Chess game

[Mael Feu]

-{it's not marked closed so therefore it's open if any feel the itch}-

Insomnia was a bitch.

Something he's had for years it wasn't hardly an issue for him. Except for when it came to being here. His intentions were not to be at this in so early in the operation but here he was anyway, time to make due.

This particular evening was the same as all the others: laying in the single bed and staring up at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. At 2 am the cell phone on the side table would vibrate and the screen would flash in it's illuminant glow to let him know someone was calling. Didn't bother to see who it was he reached over and pushed the buttons on the side that declined the call and made the phone go quiet. Pulling knees to chest he rolled out of bed, his shoes hitting the floor and pants falling into place. Arms stretched out in front until his shoulders popped then he gave them a roll, picked up his phone and dropped it in his pocket. A single run of his hand through his hair and he was out the room.

The door click-shut behind and he put his hands in his pockets as he started down the hall. He didn't know if Firefly was awake or not so he didn't bother her door. No need to look up or down the hall to see if anyone else was about - it wasn't a large and elaborate hall and if others were there and watching him that was their business. He was headed downstairs.

His phone would ring again, he only had to wait. One of the benefits of being an insomniac: you were available at any damnable hour. If he chose to be. The next call he got would decide if he thought it worth his time or not.

To pass the time he went to the lounge, there was a chess table and it was a game he liked. His job was like a chess game - strategically placed pieces making moves to conquer the other side. He didn't always win at the game but he always made sure he had an out, that's how a person survived.

Mael turned on the light and sat down at the game. It was a two-person game, sure, but strategy could be plotted out alone.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->The woman at Starbucks gave the Inn a glowing review, and although she had yet to check in Keegan had been prowling the grounds. Her migraine was slowly going away, and now she was just looking for a place to rest and people watch. You could learn so much by watching how others interacted, or simply went about their day to day activities. This has always fascinated her, that could explain why she now found herself entering the lounge. She had expected more people here, but it seemed there was only one and it appeared he was playing chess with himself.

-->She seated herself close enough to observe but not close enough to invade his personal space. Keegan all but flopped into the leather chair and audible sigh of relief was given. Helmet was placed beside her on the floor. "I wouldn't over think it." Okay, so she was bored enough to speak to a stranger, and yes chess was a game of strategy it didn't always pay to over think the next move. If he glanced up she would offer him a smile, if not then she would sit there without a peep and watch him. Her own vibration was felt within her pocket but Keegan opted to ignore it. It was probably Christian and she was in no mood to deal with him.

[Mael Feu]

His back had been to the door but sight wasn't needed in order to know that someone had entered into the room. Especially if that someone wasn't giving two cents about their footfalls. Given the early (or late depending on viewpoint) hour of the day it was no surprise to him that others were not around and that suited him just fine.

Didn't bother to look up after the female landed in the chair, or after the sigh, or even after her words. Instead he waited and stayed his eyes upon the board. He was wearing a shirt even if it was only a tank that fit. Black rook was picked up and set down at B5.

"I wouldn't undermine it either." After the move was made would he lift up his head and shift his gaze her. And the helmet as that was the first thing he actually noticed because it was out of place with the rest of the room.

After the helmet the rest of her was given a once over, the way his light eyes focused belayed the fact that he was making his conclusions about her in his head. One of them being that she was either tired or bored - could even be tired of being bored. People didn't sigh for the sake of sighing, there was always some reason behind it.

Though she offered a smile Mael didn't smile back in return. The feet of his chair brought slightly sounds of protest from the floor as his seat was pushed back an inch or two. His eyes were still settled on her

"Late night or early morning?"

[Keegan Navaro]

-->Soft chuckle with his words and her own one word reply was giving. "Touche," yeah he did have a point. Keegan knew precious little about chess so there was nothing offered in a way of a counter but he didn't look like he needed anyone to play against. Dark eyes hidden by half lowered lids might have given the appearance she was about to fall asleep, so far from the truth she was covertly checking him out. He had a fresh from bed look about him but it was in the eyes as they lifted to meet her gaze that told his story, he looked a bit weary.

-->The male was making no point to hide his roaming eyes, but with Keegan what you see is what you get. Yes, the helmet was the cherry on the biker cake if you will. Black boots with steel caps, leather pants were not worn for fashion but more so for safety, but it was the half leather vest that exposed bare midriff that shot safety right out the window. She was sure her mane of coal black hair was a bit disheveled but you would have that after being stuffed into a helmet.

-->She glanced at her watch then pondered a moment before answering. A quick lick of lips to add a glistening sheen of moisture first. Too lazy she was to dig out her Nivea Lip Balm. "Really late night I guess." It had been just over forty eight hours since she had slept but this night owl could got a lot longer without it. "Just rolled into town ahead of the storm and needed a place to crash for the night." Was she slap happy or something? Keegan wasn't usually the chatty cathy type.

-->"Yourself?" Turn about was fair play but he didn't seem the type to give two figs about that. His lack of a return smile was taken in stride, hers never faltered. Kill them with kindness was something her auntie had always said to do, so no matter what that pretty little smile was flashed until her cheeks would end up hurting, but not tonight. It she wasn't in the mood for being the pretty bimbo most mistook her for. No, tonight she was bored and exhausted from her ride, but not tired enough to sleep. Not to mention she hadn't even checked in yet, would there be a room available or someone at the desk at this hour?

[Mael Feu]

Biker.

There was nothing wrong with bikers. He could buy that considering it was how she looked, but if she was writing him off as an average late night prowler then he would let her. No harm in the matter after all. He might have look a bit weary in the eyes but he had enough wits, strength and stamina to handle a task that may be in the making. Didn't learn to be an insomniac without developing the ability to function when the clock ticked away seconds of your life.

He watched her as he licked her lips but it wasn't a suggestive way that said he wanted to f-uck - like some men did when they looked at a female. If that's what he wanted it would be evident with something more than a look. Mael was looking to study and it was often the subtle or slight movements that spoke more about a person than the obvious. Her answer about it being a really late night put her to be a night owl like himself.

