavy, dark leaves of tropical looking plants. The scent of large blossomed flowers perfumed the air. It looked like he had momentarily stepped out of the villa and into the jungle. They were only there a moment or two, passing quickly through, before she opened double doors.

The room was finely appointed, but looked like no one had ever lived a day in it. It looked and felt more like a show piece. Now that could of been reasonable if they had only owned the place for a short time. Large windows poured light into the room. A glass dome let light flood down on the low, net covered bed in the center of the room. The whole room was furnished to tend to any persons needs. "If you need anything you only have to use the cord to call me." Masa clasped her hands together and bowed once more. "If it pleases you then feel free to explore the garden. It is quite beautiful." The young servant bowed once more, but then lingered to see if there was anything else he needed.

[King Monkey]

Shadow Hunter glanced at the twins a final time before they passed out of his range of vision. He was curious about their relationship, but held no judgment. It was clear that they were close, but he wondered just how close.

He was also quite curious about their garments. It was quite strange that their servant wore essentially the same outfit that each of them did. Most people went out of their way to differentiate themselves from their domestics, though how they did that varied greatly.

Passing through the garden was both familiar and strange. He was born surrounded by massive trees and was quite accustomed to the dim, dappled light that a leafy roof afforded. He was less comfortable surrounded by the riot of undergrowth and the damp, oppressive heat that was inherent in a jungle setting.

He was duly impressed by the room he was assigned. It was clear that these people had plenty of wealth. That was a good thing, for more reasons than one.

"I think a little water is all I need for now," he replied to the servant as he fingered the netting around the bed and cast his eyes around the room. He did not sit down though and as she turned to leave his room he joined her.

Their paths only merged for a short time however, before he turned away. Slowly, he moved through the garden, examining the plants closely and even squatting down to touch the soil.

[Sarya]

Aysel moved through the canopy of trees. It was a little piece of her homeland placed in this strange city. It also helped that she was crawling along on eight legs. The large spider was black with silver markings running down her back. The movements were graceful, but they were also disturbing. It was not natural for most to think a spider could be so large. She watched their hired protector move along with faceted eyes; lowering herself on a strand of silk once he knelt to inspect the soil.

The strange woman would take on the more familiar form once he might turn to see what or who was behind him. The difference now was so she wearing a whole other outfit. Ayself had probably forgotten the fact. She was still practicing having to worry about such things. Now the aranea wore a halter top that left her back and the elaborate silver tattoo running down her spine exposed. The long skirt she wore was slit up the sides. The whole outfit was the deep red of some of the flowers growing in this small jungle. The red mask she wore this time only covered the top half of her face. The scooping neckline of her top set off a thin silver chain that appeared to carry a miniature version of the orb she had held on their first meeting. Bracelets, with tiny bells on them, rested on her wrists and ankles. They sang a soft song as she moved closer.

Aysel's lips were full and expressive; they curved into a mysterious smile as she started to speak. "What do you think of our home Shadow Hunter? We try our best to make it most acceptable." It was an odd way to phrase it. She had come out here without her brother. Later she would know if that bothered the other man.

[King Monkey]

Shadow Hunter tensed as the sound of something large approached. A moment later the sounds being made told him that it was some sort of animal rather than simply the servant or one of his hosts. And it was coming from above him. Perhaps his employers had some sort of exotic pet. He could only hope that it was friendly.

He turned smoothly when it grew close, moving slowly so as not to surprise or frighten whatever was behind him. When he was face to face with...her? his eyes widened in shock. In fact, for a moment, he looked beyond her, assuming that she was much quieter than she appeared and that what he'd actually heard was behind her.

He was so surprised that he didn't realize that she'd changed clothes. There was a quick flicker of his eyes as he once more took in her appearance and his gaze lingered on the lower half of her face. What was now exposed only made him more curious about what was hidden.

Shadow Hunter shook his head as though to clear it and tugged at the hem of the coat that he wore, though it didn't need straightening. Though of a plain blue color and simple cut, it matched well with the straight legged trousers and high, well polished boots he wore.

