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Username: irishgirl1017
Characters: Brianda[caretaker], Kitsune, Cassiana
Order: 2, 1
Prompt: Night walk turns into game

The night, ah the glorious darkness is where she felt the most home at. The air was still as if awaiting something, not a sound to be heard. Those who live here are silent, to silent. Her warning bells start ringing in her mind, she stops in her tracks. Looking around slowly, not trying to encourage whatever is nearby. She knows she is not alone all of a sudden, her reaction is figure out who or what is here and most importantly why?

Fear is not something she feels, a rush of adrenaline for what the next moments may hold is rushing through her body. She shivers in anticipation, closing her eyes she reaches out with her senses. Using her unseen eye or third eye as some refer to it, she catches glimpses of something within a small distance of her. It moves quickly, leaving a trail but it dissipates as quickly as it appears. She is very intrigued by this turn of events, a simple walk to gather ingredients now is something else entirely, but what?

Tilting her head to the sound, her ears await a sound, any sound. A smile forms on her lips, for she is enjoying this game of cat and mouse. "Who is the cat and whom is the mouse? she says out loud allowing the breeze to carry her words to whomever is watching her in the near distance. A faint sound suddenly is heard, a soft, lyrical laugh! Something was playing with her and from that laugh thinks it is winning. The smile froze on her lips, tilting her head to the other side she slowly reached into her pocket and palmed her crystal. The feel of it grounded her, she focused on that crystal. The cracks, the small formations of lines and deposits began to fill her mind. The crystal vibrated softly then begin to gain traction. Her thoughts were divided; one still attuned to whatever was watching and her crystal.

Once her crystal was fully charged, the fun could begin. She knew it was only a matter of time before the being revealed itself to her. From the laugh she assumed they were female, but the forest can be deceiving. Those within can be tricksters and once you are playing their game, most lose. She knew what the being saw, a lowly human female out at night seemingly lost and possibly frightened. For that is what she projected others to see. She preferred to keep up the illusion it made her travels much easier if she encountered another being.

A small sound like a twig snapping after being stepped on caught her attention. She turned her body fully, opened her eyes and there standing was a lovely female Kitsune! Inwardly she was laughing, the chances of encountering one was low. They only came out when they wished to play with others, usually those who did so became entranced and were destined to be fooled by illusion for the rest of their life. They see what the Kitsune wants them to, they are in control.

From the look on the female Kitsune's face she showed herself for her entertainment. Then by all means she shall reward her curiosity. Nodding slightly, she readied herself for whatever words came. The twinkle in the Kitsune's eyes were not lost on her, she knew this female was mischievous. Suddenly she began to circle around her in a soft almost slow motion, then she sped up ever so slightly each time she went around. Her words spoken from close and far away asked a question. Why should I choose you?

Now her mind began to form several replies, traipsed through many scenarios. This female had played this game before and was confident enough she would triumph. Awaiting the Kitsune to stop and allow herself to be fully seen was intimidating as it was fruitful. It allowed her time to study her adversary. She noticed her confident demeanor, her smirk, the slight twitch of her ears, the gracefulness of her movements and the way she looked at her. Her eyes were something to behold, if you knew how to read them you could garner information the being is too stingy to divulge.

Before her eyes the Kitsune began to change, her eyes seen one thing then suddenly there was a human female in front of her. Long hair, beautiful and had a regal air about her. The feeling of dominance hung about her, as if she knew she was Alpha. The smirk was back on the lips of the one who stood before her. The female began to sway, as if dancing to music. The air around her became very bright as if a light or lantern was behind her. Entranced Brianda could not look away as what she now recognized as flames danced about the other female. This Kitsune had the power of fire creation!

Forcing herself to breathe slower which in turn caused her heart to slow she became relaxed. Her crystal grew warm in her palm. She knew she had the power and ability to make this Kitsune understand she was not one to be trifled with. The female Kitsune was powerful, but not as powerful as she was. Her magic was old, a mixture of White and Black magic. She was a paradox; most do not believe she exists. A Grey Witch is unheard of until this night, and this Kitsune will be witness to her existence!

