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The traveler and the dancer

D

Dox Paradox

Super-Earth
Joined
Jan 13, 2009
Deep in the Arabian desert the wind howled and swirled tiny dust devils in the newly fallen night as Dox made his way inexorably towards the town of Kodatch. He himself was far from a native of the harsh lands but had learned in a very short amount of time to appreciate it's beauty and it's deadliness. From afar he was but a man wandering the desert but as he came closer the fine hairs upon the neck would prickle when one could fully behold him. He stood easily six feet and ten inches without anything on making him a giant in comparison to the common man but more disturbing still was the fact that there was no fat to be found upon his frame. His body could have been chiseled from granite as he was densely muscled, yet not to the point of hindering his flexibility or dexterity. He was in fact a strange site to behold as his chest and back was plated with armor that twined with vines and the creatures of the jungle, leaving his muscled arms free to move without being hindered.

And for a man his size and equally large weapon would be expected for one traveling alone, yet the only thing that could be considered a weapon upon his body was his body itself. His fists and a good portion of his forearms were sheathed in a heavy black metal gauntlets that seemed plain enough with a pair of black metal boots that matched. His loose pants billowed with the wind, and the cloak that he wore to ward of the cold swirled about him like a wrath as the town drew ever closer. But the strangest thing about him was the metal circlet that covered his forehead and extended down to cover his temple and jaw. And upon this he wore a metal mask that obscured his mouth and nose yet his eyes gazed out at the festival that was occurring in town with excitement. His eyes shown a predatory yellow in the moonlight as he looked forward to the festivities but reserved himself to keep from running. Soon enough he was enveloped within the city, cutting a clear path down the packed street as no one wanted to come within three feet of the giant amongst them. Many turned to point and look but Dox ignored them drifting over to where the sound of music was playing and cheering could be heard.
 
The crowd cheered, which sent a wave of content knowing she was doing a very good job. The crowd of onlookers surrounded a young woman, consisting of both men and women, including children. They were viewing one of the best dancers of Kodatch, none other then Sheba herself. She was a lovely young woman, hair dark as a raven's wing, with skin the color of a doe's skin, her eyes... a rare, dark blue color. Her body was slim, taut with toned muscles from dancing. Her attire consisted of a violet colored outfit, a short sleeved top, the hem ended an inch above her belly button, revealing the jeweled piercing and belly chain that was around her stomach, she wore a billowy skirt, that reached the floor, a white scarf laced around the skirt, as well as jewels and silvery chains.

Bangles and bracelets of silver, green and violet adorned the young woman's arms, her feet bare and allowing her an easy grip on the mat she danced upon. Her dance was rather exotic, her hips tilted and her chest arched and her body shifted as she followed the beat of the music. She was light on her feet, a smile on her lips as she danced the sound of the fast paced drums and the flute. Sheba continued her swift and exotic danced, which dared to captivate her crowd with her rather entrancing movements. People clapped and applauded, dancing themselves a bit even. She even smiled and held out her hand, inviting several to dance alongside with her. Some were to shy, yet there were some that agreed to dance with her under the Arabian sky.
 
Dox had seen dancing before, but the way this woman moved was far from anything he had ever witnessed in his entire life. Her body moved with the fluid motion of practiced ease that his previous mistress's did when she had trained him to fight hand to hand. It was beautiful and stunning at the same time, and Dox watched with the same wonder and rapture that the crowed around her did. The sway of her hips and the jingle of her jewelry all seemed to fall into place with the movement of her body, and yet Dox found himself longing to join her and share with her the heat that seemed to build and bubble over into the night. There were other dancers, but not could even come close to the beauty she possessed but his chance to join her had come much sooner than he had expected.

There had been a short respite and break in the music as the dancers relaxed and took refreshments, but soon enough they had returned and made themselves ready for another song and dance. But this time the crowd would get more than what they bargained for as Dox strode out easily from their midst and approached that stunning example of a woman. Whispers erupted immediately from the crowd, before excitement and the coming music shushed them into total silence. One misstep from this giant would shatter the foot of the barefooted woman he was choosing to dance with, but before protests could be made the note of the music started, and the first few steps were made.

Dox mimicked her movements which was easy enough at the beginning of the song seeing how slowly they were but soon they quickened, and yet the cheering and applauding was not present and only the music played. Dox didn't just mimic the easy parts, as the music played and the dance became more complex, he followed every step and mirrored every movement to her with perfect timing. And still the music increased as the song progressed yet he showed no signs of a misstep or falling but even more eye opening was the reversal of his steps. Where she took a left step he took a right, and soon he closed the distance until they danced and twirled around each other, his eyes glowing yellow in the fire and moon light as his adrenaline pumped hard in his veins. It was probably one of the most difficult things he had ever attempted, and only the speed and dexterity he had learned from years of hand to hand fighting gave him the ability to mimic her without missing a beat.
 
