RP:Bringing Home the Goods

From HollowWiki

Part of the Tales from the Row Arc


Synopsis: Finn takes advantage of being in Chartsend port to rendezvous with the leader of its own smuggling scene and make an extensive buy that can resupply his own dwindling trade reserves.

Characters: Finn, Ruana, Miya as Npc Callie, Terra

Location: Venturil; Chartsend Market, Cliff Caves.




Ruana is wandering about the marketplace in those silks of hers. Eyes follow her, what with those shapely hips of hers, that exposed midriff...the two katars hanging from a pair of belts not before seen on the woman. She seems comfortable walking with those punch daggers hanging on either side of her, though she certainly doesn't look the part to be able to use them. In fact, more than one man jibs to his neighbor about a wench trying to play at being tough. But she doesn't let that bother her, no. She just goes about her business, examining the goods in various stalls. Perhaps the most important one she stops at is one with a selection of jackets. Not that she's picked one out yet.

Finn was likewise loitering in the stalls, partly for the enjoyment of the act, partly with intent to purchase for himself if anything caught his eye as worth the expenditure and mostly with an eye for anything that seemed rare or unique enough an item to take back and stock his own store for re-sale. The high born were excessively fond of anything that might be considered unique or unusual for the island and its closer port, and Chartsend, on the westernmost fringe of the lands was known for the exotic multicultural crafts that were brought to its port. The runner’s gold flecked gaze was lingering at the moment however, on a jeweled hair clip of the finest golden filigree and ruby that would make, in his opinion, a fine complement to the lace that draped his lover’s neck. It had been a stretch to get her to wear the piece to begin with, could she be persuaded to another? The thought made his lips twitch in suppressed smile. A flutter of movement across his line of sight on the other side of the stall cause gaze to lift, settling on the..cook? and her newly acquired décor. A nod was offered, and an easily drawled, “Know how to handle those lass?” floated across the space between them.

Ruana doesn't jump as she normally might have when Finn's voice is heard. Seems she's already used to it after being on the ship. And next door to his lover. Yeah. She shakes her head when the merchant tries to force the woman to buy a particularly gaudy jacket, the desert-dweller's nose wrinkling at the sight of the gold silk thing with so many baubles. "No thank you," she tells the man before making her way towards Finn with a disappointed sigh. "What's a girl gotta do to find a decent coat around here?" She giggles, further dissuading any from thinking her a threat, surely. "You can ask Hanan whether or not I know how to, after she and I play our little game." She smirks, showing her confidence in her abilities with the exotic weapons. By coincidence, she manages to set her eyes on the hair clip that Finn had been eying for his lover. "Those are cute."

Finn seemed almost embarrassed to have been caught examining the item, if the momentary awkward silence was anything to go by, but recover was swift. “Aye..pretty little thing, reckon the ladies in port will take a fancy to em. Might order up a batch..” a nod was offered to the seller, “ I’ll take ten, mix the stones. One ruby,” he said huskily. There might be others of the hairpiece available for purchace, but the sparrow, if she chose to wear hers..would be unique. A calloused thumb brushed over the piece of jewelry, as it had so often the silken strands of her hair before he passed it off to the merchant for packaging. Only ten would Ruana’s banter be noted, and half a grin break the planes of rugged features. “Reckon I’d pay good gold to see that one lass. Cat’s got a set of claws on her..watch your guard aye?..” He figured the girl had had as many holes poked in her over the last few days as any one should. Eyes would lift then, sweeping over the cluster of stalls. “If its quality you’re lookin’ for, reckon I can point you the right direction…” he glanced at her and qualified. “about the coat I mean.” His own,was, after all one that garnered attention most places he went. It had become his uniform almost.

Ruana has to grin. "I'm not sure you'd be allowed, even if you did pay, the way things go between the Hellcat and I." She kinda likes that nickname, after last night. "And of course I'll be on my guard. Though I'd be more worried about the Captain, sir." Oh, how cocky she is when she speaks of fighting with those unique weapons of hers. She watches the transaction of the hair clips, though the odd one out does have her lofting a brow. She says nothing about it, however, opting instead to be tactful and keep on about the coat. "Where would you suggest then, Mister Red? I'm very picky, you know."

