Centuries ago, Villains over threw the land with their terror and demise, but there was one man, one man who could over throw them, his name ranged through the ears of the villages in the land. Every town knew him, every person heard the tales of his skill, but only one person knew him personally.

She had become forced into being a bounty, and found partnership in Dameon. Her family died in debt, and being forced to pay it, Ivy was trapped in the life of battle, or the life of death.


As they traveled from battle. Dameon frowned as he glanced at the bag of gold. Most of it would be going to be used to get Ivy a new weapon as her old one had been broken fighting against the massive Ogre they had just slain. They would have enough left over for food and to resupply but little else. "Oi, Ivy! Lets go get you your new weapon before the shop closes up! I want to leave for the next town before dusk!"

Ivy slowly followed close behind him. She wasn’t as experienced as he was at this, she was tired and her body was sore, but she pretended she just as strong as before they went into battle.

When he called her to hurry up, she sped up her pace until she was walking at the same speed beside him. She had wished they could fix her sword, she liked that sword, but Dameon was right, she needed a new one, it was better to just buy one, less time consuming and cheaper. “I’m trying, you just walk too fast!” Ivy desired a shower, along with sleep and food. She was happy they would get to eat tonight, they spent most days hungry in battle.


Dameon let out an annoyed sigh before slowing his pace. They walked in a comfortable silence until they reached a blacksmith. Entering the shop Damon frowned as he saw the vast assortments of weapons. Most of them were of poor quality and highly decorative which only made the weapon cost more and less effective. "This shop doesn’t seem too promising. We'll take a quick look around and before you buy anything I want to inspect it and let me do the talking."


Ivy of course, was drawn to the beautifully decorated swords and weaponry. She loved them, as it being a side of her that was still feminine, she desired to still have beautiful things, even if she had not such a lady like profession.

Walking around the shop, her fingertips traveled over every blade and and handle, until she came across one that stood out to her among the rest. White Ivory carved handle and long slim blade, she picked it up, holding it in her hands as she waved it around a few times.

He glanced over his shoulder as he hear the swooshing of a sword. "That thing will break against the first sign of battle." Dameon called over his shoulder.

Ivy sighed unhappily as she placed the sword back in it’s spot on a shelf. He was right, it would break.

Returning to his browsing he noticed the shopkeeper at the back desk and caught sight of an assortment of very basic weapons that lacked the fancy decorative designs the many others had. "Oi, Ivy over here." He called out as he motioned his head towards the counter where the weapons were.


Slowly she trolled on over to Dameon as she began to look among the weapons he spotted. “Can we even afford these?” She asked as she placed her hand on his back as she observed their craftsmanship.

Dameon resisted the urge to sigh. as he crossed his arms. "We can afford one or two but anymore than that we'd be using up gold for food and supplies." Now which of them do you want?" Dameon asked as he came to stand slightly behind Ivy, waiting for her to choose any of the assorted weapons as his eye spotted a sword similar to the one she held just moments before but far less ornamental and far sturdier before glancing at Ivy. If she saw that sword they would probably only have enough gold for a weeks worth of food and resupply but they could hunt for food so it really wasn't that big of an issue....it was just that it tasted so much better when they ate at the inns or pubs and had nothing to do with the fact that he couldn't cook a passable meal to save his or Ivy’s life.


“Well—“ Daemon was more of a logical man, at least, more logical than she was. He was a better decision maker, and if major choices like this were made by her, they would be in debt, worse, more than likely hunted down for stealing or something along those lines. “I’ll let you choose.” She spoke quietly as she looked up behind her at him. “They’re all fine with me, as long as it saves my life, I don’t care what it looks like.” Ivy shook her head and looked back down at the case of swords. This wasn’t the first sword she had broken, and it wouldn’t be the last, she broke more weapons than he did on a regular basis, buying the cheapest, most sturdy seemed to be the right answer.

“Pick one, so we can get some rest and something to eat.” Ivy turned and walked past him to look at the other interesting things in the shop.


Dameon groaned. He was going to have to grab that sword or else he'd end up feeling guilty for not saying something. Grabbing the sword he examined it, the blade was sharp but not so sharp that it was brittle. It was durable and very well made unlike its eye candy replica. Making up his mind Dameon grabbed his bag of gold and gave the Shopkeeper the required sum and quickly placed the sword into its sheethe and wrapped it up into a cloth and made his way for the door. “Ivy we're going." He said as he passed by her handing the wrapped blade off to her and left the shop and waited at its exit. They didn't have enough for an Inn but they could get food and eat at the local pub before heading out. But Ivy deserved the sword. She had broken her sword trying to block a blow he hadn't seen after all.


