Life had become increasingly more difficult for Arean. Not because she had to hide from law-figures. Not because it was getting less and less pleasing to live in a basement. No, it was difficult because she was having an irritable time finding entertainment. Of course, it could be found if one looked hard enough, but Arean could be notoriously lazy sometimes. At the current moment, she was standing in an alley, no more than a few meters away from a rather lively tavern, contemplating whether or not tonight was a drinking night. On one hand, getting drunk was a good time-killer; on the other hand, when one gets drunk, one also gets stupid. Stupidity is a very, very bad thing for a wanted criminal. One wrong sentence, and you'd have to flee. Arean wasn't a fan of fleeing, to be sure. She wasn't a very big fan of hiding, either. Being vain, self-centered, and so fourth, she rather liked attention, but even she knew that not all attention was good.

Sighing, Arean shook her head. No, there'd be no drinking tonight, that was for certain. Besides, if she stayed out too late, her sisters would find out she snuck out. Now, Arean wasn't afraid of her sisters, far from it, but she did love them. It was strange for her, knowing that she actually cared for someone, let alone two people, for Arean had never really felt such an attachment to anyone. It was particularly good for Ruku and Olivia, though, because Arean wouldn't let any harm befall them due to that attachment. They were safe so long as Arean loved them. Of course, there's also the knowledge that Arean's mind changes rather abruptly, and without warning, so perhaps they weren't safe at all. For now, let's just say they're safe for the moment.

Sticking to the darkest streets and alleys she could find, Arean wandered rather aimlessly through the town. It was late enough that most people, excluding the drunkards at the taverns, were asleep. The silence was calming... Well, probably calming for most people. It just made Arean feel antsy, wanting to make a lot of noise to drown out the dreadful silence. It was only welcome sometimes, but not right now. No, tonight was too promising to let silence invade. Sure, Arean did think that about most nights she snuck out, but tonight she would make it worth it. She'd just have to do the one thing that she loved.

A few nights previous to this fine night, Arean had been in a tavern that wasn't the prettiest of the bunch, but the patrons were always amusing. It seemed to be a bad night, though, because there was one man in the bar who rather enjoyed harassing the barmaids in a lewd manner. Arean wasn't familiar with any of the women being harassed, but she had been in a particularly foul mood that night, and hadn't much liked the man's actions. Arean herself was lewd, but usually never to the point where someone was made uncomfortable, and when that man persisted in his loud, obnoxious ways, Arean got angry. Now, Arean being the conniving little she-devil that she was, knew that he was a regular patron of that bar, and that should she return there and he just so happened to be there, perhaps she could follow him home and rip his throat out with her teeth. Now that'd be funny. Maybe she could pretend to seduce him, and get him to bring her back to his home, make him drop his guard, and slip a knife into his back when he isn't looking. Oh yes, Arean was demented.

"No point standing around here... It's getting late and I don't know when he goes home... Damnit, if he's not there... I'll kill a random! No, Arean, you can't do that, you never know what to expect with a random..." Arean whispered to herself as she navigated the shadowy alleyways. Arean considered herself a master of the less-used parts of the city, and constantly strove to find new ways around without using the main streets. Alleyways were standard for most people trying to avoid detection, and yet they were always so functional. Of course, if someone sees a cloaked figure slinking through the alleyways at night, well, you could end up with some suspicious people. In any case, it still help when avoiding detection in most cases.

By the time Arean reached her destination, the bar's clamor had already dulled, though not entirely died. If this man was the alcoholic she thought he was, he'd stay here until they forced him to leave. Taking an deep breath to calm her excitement, she pushed the tavern door open, and pulled down her hood. Glancing around, she searched for her target, though it didn't take her long to realize...

"He's... Not here." Arean hissed, beneath her breath. Oh, how very disappointing for poor Arean. Doesn't get to kill anyone tonight. Well, that could still be easily changed, so long as she was smart. Perhaps the first patron to leave would be a decent target, although that meant hunkering down for a little while... And maybe have a few drinks while she waits. Still trying to overcome the initial anger at not getting what she wanted, Arean approached the counter and ordered a glass of ale. It wasn't the greatest in the world, but her sisters didn't allow liquor in the house, so she'd have to make due. The fact that Arean was technically spending her sisters money made her ever so happy, just because she thought of it as revenge. 'Well, if you didn't want me spending rupees at the tavern, you should have just bought me a bottle. It's cheaper that way.' Arean mused as a smile crept onto her face. Arean could amuse herself, given the right topics of thought.

After her fourth or fifth glass of bitter, awful booze, the psychopathic woman noticed a man standing up, preparing to leave. Another large grin appearing on her face, she left the appropriate ammount of rupees on the counter and followed him out into the cool night air. The man stumbled as he made his way down the street, and Arean quickened her pace slightly to catch up to him. Without a word, she draped her arms over his shoulders, which caused him to turn around abruptly. Seeing this lovely woman with a certain look in her eyes, and a smirk on his lips, he almost immediately dropped his guard. As he drew in to plant a kiss on her lips, he suddenly made a gurgling noise. Arean stepped away from him, and ripped her dagger out of the man's throat. With a look that was a mix of confusion and fury, the man dropped to his knees, still gurgling. Arean giggled and placed a hand on his forehead.