Finn’s lips curved slightly, amusement lurking in whisky depths. “If I told you darlin’..reckon I’d have to kill you,” he murmured idly, dropping her a lazy wink. “Let’s just say, the lass that runs them won’t be found out in the marketplace.” There was a network in the runners world- a runner, knew a runner..and Chartsend was famous for its black market goods. Smugglers abounded here in numbers that might contest even the volume of trade on the shores. He reached to take the bag of packaged goods the tradesman offered and then turned to face the Halfling, a thoughtful expression entering his gaze. “Gold..or pearl..” it was the murmured vocalizing of private thought. Eyes drifted over the dusky tones of her skin, and the material, color and style of her current garb. “Mhmm.. gold I think..but, follow me..” and without another word, he was off, weaving through the bustling marketplace, heading south west toward the coastal pathways. (ooc 2s,1w)

Ruana follows Finn. Really, with the way he just walks off after demanding she does, she can't do much else but do so. Well, that and blink. She did a lot of blinking after he started moving. And now they're in...caves? "Why are we here?" she asks, her hands hovering a bit closer to her weapons. -Now- she's jumpy. Not when she's surrounded by strangers after a recent attack on her life...but when she's lead away from the hustle and bustle of the city. "And what did you mean, pearl or gold?"

Despite being within easy walking distance of the heart of the town, the meandering trail that had grown ever steeper as it crested into the cliffs that surrounded the small town were a world away from its hustle and bustle. An experienced nod and a handshake of more than flesh was enough to get the pair granted permission to enter the caves that loomed at first darkly in the cliff face. “Easy darlin’..” he murmured to her brush of weaponry. “Don’t have a reason to hurt you do I? I’ll not take you where there’s trouble afoot.” Or at least, not trouble that he wasn’t pretty capable of handling. “Callie an’ her boys set up shop in these caves almost as soon as they were discovered..pay off the boys to keep the sort we don’t want sniffin’ around down here.” There..a glimmer of light in the distance. “Seems somebody’s home..” Pressing forward into the increasing light and heat, he tossed a glance back over his shoulder to the female where she follwed, and answered her final question with a grin. “..buttons..” And that would be all he said, until he spilled out into the open clearing where a most peculiar sight awaited..if you could tear your eyes away from the spill of exotic garments on display across open and closed trunk surfaces. “Red darling..It’s been a while…” the purr would come from a shadowed corner, just before the queen of Chartsend’s smuggling scene stepped into the light.


Ruana wants to believe Finn, wants to relax...but hells, she just can't. She's tense as they move towards the smugglers' cavern, lets her eyes dart here and there as she examines every nook and cranny she can see. Buttons, he says? Why is he muttering about buttons? "What...?" But the woman's talking to him now, and she shuts her mouth. Quickly, too. Might even have bit her tongue. Nope, no blood. That's good. She's not watching Finn anymore. No, she's watching that strange woman, watching the men they passed on the way in, watching any other people that may be lurking.

Miya :: Callie's eyes shifted from the fellow smuggler, to that of the nervous girl behind him. Naught but a grin would be offered as she turned back to the red head, whom would earn a wider smile in further greeting. She stood with a hand upon her hip, her body tilting just enough to look as if she'd been posing, and she might just have been, though she hadn't known they were coming, had she? "What brings you to my side of the sea?" A hand rose to run slender fingers through thick midnight locks as she took three steps closer to the duo.

Finn chuckled softly, stepping forward into the circle of light offered by combination for firelight and lantern, allowing his gaze to drift over the woman whose soft exterior belied a spine of steel, and iron clad control over her men. Head lowered and lips brushed across her cheek, lingering a beat too long, for old time’s sake. And they had been some times. “What I always do darlin’..” he drawled. “Came to see what you’ve got in..runnin’ low at the shop..and the lass is needin’ a coat..” Finally he’d acknowledge the Halfling, stepping aside to allow fuller view. Ruana was offered that easy smile. “If it’s quality you’re lookin’ for, Callie’s your gal. Don’t figure there’s anythin’ worth wearin’ or sellin’ that doesn’t run through her in this port.”

