Paradise Falls... A getaway with a lurker in the jungle

[Dox Paradox]

Dox lounged under one of the giant ancient trees atop the small mountain that he had called home. Even at it's elevation, it never became cold and many a times he escaped to his little hideaway from the blistering heat of the lower island. Yes, he lived alone on an island that could only be called a tropical paradise by almost anyone who set eyes upon it yet he was not as alone as he used to be. After growing and maturing on the main island where his kind prospered he had elected to live a number of years alone to complete the training that all his people underwent in becoming adults and was given this island to do so. It had taken him two full days to make the swim to the island, but once he arrived he soon came to love his new home. The pure white sands of the beaches that lead to crystal clear water was like his previous home, but here he found small alcoves and little bays where he could fish and meditate with the rise and set of the sun in perfect harmony.

Here there was plenty to eat, not only yielded from the sea but also from the wild chicken and boar that roamed about the whole of the small island which was no bigger than four miles across and five miles long. But his peace was recently disrupted by new comers which at first Dox observed with barely contained interest. They were of a fair contemplation with a few being of the darker tan his kind shared and and one being pitch black in color altogether but it was an encounter he couldn't miss. They oooh and ahhhed at this and that, finding only the bare tip of the beauty the island could afford, but soon they left only to return and crush any feeling of awe Dox had for them. The things they brought with them he was schooled in by the islanders who had traveled the world had seen, and soon were carving into his paradise with an abandoned that cared little for anything else.

A single night they cut into his jungle and advanced half a mile of destruction before leaving for the night, and Dox laid into the equipment left behind with vengeance. In the morning they would find a truly disturbing site. The machines were shattered, and torn apart in such a way that they could never be fixed and atop the massive pile of ruined equipment Dox sat and waited patiently. A manling was screaming at him from their tiny boat, and a woman followed trying to calm him but Dox was not in the mood to be yelled at. From the pile under him, he selected a chunk of metal that was connected to the machine that dug big holes and yanked it up. It weighed as much as some of the larger trees he had trained with on the island and with a hefty turn and swing sent it sailing through the air. His aim was good, and with a titanic crash and bubbling holed their boat neatly and watched it sink.

They stopped talking and just watched their only way off the island sink, leaving them with this 6'10 man that seemed to be little more than corded muscled packed tightly in a limber darkly tanned body. They spoke again quietly this time, explaining about deeds and owner ship where Dox pulled out a tiny wooden cylinder with the important paper in it. It was a deed written and signed by the King of Britain dated 1736 handing ownership of the island and all island chains over to the Islanders, and gave indisputable ownership to him and his people. Again there was silence, but the manling seemed hellbent on not leaving him in peace and at last Dox agreed to allow him to build a single house, at the end of their path, for a sum of money to allow people to stay. And his agreement came with a dire warning that if more destruction followed no one would leave the island, Dox received another little slip of paper to add to the deed that had a one followed by several zero's. Dox was not to be seen again as they built a house that he heard talk of being powered by the sun, and watched with the coming weeks as his island home was once again deserted. He wondered if anyone would live her knowing he was there, and doubted highly those people told anyone else of the person they had met who tore and flung construction equipment around like toys.

 

[Canvasofwhite]

• There was silence, peace, and most of all, boredom upon the ship. Vision was upon the side of the boat, her body leaned up against the railing with her elbows placed upon the wooden plank, and her chin propped firmly on the palm of her hands. Her eyes were half-closed, as she gazed boredly down in the depths of the water beneath them as they floated by. The sound of the sea splashing up against the hull was slightly soothing, and would've probably placed her into a deep hypnosis if she didn't have to hear the bickering of a few others nearby.
  
  "But father! I don't see the point of doing all this hollobalu-around." a woman's voice argued. It was a young, melodious voice, pretty, but matured as if her demands were becoming absolute.
  
  "Now dear, be patient. We promised you a very special birthday present, and of course, it wouldn't be right to not let you see your present." A small man's voice tried to coax the woman's temper. The sounds of something breaking was heard. Vision believed it was the sounds of a tea cup seeing the last of its days holding tea.
  
  Vision sighed, and lazily moved away so that she would not have to hear both her sister and her father bicker about something pointless. Especially about her own birthday present. Who would complain about getting their own island? Vision had moved to the stern of the boat, where the deck was an open air flat. Chairs and tables were planted upon it as well as lawn recliners so that one could sunbath as well. However Vision had no intention of doing such thing. Instead she found herself leaning up against the railing again, letting the winds blow through her brown hair. Her sister, Genesis was the beautiful daughter of the head of the Explorer's League, her father, and today was her twenty-fifth birthday. As a present for her, her father found deeds to the tropical islands that were home to some tribesmen, but according to the chief who owned the islands, the one they bought was deserted and free to buy. Of course, the islanders were happy to receive the large amounts of gold and treasure that her father put to invest in such an island, and they didn't question his purchase.
  
  When Vision would turn twenty-five, she was sure that her father would not buy her a private island. She was the second daughter, and was the most ignored member of the family, due to her young age. Just like a rich daughter, she was just told to be quiet, and smile during showcases and special events, and then live a life of boredom under the laws of the riche. Vision sighed, sinking further into her depression. She didn't understand why she had to come along. "Because she's your older sister." Her father had said, ad left that to be the only reasoning for this trip. Mentally kicking herself for agreeing to such a journey, she was just about to leave when the captain announced through his megaphone.
  
  "Sir. We have sight of the island. We shall be there within the hour." And that was all he said. Vision rolled her eyes, only imagining how her sister would be once she saw her island.
  
  It's too small! It's too hot! Why couldn't I have my own house instead!?
  
  The thought made Vision giggle as she went to the bow of the deck to see the island with her family.[/list:u]

 

[Dox Paradox]

Dox had stirred from his light nap as the wind picked up, and his eyes snapped open as a smile played across his face. Someone was coming, and just as he had been trained to listen to his instincts the fine hairs upon the back of his neck prickled and his stomach knotted with excitement. Earlier this month and only a week after the house had been constructed Dox had been visited by one of his brethren from the main island about what had transpired. The islanders had decided to sell the small island he had been living on in return for quite a hefty sum of money due to the encroaching of strangers from the islands. With the money of the purchase, they had renewed their claim on all the other islands with some kind of person known as a lawyer, and Dox handed the little slip of paper he had been given to allow the building of the house on the island earlier. His brother approved him of his tenacity, and gave him a few sheets of paper that was the contract for owning the island. Though technailly the island belonged to someone else, well hidden within the contract was the notion that one islander would live on the island on and off to ensure the jungles and the island itself was well taken care of and not destroyed. Better yet was the fact that no other buildings could be placed on the island aside from the single house.