"It is...lovely," he replied, forcing himself to turn and look around at it all. He reached out to cup one of the flowers that matched her dress, holding it carefully without pulling it free of its stem.

"It is more than acceptable." He turned back to her and frowned slightly.

"Do you or your brother have a pet?"

[Sarya]

"Ah...a pet?"

The word rolled off her tongue as if she was unsure of it. She was indeed silent for a moment; translatiing just what it would mean in her native tongue. Aysel did not have long to think or even give the man an answer. Another spider lowered itself from among the branches; lowering it's large form behind Shadow Hunter. It was much smaller than she happened to be in her arachnid form, but was still as large in size as the man he was stalking. The spider was equally black with a silvery symbol that seemed almost like a blade.

Aysel was not pleased with her brother. She was trying to talk with the new one. Tural was always so difficult. He knew she could not make a scene now, but there would be payment from him later. Things had begun to become so very interesting. Aysel had been studying their new employee quite carefully.
The way his clothes fit. The way he moved. The way he looked. He would certainly be wonderful to devour. It was all very pleasing to Aysel. Now Tural had to be most difficult.

The woman touched the delicate mask and it slid like liquid to cover the bottom of her face before hardening once more. There was no need for Shadow Hunter to see her displeasure. Her brother would know it well enough. Aysel spoke in the strange whispering tongue when the large spider reared up on its back legs. Tural was cowed by the force of the language and skittered backwards.

"Yes. Here is a pet. He is a misbehaving pet right now. I will have to deal with him."

[King Monkey]

Shadow Hunter once more heard the sound of many feat moving through the foliage of the garden. Once more the sounds came from behind him, though he had no idea how the creature had gotten around him without him hearing it. Perhaps it was toying with him and only being stealthy when it would be amusing.

He could tell by the way Aysel's eyes moved that she saw whatever the creature was and he could see no fear in her expression so he was not afraid either. When she moved the mask, he studied what was freshly exposed, admiring her eyes and forehead. It was a strange trick of the mind, but even having seen both halves of her face he could not envision what it looked like as a whole. He had no doubt that he would recognize it if the mask were completely missing, but he could not create a mental composite of her features.

Shadow Hunter turned slowly after she spoke what was obviously a command and the sounds of skittering legs had stilled. There was a moment of consternation as he saw the size of the beast. Not to mention what it happened to be. Arachnids rarely made good pets, generally lacking all the social instincts that made an animal a good, obedient companion.

"He is quite exotic," Shadow Hunter said, honestly, backing up a couple steps so that he could stand next to Aysel while facing the giant spider. "Is he dangerous? Perhaps you do not need a bodyguard after all with such an impressive guardian."

[Sarya]

"He is nothing at all. Besides it is not practical to take him along. I think it would make others uncomfortable."

It was clear that she did not understand why, but she would bow to the wishes to others. It was also obvious that Aysel was very unhappy at the moment. Her brother was never so rebellious before. One finger touched the mask again and it completley covered her face.

Aysel made a point of moving much closer to Shadow Hunter. One hand rested against the man's arm. Now this was just a little of the punishment for Tural. Low, dark words escaped from her lips; the spider skittered back some more and disappeared into the foilage. Tural now knew that there would be trouble later.

"Spiders are important to our Grand Matron. We always keep them close. You need not worry about him. I am sure he will cause you no trouble."

Aysel's hand slid from the other man's arm and then rested against his side. Only her eyes were visible now but the gaze was intense. Her bare feet moved easily along the undergrowth; she stood between the man and where her brother had retreated. There was no space at all between Shadow Hunter and herself.

"Forget about the spider."

Aysel grasped his hand; sliding it along the silk of her skirt. Now she could be trying to flirt with him. On the other hand she could have no idea of what she did. Part of the point of being sent out into the world was to learn more of the way of humans.

"What do you think of this silk? Will it be pleasing to so many merchants and makers of fine clothes?"

[King Monkey]

"He would, no doubt make others uncomfortable, but I wouldn't say that he's nothing at all. He's actually quite impressive," Shadow Hunter replied as he watched the spider move away.

