A private yaoi roleplay between myself and Vexatious~Venom.
------


Name: Tarian
Age: 19
Occupation: Thief, rogue
Weapons of Choice: Daggers

Name: Franz
Age: 21
Occupation: Bounty Hunter
Weapon Of Choice: Sword

Tarian stood at the top of a hill and gazed down at the large city below. Long grass brushed against his legs, a hand loosely keeping his hair in place as the cold wind pushed past him. The winter season was closing in and this city as well as it's surrounding area perfectly displayed that. The mountains that rose up in the distance had snow covering their peaks and the trees had lost their leaves. Flowers and other similar plants were nowhere to be seen. It appeared that he had arrived just in time. Traveling during the winter, even at its start, was never easy. And that fact was even more true being the fugitive that he was.

The thief tugged lightly at the reigns he held in his other hand, coaxing the horse that he had ironically stolen from a group of bandits down the grassy hill. Though he would never verbally admit it, he was exhausted. He had been traveling for days and it was a relief to finally reach an area where he could rest. As for the reason behind his travels, he was run out of the city. Again. Despite the fact that the bounty posters depicting his image were not completely accurate, it never took long for some guard to find out his identity. And then, after going on a typical chase that never failed to amuse him, he had to leave town before any of the bounty hunters within the area heard of his presence. That was why he came here. The city was large, but much, much smaller than the ones he usually visited. Not to mention it was an area far north, so far that if he was lucky, bounty hunters wouldn't bother traveling here. And since winter was almost here, that only helped strengthen his hopes.

Keeping himself fit was something that Franz took a great seriousness in. He was never to know when he would be called into duty, when he would be needed to chase down some unruly ne'er-do-well. Every morning he went for a miles job around the settlements, in through the trees at the back and then he'd return. Even in winter mornings where the frost was hard and the snow was covering the mountains he never faltered. The only days that he never jogged was the sabbath. Although some never believed it of him, or thought that he was an insult to the religion, Franz was a heavily christian man, with strong faith and beliefs in God.

Franz stretched at the door so that he wouldn't pull a muscle, something he had done many a time before, and that was something that held him back greatly. After he felt warmed up, well, that his muscles were flexed and ready for action, as one couldn't really feel warm outside on a day like today, he began his rounds. He passed several small cottages near his own, sometimes seeing the odd woman outside, pottering about of collecting a few more pieces of firewood.

They'd often call out a cheery hello, but Franz would only ever raise his hand. He never really spoke much to his neighbours. The women were nice enough, but the men were to upstanding for his liking, and the children were all conformists, something he simple detested. He knew that society liked that though, so it made his job easier in spotting those that were not of a respectable nature, but it did get boring after a while.

This morning however no-one was out. Smoke was billowing from the chimneys though, and the clatter of pots could be heard as Franz ran past. His stomach growled in protest as he heard the pots, he realised he should probably have made his warmed oats and milk before running, rather than after. He always knew he got hungry before, but never did anything about it. Would he ever learn?

Putting that out of his mind he turned down the small path and headed into the woodland, to finish off his morning jog.

Tarian made his way down the hill and into the thin mess of trees that separated him from the city. The trees were bare of leaves and their worn branches twisted up and out in various directions. He wondered what they looked like during the spring and summer. Unfortunately, he heavily doubted he would find out. Even if luck was on his side and he would be able to stay here for the winter, the moment buds started to blossom on the trees, he would have to leave. Staying in a given area for too long was very dangerous. And even if the guards or citizens in this city were blind idiots, they would surely figure out who he was eventually. Though he wasn't a deranged murderer, his bounty was insanely high. He was a thief, a good one at that, and he had led such a life since he was a child. As he grew up he began to steal things of more importance than the usual loaf of bread from the market. This was how he made his living, after all. Sometimes people hired him, but most of the time he worked by himself. It was too risky to form relationships with other beings, no matter the type.

Vaguely he wondered what he was supposed to do with the horse he had stolen. He supposed he could sell it, but it was a good horse and he had no idea of knowing when he would need him again. Tarain turned towards the animal and stroked his long muzzle (no idea what I should call it). A faint smile formed on his lips as deep brown eyes stared back at him. Plus... he liked to think that he and the horse had formed some sort of bond. The bandits he had stolen him from didn't treat him as well as he did, and they planned on eventually killing him for food as well as for his skin. So in a way, they both were running from something. The thief patted the horse's muzzle before continuing on their way. He would keep him for now. He had enough money to house him in a stable, and even if he ran out how could always steal some more.

