A Rugged Prairie (Jack)

[Sekhmet Ramiles]

In a way, the Eldin plains reminded Sekhmet of the desert. Nature at it's raw and untouched heart. While not quite the same hostile, yet primal, alluring landscape, it possessed a beauty that could only be found within nature itself. Wild. Untamed. Majestic. It sparked something of a kinship with the Gerudo woman who stood atop a plateau, admiring the landscape, fierce winds whipping her hair in the thunderstorm that wracked the skies, a smile upon her face as she basked in the primal fury of natures wrath.

Rain lashed down, soaking her completely. She cared not. She felt it not. She was a master of her body concerning natures fury. She could endure scorching heat, bitter cold, scything rain and torrential rain. Compared to some things she had faced, this was nothing. A paltry seasonal storm, compared to the seething rage of a desert storm, or the cold fury of a tempest while on the waves. She almost laughed at the sensations that engulfed her, smile broad upon her face.

Her reverie was broken by someone clambering onto the same plateau, yet still she remained motionless, head tilted backward towards the sky, paying silent homage to Din, the goddess of power, the patron of the Gerudo. She smiled to herself, before yelling, above the fury of the winds.

It's magnificent, is it not? Nature at it's most primal, most powerful, most dangerous. Untamed, unchecked. Beautiful.

She still did not turn to look at the person who had joined her, still relishing in the sheer savagery the weather had brought down upon the plateau.

[Jack Craven]

Eldin Province...

Just being within the vast plains of the rough countryside of Hyrule brought haunting images of his life back then. Kakariko Village was nearby, but he held no desire whatsoever to return back to his hometown. At least not right now. The ground felt tough, and unshaken with each passing step he made moving through the area. It was dry, and somewhat dusty as usual given that red earth was what little greenery stood upon the plains itself. The weather didn't help bring any comfort towards the Jack's somewhat sullen mood. The temptress thunderstorm in her desires summoned for her clouds, and racked a storm in the making.

Raindrops kept falling like ever flowing movement - rising in motions to a rhythm of it's own. He could feel his muscles tightening up with the splatter of soft drops drenching his form little by little, inch by inch. It really wasn't a big deal, but when the rain picked up he knew sooner or later he would have to seek shelter. He couldn't even think at the moment, finding his sense of perceiving everything off the rails or so to speak. Too many memories to think about even with just acknowledging that he was back in his home province.

He stopped in the midst of his tracks realizing that he had company over. The woman standing right before him was well-aware of his presence before he knew of hers. A grin formed across his lips amused with her string of words flowing, ebbing, and slick like the purest slither of silver upon the surface of a crystal river. "You're quite a poet," he complimented. "The Goddesses themselves outdid it when they created the world as it is... and the people included too."

[Sekhmet Ramiles]

A single eyebrow was raised as the person, a man, clearly confident in himself spoke to her, complimentary, in an almost lecherous way. What was it with her and meeting people dripping with self-assurance these days? Not that she was complaining, it made for conversation, rather than watching incoherent babbling, verging on drool spill from the mouth. She stooped down, picking her lance up, swiftly swinging it up to come to rest upon her shoulder, before standing to her full height, pivoting to face the man. A brief look told her, from his well-dressed and well-groomed appearance, though at the moment a little sodden, he probably saw himself as a bit of a ladies man. Probably the more adventurous type, judging by his presence on the plateau in the first place. Her eyebrow remained raised as she addressed him.

Poet? No, I simply appreciate beauty where it is found. Evidently, something that you, evidently, can understand the sentiment of.

A brief smirk crossed her face as she meandered towards the man, casual, confident, exuding her usual attitude of self-assurance. She cocked her head slightly as she regarded him again.

So, what business does a man, dressed as lavishly as you, have upon a storm-wracked plateau?

A simple, open question. She wanted to get the measure of the man a little more before she decided how exactly to treat him. Not many men had the guts to allay her natural prejudices. Fewer still could impress her. But a handful could keep that up enough for her to want more.

[Jack Craven]

As far as Jack was concerned there was only two ways you can go about living life. You either have it in you to take the chance or you don't. He didn't see either one as a bad thing in particular, but rather the positive, and negative aspects of each. When you had it in you to take the chance, then it came with a certain air about people. You can explore, and expand your horizons learning things by exploring new places, and journeying far from home. Then there was the other hand, where one stays in one place for most of their life, meditating, finding their center, and learning the philosophical aspects of the world around them. It was all a matter of preference really. Jack liked being able to move so he couldn't relate too much on the latter.

"Ah, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it not?" he asked coyly, "and from what I see, I behold beauty all around me, but nothing is enrapturing than you, miss."