He was a bit surprised by the contact Aysel made

"Many nations have their own totem animals. I've seen eagles and lions most, but spiders are a fine choice. They are powerful, cunning predators and I don't know very many people who are not impressed by their web creating abilities."

As Aysel's touch became even more familiar, the turned his attention fully toward her. His brow furrowed slightly as he looked down at her. He wasn't certain if she was flirting or not. She was, undeniably unusual, and there was a chance that she didn't understand what she was implying.

"He is forgotten," Shadow Hunter replied with a crooked grin, though he cast a quick glance over his shoulder toward where the spider disappeared.

"It is very nice," he answered, stroking the silk softly before grasping it in his fist. He stroked it again with his thumb. When he released the fabric, his hand went to the slit in her dress. "I'm certain that everyone will like your silk. I'm no expert, but I certainly like how it feels and it looks very nice. I wouldn't mind having a garment made from it."

[Sarya]

"Good. You look like a man who knows many things."

Aysel found the man before her quite fascinating. Of course she would not tell Shadow Hunter that part of the reason was because he made her hungry. The matron would not approve. It was not the proper thing to do among humans and they were trying to make their first cautious steps at interaction. These first steps did not involve hiring a bodyguard, wrapping him in a cocoon, and then decouring him at her leisure.

Still it was a very pleasing image and Aysel had to take a steadying breath. It would not do to lose her composure. The woman turned instead, with a rustle of expensive silk, and stood with her back pressed against the man's chest. The silver tattoo on he rbare back, seeming to glint in the muted light, was hidden for the moment. It was how she stood with her brother after all and it might make him angrier. Tural deserved to be upset.

"You will have a garmet if it pleases you." Her expression was throughtful beneath the colorful mask that she wore. "Do you think it would be proper to find a guide? You will find one if you think it is proper."

[King Monkey]

It was fairly clear that Aysel was flirting with him. There was something off about it, though, some thread or undercurrent that he couldn't quite understand. Shadow Hunter would never have imagined that it was the fact that the woman wanted to eat him. He'd dealt with cannibals before but they seldom used this particular tactic. Generally, they just tried to grab or kill their prey and be done with it. Seducing their victims first was a whole different strategy. Perhaps if it were night he might have realized her desire, though then he would have assumed she was a vampire. As it was, in the light of day, he was both interested and confused by her behavior.

"I've learned my fair share of things," he responded. He was, after all, twice as old than he looked, his Daemon having kept him looking the same age for the past two decades or so.

When she turned her back to him, he put one arm around her waist, pulling her back against him. He kept his other hand on her thigh at the slit in her skirt. He didn't know that part of the reason she was flirting with him and the way she was choosing to do it was to make her brother jealous. He wouldn't have approved if he did know.

"A guide could be quite useful. I'm not from this place, either so I don't know the safest routes. While I will do whatever is necessary to protect you and your brother, I've found that the best way to guard someone is to make sure they don't get in danger in the first place."

[Sarya]

"I will leave this to your wisdom. You have wise eyes." If she saw something more than a human man than that would remain a mystery.

Aysel was quite pleased. She must have been playing the part of the human woman very well. Shadow Hunter reacted much like she thought a human man should. The research the agents before her had gathered made the aranea think so. His arm wrapping about her waist was quite interesting. She would have to put this in her own reports to the matron. It was not part of the natural interaction among araneas, but a spiders limbs are not conducive to such sign of affections. Ayself find that it pleased her to stand just that way for a moment.

Her analysis of the moment they shared would not last much longer. The small, crystal orb against her chest started to glow. Honey colored eyes momentarily burned in response. It was a call that she had no choice but to heed at the moment. The matron was not one to be kept waiting. Aysel did not yet appreciate all of the proper etiquette among humanoids. She briefly touched Shadow Hunter's hand before grasping and pulling it away. Light steps took her away from him and out of the jungle garden without a single word.

Tural had been wearing white leather that matched his sister's outfit. Now he had changed to a different armor in a red color. His face was always covered with a full mask. The young man found it highly inappropriate just to show outsiders his face. Tural had the grace of his sister, perhaps even more of it, as he jumped through the low branches of the trees. He made no attempt to hide the fact that each step brought him closer. Tural simply sat on a branch close to Shadow Hunter and stared. He wanted to see why Aysel would want to be so close to him anyway.