"Afraid to get wet?" Inquiring done with a return in his position to the chess board. Mostly all of the pieces were out of their original order and now he was placing them back to ready-play position. "A storm may be just what we need." He was hardly dressed for walking in a downpour if that's what turned out happening but it wouldn't be the first time. Rain was water and he wasn't allergic nor was he going to melt.

He was putting away the pieces because the phone in his pocket was going off again, just as he knew it would, and if she were watching him she would see his left hand slip down into his pocket. The phone was pulled up just enough for him to check the screen. This time he didn't push the side button that would allow the call to immediately decline. With the call being allowed to ring and ring the person on the other end would know that he had accepted. He put it back in his pocket.

Rising from the game and the chair he hooked his foot around the chairs leg and put it back where it belong with a single motion. "Neither a late night or early morning. Just a time." He had a straight stance with trained posture. There was nothing tired or worn in the way that he stood.

Hands moved to go inside his pants and he looked at her before nudging his head towards the door. "Let's go." Was anything else needed to be said? He couldn't be talking to anyone else besides her as they were the only two in the room. Manners may have needed brushing since he didn't ask or say please but at least his voice wasn't condescending.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->Keegan afraid? Of very damn little. Fingers of five lifted to brush back the hair from her face before settling back onto leather thigh. She contained a chuckle since they both were observing like they were the pieces in a mental game of chess. She had her fill of lecherous males coming on to her but he didn't pose a threat or give off that come hither vibe. Conversation would be continued for it did pass the time and curb her boredom. "Not in the least. I love the storms, but my bike doesn't." She'd leave out the portion that she was unfamiliar with the area and didn't want to risk losing traction, or the fact she was stood up.

-->Eyes drifted to the board as his attention returned there. He was right, a storm would be nice to see and hear right now. Soothing was the way the thunder rolled against the black sky while lightening played a never ending game of chase. "Perhaps." That was her answer to his statement, she really didn't know what we he was referring to, the Inn, the town or them. As the pieces were put away she did catch the slight movement of his hand, how many times had she done that herself. Some were rewarded with a quick dismissal while others had to endure the realization that she simply didn't want to answer their call.

-->Now that he was standing Keegan once again returned her focus to checking him out, she too was one that observed to learn more about another, from the way they stood to how the shifted in their stance. People were curious creatures to observe, and a lot could be said about his almost perfect posture. It struck her as odd but then again she didn't know anything about him. Maybe he was a dancer classically trained, or a solider or fighter. Either way, she never judged a book by it's cover because if she did she would have missed out on a lot of good..times.

-->His nudge brought her line of vision towards the door she had entered only a few minutes ago then back to him. "Why not." And with that said helmet was picked up from the floor as bum scooted to the edge of the chair with one fluid movement she was now standing and tucking her helmet beneath her left arm. Soft grunt as her own phone went off, this time she took the time to pull it completely from her pocket and sent a heavenly roll of eyes before shoving it back into her pocket. Yeah, snooze and you lose and right now her best friend could suck a rotten egg as far as she was concerned.

-->Keegan would follow his lead, and hopefully not like a lamb being lead to the slaughter, although she could take care of herself. That pretty little switchblade was never far from her reach but let's not worry about that. Maybe he was the night clerk and was going to check her in, or maybe he was inviting her for a stroll in the storm? She would have asked but she realized she didn't know his name, unlike most Keegan didn't care about names. She knew he was talking to her so what did it matter? Sweeping gesture of right hand towards the door to indicate she was ready.

[Mael Feu]

The fact that she didn't hammer him with a questions about where they were going, why he wanted her to follow or something other marked a plus in his mental checkbook. Questions were the way to get answers but there were some people that asked questions that were not warranted. Like those people who did things under their own osmosis yet asked a thousand questions about why and how they shouldn't be doing it in the first place. Right.

Leaving out of the room he noticed she took her helmet but didn't say anything about it. He didn't expect her to leave it. He had a steady walk rhythm that wasn't tense or ridged but looked rather casual or nonchalant. But if she was expecting him to stop past the front desk then she was mistaken. Though his own experience with the check in probably gave him enough know-how to check her in it wasn't what he was going to do. The Lounge was not too far from the Front Desk and as he began to pass it for the front door he motioned to it with a casual wave of his hand.

"If you want to check in, there it is." Was he even sure that someone would be around to tend to her at this hour? No, but he wasn't the one wanting to check-in. "Otherwise." There was the door.

"We're walking." Walking in the rain if it came to that. When the door was opened he took a whiff of the air - if rain was in the forecast it was usually noted in the air as it would smell damp. And it did. Half hour, hour away at the most. His conclusion was that with the time it would take to go to his destination and return avoiding the rain wasn't an option.

"There's a stable you can store your bike from the storm." She had mentioned her bike. No point in trying to keep it out of the rain if it was only to get drenched while sitting outside. He knew there was a stable around back. You could see it from outside.

He had some manners, he held the front door open for her to walk through if she was still coming and not staying at the desk.

They were on par with the names. Later maybe if the need for it came around, but he wasn't the 'Hi, my name is' type.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->Questions and answers in her book although needed at times seemed irrelevant most times. She operated on a need to know basis and right now she didn't really need to know anything. Unlike most women Keegan was laid back and went with the flow. If something didn't sit right with her, then maybe she would ask a question or two. Hounding someone with a barrage of questions wasn't her style, so therefor she was moot as she followed him out of the lounge. Each step was rather silent considering her footwear but if nothing else Keegan had a natural grace and calm about her. Confident. That's what our girl was but not vainly so. Amused smile as they were about to stroll right on by the front desk, she would follow the direction of his hand but small negative shake in answer coupled with a few words. "It can wait."

