Foreign Territory [Aras &/or Ofelia]

[Aras|Ofelia]

As Ofelia spoke, the girl's apprehension turned to fear. "What would they need my talisman for? Don’t they have people on their side with talisman’s that are better than mine?" she asked, seeming on the verge of panic. She'd clearly had no idea what she'd gotten herself into when she came to Noatak.

"How would I know? I'm not the one who thinks she can run the show. But you're a cheetah; anyone with more creativity than a garden snail can find a use for that. Both sides need all the people they can get. And it's always better to grab the potential recruits before the other side can."

Ofelia didn't miss the slight hesitation before her question was answered. At the mention of Vicky, she snorted with obvious disdain. "Explains a lot. Let me guess, you just happened to cross paths one day. Then she jumped you without warning. And then she failed miserably, which is why you're here talking with us." Well, there went any hope of swaying the girl to the Hunters. Ofelia didn't really mind if this girl--who was plainly not fighting material--didn't become a Hunter, but the Hunters had enough enemies without people like Edwards going about and assaulting all passerby. Thank you very much, Edwards, good going, and the next time I see you I am going to smack you across the face.

"You're in over your head," she said, partially directing the remark at Aras as well. He already knew that, of course, especially by the way he rolled his eyes at her. Sure, he was more than competent, but he hardly possessed the correct mindset for the job. Though from what Ofelia had heard, it wasn't exactly his choice.

The girl--who had identified herself as Melissa--shot an annoyed glare at Aras, making Ofelia snicker lightly. "Oh, don't mind him; he hates explaining anything to anyone.

"Is that it, then? Anything else? Need me to tell you the meaning of life, or if the chicken or the egg came first?"

[Melissa|Tristan]

Whether she knew it or not, Ofelia had just given Mel a couple of major clues. First, she obviously wasn't an 'Elder', for either side. Second the distain on her face showed that she clearly didn't like Vicky. Maybe they're Innocents after all. It was plausible, but there was no way to know for sure since Ofelia obviously wasn't about to tell them.

As Ofelia pretty much play by played Vicky's attack on Mel, she flinched. It sounded so much less horrible when Ofelia said it, like it was a minor event that didn't really matter, like that kind of stuff happened all the time to people because of Vicky. So you guys aren't friends? It was the most subtle way of saying the words that Melissa had been able to think of, but it probably wouldn't be subtle enough for Ofelia. Too bad.

The doubtful note in Ofelia's voice didn't go unnoticed by Mel. It wasn't a question of ablility to kill; it was a question of willingness. Exibit A: She'd almost killed the male cougar because Caleb had been in danger, however Melissa's morals had dictated that she leave him alive. Exhibit B: If Vicky ever crossed paths with her again (providing that her wounds had healed), Vicky's throat would be slit, one way or another. There would be no third meeting for them, because one would have to die first.

It wasn't clear who Ofelia was talking to when she said, You're in over your head. Movement from Aras prompted her to glance covertly at him, catching his eye roll. Maybe she's right. Grudgingly, Melissa agreed with the cheetah, but going back was out of the question. I can't go back where I came from. Finally making eye contact with Ofelia, Mel held her gaze for several seconds, not agressively but assertively. Noatak was her home now, and she was here to stay.

Is that it, then? Anything else? Need me to tell you the meaning of life, or if the chicken or the egg came first? The sarcasm didn't sit well with Melissa or her talisman, and she resisted snarling again. Why are you so angry? I'm sorry if I've offended you or something. Aras had hinted that Ofelia was like this, but Mel didn't know why. Hopefully the apology would diffuse the situation, though it was doubtful.

[Aras|Ofelia]

At the way Mel cringed, Ofelia knew she was pretty much dead-on with her description of the incident. They were talking about the same Victoria Edwards, no mistake about that.

"So you guys aren't friends?"

Another snort. "You could say that," she said, and left it at that. She couldn't abide by anyone who strutted about, flaunting her Hunter status as Edwards did, but without the adequacy to do her job properly. Ofelia herself was often called out for being overconfident, but at least she had a greater success rate than the badger-shifter. And more subtlety than a brick.