"Now now, mister. It's time to sleep." She said with a sickly sweet smile, "At least you won't have to deal with a hangover." Arean added with another dark giggle. She then proceeded to pushing the man over rather roughly, and watching him die on the streets. The same grin still on her face, Arean brought the dagger to her lips, and drew her tongue up the blade. With a contented sound, she wiped the remainder of the blood on to the man's shirt. With a smug grin, she pulled her hood over her head and moved into the shadowy alley to her right, not wanting to take her eyes off the grim scene. Arean believed that almost everything could be an art form, and she also believed that she was one of the best in her line of art. Of course, everyone at some point thinks they're the best at something.

"Now, back to the bar."

Stumbling out of the bar was a young fellow, only half way through his prime years. But if you stopped to look at him, though he was barely aged he had this face, one that held onto many stories, scars etched in his cheeks, and a split in his lip. You knew he was young, even through the rough exterior of tanned skins and toned muscles, you could see the youth dance in his eyes. Not only did his eyes possess youth, but so did his attitude, especially since he knocked back a couple, well... more than a couple of ales back in the bar. But he wasn’t too far gone, he still knew his left from his right, he still could walk mainly straight, and he still could speak without slurring his words, but he was done for the night, no more drinking.

“No more drinking.” He spoke out, out loud apparently, but he only was telling himself. “You’re done for the –hic- night.” He added in, finding himself falling into a fit of hiccups. That was the thing about drinking for him. Whenever he did drink, or drink too much, he always hiccupped. But this wasn’t just with the consumption of alcohol or liquor, it was any drink really. So, with the hiccup being cause of the parting of his lips, he would dub himself done drinking for the night. This is why he stumbled out of the bar door the way he had. It was time to walk home... whichever way home was, if he could recall anyways.

The door slammed closed as Anubis placed a hand on the side of the building, using it to steady himself as he looked at his toes. He nearly fell forward, losing track of how far forward he was bending. He should have been bending with his knees, and the sensible part of his brain was telling him that, but the drunken side was having its fun tonight. Staggering forward, he straightened himself, turning his back to the building and leaning backward. This was good, comfortable, and it worked. As he leaned, one leg raised, his right at that, bent at the knee, his foot planted flat on the side of the tavern, he crossed his arms in front of his chest. He was looking cool, calm, and collected, as if he was out for a smoke, or getting ready to go inside and begin a night of drinking, rather than ending it like he was. He was sporting a new hair cut, short, but it seemed to stand on end almost. But, since he cut his hair, he had been neglecting his facial hair, and now, a layer of hair had grown, a scruff which got itchy often.

The sound of army men singing, who also had too much to drink, could be heard from the street, despite the closed wooden door to the tavern. “I should be in –hic- there right –hic- now. Singing a song –hic- about a battle no one –hic- knows.” Raising a hand, Anubis rubbed his forehead, his hand not leaving his face as it trailed down his cheek to his chin before falling to his side. His legs began to grow weak, and he found himself on the ground before he knew it. Here he would be comfortable through, bringing his right foot up to mid thigh of his left outstretched leg. His arms clumsily lay at his sides as his dark green eyes stared at the starry night sky. Anubis’ thin lips parted once more, but not to speak, simply to allow a happy, content sigh escape. He enjoyed being alone, yet seconds away from his friends. It was nice to think, or have this moment where he thought he was thinking, but really, he simply was sitting on a cold pebble stone path staring up at a sky not thinking or having a care in the world.

He was alone until a cloaked figure walked toward the tavern door. As the hooded person approached, a couple left, skipping past them, and onward down the street gleefully. Anubis simply sat there, now pulling his gaze away from the sky and onto the hooded figure. Eyes narrowing as he attempted to focus in the dark of night.

(That was a really bad intro post. >_> Sorry, haven't had to do one in a looooong while. )

The bitter tang of blood was faint, but it still lingered in Arean's mouth as she navigated the streets. Despite her joy at her little triumph, she was still disappointed she couldn't drag the corpse back to her home. With the right spices, and cooked with some choice vegetables... No, not only would her sisters get mad at her, but she'd also have to go through the trouble of burying the rest of the corpse, which was always a nuisance. That's why young children, infants most of all, were the best to prepare for consumption. Briefly, Arean pondered how other's would look upon her her cannibalism... She wasn't even sure if her sisters knew about that particular... quirk.

As the red-haired female pondered this, she noticed the bar was close. She could discern this from the singing. Drunk men were so funny sometimes, much funnier than a drunk woman in any case. When women drink, in most cases they just get annoying. Arean, despite her gender, disliked the majority of the female species. Most were self-centered and egotistical, with no concern for anything other than how they look and if their man-friend wants to bed them. It was truly pathetic.