[King Monkey]

"I will do my best to find someone appropriate," he responded. For his part, Shadow Hunter enjoyed holding the woman for a very different, much more human reason. She was quite attractive, a fact he was sure of even having never seen her entire face. He'd seen each part and knew that they were all quite fetching.

It was not uncommon for rich women to enjoy the company of the men they'd hired, especially when those men were soldiers or bodyguards. There was something appealing to most women about a strong, protective man, after all and the further thrill of slumming with those beneath their social rank only added more appeal. Thus, Shadow Hunter, though pleasantly surprised was only mildly surprised by Aysel's advances.

He was only a little more surprised, though unpleasantly, when she abruptly broke his grip on her and departed. That was part of the scenario, too. Rich women often either enjoyed flaunting their power over the subjects of their trysts or didn't give a thought to their feelings. In either case, being dismissed or abandoned without a word or warning was only to be expected. He would be foolish to question her or get offended by her actions.

He did watch her walk away, however and, for the first time noticed the eye shaped patterns in her tattoo. Previously he had just seen it as a whole, but now his mind parsed it out and the shapes were glaringly obvious. And, they seemed to be looking at him.

Tural had already settled into his perch before Shadow Hunter turned his attention to him. Without a word, he reached up and grabbed a branch, hauling himself up. A few contortions and small jumps later and he was sitting on another branch not far away from his male employer. He was born and raised in a forest, after all. Climbing was almost second nature to him.

"It's impressive how well you can climb in your armor," he commented. "I take it you're comfortable in the trees? Did you climb a lot as a kid?"

[Sarya]

"Before this place I spent much of my life among the trees."

Technically it was a web laced among the massive trees that formed their jungle home. Tural did not find the fascinated enjoyment of being in this form. This was more of his sister's pleasure and that would have to be his pleasure. At least he would try his best to pretend and that would please Aysel just as well. The aranea did not care for this Shadow Hunter, but he kept the looked in both eyes as neutral as possible. Displeasing Ayself could sometimes be like displeasing the matron.

Now why did he think it was appropriate to sit beside him? Tural did not remember giving any sort of permission. Still, if he remembered from the things he had read, jumping and running off would make him look... What was the word that he needed? He would look like a human young. He did not want to look like anything; much less like a human young.

"It is best to be comfortable in this armor. It is important. Do you not wear armor?"

It was also easier to be more comfortable in armor if you called it out of the aether. This way it could be made to fit his form and each movement perfectly. Tural stood up both nimbly and with ease. He did not seem bothered or worried about staying balance.

"You must do all you can to protect my sister." He had almost said webmate, but then that might cause confusion.

[King Monkey]

"Me, too," Shadow Hunter replied. "Now, I hardly see trees at all. People like to cut them down and rearrange them too much." He looked around at the vegetation surrounding them contentedly.

"I wear armor sometimes. It depends on the situation, but rarely anything very heavy. I like to be flexible and mobile. The best way to avoid getting hurt in a fight is to avoid getting hit, not hope that some metal will protect you," he explained.

He watched the other man stand, again impressed by his agility and balance. "You should consider joining a circus. You'd be the main attraction."

He looked to where Aysel had disappeared. "I will, of course. That's my job. But, I was under the impression that I was supposed to protect you as well. Is that not true? Do you not need my protection? Are you a warrior as well as an acrobat? If so, perhaps you can help me watch over your sister."

Shadow Hunter did not stand, instead turning so that he could lean his shoulder against the trunk of the tree. One of his legs dangled off the branch while the other was laid out along it. He was balanced quite nicely and was quite comfortable and relaxed.

[Sarya]

"Here. They only have jungles of stone. They only have trees that are tamed."

Tural was not shy about expressing his disdains of these cities. He did not understand why anyone would want to live this way. It was not the life he wished, but it was the life placed upon his shoulders. Trying to disobey the matron would only lead to trouble for him. It could also lead to his death which would only be proper.