The hybrid male couldn't help but notice the air of confidence that poured out from this woman's aura. She was a strong one, and knew what she want, and wouldn't be satisfied with anything but the best. It was quite clear that what he found, the blond male knew he liked from the get-go. He let out a lighthearted chuckle when she addressed him as a lavishly dressed business man.

"I actually grew up in this Province," he answered openly, "Call it what you will, but I thought a quick visit wouldn't do me any harm." In a sense, it was the truth, yet he didn't delve deep into it the real reasons behind his visit here. To be quite fair, he wasn't entirely sure himself, he wanted to be far away as possible from Eldin - but here he was now. Talking, and making a lovely conversation with a woman in the middle of a storm. Now where was the logic behind that one?

[Sekhmet Ramiles]

The eyebrow rose up her brow once again, hearing the, frankly, overdone compliment. And men thought that such things worked? Pathetic. Maybe with women who have wills of sponge, but to address someone like her in such tones? It actually made her somewhat annoyed. Not least because it was completely at odds with their surroundings. The storm seemed to respond in kind, intensifying, rain lashing down harder, water now dripping from her, cascading in thin rivulets from her elbows, down her thighs, her neck, her midriff, everywhere. The wind howled ever on, thunder and lightning duelling in the skies.

Tell me, do these excessive compliments work often? Because while I am ravishingly gorgeous, this storm represents true, majestic, primal beauty, far beyond anything I could represent.

Cold shoulder, check. But the fact he grew up here was an interesting one. Unusual, since most people who dressed as he did, came from Hyrule Castle, or the surrounding town. Probably a merchant. Kakariko most likely. There was something else about him. He appeared human, but there was something about him that she could tell was a little more... Scholarly, almost. It was the way he carried himself. Or, perhaps she was just reading into it a little too much. She did, however, pride herself on being able to read that sort of detail rather well.

Since we've found ourselves in a storm, with nobody else for company but each other, we should probably go over the pleasantries. I'm Sekhmet. Sekhmet Ramiles, mercenary, in case the weapon and the fact I'm Gerudo, outside of the desert hadn't told you that much. And you?

She was nothing if not direct. Blunt, but to the point. None of the usual dancing around with small talk for hours before actually bothering to dispense with the usual pleasantries.

[Jack Craven]

Who would have thought that the elements of nature had vices like mortals that live upon the plains they reign supreme over? Earth was stubborn. Water was placid. Fire carried with it the nastiest of tempers, and last but not least, the wind was nothing more than a jealous harpy. It craved the attention - always getting in the way of everything, and anything it could, and no one could say otherwise. It listened not to those who thought it superior than it, and who could do harm to air? The wind was especially not so friendly on this particular day.

"Only when they're meant earnestly, and without any ulterior motives," he gave her a charming smile, "I suppose you do hold truth. Mortal beauty wanes away on this earth while it remains unchanged, untouched, and until the end of time. I do believe in appreciating the now, than lie in limbo with regret of what-could-have-been." There was truth in the words he spoke. You only had so much to live for before your time on this earth was up. As far as he was concerned, he wanted to get lost in the moment rather than worry about the troubles of tomorrow or the regrets of the past.

"Jack Craven," he returned the favor, "Freelancer for the most part, but hopefully that'll change soon. Hybrid, if you will, and I'll let you guess what mix I am." He flashed a grin pleased to know she was the type that didn't like lollygagging about with idle conversations. While he did enjoy the company, the weather could have been better suited to his taste, preferably a much drier place. "A mercenary, huh? Ever killed anyone with that there?" he asked with a mild curiosity.

(OOC: My apologies for the wait. Life caught up to me. =/)

[Sekhmet Ramiles]

Again, she almost rolled her eyes. Meant in sincerity with no ulterior motive? Not likely. Nevertheless, it was a nice ego boost, if a somewhat hollow one, considering the surroundings. The weather ebbed for a moment, as she considered his words. It was true. People aged. Grew old. Haggard. Dare she say it, ugly. She shuddered. She hoped to die in glorious combat before that came to pass, or at the very least, live a life she would never regret before then.

I try not to think that far ahead. Live a life of war, and you tend to look to the now, not the future or the past. As you say, what could have been means little to what you are now.

She nodded in approval at his statement. At least he was reasonably intelligent. Not that it changed much. She did, however, think on his challenge. Guess the other half of his lineage. Human and something... Something... Regal, almost. High-borne. She tilted her head to the side, concentrating for a moment.

Killed more than you know. More than I can count. You tend not to think about them as people after a while. They are simply 'the foe'. Strange as it may seem, but when it comes down to my profession, I care little for gender, race and birth. Take this baby to their neck, they'll die.