Dox doubted he'd see these people so early but was pleased to know that he might actually get a chance to meet some neighbors. Dox quickly got up and with without another thought jumped from the cliff top where he was napping. The wind whistled in his ear as he fell a fifty plus feet, driving up his excitement even more before the jarring impact of his hands meeting a moss covered limb of a tall tree. Keeping his arms slightly bent, he did not stop himself but instead used his arms to change direction and swing outwards into the nothingness below him. Another branch arched below him and with the timing gained from playing amongst the trees for years kicked off it to keep him going. In much the same way Dox swung, jumped, and more times than not fell the few hundred feet towards the jungle floor before at last stopping himself in the last true giant before the jungle gave way to the smaller trees and the tiny bay that the ship had taken dock in.

The tree hid him perfectly in the shadows and shifting light of tree leafs tickled by the wind, and dark crimson eyes watched intently as the little group of people were deposited on the island. It was still a hot day, and Dox smiled as he heard the drifting complaints of one of the females of the group. She would have been attractive save for the whining, but Dox instead took notice of the brown haired beauty that walked quietly along. She was something to behold, and the manner she held her self in silence spoke of bordom beyond belief. Dox wondered if she might wish to play later on but another sound caught his attention. A wild boar snorted along the tree lines before coming out of them all together in the sand where it snorted and gazed balefully at the little group. The boars on the island were quite large, and this one looked to be a good seventy pounds but they were dangerous in the sense of territory. That particular boar had taken the path towards the house for it's own, and the snorting increased as it pawed the sand working it's temper up.

A boar that size could easily gore and kill a man, and it was getting ready to charge the little group for trespassing but Dox had other idea's. It was bad manners to take away such a prize but the group didn't seemed armed or capable of taking it down by hand so Dox decided he'd take it instead. He had been thinking of hunting since his supply of meat had been running low so with practiced ease plucked a spear that was inbeded in the tree above him. Similar spears and other weapons he left all over the island just in case he needed one, and this being his favorite tree close to the bay had 12 in different spots. The boar gave a loud squeal and stamped the sand before Dox reared back and hurled it mightily. He anticipated it charging, and it did but his aim was better than good as the boar took no more than two steps before the spear came whistling out of the upper trees and passed cleanly with a good four inches sticking out of the other side of it's skull and flopped over in the sand without a sound.

 

[Canvasofwhite]

• Vision had to admit, the place was beautiful. Vision exited the boat, wearing a spring outfit with a wide brimmed hat to shade her face, it did little for her as the sun reflected its light almost perfectly off the white sand, making it blinding. Her yellow, pink dress was blowing in the wind, the salty air made the air spicy and delightful just to lay back and fall asleep upon the sand. Her sister stood with her father. The comparison of the two was undeniable. Genesis obtained their father's good looks, leaving Vision to look like her mother. Genesis had that golden blond hair that radiated so well with the light that it made her face have a halo look around her face. Vision had the straight, brown hair of her mother, and possessed her chocolate brown eyes as well. Vision would be lying if she said she wasn't slightly envious of her sister. She had over a dozen suitors waiting for her back home. Vision had none.
  
  Still, Vision didn't obtain her rotten personality. Even in clear blue skies, white shores, and a crystal colored ocean, Genesis could only complain about the heat and how the sand was ruining her favorite pumps. Her father held the umbrella that shaded themselves from the sun, listening intently to his daughter as she began to list the many things wrong with this island. Vision rolled her eyes, making sure that she stood behind them so she would not be seen. The captain of the ship didn't bother to come up on land with them.
  
  Just then, there was a scream, as Vision immediately turned her head to look over where the jungle started. Normally, her sister screamed for trivial reasons, but Genesis was right to cry out like she did this time. Vision would've screamed too if she wasn't in shock to see such a dire boar suddenly charge at them. But just as it came at them, something shot out of the trees Vision could barely even see it, as it came down so suddenly and impaled the boar clear through the head. Which in turn, it only made Genesis screamed more. Vision took a sharp breath, holding her hands against her chest to calm herself. Her heart beat had beaten so fast, that she believed she would have a heart attack. But when she found that her heart had returned to normal, she took off into a run. Ignoring the fact that Genesis had fainted and fallen in her father's arms, Vision rushed into the brush. The spear than had impaled the boar had to come from somewhere, and more than the fear of being attacked by the boar, she wanted to know who threw that spear.[/list:u]

 

[Dox Paradox]

Dox was not surprised to see the whiny female scream, as females from other places besides islanders he found to be squeamish but the other one... the one he had been watching carefully did something he hadn't expected. For only a few moments did she stand there with her hands on her chest looking at the boar, but then she began running towards the forest. She was intent on finding who threw the spear, and that bravery on top of not knowing if there were more boar astounded him. It was a rare find to see a female who wasn't an islander show that train of thought and that much spine, especially since he had easily pinned that boar from a good hundred or so yards away. She was in the brush and heading in the general direction of the three he was hiding in, and though Dox didn't want to show himself to them so very early he felt the sudden urge to keep her from harming herself. There were other dangers on the island than just the boar, and the last thing he wanted was for harm to come to this woman.

What he did next took but a few seconds, but like the few times in Dox's life those moments seemed to stretch into eternity while they occurred. She had made it a good way into the brush, and as she passed under the spot Dox was hiding he dropped from the tree with the same silence he could stalk his woods with. His landing was equally quite, the only sign of his passing was the sudden rush of wind against her body as he landed. And with an ease that belied his size he slipped his arms around her waist while she was still in mid stride, and with a very gently tug lifted her up and spun her back in the direction of the boat to bleed off her momentum. Setting her down softly, he felt her turn in his arms but he could not seem to find the will to move. For the first time he really got a good look at her as well as she getting a very good look at him as their eyes met and things seemed to just drift away.

Dox stood fully so he had to look down to gaze into her eyes, but he found the dark brown of them so terribly beautiful he didn't want to look at anything else. And there he was, densely muscled and very darkly tanned with nothing but the simple shorts made from leather and the saddles made of the same wrapped up his ankle. He was an oddity among his own kind as well being that his hair was a pure white that matched the sand of the beach, and his crimson gaze took nothing else in aside from the gentle features of her face and eyes. Odder still were the ears sitting atop his head which flicked with the slightest breeze or noise and the long articulate tail that wriggled and bobbed behind him. Both shared the whiteness of his hair and yet he knew his kind were few and far between. He could only hope that she might find him even fractionally as attractive as he found her a chance at a relationship might bloom.

"You mustn't run through the jungle like that without anyone near. It's can be very dangerous here." His voice was deep with the accent common among the islanders, but finding that he still yet held her in his arms he slipped his hands away back to his sides. "I'm sorry I took your boar, but it didn't seem you our your group had the means to take it. If you want I'd be more than happy to share."