Ruana offers the runner woman a smile. Tight-lipped, but a smile. She knows how roguish sorts can be. Quite well. "A pleasure," she says, extending a hand. A recently healed hand, Finn might notice if he sees the line of brighter skin across her palm. "I didn't know you could find jackets in a place like this." Yeah, she's too polite to call it an illegal operation of any sort. The lack of a name given might be noticed, might not be, but either way it's left out of the equation.

Miya :: Callie's hand wouldn't make it back down to her side, instead, it would move with the auburn headed male, and rest lightly on the back of the smugglers neck as his lips rested on her flesh. "I should have known. Work, work, work. Can't ever come see me to play." She'd smirk then, moving fluidly around the man and closer to the Halfling shown to her. "He always did know what he was talking about..." Her words were whispered towards Ruana as she began her slow circle- almost like a hunter narrowing on its prey. "A coat, hm? Probably a good idea, what with the cold season upon us." She'd ignored the hand at first, taking her time to look over the girl with cool, steel colored eyes before she'd stop her rounds and pause just before the offered hand. After a moment, she'd take it, give two shakes, and drop it as if she weren't accustomed to touching other people. "Anything in particular you looking for? Furs, silk linings, golden buttons?"

Ruana frowns as she's circled like a carcass with a vulture hovering overhead. She doesn't like the feeling, but she tries to keep her hands away from her weapons. "I'm fond of silks. And silver, not gold. Something blue, or pink." Like her skirt. "I suppose it will have to be at least a bit on the thicker side, with it being so chilly."

Miya; Callie dipped her head, turning abruptly from the girl and heading towards one of the racks she had sitting just outside her would-be shop. Quick were her hands as they slid in and out from between the coats and long sleeve shirts she'd had hung there earlier in the day. "Well, looks like I'm fresh out of silver buttons, but I do have these." She plucked two from the racks, both equally thick and lined with a soft, off-white silken material. In her right hand, was a pale blue, pearl buttoned tweed, in her left, a medium pink, golden button one of the same style. "They look about your size, and are the only two in the colors you requested." If Ruana hadn't been with Red, it was quite possible Callie would have left the girl to pick her own coats out, though she was ever so fond of the male, and he seemed to bring out that softer, more caring side of her. Sometimes. "Try 'em on, see what you think." It was permission more than a request, though she was used to dealing with the sorts that, more often than not, wouldn't act unless told to. Gods she loved her empire.

Ruana frowns as she's given -permission- to try on the jackets. Were it not for Finn's presence, she might have started singing. But she doesn't, and simply winds up...doing just what the runner woman gives her permission to do. She starts with the blue one with the pearl buttons, looking down at herself with a furrowed brow before she changes to the pink one. She weighs the options in her mind, trying to decide which she likes better...and in the end, it's the blue one she keeps a hold on. "I don't think this one's really me," she says as she hands the pink one back.

Finn had stepped back the moment that the ebon haired runner had started her assessment of the other. He was leaning against the naturally carved wall with arms crossed over his chest, that package purchased at the market still loosely held in his grip. Shopping. Oddly enough, something he was not uncomfortable with, given his profession. Every run was a shopping trip, basically, though he was not in the habit of shopping for a particular individual. Most of the trinkets he’d given his lovers had not been originally purchased for them..had rather been in inventory and selected as appropriate. It had been odd to be thinking of Terra when he’d selected her gift. And odd now, to watch Runana select her coat. It looked good on her..complemented the outfit she currently wore. The comment offered was directed toward Callie first. “Perfect..as always Cal..” before eyes shifted to Ruana. “Looks good on you darlin’.. Keep it on..I’ll get the tab..”

Miya : Callie wouldn't have apologized- even if she had known what the Halfling was frowning at, and even -if- she really hadn't meant it the way it came out. Instead, she waits, watching the girl try each on, then takes the pink one back after a decision has been made. It was laid back on the rack where someone else could fold it later, and steel eyes were run over Ruana's form once more as she wonders what else she might have, that the other might fit, or be interested in. It was Red's words that drew her back to reality and out of that sales-lady mind of hers. She'd smirk, turning to look the male over once more before stepping back in his direction and away from Ruana. "Had you any doubt?" Cocky, yes, but the woman had an eye for fashion. "And what of you darling?" It was still Finn she directed her speech to, "Anything you looking for in particular? Or just here to see my goods."

