Into the Werewolves' den... so to speak. (Trever)

She had heard Werewolves were aggressive creatures. I mean, wolves alone were known to be ruthless animals. So, needless to say, traipsing through their domain wasn't high on the list of things she wanted to do. However, when she heard a certain rare metal was located deep within a cave near Central Tribe, the potential was too much to pass up. Refined down, Humans often liked to use this specific metal for several magical creations; though mainly sword blades. Obtaining even a small amount of it could provide her with a pretty nice profit. She wouldn't be rich by any stretch of the imagination, but it would keep her alive for three weeks. Maybe a month if she made it stretch.

Having just fed about twelve hours ago, she looked very Human. Her skin had warmth and the common red hue most associate with the living. She was wearing earrings and one beaded necklace; dressed in a revealing sort of formal dress. A definite odd choice for an early morning excavation.

The moonlight littered the ground in fragmented beams like glitter as the sky grew slowly lighter from black to dark blue. She managed to evade detection from the scouts patrolling the woods in the area. It made her wonder if the cave was owned by the Werewolves. Was it officially on their territory? And if so, would they really care if she took this rare metal from it? She supposed if they had any quarrels with Humans, they probably wouldn't appreciate any aid they were getting in crafting their weapons, that's for sure.

She was already at the mouth of the cave though, so it was a little late to be having second thoughts now. She inhaled, but it was cut short when she heard rustling footsteps through the grass nearby. Spinning into the dark entrance of the cave, Melanie melded into the shadows for cover. She expected anyone she encountered this close to the Werewolf tribes to likely take her for a threat. She placed her right hand by her hip, ready to snatch a knife for throwing, if necessary.

The footsteps were no longer audible. She'd lost track of them; unsure if the person had left the area or had simply stopped moving. She held her breath. One. Two. Three... still no sound. Not a breath. Least none she could hear. She relaxed a bit as she exhaled, now her eyesight adjusting to the darkness of the cave. It was a lot bigger than she had expected. Perhaps it'd be wise to camp here overnight instead of risking the trip back in daylight; she considered.

Melanie pushed off the cold stone wall and entered the cave a bit farther. She took in a deep breath and her surroundings with it. "Alright, now, where to start."

Graveyard shift watches were the worst. Fumbling clumsily around the woods in the pitch dark until the sunrise just wasn't this young wolf's favorite part about his job. He liked his bed the way it was meant to be enjoyed, at night. This work shift did all it could to prevent the beautiful routinely consummation of love between himself and his mattress. This was an important task though. Who knew what sort of dangers could strike his beloved city in the wee hours of the morning. Somebody had to do it, right? Well, today that was his job as well as a few other unlucky bastards spread miles apart from him. Fortunately enough, Trever was responsible and skilled enough to commit to the watch all by himself. No one to nag him or hold him back from wrecking someone in the face. Likewise, there was no one to get in the way of his power, for he knew he could single handedly take on most threats by now. And if he really wished to he could take a nap without interruption or scolding, so long as no one found him.

His shift was just about over and the sun was just moments away from peeking now. The wolf could feel it even through the dense brush. Just a little longer now. But let's face it. He was much too tired to even think of making it all the way back home. He may as well just sleep out here. Even if he reported to his commanding officers late he could always tell them he was volunteering some extra time. No one really gave a shit if you came back, so long as you did your shift, and of course, came back eventually for your next one. The time was close enough now though, so Trever would figure out a spot to take a nap now. Sleeping out in the wilderness could do a man some good. Better than returning home to his nagging whore who acted more like his wife of 20+ years than his slave. She was probably going to make some bullshit excuse not to put out (it wasn't like she'd still be sleeping at this horrid hour, psh). So what was the point in going home?