-->Walking it would be, and walking in the rain would be delightful if it came to that. Looking like a drowned rat would horrify most but there was something cleansing and renewing about rain. Sure, her makeup might run and her hair stick to her skin but when it's all said and done beauty or the picture perfect beauty women seemed hell bent on achieving was no concern to her. She wasn't oppose to getting dirty, or looking less the beautiful and that might explain why she enjoyed being a mechanic so much. It went against the stereo type of it being a mans occupation. "If it won't detour us much."

-->It seemed he already had an idea of where they were going, and she didn't want to distract him, it wouldn't be the first time her bike was left in the rain sometimes there was just no place to store it, but his thoughtfulness scored another point in her book. "Thanks" and out the door she did step ahead of him. Manners were not a thing of the past it seemed, at least not with this guy. Another point. Now as long as he didn't end up being some smooth operating psycho killer Keegan knew she was going to enjoy his company. He didn't have the eight armed octopus grab going on, he wasn't overly talkative, had manners and held an air of mystery about him. Glance upward before moving off the porch and to the left where her bike was parked, helmet was placed on the seat. Yes, Keegan was going to push the beast because she didn't want to wake anyone sleeping.

"Coming with, or waiting here?" Yes folks Keegan was a very independent woman and didn't need to have her hand held through everything she did, but if he didn't want to accompany her to the stables, she would meet him back here in about five minutes. Either way it was for him to decide. Heel of right foot kicked up the stand and she positioned herself to hold up the weight of the bike before pulling it backwards, turning the grips to point the front tire in the right direction. With a firm plant of feet and an upper body lunge the bike was slowly rolling towards the back on the Inn and to the stables.

[Mael Feu]

"We have time."

Putting the bike away wasn't much of a detour but if she had wanted him to wait until she had checked in, it would. He had gotten that time and since he had accepted there was a time window to fall in before another call was sent. He hardly had the time to wait around for her to fill out a survey before getting the keys. He would have had to continue on without her then and even now she wasn't obligated to travel the full distance with him. Come if she wants. Go if she wants. She could do what she wanted, there was no obligation and already she was showing herself to be the more independent type.

Fine by him.

There were the guys who liked the women who you had to hand-hold and tell them how to walk and there were the ones that could hold their own. Like her. She got a smile from him, albeit brief of two seconds and she may have been oblivious to the fact since she was going to the bike. The smile was because she gave him tip for tap in asking if he was coming. Might not have been her intention but that's how he took it. Was now his chance to decide if he was going to stay behind or go,

He choose to go - just as she had - and even chimed in a: "why not" with a single shrug of his shoulders. She was leading the bike and he'd let her but there was a stable door. Mael walked ahead of her and got the door. He took a look at the bike and it was more than a passing glance. Bikes were machines and though he didn't have a specialty in their manufacturing he had and appreciation. Put to the right use they could be more than what they were meant to be. Pushed in or pulled out he opened the door in whichever one was needed. Also was able to get a look at the Stables. A cursory look but one nonetheless.

"Gas?" For the bike of course. In a place like Rhy'din she could have a bike that ran on plasma balls. "I figure we have half an hour until it storms."

He would wait until the bike was settled before leaving the stable. He knew where they were going, she didn't. Wasn't going to run off ahead and leave her to find him.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->It was a shame she missed any kind of smile he offered. Their first initial contact he held a steadfast face of non emotion but oh well. Perhaps she'd wear him down enough to give her just one fleeting smile. She had a thing for smiles, but they had time...right? If not, well then she wouldn't give it any more thought. Smiles were plenty in her world and if one male didn't bestow one on her so what. It was her own words that came as his reply and she couldn't help but chuckle as she glanced over her shoulder to see him following her.

-->Neither one of them seemed concerned about where they were going or following the other. Once more chivalry wasn't dead as he opened the stable door and inside they went. Bike was pushed sightly away from her so she could put down the kickstand. Keegan wiggled the bike a bit to make sure it was stable and steady on the stand, she didn't want it to fall over and go crashing to the ground. Too much money was invested in her baby. Picking up the helmet she handed it to him. "Do you mind holding this a minute?" She was going to answer his question about the gas if he would obliged her once again. If he did she would give a pat to the tank. "Modified tank to hold more gas, and this" She lifted up the seat to expose the battery and solar panels. "If I run out I can run this hybrid battery on solar power for 6 hours." Keegan was proud of her modifications to her bike.

-->Hand would extend to reclaim the helmet and place it back on the seat. If he had any questions she would be more than happy to answer them. For the moment she was fiddling with with small roll on the back of her bike, unwrapping to pull out a t-shirt. "Hope you don't mind." Her back was given to him as the vest was unbuttoned, removed and gripped between her knees. What a great time to remember you forgot to pack your bra, good thing her shirt was black...no need of giving a surprise wet tee shirt contest. Tee was slipped over her head, arms pushed through the sleeves before hands pulled free her hair. Reclaiming the vest she turned and placed it into the roll, carefully rolling it back up and tying it securely to the bike. "Ready when you are." Duh right? Keegan needed him to lead the way because she was still clueless about where they were going. She loved a good adventure.

--> She quickly tucked the hem of her shirt into the waist band of leather pants. Hiking outfit this was not, but the shirt offered a bit more protection from the rain than her vest. Oh! Quick grab of her key from the ignition and shove into her pocket. She would be ten kinds of pissed if she returned to find her prized possession jacked. Now, she was set to go and in the back of her mind she was hoping it would rain hard and drench them to the bone. Keegan loved the sting of a hard rain on her skin and who knows how he would react to getting wet. To this guy there was more than meets the eye, his mysterious ways was like her addiction. She couldn't wait to solve this one! Let the good times roll....or walk in this matter.

[Mael Feu]

He would oblige her with the helmet, why not when she was coming along and so far hasn't done anything that was detrimental or annoying. He gave a little and she gave a little. That's how things ran smoothly. The helmet was held with familiarity of one who knew handled them before. Also he kept his fingers off of the surface where prints could be easily seen. Mael stayed his fingers on the inside and even then it was the back of his fingers and not the tips: but of course that wasn't able to be seen unless a person could see through the helmet.