Ruana slinks out of focus as much as she can now that she has that new jacket on. Now that she's not the focus of Callie's attention, she allows her eyes to roam over the rest of the goods in the immediate vicinity. She hums to herself, being the bard that she is. Really, she's not casting any spells, just humming a song from back home, but the gods know that Finn might be a bit jumpy if he hears it. After all, every time he's seen her sing, there's been effects. Interesting effects.

Finn’s eyes sparkled with humor at the double entendre offered by the raven haired beauty. “As temptin’ as your goods might be to see Cal darlin’.. I reckon’ I’ll take a pass, an’ make do with takin’ a tenth off the top of your inventory. Pay you market price for it,” he drawled. That would be higher than the price she’d get for it on the black market. As, the whole idea of the smuggling circuit was to sell volume, at a lower price. It would be a difficult offer to turn down. “An’ I mean..a tenth of -everythin’- Cal.” He added with a dry smile. He didn’t doubt that the woam would try to hold onto the rarer items in her inventory. “Garments, weapons, scents, jewelry.. a cut of all of it. Reckon I’ll be more’n happy to return the favor if you come south.” That humming from Ruanna drew a sharp gaze, and a slightly narrowed stare. The bard had better not be up to her tricks again. He cast a wary gaze to the flame dancing on the fire.

Terra had been scarce the majority of this visit aside from a few glimpses here and there in passing on the sea vessel. Most of the time in Chartsend had been spent cliff-side. She had been far enough along on the edge to miss the arrival of Finn and Ruana and it's the sound of humming that caused her to pause on the trek back down the side. Was it the girl from before? Ruana, as she was called? A delicate sniff found familiar scents and soon she's entering into that same opening, eyes wide as she took in the surrondings. So this is what was carved into the side of the cliffs.

Miya : Callie hadn't an idea about Ruana’s singing abilities. As far as the runner knew, the girl was just some nobody Finn had picked up off the corner to work in one of his side jobs. And really, she didn't care; Red’s business was his own, not that Cal wouldn't like another inside look. She missed those fun days- not that she'd admit such. It might be read in those lightly colored eyes though, if one was paying attention. A pout was offered Finn's way, though it'd not last long as she moved further into the shelves and baskets of all she'd gathered in the last months. "You don't really believe I'd hide anything from you Darling, do you?" Her voice was low, a purr really, "All we've been through, and you think I'd try and keep anything from you?" A tap on the checkout counter would bring a thin girl out from the back; the swift motions of her person would lead one to believe she was anything but the human she appeared to be. "You heard 'im. Tenth of everything." She'd offer the girl behind the counter much the same look Red had giving Ruana about her humming, and the brunette took off to gather what she could. Spinning back to the duo, she'd smirk, "You got enough to help carry it out? If not, I'm sure I could gather a few helpin hands..." Though it was likely not to be free labor- hell, times were hard all around. Terra's arrival, if not seen by the others, would be pointed out by the sudden jerk of the smuggler woman's head. Steel eyes cast in the direction of the vampire. Softly she'd speak to Red as a hand came to once more rest upon a pushed out hip, "One of yours?"

Ruana sees that look of Finn's, and she pointedly hums louder, showing the man that the song isn't causing any harm, or manipulation, or anything at all. Other than noise. She can't help but watch the pair of smugglers, and her lips twist into a smirk, especially once she catches sight of Terra. Her song falters, the dusky-skinned woman clearing her throat now that Terra's there. Poor vampire girl, having her room next to Ruana's.