Trever would begin his walk to a spot he knew well enough to trust. Traversing carelessly through the brush, he'd come to a large cave entrance. Caves were nice, dark, safe places for a good nap. Not the most comfortable but they made good shelter from the rain and the sun likewise. He'd lift his burdens off his back as he approaches the cave, with a loud enough verbal outburst to his body finally being free from the weight it carried for hours now. He'd move into the cave now and drop his things a little further in. He'd jump though as he heard a voice, just a little farther into the cave. He'd be still and quiet, his eyes accessing quickly. The shadows of the cave prevented him from seeing further in. He'd grab his belongings again quickly and light a torch. For now, he'd stay at just beyond the lip of the cave and wait to see if the presence would make themselves known. "Who is there? Show yourself to me." So much for sleeping. Like hell he'd go to sleep with some unknown cave dwelling freak running around.

Melanie heard sounds near the mouth of the cave. Her heart sunk in her chest. Someone was still around. Perhaps she should've waited longer to ensure she wasn't noticed. Was it perhaps that she was overheard when she had spoken aloud. Foolish mistake. Who were they? Surely a Werewolf. She was close enough to their villages where it was most certainly a Werewolf. A? Did she know they were alone?

A torch light illuminated the mouth of the cave in the distance and she took a quiet step back further into the shadows. What was this? Fear? Her heartbeat was racing. This was certainly one of the patrolling Werewolf scouts. One. Yes, it seemed like only one. Should she fight? What if she surrendered? Would they harm her? How upset do Werewolves get over 'trespassing'? These were all questions she would've liked answers to ahead of time.

Then he spoke. It was a he. Perhaps she could charm him. The way she saw it, it could work, she could get out without a scratch and everyone lives happily ever after. Or it could utterly fail, in which case, she'd be prepared to whip out her daggers to fight back. Yes, that sounded solid.

Melanie took a few calm steps forward after a long breath to settle her nerves. "What's a charming fellow like you doing in a... cave like this?" she inquired with a sly smirk while running the fingers of her right hand delicately along the cold stone wall. She drifted closer toward him as if gliding though the air. "Hasn't anyone ever told you it's rude to enter a woman's domain without knocking." A sexual undertone seemed to ooze from every word she spoke. She was attractive and she knew it. She wasn't above using it to get out of bad situations if it helped. "What name might be honored by a handsome body such as yours?"

By now, her slow footsteps had brought her into the light of the torch he was holding; out from the shadows. She was now glad she got all dressed up for the morning out; despite the seeming lack of occasion. Her makeup and jewelry made her a better fit at a formal party than a dark and dingy cave.

"My name's Melanie," she introduced hoping a name to her face might make it a bit more difficult to claw into.

Both shock and delight was evident on the male's face as this young vixen revealed herself. A woman in this place? That was something he had never seen before. Today must have been his lucky day, to stumble in here after his shift and find some pretty stranger. Who needed Rain or his future 'wife'? This random mynx was just his type. Gorgeous. That was the only prerequisite a man like him required of a lady. Sure his standards may have been high, but once you could look the part little else mattered. Yes. This morning companion would do just fine, the way she sauntered over in just the right way and as her eyes flickered in just the right light.

Trever would place his torch into a premade indentation in the cave wall as he'd listen to her silk smooth voice. He scoffed a bit, very lightly, more like a sort of amused chuckle. What was this girl? She was a mystery. Her domain? Maybe she was a Changeling who frequented this place in her animal form. He would have noticed her in other visits to this place otherwise. Perhaps he was taking her too literally though. But if so, why was she here now? Was she trying to seduce him to cover her true motives? Likely the case either way, but a man like Trever was none the wiser. He fell for shit like this all the time. Too often actually. This woman could probably even get him to do all the dirty work of her agenda and he'd still be clueless, just waiting for his prize like a dog.

"Trever. Trever Valens, young miss. They call me the Guardian of the Central Tribe." He'll finally speak after asking for his name. He'll begin to unfasten his belt, which held his sword against him. Stupidly, he drops it all to the ground. He'll tuck his thumbs under his pants and mosey on over to the fair lass, looking cool enough. "I'm just here to stop in for a little R&R after a long patrol shift. I apologize for stumbling in uninvited...this is sort of the only spot I know of. Surprised I haven't seen you and your pretty face around here before." He'll begin to circle around her, a distance enough away to just be viewing her from all sides, not even in arms length to touch her. He'll take in as much of her assets as she allows as he moves around her.

