Welcome to Gaia! ::

:: Tiki sulked into the oasis area, looking moody. He was rather upset with a certain group of people whom he had quickly befriended, and needed a few moments alone to think. He dipped his shoeless feet into the cool water of the oasis, sitting by the deeper end. Staring into the moving water tranquilized the outrage that had built up in his mind.... leaving only a contemplative daze as he watched it fall in rythmic, soothing patterns. He sighed heavily. ::

:: Tiki was interrupted from his pensive meditation. The regular sound of the stallion's hooves did not alarm him, in fact it hadn't disturbed him at all until a woman's voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up at her, framed by the moonlight. It practically seemed to dance in her hair. He opened his mouth to reply, but the woman's beauty had robbed him of his prodigious wits. ::
"I.... this is... an oasis of water located in the deep western forests..." he stammered.

:: Tiki had to hold his arm on his tail to keep it from wagging. He suddenly found his voice. ::
"No, miss," he said, finding himself feverishly hoping she was still a miss, "Are you alright? It's not safe these days to wander the nights, especially for a young maiden. (::he glanced at her weapons: smile I see you could probably handle yourself, but there are more and more soldiers and dangerous characters about. Might I accompany you to make sure you don't come to harm?"
:: He wasn't just being chivalrous, he knew he would kick himself if this fair beauty came to harm. You mean you'll kick yourself if she gets away, mocked a part of him. He tried to act indignant with himself, but knew that it was at least partially true. ::

:: Tiki beamed wide, as it seemed she was not adverse to the idea. Although, she probably thought he was a bandit or something, it certainly seemed odd that he just happened to offer his company. ::
"Often? No, it's not a common thing that I meet young women like m'lady in the dead of night," he replied.
:: He pulled his feet from the water, noticing how cold it had gotten since the sun set, and walked easily to the same side of the pool as her. ::
"And what might I call you, Miss?" he inquired politely..

:: Tiki stared into her eyes, trying not to become mesmerized by their deep, cosmicly shifting profound qualities. He was usually such a master of words, but he felt as though his tongue were tied around his neck like a choker. ::
"I rarely have use for such a thing as a name, though it's all I have I'm afraid. I've been called by a number of things, not all of them entirely positive," he admitted honestly, "but those who know me call me Tiki."

Tiki....*nods slowly looking to him without blinking* Well Tiki...do you need a ride anywhere? I will allow you permission to ride Aldebaron....*slides off my beautiful horse and walks over to him holding my hand out* It is nice to meet you.

"Thanks, but no, I can keep up with..." he started, voice trailing off. If he rode with her, he'd be that much closer to the knock-out of a girl that stood before him.
"I tire, and the trail is long so I thank you for your gracious offer," he started again.
"You seem knew to the area.... where are you bound?" he asked.