Shadow Hunter's talk of a circus drew the aranea up short. He was not sure what that word meant. The tilt of his head and the expression in his eyes revealed his confusion in that moment. Still he would not admit that was the case. The young, at least young looking, man began walking back and forth along the heavy branch. It bounced lightly with his movements but he did not matter.

"You will watch over us. It is what you are hired to do. I am a shadow. I am not a warrior. It is a different thing. My twin is not a shadow. She needs more protection. You are to protect her."

Which meant to leave the other things alone. He did not need to hold Aysel. He did not need to talk to her. These things made Tural quite unhappy.

[King Monkey]

"True. There is none of the beauty of the wild, here," Shadow Hunter responded, looking around their garden. "Little places like this are a nice substitute, but most people try to organize and tame them as well. Even when you find one that is allowed to grow naturally, it is often just a reminder of what's truly missing once you leave."

He listened closely to Tural's next words. He had a strange way of talking. Actually, they both did. Shadow Hunter assumed it was because they were not speaking their native language and he also got the feeling they were from a very different culture from what he was accustomed to. That was the only way to explain the difference in the very concepts that were voiced.

As such, he completely missed the subtext of Tural's words and the unspoken demand there. His eyes narrowed as he contemplated the words and a slight frown marred his face.

"Of course. I won't let anything stand in the way of protecting you both. Do you mean you are Aysel's shadow? Or do you mean that you are like a shadow because you can remain hidden and quiet?" he asked.

"If you have those kind of skills then I hope that you will use them to help me in my duties. Perhaps a more prideful man would demand that he be allowed to do it all himself, but I think it is more important to get the job done, especially a job like this where there is no margin for error than it is to take a chance on pride. I will use every tool at my disposal to keep you both safe."

[Sarya]

"I wish that this were home."

Much of what he said may have sounded strange, but the momentary longing in Tural's voice was universal. Most anyone would notice it immediately and perhaps they would sympathize. The young aranea had never wanted to come here. It had been the order of the matron, but Tural journeyed to please his sister. Now that was most important to him.

Tural scowled beneath the elaborate mask he wore. It seemed obvious to him what was meant by shadow. He could skulk and hide and come upon his prey undetected. The mark of it was upon his back. How could this Shadow Hunter not realize it.

"My sister has her own shadow. I am my own shadow."

Tural got a small running start and leapt to another branch. The branch danced in response beneath him for a moment. Aysel would be so angry if he bit this man. It was one thing to be fascinated, but she took it too far. Tural thought momentarily of telling all of this to the matron, but thought better of it. It could not end well.

"We will dine soon. You will join us then."

The thought of that was not appealing to the aranea either. Eating the food that humans did, in the style they did, was very trying. It was much better to catch something in a web and dine. Chopping and boiling and covering with sauce took all the good parts of it away. Now having that thought in his head; Tural moved away and started disappearing among the branches.

[King Monkey]

Although Tural's words technically could have been taken two ways, the longing in his voice left no doubt as to what he meant. It was obvious that he wished that he was home rather than wishing that this place was his home.

"It is unfortunate when duty takes us away from what makes us comfortable and happy," Shadow Hunter replied, letting a bit of the wistfulness he felt for his own home so far away creep into his tone.

"Of course. Pardon my confusion," he continued as Tural explained his earlier words. "I can see that you are quite skilled at stealth. I hope you will use your abilities to assist me should trouble come. I would certainly appreciate it."

Shadow Hunter did not follow the other man as he made his way through the trees. Instead, he just watched him, waiting for the moment when he disappeared from view. He gave a grunt of interest when the foliage closed around Tural and he could no longer say exactly where he was.

He remained where he was for a few more minutes, simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Then, he slid back, catching himself by the backs of his knees. Grabbing the branch he was sitting on he twisted back, performing a back flip as he let himself drop out of the tree.

Brushing his hands together to clean them off, he went back to his room. A little soap and water finished the job of freshening him up and he straightened his clothing to be ready for dinner.

Then, he moved back to the door of his room, leaning against the jamb to wait to be summoned.