Almost walking right past her destination, Arean pulled herself out of her thought bubble in time to notice that there was a man sitting on the ground not too far from the tavern door. He was quite handsome and obviously drunk, and apparently looking at her. Then again, a cloaked figure walking around at night wasn't as inconspicuous as she had wanted. Oh well, there was nothing she could do about that now. With a warm smile on her face, she pulled her hood back, revealing her face, and approached the man.

"Having a bit of troubles, mister?" She inquired, standing a few steps away from the intoxicated male. Being who she was, Arean was bolder than most. Should she want to say something to a complete stranger, there would be no hesitation. If she wasn't completely psychotic, she may have had a rather large group of friends. Although the fact that she had to hide in a basement all day could certainly be attributed to her lack of a social life. Once again, there was no point dwelling on it, for there was no simple solution to this problem... One problem, however, was the fact that introductions would likely be made, and Arean couldn't go throwing her actual name around. She might be absolutely mad, but she wasn't an idiot. What was a good name...

"Do you need any help, sir?" She went on to ask him. Her thirst for death had been dealt with for the current, so now there just remained boredom. She wouldn't make an attempt on this man's life, but simply because it didn't seem wise to attack two people in one night. Higher-ups tend to notice you a bit more if you get too greedy, and that wouldn't do any good to get noticed. Noise was emitting from the tavern, the sound of a scuffle and glass breaking. Arean giggled, "It sounds like someone isn't ready to leave quite yet."

Shortly after her comment, a man was roughly escorted out the door. He grumbled for a few moments before walking off, likely to another tavern if Arean knew anything about that type of men. After watching the man walk off for a few moments, she returned her attention back to the man. With another sweet little smile, she extended her hand towards him.

"My name's Naomi, it's quite nice to meet you, sir."

((OOC: Is no problem, I was having troubles as well. Sorry it took me a little bit to reply.))

"Having a bit of troubles, mister?"

Was she talking to him? Her voice was so calm and gentle, definitely not what he had been expecting from the cloaked figure that he had been watching walk back toward the bar which he had just exited. However, there was she was, asking him if he was troubled. Did he honestly look troubled, that he needed help? No way! Did she not know who he was? What he had done for all the families that lived in Hyrule, what he had accomplished and how quickly he had done so? She mustn't have, because if she did, she would be asking him for help, for any kind of help, because he was that great.... and that cocky. The realization of his self absorption ended his thoughts abruptly.

"Do you need any help sir?"

So he did look that helpless. He was that helpless. He drank that much.

His thin lips parted slightly to allow way of a breath to slip through and into the warm yet cool breeze. He wasn't too much aware of the temperature however, having so much liquor and alcohol within his insides that they did all the warming of his body that he needed. If anything, the young male was ready to shed some clothing. The idea of pulling off his shirt was rather appealing, especially since his cheeks burned, and not even due to any flattery. But, as the idea continued to grow on him, he realized he did need the help, and he would accept it... especially since for the moment he could not recall where he lived, or who he was here with, and he never went drinking alone. Or. Perhaps he did?

"It sounds like someone isn't ready to leave quite yet."

She had giggled as she made the comment, and it was the single most adorable thing he had heard. The sound of her laughter reminded him so much of his sister. Anubis smirked himself, looking over toward the direction in which the male who had thrown a fit, had been escourted. It appeared he wasn't quite done like she had suggested, as he now was heading over to another bar. Thankfully, he himself knew his limits without someone telling him what it was. But he was onto another bar, and a bartender would not refuse service, or a tip that would undoubtingly be given.

Anubis shook his head one more time before placing his right hand on the exterior of the bar, using it as aid to get him to his feet. He was having difficulty though. The ground, sitting here, made everything still and unmoving, but the second he bent his knees and pulled his bottom from the pebble stone path, the world began to spin and an ache crept up in his gut. But he was determined to get to his feet, how else was he supposed to greet the lovely- or rather, lovely sounding- woman in front of him properly?

Standing on his own two feet now, back leaned against the bar wall as he swallowed back an ill feeling.

"My name's Naomi,"

'Naomi'. He thought to himself. What a pretty name. Surely her personality would be a fine suit. So he flashed a quick smile as he nodded his head, unable to bow before her like he usually would upon meeting any woman.

"The pleasur-hic-e is all m-hic-ine." Anubis felt slightly embarrassed as he found himself hiccuping. What was she going to think of him now? No better than the drunk who just departed the establishment they stood in front of.

"My name is -hic- Anubis." He replied, shaking his head in disbelief of himself. How could he be such a fool to allow himself to get so bad tonight?

"I do apo-hic-logize for my... -hic- intoxication."