Finn’s gaze had been fixed idly on the movements of the help behind the counter, another soft chuckle offered in reaction to Cal’s pouting commentary. “Just set it aside darlin’. I’ll send the boys up from the docks to bring it down in the mornin’” Why waste gold on paying for labor, when he had ten freshly hired hands loitering on a boat in harbor. “But thanks for offerin’..” A touch of sarcasm there, the female hadn’t climbed to the top without finding a way to make an extra profit at every turn. The shift in her level of attentiveness, and the newly refocused aspect of her gaze, had the runner turning slowly to observe whoever the new arrival might be. The look that was reserved uniquely for her ghosted into whisky gaze, and the quiet drawl was directed at Terra as much as it was at Cal. “Aye..mine.” a simple and powerful claim. She was his. In this moment.

Terra isn't blind or deaf. She can hear the tone and the intent offered in the words Cal said and despite them being business-related, she's pretty damned certain that's not all it was. Red is shot a look and while there's a hint of humor to the corner of her mouth, it's clearly suggesting 'is no one safe? Not even girls hidden in far off caves?'. Though his attention is met with a wink and a smile was soon to follow as she made her way that direction, avoiding what seemed to be a steady stream of movement from workers and arrangers alike. While one arm rested on his forearm, she'd lean in front of him and a hand towards Ruana. "I'm Terra. Don't think we've met."

Miya : Callie dipped her head at the suggestion, a smirk settling in on her lips as she looked Terra over as she entered the better lit area. So this was the peach keeping Red at bay? Interesting. "I'll have 'em boxed up tight and right. Laylin will show your men which is which in the morn." Business done, she'd set her eyes back towards the two women as they introduce themselves, and with a nod once more to the group, she'd adjust her top and look past them to the right. "You know where to find me Red, if you need anything." A wink was offered Ruana's way and another look was spared to Terra as she heads off into the night.

Ruana blinks at that wink. And blinks again. She's used to such things from men, and Hanan...but not so much most of the rest of her gender. "Thanks again for the jacket," is all she says before she takes a few steps back. She's anxious to be away from that cave. It makes her twitchy. And when she's twitchy, things go missing from their owners. Ruana also takes that hand of Terra's, shaking it. "Ruana Il'Anad," she replies. "Or Il'Anad, as Captain Hanan likes to call me."

Finn only nodded in Callie’s direction as she departed, his attention fixed on the female who had entered and now remained at his side. He remembered a certain cliff face and a certain kiss..and the fact that he’d not had much time to spend with her alone thus far this trip..and he intended to make up for lost time. The weight of gift was solid in his pocket. Fingers lifted idly to brush the fingers that rested on his forearm even as he turned is gold flecked gaze toward the now more warmly clad female. “Enjoy the coat. I’ll have one of the guards walk you down..” It was more than evident that he considered their need for interaction complete..and she seemed restless to depart anyway. “We’ll be down later..” much later.

Terra didn't seem to mind the departure of the female and just smiled towards Ruana after the introduction. "Yeah, the Lady has an issue with names." and that was all she would say on the subject. Truth be told, she may have been a little envious of all the time the newcomer had with said Captain. She hadn't seen her friend in days. Finn's drawl drawed attention towards him again and she straightened again, giving his arm a slight nudge. That was her version of a greeting for him, evidently.

Ruana nods her thanks to Finn as she starts to head back towards the ship. "Oh, no need to worry, Red. I can find my way on my own." She knows he's just trying to make sure she's protected, but today that's not what -she- wants. And so she slinks by the guards, slinks buy the people creeping this way and that...and heads off to the kitchen on the ship. Or her room. Or maybe even Hanan's. Who knows.

Finn only smiled at that nudge, choosing instead to begin the process of weaving through the manpower that was still at work processing his order. Callie ran a helluva lot of inventory, ten percent of that would be more than a few boxes. He almost winced for the possible tongue lashing he’d get from the hellcat for loading up her ship without prior consent. He’d give her something for the toruble..she was a girl right? If a rather peculiar one. lips twitched at the thought. It was as he passed the rack of coats from which the halfling’s was selected, that something caught his eye. A splash of green..forest green the mirror of the sparrow’s eyes. A coat. A slow smile curved, and without a moment’s hesitation fingers reached in to grab the item off the rack. “Put it on my tab..” he murmured to the helper who was watching his retreat a touch wistfully. Red had been as popular a figure in this port in his day..as he was in the southern one. Turning to face the vampire, he dropped her a conspitorial wink, and slid the gold buttoned, tailored tweed over her shoulders, atop another..in the even that she was already cloaked. “Reckon you can never have to many..” he murmured huskily. For a long moment he just looked at her, and then, leery of audience, tugged on her fingertips to resume their trek. The briskness of night air, and the sparkle of stars in a velvet sky would greet them, breaths instantly fogging. A quiet “This way..” and the elf would find herself perched once again on the edge of familiar cliff face. “Seems a lifetime ago..”