The idea of performing before a crowd pleased her. Since the age of eight, she had practiced the art of dancing for exactly twelve years. Sheba was fully capable of learning practically every move and dance possible, despite how complex and what flexibility or timing required, she likely would be able to master it. The young woman continued the complex and exotic dance known by her people, and her expression was one of content, happy to enjoy such common hobby as dancing. One by one, the people she had urged to dance with began to stop, feeling fatigue from dancing for a certain amount of time.

Yet, the song eventually ended, and the dancers moved to accept the mugs of water that rested on top of the wooden tables. She took three long gulps, her parched throat rejuvenating from the water, her thirst satiated as she heard the plucking of a lute. She noted what song would be given as of now, and she couldn't help but smile at her fellow dancers as she closed her eyes, cocking her hip to the side in beat with the plucking. She brought her arms up, clearly into the music as she started off with simple steps.

In all honesty, Sheba didn't expect to see such armored man choose the dance with her. She noticed the clapping stop, yet the music went on, so would she. She silently challenged the man, who managed to follow every step she performed. She twirled, and when they did so close, their backs touched before they fell into the beat of the music. Never had she encountered someone like him, and she coudn't help but relish it nevertheless. Sheba smiled brightly at him, continuing to dance with the strange man that remained concealed, all except for his golden eyes that dared to captivate the dancer.
 
Dox had to admit that the dance as it slowly drew to a close had him worked into a sweat. It had been a very long time since he had challenged himself in such a way smiling at the fact that he had been in fights with multiple opponents that had barely left him panting. When the dance finally did draw to a close which surprisingly left them both bowing to each other the crowd was still dead silent until it finally burst into screaming applause. Dox had never been cheered as such before, and nervously rubbed the back of his neck as he straightened up. Still he couldn't keep his eyes of the sensuous beautiful woman who had coaxed him into the open and even tempted him to dance, so out of respect he did something that he usually avoided altogether.

His right hand came up, and with a slight click the mask obscuring his face came away and he smiled geninually at her with pleasure. Though he thought nothing of his looks, he could have been considered highly attractive but at that moment he really only had eyes for the woman before him. With a deep bow he gently raised her right hand and kissed it softly before raising again and speaking. "Thank you kind lady for the dance. I don't think I will enjoy another such in all my days." His voice came very deep as his eyes seemed to glow with pleasure. The breeze had picked up, and he could just make out the scent of her body and the perfume she wore from all of the other smells that clogged the air. He honestly wanted nothing more than to sweep this woman close and take her away but be as it may he might still be able to do just that.

"My name is Dox, but may I ask you pretty lady your name?" Again he offered his hand gently to her but wondered if it was the right thing seeing as he could easily envelope her whole hand in his and the metal gauntlet he still wore.
 
This certainly had been an experience like no other. This man seemed to have challenged himself to dance besides her, what other men have often attempted in the past. To many's disdain, neither succeeded in besting this lovely dancer's movements and overall presence. But this man... was certainly very different then the rest. This only fueled a spark of interest into her inner most thoughts, knowing well she had to know who he was. Even the fact the song was prepared to close, her eyes never left his, even as she twirled, they returned to his. It was only customary for a dancer to keep her eyes on whomever danced with. One may have thought, with the man's size, it was out of caution in case he stepped or knocked into her. Sheba stopped at record time as the song ended, her breathing deep and slow as she posed a bit. The crowd bursting into an applause only made her smile widen.

She watched him curiously as he removed the mask, finally having a chance to see a bit of the man concealed under the mask. Part of her long to see him... all of him actually, yet she stifled such thoughts. She couldn't help but blush a bit at his courtliness. "I sincerely enjoyed dancing with you as well, Sir," Sheba replied with a melodic tone. Her dark blue hues gazed at his golden ones, a bit of mystery behind his eyes it seemed...

"I am Sheba. Pleased to meet you, dear Dox," she replied, a content air to her voice. Seeing him offer his hand, she placed her hand into his without much hesitation. "You certainly are the only man I met that has ever done something such as that..." she spoke with admiration.
 
Dox took her hand and affectionately placed his other over it gently, realizing that he still held his metal gauntlets over his hands before smiling happily. "Believe me dear Sheba, the dance you've preformed was far more than I've ever witnessed in all of my days. And I have traveled far and wide indeed." The crowd was dispersing, and Dox noticed that the musicians who seemed much more exhausted than the actual dancers carefully fixing up their instruments before stowing them with a quite affection and heading their own ways. Though this part of the festival seemed to be over, activity still swirled around them even though a bulk of the talk around them was still of their dance, which made him much more shy than what he would have preferred.

