Aesh glanced about, and then pointed toward a den-like cavern not a mile from them. "We should rest." Her brown eyes lingered on Jake for a moment, and she narrowed her gaze suspiciously - she knew he was hurt, but not how badly. Stepping toward the cave, she lifted the edge of her tattered silk skirt as she walked, keeping it from snagging on the brush or any outreaching branches.
"We should rest tonight, and then keep moving. We're going to have two Zealots on our tails." And after I strove so hard to remain hidden . . . now, of all times, they find me.
-

Tweak laughed when Cyril went off about his gun, and ended up falling into a fit of wracking coughs. She sipped her water for a few moments until they died down, and then she smiled shakily over to the male. "We'll get a new gun for you then," she said, wrinkling her nose. "But I'm pretty happy about the smoking thing." She coughed. "It would probably do us in if you lit one up right now."
-

Raising an eyebrow, See'r nodded, and pushed himself away from the bed. He wouldn't mention how he could hear the blush in her words, how he could hear the soft whisper of fabric - he knew that Ann had changed her last night, though he had only been listening to the woman's complaints about getting it dirty. With the slightest of smiles, the blind man headed for the door.
"I will wait outside," he said over his shoulder, taking his tea with him as he quietly closed the door behind him. Leaning against the building, See'r finished off his now warm drink, waiting in silence as Alchemy changed. A light blush filled his own features as he pictured what she was wearing (he hadn't always been blind), and then he swiftly moved his thoughts to Darren's response. It was true that the man admired courage and will, but how would he react to Alchemy?

Pushing past her embarrassment Alchemy grabbed the blue dress Ann had brought over for her and changed as fast as she could. For once she was grateful for the lose fit of a dress. The selves stopped right past her shoulders so the bandages wouldn't be disturbed. Pulling on the ankle high boots she turned to look at herself in the mirror. It was odd to see her hair down the thick braid thrown over her right shoulder and a thick white patch over the cut on her cheek.

Opening the door she Alchemy covered her eyes trying to block out the light. Turning to See'r she reached out grabbing his arm and pulling him away from the wall. "Lets go I can't wait to know what he's going to say." She was getting excited over the thought that today was the day she was going to get to leave to go out on See'r and her's first Caravan.

Glad he had just finished the last of his tea, the youth chuckled as Alchemy yanked him forward. Together they made their way to the largest building in their small town, and without even bothering to knock, stepped inside. A few people looked up when they passed the threshold, and a few maids moved out of their way as they made a bee-line for Darren's door. By the time they got there, it was cracked open slightly - a sign to See'r that they could enter without knocking.
The blind youth pushed the door further, allowing both Alchemy and himself into the warm room. Slipping his cup into his pocket, See'r took a deep breath. "Father."
Darren stood with his back to the two of them, facing the single large window behind his desk. Running a hand through his short hair, the male turned to face them, a grim smile on his face as he surveyed their determined behavior. "You are here to receive my answer," he said, raising his eyebrows.
See'r stepped forward, inclining his head. "We are here to receive your blessing." In other words: Alchemy was going whether Darren gave her permission or not.
With a quiet sigh, Darren tilted his head. "She shows promise," he started slowly, "and determination. She is a quick learner, and she uses her knowledge wisely." He narrowed his blue eyes. "But she is stubborn."
"That isn't necessarily a bad quality," See'r said quietly, clasping his hands behind him as he stood still. His father smiled slightly, and shook his head, agreeing silently. "It takes a stubborn mind to survive some situations."
Darren looked to Alchemy then, a slight glimmer of approval in his gaze. "You may pack your things, girl." He paused. "And you may leave with them." His gaze then darkened, conveying what only she could see. Worry. "Keep one another safe. Please." With that, Darren blinked, moving to sit at his desk and shuffle through a few papers. "You have my blessing."
See'r stiffened, and nodded curtly before turning toward the door. "You're coming," he breathed, a smile spreading across his face.

As always in the face of the outlaw leader Alchemy stood as straight as she could and kept silent letting See’r do the talking for her. It was better this way since the blond had a habit of speaking before she thought. When she met Darren’s eyes and caught sight of the worry he held for his son’s safety she couldn’t keep the smile off her face. When the conversation was over she bowed her head and said her thanks before she rushed out of the room with See’r.
Once outside Alchemy let out a squeal of pure joy. They did, finally after years Darren recognized her as a fighter and she was going to get to travel outside of the small town with See’r. Throwing her arms around the man next to her she hugged him as tight as her wounded arm would allow. “This is all thanks to you.Thank you so much!”