Trever will come back to face front and look her up and down again. "Melanie. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl." He'll smile to her friendly enough and reach his hand out to her, closing some distance between them finally. "Maybe you'd like to...rest awhile with me, hmm? Not everyday you come into contact with a celebrity like me. I mean, my dick is a pretty big deal back home and all. I can make it worth your while. My women say my elegant flattery and love making are simply too die for." Nope. It didn't get much better than Trever Valens, after all.

His response was a smile. He seemed amused and light-hearted. She relaxed a bit. Perhaps daggers wouldn't be necessary after all. She made a mental note, however, of the indentation in the cave made for the torch. Not only was it intentionally carved out, but this man knew of it. He most assuredly knew the remainder of this cave just as well. It was a simple reminder that she didn't have the advantage of knowing her surroundings; an advantage she was very used to having.

Trever Valens. The name gave her a sense of casual formality. Perhaps it was the fact that he included his last name as well. Was that a common thing among Werewolves? Are all of them prideful of their last names? Or perhaps it's just him. She found it interesting nevertheless.

"Guardian of the Central Tribe," she repeated. "So does that make the the leader of the tribe's military, or something? At any rate, it sounds like quite an important title," she acknowledged respectfully. "Should I frequent here more often then? You know, a girl could get used to getting complimented once in a while." She smiled. He wasn't half bad. What was she so scared of? Werewolves seem pretty tame. Not like some of the horror stories Humans passed down over the years. Then again, this was only one Werewolf. She should make sure not to let herself assume the rest were as pleasant; she reminded herself.

He began to circle her then. She observed him, patiently; curious that he was so open about his attempts to look at her body. "Well, does the Guardian approve?" she joked with a smile and laugh. This didn't seem to bother her nearly as much as it would some other females. Lacking much social interaction for so many years, she was enjoying the attention very much.

"Celebrity, huh?" she replied skeptically. "Well, in fear you might think me modest, I believe you have to meet a horse before you ride it," she replied to his invitation. "I am quite flattered though you think me just as worthy as... your many other lovers." There was a touch of sarcasm to the last comment as him stating he's slept around didn't make her feel all that special.

"I will, however, take up the offer to stay a while. Besides, the morning sun can be quite harsh on the eyes this time of year." She finally reached out her hand to his and shook it with a warm smile.

"A leader? Hardly." He'll chuckle a bit to himself at her question of his status. "I'm just a well known warrior of my people." But that standing alone could make any womanhood of his kind tremble with desire. This Melanie was certainly different however. For better or worse, he was not sure. But by the elder wolves, was she fucking hot. Trever would try his best to stop gawking at her for a moment to focus on her face. It was a very pretty face that rivaled the rest of her likeness. "Yes. You should come here more often, cave dweller. You and I will have the finest of trysts here. More than compliments to be had with a man like me."

On top of her being unbothered and unphased by his gawking, she even welcomed it seemingly. Such confidence was the essence of this seductress. He loved it and coveted it more so than her body. What was best is that she asked him if her body was to his liking. Like being served a fine bottle of wine. What a woman. "Yes. I approve."

Her next words were just as shocking though. The wolf's jaw could have hit the floor if it wished to. Instead a hard line would appear on his face and he'd wipe probably the slightest bit of saliva from his mouth. "Most horses are trained to handle anyone experienced enough to handle them." He'll retort back cleverly and with a smirk, recovering well enough. "But I understand the sentiment." He'd kiss the hand that she finally graced him with. "I'd be honored to have your company, Melanie. Please. Stay awhile." Trever will then pick up his belt and his sword and return to his belongings toward the mouth of the cave and rest them down together. He'll leave the torch to provide a dim ambient light in the area.