"I must admit that I am new to this region, and it seems as these festivities have come to and end so might I ask your company for the rest of the festival?" He was blushing as he said this, and that was quite odd for a man of his stature but he couldn't help himself. She was by far one of the most alluring woman he had ever seen or encountered in such a personal way, and she seemed the native here in this environment so what better way to see all of what the festival was worth than with a beauty such as hers to show the way? Shifting nervously within his upper body armor, he carefully removed his gauntlets and set them on a special slot at his side where they hung unhindered before returning his real hand to her side.

His actual hands were large, and scared here and there which he took notice as he hadn't simply dropped his hand but instead returned it to holding hers which he found so very wonderfully soft that it made his face heat up once more. He suddenly had the flash of seeing her without much of anything on besides her piercings and that made him smile and blush all the more.
 
It brought a blush to her cheeks with how this man, who even though introduced himself, was a total stranger to her. Yet, a warmth enveloped the inside of her chest, a sense of giddiness filtered through her form as her eyes remained on his. "Why, thank you, dear Dox," she replied, a bright smile curving onto her lips, revealing straight pearly whites. Sheba wasn't too preoccupied with what was occurring around them, just the charming looking man that had been enticed by her exotic and sensual dancing. The man was certainly tall, with alluring golden eyes that threatened to stare into ones soul even.

His question was innocent, far from a man that over all, shouldn't be trusted for being a stranger, especially alone with a lady. 'But we won't be alone,' she mentally corrected herself. They had the festival around them, so company would be present. "Oh, I would certainly love to. There are many things to do other then watch people dance and perform," she informed, a content feeling lurking in her as she nodded. Sheba cleared her throat a bit, blushing as she felt his hand envelop hers once more. "Let us be off then," she insisted.

With that, she brought him through the village, where stands selling various trinkets of jewelry, weapons, colorful cloth, and items with said qualities of magic and luck, all for a fee. There was music, dancing, plentiful food and wine that anyone could gorge themselves with. Sheba bought a bit of wine, handing the various cups of different tasting wine to Dox to try. Sweets and hardy meals were present as well, which Sheba took to to satiate the hunger in her stomach.
 
Dox followed her easily enough with the berth of room people gave with his passing, and looked with interest at the trinkets and jewelry that was for sale. Some was astounding, while others he could feel by their weight were quite fake, though while she had her back turned, he did purchase a beautiful necklace with a large tear shaped sapphire that would hang perfectly a few inches above her bust, making her all the more alluring and beautiful but made sure she didn't see it. Oddly enough, as they walked amongst the weapons many hawked to him to try and see look at the fine steel, yet Dox abstained from them all, which left people to wonder more of him as he carried no visible weapons. But more than anything, Dox found the food to be absolutely delicious with the different wines Sheba gave to him to try. His appetite mirrored his size, and Dox chose a bit of everything but found both amusing and interesting that his tastes bordered on Sheba's.

There were quite a few performances, and Dox followed her interested with all but one caught his eye more than anything else. Within a large crowd that they made their way through, a huge ring was circled by a wooden fence where men fought with swords, spears, shields and even knives against each other. None killed their opponent, and defeat mean hearty earnings for the winner especially if he bet on himself. Dox didn't want to fight in front of this woman, but his money was running low with what he had spent on his gift, so he would be left to do so anyways. When Dox stepped into the ring the fighting stopped, and all gazed at him with wonder but before betting could take place he spoke loud and deep to all. "I bet on myself." He stated simply and tossed a small bag of pure gold at the betting master, but before others could bet on him he spoke again. "I shall fight every able man at the same time, and aside from my gauntlets, boots, and armor upon my chest, I shall fight with what god has given me in birth." Instantly the crowed seemed to explode, and money flew into the betting urns as scribes wrote as fast as possible names and amount of money being bet.

The men in the ring circled, and Dox knew that they would do anything and everything to win as even if he died they would all become rich off the betting master after all was said and through. Dox was calm, and soon enough money stopped flowing and everyone was silence once more. For a few heartbeats, all was still when a cry erupted from the armed men and one sped forward, swinging a heavy saber at his head. And crys went up from the crowed but soon were silence once more. A terrible clang sounded, and all looked in a stupor at the saber. It was stopped dead by Dox's left hand, and with a blow that seemed to be simple yet could not be followed by the human eye seemed to blur towards the mans head. It was naught but a simple punch, and yet the man dropped with a grunt into the dirt. The saber still clutched in his hand seemed to groan, and a pure ring sounded as Dox shattered it with his hand.