She just gave a small shrug when Melissa said she couldn't go back to wherever it was she came from. She would have flown far away from Noatak if she could have, Ofelia supposed. Whatever her reasons for sticking around, Ofelia didn't particularly care to know. Everyone had their own reasons; everyone had their own issues to work out.

Ofelia chortled at Melissa's cheek. Or maybe the girl was just being naively, honestly curious. Either way, it wasn't often that she was asked that question. That this timid girl had asked her made it even more amusing. "Because it's fun to be a cynical bitch. People make funny expressions when I am. Was that really one of your important questions?"

Eyes drifting between the two standing before her, she twirled a lock of hair around a finger before speaking again. "Anything else? We might as well finish up here."

[Melissa|Tristan]

Ofelia's reaction (snorting laughter) was nothing but reassuring. The derisive noises coming from her mouth told Mel that they weren't friends at all, a fact that allowed Melissa to relax her stance a little.

No reaction besides a shrug was given to Mel's explanation. She would have left, but it simply wasn't possible. Check that. It was actually possible now that she knew what was going on. Life would probably be easier for her now that she wasn't completely clueless, and if she wanted to leave that was her choice, wasn't it? At least Ofelia wasn't giving her grief about it.

Looking to Aras for reassurance in regards to Ofelia's seemingly random laughter, Mel didn't find any. His expression was madeningly neutral again, showing no emotions whatsoever. No, but I have a feeling you won't answer my other questions. The hair twirling was a distraction for only a second, then Mel refocused on Aras's face. Maybe he'd slip up again and show her some sort of feeling when she continued.

Anything else? We might as well finish up here. Aras said that this is Hunter territory. If you guys are Innocents, what are you doing here? And what area is, er . . . neither side? Neutral, I mean. That would be the area she mainly travelled in, since she didn't really want to get into a fight with either side. The thought of being confined to a certain area irked her though, and she wondered how long her talisman would put up with it.

[Aras|Ofelia]

Melissa was, unsurprisingly, relieved that they weren't friends with Victoria. Ofelia had to wonder, though, if she would feel the same way if she knew the entire truth. She'd probably turn on her heel and run if she did. "Maybe you can tell me how terrifically she screwed up sometime. I bet it would make a good story."

"Aras said that this is Hunter territory. If you guys are Innocents, what are you doing here?"

A tense silence, then it was Ofelia's turn to roll her eyes at Aras. "You told her--look, general explanations are one thing, but do I owe you that much?" He just looked at her flatly. "Oh, all right, but that means I've definitely made it all up to you." Why was he so insistent on helping this girl, anyway?

"We can take care of ourselves. We've both been here long enough to know where certain boundaries are. Each side has land they claim as their own, as you'd expect." A brief pause as she stared vaguely skyward, considering Melissa's next question. "I think it's quite safe to say that, with the exception of individual houses, everything in town is neutral. So are the most of the meadows, lake, mountains--anywhere open."

Her gaze snapped back to Melissa. "I suggest you tread lightly. Just because a place is labeled 'neutral' does not mean Hunters or Innocents will not conduct their business there. And now, if you'll excuse us, we are going to go somewhere where I can stop freezing my arse off."

She strode off in the direction opposite the dock and looked over her shoulder when no-one appeared to follow. "What? That place hasn't got a heater."

[Melissa|Tristan]

Relief was still coursing through Melissa at Ofelia’s announcement that they weren’t friends with Vicky at all. Of course she could be lying, but Aras had said as much too, and -like it or not- Melissa still trusted him. Trusted him more than enough to believe him, that is. Maybe you can tell me how terrifically she screwed up sometime. I bet it would make a good story. Nodding, Mel couldn’t seem to manage a smile. Vicky’s final threat was still hanging over her head, and she hadn’t found anywhere to go yet. It was only adding stress that she really didn’t need; Mel had enough to stress about already.

Observing the exchange between Ofelia and Aras, Mel briefly considered exactly who was bossing who. Earlier, Ofelia had seemed to be running the show, but now Aras had controlled her with only a look. It was terribly confusing, like everything else about them apparently, though she was making some headway, and she really did appreciate finally knowing what was going on. How can I make her stop coming after me? Her was obviously Vicky, and Mel wanted to find some way to get rid of her. Hopefully she wouldn’t have to kill her, because Mel didn’t really want that on her conscience. It would be her last resort.