"Me?" See'r gasped, slowly letting his arms encircle Alchemy. "You're a fast learner. This was all you." He smiled slightly, his friend's excitement making his own mood rise. "You need to pack," he said into her ear, chuckling. "We share a lot of things, but I doubt you will want to wear my clothes for as long as we're gone."
Word was that the caravan was leaving in just a few short hours. In that little amount of time, they would be outside of the Outlaw grounds and into the "real world" that lay beyond it. Feeling his excitement build, the blind youth gave Alchemy a final squeeze before releasing her and chuckling again. This was reason to be happy . . . and even more reason to Darren. It was a miracle he was letting one of them go, let alone both.

Releasing him Alchemy agreed plus she needed to let Ann know. That was going to be hard. The older woman had been the only parent figure Alchemy could remember and she wasn’t going to be happy about the blond leaving with the caravan. That was almost enough to sober her good mood. Ann was going to be very upset about this.
“So, after I pack I’ll head back here and we can eat before we have to go.” She called out as she turned to run back out the building. It wasn’t that unusual for her to walk around the building by herself.
It didn’t take her long to reach her own house, her excitement pushing making her run a little faster. It was empty Ann probably at the medical building helping people get supplies ready. Folding a stuffing about a month’s worth of cloths into two bags. Mostly pants she had she had convinced Ann to let her get for ridding and lose fitting shirts. When the front door shut Alchemy knew that this was it.
Moving towards the front room the blond placed the two bags by the couch and looked up at the older woman. “Your arm o.k.?” It was a simple question but the tone in her voiced let Alchemy know just what the woman thought of her leaving. No doubt someone had told her before she could. “Yeah it’s fine. We’re leaving in a few sort hours.” She touched the bags with her foot dragging her mother figures attention to them. The woman barely gave them a second look before she moved towards the kitchen. “Just tell that boy to watch out for you or he’ll deal with me.” It was the closet goodbye she was going to get. Grabbing to two bags she headed out the door with a, “See you when I get back.” and headed back to See’r.

See'r listened to Alchemy run off with a smile on his face, and then moved about, stretching a bit after last nights bout. He was sore, but nothing too bad. The worst part was his jaw - a large bruise that was still tender to the touch. After a few minutes, the blind youth headed back to his own home, slipping into his familiar room to gather a few more things, shoving them into his pack. Lifting it, the silver-haired male made his way back to the meetings spot, setting the bag on the ground while he waited for his friend to return.
In the distance he could hear the caravan readying their things, packing up tables and hooking the horses to their wagons. It was almost time to leave - an hour, at the most.
Sitting beside his belongings, See'r took a deep breath. He'd said goodbye to his father when he went back for his things, but it wasn't a very emotional moment. It was a brief exchange of formal words, that's all. Thinking back over the encounter, See'r almost wished he would have said something more . . . but the moment had passed. His thoughts then drifted to their journey - crossing seas, going through towns and cities, traveling across the land for days on end - it brought another smile to See'r's face. He was ready. More than ready, he was eager to leave this small town of Outlaws.

Making her way through the crowd of families saying their good-byes she waved to the few who waved to her and smiled at the whispers of people not sure why she was there. It wasn’t going to faze her if there were people who had an issue with her being here; in her eyes she had earned the right. Spotting a head of silver hair Alchemy pushed her way forward. “Hey, I got a message for you.” She called out from behind him. She felt playful and just ready for anything. Which was a good feeling to have, since she didn’t know what was out there other then stories that others would bring back with them. Looking up at See’r she was glad she wasn’t going out there by her self.

"Is that so?" See'r turned toward Alchemy's voice, his own excitement nearly unbearable. "I have one for the both of us. We're going to be riding with the spices in the wagon near the front." The blind male knelt to lift his bag onto one shoulder, taking a deep breath as he listened to the crowd about them. It was confusing, to say the least - crowds weren't something he really enjoyed, but he could tolerate them well enough.

“Well Ann say you have to watch out for me or else. So stick close.” Grabbing his wrist so he wouldn’t get caught up in the crowd Alchemy was practically bouncing on the spot. It wasn’t very mature she knew but she was just so happy. This was a big thing for her. She had been training a building to this moment since she was a child and now it was a reality. Tugging on his arm she started to move over toward the wagons near the front.” Let’s go, let’s go. I can’t wait.” she was to happy to even care about her arm.

