The Deciever and the Black Feathered Weaver (Azure;Copper)

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Zidane didn't have much to say on her talking about Capri not being pleased with her actions. Instead, he looked back at her again. "You never said what you wanted." he replied to her question. "All I knew was that you stole my lips on day one. What else do you want?"

 

[Copper]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

She's quiet after the accusation and he might think she's declining to answer, especially as she droops down a little to a slouch again. "To help," she finally says quietly. "You four...five...have chosen a difficult path. I want...I want to see you realize your goals. And I want it to be with my help, not because of my help. I know that's not going to be easy. My presence is a double-edged sword. But if I can help you succeed, then I'll be happy."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Zidane went quiet after that. For a moment, she might think he was ignoring her too. "I guess you did help us out a great deal... We got a job, we took care of the competition that was really hurting us... Don't get a big head or anything but..." he sighed. "Thanks..." he said. He kept his face away, but just from the edge of his cheek she could see a blush as he appeared mushy for a moment.

 

[Copper]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

"You're welcome," she replies quietly. "Though the group of you did the hard part." She gives him a little smile, amused but not drawing attention to the fact that she can see him blush. Small steps with Zidane. Definitely small steps. "What do you think of the job? Do you think Claire's idea will work?"

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

"I don't know, I'm not much of a negotiator. Was never good with people, tried to avoid most if I could before I got tied in with that sadistic woman." he said. "I just hope it'll go well if I put forth effort. That's all."

 

[Copper]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

"Well, that's why we're working together. I can handle negotiations, you can handle things that require a little more finesse." She flicks the tip of her tail back and forth to emphasize the fact that she's not exactly built for things that require one to be dexterous. "But, you're right. I think if we all put an effort into it, I'd like to think we'll succeed."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Zidane's cheeks puffed out as he let out a sigh. "Despite everything I've said... This doesn't change anything. I'm still watching you." Zidane concluded that he still doesn't wholly trust Azure, before letting that be one of the final words he'd speak unless Azure said something outrageous enough to get a response. Soon, he'd wake up Marth for his shift. The mage would groan a little and rise from his slumber to allow Zidane to go to sleep while he took point.

 

[Copper]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Though the opportunity presents itself, Azure doesn't feel the need to tease Zidane, instead, falling into silence again while the two of them finish out their watch. Azure will actually rouse Capri to keep watch with Marth. If nothing else, the two might have some similar things to talk about while they're keeping an eye on the others. That done, she'll curl up once again and sleep, unless any sort of problem arises before dawn.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Rousing Capri, he wondered what Azure's intents were on making him watch with Marth, before simply going along with it. Sitting next to Marth to keep watch together as Azure curled up to sleep, the two shared a small greeting. "Hey," Marth said to Capri. "Hey..." Capri said sheepishly. Then the two sat in silence for a while. Awkward silence as the two didn't think of anything to say to the other. "You two... Did it... Right?" Marth inquired after a while. Capri looked shocked. "What...!?" Capri replied in a whisper. "Well... Yes...?" Capri answered slowly. Marth shifted as if he regretted asking for a moment. "... Did it hurt?" Marth inquired. Capri sank a bit. "... In various ways... But it was enjoyable... I mean..." Capri tried to find the words, while Marth seemed to find them for him. "Cuz she's a snake." the little mage said. Capri slowly nodded. "She 'is' a snake..."

Another moment passed. Azure chose to stay awake to listen more. "You know... She has a thing for you." Capri suddenly revealed, shocking Marth. "M-me!? What? But she has you, right?" Marth reminded Capri, but Capri already knew that. "She does. But what she has and what she wants are two different things." Capri said. Marth sounded to be in a fluster. "S-so... She got me the best looking raincoat because of that?" Marth inquired, as if trying to retrace his steps and find out where he missed the signs. "Are you that dense?" Capri replied. "Of course someone who likes you would get you something nice, and keep in mind you weren't the only one who got something she thought they'd like." Capri reminded him. Marth shuffled a bit. "So... Zidane was right?" Marth asked. Capri shook his head. "About some things? Yeah. About most things, no. She's probably not going to rape you and leave." Capri stated. "Am I a little angry that I know she's looking at you and the others that way? Absolutely. Do I have a right to be? I don't know. This isn't the world I grew up in." Capri stated. Marth shuffled some more in awkwardness. "Well... I don't have any experience one way or another, so... She probably won't want me in the end." Marth stated. Capri looked over.

"I thought that... With that witch and her cronies?" Capri said suggestively. Marth shook his head. "I was sexually harassed, but Undine's temple isn't lawless. Raping a man is a serious offense. I'm still pure." Marth declared. "I mean... Zidane probably... But I stayed out of their way mostly, while Zidane drew attention onto himself and protected us." Marth declared. "Well, don't let her know you're a virgin." Capri replied. "Who knows if she'll like the idea of being the one to teach you and take your first time." he warned the mage. Marth shrugged. "I thought women preferred experienced partners?" he asked. Capri shrugged as well. "Who knows? She's an interesting character for certain." He said. "What would you do if she came for you?" he asked.