While he's there he'll rid himself of most of his other clothing. His leather armor and accessories mainly, leaving his body protected by just the mere cloth of his pants and shirt. He'll dig into his belongings a moment to begin to set up a more comfortable arrangement. With only a bedroll and a blanket to his name, he'd lay both down on the floor. He'd all but fall onto the just blanketed side of the floor and leave the my cushioned space for his new companion. "I am a Central man, Melanie. I care not for the matter of being you are, but I wish to know your story and why you are here. Lay down and tell me everything with your body beside me to give warmth and your melodic voice to give solace."

"A warrior though," She smiled brightly."I might have to see that for myself before I can believe you have an ability to fight that rivals your good looks." She was intentionally flattering him at this point. After all, he was being quite nice to her; especially compared to other men she had met before. She figured he deserved a bone.

"A cave dweller. With a face like this?" she replied. She took slight offense but let it pass quickly as she knew he didn't mean it harshly. "No, I don't dwell in caves. I live in the town of Zalsabad." Was that too much information? She wondered on that a moment, nervously. No, it was a big enough place even still where she ought to be safe so long as that was as specific as she spoke on the matter.

"To be honest, I'm here to gather a rare metal from this cave. I heard it would be here. If I gather it and sell it off. I could make some money from it. That's the type of work I do to survive. I gather rare materials that are a little too dangerous or out of the way for your typical traders and salesmen to obtain." Melanie paused though. "I don't know if this is an issue for you or your people though. I believe I might be on your land? I don't know if you have any attachment to the metals found within these caves. If it is a problem, I don't wish to intrude and will look elsewhere for my materials." She was speaking honestly. If he were any less of a nice guy, she would've still attempted to take the metal by force, if necessary. But, there was a potential for friendship here. And that, itself, might be worth more than this rare metal if she had to choose between the two.

Melanie then walked off to the side wall and set her own belongings down. She was traveling light but still carried a few tools to chip away at rock to reach her metal.

He had laid out the bedroll and blanket and offered her a spot next to him. She hesitated, not having been this close with anyone really before. The last person she slept in the same bed with was her mother when she found a spider in her own bed when she was eight. For this reason, she had taken her time conversing and placing down her things; giving herself time to relax and think things over as clearly as possible. He could still have a dagger in his pants pocket he intended to put to her neck when she lied down. She hardly knew him and couldn't let her guard fall completely. Though, it had seemed he had. It was very reckless of him. Or perhaps very trusting. Either way, it was foolish, she knew that without doubt.

She decided to lay down with him, however. The morning air was chilly as it blew in through the cave entrance. The blanket looked just that much more inviting. Besides he did rest his primary weapon far enough away. She slipped in beside him, keeping an inch or two distance at first; as most would.

"Well, I reside in the town of Zalsabad. You know my occupation. What else is there to say?" she began to think hard on what her 'story' even was. "What would you like to know?" Yes, that worked. Let him as her what he wanted to know. It was much easier than trying to summarize a life in which you feel nothing really happened. Least, nothing you care to remember...

Zalsabad? That wasn't too far from these lands. They were human lands. Humans of Zalsabad came through here all the time. She must have been human. Trever wasn't one to mind, unlike a few of his kind, as well as others. In fact, he was intrigued. "Usually humans come to our lands in groups, thinking we're too uncivilized to handle guests. I admire your bravery." He'll roll toward her, onto his side and prop himself up on his arm to look at her as she unwinds and gets into bed. Nothing sexier than a woman lying down beside him. Not that it was going anywhere, well, at least for this moment. "Humans can be kind of spineless...hiding behind their fancy smance weaponry. No offense, of course." He'll shrug. He already doesn't consider her human, seeing as she was not afraid of him.

He'll lay there for a moment, thinking about everything else she said for a moment. Ok. Digging around for all that metal. Right. How did he feel about that? Was he ok with benefiting human technology with metals that come from his lands? No. Probably not, or at least he probably shouldn't be ok with that. He'll shrug though. "Yeah. Ok. Nah, I could help you out. But if you make a living out of this like you say you do, I need a cut of the profits. You know...this is sort of my land...and if you use my land to benefit another...that's gonna cost ya, eh? Also maybe a modest service fee, to show you around and all." He'll give her a big stupid grin then. "I'm smarter than the average bear, after all. Sorry if you thought otherwise of me." He'll point to his temple and just shake his head, laughing. By no means offended. "So, what kinda deal can you make me?"