 

[Canvasofwhite]

• 'What was it that exactly came out of the woods and struck the creature down?' Her thoughts plagued her mind over and over again as she wandered deeper into the jungle. She was a little bit angry, she had to admit, but it had nothing to do with the spear. She was angry at her father, who still sided with Genesis, not even calling at her when she wandered this far into the jungle. Along the way, the blade of a bush actually tore along her dress as she went into her investigation, only adding to her stress. 'It was no trap that set that spear upon the beast.' She told herself. It seemed like it was too perfect to be something planned with tools. But then again, Vision didn't expect it to be a person to have thrown the spear either since no normal person could fling such a weapon with ease.
  
  She got lost in thought, and didn't even notice the stranger swoop down like a hawk and pick her up. Her mind only just registered his presence, just as she felt a strong arm hold her close, and turn her around. She drew in a sharp breath in surprise, but she did not scream. Which was probably the wisest thing since her voice would probably attract creatures much worse than a wild boar. Then again, this giant of a man was probably more dangerous than any other creature on the island. The thought didn't cross her mind, since she was too distracted by the powerful gaze that took hold of her. Crimson-colored eyes stared down at her without malice or anger, but Vision could feel the fire of it burn at hers. The face the surrounded the eyes were strong and dark. Her sister often referred to her ideal man to be "tall, dark, and handsome", and Vision would just have a kick at how much the giant before her seemed to fit the description. Even more surprised to hear him talk, Vision's eyes seemed to snap back to the reality before her, and kindly withdrew a step away from him.
  
  "I-I can take care of myself!" she proclaimed, though she couldn't stop blushing. Honest with herself, she never been touched by a man. Or at least not at such close proximity. At fancy parties and dances, at least she kept the males at arm's reach. She then noticed his ears and tail, stopping herself from speaking as she could feel her heart beat fast underneath her skin. She was defiant, to say the least, and forced herself to advert her eyes as if she was interested in something else. "And what do you mean my boar? I wasn't even intending to kill it. And what was that you did? You must have thrown that spear a hundred meters away!" She stated, distracting herself from the sight of his half-naked body. [/list:u]

 

[Dox Paradox]

Dox did not miss that blush, as it further accented her beauty and to him she seemed to be quite taken aback but then again he wasn't something that she'd probably see every day. Dox smiled at the cuteness of her embarrassment and his left hand raised to rub the back of his head as he smiled with white prickly looking teeth. "Usually islanders are rare to pass up a chance at a supply like that boar but then again I guess your far from other islanders." The comment about his throw had sidetracked him as it was not an uncommon skill amongst his people. Yes it would have been considered a long throw but it was far from anything amazing, and he rubbed his messy white hair in an attempt to alleviate the oncoming blush. Luckily his skin covered most of it but he still blushed at the comment. "It was nothing special... simply a longer throw than what some of my brethren would have chosen to make but it was a throw on the fly. I wasn't exactly hunting..."

Now that was something he hadn't intended to tell her as it would have pointed out that he had been in fact watching them as they came onto the island but he shook his head, tail wriggling with agitation ad he cleared it. Being around this woman seemed to cloud his mind but he'd have time to think about why that was later. "I'll take you back to your family, and if you want I'll lead you up to your house but it is only up the hill. I warn you though, a mile southwest of your house runs along a hunting trail one of the leopards on the island uses so be very careful if you wander out that far." Dox looked down to see her dress torn, and without so much as a second thought plucked her from the ground as if she weighted nothing at all. It took him but a moment to bare her weight all the way out of the jungle and set her down easily upon the white sand again in the shade of the trees. He smiled playfully at her as he strode out from under the shade and walked towards the boar that was pinned to the hot sands.

With a quick snatch, he yanked the spear clear of the boars head and uttered a few words with his hands together in front of him and his eyes closed before he turned from his kill and faced the ocean. With a single fluid motion the muscles of his body bunched in strain as he took a step forward and leaned back before his entire body seemed to flow forward in an immense show of force as he hurled the spear up and away. It flew with a heavy whistle a hundred, two, three, and even four hundred feet before vanishing into the sea as he bent down and pulled the whole boar up and slung it over his shoulders as if it were a simple pack. "We throw our spears and used arrows away after taking a kill out of respect to that animal's life we took to feed ourselves." He said simply as he looked back at her with a look of serenity on his face.

 

[Canvasofwhite]

• Vision didn't really catch his point, either that or didn't seem to inference that he was watching them ever since they stepped on the island. She looked at him suspicious before sighing as she looked down at her torn dress. It was a shame that it was one of the top-brand dresses, costing well more than the average person could afford, but Vision merely saw it that it was just a tear in the dress. She could sew it up later. Unlike her sister who dove in and out of clothing ten times a day, Vision preferred to wear out her outfits. It was an odd custom since most of the rich would merely throw it away on a whim. At the very least, Vision would donate it to the orphanage just down the city street where she lived.
  
  Just then, Vision found herself being scooped up as if she was a damsel in distress. "Ah! Hey! What's the---" Vision started to protest. However she was silenced when she found herself being clutched against his chest. She was glad that he could see her now, as she was probably as red as a tomato. Seems like islanders had no real issue invading one's personal space. Vision closed her eyes as the wind rushed around her ears, deafening her while the winds made her cheeks cold. After a few moments, her feet had touched the warm sand, and her eyes opened at the sight of the ocean. Once again, her face could not suppress the tranquility that filled up her soul when she looked out toward the ocean.She watched the stranger go over to the boar, and preform his hunting ritual. And just as he done before, he chucked the javelin toward the ocean at such a great distance that Vision could only watch with her mouth open.
  
  She turned to look at him, after seeing a small splash out in the short horizon of the sea. She shut her mouth and looked away, a bit embarrassed to look at him and see the emotions that could be read upon him. "My family... They left." She commented. She noted this as she pointed toward where the ship was suppose to be, now just empty shores. Vision sighed and scratched her head. It wasn't the first time they left her behind. Just like the invisible daughter she was, she could probably come home with a broken leg and they wouldn't notice. Well, except her late mother of course. There was a small hint of sadness in her eyes, but she hid it well. "Oh well, this isn't the first time they did this. But if there's a house here, then they would probably head there." She reasoned, and brushed imaginary dust off her dress. "Which way was it to the house?"[/list:u]

 

[Dox Paradox]

Dox's face as impassive as he looked about the tiny bay finding it totally empty, and though he didn't show it in facial expressions, his ears and tail always gave away what he was thinking. His tail seemed to seethe agitatedly with the soft white fur fluffing out with anger as his ears set back in a much more predatory way. It was unthinkable that they could have left, left one of their own alone on an island that was obviously dangerous without a second thought and Dox quietly decided to have more than a few harsh words for such disregard for their young one. His tail seemed to settle down and even wriggle in an odd way as he thought more about it. They were gone leaving him alone with her, which wasn't so much a bad thing at all as far as he was concerned.