See'r chuckled, and followed when he was tugged. "I'll have to be sure to watch over you as much as you're watching over me," the male said with a smile, glad to see that Alchemy was so excited. It wasn't long before they were near the front of the caravan. Through their little trip there, See'r tried to position himself so other people wouldn't bump into his friend's arm unwillingly - though it was rather hard considering he was being drug along. In the end, he gave up, merely doing what he could to stay with Alchemy until they came to a stop.
A spice trader of their Outlaw town saw them, and winked in their direction.
"Ye here fer deh journey?" she asked, her ragged red cloak swirling about her muscular form. Her dark skin shimmered with sweat - she obviously wasn't a mere money-gathering woman. "I hear ye did good." Nodding, she pointed to the back of the large canvas-covered wagon, laughing quietly. "Der be to spots left open for ye, so make sure dey be comfortable."
See'r listened, taking in the multiple smells wafting from their new "home." So many of them were familiar - and others were outlandish. At least they wouldn't have to worry about smelling strange thoughtout the trip. . . .

Listening to the woman before her Alchemy beamed at her comment of the fight last night.It was great to have another woman who obviously was a fighter or at least had been."Thank you." she bowed slightly to the spice trader before she climbed in turning to make sure See'r was fallowing her. If it wasn't for the fact that this wagon full of spices was going ot be the wagon taking her out of the town it might not have been so amazing to the teen. Since it was, the open spaces of the wagon was the most amazing place she had ever seen. " Isn't this great," she looked up into this face," roommate."She teased taking one of the open seats.

"Roommate?" See'r repeated, frowning as he set his bag beside hers. For a moment, he actually looked a bit bothered by the idea. And then he flopped himself down on top of Alchemy, slinging an arm about her shoulders and spreading out so she was trapped in her spot. "I guess you'll have to live with my annoying habits."
The youth chuckled, shifting to get comfortable. "Just like I'm going to live with yours." A smile stayed on his face; he couldn't help it. This was something he had last done when he was young - and even then, it felt like another life entirely.

Rolling her eyes Alchemy settled into the room that her friend had trapped her in. She had practically lived with him her whole life as if a few months were going to be a problem. Pushing his arm to remove it from her shoulders she She bent down to go over everything in her bags one more time. " What kind of gentle man tells his childhood female friend she has annoying habits." It felt god to joke with him again, just like they had done when they were younger.
"So what are these habits I need to put up with?" She shot him a sideways look. Mock worry in her voice.

See'r laughed, shifting to allow Alchemy space to do what she was trying to. "And who said I wanted to be a gentleman right now?" he asked, raising an eyebrow questioningly. He shook his head, silver hair flitting about his face. "We all know that you are a restless sleeper." He wrinkled his nose dramatically. "And now there's no other way to avoid listening to you toss and turn all evening."
His smile returned, and See'r tilted his head thoughtfully. "My habits? Which do you need to worry about?" He seemed to think fairly hard before nudging the girl. "You should know some of them by now. Like blanket stealing." The pale youth nodded somemnly. "For some reason, I always wake up cold." He laughed then. "And we all know that I snore." That was a lie . . . but one that was meant for laughs.

Assuring herself that she hadn't left anything behind Alchemy sat back and rested her head against the back of the wagon. Giving a very unlady like snort the blond and nudged him back. " I have no idea what you mean by that restless comment at all." She poked his ribs playfully. " and I'll just smother you if that snoring keeps me up."Moving around so that her back was leaning against his side and her left arm was cradled to her chest. Tugging at his bangs she remembered their conversation from yesterday. He really did need that hair cut. " hey let me cut your hair."

It felt good to banter like they used to - it truly had been a while since they had last spoken like this. It was hard now that they were older - sleepovers had been banned many years ago. It wasn't like they never had time together, but they just didn't have this much fun - not anymore.
See'r grinned, taking a deep breath before looking horror-struck. "You? With scissors?" He shuddered. "That's a frightening thought. I wouldn't be able to see what you've done to me afterward." The blind youth laughed. "Not so pleasant." But he relaxed, shrugging slightly. There wasn't anyone else in the world he trusted more than Alchemy. Even with a pair of scissors. "If you feel so inclined, I wouldn't mind." A slight smile crossed his features. "I hear that it's getting rather long. It must be bothering someone."

((Nice Avi. :yes: ^_^))

Alchemy could never understand why people joked on how close they were, it was the most natural thing in the world to her. Even when they were younger it had been like this, adults saying they were a little to close. He was her best friend. "Hey I take offense to that." she knew he was joking. It wouldn't be the first time she had cut his hair, or played with his hair for that matter." I know who would have an issue with being seen with a walking talking blob of silver hair." She tilted her head up to she could stare at his face. it was odd to watch someone grow up, sometime she could swear he was still the little boy she had meet long ago.

"Is that how you see me?" See'r laughed, reaching up to gently punch her shoulder. "At least it's coming from your lips and not someone elses." The slender youth sighed, shaking his head. "You can cut it." There was a pause, and then he shook with the effort of holding back a laugh. "Please show your ever-present mercy, dear."