(All done. Thanks for the patience! (: I had some moderator stuff to handle lol)

Arean observed with mild interest the man before her, as well as his seeming lack of reaction. He hadn't said anything yet, despite Arean's attempts at conversation, or at least introductions, but still, she watch his more subtle movements. She noticed the smirk that followed her giggle, and inwardly berated herself for the idiotic noise. It didn't seem right that someone like Arean's laugh should sound so... cute. It was ridiculous, and would no doubt get her laughed out of her chosen profession... If that's what it could be called. In any case, this was not the matter at hand. She had to focus on this man, whom was seemingly as drunk as is usual of someone you find sitting on the ground outside of a tavern.

She watched as he attempted, and succeeded, to pull himself off the ground, using the building as a prop. Arean wasn't sure if he was about to fall over or not, but he certainly didn't look like it was an easy task to keep upright. When she introduced herself, he nodded, and Arean smiled as he introduced himself in turn. Arean tried to stop it from emerging, but once more a giggle slipped out, due to his hiccuping. It was cute, the hiccuping, and Arean thought it to be rather endearing, despite the fact she had just met this fellow. Still, despite all that, her cheeks burned with blush, due both to the fact that she had giggled in the hideous fashion, as well as the fact that she had just laughed at him, which was not intended, nor was it nice.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to laugh. It was rude of me." The red-haired female apologized, with a genuinely apologetic expression on her face. She may have enjoyed taking lives, manipulating people, and many other unsavory activities, but she still didn't like to make people feel bad. It was bad form. If Arean was going to do what she did, she had to at least be polite with her other endeavors. Laughing at people was certainly not polite. While she was still busy continuing her inward berating of herself, Anubis had gone ahead and apologized for his intoxication. Almost instantly, Arean smiled largely.

"There's no need to apologize; everyone needs to unwind every now and again." She replied merrily, "Besides, I've seen far more people far more intoxicated, far more often than I'm assuming someone who apologizes for being intoxicated... If that makes any sense." That sentence had even confused Arean ever-so-slightly. She didn't feel tipsy, but perhaps she had misjudged her own intoxication. No, that wasn't it. She just wasn't used to conversations any more. 'That's what living in a basement does to you, I suppose.' She thought with a sigh, 'Now, if I could forthrightly proclaim myself like Ganondorf did, then I'd be living in the glory days.'

((OOC: Not a problem, I've waited FAR longer to get a reply post. About a year was the longest I had to wait. Ridiculous, right? That's an inactive Rpg for you. Sorry for the length, or lack thereof. My brain is refusing to function properly.))

Naomi giggled once more, probably at how drunk he was. If he knew that he was going to have met a woman today, he wouldn’t have drunk as much as he did. It was not everyday he got to meet people, let alone ladies, let alone even socialize with people outside those that he worked with. Today, he had been blessed with the night off, and this is how he had spent it... drinking until he was drunk, and then making a fool of himself at night. But that was all in the past, and there was nothing he could do about it either, only embrace it now... somehow. But there was one good thing that came out of all of this, like the giggling, and how cute it was even the second time around.

Anubis couldn't help but laugh once more at her, especially once she realized she was laughing at him, and felt that it was rude or something. Her cheeks had gone red, probably a brighter shade than his were because he had drunk so much. But he hadn't been offended at all, he knew she was right.

"Don't fri-hic-eght. I know I've had mo-hic-re to drink than I should have. -hic- I'm an u-hic-tter fool to have had so much. And this was no-hic- matter of unwinding, more like -hic- lac-hic-k of something to do. I'm not ex-hic-actly capable of be-hic-ing social with my field-hic- of caree-hic-r."

Anubis cleared his throat as another hiccup came up. At this point, he was simply wishing he would just stop hiccuping... it was beginning to be even more embarrassing, and if his cheeks hadn't been bright red like they were, he probably would be blushing himself. Naomi had then begun telling him why he should not be apologizing, and yet he felt he should. Even after telling her he was not even unwinding, because he didn't find his career stressful or anything, simply unsocial, there was still this need to apologize.

"I simply could be -hic-far better a ma-hic-n if we had not met under thes-hic-e cir-hic-cumstances. However, a little less entertaining -hic- I'd assume."

Anubis slowly brought himself off the wall of the tavern, to standing on his own two feet, no support at all. The world kind of danced around until it focused and steadied a little more. Even once it had though, it was still somewhat blurry, and swaying from side to side. This is what he got for drinking, his punishment, and it was his fault. But it couldn't last for much longer, he did not drink enough to get hung over, merely have a good time... in a sense.

"I would assume I'm -hic- about to get far more interesting. Seems I have n-hic-o idea wh-hic-ere exactly I live..."

(Don't worry about length. Mine are pretty much going to fall to about this length and stay that way xD )

When Anubis began replying once more, Arean couldn't fight the smile that crept on to her face. Though barely intelligible, due to the copious amount of hiccups, she was able to understand the gist of it. Giving him a rather sympathetic look, Arean could only recall a few times she ever had the hiccups that bad, and how very annoying it had been for her not to be able to get a full two words out without being interrupted. Very bothersome indeed.