"I will show you to the house, but mark me I will have words with your tribe when they do show their faces again." His voice grated heatedly at the end but turning towards her he smiled once more before walking up to her. "It isn't too far, and I can always clean the boar and store it when we get there but be careful of your footing. The incline up can be tricky." Smiling fondly at the beautiful woman, he very gently took her by the hand and started leading her towards the house. He found her hand to be so very soft and warm, something he hadn't experienced in so very long it made his heart pound but he couldn't forget that she was new to the island and not of the same crop he had come from.

The day was slowly waning into afternoon as he led her along, and here and there he helped her up some hidden indents in the brush covered floor. More than once did he stop her by gently placing his hand across her soft stomach before pointing out a venomous serpent that was sunning itself which he coaxed away back into the woods, or even more odd a family of Leopards that was passing close to the trail, the mother gazing at them both while to little kittens played with each other during the short break before she nipped the both of them and led them away. All around them they were surrounded by thick lush jungle that hooted and chirped with wild life, and for almost the entire time he led her by the hand with gentle affection.

 

[Canvasofwhite]

• Vision could feel his heated anger from her distance away from him. She sighed, and was actually enjoying the small time she had with the wild man. At least he was not some predator that was ready to chop her up and put her in a stew. Though, it wasn't like as if any animals on the island could do that anyway. They would've just killed her and left her body in the jungle. "No, it's not a problem at all. They probably thought I went back to the boat after the boar incident." She stated, trying to ease less tension in his already alert muscles. "As if they ever cared what I do anyway." She added barely even audible to herself. She shook her head and just smiled at him, and took his offering, letting her small hands be grasped by his much larger ones.
  
  She was content that she remained behind him. Who knows what kind of disaster would happen if he caught her blushing at his touches. Even when he barred her way with his arm, she couldn't help but be paralyzed by the warmth of his skin as he touched her. The trip was short, but still, the sun was wading down in the horizon by the time they would hit the trail to the cottage. Even more amazing than just the scenery was the animals all around her. Unknown to the wild man, she was studying to become a zoologist and an artist. Among the possessions she brought, were pencil and paper for her to record and draw every animal she would come in contact with. She didn't regret not coming here with this man, as he was used to the animals of the island. If she was with her family, no doubt they would've scared the animals away, and Vision would never see so many wild life crawl about her. Their eyes were wary, but not fearful, as the native islander seemed to put all the creatures at a sense of ease.
  
  "Ah!" Vision yelped as she stepped on a loose rock that gave way underneath her, causing her to almost trip forward. Indeed, the road was quite bumpy and unused. To regain her balance, she latched onto his arm tightly, as if it was her only savior of life. Her shoes weren't exactly fitting for climbing like this, but they weren't something expensive like Genesis would wear. Once she was out of danger, she resumed her position behind him, as he led her by the hand. She mumbled an apology, looking away as if her blush would come from somewhere else. After a while, they turned the corner, and just up a little bit more, a cozy house seemed to be sent on a small plateau of the mountain. "Oh! Looks like we made it!" Vision said with a happy tone. She could use a rest for her feet.
  
  As they made closer to the house, Genesis' yelling could be heard inside the house, as it seemed like she was arguing with her father and some others inside, though her words could not be heard. There was no one outside to greet them except for the captain, who remained outside and nodded his head.
  
  "Ah! The local of the island has arrived, and with him, the youngest daughter. Seems like you went missing on us after the little monster incident." He was a tall sailor, though his hair and beard were grey, he had the built of a giant, but not clearly as strong as the white-haired stranger standing next to her. Then, the captain turned to him. "Seems like they are having an issue with your presence here. Best make yourself known to the family that'll be staying here for the while." he advised.[/list:u]

 

[Dox Paradox]

Dox's eyes narrowed dangerously as he looked at the sailor, and the man backed down and away from him as he cleared the path inside. Placing the boar to the side he tried to ease his growing anger. "I am not particularly angry with you as you are only here for money or whatever it is you work for, but I won't soon forget the fact you still left the little one alone." He wasn't trying to be mean, but his words cut surprisingly deep as the man looked at his feet while Dox led her inside. Again, as before the man and the woman were arguing, and the stopped for a moment to look at him and the woman who was at his side. From their looks, the man seemed to be angry and oddly enough woman looked surprised when she looked him up and down but that turned into what appeared to be jealousy as she looked at his new little friend beside him.

Both seemed to have want to have harsh words with him, and Dox was never one to be known for an even temper when riled so now as always he approached a challenge to dominate. Before either could utter a single word, both his hands snapped up and gripped their necks with a speed that matched his ease of throwing spears. And worse yet he lifted still until both dangled like rag dolls before an angry child about to tear them apart. "I was right in thinking you weren't capable of downing a wild boar and did so. And yet in your defense what do I find? You run away like pathetic cowards. But it was not the running it was LEAVING YOU OWN BEHIND!" His already deep voice was close to an angry scream that seemed to echo painfully all through the house and even scaring birds out of the trees out side.

"YOU SAW THE BOAR AND YET YOU LEFT YOUR OWN TO THE JUNGLE! IF THE BOAR COULD HAVE KILLED YOU THEN A HUNDRED FOLD DIFFERENT WAYS AWAIT THE UNWARY IN THE WILD." As the last painful word echoed, his spleen seemed to diminish as he still held them off their feet. "If you were islanders, you'd be exiled or executed for abandoning a young one to be consumed or killed by the jungle." He dropped them and watched as they coughed and slithered away from him with fear in their eyes. "I give you a choice, and mark me you will obey or I will see you off this island one way or another. Either you watch your own, or you leave her care to me. But should I find you abandon her again my words will be the least of your worries. Here your laws mean worse than nothing, here your under our laws that cover all islands. Be wary of not only the jungle now but of my kind too as there's little you can do to further humiliate and dishonor your name."

 

[Canvasofwhite]

• There was such intensity in his eyes that Vision dare not raise a voice to him in such a state. Despite his anger rising out of him like a tiger ready to leap at their prey, he welcomed himself into the house without even knocking. The tremor of the floor marked his fury, as Vision could only watch as her father and sister were at the mercy of his grip. Vision gasped in shock as his voice boomed louder than any creature could possibly make. The elephants from Africa had nothing on him. "H-hey!" Vision interjected, wrapping her hands around his arm. "Stop it! It's alright!" She tried to raise her voice defiantly, but it came out meek and not much more than a whisper to his commanding voice.
  