((LOL, this is so funny . . . definitely like their relationship. :yes: They're so cute! :lol: If you want, pick a hairstyle - I don't mind. ;) See'r's open for change . . .
Seer: -_-' *blush*))

(( I know and thanks for the avatar comment.))

Alchemy clapped her hands together her mind already plotting how she was going to cut the silver locks. "Of course I will darling" she patted his head. Closing her eyes she moved her back around till she had found a comfortable spot. When no one was around it use to be like this, there wasn't many boundaries in their friendship. Then she started to get really serious about pinning him down and everything was about that. " do you miss those days." She didn't bother elaborating.

See'r nodded, a smile on his face. Alchemy didn't need to explain what she was asking - he knew. "Always." And then, of course, they'd grown up. Things were different now. No amount of missing something could bring it back - not completely. "Even the days where we would have nothing to do were exciting."
There had been one day where the two of them had been out by the pond - catching frogs, of course. It was a perfectly normal thing for two young friends to be doing - until they started pretending to be frogs. The adults had laughed about it for a little while . . . but they could only take so much. Alchemy and See'r really had caused quite a bit of trouble in their time. It was a wonder, upon looking back in time, that they weren't still being punished for the tricks they pulled.
The youth leaned his head back against the wagon, feeling it rumble as they started forward. We're moving. A few minutes later, the shouts of crowds began to die down - they were leaving town. They were heading out into their journey. See'r was so excited, he wrapped his arms about Alchemy once again, hugging her to him. "We're leaving," he said in a slightly breathless voice, excitement radiating off of him. Finally.

All Tweak would get in response was a snore before Cyril rolled over. He was already dreaming of treasure hunting, the problems of the world temporarily forgotten. However, as much as he had hoped to sleep for a long time, the Zealot awoke only a few hours later sometime close to noon. After yawning groggily, he instinctively reached in his pockets to search for his precious box of sticks. Upon finding it missing from either one, he remembered the doctor had confiscated it soon after he was treated. "Tch!" Cy looked over to Tweaks bed to see if she had gone back to sleep as he had or if she decided to wander off somewhere. His gut was already calling out for food.

[Hope you don't mind the timeskip again :sweat:]

Jake walked to the cave with Aesh "im glad we have a head start then" he said flinching with pain and as he sat the blood started to show through his top "how long do you think it will take them to find us" he asked looking at her with his blue eyes that where full of pain

When the wagon stopped hours later Alchemy prayed that this time they were in Pay'Tions. She had been about ready to jump out of her skin every time they stopped for a break. Since she had never left the outlaw town she had never traveled in a wagon, and though leaning on See'r and taking a sort nap had helped she found she didn't like the sitting still part. not that it should have surprised anyone Alchemy wasn't know for being the sit and waiting type. Making sure to keep her voice low so that the head of the wagon couldn't hear- See'r had already shushed her about being to loud- she mumbled to her blind friend and current foot rest. " If we aren't there this time I'm going to scream." she swore. Her feet had fallen asleep sometime after she rested them int he sliver haired man's lap. And she had given up on trying to bring them back to life.

Tweak looked up from the pocket watch that she held gingerly in her hands, and smiled slightly when she heard Cyril's sound of annoyance. "Hungry?" she asked, reaching over to snag a small basket of muffins. Coughing lightly, the navy-haired youth took one for herself before holding the wicker container out in her friend's direction. In a sudden shift of moods, the teen scowled. "I want to go on a walk. They say I should stay in," she was interrupted by a bout of coughing, and then she continued. "In bed, of course."
Looking around for her hat, the youth scowled even more - it had been caught in the flames the previous evening after falling from her head.
-

Aesh looked at Jake's wounds, and shook her head. "Sit down. I need to look at those, deary." Her brown eyes were wide as she saw the blood, and the dragon waved him over to her. "Please? We don't need you in pain for so long."
-

With a chuckle, See'r shifted slightly. "I know how you feel," he sighed, his voice barely above a whisper. Slowly fingering the sleeve of his coat once again, he shook his head. "I keep thinking I hear waves, but it's always something else." It wasn't long after his words that the owner of the wagon - the exotic spice trader - stepped into the back, smiling at them.
"Dis be our stop, cubs." Motioning eagerly, the woman pulled her dreadlocked hair behind her before stepping over to pull Alchemy up, doing the same with See'r. "Help unload, and den you be free to wander until next week."
See'r smiled, and shifted a bit before moving to help - his legs had forgotten what it was like to stand on unmoving ground. Casting his "gaze" over to Alchemy, he steadied her so she could adjust to the feeling of land once again as well. "A week," he whispered, grinning.