All paled, and Dox let a few heartbeats passed to allow the men to consider what had occurred, but then just as the punch, Dox was amongst them far to quickly for a man his size. They didn't have time to back up, and the veterans took swings to ward him away but there were still plenty of targets. Grunts sounded, and heavy thumps could be easily heard as men dropped like so many drops of rain around him. Clangs sounded as his hands turned blades, and even a huge gong as a solid punch right into a shield warped the metal and knocked the man back leaving the imprints of his fist in the metal. Time seemed to slow as Dox wove the dance he was master of, and men fell all around him. Sometimes he used his hands to do nothing more than turn blades, and impossibly so his legs would snap up at angles that were unreal to snap a man in the side, chin, and kick the legs cleanly out from under him before stomping on their stomachs or chest to end their fight. He had said that he would use only what god had given him in birth, and he spoke true as elbows, knees, and even his forehead snapped at men in angles that were unguarded to sink painfully deep and down or wind them in an instant. Still more poured into the ring to try to join but Dox soon began to treed over the unconscious forms of his defeated opponents to fall the others.
 
Sheba felt undeniably at ease with this man. Unlike the others she had been with before who posed as a gentleman yet later proved they weren't. She couldn't judge that though, and she presumed by tonight, he would be gone next morning, and perhaps without her ever seeing this enchanting man ever again. The idea caused a flicker of sadness in her heart, yet she refused to show it. For some reason, Sheba knew better then to do so. It pleased her to see he was quite the easy going man, he had accepted any wine or food she handed him, and ate it without the slightest hesitation really. Yet, she then noticed what had really caught his eye, the ring of combat that was crowded and littered with cheering people.

Sheba watched as he advanced, and hesitated to do so. She tended to avoid them, being rather squeamish towards fighting, and she had a major dislike for pointless fighting. They didn't fight to protect, they fought for money, greed, for vanity. It generally disgusted her a bit, since she found fighting meant to defend one from danger. Yet, she hid her displeasure as she followed, remaining towards the middle of the crowd with an expression of indifference. The fight went on, her noting that Dox was certainly a skilled fighter, which explained why he only wore armor and without any form of weapons on him. She kept her gaze locked on him, silently fearing that he would, at any chance, would be injured. But instead, one by one, the man dropped, and she was silently amazed by this.

"That man is a brute, it should be illegal for any man that large to face off people who are much smaller then him..."

"Oh don't be a fool, he's not using any weapons!"

This comments seemed to continue for quite a while, but she remained ever so silent, and merely watched.
 
In the state Dox was in, his mind focused on nothing at all as his body moved with instinct built in over a million repetitions. But he noticed her, and in the blurring movement of his body and the falling grunting men around him he could literally feel her distaste. His eyes met hers for an instant as pure sadness reflected out of them. He hadn't known her dislike of fighting, and was merely trying to keep enough to sustain him in his travels as there were few chances like these to make any sort of good money. Breaking his gaze from her sadly, he seemed to explode into a series of forms that were far faster and brutally efficient until no man was left standing. He wasn't even panting as few screamed with pleasure at him winning and their earnings for betting on him while a majority of the crowd began to disperse. He hadn't seriously harmed a single one of them and collected his bag now close to overflowing with gold and secured it within his pack before walking up to her.

The moment he was close enough, he bowed low at the waist with his right hand against his heart as he spoke. "I am so very sorry you had to witness that dear Sheba. I did not know your distaste for fighting, as I would have waited until I left your side before doing so. It is how I earn enough to travel the world as I do, but I beg your forgiveness for such a show of brutality without any consideration of your own feelings." It grieved him to think she would see nothing more than a savage with no manners as he had quietly been growing terribly attracted to her. And should he leave, he didn't want her to remember him with distaste, but as a memory to be cherished.
 
Sheba noticed his gaze on her, and her eyes then met his. She brightened her expression faintly, offering the man a smile. She wouldn't judge him, she couldn't with knowing so little about him. She refused to think of him as cruel or impolite, for he had been anything but. He had treated her with kindness and respect, and even partook with the intentions of forming a bit of a bong with her. Despite this distaste, this didn't very much change her attraction towards him. She watched with wonder and interest at how he battled out each man with speed and precision, easily knocking them off their. All the while, she was silently amazed by these tactics he enforced. Sheba continued to watch, until finally, he had won.

It made her feel proud for him, nonetheless, he bested everyone with the ease and experience from the past, she presumed, without so much as breaking into a sweat. Sheba parted her lips with the intention of congratulating him until he bowed. She arched a brow in faint confusion, until he spoke. She was surprised about this quality of her he spoke of, had it been that easily read in her face? "Dear Dox... you need not fret," she reassured, lightening the mood with a smile. "Congratulations, though," she insisted, hoping to reassure him. She felt bad for making him know such thing as her distaste, she didn't want to bother him with it.
 