She spoke about her bike and a genuine look of interest passed on his face. "Modifications that you made?" It wasn't shock or disbelief coupled with his words, nor was it blatant curiosity, it was interest. She didn't say they were things she had done and the way she had patted the seat gave him the impression she did it herself. Thus his question.

The new tidbit of information made his eyes to stray to her hands. If she could deal in machinery than she wasn't someone who dressed like a biker and rode one because it was the 'thing' to do. She had mechanical skill to have made the modifications and maybe then her hands would not appear as delicate.

The helmet was given back over when she asked and since his hands were now empty they hooked casually into his pocket. When she pulled off her top he didn't bother looking away - she turned her back so what was there to not see? Her back? Wasn't as though he hadn't seen bare backs before and she got another point for not being one of those females who became shy and overly skittish and nervous when not being fully clothed around a guy.

If he was right about her being good with machinery, "Modify anything else besides Bikes?", would be asked as he held the door for her to leave out the stable. Let anything else be said about this man her but one of them wouldn't be that he lacked a sense of chivarily. Despite whatever else may have been drilled into him teachings of a Mamma with a belt where everlasting.

Outside once again his direction would head down the road, away from the Inn, and to the left. It was in the direction of town and yet wasn't. The steady rhythm was still apparent in his walk and there wasn't any sagging of his shoulders or lazy curve in his back. It was nearing 2:30 in the am so the sky was plenty dark but with light enough given by the moon and stars to not leave them in total darkness.

He could see and he assumed that she could as well. She hadn't said anything about the darkness and he didn't pull out any type of light to guide them. The natural lighting was enough. He was liking the fact that she had decided to come along.

Yet to be seen if she'll regret it later.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->Did she need to thank him once again for opening the door for her? She doubted it, he already knew she appreciated it from the previous times. Ms. Independent truly did appreciate a man with manners. Stepping out before him left hand dug into her pocket before ten fingers acted as a comb before her hair was fashioned into a semi messy pony tail. Falling into step beside him she glanced up before bringing her gaze to his profile. "Yes, all modifications to my bike I've made myself." With a laugh she held up her hands presenting him with a view of her nails. "Saves me from having to get a manicure." Her hands did not sport those fake nails like some, hers were short and blunt but clean. Although Keegans hands were not smooth as a baby's bottom, they were not coarse and rough. She took care of them, for they did earn her a living.

--> Keegan was a tomboy for all intent and purpose but that didn't mean she couldn't have her moments of being a girly girl, but only when the situation warranted such. She enjoyed a nice dinner in a upscale resturant, but with the same flip of the coin going to a greasy dive wasn't out of the question either. Christian had once said that she was well rounded. She could be one of the guys, and could clean up to take home to mom. Not that she had ever made it that far. Her run in that department was unlucky, guys were either pigs, or too damn clingy. But anyway his next question brought a hesitant reply from her. "I'm what some would call a grease monkey. Bikes and cars are my passion, but I've never dabbled with anything else." Hesitant because some guys had issues with a female being all up in their world, but it sucked to be them because she wasn't about to turn tail and run because the big boys couldn't handle it. That was their problem, not hers.

-->A deep inhale as the night air was collected into her lungs, a slow release given. She paid attention to where they were going, but nothing would look familiar since she just arrived in town today...well yesterday to be precise. Her stride kept pace with his, hands now found refuge deep inside her pockets. She debated on if she should inquire about where they were going but it didn't matter. She was enjoying the company and being outdoors. "Do you ride?" She seen how carefully he handled her helmet, most would have smudge up the shine with fingerprints that she'd have to remove before wearing it. Keegan was particular about three things, her bike, her helmet and her men. This man either rode or had experience being around bikes. Was he obligated to answer her? No. Did she feel entitled to an answer? No again. If he didn't want to open up, that was his prerogative and it wouldn't change her decision to go with him. She wouldn't pry, she wasn't nosy. Everything happens at it's own pace and for a reason..he would answer if he wanted.

-->Regrets...she didn't have a one. Each mistake she made was a lesson learned and Keegan never regretted anything that she has done in her life. She's lived, learned and grew into the woman she is today, so how could she ever regret that? Life was a journey, not always a pleasant one but a journey she enjoyed taking. Much like the walk now, she was still enjoying herself, and the company of the man that had asked her along. Two strangers on a soon to be stormy night just enjoying the journey. The destination was irrelevant in her mind. They would get there when they got there and any questions she should have had but didn't would find their answers. Keegan had not a care in the world, she embraced life and lived it to the fullest as it should be.

[Mael Feu]

As far as he was concerned she could be "all up in" the so-called man's world all she wanted. He wasn't going to begrudge a female her skills simply because it belonged in a male category. His work didn't afford him the luxuries of being a chauvinistic prick. What he had a problem with were the females - or anyone - who were all bark with no bite. Put up or shut the hell up. So when she said she was a grease monkey, liked messing with cars and bikes, seen her own and now was displaying the fingernails he gave a nod and the left corner of his lip pushed up to a smile. 

"I know how to ride, don't have my own." Any vehicle that he may ride around in were property of the Syndicate. 

He waited a few moments before speaking again, the loose gravel on the ground crunched a time or two. He wasn't trying to move silently and besides, as his head gave a slight upwards tilt to the sky he heard the distant rumble of thunder. "So you're a mechanical engineer, or have the makings of one, either by profession or hobby." Continuing on. The fact that she was capable in this area was of interest and he put the question of that profession out there because of how she had changed her bike. Switching something from gas to solar was an engineers task, unless of course they got a do-it-yourself kit. Still, she may have the potential. 

"Said you never worked on anything else, is that from lack of want or lack of opportunity?" There was a difference and he was interested in knowing the answer. "I'm not much for the mechanical arts. More tactical." 

