thearena | (no subject)

Who: Ruby and you!

What: Hanging about.

When: Early week Six.

Where: Fantasyland (because sooper magic powers)

Warnings: None yet.

Ruby didn't like straying from Snow. Not even for these precious few minutes while she scrounged for food. if it wasn't for her powers she doubted she'd be able to bring herself to do it... But she knew she that she could reach Snow's side in a heartbeat. She could smell the woman, among the rotting food and rubble. She could hear the steady heartbeat as she listened for any signs of trouble.

It was probably a bit stalkerish. She had to admit that. But it was just... this version of snow was still so young, it seemed. So innocent... and Ruby wanted to keep her that way. She knew full well what would await Snow if - when - they got home... She was determined to spare snow those feelings for as long as she was capable. With every ounce of power she had.

First, though, there was the little matter of them not starving. Little inhalations of breath as she tried to pick up the scent of fresh cooked meat. Vegetables. Anything, really - at least enough for her friend...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Cuthbert's heart rate has been up since Ruby made her appearance, but he hasn't made a move yet and he isn't sure he will. It's not really part of his usual job description to kill women, or innocents. And other than following him silently she hadn't been aggressive toward him yet. This was turning into a standoff.

"Can a man not take rocks with him if it pleases him? There is hardly ill intent in it. I simply needed something to weigh down my pocket."

Ruby didn't respond directly, but looked him up and down as she considered options. If it was just her, she could avoid him... but she has to keep this territory safe for Snow. "You should leave."

"Or what? If you intend to kill me, I won't go easy." He did tense with that, readying himself for a fight he felt certain he could win.

"Though perhaps we might end this without blood. Tell me where I might find fresh water and I will leave without another word."

Ruby was pretty sure of her own victory, for that matter - but she didn't really want a fight either. Besides, water was simple enough: it had been the first thing she'd gone to look for.

The main trick - as always - was keeping him away from Snow while getting him there. "This way," she promised him, gesturing as she turned. If he wanted to attack, that was the time... though her stance was guarded, at least she couldn't see him.

Edited 2013-04-30 22:55 (UTC)

He was more concerned that she would lead him into an ambush or a trap. But if she's willing to turn her back to him, that could be a good sign. Cuthbert followed at a slight distance, no use being close enough to be hit or grabbed at.

"Can you not simply tell me which way to go?"

"Maybe," she admitted, trying not to let him see the fidgetting of her hands. she plucked up her skirts to stop them from wringing as she started toward the stream.

"If I trusted you."

"You trust me enough to show your back."

As they walked he was randomly throwing the stones he picked up at anything that interests him. He was looking for small game, and more importantly, traps. But that wasn't really something he thought he needed to explain.

"That's not trust," she admitted, back a little stiff. "I can hear your heartbeat." The other powers she would keep under wraps. She didn't use them half as much as her senses, anyhow.

"And you can stop with the underbrush. You're wasting amo." That was just an educated guess.

"'Tis my ammunition to waste."

He did stop, though. If she really could hear everything around them it was useless to do any more.

"What would you do if I could still my heart and still attack?"

Not that he really thought he could, but he could certainly try.

"You can't hide from a wolf," she promised him. "Your footsteps are pretty loud, too."

She would actually be a bit more worried about him than her if the heartbeat stilled all together. short of that, she thought she would be able to figure out if he was getting closer to her.

"Come on. We're almost there."

"I have killed stronger wolves than you."

And that wasn't just talk, he had shot a pack of mutant wolves not all that long before he came here. He was still keeping his distance from her, letting his better judgement dictate his actions.

He was keeping his ears open too, listening for the sounds of water. This could still be a trap.

"Maybe," she said. "But I won't let you kill me." She wonders if he'd say that, if he saw her other form, but she doesn't want to start a challenge. She didn't want to kill. She just wanted to keep Snow safe...

The water isn't far. She'll guide him to it, so long as she doesn't have to leave the area. Her powers are useless outside of Fantasyland, and she can't protect Snow if she's dead.

Unless her other form had more than 2 heads and stood taller than he did it wouldn't be above and beyond what he had already seen and killed. But that was when he had his guns still, and the loss was still one he felt keenly, especially now.

He had a moment of decision where he had to figure out if he was going to drink and try to keep an eye on her at the same time. Surely she wouldn't drag him all the way out here to kill him, but he didn't want to find out the hard way.

"Thankee for the help. I would hardly be a gentleman if I killed a lovely lady such as yourself after she gave me her aid."

He made a very quick bow and waited for her to either attack or leave before he would take a drink.

Five feet tall, ten feet long, and armed with super strength - though all of that would admittedly be useless when faced by a rifle.

She didn't have her form, though - and he didn't have a gun. Since neither of them seemed like they planned to kill each other...

She hesitated only a moment, before turning back. She'd disappear behind any covering she could find soon enough.

That was enough for her to leave and when he was sure he didn't hear any other sounds from her direction he finally bent down to drink.