Ivy turned to head to Daemon as he handed her a covered blade. She grabbed it quickly as he was even quicker out the door. His mood had quickly changed from being nonchalant, to almost being annoyed, but she followed him as he requested.

“Everything alright?” Ivy walked beside him as they traveled among merchants on the streets selling goods. She had yet to open up the sword to see what was inside, she had assumed it was a generic blade, considering their financial situation. She would open it up tonight when they would go to sleep, she liked having a weapon beside her incase someone sprung up on them as they were resting.

“So, where are we sleeping? Let’s eat first!” Ivy said happily, she was always optimistic, and food was certainly something to be positive about. “Where do you want to go? I’ve never been to this city before.”

"We're going grab a quick bite at the pub, resupply and head to the next town and grab any bounties they have." Dameon replied as he gazed into the sky gauging the time. "We can hang around for a bit after we eat if you'd like." he said as his gaze landed on Ivy and suppressed a smirk as he noticed several of the young men glancing at Ivy. "We haven't even been in this town a full day and you already have a fan club. Though if they knew how often you broke your swords they'd all turn tail right quick" he said ruffling her hair, unable to resist the urge to tease the girl.


Ivy looked up at Dameon, a frown fell upon her face as he spoke of the next town to do some more work. “What about sleep. I’m tried, we just fought for the last 15 hours.” Ivy felt like they could resupply in the morning and head out. Why was this so necessary now? All she knew was they kept passing Inns they could sleep in as they walked through the city, but what she didn’t notice was the men looking at her. She was oblivious to their eyes and their comments to one another about her.

“What are you talking about?” She gave Dameon a look of disgust as he ruffled up her hair. She saw nothing beautiful about herself, so how would a man? What did they see. “I only break swords every few months. Hmph.” Ivy looked away from Dameon annoyingly, now quietly walking beside him for a few moments.

“Hurry up, I’m tired, pick a place.”



Dameon frowned at his companions lack of response but shrugged. What did Dameon want her to do? acknowle the men’s flirtatious attitude towards her, and respond in the same manner? Ivy wasn’t like that, and for someone who was a bounty hunter, she was quite modest and shy when it came to any man, any man except dameon of course, who had been by her side for over a year. She had no problem telling him secrets, feelings, they were close, and in her mind it would be hard to ever find a man who could compete with Dameon, and to develop such a closeness they had with one another.

Before long the Pub came into view and Dameon sped up his walk and made his way to the door way. "Well you want to rest but I'm starving and since I hold the gold I say we eat first then we can find somewhere to rest." Dameon smirked as he spotted the bounty.

“You don’t hold the gold if I kill you in your sleep and take it.” Ivy said with attitude. She would never kill him, or hurt him, he knew that, but there were days he annoyed her, and her threats towards him were just a way for her to coupe with him.


It had a new bounty! Quickly he snatched it off the board before anyone else could and his grin broadened. The payout was HUGE! All they would need to do is escort a simple merchant to the next town....and Dameons grin turned into a frown. No one paid that much for simple escort mission unless they were trying to either fleeing or they were being targeted or both. There was little Dameon couldn't handle when it came to Demons and the sort and Ivy needed more experience and there was bound to be conflict. His grin returning he went to an empty table and scheming a way into having a free nights stay at their future clients expense his eyes never leaving the reward.


But as they entered the pub, like a small child in a toy store, Dameon found another bounty. Ivy threw her head back in a moan. “Uhhhgg—I mean— yay.” Still, she had not opened the sword to realize that was bounty money they needed.

Ivy dropped her bag beside her in her seat that held supplies and a small tent they often slept in. Sitting down across from Dameon, she would eat anything, it didn’t matter what, she would eat it, and it had been a solid few days since they last ate really much of anything.

As Dameon stared at the sheet like a gitty child, Ivy stared at him and smiled. She remembered when they were brought together, by an old boss they had worked under, but who was later killed in their partnership. If it hadn’t been for him, Damon and Ivy may have never met.

“So—what are we eating?”


"Anything." Dameon said quickly. he didn't want to look away from the reward for too long. "Get me something. I need to meet with our client. Don't go getting lost either I'll be back shortly." he said as he stood up abruptly and hurried to where their client was staying.

As he entered the inn he spotted who he assumed was the merchant, and if his massive gut and lavish clothing he wore was any indication he was very very wealthy which meant that the job might be easier than he thought but didn't get his hopes up. "Oi, you the one who needs an escort?" he called out waving the paper. The merchant visibly jumped splittig some of his drink, whatever it was, barely missing his clothes.

"Don't startle me." he said as he wiped sweat from his brow "And yes I am the one who posted that bounty. Though I doubt some one of your small stature could protect someone as important as my..." He was interrupted with the blade of a kusarigama pointed at his neck.