Dox couldn't help but smile happily at the fact that she wasn't of the mind to leave him. It made him sigh with relief as he raised himself once more before sneaking a bit of very open affection towards her. As he leaned up, his left hand caught her cheek very softly before he leaned forward and kissed her cheek equally softly. "Thank you dear lady, it relieves me incredibly that I have not insulted or driven you away with that display." He stood once more to his full height smiling very softly as his left hand left her cheek and lowered only to take her hand gently. "May I ask your company then to continue with the festival?" By this time a lot of the crowd had dispersed to their own separate businesses but many looked in their direction with a few coy smiles and giggles while others looked in awe. To everyone else he seemed to be courting her, and that thought crossed his mind quite a few times as he deeply wished to stay by this woman's side for as long as he physically could.

Oddly enough, it wasn't just a lustful attraction though it was present he was more deeply interested in the woman herself as her dancing was a wonder to him. The softness of her voice and the easy grace of her body gave way to the sweet personality he found in her as his eyes radiated his affection. It had been a very very long time since he had felt this sort of attraction to any woman, but he wanted to keep her close to his side. The idea of asking her to join him in his travels was something that had been running circles within his mind for a very long time, and he desperately wanted to ask but knew his timing would have to be perfect if he was to even have a chance at her acceptance. The night was waning later, but within his golden eyes swirled a playfulness that looked in no way close to be being fatigued.
 
Sheba couldn't help but feel her cheeks warm against his hand, which was very gentle from what it had been doing moments ago. To think that these hands that could easily inflict harm upon any that crossed his way could be so gentle with her, so loving and reassuring. 'Oh dear... what have you gotten yourself into Sheba?!' she thought, inwardly scolding her. Her expression remained serene though, her dark blue eyes searched his lovely amber ones as he pulled back from the kiss he had gifted her with. Her heart thudded against her chest, an odd feeling threatening to burst from her chest with his closeness and display of affection.

Of course, Sheba had been with a couple men, most of the times she believing she was haplessly in love with them, until the cold harsh reality of their intentions of just playing with her, as if she were a toy or mere game. This only fueled her from then on, after those two men, to erect a wall of pure, solid ice around her heart, limiting very few to practically none to pass these barriers. She was intent on keeping herself protected, but she only wondered how long this would remain on.

"Of course you may, kind sir," she chided gently, squeezing her hand for emphasis as a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Let us be off, the night is still young," Sheba mentioned before she guided Dox through the festival. Other then the present stands, there were other games of skills present, tossing objects as far as can be, eating the most, and among other games. Her eyes couldn't help but occasionally glance towards the stranger that had been captivated by her dancing, that had asked for permission to stay with her. Sheba longed to see this face again, even if for a day.
 
While Dox was led around by Sheba's gentle touch, he couldn't help but smile affectionately at her. She was a stunning woman, and yet she seemed distant from his approaches he was making towards her. He was conscious of how attractive she was, and thought of how some men would have chosen to simply play and leave her to the dust when finished but Dox was not such a man. The games he saw from then on were much more amusing and brought a smile to his face while he watched a passing game of who can eat the most tiny cakes. But something else had caught Dox's eye as he watched men attempt to throw a spear as far as they possible could, which were simply marked by the one spear that had been thrown as the target to surpass.

Dox knew that few could have thrown it that far, and decided that since the prizes were beautifully woven and colored tiny baskets he would give the game a try. Some of the people passing stopped, and more than a few who had been trying the game hooted encouragement as Dox was handed a spear to throw. He could tell by touch alone that it was weighted to fly wrong and be carried off and fall short, but it was slight enough for him to correct it with an adjustment to the way he was holding it and how much strength he'd put into the throw. Leaning back, he took a single step forward and whipped his entire frame forward in the same movement.

The spear arched up, and vanished for a moment into the nigh sky and yet those who were looking up would see it cross the path of the moon while it sailed away. Not just beyond the target spear but farther until the only sign of it landing was a tiny little puff of sand almost to small to see. With a pale look, the man gave Dox the small purple basket which made him smile. He had been turned away from her so while she couldn't see he slipped the necklace into it winking at the game keeper. The man smiled and nodded his head as they turned around and patted Dox's back as he congratulated him. And gently Dox handed her the small little basket that fit perfectly in the palm of his hand.
 
It was easy for her to take notice of how... affectionate Dox seemed to be with her. How he would offer her a lovely smile almost every moment. He made her feel comfortable, at ease in his presence, which many she found, were unable to do so. She smiled a genuine smile herself as she walked with him, passing the various stalls and contest held to win a variety of prizes. Her eyes moved to glance at her fellow companion's face, noting the happiness and amusement all of this brought him. It made her heart bubble with warmth. They approached the spear throw contest, and Dox didn't cease to amaze her. He was simply an amazing man, one she found with heroic qualities at that. He had bested everyone that couldn't comply to do it with their own skill.