  When he did finally drop him and announce his offering to them, Vision's face went blank with the look of shock in her eyes. The same thing went for Genesis as well, as they both couldn't believe what he was saying. Vision lost her resolve for a moment, as the thought that he was actually offering his protection to her, if her family could not. It was as if he was telling them that he would care for her just as a family would otherwise, which in itself was a pretty hefty demand.
  
  Her father didn't dare raise his voice, even though he had it in his mind to demand him to leave. Instead, he didn't even look into the man's eyes and went to Genesis to comfort her as she started to cry, muttering small curses under her breath. Vision looked back at her sister, a bit of sympathy in her eyes before she turned back to him with a fire of her own to say. "H-hey! Who do you think you are treating my family like that!?" She shot at him. They were horrible people, at least to her. She would admit that with all her heart, but she still could not just abandon them as if she owed them nothing. They had their good points, when one sifted through the bad. That was perhaps a mistake on her part to defend them. "They're still my family, and dishonor their name means me too!" She cried at him, stepping closer to him to emphasize her words. She was grateful for his kindness, that much as in her soul.
  
  "If you're so willing to take care of her, then do so yourself!" Her father suddenly raised a voice of his own. He had a frown on his face, even though that he didn't look at the man before them. Instead he looked at Vision who looked right back at him in shock. "This is your sister's island after all. And there's no room here for all of us. Perhaps we can make more rooms later on, but now, this place is too small." He stated simply.
  
  "Wha-? I--... Huh!?" Vision's voice had failed her. Here she was, defending her own father and sister, and now, he was willing to just let someone else take care of her as if she was just some kind of pet and they were going on a vacation.[/list:u]

 

[Dox Paradox]

Dox rubbed his eyes with his left hand, honestly considering ringing this mans pathetic neck. He was honestly asking him to care for his little one, a stranger and yet he was willing to hand her off. Yes he could care for her easily and happily, but the point of the matter was that they were still handing her over with such ease amazed and disgusted him at the same time. His ears drooped sadly with the knowledge that they cared so little for their own flesh and blood, and gently he turned to her seeing her own dismay at what they were suggesting. She had fire in her, yet they could not see that as they were blinded by their own selfishness and greed. He looked at her sadly with genuine concern on his face as he leaned down and without a second thought slipped his arms around her and hugged her gently. "Should you chose to stay here with me I will care for you as they never seemed to have before, but know that what they suggest is impossible by rights of the islanders. The home will not be expanded as it would cut into the forest that's protected, and it shall stay as it is or be reclaimed by the jungle."

He couldn't understand it. The home had several bedrooms and enough living room space to accommodate a score easily and enough food stocks to supply three times that number. How much more could they possible want? And how far would their greed consume his island home? He secretly kissed her cheek as he drew back, deeply saddened by what he was realizing and worse yet depressed that his poor girl would always be left in the shadow of their wants and needs. "You will not cut farther into the island. Either live with what you have and travel with a guide or leave it to decay but you won't destroy what's been for more years than you'll ever see in your short lifetime."

 

[Canvasofwhite]

• "We already know that! But we can always build up anyway!" Genesis raised her voice but was silenced immediately as the father clamped his hand over her mouth. The suggestion of course probably couldn't pass anyway, which was the point of the two of them arguing in the first place. The father knew well enough not to say anything of late, but he was intending to do some major changes in the future.
  
  Vision however was blushing mad red as he held on her. Despite his frame being large and obviously rough as people would think, Vision was surprised just how soft his touch was to her. She already witnessed his power before with the boar and his grip on her sister and father, so it confused her how he came to be so gentle and easy with her. Most of all, why was he so kind to her in particular? She gasped as he kissed her cheek, making her look up at him with wide eyes, unable to speak, and unable to see the jealous look on her sister's face. After he spoke, Vision looked up at him and waved her arm frantically. "H-hey! What do you mean by that! It's not like it'll be forever!" She cried out. "I mean, I'll have to leave back home sometime, right!?" She turned to look at her father. "I mean, it'll only be for a week or so until we go back home! It's not like we're staying here forever!" She tried to ease everyone's mind, though possibility it was just to distract the thought from living with him for that period of time.
  
  She tried to not let how tender his words were when she said that he'll care for her affect her.
  
  She went over to her father and sister, helping them stand and gently shooed them away into the other room to recuperate as she turned to the wild man. "What's the big idea!? You can't possibility even think about agreeing to that!" She spoke to him, even though it seemed like the question would be much more appropriate to say to her father. The house was big enough for three people certainly, but these were 'just' people. This was one of the richest and most influential men of her homeland, and his beautiful attractive heiress to boot! One couldn't expect them to live comfortable lives, they had to have a dozen rooms which they hardly used. They had to have the latest things, and follow the minute trends, and deal with other snotty rich people. "I know they aren't the best people in the world, but you can't treat my family that way!" She said, stepping close to him, and pointed a finger at him to understand the serious tone in her voice. She truly didn't want to tell him any of this, since he was her savior after all, but she couldn't just leave her only family left at the mercy of anyone. Perhaps it was sympathy that made her be so defensive.
  
  Crossing her arms in front of her chest, she sighed and looked away, still upset. "Besides... How the heck can I live in the jungle anyway..." She muttered. Her voice gave out, so now it was only a mumble. It wasn't like as if there was a "How-to-live-in-the-jungle 101" book she could pick up at the nearest library and read.[/list:u]

 

[Dox Paradox]

To be honest, Dox was trying his hardest not to laugh at them. Their petty concerns and ignorant behavior had gone past being agitating and instead funny thinking of how little was actually required to live happily and peacefully. And this little one, he was not mistaken in thinking she had her own fire in her but he knew that her inhibitions about living on the island were because of something else besides how to survive. Even though it appeared that her family couldn't give a damn, she wasn't willing to abandon them to his wrath, and that showed him a measure of loyalty that was common among the islands but rare anywhere else. The fact that she felt in debt for them to even show her the minimum of concern proved her integrity but it didn't help how cute she appeared when she was flustered.

So they were planning to build up? That would fail miserably due to the fact that hurricanes came through the islands regularly, and would be tossed aside as so many trees but Dox wouldn't tell them that for now. Since the main source of his bane had been shooed away, Dox couldn't help but look down at her with a bit of surprise and how she berated him. But his mood couldn't stay angry with someone so very adorable right in front of him. When she pointed at him he nipped at that finger before smiling, tail swaying and wriggling behind him now that they were alone. "We shall see if your family will overcome themselves enough to leave without embarrassing themselves or doing any more damage. I must say though, your loyalty even through their arrogance and selfishness is admirable. One day, I may extend you a gift you'll not forget for some time but think not of surviving in the jungle."