[Sarya]

Aysel had taken it in her mind to treat their new bodyguard somewhat like a doll. She had the man fitted for new clothes as well as armor if he so wished. They were all quite finely made. The strange woman didn't know very much about the proper way to act around people. Part of her reason of being away from the island was to learn such things. Shadow Hunter was something of an unwitting teacher. Tural stood beside his sister on the dock before their waiting ship. They both wore clothes the color of tropical waters along with silver edged masks. They always wore masks. At the moment they watched the workers load trunks on board.

Shadow Hunter didn't mind being dressed at all. In fact, he went out of his way to wear the clothing Aysel picked for him, so long as they weren't uncomfortable. He also took her up on her offer of armor, though he was highly involved in its manufacture, making sure that it was made to his specifications. Clothing mattered little, but armor was important. He stood near the pair as their trunks were loaded but his eyes were moving around the fog carefully, seeking out any danger to his charges.

"We will be..." One twin started and the other finished. It was occasionally difficult to know which was speaking with the masks. "...one our journey soon." Tural looked toward his sister and it was obvious that he spoke. "I wish to see our shores again." Aysel was more fascinated by the world at large. She did not mind exploring. She also turned to face her brother once a wild looking figure burst forth from the water. "Vile creature. I see you. I will end you." The human man was soaked and his dark hair was plastered to his face and skull. He attacked Aysel with a vicious looking blade. She stood there as if she did not hear him behind her.

Shadow Hunter was, to a degree, accustomed to the strange way that the twins spoke. At least he wasn't creeped out by it any more, though he still wasn't always sure which one was speaking. Despite his vigilance, he was surprised by the sudden appearance of an assailant. His reflexes were quick, though, more than humanly quick and, in a moment his sword was in his hand and he stepped in between Aysel and her attacker to block the blow. He thrust his palm at the man's chest to shove him back and give himself some room to fight. "Move!" he barked to the twins to get them out of danger.

They did move but it was very slow. It was almost like the twins were too fascinated by the spectacle before them. It took two men dropping a trunk and grabbing their arms to get them moving faster. The two men weren't really heroic. They just wanted to preserve their pay. The dead did not hand out coin to them. They pulled the twins toward the ramp up to the ship. The man did not fight like someone who was trained. He happened to be more like a wild animal. Their attacker stumbled back and swung wide at the man between them. "You cannot stop me. I see them."

Shadow Hunter ducked under the blow, feeling a bit of breeze from the swing washing over him. As he rose up afterward, he swung his own sword at the man's stomach. "That's where you're wrong. I'm quite capable of stopping you. I just don't know why I have to. What do you see?" He cast a quick glance over his shoulder to check on his charges and was fairly satisfied to see them being hustled away.

"I see them. They will devour us all." It was clear that the man was not stable. He was ranting like a mad man. There was no style to his fighting. He was only trying to hurt anyone in the way to his goal. The assassin tried to slash at Shadow Hunter's face he turned to look over his shoulder.

Shadow Hunter turned back just in time to spot the slash and brought his sword up to block the blow, sending a loud clang reverberating through the fog. He twisted his blade in an arc, bringing it down in a slashing motion at the man's torso. "Ooookay. That doesn't really answer my question, but it does answer another. Obviously you're attacking them because you're crazy."

"They will devour you. I can see. You will see." The man pulled the dagger back and over his head. He was trying to bring the weapon down onto his opponent with as much force as possible. Aysel and Tural had their heads tilted the exact same way. It was clear they were interested in the spectacle before them now. Their hands rested on the rail in identical positions.

Shadow Hunter slipped to the side of the attack. He shifted forward, his feet moving quickly over the rough planking of the dock. Drawing his right foot forward, he swept it back, his calf aimed the the backs of the man's knees to knock him off his feet. "You say they're going to eat you, yet you're the one trying to kill them. Ironic, isn't it?"

The man was too crazed to notice just what Shadow Hunter was doing. His knees gave and the attacker went falling forward. The troubled man was lucky that the blade went skittering across the dock; as opposed to digging into his flesh. Still he was trying to scrambled forward and get the weapon but it fell into the water.