"... I'd probably panic and not know what to do." Marth replied honestly. "You poor little guy." Capri chuckled, wrapping one arm around Marth's shoulders.

 

[Copper]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Head down and eyes closed, Azure makes certain that her breathing remains steady to give the illusion that she's sleeping, all the while eavesdropping, of course. Not exactly the conversation she anticipated the two of them having, but still, it was interesting to hear what they thought when they didn't think she was listening.

As Capri makes remarks about the world he grew up in, that's when she starts to pay attention even more, sort of hoping the two might talk about that. Would be a logical subject change. Of course, that wasn't the sole reason she decorated Marth's raincoat, nor was it really the reason why she got them for the others. The drumming on the roof was the reason. Maybe she ought to have a conversation with Capri about interpreting her intentions for her, or rather not doing so. Still, he wasn't wholly wrong, but he was putting ideas in Marth's head that might not necessarily need to be there. Powers knew that if Marth thought she was interested in him, it would probably make him flustered around her and that's the last thing she wants.

She's glad that her face is turned down so they can't see the smile that creeps to her lips as she listens to the two of them further. It makes her happy to know that Metal was mostly all bluster when it came to talking about what had happened between them and her team. That bit of information about Marth is both titillating and adorable at the same time, especially as he admits to probably panicking. At that thought she almost snickers and gives herself away.

Small steps, again. After this conversation, approaching Marth about learning magic is likely going to have to be handled very carefully, so he doesn't spook. Hopefully she won't tip her hand at having overheard them but it will at least have come in handy.

And unless the conversation takes any further interesting turns, she allows herself to drift off to slumber, intending to get as much rest as she can for the journey tomorrow.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Going to sleep, Azure wakes up in the morning to see a sheepish face hovering over her while a hand gently shakes her by the shoulder. Marth leaned over her, looking almost wary as if worried that Azure was dozy enough to just grab him right then and there. "U-uh... Azure... How do you like your eggs cooked? You don't like them... Um... Raw, do you?" he inquired, as if wondering how snakelike she truly was. Though he wasn't far off. Azure was not human, so eating a raw egg will have no adverse effects on her. Though she's naturally smell the food being cooked outside as well. Several others were asleep as well, Ragna was sleeping with his pants down a bit from the waist as he slept chaotically, and Zidane was curled up into a ball, tail and all.

 

[Copper]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Marth hears a sleepy sort of "Hrmm?" as the lamia start to come around, boosting her torso up, her back stretching in the motion, giving it a bit of an odd arch. She groans somewhat, but it's a good sound.

"Mmm, softer the better, if you can manage." She'll settle back down, just easing her body awake with stretches and shifts. "I'll be out in a minute or two," she'll assure Marth, in case he might also be afraid she's going to go back to sleep.

Seeing Ragna amuses her a little. Apparently Zwei wasn't the only one who slept in the nude. Sort of. Not that she'd ever make remarks about it. Nor would she say anything about Zidane, find the posture cute and a little unguarded, though she had no doubt he'd come awake quick enough if someone got too close to him.

Her stretching done, she'll head out of the igloo to join the others. If there's anything she can help with, she will. Otherwise, she's content to stay out of the way.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Ragna's pants were down just enough to offer suggestion, but not an actual feast fot eyes searching for what is normally covered and forbidden. Far from nude, Ragna would reach down and pull his pants up the inch or two that they were hanging down, before rolling out of bed in a sluggish manner and walking out into the sun. "Fooooood!" Ragna groaned as he went after the food cooking like a zombie.

"Put a shirt on, Ragna." Marth complained. "Shut up and feed me, pumpkin." Ragna retorted. A weave from Marth later and Ragna was letting out a hysrerical scream as ice seemed to form around Ragna's bare nipples. They both began laughing after the fact, Ragna seeking no vengeance as he began stretching while Marth took a handful of eggs and brought them over to Azure on a stone slab that acted as a plate. They were solid eggs, soft to the touch and filled with the eggs contents, exciting her snake instincts.

 

[Copper]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

And further proof of his good hearing, unless Marth had tried to rouse the others before approaching her. She watches their antics with amusement, covering her mouth to hold in her laughter at Ragna's shriek. It did further prove the friendship between the two, especially as the half-demon offered no retaliation against the mage.

When Marth brings her breakfast, she gives him a smile and takes the slab from him with quiet thanks. Given that the eggs are so soft, she carefully pokes a pair of holes in the shell with her fangs, using the one to suck out the contents. If that seems too loud, or is disturbing the others, she'll nick off the top portion of the shell and "drink" them instead. Once she's finished, she'll return the plate and see about helping to clean up, since she hadn't helped with the cooking.

"Compliments to the chef," she'll remark with a bit of a grin. Though the tone is playful, the compliment itself is sincere.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Ragna and Marth both looked at Azure as she drank the egg. Marth did so quietly, while Ragna blinked. "Huh," he said with a gesture of amazement. "My, grandma, what sharp teeth you have." he concluded with a chuckle.