[Keegan Navaro]

-->"That's a shame." For a moment after he said he knew how to ride she thought maybe they could go for a ride sometime. She seen it, the smile and it was nice one of her own would mirror his. She glanced up as the distant rumble of thunder made it's presence know. She counted to ten before she was reward with the flash of lightening. It seemed that he was in no hurry to get to where he was going and that didn't bother her. It wouldn't be her first stroll in the rain. She watched the tips of her shoes as he asked the questions. The beginning of the end, this is where most parted company with her.

-->The great debate was waged but really this guy showed no interest in her as a person but more so of what she could do, so she would answer him honestly. " My father was a mechanic, owned his own garage so I spent hours upon hours watching and learning...he wanted me to take over the family business but well..I had other plans." She wanted to more than just the mechanic at Navaros Garage, something her father didn't understand and what would eventually drive a wedge between them. Her pace slowed a moment, then returned to match his own. She really didn't like talking about herself but he had asked.

-->She repeated his question in her mind about the lack of want or opportunity. With another sigh, shoulders would rise and fall. "A bit of both." She wanted to expand her horizons, even thought about joining the military but she couldn't bring herself around to signing the papers. She scored high on the ASVAB however something told her not to follow through with her plan. Turn about was fair play wasn't it? She moved her body an inch or two closet to him to give a nudge of elbow against his arm or side, whichever. "How did you come to ride?" She felt a bit more exposed than was normal. Her life was something she really didn't talk about to strangers, and he was that but there was something about him that put her at ease.

[Mael Feu]

For him there was no point in being interested in a person if all you cared about was shallow and on the surface. He wanted to know what they were into and about, that's how people meshed. Still, at the same time, he was not one who would engage in round after round of twenty questions to find out every faucet of their lives. How he came to ride was an interesting question.

Having turned his head towards her when the nudge came his light eyes settled on her. This look was not weighing and analytical but looking. Taking her in and yet staying on the face and eyes without putting her on a platter for a hungry man. Not that she wasn't easy on the eyes but walks and talks were not always about finding the quickest way inside the others pants.

"Work. Never know what work will have a person doing." the answer was as vague as it was clear, wasn't as clear as her own had been. Whatever the 'work' was that he referred to it wasn't anything that kept him behind a desk or closeted away. The way he walked and the defined nature of his form was not simply for show.

He had given a subtle sway in the direction about his job earlier when he said he was more for tactics. they had something in common when it came to the topic of themselves. The less you said the less you had to cover up. But what she said about what she liked to do wasn't anything that would make him part company with her. Not in the least.

As they walked the shoreline was getting closer. There was a small beach area that he had discovered that sat not far from the Inn, wasn't large and extensive and the best part of it all was that the larger boats and flocks of people would prefer the actual beach that was situated on the other side of the Marketplace. Not overly easy to see it was the moonlight that reflected off of the water - and the smell of saltwater - that would give it away. The air around them stirred more and a drop or two fell from the sky as the thunder rumbled again. His already tousled hair shifted to the delight of the air and it didn't bother him. The storm was coming.

On that sand for the keen eye to see were three figures, the full of them still undisclosed as they were still a bit away. "If the opportunity for more were to come around again, would you take it?" He had turned his attention to the figures on the beach as they got closer and he pulled his right hand out of his pocket.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->For her the sexiest and most appealing quality in a man, was their mind. That's not to say that physical wasn't a factor but looks were fleeting. It took a certain caliber of man to stimulate her mind, and once that was conquered her body would follow. It was nice that he seemed interested enough to ask questions but lately those she came across were more concerned about a notch on their bedpost. Something Keegan would never be...again. His gaze was felt and light hues collided with dark counterparts, she even wore a smile yet she didn't really know why. Maybe it was because he didn't have the "hungry like a wolf" look going on. Her gaze was appraising, he was definitely eye candy but there was so much more to this man and it lurked just beneath the surface.

"Well that's about as clear as mud." Light chuckle came and Keegan let it be with his answer of work, for now. She wouldn't be nosy, nor would she pry. "Tricks of the trade." Work depending on what it was could have a person very diverse in their knowledge and skills, but anyway he would let her in when he wanted to and hopefully she would be around when that time came. The atmosphere changed as did the earth beneath her feet. Keegan narrowed her eyes a moment as if to bring them into focus. It was a beach, not that the saltwater didn't alert her to that two minutes ago. It was these barely seen silhouettes on that beach that now brought a curious peak of her eyebrow as her attention turned back to him as he spoke. Was he offering her a job? He went above and beyond if those were his intentions. There was a slight shiver as the cool air danced over exposed flesh, and now the rain was starting to fall.

-->At least his question didn't alarm her, she didn't feel threatened by the figures for he seemed to know them, or at least have some knowledge of who they were. This must the be destination of their journey, and now he was wanting to see if another journey could begin. Maybe not together but for her..over thinking Keegan, over thinking. Left hand pulled free from pocket so backs of knuckles could trace her jaw as if that intimate contact would produce the answer he sought. Keegan was spontaneous but foolish she was not. Starting at his shoes, eyes traveled along his frame before coming to rest on his face once more and holding steadfast. "Perhaps, if it was worth it." It clicked at that moment, like a perfect fit to a complicated puzzle. It might not be the correct assumption but she was on the right path with her train of thought. Tactics, his posture, the way he walked, the beach, a pier...and with a pier came boats.

-->He was a captain perhaps, if not he was someone that knew ships. Keegan's powers of observation might be a bit slow tonight but she was distracted for a bit. She could be swinging for the bleachers but end up striking out so her conclusion was kept to herself. Hand finished caressing her cheek before it was shoved back into her pocket, her attention now returned to the figures on the beach and unconsciously she took a step closer to his frame. Should these people prove the unfriendly sort, it would be easier to fight them back to back. Mental check to assure herself that the switchblade was within quick and easy reach. Why did she suddenly feel like she was in a spy movie about to go bad? It is what it is, and Keegan still had no regrets about coming with him. However it would be a shame to meet her maker without knowing his name, but hey...she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

[Mael Feu]

To her chuckle he grinned, having known full well that his question was vague her response was enjoyable. There was something he was going to say to her but he let the rain that was dropping at a more even pace wash it from his mouth. It was not s hard rain - not yet - but it was the type that signaled people to go inside, pull out umbrellas or get wet. The two of them would have to get wet unless she happened to have a contractible umbrella in her pocket. Something of that nature was not in his pocket.