"Well, there's no need to call yourself a fool; half the patrons in the tavern are twice as intoxicated as you, so you're clearly more intelligent than them." Responded Arean, "I understand what you mean about your career destroying most chances at social escapades, though. It can be a bit trying at the best of time." Although she was quite sure his career was quite different than Arean's. Actually, I don't think murdering counts as a career at all. To make it even close to an occupation, she'd have to start looting her victims, but she didn't believe in such things. As she contemplated this, Anubis spoke once more.

"True; this encounter with you would be far less entertaining, good sir, if you were sober." Arean said with a crooked smile. This was the most fun Arean had had in quite awhile, granted her murder earlier had been fairly entertaining, but this was a different type of entertaining. Mostly, the people she got to converse with were her siblings, and bar tenders/patrons. Sure, Anubis had been in the bar, and was now intoxicated, but by the sounds of what he said he wasn't a regular. Although she mostly believed him, though, she still kept in mind that men, no, people lie. She didn't truly believe Anubis was lying, but one in her position is always suspicious, always skeptical.

Watching him abandon his support, Arean watched him sway subtly, and wondered how the world must look at his state. Probably quite confusing, she decided after inward deliberation. 'Wow... I'm fairly zoned out tonight. I wonder what's bringing this about...' She mused, and she absent-mindedly nibbled her lip. It was while she was thinking about how much she was thinking at the moment, when Anubis added a comment, that pulled Arean out of her thoughts immediately.

"Oh dear, that could certainly pose a problem..." She murmured, mind racing to find a solution, "Quite a problem indeed." She was already praying to the Goddesses that they wouldn't end up having to wander around all night. Nightlife was fine for a criminal like her, but when the sun came up, that was the dangerous time for her and her ilk. She knew full well it'd be bad form to abandon this man while in such a state, and she also knew that if she was going be what she was she at least had to make up her behavior by being polite when not partaking in her dirty little indulgences. Still, this was going to be a veeeeery interesting situation. An adventure, if you will.

"So, remember anything before entering the bar? Perhaps we can backtrack." She suggested, glancing around at the darkened streets. She'd prefer not to have to walk towards the corpse she left, but knew it was a possibility. She nearly laughed, though, when she thought about how Anubis had berated himself for being such a fool for getting as drunk as he was, and then compared it to Arean's decisions on this night. In her mind, her mess-ups far outweighed his.

((OOC: Sorry, that took longer than I had hoped it would; my life kept butting in when I thought I had enough time to post previous to this. Hopefully it shouldn't take as long from here on out.))

(Sorry about taking almost a week to respond. Things are a little hectic here in the Christmas, but I finally managed to be able to sit down and write this thing!)

"Before the bar?" A slow creeping smile sprout on his lips as Anubis chuckled a little, more to himself than out loud for Naomi to hear. The question came off rather humorous to him, how could he forget something before the bar? Yeah, he had a little much to drink, but wouldn't that just make him forget what happened that night? But she had to be right, because clearly, something occurring before the bar was his house, and something he could not recall, was where he lived... this was quite the pickle. Anubis did try his best to remember, he tried all those little tricks that you hear about for remembering and recalling information, like looking up, closing your eyes, back tracking your day, he tried it all, but it didn't seem to really work.

"I remember... blackness." He replied as his laugh came out as more of a snort as he shook his head. How could he forget... really. Anubis then scratched the back of his head, his hand trailing down the back toward his neck. Grabbing what he thought was his collar, he was surprised to feel it no where near as stiff as he once thought. Looking downward he soon came to notice that this was not his collar he was grabbing, but a piece of cloth wrapped around his neck. Pulling it off, it became clear to him what had gone on this day.

"I think I'm starting to remember." He said holding the cloth upward so she could see it, not inspect it, but just to flash a glance at it. "I did not come here by my own free will, nor had I come here from my house. It was card night tonight, but a special one at that. It was also my birthday, well, it was when the day first started, its long over now. I have the week off because its my birthday, and today was the second day in and I had done nothing. So I attend the card night as I usually would after work, but midway through, they gag and blind fold me and bring me here." Anubis then found himself laughing as he pointed off down the street. "Those drunken fools-" he laughed once more, followed by a hiccup. "Those were my troops. The drunken fools left without me."

While the story may have been slightly humorous, it was no where near as funny as how he was reacting to it. He was in such a fit of laughter that he lost his balance and fell right back into his initial sitting position up against the wall. The men were long out of sight now, and could have gone anywhere. They could have gone to one of the men's house, or perhaps to one of the other nearby taverns, but for now, Anubis slumped in his sitting position, his roar of laughter and hiccups coming to an end as he closed his eyes.

"I could simply do well just sleeping right here for the night."