Zwei was getting up as well, looking surprisingly fresh and ready to take on the morning despite it being morning. As nude as was promised, Azure was free to catch a glimpse of his form if she wished. He would certainly fall in line with someone's definition of perfect, if they liked tall men with thick muscles and a perhaps stereotypically large set of genitals considering his amazonian background and dark skin. By Azure's standards, Zwei was perhaps as large as she might find acceptable in a partner. Just 'touching' on the limit of acceptability, if one were to mind the unavoidable pun. A rather full ass as well. As Francis might comment, "He certainly has a lot to occupy ones hands with~" Claire cooed, standing next to Azure and looking into the tent.

Upon hearing that, a waking Zidane rushed to the entrance of the tent, and shut it in Claire's, and possibly Azure's face as well if she was peeking with eyes seeking.

 

[Copper]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

"All the better to nibble with," she teases back, working through the next egg.

Azure finds her gaze drawn to the movement, brows arching slightly as she catches sight of Zwei. Her eyes do roam, but it's more curiosity and appreciation than anything else, given this is the first time she's had a chance to get a good look at him. And she's certainly not going to argue with Francis on that one.

Zidane's actions get a soft laugh out of the lamia, her attention drifting back to her breakfast and the camp itself. "So what happens to that?" she asks Claire, indicating the igloo.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

"I'll eat it." Claire declares, and soon makes good on that promise as she puts her hand on the igloo, the material absorbing into her hand and breaking down as she seems to take it back into her body from whence it came, until Zidane and Zwei were sitting on a wooden plank, confused as Zwei finishes buckling his pants back on calmly, as if the only one unphased by what Claire just did. So calm was he in comparison to everyone else, an other worldly visitor could drop down in their ship and he wouldn't bat an eye at them.

Everyone began cleaning up even as Zidane and Zwei ate their share. After getting his many things together, Marth let out a huff as he lifted his large and heavy backpack. "Why did you take so many of your books, man?" Ragna inquired. "They might get stolen!" Marth snapped back, heaving as he lifted his pack while Ragna carried his own pack, looking a bit bothered as he was unable to aid his friend.

 

[Copper]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

"Eat it?" Azure watches as Claire absorbs the igloo once again, understanding and amused at the differences in reactions between Zidane and Zwei. And having someone who could react calmly to a situation was just as valuable as someone who could react instinctively.

She doesn't rush the other two, helping to clean up as she's needed. Hearing the banter between the two men, she frowned. That had been something she was worried about, given the condition of their living arrangements and the length of time they were to be gone. Perhaps she should have had Francis look in on the place. Though they had seemed comfortable enough leaving without such precautions. Or the other three had been. Of them all, she gathered that Marth had the most to lose, given his library, or at least the most obvious to someone looking to pilfer anything.

"Would you like a hand, Marth? I can take a couple books, perhaps. Lighten the load a little for you." There's a pause, given she'd picked up on Ragna's feelings on the matter. "And maybe pawn one off on Ragna? We'll split up the burden until you build up the muscles," she adds with a bit of a tease.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

When Azure approached, he gave a similar result as the one she expected. He spooked a little, his eyes drawn immediately to her in a panicked reaction. Offering her aid, he shifted about nervously, as if Azure had laid a field of mines for him to try to cross. "O-oh, um. That's... Well, that's not really necessary!" he insisted. "It's... It's not that heavy at all!" he said, even though his body was angled awkwardly, borrowing muscle strength from places it shouldn't in an unhealthy manner. "Marth..." Ragna said off to the side with a heavy sigh. "You're probably carrying half your own weight in that bag." He said, flipping his hand over Marth's pack to reveal that he definitely had over fifty pounds of weight he was carrying. Not a hefty amount for a seasoned traveler, but Marth was not that. He was the smallest of the group, and had a thin build worthy of the mockery of being called a toothpick. Even so, it seemed his pride was giving him a bit of a strength boost, not wanting to look weak and pathetic. Though now, he had trouble admitting that the load wasn't heavy. To Azure and her inhuman power, she could probably carry Marth and his bag on her back, and Ragna in her arms too before she'd start feeling tired.

With that, he looked up sheepishly at Azure. She seemed to have unsaid authorization to take his pack and carry it for him, or whatever took her fancy. His pack was filled with many titles varying in size, seeming to be that he had over ten book of various sizes in his pack.

 

[Copper]

Re: Competition (Azure;Copper)

Given the previous conversation, suggesting that Marth catch a ride on her back probably wouldn't go over very well. Instead, she tries to keep her expression friendly. Chances are he's likely had his fill of daggers-behind-smiles but Azure's friendliness is genuine.

"Let's see what you've got in here." She'll carefully remove the books, laying them out on the wood floor, so they wouldn't pick up dirt if the ground were still wet. She seems more concerned with sorting them by size than content, paying attention to that rather than the titles, unless they were blatantly obvious. From there, she'll suggest he break them down to ones that, should he need one right away, as with a spell book, he take those while giving ones to her that might be for more casual reading or research. She'll also see if Ragna or Capri wouldn't be opposed to taking one or two, the former nominated due to earlier remarks and the latter, if he agrees, she might also see if Marth has something in the stack that might interest the scholar.