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Valora panted and shut her eyes, preparing for the blow. Hoping it was quick and painless - which it probably wouldn't be. She felt too weak and starved to fight back. How pitiful... To die pickpocketing

The blow didn't feel like she thought it would but instead, felt more like a pull. Now confused, Val opened her eyes to see the human pulling her away. Her mind now exploded in confusion. Why would she help someone who just stole from her?

But no matter what, she was grateful. She was not only saved from the crazy demon male, but from the crazy money-hungry crowd who lept at the chance of coins. Val didn't speak nor did she deny her saviour - she just ran with her till they were at a safe distance.

Kayn gave a toothy grin. “I do,” she said pointing. “There’s a tavern about a block away from here that at least has a lamb stew or something.”

She turned on her heel, leading the way, and clenching her teeth against complaining that a half-breed had joined their team. Although if society and its rulers were already against her, then the pickpocket would probably be more than willing to join their cause.

Althenna's grin widened, when the girl offered the stollen money back.

"Nope." she replied, falling instep with Kayn.

She pulled a purse from her top, "You're not the first person to steal from me... though you are the first to keep all their original body parts." She laughed and returned the second purse to its proper place.

"You can keep that one."

Althenna considered lieing to the girl but decided against it, "I like to hunt things." she admitted, "Dear, people, demons; doesn't matter. But with half-demons and the like, there's no fun in it. They're already being hunted by everyone else." She gave a small shrug, "I prefer fare fights. Half-demons, peasants, Green elves; they don't really have a chance in hell against a hunter, they're born at a disadvantage."

She leveled the girl with a steady gaze, "That isn't to say they can't learn to fight back."

Valora was offended. Fair fight? Don't have a chance in hell against a hunter?! She grew angry again. "I may seem like just another theif, but you don't know anything about me!" Val's heartbeat began to rise and she could feel her mind slipping.

"If you BOTH want to see me as a lesser being then I have no business with you!" she yelled, pulling the bag of money from her pocket and chucking it at Althenna's feet. Val panted hard as he turned to walk away - which turned into more of a stumble. She was still too weak from the days without eating. As she tried to walk away her legs gave away and she hit the ground.

When her knees landed on the ground floor, she was infuriated even more. She loathed weakness with all her body and soul. She almost wanted to scream as things began to blur and her rage was taking over.

She could feel a source of energy rising in her and it felt good. Her muscles felt as if they were growing and fangs began to slowly shoot out her jaw. Her breathing sounded huskier and her sight began to shade red.

She had felt this before, this power.... though she likes to pretend she doesn't remember, she knew exactly what was happening. A vision of her father popped in mind and she realised she had to stop. Now on all fours, she began to breathe loudly trying to calm herself. As she continued to inhale and exhale, her vision began returning to it's original state. She felt the sharp points disappear from her lip and her arms began to tremble as her weak state returned.

Althenna pulled some bread out from her small bag and offered it, but Val continued to glare at it.

"First thing's first. You are not weak because of your blood, you are weak because of the way you are treated. Case in point," Althenna gestured to Valora, "If these demons would hire you, you would have money. With money, you would have food and a place to stay. But since they are unwilling to hire a half-breed, you have no money, and consequently, no food or place to stay. Thus, you are exposed to the elements at night, stressed with no safe place to go, and on top of it all, you are malnourished. You are not weak. Anyone who could survive a lifetime of such treatments is very strong."

Valora couldn't believe that someone, especially a human, could understand her. Explain her in such a few words... almost make instant trust with. Val hadn't trusted anyone except her father and brother. Both of whom were gone now, leaving a belief of never trusting anyone again.

Val quickly wiped away her tears before they would notice and shakingly stood to her feet. "Now what is your name?" Althenna said.

"Valora" she spoke - again a little embarassed. Her father had always told her that she needed to control her temper and that "pride always comes before a fall". Apparently he may have meant it literally...

She reached out and took the offered bread from her and didn't hesistate to eat it whole - almost cannibalistically. As soon as she downed the bread, despite its staleness, she drooped her head down slightly. "I-I'm sorry..."

Val felt her body eat up the bread quickly, now wanting more. But she had some energy now and it felt good. She then continued to follow the full-blooded one towards the tavern.

"I am Valora, daughter of Xaphan and Kirith." Val began. "My father trained my brother and I to be strong, knowing the kind of treatment that was expected to occur towards half-bloods." she paused. "I became a mercenary - it was the easiest choice. It's hard to stay in a group when you know they can't stand the smell of your blood. Being a mercenary there is no attachments, no questions - just a payment. It's alot easier to work on your own anyways, you don't have to look out for anyone else." Nor feel the pain of losing them.

"Now, pardon me if I heard wrong... but did you say kill Henry? As in your own King?" Valora was quite shocked and partially humoured by the thought.