Just a fun little scene

[hotshot1280]

*Trevor adjusts his backpack, pulling a battered pack of Marlboro menthols from the pocket on the left shoulder strap. As he shakes a cigarette loose and lights it, both with his left hand, he notices that the pack had been pristine less than an hour before, and laments to himself that he feels much the same way

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[fieldwalker]

*The two men are still looking directly at each other. Aditsan knows that he could continue this for days if he must... lin are incredibly resilient.* But so are demons, he tells himself. And you do not know what powers he possesses. This may well be part of his trick, but you are short on options, and friends. If the firemaker is on chindi's side, you will lose. Add insult to injury that you know very little of the stolen weapon that you hold...

*And, then, with a grimace,* Not that they are aware of this. You must be clever like the ma'ii, but do not be as foolish.

I will accept your coverings, hastiin-Trevor. *His eyes move away from Caleb for a brief moment, but then they are back on him. He's visibly relaxed, but his eyes say differently.* It is obvious to me, chindi-Caleb, that you are as anxious of my presence as I am now of yours. Chindi are well known for being excellent liars and tricksters.

As it stands presently, I am obviously stronger than you, and as lin-hastiin, much faster. However, I have no knowledge of what abilities you have at your disposal, which puts me at the distinct disadvantage. This is further countered by the fact that I can not see what you would gain in tricking or overpowering me-- and perhaps I am being foolish, but you appear sincere in your words.

*He stands up very straight, his expression softening.* I do not trust you, and you do not trust me. I will do this: I will turn over my weapon to hastiin-Trevor-- with his word for his life that you will do me no harm. If you are indeed a trickster, I can be assured you care nothing for his life, and will make an attempt on me anyway. He, on the other hand...

If you are deceiving me, I believe chindi-Caleb would have the better of me. If this is so, rest assured-- *His dark stare moves to Trevor* --I will kill -you- first. Are you agreeable to this arrangement, hastiin-Trevor?

[hotshot1280]

*Trevor's eyebrows lift simultaneously.*

I'm not really all that 'agreeable' to dying, but that's not much of an issue, since it's Caleb, so sure, I'll hold your sword.

And then we can get up this mountain, because I'm starving. That beef jerky was a snack, not a meal.

[caleb_z]

“Very well. I, uh .. I have no problem with that arrangement.” Other than if you make a hostile move towards my best friend, I will employ all deliberate force against you.

[fieldwalker]

I am either a fool, or very wise. *Aditsan mumbles quietly under his breath and slowly, carefully offers his sword to Trevor. Once his weapon is gone, he waits patiently while Trevor searches his pack.*

So, tell me chindi-Caleb... are you cursed? If you are hastiin, but also chindi, what place have you on either plane? Do hastiin not shun you, and chindi mock you?

*A quick look at Trevor.* We are not so different, I suppose.

*He sighs, staring off into the woods as his jaw sets. Caleb hasn't taken his eyes off him, especially now that he's closer to Trevor.* You know, we have come to a pact. I will not harm the Sun Haired One, or you, unless attacked first. You have no need to search my actions so.

*He lowers his head, staring at Caleb from the tops of his eyes.* And I am not half as witless as I may seem.

[caleb_z]

"No, I .. I'm not cursed. At some point in my family history, someone had a child with an offspring. And, uh ... I'm the descendant of that child."

*Caleb runs his hand through his hair, and deliberately looks quickly around the forest. His eyes linger on Trevor for a few seconds before returning to Aditsan.* Either he's actually a cursed centaur, or he's a mentally unstable metamorph. In either event, he seems unsettlingly comfortable with Trevor...

"Evidently not, no. And I believe you'll keep you're word." *He's not -totally- lying.* "I'm just naturally rather guarded. Trevor can confirm for you that I'm usually quite reserved."

[fieldwalker]

Aditsan opens his mouth to say something, but then closes it again. Most hastiin don't think about honor, but he has a feeling insulting chindi-Caleb's would offend him, so he opts for silence.

[hotshot1280]

*Trevor rolls his eyes dramatically as he pulls a shirt and shorts out of his pack, tying the sword to the side of the pack.*

That's the first time I've seen a peace treaty make people more nervous around each other. Can we get to the cabin? At least there you two can shoot each other mistrustful glances in air conditioning.

*Trevor throws the bundle of clothes to Aditsan, and begins returning the pack to his back.*

[fieldwalker]

*Eyeing the clothes for a moment before beginning to pull them on, Aditsan shrugs.* I have come to learn that peace treaties among hastiin results in a mere pause of warfare. *He sends an unreadable glance at Caleb.* Those who would make strife with each other will do so, regardless.

However, let us continue. *For a mere moment, he debates offering to take them there himself.* They would not accept, *he tells himself.* Besides-- have you sunk so low as to be in such servitude to hastiin? And now, a chindi?

*He changes his train of thought.* Is this your permanent residence? I have to admit surprise. I was to believe I knew all hastiin on this mountain.

[hotshot1280]

*Trevor ignores the sniping between Caleb and Aditsan, hoping that it will abate eventually.*

No, it's my parents' old vacation home. I come up here every once in a while.

[fieldwalker]

*Aditsan nods.* I have asked many questions. I apologize for my rudeness, you are free to ask whatever questions you may have for me.

[caleb_z]

*Caleb gives Trevor an indecisive look.* He's going to linger around all weekend, isn't he?

"So .. you, uh ..you reside on this mountain, than?"

[fieldwalker]

*Another nod.* For the time, yes. I have been moving across the land for many years now, never staying long in one place. My persistant presence in areas raises the suspicion of local hastiin.

May I ask what your lives are like? I must admit curiousity. Even as hastiin, others have been uncomfortable in my presence. They know that I am not like them, even if it is not apparent. *He looks up, pointing through the trees.* Is that our destination, hastiin-Trevor?