Terra just watched Ruana head off and didn't say a word. There was something about that girl that .. bothered her but she's unable to figure out why. It takes the sudden weight of the coat to draw attention upwards and towards him, hands immediately coming to grasp the sides to keep it close while trying to manuver both arms into the sleeves. Looked like they were heading outside. The first breath is a welcome chill, one that she's felt for the better part of this voyage and wouldn't voice a complaint. Like the night he refrenced, she'd settle on the ground and adjusted the material of the dress beneath her to avoid the sting of the cold rocks. "Wasn't that long ago," murmured after a moment. She knew a thing about lifetimes considering it's what she had to look forward to. Hands slipped into the pockets of the recently purchased coat, "Things coming along?"

Finn lowered himself to the cold earth next to her. Damn. He’d forgotten the ground might not be nearly so comfortable in the dead of winter. It made him laugh, a soundless surge of amusement that never broke the surface planes of his body. Knee lifted and an arm found purchase, the winking of familiar gold token belying the fact that thoughts were being organized and reviewed in his mind. “Aye..” he said quietly, “reckon we about done with the business in port. Hired some boys, looks to be about ten- good sort, should do well on the shores. And Callie here just about got me sorted with the resupply. Figure we should be pressin’ into Venturil proper soon..track down this Rue who’s got a hold of Squeak’s locket..” A glance was turned her way, “What about you? Doin’ ok? Didn’t mean to have you all tied down while I was workin’..Get out, see the city. Maybe visit the spa you liked so much the last time..” his lips curved slightly at the memory of the torment she’d presented, stretched out before the waters. The forbidden fruit. He’d tasted it anyway.

Terra had been thinking about their last visit as well, only conjured the memories in vivid detail when he mentioned the spa. That did sound like a place to visit. From the corner of her eye she happened to spot the glint of the familiar token that had been pressed into her palm previously and she could recall the feel of it, even still. Now she'd take her hands out, one hand finding his fingers to get the steady rhythm to stop. She'd lean in towards him, a brief warmth provided to the side of his body before she straightened again. "I can keep myself entertained." Hair was pulled up and away from the collar of the jacket and then hands slipped back into the pockets again. There's a certain dip in her eyebrow that displayed the confusion felt momentairly. "What's on your mind...?" She's not too unaware that he often took to turning over the token in the moments of his thought as though it managed to organize the fragments in his mind. "Do you need another day off... ?"

Finn’s fingers stilled beneath her touch, almost surprised to have been caught in the act, so unconscious it had be come. He caught her fingers with his, the token disappearing as easily as it had appeared. “ Just sortin’ through the plan..” he admitted finally. “Too many unknowns..makes me uneasy. But I reckon nothin’ a few days surveillance won’t take care of.” He paused, before addressing the one thing that bothered him most. “Might need to use you darlin’..pull him outa hidin’..” just saying it had the fingers shifting beneath her touch again. “If I can’t think of another way..” And he was working on it. Eyes lifted to her movement, the ghost of a smile appearing as he watched her attempt at taming flyaway strands again. “Got you somethin’..” he said almost too casually. Premeditated gift giving was so out of his comfort zone. “And yeah..reckon I could use a day off, before we start the gig.” He’d been working non stop on the other objectives of this trip north for the last three days.

Terra lifted one shoulder in a shrug that expressed a level of nonchalance that he didn't appear to be feeling. "That's okay," she said quickly as though the two were capable of alleviating the unease that seemed to linger over him. "I can handle myself." It's as much a reminder to him as it is to herself. She did smile though, though it may have faltered at the edges when there was talk of a present. Like the rest of the population gifts were appreciated but she doesn't know how to respond to them or what it was. Brief panic sets in, caused her fingers to twitch momentairly, an action he may have felt but then she nodded. "So take a day off. What is the point in being here if you can't enjoy a day of it?" Her breath was expelled, a sight that was eventaully extinguished into the dark backdrop of the evening. "What is it... ?" Asked after a pause when the curiosity all but demanded it.