((Jeez, sorry for this mess of nothing special. Just needed to get something out there.))

He wanted a cut of the profits... Melanie mentally cringed. I mean, she was glad she would get even something out of it. That was great. But to have to split the money just was not something she was eager to do. Did she have a choice though? He had a point. She was lucky to even be allowed the rare material from his land.

A modest service fee to show her around? Did Werewolves even want a Human... around? She was surprised by that notion. At any rate, was this a date? Her eyes narrowed on him with a smirk. "Yes, I think we can work something out," she agreed. A date was harmless enough. He seemed like a romantic type anyway. She loved the romantic type.

"You get ten percent of the profits and two dates. One where you take me where ever you would like. Show me around, if you desire. The next where I take you where I would like." She winked at him and giggled.

Ten percent? What kind of fool did she take him for? He'll kind of shake his head and laugh at that to himself. Like he knew exactly what sort of profit this metal yielded though. Maybe ten percent was actually a good amount. Who knew? Still no where near what she was getting if she was getting the other ninety percent. That hardly seemed fair. "My time is worth a lot, my dear. Though a couple dates would be nice and all, I hardly think they would benefit me as much as they would to you." He'll grin deviously then, thinking he's so damn clever. Of course he was clever. He was the hottest wolf around (in his opinion anyway).

"Fifty/fifty. We can work out the logistics of our play dates when work isn't involved, like grown adults." Though his face is hardly serious still. He'll even send her a flirty wink. Who could resist this face, after all? His essence was just booming with overwhelming panty dropping confidence. That's what any real woman liked in a man, aside from well toned muscle, cut finer than the diamonds only whores sought pleasure in. This is what his giant of a father always told him, anyway.

Curiosity did begin to play with him for a moment though. Humans knew how to forge these metals into vast enchanted armaments. Who was to say his kind could not do the same? Maybe he should bring his own samples back, to play around with for awhile...
"40/60, you get your dates, and I get a few rocks to bring home as trophies. That is my final offer, or I'm rolling into bed."

Melanie wasn't impressed by the flirtatious line that the dates would benefit her more than himself. Especially since she was using her second date to balance out the small ten percent she offered him in monetary value. When he nixed that completely, counter offering fifty/fifty and two dates, she wasn't about to bite; no pun intended.

It was clear he thought he was charming though. And... Melanie had to admit, he was. Heck, she'd make-out with him if the tone of the conversation were different. But as it wasn't, that would have to wait.

Forty/sixty and he wanted some of the metal to take back to his tribe. Melanie narrowed her eyes. He was up to something. "Hey now, if money is all that's really important to you, then we'll go with the fifty/fifty, you get a sample of the metal, and I won't waste any more of your time," she replied; meaning no dates at all. Either, he would accept this, or she would find out that the dates were actually important to him. If they were, maybe she could bargain for a larger share of the money with them. If not, at least she knew for sure that he wasn't just dating her as part of the agreement thinking that's what she was interested in.

Trever would shrug. Women can just never admit they like a guy. Oh well, he was spoken for anyway. Ha, like that ever stopped Trever Valens. The reverse psychology was beginning to work, this damn sorcery of suggestion. That must of been it. She was a Mage with cowardice mind effecting magics. Right, that had to be it. It couldn't be him over thinking her motives. "Forty percent to myself and sixty to you and I will have my ROCKS and my DATES!" He will demand, with a finger pointed toward the ground. His self destruction leaving him emotionally vulnerable, though looking rather fierce and sure of himself.

"You understand me, woman?" He'll give her the flirtatious 'sup nod' then. Because he couldn't seem insecure enough, faltering over his own masculine needs like a teenager. "My time can be spared for a beautiful young maiden such as you." Trever will then begin to get his things together, strapping his belt, and all his weapons, back onto his person.