The large articulate ears on top of his head were quite sensitive, and he could clearly hear her mumbling but still wondered why she was so shy. Leaning forward suddenly he looked right into her eyes with a look to keep her still a moment and hopefully answer his question. "I can see much with my eyes, and see through those to as easily as the ocean about the beach. But you little one, you hide something from me that makes you rethink staying here were you are happy. I can see you love the animals, and the trees and share the same kinship as my people and I do for nature, but what stops you from enjoying it when you have the chance? Do not ever fear me for I want nothing more than to share your company, and none would question my allowance of you living here or even if you wished to visit the main island were everyone is forbidden aside islanders and those few they chose to bring."

 

[Canvasofwhite]

• 'Eh!?!' Vision withdrew her hand back as he bit his lips on it as if it was a toy. She was blushing again, (Seems like she has been doing a lot of that lately) and turned her face away as to not show how the affectionate gesture meant to her. "Look, they are who they are, it's not their fault." She tried to justify for them, though it was a failure at launch. Even she would blame them for their actions, regardless if they thought it through or not. "I maybe a little bit different, but they are still my family." She said. Raising her hands in defense, she waved her hands to show her disinterest at his offering. "N-no! It's okay, no gift for me thanks! Hahahaha..." She thought of a African gift she received in her trip to the Southern jungles of the continent. A tribesman gave her a monkey's skull as a gift for her time there.
  
  She froze as he came closer to her, looking at her straight in the eyes with his crimson ones. All the while, Vision could only think about how ugly her eyes were. Simple chocolate brown, not unlike her sister who had hazel ones, Vision looked rather ordinary in that department. What would men say about brown eyes anyway? ''"Oh, your eyes are like chocolate." Yeah, that was a good one...' Vision noted humorlessly. However he hit right on the note as it could be seen in her eyes that the walls around her will had weakened at that simple generalization about her hobby. The guy had the intuition of an owl, and could read her like a book, so it seemed.
  
  Her face stoned seriously for a moment. She did not turn away from him, as she spoke. "I'm not afraid..." She said, though it was a soft sound, it rang true to her heart. She hadn't feared the man at all. In fact, she enjoyed his strong company around as well. It made her feel safe and protected, and even cared for to put in a blunt term, which she never got from her current family. She placed a hand against his chest, feeling the quartz-like muscle harden under her touch, and she gently nudged him away from her. He still didn't know the idea of keep space, didn't he? At least there was one good thing about her arriving recently, she didn't need to waste time unpacking since she was probably going to be spirited away to some other place on the island. She didn't like the prospect of being left without the familiar company of her family, but then again, she didn't dislike the idea of being with the man either. Once again, she kept telling herself it was just for the fact he made her feel safe and nothing more. She sighed, releasing the tension from her body as she looked at him again. "I assume you have a name right?" She said, and held out her hand for a handshake. "I'm Vision..."[/list:u]

 

[Dox Paradox]

The feel of her hand against his body made his whole body tighten. It excited him in a way he hadn't thought possible and the strength was even more astounding to him. Her words were so very soft yet he knew she wasn't lying the moment the words passed her lips but then again that was one of the things he was slowly loving about her. She was so very cutely shy, and yet she wasn't helpless in any way save physically. But then again if what he was thinking of, and if she agreed at all to follow that wouldn't be a problem in the very near future hopefully. Then she did something strange and extended her hand, asking him the simple question of his name and he realized for the first time that he had gained such an attraction to her in such a very short amount of time without even knowing her name. But he knew the custom to take and shake the hand, yet he didn't wish in the least to be so informal with her as the outsiders preferred. Islanders were forever a blunt and straight forward people, and hopefully she wouldn't mind too much as he could think of little that brought him more pleasure at the moment.

Dox greeted her the way an islander would a loved one or one they showed quite an affection for but he added a bit more to that as he stepped forward and leaned close to her. His forehead touched hers, and his nose gently brushed hers as he smiled with affection that reflected in his eyes as he brought his left hand up. Instead of shaking her hand he gently held her hand and moved it so her fingers were pointing up while he laced his larger fingers with her smaller softer hands. "My name is Dox. And I am very glad I've meet you vision. The new world appears so very petty and weak, and yet you give me hope that there are others who at the very least can be happy the simple way." He was sorely tempted to kiss her then and there, yet he had invaded her personal space far enough for now. Islanders were normally very close, but this closeness was reserved for lovers or mother and child.

Withdrawing form his close contact, he smiled gently as his tail wagged happily behind him before he straightened and looked out the open door before smiling back at her as he waited by the door. It was now her choice weather or not to stay with him or depart with her family, and though he longed for her company and to show her just how beautiful the would could really be it was her choice to make and he had given her every reason he could possible give to tempt her to stay. He smiled quietly to himself, remembering the old words of his mistress when he first became and islander and of her smiling face as she told him one day he'd come by a woman he'd care so deeply for that he'd spirit her away to the island and make her into the islander that he had become. It was so long ago he barely remembered it and yet they echoed now as clear as the day spoken.

 

[Canvasofwhite]

Once again, Vision had fallen into a series of confusion as he touched his face against hers as if lovers did back in her country. She wasn't sure if the actions were the same or not, but it still made her blush and go into a daze. Even his forehead and face felt hot at the touch, like as if he was a sunray himself. But perhaps the most inviting touch was when his fingers entwined with hers. His grasp was so gently yet assertive, and made Vision's fingers clasp over his hand as well out of instinct. She was happy when he pulled away, but not because he was touching her, but because then she could breath without taking in his grassy scent.

"Dox huh? Well, umm... Nice to meet you." She said, looking at her hand as she flexed her fingers repeatedly, since she was unsure if she held on his hand out of instinct or because she actually wanted too. When he left to the front door, and she finally felt her knees grew weak, and gave in as she felt herself kneel down on the floor, her butt hitting the ground as she sighed heavily. She looked away at the nearest window. The afternoon sun was beginning to die out, so if she was intending to go with him, she needed to make her decision now, though in her heart it was made a long time ago. She was merely just trying to deny her feelings at the moment.

She was right to pack light. If she had taken what her father insisted for her to take, then she wouldn't probably sunk their boat even before they left the harbor. Genesis carried sixteen bags with seven suitcases and twelve other containers that held on to her accessories and 'necessities' that she claimed she needed to live. Vision on the other hand carried two bags of clothing and her art set which was a pile of sketch books and a small box for pencils. She managed it all, as she always had, and came to the front door to the waiting Dox. She smiled at him, or at least tried to as she looked out to the day as it started to meek out into dusk. "So do you live far away from here?" She asked, praying that she didn't have to go down the trail again.