Drawing nearer the two figures on the beach stayed where they were, obviously watching the ones who were approaching. They were dressed in black diving suits: fitting the body like a glove and the hood covered all of the face but the eyes, there was a cut under the nose for the oxygen tube. The men – easy to tell that they were men – were rather thin but the rest of them was more likely non-descript. One of them was holding a 4-inch long tube that was 2 inches in diameter. It was also black. Something to note about the two men was the clothing’s ability to blend into the night.

Her guess on his profession wasn’t exactly right and it wasn’t exactly wrong but since it wasn’t voiced he didn’t speak on it one way or the other. Mael noticed that she moved closer to him and didn’t mind for at the same time he took a step forward, putting ahead of her but not to obviously so. He also did this because he was stopping. One hand still in his pocket he didn’t use the other to wipe the trickle of water that was running down his face from the rain but instead gave a two-fingered wave to the men further up on the beach. “I like the rain,” speaking almost randomly to his traveling companion, his head turned slightly to see her but he kept his eyes forward. “It washes away the bullshit some people try to pull.”

The two on the beach began walking towards them, the one with the tube in the front. They stopped the approach at a sociably distance away, they looked at Mael and then they looked at Keegan before looking back to him again and there was silence of words.

“Is it everything?” Mael was the one to break the silence first.

The tube was offered forward and Mael took a partial step to the side away form his companion. A tip of his head towards her and his exposed hand then reached up to push back his hair. The rain was pouring more heavily now and a streak of lightening cut across the sky over the water. For those who were watching, in that brief luminance a round top of metal could be seen off the shore.

“Care to take it?” The offer to do so was there, it was up to her if she was going to take it or not.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->Nope, no umbrella here, Keegan enjoyed the rain on her face, and most times she would have rode her bike right on through the rain storm, but not knowing the road, coupled with rain and darkness she decided to find shelter. She was glad she did, because here she was in the company of a stranger, looking at even stranger people on a beach in the middle of a storm. Could it get much better? Let's hope it doesn't take a south.

-->Pulling her eyes from him once more as he came to a stop Keegan watched the men approach. They looked like deformed seals in her opinion, but she would keep that on the down low. She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from chuckling again. Sticking as close as she was comfortable with at his side but a step behind his words would bring her up even with him. She felt as if she was hiding behind him or using him for protection a big no in both cases. "Mm..me too." Hopefully that didn't sound as silly to him as it did her, but she didn't have long to dwell on that because of his follow up. "These bullshitters approaching?"

-->She didn't know who or what these people were, maybe they were the ones in need of the rain to wash their bullshit away. When they looked at her Keegan didn't offer a smile for she didn't feel the need to be a bullshitter herself. Smiles were reserved for people she deemed worthy, and the men in rubber looking suits were so not worthy, maybe later. Eyes drifted to the object extended as Mael spoke. This was some super covert spy shit wasn't it? Even if it wasn't she was enjoying this really odd escapade.

-->She moved slightly as he stepped forward to what she thought was grab the object. The lightening flash seemed to crack nearby but her eyes never left his face. It was like he was daring or ever challenging her to take it. Never one to back down Keegan would send a wink in his direction before taking two steps forward with an extended hand. Now did she wait for the object to be placed in it? Nope, hand came from under the tube and once it was against her palm fingers curled around and gave it a gentle tug free from the man. Surely he wouldn't try to keep it right? If he did, he might find that little nose hole clogged with blood. She wasn't above breaking his nose.

[Mael Feu]

Dark of night. In the rain. It really was some kind of shit and to say it was covert would not be far off from wrong. Otherwise it would be taking place in the daylight surrounded by other people in a casual setting, wouldn't it? Nothing says 'secret' like people trying to be covert in public. Mael could be and he had a pretty good assumption that this chick could be as well considering how casual and level-headed she's been this entire time, but the two in the wet-suits was another story.

When the guy heard that he was suppose to handle the container to someone other than Mael the flash of uncertainty crossed his eyes and there was the ever slight stiff shift in his posture position. He didn't have time to convey the doubt that he wanted as that female already had her hand around his object. He blinked away the water in his eyes and let it go with her tug. Mael let the hidden fingers of the hand in his pocket relax and the slightest hint of a nod was given to the man.

Both men in the suits took a step backwards and Mael pulled his phone from his pocket. Flipping it open he pressed a single button before flipping it shut and returning it to his pocket.

"You have twenty minutes." For what he didn't say but the two men exchanged glances. The one who was in the back for this time was looking at all the people presented and he even started to move forward, but Mael paid his movement no attention and turned away from them, signaling to his companion to do the same and begin walking away.

The tube was heavier than it looked. It was ten pounds and it wasn't solid, some things were inside but nothing besides a very faint *bing* of an object hitting metal would be heard if the tube was shaken, twisted, or turned. The ends of the tube were dark, made even darker by the night and nearly identical if not for the fact that one end had four wheels - each nearing two centimeters in width and practically pushed all the way into the metal. They could be turned. Each wheel had four bands of color: red, blue, green, and white that could be seen if a person turned the wheel. If a person was able to turn the wheels as they were very small and nearly into the metal. It could be done. The problem other people have had in the past was that when they went to move one wheel with their fingers, because of how close the wheels were together, they would move two at the same time. Was that wrong? It would all depend.

By now his shirt was getting soaked and clinging to him as fabric was known to do when it was wet. He didn't look behind him to see if the men they met were leaving because he didn't care. He had told them they had twenty minutes and if they chose to lallygag and watch after them or plan a demand for answers then they would reap their own consequences. "Those are the bullshitters." Finally answering her question but he said nothing about the object she had received.