She was very matter of fact about the whole thing. It wasn't much to her any more. Just a means to getting paid. And, like the freebooter before her, was looking to more permanent employment in the near future. Coincidence? Almost definitely. Hylian. She was certain he was part Hylian.

Part Hylian right? It's the ears mostly. Bit pointier than normal. Beyond what most humans can get away with. So, what exactly is it that you freelance towards?

[Jack Craven]

Jack was young, spirited, and carried an air of arrogance - or perhaps immaturity that could set off the flames of others who walked underneath the same footsteps as he. However he saw great potential in this woman, who've seen the better parts of Hyrule regardless of living that life of war. Someone who lived by her own rules, governed by herself, and only herself - let's not forget to mention she's really good looking, and seems to be able to handle fending for herself quite nicely.

"Correct," he smiled. He was half-tempted to ask if she wanted a kiss as a reward, but a very small thread of humility in Jack spared her the comment. Or perhaps it was the smack on the face that would follow that got him worried.

"My work is usually just being a well-rounded body-for-hire, for the sake of keeping up with travel expenses." He cupped a palm on his chin as his hazel eyes calmly turned back to Sekhmet. "Perhaps I could interest you in a proposition?"

He started this grand scheme, and not it was starting to take root. Might as well see it through until the fruits of his labor bare ripe for the pickings. Soon enough the rain didn't bother much as much as it did feeling like nothing more than soft patting against his shoulders.

He was actually quite interested to see if she would be any bit piqued about hearing his claim. You know there was only one sure way to find out. Onto business, "I've been handed down a rather nice gift from a mate of mine, and her name is the Sparrow. She's not ordinary ship either, mind you, after all that is one of the quirks of being the only airship. However a captain is only as good as not only the ship he runs, but also the crew mates that follow him." Hopefully he could trust Sekhmet to see where he was going with his proposition.

[Sekhmet Ramiles]

Damn she was good. Yes, she blew her own trumpet. A smile lit up her face, before she listened to him. Her eyebrow raised, and she smirked at his choice of words. Well-rounded body-for-hire... She gave him the once over with her eyes, and had to agree. The smirk grew wider he suggested a proposition. Confident. But no thanks. She already had her newest venture all planned out. The Sparrow, the magnificent girl was now her port of call. And it thrilled her to think so. But apparently, according to him, the Sparrow had changed hands. Disappoint showed upon her face, completely undisguised. She'd liked Kiir. In more ways than one. Still, it certainly made Jack more interesting. All the better for him. She grinned at him.

I currently have a contract. Luckily for you, it was a contract with the baby girl herself. Unfortunately for you, it does mean you don't have the pleasure of... Enticing me...

Her grin became almost seductive, teasing, as she closed the space between the two of them, breathing lighter, almost airy. Now that he had some leverage over her, and was now in command of the vessel she so adored, he was a much more appealing prospect. Plus, half Hylian. She hadn't been with a Hylian for... Quite some time. The smirk on her face revealed her pleasure at the thought of serving upon the Sparrow, and revealed a glimpse of the perks of being her Captain. She moved her mouth next to his ear, whispering delicately, a breathy whisper, one that fluttered delicately against the tiny hairs on his neck and around his ear.

I'm yours, Captain Jack.

[Jack Craven]

Nothing pleased him more than seeing a beautiful woman pleased. Her smile was radiant as it was a symbol of how powerful her strength is. An invaluable asset he knew would be a travesty if he couldn't convince her to join his crew. His expression grew concerned of her blatant expression of disappointment about hearing the Sparrow having a new owner. It dawned on him that Kiir must have previously encountered Sekhmet with the following words she spoke so smoothly. Like the tips of your fingers grazing across finely polished marble.

Jack could sympathize with Sekhmet about finding Kiir an affable companion, but such matters are archaic now. He had to continue to move forward as far as matters regarding the airship's needs. "That's... a shame," he almost lost his words. He was beaten to the punch it would seem.

Needless to say, he would be a liar if he said he didn't like where this was going. How a warrior's touch felt so sensual, inviting, and most of all accepting. He saw great distances to where this path will take him, and to have managed to attain a powerful partner... Saying he was pleased was an understatement. His hazel eyes beamed with high hopes. "It is an honor, Sekhmet," he bowed gentlemanly before the lady.

As Jack lifted his form straight, and comfortable again he noticed the rain letting up quite a bit. He turned his attention over to the sky he craved ever so passionately. Certainly with the way things are moving, he would be turning Hyrule's head quite a bit. Sunlight began to prod through the dark clouds above. Inch by inch, the skies gave way for the blue that told of daylight's remain. "If you want to see the rainbow, you must put up with the storm, no?" he spoke whimsically, "I sense we'll face many storms along the way."