 

[Dox Paradox]

Dox couldn't help but sigh with such utter relief at having her join him that his whole body relaxed for a moment. He couldn't remember a day in the recent years that he had been so worried and relieved at the same instant, and yet today seemed to fill both quite well. Turning to his new little friend, he heard the worry in her voice and knew that she couldn't be made to walk with those bags to his home, so he plucked the two bags up and strapped them to his body. He way he applied them created an odd little seat to be made sitting at his mid back, and after making a few more minor adjustments shrugged it into a comfortable position. Leaning towards his lovely new ward, he once again brushed his face against hers, but this time his cheek against her cheek as he whispered gently into her ear. But more personal yet, he hugged her very close and affectionately against his body before he spoke to comfort and let her know that he wouldn't harm her.

"My home is three miles away through thick jungle that's much much more difficult to navigate than the path up here, so you must trust me and hang on while I carry you there as it will be quick and I don't want you to fall." Without waiting for her to deny him or complain, Dox swept her off her feet and placed her on the little seat with ease. Her legs fit through a space he made in the straps, and reaching back, he took her hands and gently placed them under his own arms so she could hold onto his shoulders. His movements were far to swift for someone weighed down by two heavy bags and a person on their back, but more frightening, he carried her art set in his left hand with the utmost care before stepping onto the path. For a moment he stood there and gave thanks to the sky and the sun and all the gods in the world as he looked at the sun slowly starting to set before he leaned forward, and took the poor girl on a ride that she would never forget.

The weight didn't seem to affect him as he started down the path with a few quick strides that lengthned into a full blown run that matched even the most spry athletes. Faster and faster they went, until he was no longer running but simply leaping off the ground here and there as the ground vanished with the down grade in the hill. The jungle flashed by in a blurr, and yet they still sped up until Dox veered to the left and shot his arms up. Catching a limb, their momentum hurtled them both up and the ground dropped as the hill continued down to the coast to leave them speeding through nothingness. Another limb he caught and swung hard forward to add to the momentum before launching them off the branch of one of the great giants of the jungle. And yet the seemed to be going up now, and still the trees and plants blurred green with the speed of their travel. Within a span of a few seconds, they went from dirt to tree to treetops, and yet the whole time Dox never showed sign or symptom of slowing or growing tired. At last they dropped from the trees, and still loping with a long fast stride Dox slowed enough to follow a small trail that led to his home, the only thing marking his travel the slight beading of sweat and a small pant to his breath.

 

[Canvasofwhite]

While Vision disapproved of her things being in the care of someone else, she was smiling inside. She was impressed by his initiative for her, and though she would've gripped and complained about it, she began to accept it with heart. However, once again, he stepped over his boundaries and leaned close to her into a hug which made her blood pressure go up once more. 'A heart attack waiting to happen, I swear...' She thought to herself as she listened to him. She was convinced that his words were true, but she thought about it, and wondered why he needed to hug her so close just to tell her that. Just then, he picked up her in his arms as if she was nothing, and carried her on his back, as if she was a passenger for a ride. "H-hey! Why do you have to do that!? You could at least ask, you know! I swear, yo--..." Her words were sent back to her throat as Dox began to move.

She drew in a sharp breath, and suddenly found herself clutching close to him. Her arms held around his frame tightly as she closed her eyes, letting the wind shout and scream in her ear as they flew by the trees, the brush, and even went through the ocean shores. Occasionally, she opened her eyes, but saw how fast they were going, and just made her close her eyes again. She had to find a way to distract herself, and when she finally did, she was surprised to see it was the beat of his heart. It went fast, as to pump the blood from one part of the body to the other, but it still drummed loudly, even soothing her own heart. His scent also wavered from his body, and she couldn't help but to take it in being so close. Absentmindedly, she had her arms enclosed around his chest, as they almost reached a third of the distance.

When she felt like the stopped, Vision had the courage to open her eyes again. She looked around at a completely different kind of setting almost. It was the same jungle, but somehow it felt different than over on the other side of the island where her family stayed. It felt more tranquil, and even more homely. Though, it was probably because she was getting too close to Dox. "H-hey! You know, I can walk the rest of the way..." She said. Though she was reluctant to let go of him, she tried to insist on it in case she got to close and too comfortable around his being. Maybe it was a mistake to be with him for the while. She had no idea how she'd keep away from him if they were all alone on the island.

 

[Dox Paradox]

Dox couldn't help but smile at her small complaints, and just as easily as before lifted her up but did not set her down. Instead he held his left arm out a bit, and perched her to sit on his arm as he continued on as unhindered as before. "You may sit here where you can see better, but until you learn this path I can't let you walk it. I step where I know there isn't holes or a sleeping creature, and the ground changes every day as plants dye and new different ones grow. This is a draki, the shifting path, and though it changes the way is always the same." He could feel his heart beating still at her closeness, and yet he was truly at peace as he made his way through. It wasn't a long walk, but the forest seemed to quite with the coming night, yet different animals began to stir and their noises replaced the ones heard during the day. Oddly enough, no mosquito's or other biting insects seemed to come close to them, and a few times some larger ones might land on Dox's other shoulder or arm before flying off quickly as if warded away.

Dox's home was nestled in the center of a massive grove, and everywhere different plants and flowers grew. It was easy to spot that they couldn't have all grown so close without someone managing them, and all had a different fragrance to add to the soothing smell of the air. And as Dox approached, still more plants could be seen hanging from the roof edge to dry. Dox easily set her to her feet, and opened the door to step into his home and await by it to close it behind her. It was larger than what it seemed, and in the center of the house in a deep embers still burned from the previous fire. Once she stepped in, Dox placed her bags down, and added more fire to the embers before stirring them and starting a nice fire going to light his home and oddly enough, with the way the windows were positioned it was still comfortable warm within even with the roaring fire. The roof slanted towards the center to allow the smoke to exit without even leaving a trace of the smell, and Dox smiled gently as he set her bags down. "This is my home, but if you'd like I'll show you where you can bathe. There is also a surprise I'd like to show you if your not too tired.

Stretching mightily, his tail wriggled gently behind him as he moved over to sturdy looking wooden cabinet to remove a large skillet. It looked heavy and crudely made yet Dox handled it with a practiced ease. A bit of water from a gourd was added before leafs and what look like a pounded seed was added too as he retrieved chicken from wrapped green leafs. All of what he did normally would probably bring questions as how he kept the chicken fresh without it spoiling, but soon the house was filled with the smell of his cooking. It made his mouth water, yet he hoped it would be appetizing to her as well as he added more ingredients and even moved over to what looked like a common vine growing along the side of a window and plucked a few lengths away to add it.