Anubis seemed to think everything was hysterical at the moment, as Arean's question made him laugh quite copiously. If she didn't know better, (which she was fairly sure she was), she'd call him insane, but no, there was only one mad person here. He was just drunk. With a small smirk on her lips, she watched as he laughed, snorted, and pulled a cloth that had previously been wrapped around his neck off. Listening closely to Anubis' explanation, Arean suddenly felt a chill sneak through her being. 'His troops... Oh dear... This isn't what I had expected.' Arean thought, her expression never showing her concern, 'Though I suppose this will make things much more interesting. Interesting is good. Interesting is fun.'

"Well, if they forgot you here, they were likely fairly intoxicated themselves... Would they have returned to the place where you play cards? If not, it might help you remember a bit more." One could only hope that the place where they played cards was not in the barracks. This game was getting fun, and dangerous. The greatest combination Arean could think of. The peril of being recognized, caught, and either imprisoned or killed. The ultimate gamble, wouldn't you say? Still, her sisters may not be too happy about that. But who cares what they think; if Arean's not at home, than they're much safer! As she pondered this within the confines of her highly confusing mind, she faintly heard Anubis speak once more.

"You don't want to be doing that," She began with a click of her tongue, "You never know who's prowling the streets at this point in the night. From my experience, the night tends to draw out more unsavoury characters." She was smiling as she said this. She rather enjoyed warning him against people such as her, without flat out saying she was one to watch out for. In fact, she'd deny such an accusation were it made against her without proof of such. As far as she was concerned, until she amassed enough power to take over the kingdom, everyone untrustworthy must only know of her false persona or be killed. Of course, if one were to look at her desire rationally, they'd realize that she was destined for failure in such an endeavor, but Arean was hardly rational.

"At the very least, do you remember where any of these, erm, 'drunken fools' live? It's understandable if you don't." At that point, Arean could only think of how annoying she sounded. It wasn't her job to sound like the worriesome mother-figure... That was Ruku's job!

((OOC: It's no big deal! Like I've said, I've waited and entire year for someone to post before; a week is hardly a wait at all!))

(Right right, I'll stop apologizing unless I've taken over a year xP Plus, there may be spelling errors, I typed this at school where there is no firefox, or microsoft word o.o)

There was a new gleam about Arean's eyes now that he had mentioned a thing or two about who he was, what he was doing here, and where he had come from due to the night's ordeals. But even with the new gleam, she still appeared to be the same old person, even though there was this feeling that creeped up his spine that there was something he needed to know about her, or that he had seen her before, or someone like her. There was truth to her words though, sleeping here for the night would be a bad idea. Not only was there just normal minor dangers, like getting rained on, getting cold, getting sick from the cold, and things of the like, there was also the issue of there being these people who, or person who, was going around killing. I mean, the city had their fair share of deaths, but lately, there was an increase in murder strikes, and as far as people could tell, there was no coincidence between them all.

Anubis shook his head a little.

"I honestly cannot recall where any of them lived." He raised a hand to his head, scratching it in confusion as he attempted to come up with the answer to her questions.

"I do not know what to do from this point..."

(Sorry it took so long, and that I didn't even add anything. I'm learning to balance my time, and I think I found a solution! (: )

Quite a task had been thrust into tonight's fun, and it only served to exacerbate that fun. Arean was hanging out with a guard, (if what he had said indicated towards anything), and using the name of her deceased mother as an alias. Not only that, but there was also a corpse a block or so away from where they stood. So much had occured in such a short period of time, but she still wondered how long until dawn it was. She may like to play dangerously, but nothing could convince her to attempt walking around in broad daylight. That was stupidity at it's highest. Night guards always seem a little more lax on the going-ons around the city, but the day guards were expected to be on the ball, due to the large crowds that end up accumulating in certain areas. No, going out in the day was not an option. Perhpas there was an easier way out of this, short of just dissapearing when his attention is diverted. Suddenly, an idea struck her.

"Well... We're likely not going to have much luck tonight, correct?" She began, a small smile forming on her face, "And, well... I could always get you to an inn for the night, or what's left of it. If you sleep, you'll be sober tomorrow, and able to locate your home, no? I'd be willing to foot the bill." Initially, she had come close to offering her own home as a place to stay, but once again, that was just stupid. No, she liked the inn idea, she just wondered what he'd think of it. Some people didn't like the idea of staying in an inn, let alone a woman paying for a man to stay in an inn. Still, it was worth a shot, and it'd get her home by dawn if he was all right with the arrangement. It was too bad she wouldn't be able to meet with Anubis after this night, given his occupation. It was out of the question really, despite Arean's personal feelings, but in her, erm, 'occupation'... Personal feelings had to be disreguarded.

"So, are you alright witht hat arrangement?" She inquired, tilting her head to one side inquisitively. Maybe she really should get a job... She couldn't mooch off of her sisters forever. Maybe she should cut her hair, wrap cloth around her breasts and attempt to get a job within the Castle Town guard... Now that was a funny thought. Though it would never happen, it was amusing to think of. No, there were very few jobs for one of Arean's status, and she had to live with that. As well as live with the fact that socializing was only painful for someone like her. Should she geniunely feel that this person was good, she could only think of how they would react if they knew the truth. These thoughts often threw Arean into a sudden depression, and now was no different. Her frame was slouched, and though her expression revealed nothing, her eyes were clouded. This would be an example of the bipolar side of Arean's psychosis. What a life it is.