Raising her hand, she said a few words in a language none knew save a few, the fire behind the Kitsune became dim then gone. She was no longer moving about in a circle, gone was the smirk and in its stead a look of confusion and a flicker of fear? Smiling in a most satisfied way, she breathed deeply before nodding to the other female.

"Why should you choose me? Simple, I can outmaneuver you. Nothing you can do will be strong enough to entrance me. The power you have is miniscule compared to mine! We have danced beneath the moonlight, your fire burning brightly and yet I extinguished it with nothing more than a few words and my power. I don't wish to be your enemy, but a ally and maybe friend" with that she stepped back giving the Kitsune some space. It was a show of good faith.

Cautiously she scanned around her, awaiting another trick, illusion or maybe even a second Kitsune which was a slim possibility from what she knew they preferred to be alone doesn't mean this one was. She kept her mind fully on the Kitsune as her senses stretched out to search for another being within a certain distance. She didn't fear another one, she had more than enough power, the thought of two in the same small area made her very uncomfortable.

Sensing nothing, she relaxed some although she did check on her precious baby, Cassiana. She was hidden in the basket she carried on her one arm, the Kitsune either didn't sense her or chose to ignore her. She rocked Cassiana before placing her gently inside. The rhythm of her walking made Cassiana drowsy and she drifted off. Brianda could hear the soft sounds of her breathing, and it was comforting to her. How important this little one has become to her in such a short amount of time. Smiling she pulled her thoughts back and placed a mental shield around them, the last thing she wanted was for this Kitsune to know about Cassiana. If anything would happen to that little one, Brianda would not hold back. She would use every ounce of her power and knowledge against the Kitsune.

From the look on the Kitsune's face she was still debating on whether to accept her words or flee. The eyes flickered over Brianda, assessing and reassessing. She shrugged; she didn't give one flip what this Kitsune thought of her. It was either the Kitsune's gain or loss, depending on which way she chose. Something in the other's eyes made her brace herself, it wasn't something she could explain. The Kitsune turned and walked over to a small stump and plopped down on it. Staring in awe, Brianda laughed. She actually laughed out loud! It was surreal watching a Kitsune just plop down so casually like they were old friends.

Suddenly the female spoke again. "You are powerful, this I respect. Although you seem quite attached to that basket on your arm, I can't help but be curious as why" she smirked ever so slightly. Brianda stood up straight, leveled her head and stared daggers at the female. "My basked contains nothing that concerns you, if you attempt to take it from me the consequences will be dire" she hissed through clenched teeth. Steading her breathing, she forced her heart to slow she didn't want to arouse the Kitsune's curiosity any more than she already had. She scanned behind her and there just behind her was some bushes she could rest near. She preferred the ground, but next to one was another stump so she moved slowly and sat never taking her eyes off the Kitsune.

Those eyes seemed to follow her every move, even if she wasn't looking in that direction. Brianda felt like she was being watched by more than one being, but she had sensed no others. The Kitsune evidently had hid some of its powers and abilities from her, which much to her chagrin was very admirable. She had done the same, what is good for the goose is good for the gander!

The basket never left her arm, she placed it on her lap. Her one hand resting on the handle. She moved the blanket so slightly and peered down for a quick glance before looking back up. Cassiana was still asleep which she was thankful for. Not know this Kitsune she was loathe to risk the little one's safety.

A sudden sound caught her attention, involuntarily she turned towards the sound and realizing her mistake to late she felt the basket being ripped from her arm. Brianda let out a sound fo pure fury, it shook the air with a mighty whip. The breeze just a few moments ago was soft and cool, now it whipped like razor sharp knives, and it stung anywhere not protected by clothing. The Kitsune didn't look like she was going to back down, which incensed Brianda even more.