 

[Canvasofwhite]

'Change and shift...?' Vision blinked, unsure what he meant. Perhaps her eyes weren't adjusted to the darkness, but she just saw the ground just the way it was, though she noted how careful his steps were. Perched on his shoulder, she looked with wide eyes at the sight of his home. It was no mansion like her home, but it had that natural grace upon it that made it lively, unlike the cold stone and marble flooring that made her house. Only the servants made it seem human, and even at that, they were uptight and always so emotionless around the family, even herself. She admired his gardening, as she could see he cared deeply for nature, something that they had in common at least.

Set down, she wandered into the home, looking around with pure amazement as if she was back when she was a child and entered the Louvre for the first time. It was a miracle that someone could live in such a dangerous environment, but Dox seemed to be able to do it along with his other tribesmen. The able to adapt doesn't just belong to humans it seemed. She turned to him with a smile, "A bathe would be nice later, I'm not too tired to head to bed." She said. From there, she gathered her things and placed it into an unused section of the room, a bit curious where she would sleep tonight anyway. She pushed the thought to the back of her mind as she instantly went to grab her sketch pad and pencil. As he was cooking, she was drawing. She didn't need the light of the fire to guide her hand as the pencil lead scratched its markings on the paper. Her hands seemed to know it more than her eyes ever could. That was the precious gift that her mother gave her, the ability to draw. She remember every curve of his built frame. The color of his shadows, and the strong outline of his jaw and features as she sketched. Though occasionally, she couldn't help but look at him sometimes anyway. Whenever their gaze met, for no reason, she would look away and erase what she was doing previously.

The aroma of the food was good, and it made her admit how hungry she was to herself. "It smells good..." She said, breaking the silence.

 

[Dox Paradox]

Dox had to admit that he was more than a little interested in what she was drawing, but he had to concentrate on cooking or he'd ruin their meal with how hot the fire was. It took less time than even he thought, but carefully he plucked two bowls from on top of the cabinet and thinking for a moment, added a spoon and two chop sticks to each bowl before he returned. "I hope you like it. It's been a little bit since I've cooked for another, but I'm not too bad at cooking." He smiled as he handed her the bowl and began to spoon a bit of the soup. Some time during his cooking, the meal had turned into what seemed to be a fragrant thick soup, and Dox's tail wriggled behind him as he smiled, happy that it tasted better than he thought.

Even the simple things such as the bowls were an oddity as they appeared to be wood coated in what looked like clear plastic, and odder yet, Dox ate with his chopsticks as easily as he did with his spoon hinting at roots that seemed impossible in such an isolated chain of islands but all Dox could really think of was bath time. He didn't stink, but it was time to bathe and wash the sweat and grime from his body, and the fact that he'd have a beautiful woman joining him made him gitty. But then again she wasn't an islander, and bathing with her might be awkward so he decided it would be better not to ask her to join him in bathing properly naked. He'd have to wear something so he wouldn't scare her away so early off when they were just getting along well.

Dox scooped more of the soup into his bowl, and answered a question of why there was a hole in the floor by the fire where he placed the skillet down into which kept it close enough to the fire to keep it nice and hot. "The way your hands move, your a master with those little sticks. I haven't seen the like since I was on the main island where another use to draw with that skill." His conversation was innocent, but he knew little if no modesty and didn't realize that he might embarass her with such flattery and kept to his meal.

 

[Canvasofwhite]

The meal was simple. Much simpler than Vision was used too. Then again, it wasn't disgust that she looked at the food, it was more curious. She ate with a simple spoon, since that's the basics which she was used too. It made her happy that she didn't have to worry too much about etiquette such as the salad fork, the meat fork, the dessert fork, and all the other seven types of utensils one had to know and learn growing up in the rich side of things. Vision constantly reminded herself that life wasn't about that kind of thing. It was about the simpler things. It was a shame that her family could not see that. She'd know her father would grimace while her sister wouldn't even touch the food. Vision however, ate it happily, enjoying the nice flavor that was, dare she say once again, simple.

She looked over at her drawing as he mentioned her ability to draw. She looked at him and then back at the sketch and just giggled. "It's just a drawing... I do that kind of stuff for my life." She took a slow breath as she looked away for a moment to reflect. The window was a good place to look at, as the orange hue of the sunset was beginning to grow dark. "My mother actually, she was an artist too. You could say I inherited it from her." She spoke honestly, something that she could never do in the rich life. It was always concerning about the next girl in life, and trying to win them out on the next handsome suitor. Somehow, right here, it was easier to be herself. She pushed the sketch over at his side, not really embarrassed anymore to show him. If it was her family, that would be a different story. The pencil sketches were turn to the actual living Dox. It showed him in several poses she remembered, how he stood majestically before her the first time. A few more sketches focused around his posture and his animal-like features that she scribbled notes on.

However the most drawn feature was Dox's eyes. The detail on it was uncanny, as it seemed like she spent most of her skills trying to get it down right. "It's not complete of course. I just have that habit of drawing what I see. You know, what's beautiful and all." She said, not even noticing it was a comment on his appearance.

 

[Dox Paradox]

Dox was taken aback. He had thought she had been drawing the animals he showed her, or even the family of leopards that he had pointed out earlier to her while he took her up the trail but the last thing he had expected was for her to draw him. It made him blush, and even through the tan it could be seen as he looked over to his right arm and examined it. After memorizing the muscle contour and arrangement, he found that her sketch of that arm was perfect. Even the little detail like a small jagged pink scar on that arm was mirrored in the drawing, and yet it wasn't even what she had focused her attention on. What really made him blush was looking at his own eyes, which from the way she had been sketching she had been working on the most, and the fact that she spent so much attention on his eyes and face in general startled and flattered him. He had an attraction the moment he saw her, and yet it seemed that even in a little way it seemed she had an attraction to him too.

For a moment he looked at himself before he looked slowly up at her, finding her poking and eating the food that he had made for them both and after just a moment, her eyes met his and he gazed into them. He wanted to do so much more for her, and yet their time would be short but he promised himself that he'd show her things that would make her remember this place forever. For now though, he gave her the best smile that he could where even his teeth though a pearl white spoke of his animalistic features and showed her every ounce of affection and love he had for her. "Thank you." Was the only thing he could say before he looked shyly away and slowly rose. Stepping over to a separate cabinet, he looked through it carefully before taking a few cream colored bars from it. Each gave off a distinctive scent of lavender and mint, and still he found others to add before setting them aside.

"I don't think I've ever been so flattered in my life little one." He turned to her and smiled once more affectionately. "I will do all that I can to repay you, so that I might make you smile as much as I do."