((OOC: Once again, the whole waiting dealie doesn't bother me, because 1) I have no life and 2) I don't have a computer with internet in my house, so I can't access the internet every day. So yeah, no big deal. ^_^))

Anubis looked over to Arean. It had seemed like there was a lot of quiet until she suddenly spoke out mentioning their luck was not going to change tonight, and perhaps it was not. He could not think of anything, nor could he even come up with the names of the men he was hanging out with. Perhaps they had slipped something else into his drink... then again, he did not drink too often and this may be the reason why he decided to... well... not drink? She mentioned taking him to an inn and paying then bill, almost instantly Anubis raised his hands, waving them in a way that should have resembled him saying no to her.

“An inn I will stay at, but you paying *hick* definitely not.” Anubis lowered his hands to keep himself balanced more now, and exhaled slowly, and for one of the first times tonight realized how much his breath stank of the drinks he had. Shaking his head, he looked up in the direction of the inn, which was just down the street some, and then he looked in the direction of where the sun would be rising. ‘Almost dawn...’ He thought as he looked back to Arean.

“Let us make our way to the inn then, and I can definitely cover the fee of my room.” ‘If they even charge me...’ Anubis had stayed at the inn plenty of nights before, and not only here, but other places as well. His home pretty much went unused and just sat there, locked for most days of the month until he was able to finally return and enjoy the comfort of his own home. Tonight should have been one of those nights but, as he learned, things don’t always work out as you plan them too.

Anubis began to take steps towards the inn, not really hearing anything going on behind them in the distance. “How far do you live from the inn? I can make it there myself if your house is in the opposite direction...” His voice trailed off and he stopped walking once more. If the case is that she did not live near the inn, he would surely walk her home before. Tomorrow was his last day off, so it was not even like he needed to be sleeping and somewhere on time the following day.


(rofl, I didn't even notice Feb. go by o.o)

Some people did not enjoy being in the company of drunks while not themselves in such a state, but Arean found it quite amusing. When you are intoxicated, it makes things seem natural, so you miss all of the funny little expression and phrases the other person uses. Watching someone else intoxicated meant you could watch them struggle to cope with reality, almost. It was certainly entertaining, though often a taxing source of entertainment, and those under the influence are often, well, silly. They think of idiotic endeavors and somehow manage to convince themselves that it's safe, or don't even contemplate whether or not it's safe or not. However, she didn't think this was the case with Anubis. He seemed to understand how to fight the alcohol and keep mostly in control of himself. She mused that he was likely far more intoxicated than he let on. Arean continued to ponder this as the conversation continued.

"If you insist, but next time I'll be insulted if you pay." Arean replied with a giggle. She knew there would be no 'next time', not only because she could not see him after this day, but also because he was so blatantly embarassed about being this drunk. It was certainly an adventure, if only a short one. Very likely, out of all the blood-soaked memories in Arean's skull, this memory will be one of the few that stands out, simply because it was not her 'norm'. She got to play the innocent little city girl out on a night-time stroll. Usually, she was the demon escaped from the void. It was nice for a change of pace, but such a life could not last for her. She would remember this night, but likely avoid it ever happening again.

"Hmmm? Oh yes, let's be off." She smiled slightly, her eyes containing a distant, veiled look. She was far to out of it tonight. Something was making her act strange. Women have such problems. Pausing for a minute, Arean had a sort of epiphone of sorts; she really didn't like women. She found most of them abrasive and bothersome creatures, and the rest meek, quite little things that are of less notibility than a common mouse. She smiled once more, thinking 'Arean, the Misogynist.' It likely wasn't as funny as she thought it was, but she was rather tickled that a woman was a woman-hater. Upon closer thought, one realizes that it's really not all that uncommon.

This time when Arean was pulled out of her thoughts, she was even more off the ball than the last time. "Huh?" She gave Anubis a confused look before her face lit up with understanding, "Oh, sorry, I heard you, it just didn't register for a moment there. I'm lost in my thoughts tonight, it would seem." This was problematic... The man was what one would call chivalrous, but it was proving to be quite the obstacle. Still, she giggled once more. "Shall I call you the White Knight, then? You are far more well-mannered than most of the boors around the town. It almost seems odd to meet someone who does not fall under that category. Well, my house isn't too far from the inn, and I wouldn't like to leave you unattended in this state, no offence. But let's not get to that yet, there's still walking to be done, and we're both heading in the same direction."