As Tarian headed through the thinning patch of trees a noise reached his ears that caused him to look up. To his dismay, a man was heading towards him. And quickly. His lips pursed and he pulled gently on the horse's reigns, coaxing the animal down a slightly different path that wouldn't cause the stranger to go directly past him. He didn't want people to see his face more than necessary. A cold breeze blew and his brown hair rose slightly, causing his fingers to want to raise once more to keep it out of his face. This time however, he did not. In this situation hair blowing in his face, no matter how annoying, was a good thing. He clicked his tongue to get the animal to hurry up. As he did so, questions of why a man was wandering out of town on such a cold day filled his mind. He hoped that it had nothing to do with him.

Franz picked up speed a little as he entered the woodland. He was absolutely freezing, and looked forward to sitting by the fire and eating his breakfast. Oats and milk were things that not many got. Most people had to make do with water, he was lucky that he was in a job that paid slightly more than others. Even if it was only a few coins more, it meant that he could pay his rent each year to the tax man and afford some of the finer things in life.

As he rounded the corner he slowed a little. He could have sworn that he saw someone. Someone on a horse. He slowed to a stop, jogging on the spot, his feet lightly hitting off the ground as he bounced. Looking around, the trees were still and he could hear no sounds of hooves. Shaking his head he started off again, pushing it firmly from his head. Of course he hadn't seen anyone, on a day like today no-one would detour through the woods, they would want to get to their destination as soon as possible, espceically if riding by horseback.

As he jogged through the bare trees, the trees, which in the summer bore not only some of the greenest foliage he had ever seen, but certain trees also bore some delicious fruits. In the summer afternoons he liked taking slow long walks round the trees with his little wicker basket and collecting some of the fruits. He had no baking skills and no wife, so he never got to enjoy a nice fruit pie, but he could do the next best thing. He would boil them up in his cooking pot and mix them in with ale. Making a pleasing and fruity punch.

His mouth watered as he left the thick trees and came out at the other end of the settlements. He saw a woman out collecting some wood. She called out her usual hello, and in return, recieved his usual wave of acknowledgement.

Five minutes later he slowed to a stop, outside his little cottage, smoke gently puffing from the hole in the thatched roof. It may not be much, it may not be full of family or livestock, but it was home.

Smiling slightly, he stepped inside.

((Sorry for the late reply, I've been busy. Anyway, mind if I turn the city into a large town? I think it'd make the story run smoother.))

Tarian let out a slow breath as the man went past him. He had apparently gone unnoticed, and he was grateful for that. He honestly wasn't sure why he was so hesitant about running into a single person when he was perfectly comfortable when walking through a crowd. Perhaps it was that if he was recognized there would be nowhere to hide. Or maybe it was that this was the first town he hoped to take sanctuary in, if only for the season, in a long time. He didn't want to worry about running from guards or bounty hunters right now. He was tried. Tired of running and tired of being hunted. However, he was never going to stop what he did. It was how he made his living. Without theft he wasn't sure what he would do. Besides, he enjoyed the thrill of it. Of being better, faster, and so far, uncatchable.

The thief led the horse out of the thin mess of trees and down the hill towards the town. He was let into the city without any problems, as he had expected. He wandered the town for an hour or two before finally finding a stable to house his horse. He paid the stableman and chatted with him a little before patting the horse's nuzzle a final time and going on his way. The town was gorgeous, he had to admit. A thin sheet of frost covered the wooden and tile roofs of the various houses and buildings, quite a few people wandering the streets despite the cold and the earliness of the hour. Tarian readjusted the sac he carried over one shoulder as his hand loosely held the other. Though he brought few items along when he fled from various towns and cities, he was grateful to have had a horse this time. Carrying anything was a pain, especially when you were on the run.

Tarian located an inn and paid for a room. He quickly dumped off his supplies, tied a small money pouch to his belt, and headed off to look for a tavern. He hadn't eaten a decent meal in days, and what he did ate wasn't very filling. His stomach rumbled loudly to prove his thoughts true. Hopefully a nice big meal would replenish his energy as well as satisfy his hunger.

((No problem, it's understandable. And sure, feel free to make the city a town ^^))

Compared to the cold weather outside, the fire burning merrily in the middle of the floor made the room feel warm, protecting. Franz rubbed his hands together, trying to get the feeling back in them. Slowly, he walked towards the fire and sat down in front of it.

He often sat for five minutes each morning after running. Just to sit and collect his thoughts. Also to think happily of breakfast. After his stomach gave a loud grumble he decided that it was time to make his milky oats. Getting his croc pot he reached for a sack of oats in the corner of the room, and grabbed a cup. Putting two cups of oats in the pot, he then put two cups of milk in and stirred. Attatching the pot to a hook over the fire he waited for it to heat up.

As the milk gently bubbled away, Franz went over to the small window where a bowl of water was sitting. He gently dabbed his rag in the water gave himself a quick wash before getting changed into the clothing he wore for work.

Sniffing the air gently he walked back to the pot and stirred. He was glad breakfast was nearly ready.