"Then forty-sixty, a sample, and two dates it will be." Melanie smiled. Her smile turned to confusion though as he stood to leave. "You're leaving? I thought we were resting. And I thought you'd at least stick around to collect the sample of metal." She stood up, herself. As she did, she noticed a sound Trever might've heard earlier; with him being a werewolf. It sounded distant, but approaching fast. A threat, perhaps. Perhaps that was why he gathered his weapons, she wondered. She scrambled for her belt of daggers and put it on, bracing herself for the coming threat.

"You hear that too?" she asked for confirmation. It was too fast to be humanoid. Perhaps a Werewolf? The thought made her heart sink. She wasn't sure how Trever would interact with another Werewolf; especially if she became a topic of conflict. Trever could easily turn on her when his reputation was on the line. Her against two Werewolves? Well, maybe it was possible, but she never even fought one before. All she knew was they could be ruthless killing machines with no mercy. She didn't like the sound of those odds.

It suddenly burst into view from the shrubbery of just outside the cave. It came flying at Trever. A wolf. Though, this was no wolf of the wild. And it seemed quite violent and ruthless; rabid almost. Melanie even thought it odd for a Werewolf to act that way. It was like it's only goal was to kill. As though it needed no motivation but being alive. It seemed like it had lost its mind. In the very last moment, it hit her. Melanie remembered a wolf like this one. The last night she was with Vincent and Vertigo. It attacked them. She knew, somehow, for sure, this was the same one...

He'd turn to her as all his things are together and on his person, ready for action. "I am hardly leaving. Just getting ready for the journey beyond. I can go on without rest...unless you need to lay down for a moment..." He was unsure for a moment, not expecting her to be the one keen on remaining in bed awhile longer. He'd get nervous actually. Was he being too serious? Should he take it down a notch? He was an ambitious man. It was hard to keep him still after a goal was set. He'd just rub the back of his head bashfully for a moment, feeling all sorts of stupid right now.

He'd then be alerted, his head jolting up and his hands meeting the sword at his hip. A threat was approaching swiftly. It even had the young woman alerted now as she would take on her readied state. "Yeah, I heard it." Trever would begin to move closer to the mouth of the cave now, his hand still at the hilt of his blade. The metal would slowly show itself as he began to take it from the comfort of its sheath.

The steady removal would become quick and forced as the challenger made itself known. His blade would come out wide and swing to the side, blunt side ramming to the opened jaws of the beast. He'd side step from it then, waiting with his sword, analyzing the intent and movements. This beast was not one of his, that much he knew. But there was something fishy about its scent and presence. "What...what is that?" He dare not look away from the wolf though now.

The wolf landed on the ground nearby with a minor yelp from the hit to the jaw. It quickly braced a fighting stance, glancing between Melanie and Trever, then realigned it's jaw with an eerie crack. It was then that Melanie noticed the scar across it's nose. The same scar Vertigo had given it in their fight way back when through a nasty wound to the nose. It was a blade cut, and fairly visible. It simply made the wolf look that much more intimidating, if Melanie was honest. There was a deep guttural growl from the back of it's throat. It was looking at Melanie at the time. Did it recognize her? It was hard to tell.

At either rate, it charged her, passing by Trever approximately 10 feet away. Melanie snatched a dagger for each hand from her belt, braced herself, and then ran at it, jumping at the last moment, rolling toward it to somersault over it. As she did, she crossed both blades across its back. Melanie landed the somersault perfectly behind the wolf, rolling into a kneel before glancing back at it. It turned back at her, it's back bleeding, it's eyes filled with hatred and a desire for flesh in revenge.

Melanie turned away from it, long enough to stand. However, upon turning back, it was gone; completely gone. There was no sign of the wolf anywhere. Melanie glanced around frantically, daggers raised defensively, ready to strike at any attacker.