She was about to speak, until Dox turned around and held out a basket to her. Was this for her? Sheba looked up at him curiously, then down at what was held in his outstretched hand. A purple basket, with a lovely blue, gem necklace nestled into the finely woven basket. "This is for me...?" she asked in almost utter disbelief. She gently took the basket in her hands, gazing into it before she looked up at Dox, wondering if it really was for her. No one had ever given her such a pricey, yet lovely gift.
 
Dox smiled at the look she had on her face as took the basket from his hand, and feeling suddenly quite bold he leaned forward and very affectionately stole a kiss from her cheek as his larger hands closed her hands over the basket and necklace. "Of course it's for you dear Sheba. I would not think of giving you anything less, yet it only compliments your beauty. I doubt there is anything that may enhance it further." His smile was deeply affectionate, and even his eyes that always had a bubbling energy and vitality seemed to soften when he gazed at her. She was an incredible woman, and Dox was far from ever leaving her side anytime soon. Carefully, his left arm slipped around that slender waist and with the same tender affection led her away to continue down the path of the street.

The festivities seemed to have quieted with the lateness, and looking up at the moon Dox realized for the first time just how late it was in the evening. He blushed madly realizing that his arm was still about her waist before he removed it gently but instead, found her hand to gently lace his fingers with hers. Her hands were terribly soft and warm, and his mind was suddenly filled with the thoughts of those same hands touching his bare chest which made him blush more. No woman had ever ignited such feelings of longing and affection in him, and for all of the world he had tread crossed and all of the magnificent woman he had encountered none seemed to come even close to her. His hand very gently squeezed hers just to make sure she was actually still there walking with him as he smiled and enjoyed the warmth of her hand and her presence.
 
It amazed her that he, a stranger, would give her such a lovely and clearly pricey gift. She almost felt on the verge of tears, but her pride and dignity held as she swallowed them back, despite the slight quivering of her lower lip. "I cannot express how thankful I am for this lovely gift, Dox," she insisted as she reached in and placed the necklace around it. She securely locked it to her slim neck before she held the basket in the other hand. Her hand reached to hold the deep blue gem before her smile brightened upon her lips again. Her eyes gazed into his, amazed with how affectionate and kind this man was towards her. To think they had met merely a few hours ago, and she swore that there were feelings she never expected to encounter. The idea of this man leaving soon caused Sheba's heart to clench a bit, to crave to feel his arm around his, securing her to safety from anything that dare hurt her.

Everything had substantially quieted, signaling that with the lateness of the night, many were retiring to their quarters and this made the dancer wonder about the traveler. She felt him squeeze her hand, and slyly returned it as well. She looked up at him, the tall man that she felt such warmth to, yet kept part of the feeling hidden and locked away. With what had occurred in the past, one had to be wary of what kind of men that tried to vie for their affection. Yet, part of her doubted she would see such thing from Dox...

"Do you have anywhere to stay?" she questioned curiously.
 
Dox blushed suddenly at the question. If he answered that he did not have a place to stay would she invite him to her home for shelter? He had more than enough to find quite a comfortable abode while he stayed here for the night, but the idea of being with her through the night had his mind reeling and his head dizzy with pleasure. "I do not have a place as of now... But I did see a very nice looking large building that looked to be comfortable." What Dox didn't know was the building he was thinking of was in fact one of the nicest in this particular city, and though Dox knew he was being very bold indeed, he couldn't stand the idea of departing this woman. He honestly feared he'd never see her again with the rising sun, and though he knew it was a very long chance he had to try or take the worse chance of never seeing her again. That idea grieved him deeply as the softness, warmth, and the gentle scent of her body were lovely indeed but he knew not what he would do if they weren't present.

"I know this may sound strange Dear Sheba, and I mean no offense if I should make one but would you... care to stay with me through this night?" His mind could not help but reel through the images of her snuggled softly against his own body and sleeping by his side, truly knowing the warmth of her body in a gentle bliss. He would not lie to himself and say he didn't deeply crave her as lustfully as any man might, for she was enticing in every way imaginable yet he would do nothing that might offend or drive her away as he felt connected to her in an odd way. He took a deep breath to steady himself as he awaited her answer, and prayed that she would not become hostile with his question but still feared the worse.
 
The fact that she may actually just get to see this handsome man through the night relieved the hopeful feeling she felt. She couldn't stand the idea of not seeing this from this point on, as if he had been a mere dream, or a person gifted to see her just this one night. A flicker of sadness enveloped her eyes for a split second. His hand in her grasp was reassurance that this was no dream, and he was really here with her. Sheba inhaled softly, her eyes returning to gaze at him and widening with his bold question. Her sleep along with him? She wasn't sure if he referred for her presence just in the same room and they fall asleep or for... well, the company of intimacy that can be provided among a man and a women. Her cheeks tainted a faint red at the thought of the later. Would he really just claim that? It almost made her double over in belief that he was like the rest of them.