After wandering around the new town for another half hour, Tarian found a tavern and made his way inside. He gave the tender a fake smile before taking a seat at the bar. He placed a few coins on the slightly dirty wooden surface and ordered meat (any kind, he wasn't specific) and some rum. The tender gave him a slightly odd look but handed him his meal once it was ready. "I haven't seen you around these parts," he commented. "Are you new in town?"

"I am. I just arrived this morning. I'm on my way farther north to see my parents, and thought I'd stay here for the winter." Though he was lying through his teeth his words were confident. When you made a living off being a thief, you learn how to lie early on. And eventually you get very good at it. The tender nodded in response and went back to cleaning a random glass, leaving Tarian to eat his meal in silence. Once he was finished he released a satisfied sigh. "Ah. That was so delicious; just what I needed." He gave the man a tip and got up from his seat. "Thanks, pops." Giving him a small wave he went on his way.

Full of warm food and rum, clean skin (thanks to the bath in the creek this morning), and clean clothes, Tarian felt better than he had in over a week. He titled his head up towards the brightening sky, the cold air causing his skin to prickle slightly. He wondered how long he would be safe here. Hopefully, he would be able to stay at least for the season. And maybe a little after that, if it were possible. The boy let out another content sigh and smiled. He would let fate decide. He was just grateful that he had come so far, and to such a great place. Hopefully fate would be kind and not turn on him.

Franz tipped his meager breakfast into a bowl and grabbed his spoon. Every morning he did the same thing, and every morning he faked a reaction that he actually enjoyed it. His hunger took over and soon the spoon was just a blur against the bowl as he shoveled his oats and milk into his empty stomach.

As he cleaned out the bowl he felt a satisfied feeling. Stepping up he gently tipped some water into the bowl and gave it a wash out before replacing it onto his shelf. Glancing out of the window he realised that he had better get to work.

Walking to the door he strapped on his rifle and exited his house. His neighbour, Goody Barker, was standing by her house, beating the dust out of a threadbare rug. Although the rug was past its best, she was still lucky to own one. That's what happens when you marry someone in the imperial guard though. You can afford luxuries such as rugs, as well as supporting five children.

"Good day to you," she said and bowed her head.

"Good morning," Franz said delicately and raised his hand in his half wave half salute as he crunched past through the stiff leaves on the ground.

"You heading to work?"

"Yes. The town doesn't protect itself," he replied simply, keen to be on his way.

"You take care, you hear?"

Franz nodded silently and swiftly moved on. Goody Barker was a woman that annoyed him by the mere sound of her voice, so he never stuck close to her long.

As Tarian made his way through the still sleeping streets, he allowed his eyes to close. The cold air felt so good against his skin. He much preferred it to the musty heat he had dealt with in the cities south of here. It was uncomfortable and suffocating. But here the air was clear and oh so light. It was... liberating. And to be in a place where no one, or so it appeared, knew of him. He was free.

Tarian opened his amber eyes once more to look at the sky above. Thin, pale clouds broke apart and re-formed in the gentle winds that blew high above. The sunlight was now turning the sky a light blue and, though he could still see his breath, he could faintly feel its warmth on his skin. These thoughts were immediately pushed from his mind and his shoulder and part of his torso ran into something. Or someone.

As the thief regained the balance he had temporarily lost, his eyes fell on a black-haired man. A rifle was held in his hand. "I.. I'm sorry," he said, laughing a little. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

Franz walked briskly through the trees, slowing down slightly when he entered the center of the town. This was his favourite part of the journey. Sometimes on his way home he'd just sit and watch people roaming by, getting their shopping or riding their horses. Franz was a definate people watcher, heck, at the weekends he'd sit atop the hill and watch the town go about its business.

Catching sight of the bakers he decided he's buy a loaf of bread to have for his lunch. He looked down to his pockets and rummaged for his coin purse, walking as he did so.

After a few seconds his hands located his change, just as he walked into something. Looking up Franz saw a man, slightly younger looking than him with black hair, standing infront of him.

"No need to apologise," Franz said curtly. "I too wasn't paying attention. Are you allright, you seemed a little off balance there?"

Tarian smiled faintly at the man's words. "Yes... I'm fine. Just a little tired, is all." His amber eyes returned to the rifle the man was holding, his lips pressing together. This man must be a guard of some sort. That or a hunter. He forced his eyes to pull away before he became suspicious or betrayed the fact that he was uneasy. As he went to gaze back at the man he realized that he was the stranger he had nearly run into before.

"Anyway," the thief continued, "I'll be on my way now." He gave the man a short nod before moving to go past him.

Franz watched as the man appeared to stare at his rifle. Just as he was about to say something the man said his goodbyes and walked on. Franz whipped round and called after him.

"As long as you're alright!"

Shaking his head slightly he carried on his way. He'd much rather be at home warm in front of the fire. But no, spending the day in the freezing cold shack that they called a containment facility. Pfft, it wasn't Franz's dream job, but it put food on the table.