Shadow Hunter was in no mood to play with the man. He turned and knelt on one knee rapidly next to him. In the same motion he brought the hilt of his sword down at the back of the man's skull. The slither scrape of metal on wood followed by the hollow sploosh of something falling into the water assured him that the man's weapon was no longer a threat.

The man stopped moving, but if he was still living was a momentary mystery. Aysel stepped down the gangplank and back toward the scene. She only got halfway down before Tural joined her and they stopped moving. The woman's stomach was bare; except for delicate silver chains embedded with jewels. They connected the slippery silk skirt connected to the top. Another set of shorter chains connected to the delicate band about her neck. She looked more a servant than a master in the clothes. The movements in her stomach betrayed that her breath came quicker. Most thought it was because she had been frightened. "Bring him..." The twins held hands as they started to turn "...on board." They moved back up the plank.

"That seems..." Shadow Hunter called out to them before they turned away "..dangerous." The last word was all but a whisper as he realized how pointless it was. With a sigh, he looked down at the man again. Reaching out, he pressed two fingers against the man's neck to see if he still had a pulse. "Bring rope!" he called to some of the sailors, though it might not be necessary if he'd killed or paralyzed the man with his final blow.

His pulse was very faint but then crazed man was still alive. It would probably not long be the case with the twins on board. He could be devoured without too much trouble and fulfill the prophecy of his ranting. The twins moved along and disappeared below decks. The rest of the men looked confused but one of them did bring rope. A teenage boy, finely dressed, raced to talk to Shadow Hunter after a few minutes. "The mistress will see you."

Shadow Hunter carefully bound the man's wrists and ankles and then bound his wrists to his ankles. It was hardly a comfortable position, but then the man would be unconscious for quite a while so he wouldn't notice. He checked the man for any sort of identification or clues about why he might have attacked. "Very well," he said to the boy. He made sure that the man he'd knocked out would be secured appropriately and then went to Aysel's room, knocking softly on the door.

The clipper had been modified to give the twins and their guard more room. Aysel opened the door with a bemused smile hidden beneath her mask. The quarters on the ship were as lavish as those at her home. Except here the expensive furniture was bolted down to the floor. "You did very well my bodyguard. You are a fine fighter. Please. Enter." With that she stepped to let him inside of the room.

Shadow Hunter was accustomed to such accommodations. Where he was from it wasn't unusual for someone powerful to have as much as half a ship for their own quarters. Of course, he was also accustomed to sleeping in a hammock strung over cargo. "Thank you," he replies to her praise as he steps past her and turns to look at her. "I'm sorry he got so close. I hope you were not frightened."

"I was a little frightened. It has never happened to me before." Aysel sounded by far more fascinated than frightened by the incident. She touched one hand to her chest for a moment and then walked to a door in the right wall. She unlocked it and then pushed it open. A smaller but still more lavish set of quarters waited through the door. "You were distracted and so I didn't get to show you before. You will have close quarters to watch over us."

Shadow Hunter quirked an eyebrow as she showed her fear. It was one of many gestures that appeared just a bit false. It was almost as though Aysel was always on a stage portraying a role. A role she had studied well, but not her true self. It hardly mattered to him. He had a job to do after all and her quirks did not interfere. "I hope it will never happen again." He looked at what were, apparently, his quarters. "You're going to spoil me," he said with a smile. "But it will be good to be close to you. For the job, of course."

Aysel stared into the other room. The colors there were ones that she was told happened ot be more masculine. She did not see the use of such things, but then she came from a matriarchal society. The woman did not look at him, but the elaborate tattoo seemed to inspect the bodyguard. "Shall I have you sleep near the cargo? This way you will not be spoiled?"

There were many blues and reds and blacks in his room along with deep wood tones. It was quite masculine and Shadow Hunter liked it, feeling immediately comfortable, though it was a bit overdone. "No, that would be too far away. If there was trouble it would take too long for me to get to you. Perhaps I will just sleep outside your door." He smiled crookedly to show her it was a joke.

Aysel lifted her arms and braced them against against the frame of the door. Her hands rested flat against the varnished wood. The woman turned her head just enough to look at Shadow Hunter's face. Her long braid of hair fell over her shoulder to dangle down her back. "I am kind. I would get you a pillow to sleep on." The movement of the mask seemed like she might smile.