However, if Trever hadn't missed it, in a matter of mere seconds the wolf had transformed into a chameleon, quickly blending into it's rocky environment. It seemed to be a self-defense reaction of self-preservation. Or maybe it was attempting a sneak attack when they least expected it. Either way it held very still. But with a good eye Melanie or Trever might be able to spot it after a moment or so. It was likely, however, if either of them approached it, it would shift again. For the meantime, it just sat there, waiting.

"Screw what it was! Where'd it fucking go?!" Melanie replied in a panic. She didn't mean to snap at Trever. It was more her past and how dangerous the animal was, that had her on edge.

Trever nearly panicked as the beast ran passed his area of influence and began charging toward Melanie. "Hey watch out!" He'd bark out as the beast slips by, knowing nothing good could come of it. There was no way to prevent its progression, it was too fast for him. But unknown to him, Melanie had it covered. She had a few slick moves too. Trever would turn on the action and stand at the ready as she laid in her attack to the beast. Such finesse and grace. Beautiful. She was well versed with her small blades. Though it was not his tactic of choice, it was one he could respect.

Being attentive to the situation, Trever witnessed as the beast changed its shape and turned into a chameleon before them. Trever would put away his sword and cautiously draw his crossbow from his other hip, raising his aim to the lizard on the ground. "Don't. Move." Trever needed concentration for the shot. though he knew the beast was there, staring at the floor too long was starting to make his vision blurry. The whole floor was beginning to look the same to him. He'd elect to not second guess himself and take the shot before it decided to move, which he already took enough time already to fear a missed shot.

He began to wonder though after, putting his crossbow away and taking his sword out again. This was a Changeling. A real, wild, feral Changeling. One that had no control over its mind anymore, likely. But as common knowledge of Changeling's stood, they only became feral if they had too many forms. Being a wolf and a chameleon was probably far from even scratching the surface of this fiend's variety of unpredictable forms. In a way, Trever envied this beast. Having the upper hand over a group because they didn't know what was coming next...that was a style of combat he only dreamed of achieving.

Melanie froze at Trever's words. Though after he fired his crossbow, she jumped, startled, not having expected it. "Holy crap! What was that for?" She followed the bolt with her eyes. It seemed to hit the floor, like he shot at nothing. But, upon closer inspection, there was blood. Melanie took a cautious step closer, and now, with some indication of where to look, the chameleon was somewhat visible. "But... what? Where did the wolf go?" It took Melanie a moment to make the connection. "So that was a Changling?" she turned back to Trever. She smiled slightly. "Thanks." It was a genuine, but awkward gesture of appreciation. Almost as if she knew that they both knew that her confusion would've made the fight a lot more dangerous if she had been fighting it alone.

Melanie could've explained that she was fairly certain that was the creature that attacked her in the past. But, it seemed pointless. Would he really care? Did it even matter? No, it wasn't really important, she figured.

"You're pretty swift with your reactions, by the way. Impressive," she mentioned as she made sure all her bags and equipment was now gathered. "Shall we continue where we left off, then?" she questioned with a smile that almost suggested they were on some date as she gestured deeper into the darkness of the cave.

Trever actually had to squint to confirm he wasn't just seeing things. If he didn't hit it, they were going to have problems. Alright. Blood. Seemed promising. But was that really enough to end it? That seemed rather...anticlimactic. Trever would move toward the area under fire and looked for the carcass. He kicked it lightly and waited. No, that couldn't have been it. Was a Changeling's life really as fragile as the form it took on? That was quite sad actually. Not that he wanted more of a struggle in this cave, but even still.

The male wolf would sigh a bit, relieved and disappointed and will turn to the young woman. "Yes. It was a Changeling." He'd answer her question, whether she wanted the answer or not. "And you're welcome. I guess. Not that I really did much." He'd shrug. The first time he was humble in a good while, actually. She'd compliment his skill then and he really wouldn't know what to say on that matter. "Nothing impressive about killing a man dressed as a lizard. Maybe it would have been a fair fight if he were still a wolf." Trever will actually get sort of bent out of shape a bit. He wasn't a dishonorable man, his father taught him better. He'd wave it off though then and place his equipment back to its rightful places.