Following Ofelia’s gaze skyward, Mel tried to figure out what she was looking at. Ofelia’s words had caused a new problem, since if there was really no neutral, then there must be no people like her, stuck in the middle. Which in turn meant that she was alone with this problem too. An almost silent, heavy sigh escaped her as she despaired over everything. Why couldn’t it all be simple, like it had used to? Pulling her gaze back to earth, Mel’s eyes flickered between Aras and Ofelia, back and forth, back and forth.

“And now, if you'll excuse us, we are going to go somewhere where I can stop freezing my arse off.” A glance at Aras showed that he hadn’t moved a step, and there was no way Mel was going without him. Plus, Ofelia wasn’t even moving in the right direction. The dock was most definitely the other way, back the way she’d come. Ofelia had obviously noticed the questioning looks that were mirrored between Aras and Mel’s faces, because she spoke irritably again. "What? That place hasn't got a heater." Mel took one step, then another, then stopped again, looking to Aras for guidance. “Where are we going?” It wasn’t that cold out, but Ofelia seemed to be noticing it more than the others for some reason. Mentally shrugging, Melissa took two more steps, with her talisman beginning to warn that it was probably another trap. Let’s hope not, for our sakes.

[Aras|Ofelia]

Ofelia shrugged. "Drop a brick on her skull. I think that might be pretty effective. It really isn't my problem; you should figure out how to deal with her yourself."

She continued to walk further away from the dock. Footsteps trailed behind her. “Where are we going?” Melissa inquired.

Ofelia stopped and turned around. "Oh, my mistake. I didn't mean to ask you to follow. Now shoo, I've answered enough of your questions already, I don't owe Aras anything anymore, and I'm going to grab myself some hot tea before I my joints lock in place from the cold. And Aras, I suggest you come with me before this girl can get you to say anything stupid. Again."

A slight delay, then Aras quickened his pace to catch up with Ofelia, barely even pausing to give Melissa a small nod in farewell.

((Mel, you can choose to follow them, or we can end it here.))

[Melissa|Tristan]

Ofelia’s uncaringness about her was doing nothing whatsoever for their ‘friendship’, that’s for sure. Mel smirked at the suggestion anyways, happily envisioning the image, but also inwardly panicking over how impractical it would be. Was she going to take a brick with her everywhere she went now? It would be worse than pathetic; it would be pitiable.

Halting at the abrupt dismissal, as rude as last time, Mel watched as Aras struggled to keep up with the short woman, with only a minute nod in her direction. Wait! Knowing full well that Ofelia was going to be more irritated now than before, Mel sprinted until she stood in front of Aras again. She took a hold of his upper arm gently and spoke simply, her voice brimming with gratitude. Thank you. For everything you’ve done for me. Her voice lowered until even Ofelia –who was standing less than ten feet away- would have trouble hearing. I may not have acted like it sometimes, but I really appreciate you telling me what you have. I know it wasn’t the easiest thing for you. Goodbye, Friend. They remained standing there for several long seconds, before Mel released his upper arm. With that, she wheeled back around and moved to go towards where she’d come from.

They were almost out of sight now, and Mel halted for a minute. An internal debate was raging; she was really curious to explore the abandoned building, but then again, Aras wouldn’t have warned her away for no reason, right? We could go home and come back tomorrow. It was a good plan, and Mel was more than ready for some more sleep. Maybe the weather would be less cold tomorrow. Maybe we’ll take one last circle of the building, just so we know it’s the right one when we go looking. We have no idea how many of these there are in this forest, after all. Then again, perhaps it would be better to leave it alone altogether, so she wouldn't be tempted to come back. Just the thought of ignoring Aras's warning made her feel guilty, so Mel started slowly walking in the direction she'd originally come from.

((OOC: And so the curtain falls -on Mel anyways.))

[Aras|Ofelia]

((I didn't really have any plans for after Mel left, so I think we can call this thread finished.))