Locking eyes with the female, her voice deadly and forcefully calm came out in a rush 'Give me that basket NOW or I will make you pay a very hefty price." her eyes darting to the basket that was now being passed from hand to hand of the Kitsune. She was being deliberately agitating, giggling at her uncomfort. Those eyes flashed again this time it looked like triumph. "I was debating on giving you an answer but now I wish to play a game. If you can catch me, I will give you the basked and it's contents back to you. If not I get to keep all" she sneered and faded backwards into the tree line. The sudden flash of bright fiery light lit up the dark woods behind the kitsune causing Brianda to shield her eyes and in a second the Kitsune was gone. Although her laughter can be heard, like a soft tinkling.

Brianda was incensed. That Kitsune was in for a reckoning. Forcing her emotions under control, she focused on her crystal. It was charged but she wanted more power available to her. That Kitsune messed with the wrong witch mama! That precious little one was her life now and taking her away was a very stupid mistake. One that will cost that female something!. She focused and began to say a small chant, over and over. The crystal that she palmed was beginning to get hot, very hot. It glowed a deep Green glow that shown all around her. The immediate area was bathed in this beautiful glow. Her powers and emotions dictate the color the stone becomes, it is usually Purple but now with her anger and sense of loss the foremost of her feelings it is now Green.

Once she felt the crystal "snap" into place she took off in the direction she sensed the Kitsune. She didn't even open up her senses to do so she knew. How? She was attuned to Cassiana. Her mind was a whirlwind of if she woke up to a stranger how would she react? Scared? Would she fade like she tends to do? Will she just not reappear? Those thoughts scared her and she ran faster. Her feet moving faster and turning as if they knew which way to go. She heard a small sound like a leaf being crushed beneath feet and she skidded to a full stop. Looking around slowly, she spied a very small movement and realized the Kitsune was to her right standing underneath a small cluster of trees. The area she stood in was completely dark, no light to be seen. Only reason she saw her was due to her using her "inner/third" eye to see. Her breath hitched for a moment, she smirked and walked right past the Kitsune before picking up speed again and running off. As she did so she heard a faint cackle of laughter. "Perfect! she thought she circled around and as she did, she cast a spell to make herself invisible to any creature. Standing directly behind the Kitsune she waited for the right moment.

The Kitsune looked around warily, then down at the basket. Twitching her ears she was troubled. The witch slowed before her, then ran off by her. That troubled her, her face revealed her inner thoughts to Brianda. No sound came from the basket, taking a few precious seconds, she cast a spell to keep Cassiana asleep and hidden from view by anyone but her in case the Kitsune lifted up the blanket.

Sniffing the air the Kitsune turned around quickly but not quick enough, Brianda sent out a burst of energy and the Kitsune hit the ground hard. Brianda didn't spare her a glance as she ran to the basket. Picking it up with shaking hands she pulled off the blanket and there was Cassiana still peacefully asleep unaware of what just transpired. A huge wave of relief washed over her as she sank to her knees. The KItsune stirred and Brianda's anger reignited. Just as she stood up a small sound caught her attention, Cassiana had awoken and was reaching for her. Not being to resist she picked her up and held her tightly. The Kitsune was watching, suddenly realizing why this witch was so protective of that basket.

Only straightening up enough to get her back off the ground the Kitsune said "I wanted to play a game, test your strengths, weaknesses, and see if you could see through my illusions only I was the one being tested" "I see now why you were so protective and in all honesty if my young one was in danger I would have reacted the same" lowering her head in shame she took in a deep breath and slowly released it. Looking back up at Brianda, "If you will have me as a ally, I will choose both of you. Not all is games and tests" she looked the little on who was now squirming in the arms of the witch with what looked like affection and terror. Brianda stared at the Kitsune for a long time, not speaking just staring. Her senses now needed to be true, no chance of lying going undetected. She turned over the words, the choice of words, the tone, the hanging of the head, the look she gave Cassiana. She took her time, weighing each thing. Nodding her head, she finally said "As you wish but one thing. You hurt my precious little one, you will pay a price worse than death" with that she turned and started walking towards home. If the Kitsune chose to follow it was up to her.

I would love #2 please.