Without much mention or talk of what went on or how he felt, he agreed to continue and would move further in. He'd take the torch he lit earlier and hold it in his hand. Turning to Melanie, he'd offer her the light. "You may need this more than I do. I should have my hands free, in order to protect you from further harm." How kind of him, to underestimate a woman. It was not his intent however to insult her, for he just wanted to look out for her.

Melanie relaxed a bit again. She agreed that the Changeling's death felt a little too easy; especially when it gave Melanie, Vincent, and Vertigo a run for their money during a 3v1 in wolf form. However, it didn't move upon being kicked by Trever.

"Which hand do you expect I'd have free in order to carry that torch myself?" Melanie asked a bit amused. "I typically use both my hands when handling daggers." There was an intended sexual innuendo in there somewhere. She smirked. "And that's cute dear. Thinking I need protecting. I appreciate the thought but fighting is what I do best." There was an inflated ego in her tone to cover up a more insecure mentality, but she had been like that for years such that it had become very hard to notice.

Melanie progressed, slowly, further into the cave, expecting Trever would follow with the torch she refused to take from him. "So exactly how much of this cave have you explored in your down-time? Do you know every inch by now? Anything stand out like it might be what we're looking for? Or had you just not explored enough to notice it," she pondered. It seemed like it was a fairly large cave, getting larger as they progressed in. Definitely not the biggest she had ever explored, but up there.

"Are you this forward with all the ladies?" she finally inquired after a minute or two of walking. Kinda feeling out to see if she were special in his mind in any way.

Trever would almost drop the torch at her innuendo. Clearing his throat, he'd just keep the stick of light with him. "Two small arms at the same time? Have you just ever tried one big one?" He'd grin a bit and just unsheathe his longsword. He supposed he could wield it efficiently enough with a torch in the other hand. Worst came to worst he could always just burn shit. "As long as we're talking about fighting with blades...alright. I'll keep that in mind." Trever will nod, believing that she is a capable fighter. Melanie seemed well traveled. With travel came adventure and with adventure there was combat prowess, for certain. Trever did not doubt her capabilities and would trust her enough to lead them in, himself following right behind.

"Just as you are an expert in fighting, I am quite experienced in cave exploring. I am quite thorough..." He'd give her his own innuendo, just to mess with her and getting her back for her previous one. He could be clever too, after all. "There is a vain of the ore you speak of further down. Maybe only a five minute walk? It is a small cave, likely actually an old mining spot for single metal seekers like you. Like one person just kept digging for years and abandoned the spot long ago. Or at least, I've never come into the contact with any humans digging through."

He'd look to Melanie as she asks him the question of his personality. "I am a popular man back home in the Central Tribe. I treat each woman as if she were one of my reputation...because after all, if I were to marry one, she would ultimately be known for my status, as her esteemed husband. Respect is a big thing for me in general. Woman...are a big thing for me in general." He'll shrug though, probably not making any sense to this mortal woman. "I enjoy your company. So obviously I would like to make you feel good, confidant and comfortable around me. I believe a woman should be raised as high as her man can hold her over his head...literally and figuratively. Because a woman deserves to be loved by a man who can treat her better than himself. For what they go through for the sake of a man, it is the least he can do."

He'll sort of rub the back of his head with the hilt of his blade. He was getting a little personal now with her. No one really asked about why he did what he did. He just did, because he felt that was what was right to do. "A woman changes her name for the sake of a man, she leaves her family for him, keeps his home for him, bears him children that bear his name, births them, raises them, loves them because a man only has the capacity to love one single person in his simple life. Women are much more complicated than I could dream...they have many jobs when a man like me only has one. To provide and protect the family she gives him after her sacrifices for him. The commitment and the job a woman makes to a man lasts a lifetime. I think it is true for any culture. I think the least I can do, as a man, is respect a woman and what she does. I don't know who my bride will be...so until I figure it out, I feel all the woman I meet deserve that treatment. At the very least."