She did not lie; she had not gone far to get to the tavern. Still, it would be far too obvious who she actually was if she brought him to the house of very likely the only household consisting of red-haired triplets, one who happens to be a wanted criminal and who 'has not been seen' since she almost got caught. No, not smart at all. Of course, she could always initiate that back-up plan, if it really came down to the worst-case-scenario... But that wasn't needed for a moment, she'd save that for later. Arean was still having fun, though.

"If you insist, but next time I'll be insulted if you pay."

Anubis stopped on the sentence, almost missing what she next had to say. By the sounds of the line she had just said to him, it hinted that there was going to be a next time. Did he even have the time for a next time? Would she even find him worthy of a next time? After all, he was intoxicated as it was right now, and he may be fun to be with now, because he couldn’t talk without a hick up, but later, when he was all sobered up, there was something in him that doubted she would enjoy his company very much. But this was all speculation... he didn’t have the time for friends outside the guards.

“I could not allow you to pay for me to stay at an inn, ever. I was raised to be a provider, and it is –hic- within my nature to –hic- pay for a lovely lady... such as you. Keep your rupees for a rainy day.” Anubis smiled as he looked down to his tunic, pulling it down slightly to try and pull the wrinkles from it. However, this task was a failure, as the tunic just bunched right back up, wrinkling up once more. He didn’t seem to notice though, thinking he was now slightly more pressed looking.

They had started to walk already when she told him that she was not far from the inn, and that she didn’t want to leave him on his own when he wasn’t in the right state of mind. To this, Anubis furrowed his brow, a confused look coming over his face.

“I will have you know...” he started in a polite tone of voice, trying not to sound full of himself and obtain a modest personality, “I have saved children from burning buildings, slain a Lanmola, and many other feats of bravery.” Smiling, he stood up straight for a moment; hand on his sword, a grin spreading across his lips. “I am a White Knight, as you have said. The best you’ll ever meet. I come complete with extraordinary feats and chivalry matching and far beyond any suitor to the Queen.”

His body gestures ended pretty soon as he couldn’t keep up that kind of walk and posture, not in this state anyways. So as he walked, he slowly slipped back into a comfortable, relaxed swagger.

“You know. It is odd that I cannot recall having seen you before... and I know this city inside out. Have you always lived here?”

Smiling as she saw her comment cause him to pause a moment, taken aback, she chuckled. The look on his face was priceless, she had to be sure to remember it well. Rarely does one see such a look, and it is usually comical. Brushing a strand of hair out of her face, Arean glanced up at the sky. The stars were fading, the sky was ever-so-slightly brighter. Dawn was usually a surprisingly fast transition in her mind. Too fast, at times, this being one of those times. Soon people would be in the streets for another day of noisy going-ons, which wasn't really that bad, it was the filling up of the streets that had Arean worried. The early-morning crowd were always a bothersome lot, but once again, this was just in Arean's mind.

"Alright, I suppose I'll let it go for now." She wouldn't press it, for the rainiest days were still to come. She wouldn't be able to stay in Castle Town forever, and she wouldn't deny the need for rupees in he case that she should be forced to flee the city. Though in Arean's mind she imagined a daring escape with alarms sound and guards in close pursuit. It wasn't usually the case, but she did have an overactive imagination when it came to such things. Luckily, she still acknowledged the dangers associated with such over-exagerated thoughts, and was careful that when dealing with a dangerous situation to constantly be watching, listening, and thinking.

Anubis began speaking, and Arean smiled largely as he recounted a few of the tasks he had accomplished, among other boasts. Apparently her worrying over him had struck a nerve in him; she thought it was cute. He took on a typical 'Hero' stance as he continued, essentially claiming he was brave and skillful enough to try his luck with the Queen. How very amusing. He grin increased in size as he finished, and she began to reply.

"Very well then, Sir Knight, I apologize for ever doubting one as brave as yourself." She said with a fair amount of theatricality. She wasn't mocking him, exactly, she was just more or less just poking fun at how he was so very passionate about his little rant. She understood it, though, being so passionate about something. She was very passionate about taking lives, just as he seemed to feel the same way about protecting them, (if she had his character figured out yet), they were completely different, but the same in some, small way. And then heasked a question. A personal question, as far as she was concerned, but she soften her smile and continued to speak.

"Ah, it appears you caught me." She started with a chuckle, "No, I haven't lived here very long, I previously lived in Ordon Village, with my parents, but we had a falling out, so I came to live with my cousins here in the city." She felt that this answer was satisfactory, but couldn't help but push this game just a little bit further, "You may know of them; Olivia and Ruku Sionelle? They recenly had a... erm, 'falling out' with their sibling as well, so they said I could have her room." She finished with another smile. After she said it, she did realize that it probably wasn't smart to link herself so close to, well, herself, but couldn't resist the temptation. 'Oh, how very fun this is... I wonder if when he sobers up he'll put the pieces together...' She mused idly, casting another heaven-ward glance.

((OOC: My bad, I didn't mean to take so long. >_<; I was probably intentionally distracting myself because of the size my 'To Do' list was getting. Hopefully hiatuses like this will be done for now.))