"I kill Demon's for a living. I think I can handle any bandits that you might encounter." Dameon said darkly as his eye's gleamed with bloodlust making the merchant gulp.

"You'll do." the portly man whispered.

Dameon dropped the blade from the man's throat and smirked, "Though, along with the pay I expect you to pay for two rooms in this lovely Inn for me and my companion." Dameon added as he left the Inn and the sweaty merchant. Dameon's smirk grew into a smile. He din't have to pay for an room and now Ivy could have her own room and he could sleep in a bed for once! The Inn even had hot water to boot! he ran back to the pub and arrived just in time to see several plates of food placed on his and Ivy’s table and his smiled dropped and he let out an annoyed groan.


Ivy looked over at her companion and raised her brow. “What’s wrong, you were gone forever.” She reached over and grabbed a piece of food, placing it in her mouth.

"I know I said you could order anything but isn't this a bit much?" Dameon closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It’s fine I guess our next job is fairly easy just an escort this time. No big demons or monsters this time. Our client was even nice enough to pay for our rooms for the night." Dameon said getting over his annoyance as he sat down and proceeded to feast on large buffet of food Ivy had gotten. He had avoided telling her that there was probably more to this 'escort' mission than just protection from bandits but there was also the possibility that the portly merchant was merely throwing his weight around figuratively and literaly. Dameon chuckled as he remembered the terrified look on the merchant face. It was the little things in life.


“This is mostly for you, you said you were hungry, remember? I’m the one who’s tried.” Ivy shrugged at him. This was why Dameon was the decision maker, and she wasn’t so much.

Ivy quietly leaned back as he sat down to eat. She stared at his attire for a moment, seeing a hole under his collar. They didn’t have the money for new clothes either, it was something that would have to wait. But she reached forward and grabbed his shirt, running her thumb over the tear. “I’ll have to stitch that up.”

Dameon flinched at the sudden touch and glanced at Ivy before finished off the last of the meat leaving the various greenery untouched and grabbed several motioned for the waiter to give him the bill. "The Inn we will be staying actually has hot water so be sure to enjoy it." Dameon said as he grabbed the bag that held their gold and watched as it diminished ever more before getting up and motioning for Ivy to follow him to the Inn. he glanced at the wrapped sword once before leaving the pub and making his way towards the Inn.

Ivy stood up and stretched as they began to leave. “Hmmmm I can shower and not feel dirty. Make sure you give me your clothes to wash.” She said as she grabbed their things, threw her back over her shoulder and held her new sword in her hands. following him, they walked for a few minutes until they made it to the Inn. It was nice inside, nicer than most of the places they had slept. “Which side am I sleeping on tonight?” She had assumed they had one room like always.


Dameon ignored Ivy until he got to the front desk asking the clerk for their room keys and then proceeded to give Ivy her own room key. "Room 5. Enjoy. I need to go talk to our Client and discuss a few things." He ruffled Ivy’s hair as he passed by her and made his way into the lobby to find their client.

"Alrighty, So where exactly are we headed?" Dameon asked as he entered the Lobby. The merchant was far more calm and composed this time around.

"Our destination is the town to the East. Trovac. They are having their annual moon celebration next week." The Portly merchant replied.

"That explains the large reward. It's going to be a treasure trove for bandits." Dameon knew there was catch but thankfully it wasn't as bad as it being a runaway noble who was lined up for execution. "Alright. We'll see to it that you get their in time for the festival. If there's anything else you need to discuss I'll be in my room. Room 4."


Ivy realized he had ignored her, it bothered her when he did that, but when he handed her her own key her eyes widen in surprise. Was this real? They had never slept separated on any mission before. It was going to be an odd adjustment, but she was excited to have some of her own free time.

Ivy made it up to her room, when she had washed her clothes, showered in the warmest water for the longest time possible until her body was clean. She slipped into a shirt given to her by the Inn’s staff to sleep in.

Ivy pulled back her wet hair. She was exhausted, and not having another body beside her made her feel odd, but she reached for her sword. Slowly and carefully she pulled it from the case. And when she did her eyes widen with surprise, and her heart stopped for a moment. It was so similar to the first one she had put her hands on. It’s beautiful handle and perfect chiseled detail. She didn’t know if she was grateful, or, if she was mad at him. She couldn’t decide.

But grabbing the sword, She stood up and walked out of her room to the one beside hers where he stayed. She banged on the door a few times, and if he wasn’t going to answer, she was going to knock it down.