"Well... I certainly should be getting home..." she informed suddenly, her voice trailing. By her answer, it seemed almost definite she would respond with a no, but she broke out into a bit of a grin. "But... I would like to accompany you... dear Dox," Sheba informed, squeezing his hand gently. "It isn't every day I meet a charming man such as you," she complimented with a vibrant happiness.
 
Dox heart sank to his knees for a split second with the first part of her answer, but then once more he felt himself go dizzy with the pleasure of hearing her acceptance. It was really more than he could have possible imagined, and carefully Dox led her towards the hotel he had intended with a very large smile on his face. Carefully entering the first floor, the desk worker looked up with a smile on his face as he welcomed them. "Here at ninety nine nights, we have an excellent room on the top floor for... couples." This brought a very deep blush to Dox's face, but as the man continued on about the running hot water to that room alone, he accepted it without further thought. The man clapped his hands, and two fairly attractive maids rushed up the stairs. "Your room will be ready by the time you get there, and soaps and oils shall be brought up so that you may bathe properly." The man assured as Dox handed over the four gold pieces that the room cost. It was incredibly expensive for a one night stay, but Dox wasn't willing to undermine Sheba's comfort for anything but the best.

Smiling, Dox led her by the hand up the winding stairs, noticing the beautiful view of the open star strewn sky and calm desert along with the city below as they progressed up and found the room to be equally stunning. There was one very large bed packed with pillows and thick comforters and sheets of varying warmth, but more stunning was the bath that was through a door with it's own personal balcony. The bath was at least three foot deep with places to sit in the hot water, and Dox was surprised to see the maids there finishing filling the pool and laying out the soaps and oils before smiling and bowing with their departure. Smiling at their privacy Dox stretched all the way to the tips of his toes and even managed to pop his back before settling down on his feet once more and took his gauntlets from his waist. "If you'd like Sheba, you can bathe first. There are spare garments on the table in there that look as they might suit you well."

Dox turned to the table that he had set his gauntlets, and with four different snaps, he took his breast plate from him. The shirt that he was wearing snugly clung to his body, but that too was shed and placed neatly to the side where he could clean it later. His upper body was now bare, and he looked to be chiseled from stone underneath his clothing but from the way he moved it was obvious that the muscle mass didn't hinder him in the least. He was surprisingly very tan, and though small scars could be seen here and there nothing else marred his skin. The oddest thing now came when the helmet that seemed to be able to come apart at different sections revealed his hair. It was slightly long and messy but of such a stark white quality that it could have matched the purest white silk. Setting the separate pieces of the helmet to the side, he rolled his shoulders to loosen the muscles there before turning back to smile at her gently. He seemed not to suffer from his own modesty, but would leave her to bathe in peace.
 
She followed him towards the hotel, feeling such bliss with a mixture of faint nervousness. What if he... tried something? Even if Dox has been nothing but kind, he wasn't sure of much of his behavior towards people, since she didn't really know him for that matter. What if he attempted something and ran off? Sheba highly doubted that, especially after the lovely gift of a necklace he had given her, which wasn't just a mere copper coin for that matter. She followed timidly into the hotel, which she never really took to entering since she did have a home not to far away. But the largeness and lavishing appearance of the expensive hotel baffled her a bit. It was lovely! It made her feel bad that she had accepted the offer to remain with Dox, despite how much she wanted too, but the fact he was paying all of this for her... made her heart and expression soften all together. It made her note that he really had to be a kind man after all, since he was paying all this for her, being so kind to her...

She followed Dox up the stairs with a bit more confidence, keeping up with his stride as they made their way up the stairs. "Beautiful..." she murmured, complimenting the lovely hotel they accommodated in. The hotel didn't cease to amaze her, especially with the top room that Dox had paid for the both of them. Her jaw nearly dropped at the lovely room that they would be occupying. Sheba cleared the expression of shock and surprise before she began to silently admire the room. It made her wonder why would Dox spend all this over her... Sheba wanted to know, but she dare not ask lest he believe her to be ungrateful for all this. "Thank you very much Dox," she insisted, turning to face him after she entered the bath. A bath would sound nice, but she found it only polite that Dox did so first, he paid after all.