Not to get it wrong, that she had accepted it was a large mark in his book when it came to her but he wasn't the type that made a big deal over things. So when he did it was something indeed. "Shifty eyes give away their insecurities. "

[Keegan Navaro]

-->Keeping a level head was something she knew all about. Keegan rode the amateur bike circuit for a couple years and keeping her calm and clear level head had won her many races. In her mind you always had to be one step ahead of the others. It has kept her alive this long so why change it now. She turned and made her way back to him and stopped at his side as he seemed to dismiss the men, and once he gave them his back she did the same. Monkey see, Monkey do it seemed, not that it mattered. The object in her hand was inspected as best it could be, hand gave it a slight turn over before it was extended to him. Up to him if he took it...if so, her hand would drop to her side as they walked. If not, it would still go to her side but the object would be in her grasp.

-->The offering would go unseen by the men on the beach if they were still watching them. Keegan was good at keeping things on the down low. Did she ask questions about the tube? Not at all. If he wanted her to know what it was, then he'd share that information. Sure, the wheels and multi colors intrigued her but she wasn't one to pry..we already established that. Covert operations she was made for it seemed. She could follow directions and keep her mouth shut. What a oddity for a woman. Ha! Who knows, maybe once they returned to the Inn he'd spill the beans. Doubtful. He seemed a man of few words.

-->Her partner in crime for the moment wasn't the only one soaked to the bone. Her leather pants were becoming heavy and her shirt was beyond offering any sort of shelter. Did she complain, nope she kept her pace at his side. Complaining did precious little except irk those around you and make matters worse. Now the only question Keegan had at the moment was if they were returning to the Inn or heading someplace else. She did realize that soon their escapade together would be over...what a shame. "Yeah, I noticed that too, a cross between uncertainty and panic." You know the look...where someone is trying to decide if screwing you over is really worth it. She glanced towards the dark sky and was rewarded with plump drops of rain on her face. She couldn't help but smile, the thrill of excitement still held her by it's clutches. Exciting this adventure had been that was for sure.

-->She was glad she hadn't met her maker on the beach, and now Keegan felt it was the need to know time at least for her. Cant of her head brought her eyes upon his profile and another slight nudge of her elbow to his side. Yes, she did flash him a smile, he deserved it. C'mon the man had taken her, a complete stranger on a dangerous, or not escapade then trusted her to get the object from the man who was reluctant to release it...one of the better first 'dates' she's had. Yes, date is the wrong word to use but eh formalities were not important. Except this one.."By the way, I'm Keegan." Left hand would cross in front of her mid section to offer up a handshake nonetheless. Now she would see if he was going to let her dangle on the end of his well baited hook, or appease her curiosity about his name.

[Mael Feu]

He didn't take the tube.

In fact, at the moment she was offering it out for him to take he was pushing his hair back off of his face with both hands. But that's not the reason he didn't take it. If he had really wanted to handle the object then he would have taken it then at the beach. It was actually quite fortuitous that she had come along and had taken it off his hands, an unknown favor she did that he may be obliged to return at another time.

Not bothering to shake any water off his hands - the pouring rain would have only made it redundant - he looked at her. They were indeed headed back to the inn. He had said the journey would take about thirty minutes and the walk back would take about as long. Looking at her now there was more consideration in his eyes. She had asked for his name and that is what he was considering. Since she was staying at the Inn - or may be if she were ever checked in - it would be to his benefit to give her the same name he had used when signing that book.

"Julian. The name is Julian." In this land of Rhy'din where it was never sure what could be discovered or passed with a handshake he normally didn't. However she had extended a bit of trust with him so he was going to do the same. Crossing his opposing hand over to engage her own a shake was given that wasn't long or curt. His grip was firm and authoritative, a man who was use to getting things done.

Releasing his hand from hers he let it rest at his side. "That tube. Keep it. If you decide you want to open it and are successful then you are sure to see me again, Keegan." This went without saying that seeing him again may happen naturally if she stayed at the inn.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->The tube since he didn't seem to want it, was tapped against her outer thigh lightly. Her mind was already set to working on figuring out the device if he left it in her company. She watched as rivulets of rain trickled down his features, they were doing the same on her face and thankfully she had thought to pull her hair back so it wasn't clinging to her. She noticed the subtle and ever so slight shift of his eyes and knew that asking his name had started a debate on if he was going to tell her or not, the name he gave her however she would almost bet the bike wasn't his real name. He didn't look like a Julian but that was on him. If he was lying she wasn't about to call him out on it.

-->Her own handshake was firm but not overly so, nor was it the dainty girl shake other females had either. Once the introduction was over she gave another smile and her hand returned to her side. "Nice to meet you Julian." It was, alias or not it was nice to pass the time in his company. It sure beat sitting alone in a room staring at four walls. Surely the storm would pass soon and she would be on her way. She had a life she had to get back to, or at least that's what she had been trying to convince herself of when she stopped at Starbucks to get out of the rain.

-->As his voice once more penetrated the air she opted this time to keep her eyes forward as the tube was tapped gently against her thigh. Oh, so she was suppose to keep this? Hm..surely she wasn't smuggling drugs because the tube wouldn't hold enough really to be considered smuggling. Rare jewels? Top secret documents that would bring down a politician or maybe even a government? Eh, probably not. Just when she thought the journey would end he issued a challenge, meaning to or not. She repeated his statement over in her mind a few times if you decide to open it she might just have to do that.

-->So it seemed that he made the decision for her unknowingly. Keegan would indeed check into the Inn, and she would figure out how to open the tube and yes above all else she would see him again. Of that she was certain. Why Keegan felt this gravitational pull towards the man she had no clue, but she knew that being in his company she would never be bored, and dull moments didn't seem to apply either. Tube was then shoved into her back pocket, and thumbs now hooked into front belt loops as the walked. She didn't say a word to him opting to walk in silence for a moment.