"See? Spoiling me again," he quips. "We rugged warriors have to be in conditions that are as rough as possible." He looked at his room again. "But that bed looks very comfortable. Maybe this one time I can be spoiled."

She laughed. It managed to sound like something Aysel did not do very often. Perhaps it was not something that spiders did, but it came naturally with this form. Her head tilted ever slow slightly toward the bed. "You should try it now to see if it is comfortable. If not then I will have it thrown into the ocean. You should be spoiled properly."

"If you like," he replied, moving to the bed and sitting on the edge. He bounced a couple times and then laid back, clasping his hands together under his head. "Oh yes. This is very nice. It should definitely not be thrown overboard. I suspect the sailors would be unhappy if it was."

There was a small table that had food set upon it. Aysel moved over and picked up an expensive looking plate. It was piled up with grapes; which she didn't particularly care for but it was said others did. The woman carried it over and sat close to Shadow Hunter; offering up a piece of fruit to his lips. "Do you think my brother and I should care if they are unhappy?"

Shadow Hunter watched her closely. He wondered again if she were trying to seduce him or if she thought of him more like a pet. To try to determine which was true, he sucked her fingers gently after taking the grape into his mouth. "Yes," he said after briefly chewing and then swallowing the piece of fruit. "I can't guarantee that I could protect you from all of them if you offended them enough to be violent and I know that they can find a dozen other ways to do us harm if they decide to."

"Do us harm?" Aysel spoke the words as if she welcomed them before catching herself. The woman's tone modified after that and she went to feed him another grape. She made no move to get away after his first test. In fact that also made her sound pleased. "You are the bodyguard and we will bow to your wisdom."

He looked at her strangely at the slip. "Yes. They could poison us, or knock us overboard or simply starve us. We could kill them if it came to that, but we hardly know how to sail. At least I couldn't run the whole ship myself. Better to try to keep everyone happy." This time, he caught her wrist with one hand, keeping her hand steady as he sucked and licked her fingers slowly before eating the grape she'd given him as an afterthought.

"They could try." Her eyes seemed to burn a moment at the challenge. The words seem to entice her as much as the work of his lips. It was one more thing that Aysel would experience, enjoy and learn from in the end. "Do you like them?" She did not specify if she meant her fingers or the fruits as she leans closer. The place set on the bed beside her.

Shadow Hunter frowned at that. He enjoyed being their bodyguard, but he did not enjoy guarding someone who seemed intent on getting herself into trouble. Still, he wasn't interested in fighting with her, especially as she leaned closer. "Very much," he replied, reaching up with one hand to grip her shoulder and hold her close while propping himself up on the other elbow.

Aysel shifted subtly and the tiny gems in the chains made bumped against each other with small sounds. One of her finger's pressed to his lips; tracing out the path of the frown. The mask hid her expression but there was questioning in her voice. "Do I displease you?"

"Only some things that you say," he replies quietly. He moves his hand down her arm and to the bare spot between the top of her garment and the bottom. "As your bodyguard, it troubles me a bit when you seem so eager to put yourself in danger."

"I am only curious about danger. I will try to only listen to the stories you must be able to tell." The feel of his hand along her arm managed to pull out a pleased shiver. This kind of skin was still a whole list of experiences to the female aranea. One hand lifted and touched the edge of her mask. It flowed like a living liquid; coiling about her wrist to form a bracelet. She allowed Shadow Hunter to view her face fully. He had seen her large, honey colored eyes before. Her face, in full, looked almost unnaturally perfect. She looked almost as if she had been carved into life. "You must see that I trust you."

"That will make my job much easier," he replied. His hand stilled on her skin as he watched her mask change into a bracelet. He hardly noticed the effect though, far too entranced with what was revealed by the change. He blatantly stared at her, fascinated by her beauty for several long moments. "I see," he replied quietly, though it seemed he hardly realized what he was seeing. His hand slid back up her body and he cupped the back of her head, drawing her face down so that he could capture her lips with his own.