She silently debated this thought and the need she felt to allow him to bathe first, while he undressed his torso to be completely bare. Sheba turned, her cheeks tinting in a blush as she quickly look away. She snuck a glance, admiring his lovely physique. She only saw his chest and it amazed her to no end. Perfectly taut and toned muscles, glistening under the fireside and light provided by the candles. His hair was so white, lovely color she thought, and she just picture touching his chest sensually, kissing it even. Her teeth grazing along the sweet flesh of his while he made love to her... Her thoughts had been clouded by the lustful idea made her blush. Sheba desperately wanted to slap herself right then and there. Why was she thinking such impure thoughts! "I believe you should bathe first, Dox. You had paid for the room while I hadn't even spared a mere coin for it..." she replied, almost mournfully. "I believe you are spoiling me."
 
Dox couldn't help but see that blush on her face, and he blushed himself as well before carefully looking through the clothing here and there not only for woman but men as well. There were articles of clothing that he realized could be worn during bathing, and after holding it up and blushing fiercely before putting it back down Dox turned to look at her. "I think it may be time for me to come clean with you dear Sheba, as I'm not quite what I may seem. During the time he was talking, his hands were working the button and zipper before he finally dropped those as well and kicked his boots off. Standing there, in nothing but black boxers that to his embarrassment though he thought little peppers sewn on here and there looked good he looked her in the eyes now blushing deeply even through his dark complexion.

Depending on where she looked first would determine where she'd stare the longest before she noticed the other part that made him different from not just other men but everyone under the sun. The messy fluffy hair seemed to shift, and large white ears wriggled openly due to keeping them down and covered for the entirety of the day, but right above his boxers, there was something white and fuzzy that uncoiled. The rest of his body was equally well muscled, but looking at the whole, one could understand that he was far from normal. The yellow of his eyes, the ease at which he moved, and now the ears and tail that now bobbed and wriggled as if it had a life of it's own. It made sense the way his helmet was designed as it covered the sides of his head where a normal man had ears. But the only ones that could be seen were the ones atop his head that twitched at every little sound and wriggled when being touched by a gentle wind.

He was human, yet he was not as it could be seen, and shyly, his tail wrapped around his leg as he held his hands behind his back. There was no way he could say a word until she actually reacted, and yet he hoped and prayed she would not go screaming out the door. She knew now at last the reason why he did not appear or act as other men as he was not like any of them whatsoever.
 
Seeing his lovely blush, which she couldn't help but love seeing it each time. She smiled lightly, patiently waiting for his response to her question. She didn't want to impose or seem rude, but she was curious. She didn't want him to feel obliged to have to allow her to bathe first, he certainly should in her opinion since he did pay for the room. She parted to speak, intending too, up until he cut her off. She waited patiently, her expression shifting gradually to a more confused one, her brows knitting a bit before her eyes widened.

The fact that he was unbuttoning before her made her eyes widen, a blush on her cheeks before she quickly looked away. "Dox What... what are you doing?" she stammered quickly before she bit her lower lip, feeling confused. What secret was he hiding from her? It instilled a bit of fear in her, but she remained silent, before she slowly looked back to him. Sheba avoided looking below his waist, just for the sake of being polite, and then she saw it, fluffy white ears at the top of his head. She walked towards him, baffled a bit. She never really encountered anyone that wasn't human, and wasn't entirely sure how she should react. Sheba walked towards him, her eyes remaining on him as she spoke. "What... are you exactly?" Sheba asked in curiosity and awe.
 
Dox continued to blush fiercely as she asked what exactly he was. And more so as she approached with her eyes locked onto his head. He had yet to show any woman of his... oddity but the fact that she hadn't went screaming out the door at seeing him gave him a bit more courage. His seemed to reflect his feelings as they wriggled now embarrassed, not knowing what he might do if she should seriously run away from him Dox did the one thing he could think of that might keep her still long enough for him to explain himself. Very gently, when she was close enough to him he slipped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her into quite affectionate, if not more than a little bit nervous hug before murmuring gently into her ear.

"I have been called many things by those who have laid eyes on me as you had when we first met, but you have right to call me what you think I am as I have never seen another of my kind." The sadness in his voice was obvious, and though he could win the hearts of women he was terrified that they'd flee at the understanding of what he was. His hug became more loving as his tail curled up and wrapped around her waist in an oddly pleading manner. "You are the first that I've chosen to show. And there was only one other who ever saw me for what I am by accident." His head dipped gently to softly rest his cheek against hers, and the movement caused his ears to flicker at the brush of her skin. She smelt so very lovely, and the soft touch and warmth of her skin helped calm him some what as he lifted his head once more.

His arms and tail were still about her waist as his face hovered a good few inches from her face as he looked into those lovely eyes of hers and spoke once more softly. " I'm sorry I can tell you little of what I am as I don't know myself. All I do know is that I'm very fond of you Sheba, and I want to be totally honest with you and hide nothing of what I am.
 
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