-->This was like a test of worth, if she could crack the tubes locking mechanism then she surely would be worthy of something right? Or maybe dead. She knew about pipe bombs but seriously now what could she have done to him that would warrant that type of violent end? She knew she could crack it, she was mechanically savvy. "Question Julian...when I get this open am I suppose to peek inside or simply hunt you down?" Her tone was almost playful and she wasn't going to take liberties where there were none. Indeed, Keegan didn't live by the motto curiosity killed the cat. The contents of the tube had no importance to her so therefor she didn't care what it contained. Yet.

[Mael Feu]

The last statement of hers caused him to laugh. It was another quick bout of laughter that didn't last long but it had a different feel about it than the one he gave before. More mirthful. He found the phrase 'hunt you down' to be amusing. He wasn't un-trackable, a person could find him if they had the skills to do so and often time he didn't go too much out of his way to hide where he was - not even at the Inn. If the person he was there after really wanted to know if he was there or not they could, not like he was holing up in his room. Still, he always was amused when people used that statement in reference for him.

"Do you hunt, Keegan?" Animal, human, or otherwise he didn't specify rather he kept it general and glanced over to her as they continued the trek in the rain. Water pouring down his face didn't bother him and neither did the squish on the inside of his shoes from the rain. He didn't worry about his phone getting wet. "If you hunt you'll be able to track me down. If not," a rolling shrug of his shoulders brought about a confident smile to his lips. "Then I'll find you." The meaning in that could be that he was a hunter. Before he had said that if she opened it she would see him again and therefore it would not be to much of a stretch to believe that he would know when she opened the tube.

If she could open it.

Keegan didn't ask him how to open it or any clues about it and therefore he wasn't going to give any away. Some things were easier to figure out without outside influences of how someone else would do it and their suggestions. Too, there had to be a reason why he didn't take it at the beach and why he wasn't attempting to take it now.

While he didn't look like a Julian he could very well be a Julian. Or those that looked like their name could, in turn, be something altogether different. In this realm where things were not often as they seemed the same could be said for that metal tube. Could.

They were drawing closer to the Inn as the porch light was easy to see even in the rain. Perhaps a shower when he got back. Thought it was late he wasn't tired. This night was successful. "Good to meet you too."

[Keegan Navaro]

-->His laughter was a nice sound mixing with the rain. At least she amused him, but was that a good thing or not. Laughing with, or laughing at...that was the question. Keegan was beginning to feel water logged and was thankful they had almost returned to the Inn. She would be checking in, if for no other reason than under the pretense of opening the tube she now held. Christian had told her she needed some time off, a vacation was long over due so Keegan would take that vacation, starting now, of course she would have to find a boutique to purchase more clothing since she really hadn't packed for an extended trip.

-->"Not in a traditional sense." No, Keegan didn't hunt animals, but she had been known to go on a man hunt when the urge struck her. Mixed company was preferred, most chicks were intimidated by her, or hated her for no real reason. Attention focused just a bit ahead of them for just a moment until hand lifted so she could inspect the tube a bit further. The wires, the wheels that were not accessible by fingers alone..hmm..like picking a lock she would use the tools of the trade. Yes, she was already planning her strategy on how to open it.

-->Gaze drifted to him once more, and with a lick of her lips to collect the moisture clinging to them she gave her own playful banter in retort. " Well, if the Inn is full you won't have to find me...I'll be sleeping in the stables with my bike." It wouldn't be the first time her sleeping accommodations would be less than perfect. As the porch light seemed to grow brighter she knew they would soon be parting ways. Keegan couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, she was not even close to being tired, she was still amp'd from the meeting on the beach. At least she had the tube to keep her occupied, and with any luck it wouldn't take her long to crack the code and reveal it's contents.

-->"Hope it stays that way." Yeah, she hoped he wouldn't regret taking her along, and giving her the tube, but Keegan had this strange feeling that Julian wasn't man of regrets. He had purpose, and carried himself like any other she'd seen in awhile. She would peel back his layers of mystery and intrigue one step at a time. She was confident that he would impressed with her mechanical ability, and hopefully it wouldn't take her more than a few hours to open the tube and deliver it to him. Let's just hope he was awake when she figured it out. Her own version of the Rubik cube, that's what it reminded her of.

[Mael Feu]

"If the Inn is full you can use my room." no point in her staying in the stables with the horses and sleeping on hay barrels if there was an alternative. Where would he sleep? No point in thinking about that until it came to be an actual question and not simply an 'if' factor. Offering his room was a manners thing and shouldn't be confused with a sexual suggestion. If he wanted her in his room for that reason his comment would be straightforward and telling. Not passive and coy. Besides he would defiantly know where to find her if she were in his room. Either way. Though he had been here in the Inn for a couple of weeks there was no change in it from when he had first arrived. There were not any clothes or papers laying about, his extra set was in the dresser drawer along with his belt.

How she looked with the rain beating against and how her clothes clung did not escape him. He had a normal male mind that worked like all the others he only didn't let it control him. Not anymore. There were a few ways in which a person could amuse him and fortunately she did this in one of the non-harmful ways. It was a reason why he enjoyed her company and had even offered his room.

He was curious as to how she was going to get the tube opened but that too was part of the draw: she could figure things out on her own and was curious enough to try. There was another roll of thunder as they reached the steps and again he would open the door so that she could enter in first. His hand that was not holding the door wiped off his face. Propping the door open now with his foot he crossed his arms behind his head and grabbed his wet shirt before pulling it up and over his head. It was pulled away from her to avoid any additional splatter before he wrung it out on the porch boards. Clearly he had no unease about being topless Sure, it was still raining but wringing out the shirt would make it a little less wet than it was. Julian was turned to the side but it there was the possibility that in the dark the porch light may let her glimpse the whip scars on his back. They were healed over but the scars of them were still there.

His wrung-out shirt was tossed over his right shoulder.

"Hope they don't mind wet floors." There wasn't concern in his tone, it was more sarcastic and noted with the slight upturn to his lip.

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