Dameon let out a groan. He had just started to enjoy the hot bath when he heard banging on the door. Glancing around he noticed that the only thing he had to cover up was a towel and shrugged. It would have to do. Not bothering to dry off, since he was planning on going back and soaking in the hot water again, he wapped the towel around his waist and made his way to the door. "Oi, can't a guy enjoying some luxury?" He yelled as he swung the door open with annoyance in his tone and his eyes dangerous should the culprit for interrupting his first hot bath in forever have a good reason for disturbing him.

Ivy didn’t mind him in a towel, often they bathed in lakes or anything near by, and she didn’t care he was annoyed by her either. “What is this?!” Ivy held out her beautiful sword and raised her voice, almost yelling at him. “Dameon, is this why we were low on money? Why would you do this?”


Dameon turned towards his room and closed the door and proceeded to head back to bathe hoping ivy would just let it go. He really didn't want to explain why he had bought the sword cause even he didn't know why. He merely felt that she deserved something more than a basic sword.

Ivy gasped when he shut the door in her face. She could not believe this, she couldn’t believe him, but she pushed open the door, stumbling back into his room

He let the towel drop and proceeded to get back into the tub and letting out a content sigh as he submerged himself. He ignored the repeated thumps against his door. She would forget all about the sword in the morning. After all they were headed to a festival and that was bound to distract....hopefully.

She walked into the bathroom where he laid in the bath. “No! Tell me. This is ridiculous!” Ivy sighed as she tried to relax, she didn’t want to yell at him. “This is a beautiful sword, but you shouldn’t have bought it. We’re broke.” Ivy turned her head as she spoke to him. She appreciated him more than anything, but he wasn’t known for making such irrational decisions. “If you don’t tell me, I’m—I’m not leaving with you tomorrow.” Ivy crossed her arms. She was bluffing, and she knew he would call her bluff.

Dameon laughed so hard he accidentally choked on some of the bath water. "You can go ahead and stay here." He said in between coughs with a smile as he sat upright in the tub. "I'll just go and enjoy the annual Lunar festival in Trovac all alone. All those fireworks. The free food. The games. The free food. Did I mention free food?" Dameon smirked as he grabbed the towel and stood up and proceeded to dry himself off. "as for the sword, Yes that is the reason we are now broke. As to WHY I got it..... Not a damn clue." Dameon wrapped the towel around his waist and went into the bedroom and began looking for his pants. "Now you just gonna stand there checking me out or are you gonna help me look for my pants?"


She questioned his motives sometimes, but there was no denying she loved her new sword, it’s beauty and how much she was excited to use it.

Ivy rolled her eyes as she followed him back into the bedroom and grabbed his pants, his shirt, as well as his other articles of clothing. “Sleep naked. These need to be washed, I’ll wash them. they smell.”

Ivy loved festivals, mostly the lights, and clearly Dameon loved the food. “I’m going to get some rest.” Ivy walked over to the naked man in a towel and gave him a small gentle kiss. “Thank you. Get some sleep. Enjoy my lack of presence tonight.”

dameon glanced at the bed then to the door Ivy just left then back to the bed then to his naked scarred body. "I hate that woman sometimes." he grumbled as looked back at the large bed and grinned before jumping onto the bed a few times before letting himself fall onto it and attempted to fall asleep but couldn’t seem to get comfortable no matter what he did. After what felt like hours he finally opted to just lay on his back staring at the ceiling. "Bet Ivy’s already dead asleep right now. Always did sleep like a rock."


He was wrong, Ivy hadn’t slept either. After washing his clothes and hanging them to dry she had just laid there. Even thought she was exhausted her eyes had become over tired. She couldn’t help but over think his actions with the sword, and of course, the sword was keeping her awake as she kept playing with it. But hallways through the night, she got up and walked into his room, standing in the doorway she leaned against the frame and smiled at him. “Awake still too?”

Dameon lifted his head up from the bed to see Ivy their, "If I had my pants I could probably fall asleep. You have any idea how awkward it is to try and sleep naked?" he complained as he scooted over and proceeded to face the wall leaving his back to the open half of the bed.


“They smelled, just like you did. They’re drying. Do you want me to go down stairs and get you some clothes?” Ivy walked in and shut the door behind her. She placed her sword on an end table and she scooted onto the bed. Leaning over she gently stroked his now clean hair, softly playing with pieces that curled.

deciding to lay down, she Wrapped her arms around him from behind as she pulled herself close to him to feel his warmth against her body. “Maybe you just need someone to sleep with.” She whispered. She had a feeling that was why she couldn’t sleep, she was so used to him being beside her, it was odd having so much space.

Dameon closed his eyes as he felt Ivy get into the bed. He wouldn't ever admit it but not having Ivy next to him scared him. Not knowing if she was alright or not. When she was near him he knew. "You're safe." He mumbled as he stroked Ivys hand with his thumb before stopping and getting comfortable, letting out a content sigh as he did.