Finn felt her fingers twitch, and it made his fingers contract reflexively around them in turn. Holding her. How broken they were..that such a thing as sharing could provoke physical symptoms. Fingers slowly released her. “Just as easy to show you..” he drawled quietly, in tones deceptively relaxed. “Don’t have to keep it, just made me think of you when I saw it. Another strand of gold whipped before his face in the wind, as if in secret aid to staging the moment, and he could not help but chuckle. A pair of fingers lifted to tuck it behind her ear, and then free hand was diving into the lining of his coat and withdrawing a small, package, clearly wrapped for support of delicacy. Wrapping was slowly picked apart and discarded, and the artistry of gold filigree and ruby gemstone was passed into her pale hands. “Figured if you ever had to dress up…you know..that It’d go nicely with the necklace.” It was almost an awkward speech for someone so fluent with words, as his work required. “It’s for your hair..” he added redundantly, as if she’d not be able to recognize that fact.

Terra did smile again, easy enough, as though it had never faltered. The brief feel of warm fingers near her ear caused her to look over at him again. Her hands were open to recieve the present after she witnessed its unveiling, cupped around the comb as she watched the reflection off the jewel. It was perfect... and it started again. That constant, never quite silent urging in the back of her mind to run. It was a large cliff with several caves and she was certain she'd be capable of finding one to hide in until the moment passed. But her throat is tight with the emotion it envoked. How long had it been since someone had found something and purchased it with her in mind for no reason? She doesn't remember. Tonight wouldn't be the night to fight tangled curls and wind-swept strands to place it so it's stowed away and it takes another passing second for her to collect herself. "Thank you," mumbled at last, far more hoarse than she had intended so she coughed quietly to clear the airway. "It's just .. it's perfect." Head bobbed, confirmed the statement since it seemed tonight was about stating the obvious. She's awful with affection so she gave him a quick nudge - again.

Finn accepted the nudge for what it was. She liked it. It wasn’t..quite perfect, maybe that was a bit of an over reach, his smile would go unseen in the shadows. But she liked it. It was enough. “Like I said..you can wear it..whenever.” Unlike the necklace, he’d not insist on it adorning her body. The moment of gifting and receiving had been in and of itself the hurdle, and the prize. He glanced her way. “It’s cold..gettin’ late. We should go back.” And still he wasn’t moving, and that gold flecked, hazel gaze was lingering on the pale lines of her face. Beautiful..so god dam beautiful. She was perfection. And she was his. The ghosts of the past laughed. For now. Yes..he answered silently, and the whisky depths glowed amber in the moonlight with scarce restrained possessiveness and hunger. For now. And without another word, and in a mood that seeming contradicted the easy distraction of moments past, he claimed her. Reached over and slid his fingers into the golden locks clip would someday tame, and cradled her head, drawing her into the searing pressure of his lips, and the probing exploration of his tongue. The fingers of free hand rose to drift across the coolness of her cheeks as their breath mingled in a fog formed between their two bodies. He brushed her nose with his own, lightening the peculiar weight of the moment, unspoken as it was with the tender, teasing gesture. “Glad you liked it..” There was a you’re welcome she’d not soon forget.

Terra entertained the idea of returning to the cliff for every important milestone in this relationship or any. But it's a brief thought, banished by the nearness and the warmth and the seal of lips. While affection wasn't something she readily understood, this didn't seem to fall in the same category, not when its the follow up to that darkening glint in his eyes. That next breath in brought the sting of the air, its followed quickly by another before she grinned as a result of his words and pulled him in for another with a hand settled against the back of his neck. She'd end the moment as he had with a nod against his neck. She's up then, waiting only for him and she'd slip her arm into his as they came down the cliffside and headed back for Hanan's ship. Maybe then he could provide some sort of distraction to the steady stream of noise that seemed to emit from the other cabins below deck.